IN PHOTOS: Bianca Manalo celebrates 37th birthday at Malacañang Palace
Bianca Manalo celebrated her 37th birthday at the Malacañang Palace.
In an Instagram post on Nov. 29, the actress and beauty queen shared some snaps of her special day, starting with a photo with her partner Sen. Win Gatchalian as well as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.
“Never in my wildest dreams have I ever thought of celebrating my birthday in Malacañang,” Manalo said in the caption. “I am beyond grateful! I am 37 but still feels 27.”
Presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos, Sen. Sonny Angara’s wife Tootsy, Sen. Nancy Binay, as well as other politicians and their partners were also spotted at the affair.
The Marcoses took the time to sign their photo placed in a frame. Sen. JV Ejercito can also be seen in the background.
Manalo's birthday party in Malacañang garnered mixed reactions from social media users. While some greeted her a happy birthday and praised her relationship with Gatchalian, others pointed out that it was not proper to hold a birthday bash at the Palace as it belongs to Filipinos.
"Happy birthday. Super ganda mo pa din as always," an IG user commented.
"My favorite senator. Nice guy!" another one said, referring to Gatchalian.
"Pwede pala magcelebrate ng birthday sa Malacañang ang hindi naman taga-Malacañang na jowa ng senador," a social media user wrote.
"Bakit kailangang mag-celebrate sa Malacañang???" said another.
Manalo has yet to comment on the matter.
To date, tourists have access to Museo ng Malacañang at the Kalayaan Hall grounds, given that they’d book their visit in advance. Unless they have an appointment with officials, they’re not allowed inside the Malacañang Palace proper.
Then-president Ramon Magsaysay famously allowed Filipinos to have picnics on Palace grounds, even allowing them to meet with him despite wearing only slippers.