The Spirit of ‘86!



Back to the 80’s! Butch Acebuche, Marj Lopez, Raul Teehankee, Amiel Cabanlig, John Defensor, Florence Defensor, Sen.Manny Villar, and Mojo Javier


By DJ Mojo Jojo

I always love surprise parties. But the trouble with planning these discreet celebrations is that almost always, someone always lets the cat out of the bag. You know, keeping a secret is a difficult thing to do. However, for the 40th birthday celebration of Mike Defensor, this amazing feat did occur as a handful of his closest family and friends gathered to make merry and raise a glass in a one of a kind natal fete!

Mike at 40 & Stars of the 80’s

The Grand Ballroom of Makati’s Hotel Intercontinental was transformed into a veritable time capsule, reminiscent of the 1980’s. “This was Mike’s favorite decade, and represented a very special and happy time in his life,” said his beautiful and beaming wife Julie Defensor, who organized surprise soiree.

With images of the 80’s filling the venue, guests were greeted by a towering photowall of vinyl records representing the hits of the day including Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and others by Cindy Lauper, Duran Duran, Menudo and OPM sensation Hotdog. Party goers spearheaded by Mike’s classmates from UPIS batch ’86 wore flashback outfits of the heyday like leather jackets, neon socks, lace gloves, penny-loafers, legwarmers, and other colorful costumes.



The birthday celebrant was indeed surprised when he entered the ballroom. With lights blacked out, Mike was greeted with a loud “Happy Birthday!” and the smiles and applause of his friends and family in a flash of confetti and flashing lights. Thinking the event was to be the birthday of fellow Spice Boy, Secretery of Budget Nonoy Andaya. Mike had even prepared a funny speech to ceremonially “roast” his friend, but in the end it would be Mike Defensor who would be “roasted” that evening!

Back to the Future

The birthday program was hosted by Miro Quimbo and Michelle Defensor who took the stage in new wave-inspired outfits, complete with spandex attire and heavy eye-liner to complete their rocked out ensembles. The stage was dressed up with iconic images of the decade including giant Rubix Cubes, characters from the Pacman video game and the movie E.T. and flashing neon lights! Providing the entertainment that evening were Mike’s children and nieces and nephews who danced to an upbeat 80’s Medley before the Bloomfields band stormed the stage in their characteristic suits and ties.

Ai-Ai Delas Alas was the surprise performer of the night. With her distinctive “green” humor taking the limelight, Ai-Ai performed a comedic burlesque-inspired song and dance set before serenading the birthday boy. In turn, Mike grabbed the microphone and sang for his guests along side some of his musically inclined friends. One of the highlights of the night was when Caloocan Mayor Recom Echeverri got behind the drums and showed off his rockstar skills!

Also present at Mike Defensor’s surprise 40th birthday celebration were Senator Manny Villar, QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Navotas Congressman Ricky Sandoval, Manny Pangilinan, Boy Abunda, Gladi Gaddi, Dr. Robert Nazal of YSA, father of the celebrant Congressman Matt Defensor with his loving wife Florence , and many more.

One of the funny musical moments at Mike Defensor’s birthday party was an impromptu performance of the 80’s anthem “Careless Whisper” which was followed by a thrash of jokes in reference to its revival as a showbiz scandal soundtrack (no need to name names here, but you know what I’m talking about.) The Wham! classic is also the carrier single of Kris Lawrence’s latest album “Moments of Love” under MCA Music. Lawrence’s album, comprised of remakes of well-loved romantic anthems from the 80’s are all done in characteristic adult contemporary R&B fashion. Among the album’s highlights are inspiring duets with friends like Jay-R (“Right Here Waiting”), Billy Crawford (“All My Life”) and Denise Laurel (“I Will Take You Forever”), who all turned in splendid performances.

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Thursday, July 16, 2009 | Labels: , , , , , |

 

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    Kay tamis ng ating samahan sa lungkot at kaligayahan. Tunay na kaibigan, kasamang maaasahan. Salamat at tayo'y may pinagsamahan. Salamat, tunay kong kaibigan

    (Salamat, by The Dawn)

    Mike has always been dear to us since we were kids. He’s a good friend who came running when we needed him. Mike was the go-to guy even before he became Cong. Mike, and then Sec. Defensor. Many of us knew he was destined for public service. Mike was the consummate politician, a trait he developed since grade school. We thought he would go on to become president, if he didn’t disappoint the fickle Filipino public.

    But it seems he has. So much so that he is vilified by the media at every opportunity. His actions are always placed within the perspective of his relationship with an unpopular president. Justifiable, though harsh.

    So we set up this blog. Some of us have worked with him and have seen him make what we thought were good decisions. But some of us were also there when we thought he made wrong ones. But that is how a man is made -- by the choices he makes.

    As his friends, the best we can do is stand by him and try to help everyone else see things from a different light.

On the campaign trail, the mayor running for re-election walks up to a house of his campaign adviser and rings the doorbell. When a small boy opens the door, the mayor introduces himself, “Hello there, little boy! What’s your name?”

“Little Johnny,” replies the small boy.

“Well, Little Johnny, I’m Mayor Hoffman. I’m running for re-election. Can I speak to your father?”

“He’s in the shower right now,” answers Little Johnny with a giggle.

“Oh! Well, is your mother in the house too?” asks Mayor Hoffman.

“Yes, she is. But she’s in the shower with my daddy,” replies Little Johnny with a snicker.

“Oh I see,” says Mayor Hoffman who pauses a moment thinking of what to say next. Then he smiles and says, “Little Johnny, can you go see if they are through now? I would like to speak to either one of them. It’s important.”

“I don’t think so,” replies Little Johnny with a big laugh.

Surprised to see the boy laughing heartily, the perplexed mayor demands, “What’s so funny, son? Is there something wrong with your parents?”

“Well, when my daddy asked for the Vaseline while they’re in the shower, I handed him the Super Glue.”

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