Bong Revilla mum about Gretchen's alleged snub

At a post-Christmas party for the entertainment press on Thursday, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. ignored a recent snub by actress Gretchen Barretto, and said he wished she would remain happy with businessman Antonio "Tonyboy" Cojuangco. Revilla and actress-fe Lani Mercado hosted the party at the Annabel's Restaurant in Quezon City. "Wish ko na lalo siyang maging maligaya with Tonyboy and their daughter Dominique (I wish she would be more happy with Tonyboy and their daughter Dominique)," he told reporters, according to the Philippine Entertainment Portal (www.pep.ph). For her part, Mercado said her wish was for Barretto to finally be wed to Cojuangco. "I know deep in her heart, gusto niyang makasal at iyon ang wish ko sa kanya — marriage with Tonyboy," Mercado said. "I have a happy marriage and we're blessed with six beautiful children at gusto ko ganoon din siya... happiness with Tony Boy and daughter Dominique," she added. Revilla and Mercado were joined at the party by their children Brian, Jolo, Inah, Gianna, Lourdette and Vicente Ramon, as well as Revilla's siblings Andeng Ynares and Rowena Bautista-Mendiola. Last December 23, Barretto reportedly snubbed Revilla when she arrived at the birthday party of common friend, actress Lorna Tolentino, at the MDC Bar in San Juan. Witnesses said Barretto greeted Mercado but purposely ignored Revilla, who was then standing beside his wife. When asked why she did not pay attention at all to Revilla, Barretto remarked that she had always been in good terms with Mercado because she respects the latter. The senator had refused then to comment on the incident, saying that he would rather keep his peace because of his friendship with Barretto's partner, Tonyboy. When asked where they will welcome the New Year, Revilla and Mercado said it has been their family tradition to await the parting of the year insde a church. "Naging tradition na naming buong pamilya kahit noon pa, "na sa loob ng simbahan kami inaabutan ng New Year. Sa Imus Cathedral kami sama-samang nagsisimba. Pagkatapos ng mass, umuuwi kami sa bahay namin sa Imus at doon nagsasalu-salo at nag-e-exchange gift. New Year's day, sa kanya-kanya na kaming bahay," Revilla said. On January 6, he said his family will visit Bicol so he could donate to typhoon victims the P500,000 prize he recently won at the "Deal or No Deal" television show. At the same time, it looks like the May 2007 elections will see a bevy of Revilla clan members running for various positions. Revilla said his wife might also launch her candidacy for vice governor of Cavite province in the May 2007 elections. The couple's eldest, Brian, plans to run for councilor, while Revilla's brother Strike, for mayor of Bacoor town, reports said. Revilla said his brother-in-law Jun-Jun Ynares -- son of incumbent Governor Casimiro Ynares -- will make a bid for an elective post in Rizal province, even as Ynares himself denied this. Ynares said his father is a first-termer and would still be good to seek re-election for two three-year terms. - GMANews.TV