Arnell Ignacio did the first number, followed by Ruffa Gutierrez’ daughters, Lorin and Venice, who can both carry a tune compared to their mom. Then a fashion show of Annabelle’s 29 talents. The standouts among the girls are Carla Humphries (who is also a good singer), Bubbles Paraiso (whose neckline plunged all the way down to her navel) and Assunta de Rossi. Among the guys, it’s TJ Trinidad (who also did a mean version of “Faithfully”) and Jon Hall, who is now her new talent. The entire Gutierrez family also walked down the ramp with Ruffa and Richard doing the finale and looking every inch the showbiz royalty that they are. Also on hand to give song numbers were husband Eddie (who professed undying love for Annabelle), Pilita Corrales, Miriam Quiambao (proving that she and Annabelle have reconciled after their slight squabble), Anthony Castelo and Ogie Alcasid and the Annabelle in his life, Regine Velasquez who already looks like a radiant bride.
Ruffa thought the finale was them toasting their mom after she blew the candles on a huge birthday cake. But it turned out Annabelle has her own surprise for them. She went on centerstage and told Ruffa: “Kakanta ako, huwag nyo kong laitin kahit sintunado ako.” Then she sang “Pubreng Alindahaw” with gusto. And she’s good. The choice of a Visayan song is a stroke of genius as she’s known as Bisaya.
