MANILA, Philippines — First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos celebrated her 67th birthday with Kris Aquino, her sons Josh and Bimby, and Anne Binay-Alcantara at an intimate gathering, highlighting personal ties that cross the country’s long-standing political divides.
Fashion designer Michael Leyva shared photos and videos from the celebration on Instagram on Saturday, along with a birthday message for Araneta-Marcos.
“From all of us, may this special day bring you the same warmth, grace, and joy that you continue to share with others,” Leyva wrote.
Araneta-Marcos turned 67 on Aug. 21. She had earlier shared photos from an advance birthday celebration held Aug. 9, which also included Aquino and her sons.
Leyva has longstanding relationships with both Araneta-Marcos and Aquino and has designed clothes for the two.
The gathering also brought together members of families whose political histories have been closely intertwined and, at times, sharply divided.
Araneta-Marcos considers Josh and Bimby her nephews. She is related to the Cojuangco-Aquino family through her aunt, Rosario “Sari” Cacho, who was married to Pedro “Don Pepe” Cojuangco, the elder brother of former President Corazon Aquino, Kris Aquino’s mother.
Binay-Alcantara is also a close friend of Kris Aquino. The Binay family helped care for Bimby while Aquino underwent medical treatment in the United States.
The Binays also have a longstanding relationship with the Aquino family. Former Vice President Jejomar Binay served as one of the lawyers for slain Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and later became an ally of former President Corazon Aquino.
