"THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, KUYA!"

Excerpt from “Thanks for the memories, Kuya!” by Baby K. Jimenez/ The Philippine Star/ Entertainment/ December 17, 2004

While FPJ’ generosity is a well-known fact, some stories had to be kept off record due to his request. Take this story re Nora “Guy” Aunor.

It was the year (1983, I think, when) Nora celebrated her birthday at the Intercon. She was then in the midst of several emotional and financial problems and she chose to celebrate her birthday to forget her woes, typically La Aunor mood. She made a very personal request to me, “Please make sure Kuya Ronnie and Ate Susan come to my party.”

The affair turned out to be very well-attended, FPJ and Susan included. The party was in full swing when FPJ approached me. “I have to talk to you,” he mumbled. “Do you know more or less how much this is going to cost Guy?” I told him I would ask Guy’s aide, Andy Biag. It was almost 2 a.m. when people started leaving and FPJ called my attention once more, “O, do you know na how much? Ssshh--- not a word to anyone.” The bill came to about P56, 000. He talked to the manager, paid for everything and he added two more suites for the night’s stay (he and Susan occupied one) not to mention the big amount he gave “for the boys.” Nora was practically crying when she found out everything was paid for. FPJ just smiled and said, “Okay lang, happy birthday!”

The following morning, I received a call from Kuya, “O babes, don’t forget. Off the record. Wala kang alam!” (Ms. Baby K. Jimenez)