Star Sightings at the Noynoy Aquino Inauguration

It's not surprising that the inauguration of Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III as the Philippines' 15th President has turned out to be a star-studded event.

With a famous celebrity sister (Kris Aquino), the star power in the inauguration of Noynoy Aquino at the Quirino Grand Stand today was at its highest level.

First stars to be spotted at the inauguration were Megastar Sharon Cuneta in a black terno with husband Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and daughters KC Concepcion (in a white gown), Frankie and Miel Pangilinan.

Of course, Kris Aquino was there with Baby James Yap minus Daddy James Yap. (How sad!) She was wearing a yellow Filipiniana gown designed by Randy Ortiz.

Should I include Noynoy's girlfriend Shalani Soledad in the star sightings? Yes, because she looked every inch of a star. Shalani was so much beautiful also in a yellow gown.

Also in attendance were Star for all Seasons Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto with husband Sen. Ralph Recto and son Ryan Christian. They were seated beside the Cuneta-Pangilinan family.

Former President and action star Joseph Estrada who placed 2nd to Noynoy in the Presidential election was also there. He was seated beside former President Fidel V. Ramos, who was on Noynoy's left side.

International star Charice sang "Lupang Hinirang", the Philippine National Anthem, and she sang it great, that even Noynoy was in awe. The National Historical Institute won't have any reason not to like her rendition.

The disbanded Apo Hiking Society (composed of Jim Paredes, Danny Javier & Buboy Garrovillo) had to be reunited at least for that special day and sang "Minamahal Kong Pilipinas". Paredes was also the host of the inaugural program.

Asia's Pop Idol Christian Bautista had a solo performance ("You Raise Me Up", which originally was not part of the program, because the inauguration started earlier than what was planned.

Same case for Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez who were also asked to give unplanned solo performances. Ogie sang a short original composition for Noynoy (which had Vice President Jojo Binay grooving on his seat) while Regine performed "Hindi Ka Nag-iisa", one of the campaign jingles for Noynoy last May. (Napanganga si Noynoy with her performance)

Then Ogie, Regine, Jim and Christian went back on stage, now with Gary V, Nina, Jed Madela, Mae Paner, Gail Blanco and Noel Cabangon. They sang "Bagong Pilipinas", the official inaugural song for Noynoy. Cabangon also had FOUR solo numbers later, 2 of which were the songs "Tungo Sa Pagbabago, Para Sa Pagbabago" and "Kanlungan".

ABS-CBN big heads were there: President Charo Santos-Concio, ex-President Freddie M. Garcia (FMG), SVP Cory Vidanes, TV execs Deo Endrinal and Linggit Tan.

"Tayong Dalawa" stars were also sighted at the inauguration: Kim Chiu, Coco Martin, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon and Cherry Pie Picache. Kim and Coco are Kris' co-stars in "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo".

Hot couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera were also among the attendees.

Other star attendees: Senator Tito Sotto, Cong. Lani Mercado, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, Richard Gomez, Cong. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Cesar Montano, Sunshine Cruz, Gretchen Barretto, Mariel Rodriguez, Bianca Gonzalez, Pokwang and Ai-Ai delas Alas.