As her reputation spreads, so does Gigi Reyes bday video

On the Senate floor, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano tried to portray Gigi Reyes as a power-hungry, meddling consort of his nemesis, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile. A newly posted YouTube video going viral shows another side, where her well-heeled family and friends, including former President Joseph Estrada, are dancing, lip synching, and  hamming it up on the occasion of her 50th birthday. It was apparently screened at her recent natal bash as a surprise. Uploaded by Youtube user Manong Johnny, the video has, as of this writing, garnered 12,437 views since its posting two days ago on Jan. 24. Lawyer Gigi Reyes recently resigned as the chief of staff of Senate leader Juan Ponce Enrile, in the wake of controversy triggered by Cayetano during his privilege speech last Wednesday, when he accused her of acting like a senator and throwing Enrile's weight around. Cayetano has since denied insinuating a romantic link between JPE and Reyes. Last Friday, Reyes publicly apologized to Cayetano for comments made during a radio interview but accused her critic of lying about her.  

In the video, various politicians, including Enrile himself, shake to the beat of the song “I Gotta Feeling" by hip-hop supergroup The Black Eyed Peas. Others dancing in the video are, aside from Erap, his sons San Juan Representative JV Ejercito and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former actress Laarni Enriquez with her son Jake Ejercito. Enrile makes his appearance sitting at his Senate desk, perhaps too dignified or weak to be dancing, but he's grinning widely and swaying to the beat, his male staff strutting around him.  

The video has garnered mixed reactions from netizens, with the majority stunned and appalled. Speculations in the comments thread range from the mild (she's well loved by her staff and colleagues) to the level of conspiracy theory (this confirms her alleged power).  

“Corruptness level 200" commented user herobrine114, while user jayenvanz said “Politics aside, this video would have been cute. :D" Manila tour guide and arts personality Carlos Celdran meanwhile wrote in the thread: “WTF." The video itself is professionally shot and edited, with expertly produced lighting and choreography.  

The description of the Youtube video states: “Who are the notable politicians making Gigi Reyes the most powerful woman in the senate today? Credit to Gigi Gonzales Reyes. No copyright. infringement intended. Just for fun and for the truth."  

When the video ends, there's no “Happy birthday!" greeting. – Karl R. De Mesa/HS, GMA News