A JOYFUL CELEBRATION: Prominent liberal democrats from Asia converged in Manila to participate in the regional democracy forum commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Liberal Party. Photo shows (from left) Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan, Former Secretary of Education Butch Abad, Hon. Martin Lee, member of Parliament of Hong Kong; Senate President and Liberal Party head Franklin M. Drilon, Dr. Buranaj Smuthraks, member of Parliament of Thailand; and Sen. Mar Roxas II sharing a light moment during the conference dubbed as "Advancing the Gains of Liberal Democracy in Asia." The forum was held at Dusit Hotel in Makati. (Photo by Joseph Vidal-PRIB)