From Champagne Toasts to Internet Roasts: The 10-Second Sip with Liza and Chiz

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo

In an age where every blink and breath can go viral, it seems even a 10-second champagne sip can stir up a tempest in a wine glass. This time, it was First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos who found herself at the center of a social media whirlwind after taking a sip from Senate President Chiz Escudero’s glass at the Vin D’Honneur. And oh, the internet had opinions—none of which were as bubbly as the drink in question.

But before we break out the pitchforks and hashtags, let’s take a closer look at the scene. Imagine: a stately hall in Malacañan Palace, the clinking of glasses, the murmur of diplomatic small talk, and a momentary lapse in glass ownership. Liza, in her candid response, painted a picture not of impropriety but of long-standing friendship. After all, they’ve known each other since their law school days—she from Ateneo, he from UP. This wasn’t an act of elitist entitlement but rather a casual jest between old friends.

For those ready to accuse the First Lady of turning the Senate President into her personal sommelier, let’s take a step back. In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, perhaps we can afford to let a little levity into our lives. Escudero himself didn’t seem to mind; in fact, he played the part of the gentleman with grace. It’s not every day a Senate President’s wine etiquette becomes the talk of the town, but if it must, why not frame it as a testament to his unflappable poise?

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. What can we learn from this? First, always chill your champagne. Nothing ruins a good sip like lukewarm bubbles—words of wisdom from the First Lady herself. Second, humor and humanity go a long way. In a high-stress environment like a state function, where standing and smiling for over an hour is par for the course, a little spontaneous camaraderie is refreshing.

For those still clutching their pearls, consider this: in the grand scheme of political faux pas, a borrowed sip is fairly benign. It’s not Watergate; it’s not even Watercress. If anything, it’s an endearing reminder that our leaders are, after all, human. They laugh, they tease, they share moments that remind us of the friendships behind the formalities.

So, what’s the takeaway? Perhaps we should all lighten up a bit. The next time you find yourself at a swanky event, take a page from Liza and Chiz’s book. If you must sip from someone else’s glass, do it with a smile and a sense of humor. And if you’re caught on camera, just remember—it’s all in good fun. Cheers to that.