MANILA, Philippines - If Vice-President elect Jejomar Binay had his way, he’d rather have an intimate gathering with his family and friends after the inauguration.

Binay’s wife, Elenita, said he will most likely skip the street party at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on June 30.

She said however that Binay will attend the inaugural reception scheduled at 6 p.m. in Malacañang on that day.

Binay will not be joining President-elect Benigno Aquino III thereafter. She said her husband has visitors to attend to.

The street party is expected to start at 4 p.m. and will end around midnight. Aquino is expected to arrive at around 9 p.m.

Rumors of a rift between the two have surfaced after Aquino supposedly refused to give the Department of Interior and Local Government post to Binay.

The Vice-president elect himself however clarified the issue has become passé after their talk last Wednesday. There, he declined several posts offered to him by Aquino.

Binay’s wife said they already have their hands full preparing for the inauguration alone.

Binay will come from Manila Hotel to avoid traffic going to the Quirino Grandstand. His family, on the other hand, will be coming from their home in Makati City.

Binay will be choosing from the barongs designed for him by fashion designers Aureo Alonzo, Paul Cabral and Robert Bonifacio.

Alonzo made the gowns for his wife and daughters. The gowns will each have a unique hue, supposedly symbolizing political unity.

The silk chiffon used for the gowns came from London. Simple but elegant, Alonzo incorporated as accents Mikimoto pearls and Austrian sequins.

Binay’s wife said she will be holding the bible that will be used during the inauguration “because I’m the wife, who else…”