MANILA, Philippines -- Taking a pause from the affairs of the state, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be serenaded by the American musician Richard Carpenter, in Malacañang on Valentine's Day , Thursday.

Carpenter, with his late sister Karen, formed the brother-sister tandem that churned out many popular hits in the 1970s.

The luncheon event dubbed "media fellowship with President Arroyo and Richard Carpenter" will also feature local singer Claire dela Fuente and will be held on Thursday at the Presidential Broadcast Studio in Kalayaan Hall.

There was no word on Tuesday if First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo will be with the President during the event, but the Cabinet and media have been invited.

Deputy Presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said Carpenter will first call on Arroyo.

"Mr. Carpenter will be accompanied by Claire dela Fuente, the 'Karen Carpenter of the Philippines,' to relive the famous duo of the Carpenter brother and sister," said Golez.

This will also give opportunity for Dela Fuente to launch her new album, which includes a song written by Carpenter.

Golez said the event was organized several weeks ago and was not an attempt to soothe ruffled emotions caused by "unfounded" attacks in the Senate against her administration and the First Family.

"The President does not care about the political noise. As of the moment, she continues to roam around the country to implement her programs that will uplift the lives of ordinary Filipinos," said Golez.

Their distinctively soft musical style made the Carpenters one of the best-selling musical acts of all time, with timeless classics such as Billboard Top 40 singles ?Close To You,? ?We've Only Just Begun,? ?Rainy Days And Mondays,? ?Superstar,? ?Hurting Each Other,? ?Yesterday Once More,? ?I Won't Last A Day Without You,? and ?There's A Kind Of Hush.?