Jade Buddha owner Phil Hogan turns down date with Obama, meets Mexico’s First Lady Angelica Rivera

HE TURNED down a date with Obama, but Jade Buddha owner Phil Hogan went one better with Mexico’s First Lady Angelica Rivera.

Bar owner Phil Hogan gets a cheeky snap with first lady Angelica Rivera Hurtado.

FORGET Obama. The man who turned down a date with the US President has gone one better in a meeting with the Mexican First Lady Angelica Rivera.

Jade Buddha co-owner Phil Hogan made headlines this week when he knocked back a much-sought after ticket to see the President speak at the University of Queensland because he couldn’t get a ticket for his wife.

But it seems the lucky bar owner has a magnetic pull — this afternoon he was paid a visit by Mexican First lady just hours after she arrived in Brisbane with her husband, President Enrique Peña Nieto. She stayed for more than two hours, with security closely watching over her.

Angelica Rivera spent more than two hours at Jade Buddha restaurant. Photographer: Liam Kidston

“We reckon she’s the most attractive delegate … she’s beautiful,” Mr Hogan said.

“Who needs Obama when the most attractive delegate has already graced us with her presence?”

President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto and first lady Angelica Rivera Hurtado at Brisbane Airport.

But they’re still not giving up on that Presidential beer. The restaurant has started a social media campaign dubbed #beerwithObama to get the POTUS to pop in for a cold one.

I wouldn't mind having a #BeerWithObama... but if I turned down the opportunity, then I wouldn't deserve a second chance. #SoThere

— Aaron Schmitzer (@smitty92) November 14, 2014

Two things: Hogan for Aussie PM. And can everyone in Brisbane please head to his bar this weekend. #BeerWithObama

— Libby O'Brien (@libbyobrien) November 12, 2014

@BarackObama Hope you packed your swimming "bathers".. 36 degrees C. This weekend! #BeerWithObama Welcome to Brisbane.

— One DirectionDad 5/5 (@AnthonyLee59) November 12, 2014

Come on Brissy #BeerWithObama

— Amanda Charters (@miss_manda3) November 12, 2014

“We’re hoping he might swing by here tomorrow night, I’ll be busy tomorrow morning laying turf but after that,” he said.

“You never know your luck in a big city. You’ve got to be in it to win it.”

But what does his wife think of all this? “I sent it to Michelle and she said great pic,” Mr Hogan said.

President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto and first lady Angelica Rivera Hurtado.

Originally published as Jade Buddha owner Phil Hogan turns down date with Obama, meets Mexico’s First Lady Angelica Rivera