In a show of support to the Philippine movie industry, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos celebrated Filipino music at the movies at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacanang on Sunday night.
Movie stalwarts described the event as the first time at the Palace where the First Couple invited celebrities for a special gathering.
The First Couple, accompanied by their son Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, enjoyed Filipino songs with the stars during the hour-long special.
Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla led singers in belting out well-loved Filipino theme songs and holiday tunes. Other performers were Gian Magdangal, Molly Langley, Dane Mercado, and Jon Joven.
The Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild was the featured dance group at the concert.
After the program, stars of the 10 official entries to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival went to the stage for a photo opportunity with the First Couple.
Celebrities who graced the special event were Vice Ganda, Sharon Cuneta, accompanied by her husband, former Sen. Kiko Pangilinan; Christopher de Leon, Sandy Andolong, Maricel Soriano, Lorna Tolentino, Julia Barretto, Enrique Gil, Alexa Miro, Rob Gomez, MJ Lastimosa, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Ruru Madrid, Ron Angeles, Gladys Reyes, Arjo Atayde, producer Sylvia Sanchez, Aicelle Santos, Lani Mercado, Boots Anson Roa, Mylene Dizon, Sue Ramirez; and Hilda Koronel, who made her first public appearance in the country for many years since she was based in the US.
Also in attendance were Roselle Monteverde of Regal Entertainment; Annette Gozon, of GMA Network; Carlo Katigbak, of ABS-CBN; Atty. Joji Alonso, Quantum Films, MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, Jun Lana, Perci Intalan, Pepe Diokno, and businessman and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan.
Invited but did not attend include Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, Piolo Pascual, and Lito Lapid.
Prior, the First Lady joined a private screening of the blockbuster movie “Hello, Love, Again” with its lead stars Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards in Taguig City.
Roselle said she was happy about the gathering in Malacanang.
“I’m appreciative and happy about this because I think this is the first time na nabigyan ng pansin ang movie industry,” said Roselle. “Sana magtuloy-tuloy na ang ganitong gaheting.”
Atty. Joji said: “I have been in the industry for 20 years, and it seems that nothing like this has happened. This is most welcome because the intention is to help the movie industry and we need it so badly.”
Rep. Arjo said he was overwhelmed by the Malacanang event.
“This is an overwhelming experience for me coming to Malacanang as an actor today. It’s a different feeling as a congressman. I’m going forward and see we have this kind of support from President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos. I’m so happy nagtipon-tipon tayo especially ngayong Kapaskuhan,” Arjo said.
Arjo, star Topakk, one of the official entries for MMFF, said he is excited that his film will finally be shown in commercial theaters during the annual film fest.
“Besides the action, there is a message to it. Hindi lang siya blood and grit pero may special message siya,” Arjo added. (R. Requintina, mb.com)