It was a heartwarming reunion of the local showbiz industry’s movers and shakers, OPM icons, reigning teen stars and other big-name celebrities who braved the traffic and the scorching summer heat to show their support for Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas.
The gathering, dubbed “Artists for Mar,â€Â was held at the MESA restaurant along T. Morato Ave. cor. Sct. Fernandez, Q.C.
Conceptualized as a fitting show of support from the stars, the thanksgiving press conference was also attended in full force by the various TV networks as well as editors, columnists and writers from the entertainment media.
Spearheading the tribute were talent managers Arnold Vegafria, Girlie Rodis and Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, along with their prized wards headed by OPM legends Gary Valenciano, Celeste Legaspi, Noel Cabangon, Jessa and Dingdong Avanzado with daughter Jayda, together with Jay-R, Karylle, Kris Lawrence, Karla Estrada, Daniel Padilla and loveteam partner Kathryn Bernardo, and artist managers Carlo Orosa and Sandra Chavez.
Actors and hosts Isabelle de Leon, Eagle Riggs, Martin del Rosario, Bernadette Allyson, Samantha Lopez, comedians Chokoleit, Kedebon and Donita Nose, Quezon City councilor Alfred Vargas, Jason Francisco, and ex-APO Hiking Society member/actor Boboy Garovillo also came.
OPM legends Leah Navarro and Jim Paredes anchored the program, where the stars took turns sharing their touching personal messages and anecdotes onstage. Gary also sang an appropriately-themed OPM tune in time for the coming elections.
Special guest of honor Mother Lily Monteverde, well regarded as the industry’s matriarch, also caught up with the festivities, thanked her colleagues and expressed her support for Mar.
The highlight of the affair was the arrival of ABS-CBN host Korina Sanchez-Roxas, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the touching gesture given her by her dear showbiz colleagues.