Stars align for ‘Manong’ Chavit

While he cut short his bid for a senate seat, his service to the Filipino people continues, Singson said.

Published on:

12 Jan 2025, 17:51

Filipino music took centerstage at the launch of VBank, the “Bangko ng Masa,” by businessman and politician Chavit Singson.

The nationwide caravan, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on 12 January, kicked off with the game Hep Hep Hooray facilitated by host Eric Nicolas.

Buganda Drum Beaters and Mandeuvresignite soon took the stage followed by P-pop girl group Calista.

Actor and R&B singer Billy Crawford performed the global smash hit APT by Rosé and Bruno Mars.

TV host and singer Billy Crawford rallied the audience to sing along to the global smash APT by Rosé and Bruno Mars.Pauline Songco

P-pop group Calista kept the party going with their performances. Pauline Songco

Rep. Richelle Singson, daughter of Chavit Singson, shared more details on VBank. She said, “Kung tatanungin niyo ‘ligtas ba ang pera ko?’ Oo. Ligtas na ligtas. Hindi ito para sa mayaman, para ito sa mga mamamayang Pilipino. Ito ay bangko para sa masa.”

Ai-ai delas Alas, VBank ambassador, sang a medley of OPM classics such as VST & Co’s Rock Baby Rock and Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko.

Hosts Billy Crawford and Tuesday Vargas amped up the crowd’s excitement as they announce 58 winners of P1,000, 58 winners of P5,800 and two lucky winners P580,000.

The man of the hour, Chavit Singson, finally appeared onstage to thank everybody and share his withdrawal from the 2025 senatorial race.

“Hindi ko na po kailangan intayin o manalo sa eleksyon para maramdaman ang tagumpay,” he said.

While he cut short his bid for a senate seat, his service to the Filipino people continues, Singson added.

VBank ambassador Ai-Ai delas Alas kept everyone on their toes with her songs and jokes.Pauline Songco

EZ Mil, the first Filipino to sign with Eminem's Shady Records, performed iconic rap songs including one from Eminem himself. Pauline Songco

Fans are also treated to live performances from Bamboo who sang Firepower, Hinahanap-hanap Kita, Coldplay’s Fix You, Hallelujah, Tatsulok, Himala and Agimat.

Filipino rap icon began his set with Simpleng Tao that was followed by Upuan, Bagsakan, Sumayaw Ka and his version of Francis Magalona’s Kaleidoscope World.

Joining the lineup of artists is international rap sensation EZ Mil, the first Filipino artist to sign Eminem’s Shady Records.

Closing the show is Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan, rocking the arena with Yugyuhan Na, Pare Ko, Overdrive, Ang Huling El Bimbo and upon the request of the crowd Palagi and Tadhana.

Rocker Bamboo captivated the audience with his electrifying live performance.Pauline Songco

KZ Tandingan delighted the audience by performing requested songs in addition to her planned lineup.Pauline Songco

Aside from performing his own songs, rap icon Gloc-9 also rapped those of Francis Magalona's. Pauline Songco

Through VBank, Filipinos can manage their money simpler as it enables them to fund transfers, pay bills and purchase using prepaid credits anytime, anywhere.

VBank is a product of Vigan Banco Rural Incorporada, a financial institution supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

RAPPER Gloc-9