Daily TribuneBut beneath the bravado is a family man. A father to 24 children, Singson often draws his strength from his family ties and personal discipline — extending even to the way he eats.
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PUBLISHER Riza Hansen and Chavit Singson.
A refined affair honoring the written word and the Legend behind it.
LIVING legend himself.
CHAVIT Singson with former DOLE Secretary Bebot Bello.
WITH Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.
FIRST copies of the most awaited book.
GUESTS arrive in style for an evening of literature, conversation and celebration.
A toast to Chavit's words and wisdom — celebrating the launch of a much-anticipated book.
ANNABELLE Rama, Philip Cruz and Eddie Gutierrez.
Rep. Richelle Louise Singson offers a toast to father Chavit Singson.
CHAVIT Singson and newly elected Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno.
A night of literary charm and refined company
MEANINGFUL exchanges and memorable moments at the launch soirée with FF Cruz & Co. president Philip Cruz, Atty. Salvador Panelo and other guests.
MILA Sering, Rechie del Carmen, Chavit Singson, Councilor Wency Lagumbay, Pops Fernandez, Vina Morales and Lianne Quebic.
The Peninsula Manila ballroom was awash in lights and legacy as political titan Luis “Chavit” Singson formally launched Chavit: Legend of the Philippines, a bold and unfiltered political memoir chronicling not only his decades-long career, but also the nation’s turbulent political history over the last 70 years.
The evening was nothing short of a reunion of power — former and current government officials, showbiz personalities, business magnates and members of the press all gathered to honor the man whose name has become synonymous with both Ilocano pride and national influence. But this book, as Singson himself emphasized, isn’t just a story about him. It’s a chronicle of Philippine power, politics and persistence.
A book like no other
Chavit: Legend of the Philippines defies the conventions of political memoir. Penned by Polish writer Maciej Mikurda, the book is presented in a robust Q&A format — nearly 700 questions and answers that span topics as diverse as power and betrayal, business and beauty pageants, family and food.
The unconventional structure gives readers the sense that they are sitting across from Singson himself, listening to war stories from the political frontlines, colorful anecdotes and sharp insights that have only grown more incisive with time.
“This was a very long interview,” Singson told us during our exclusive post-launch sit-down. “Sinagot ko lahat ng tanong nila (I answered all of their questions) — and that’s what makes up the book.”
Mikurda, who devoted a year and a half to the project, ensured that the memoir would not only serve as a personal testament but as a companion piece to the Philippine political narrative itself.
Film adaptation and the next chapter
The buzz doesn’t end with the book. Singson confirmed that discussions are already underway for a film adaptation. And true to his expansive legacy, he knows the scope of his story can’t be contained in a single movie.
“‘Yung haba ng kwento ko — kulang sa isang pelikula (Yes, I have a very long story — one film won’t be enough),” he said with a grin. “Mukhang kailangan ng part two agad (It might need a part two right away).”
While he declined to name names, he did hint that “some actors are already being considered” for key roles should the project move forward. “Nakakahiya naman banggitin kung sino, pero meron na tayong kino-consider,” he said with a chuckle.
A seasoned film producer himself — Singson famously helped bring the Miss Universe pageant to the Philippines in 2016 and has since dabbled in entertainment production — he is eager to invest in more films. “Gusto ko talaga na marami pang pelikula ang maproduce. Magkasunod kung puwede, para mas masigla ang movie industry (I really want more movies to be produced. One after the other if possible, so that the movie industry can be more vibrant),” he shared.
Beyond politics: The businessman and father
Chavit Singson is not just a politician. He is also a shrewd businessman with interests in banking, mining, real estate, IT and manufacturing. He speaks candidly about the need to balance influence with integrity, business with benevolence.
But beneath the bravado is a family man. A father to 24 children, Singson often draws his strength from his family ties and personal discipline — extending even to the way he eats.
“Mapili ako sa kinakain ko (I am picky about what I eat),” he said. “Kung marami pagkain sa harapan mo, piliin mo lang ang gusto mo at huwag sosobra (If there is a lot of food in front of you, just choose what you want and don’t overdo it).” A simple principle, but one that perhaps mirrors the restraint and discernment that has carried him through decades of public service.
A living legend
Chavit: Legend of the Philippines is more than a memoir. It is part confession, part lecture, part national time capsule. It is a portrait of a man whose reach extends from provincial politics to national crises, from business to beauty queens, from scandal to statesmanship.
As the event wrapped with laughter, handshakes and book signings, one thing became clear: Chavit Singson isn’t just looking back — he’s still very much in the game.
After all, legends never fade. They evolve. And Chavit Singson, true to form, is already writing his next chapter.
