The Peninsula Manila 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.
Long before he became a household name, Chavit Singson was a young scion of a political family in Ilocos Sur. First elected governor in 1971, Singson would go on to hold the position for a cumulative 29 years—weathering administrations, shifting political landscapes, and public scrutiny. In that span, he served under every Philippine president from Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., a relationship arc that reflects not just his staying power but his uncanny ability to adapt and influence across eras.
But perhaps the most defining moment of his career, one that transformed him from regional strongman to national whistleblower, came in 2001, when he became the central figure in the impeachment of then-President Joseph Estrada. It is this event, and the courage it took to lead it as a private citizen, that earned Singson the rare political distinction detailed in the press statement: “the only private individual in the world who led to the impeachment of a Philippine president.”
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, 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.
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,” he said with a grin. “Mukhang kailangan ng part two agad.”
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,” he shared.
Chavit Singson is not just a politician. He is also a 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,” he said. “Kung marami pagkain sa harapan mo, piliin mo lang ang gusto mo at huwag sosobra.” A simple principle, but one that perhaps mirrors the restraint and discernment that has carried him through decades of public service.