Phenomenal superstar Vice Ganda headlined the star-studded birthday bash for Vice President Leni Robredo, who turned 57 on Saturday, April 23.
Supporters filled the whole stretch of Macapagal Boulevard from J.W. Diokno Blvd. to the corner of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) for the “Araw Na10 ‘To!” grand rally.
Vice formally endorsed Robredo after much teasing on social media the past weeks.
“Kapag si Leni Robredo ang binoto natin, ang sambayang Pilipino ang panalo (If we vote Leni Robredo, the Filipinos win),” he said.
“Tayo dapat ang manalo. Si Leni Robredo ang magpapanalo sa atin. Ang tagal-tagal na natin talo. Ipanalo naman natin ang isa’t-isa (We should win. Leni Robredo will make us win. We’ve been losing for so long. Let’s make each other win),” Vice added.
The comedian-TV host also led the singing of the happy birthday song for Robredo.
Award-winning actor John Arcilla delivered a speech before the jam-packed crowd, convincing the undecided in the audience why they should vote for Robredo.
“Si Leni Robredo po ay hindi natatakot na bantayan natin ang kanyang paninindigan at kanyang mga pangako dahil kilala niya ang kanyang sarili at alam niya kung ano ang kaya niyang gawin para sa ating lahat (Leni Robredo is not afraid for us to guard her stand and promises because she knows herself and she knows what she can do for us),” he said.
“Hindi po siya natatakot na punahin. Nais po niyang tawagan natin ang kanyang atensyon sapagkat alam niya na ang pag-puna ay pagmamahal sa bayan (She is not afraid to be criticized. She wants us to call her attention because she knows that criticism is part of love for country),” Arcilla added.
While not in-person, reel- and real-life couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla brought their star power by appearing in a video to endorse the Vice President.
Bernardo said that if Robredo wins, she will help make Filipinos’ dreams come true.
“Kaya ako, anong plano ko? Ang plano ko sa May 9, gawing pangulo si Leni Robredo. Sana kayo rin. Leni Robredo, siya ang totoo (That’s why me, what’s my plan? My plan on May 9 is to make Leni Robredo president. I hope you, too. Leni Robredo, she’s the real deal),” she added.
Padilla was shown participating in a mural painting, earlier photos of which were posted on social media.
Actress Liza Soberano also appeared on video to endorse Robredo.
“I am with you, VP Leni,” she said.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta is already a constant figure in Robredo’s rallies since she’s the wife of vice-presidential candidate Senator Kiko Pangilinan.
She introduced Diamond Star Maricel Soriano on stage who expressed support for Robredo.
Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez also went on stage for the first time to sing “Pangako” and a duet of “Hanggang Ngayon” with husband Ogie Alcasid.
Alcasid and Janno Gibbs also sang “Sumayaw Sumunod” while the latter performed “Ipagpatawad Mo” and “Binibini” to Robredo.
JK Labajo also performed “Buwan,” Ebe Dancel sang his hit song “Bawat Daan,” and Nyoy Volante and Noel Cabangon treated the crowd to “Kanlungan” and “Tuloy Pa Rin.”
Cheats’ Saab Magalona-Bacarro and Jim Bacarro performed “Ito Ang Gusto Ko” with Arkin Magalona. It is a remake of the hit Francis Magalona song with new lyrics for Robredo and Pangilinan.
Elmo Magalona also sang “Kaleidoscope,” and the father-and-son duo Gary and Gab Valenciano performed “Hataw Na” and “Di Bale Na Lang.”
Celebrities Angel Locsin, Julia Baretto, Jolina Magdangal, Nikki Valdez, Cherry Pie Picache, Kylie Versoza, Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Andrea Brillantes, Jonah, Ogie Diaz, and Mama Loi were also there.
APO Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes and Boboy Garovillo and local pop band Ben & Ben closed the show as some 412,000 kakampinks, according to local organizers, were treated to a fireworks display.