Former Gov. Chavit Singson of Ilocos Sur dismissed the reports linking him to female celebrities, asserting that they were entirely baseless.

Chavit made the reaction as he welcomed the officers and members of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) at his home in Corinthian Gardens in Quezon City Saturday night.

"Puro marites (rumors) lang yan," said Chavit, as he denied rumors about his alleged affairs with female celebrities and beauty queens. "Mga kaibigan ko lang sila lahat." (That's just marites (rumors). They're all my friends.)

One of the celebrities mentioned was Concert Queen Pops Fernandez. "Matagal ko na siyang kaibigan. Nakakahiya naman sa kanila." (She's been my friend for a long time.)

But Chavit revealed that he left his heart in South Korea. "Meron akong napupusuan doon." He did not elaborate.

'Vagabond 2'

Chavit also announced that he will co-produce the highly-anticipated South Korean series "Vagabond 2" starring  Lee Seung-gi.

The second episode of the series will be shot in the Philippines, he said. "Gusto ko rin ma-highlight ang tourism ng Pilipinas sa 'Vagabond' tulad ng ginawa ko noon sa Miss Universe pageant sa atin."

(I also want to highlight Philippine tourism in 'Vagabond' like I did in the Miss Universe pageant when it was held in our country.)

Popular Filipino actresses Kathryn Bernardo and Andrea Brillantes were suggested for the Korean drama, but nothing has been decided yet. "Bahala na ang Korean team sa casting. Ayoko na magsabi ng pangalan kasi baka maging 'marites' na naman 'yan."

(I don't want to mention names because they might be misinterpreted. The Korean team will handle the casting.)

Chavit said shooting for the Korean drama could start in May. "Siguro mag uumpisa ang shooting sa May. Tinatapos lang nila ang buong storya. Gusto nila tuloy-tuloy na ang shoot. Halos isang buwan na yata nila tinatapos ang storya."

(Maybe the shooting will start in May. They are just finishing the whole story — I think they have been finishing it for almost a month.)

He cited the dynamics and work ethics of the Koreans involved in the series' production. "Maayos silang kausap. They are very professional."

Chavit and Lee first met when the Korean actor visited Vigan, Ilocos Sur, in March 2023. He visited the former politician's Baluarte Zoo, Calle Crisologo, and the Vigan Heritage Site there.

Lee is also the celebrity endorser for Chavit's restaurant, bb.q Chicken, which now has several branches in the country.

Miss Universe Competition

Chavit supports the goals of the Miss Universe Organization but believes that transgender and married women should not be allowed to join the competition.

"Kaya nga 'Miss' ang nakalagay sa Miss Universe beauty contest. Tapos hahaluan ng iba," said Chavit. He added he is not against transgenders and married women and believes they should have separate pageants.

Chavit said he was previously invited to buy the Miss Universe franchise but did not pursue it. He recalled his stint as Miss Universe, which was held in the Philippines for the second time in January 2017.

"Bumili pa ako ng yate noon para sa mga candidates. Kahit papaano na promote naman natin ang tourism ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa. Marami rin ang pumuntang turista sa atin," he added.

Modernization program

Chavit has partnered with 21 Korean manufacturers to produce electric vehicles to aid the government's modernization program for jeepneys and tricycles.

"Gagawa ang Korea ng electric vehicles para sa modernization program natin. Nakumbinsi ko naman ang 21 factories sa Korea na makipag-tie up dahil malaki ang gastos para sa tricycles, electric vehicles, jeepneys. So kailangan ko talaga ng assistance. Salamat naman at pumayag ang 21 manufacturers sa Korea na makipag partner sa akin," Chavit added.