President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos hosted a star-studded evening at Malacañang’s historic Kalayaan Grounds last Sunday, December 15, for “Konsyerto sa Palasyo.” This year’s concert celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), bringing together luminaries from the film and music industries for a night of camaraderie and nostalgia.
Guests were treated to a Filipino feast of peanuts, pandesal with quesong puti, fishballs, and squidballs, as a 12-piece orchestra led by musical director Jeddi Cris Celeste from Iloilo City provided the evening’s soundtrack. Dane Mercado, Molly Langley, John-Joven Uy, Gian Magdangal, and Zsa Zsa Padilla performed beloved movie classics such as “Hahabol-Habol,” “Estudyante Blues,” and “Bituing Walang Ningning,” adding to the festive atmosphere.
The evening also served as a reunion of iconic stars. Veteran actresses Maricel Soriano, Sandy Andolong, Boyet de Leon and Sharon Cuneta joined a roster of MMFF celebrities, including Lorna Tolentino, Chanda Romero, JC Santos, Nico Antonio, Gladys Reyes, Kokoy de Santos, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Ruru Madrid, Ron Angeles, Mylene Dizon, Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sylvia Sanchez, Sid Lucero, Julia Barretto and Vice Ganda. Directors Crisanto Aquino, Richard Somes and Pepe Diokno, and producers Atty. Joji Alonso, Bryan Diamante, Roselle Monteverde, ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak, and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair Joey Reyes were also in attendance, alongside Senator Robin Padilla, who mingled with his colleagues from the industry.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta, who attended with her husband, former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, took to Instagram to share her experience reuniting with President Bongbong Marcos and the First Lady.
“When we arrived tonight, I got the warmest hug from the FL [First Lady], like no time had passed! And then, of course, the warmest, biggest hug from the President. With some side kwento [stories], just like old times!” Cuneta reminisced.
She also fondly recalled childhood memories of Malacañang, including seeing a disco for the first time and meeting Pope Paul VI.
“A bit of trivia for you: The very first time I saw a disco was at 14, in Malacañang. Saw Pope Paul VI in Malacañang. Had so many merienda/dinners with the President’s father and mother in Malacañang as we used to campaign for them.
“Spent a whole afternoon and evening with the President’s parents at their home in Hawaii. Had dinner with Pres. BBM and the FL in their home in llocos. Madame Imelda was a principal sponsor at GC’s and my wedding, & it was Pres. Marcos, Sr. who stayed at our party for hours!”
