After two years of hiatus, there are signs that the entertainment scene is slowly getting back on its feet. This is especially true in the coming elections, where celebrities are often part of campaign rallies and political sorties.
However, some quarters may be misleading voters. A few days ago, bands such as Parokya ni Edgar, IV of Spades, and Kamikazee belied a report that they are part of the lineup of performers at a Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte rally.
This is not true, clarified Parokya Ni Edgar in its official Facebook account, as caption to a photo of an announcement saying they will be part of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos and running-mate Sarah Duterte’s rally in Zamboanga on April 10.
Allan Burdeos of Kamikazee also came out with a reaction: “Never ako nagsalita against sa mga nagkakampanya for presidency. Kahit na obvius na kung ggano kadumi or hindi qualified ang kandito.
“Pero kung pangalan na naming ang involved, pangalan naming na mahigit 20 years naming na pinaghirapan ang gagamitin ng walang permiso, ibang usapan na’to.
“NEVER kami mag paparticipate sa kampanya na ito. MGA SINUNGALING.
“Gusto ko lang tahimik at hindi ma-involve sa mga ganitong bagay, kaso kailangan namin gawan to ng aksyon.
“We are not for sale!”
Blaster Silonga, vocalist of IV of Spades, which was also mentioned as part of the Zamboanga rally line-up, was very emphatic in his denial: “Kailanman hindi mangyayari ito, ngayon pa lang sinusunog ko na ang tulay. ”
The artists who have joined BBM and Sara’s rallies include South Border, Masculados, and host-actress Toni Gonzaga. Karla Estrada, who is running as a party-list candidate, and Robin Padilla, who is gunning a senate seat, have also been performing during their campaign.
Meanwhile, bands like Mayonnaise, Ben & Ben, and Rivermaya have been vocal in throwing their support for presidential aspirant Leni Robredo and vice presidential hopeful Kiko Pangilinan. At last Sunday’s mammoth rally along Emerald Avenue in Pasig, Ben & Ben, Itchyworms, Rivermaya, plus solo acts Ebe Dancel, Gab Pangilinan, Jolina Magdangal, Donny Pangilinan and Noel Cabangon entertained the crowd, said to be numbering more than 130,000. The event also featured Robi Domingo, Julia Barretto, Melai Cantiveros, and attracted celebrities like Angel Locsin and Jake Ejercito. Cherry Pie Picache, Edu Manzano, Nikki Valdez, Agot Isidro, Gab Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma have also joined previous Robredo sorties.
International singer Ariana Grande trended recently after posting on her Instagram stories scenes during what was termed as “Pasiglaban.” Grande was overwhelmed as the video showed the mammoth crowd singing the artist’s hit, “Break Free.” She wrote: “I could not believe this was real. (pleading emojis) I love you more than words.”
Vlogger and celebrity makeup artist Bretman Rock was also in awe of the Pasig show of support for Robredo and her slate. The Fil-Am social media influencer shared a photo of the sea of pink on his Instagram story. He erased all doubts on who he was supporting in his other post of a photo of Robredo with the words: “This statement shook me to the core. My President is a woman.”
