Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla’s 57th birthday celebration on September 25 at the grand ballroom of Okada Hotel Resort in Parañaque City was a joyous and star-studded affair. The event also marked his 50th anniversary in showbiz, with the program set to become a TV special titled Idol Ko Si Bong, scheduled to air on GMA-7 on October 7.
The TV special will feature a lineup of renowned personalities, including Jillian Ward, Robin Padilla, Phillip Salvador, Jinggoy Estrada, Maricel Soriano, Beauty Gonzalez, Ara Mina, Sunshine Cruz, Jean Garcia, Rochelle Pangilinan, Rabiya Mateo, Sanya Lopez, Tirso Cruz III, Niño Muhlach, Roi Vinzon, Gardo Versoza, Long Mejia, Betong Sumaya, Mitoy Yonting, Ogie Diaz, and Lani Mercado.
Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, Senator Bong said that he aspires to revive the film and television industry and improve the system to assist those in the industry. He shared his gratitude for the blessings he has received, emphasizing the rollercoaster of life and expressing hopes for the well-being of his family and fellow citizens.
“My birthday wish is for a thriving film industry and the health of my loved ones,” the senator shared.
“After what happened to me, it’s like rollercoaster. Ups and downs, and ups. So, I just hope na basta maayos ang lahat, healthy lahat ng pamilya ko. Ang bayan natin, ang mga kababayan natin, kung papaano tayo makakatulong,” he added.
In the same interview, his wife, Congresswoman Lani wished for her husband’s wishes to come true, especially regarding their health, as they age. She also expressed a longing for the resurgence of Philippine cinema, reminiscing about the days when cinemas were full.
“And we hope that our dream of reviving the vibrancy of Filipino cinema will come true. We really miss watching movies in packed theaters. The landscape has evolved now, people are going digital. So, we hope to rekindle the enthusiasm for watching movies in theaters once again,” the actress-turned-politician said.
Jimmy Santos, Bayani Agbayani, Dawn Zulueta, Jackie Lou Blanco, Mariz, Ronnie Ricketts, Gladys Reyes, Senators Manny Pacquiao, Lito Lapid, Chiz Escudero, JV Ejercito, Mark Villar, Imee Marcos, Bong Go, Francis Tolentino, Grace Poe, and Bato de la Rosa are among the notable attendees.
Also present were Tirso Cruz III, Christopher de Leon, Lorna Tolentino, Amy Austria, Gina Alajar, Isabel Rivas, Azenith Briones, Ricky Davao, Mariel Rodriguez, Mayor Ina Alegre, Iza Calzado, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Speaker Martin Romualdez, Congressman Sam Versoza, Federico Moreno, Harlene Bautista, Arlene Muhlach, and Herlene Budol.
Other guests included Tonton Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez, Ruffa Gutierrez, Eddie Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama, director Mac Alejandre, John Nite, Jeffrey Santos, Carlo Maceda, Efren Reyes Jr., Wilma Doesn’t, Angelu de Leon, Mikee Cojuangco, Dudut Jaworski, Ynez Veneracion, Rez Cortez, Dindo Arroyo, Antonio Vinzon, Lala Vinzon, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Long Mejia, and Malou Choa-Fagar.
Also present were Atty. Felipe and Atty. Annette Gozon of GMA-7, Lilybeth Gomez-Rasonable, Redgie Magno, Carlo Katigbak, Cory Vidanes of ABS-CBN, Wilma Galvante of NET25, and Senator Bong’s family.