Presidentiables Showbiz Endorsers

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, standard-bearer of the Liberal Party, has the longest list of show biz supporters, due mainly to the influence of his sister Kris, an actress and a TV host of ABS-CBN Channel 2.

Kris’ best friend, talent manager Boy Abunda, who used to be a supporter of Manny Villar, is now part of the Aquino campaign. Villar is the presidential candidate of the Nacionalista Party.

Singer-actor Ogie Alcasid composed the song “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa,” which is being used as the theme song of Aquino’s campaign. Regine Velasquez, Alcasid’s long-time girlfriend, recorded the song.

Among those who also expressed their support for Aquino were Abunda’s wards Gretchen Barretto, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Mariel Rodriguez, Sitti and Pooh.

Popular actors Bea Alonzo, Anne Curtis, Kim Chiu, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica have also committed to campaigning for Aquino.

Thank you to Estradas

Actress Lorna Tolentino recently announced that she would help in the campaign of deposed president Joseph “Erap” Estrada, Puwersa ng Masa standard-bearer.

Tolentino’s late husband, actor Rudy Fernandez, was the best friend of Erap’s son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who is running for reelection. The actress said this was her way of showing her gratitude to the Estradas, who had helped her family while Fernandez was still battling cancer.

Singer-actress Sarah Geromino recently joined the list of personalities supporting Villar. Like veteran comedian Dolphy and TV host Willie Revillame, Geronimo has agreed to represent Villar, this time, to the youth sector.

Geronimo is also endorsing Joy Belmonte, running mate of former actor Herbert Bautista, who is running for mayor of Quezon City.

The TVC, which features pop-rock band Rivermaya singing “Harapin ang Bagong Hamon ng Pag-asa” for administration candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, premiered last week.

This came on the heels of a protest from former Rivermaya front man, Rico Blanco, who accused Teodoro’s team of failing to ask his permission for the use of the song “Posible” in the latter’s previous TVC.

Blanco is claiming ownership of “Posible,” which also served as the official theme song of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila.

Gary V for Bro. Ed

The family of multi-awarded artist Gary Valenciano said it would support the candidacy of evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Bangon Pilipinas Party standard-bearer.

In a text message to the Inquirer, Valenciano’s wife, Angeli Pangilinan, said: “If [Villanueva] needs performers, we will be here for [him] if schedule permits. I have known Bro. Eddie since 1988. I will support him in whatever way I can. We share the same faith. I also respect his leadership and convictions.”