04/09/2026
HIMIG NG BAYAN: WHEN THE RAIN COULDN’T STOP THE MUSIC
Some nights are planned. Others become unforgettable because of the challenges we overcome together.
The morning of August 29 began with heavy rains. By early afternoon, with the weather still uncertain, questions started coming in: Should we cancel the Himig ng Bayan concert with Noel Cabangon?
It was a difficult decision to make. But behind every event are people who had already given their time, effort, and commitment. Our cooks were preparing the dinner. Our waiters were getting the venue ready. Our management and rank-and-file employees had braved the floods to report for work. Our performers and production team had prepared for weeks. Our caterer had already purchased fresh ingredients for our guests. And there were our members and guests who had cleared their schedules because they were looking forward to spending the evening with us.
After carefully considering the situation and keeping everyone's safety in mind, Club President Atty. Dot Gancayco made the decision to push through with the concert. It turned out to be a decision that was never to be regretted.
As the evening came, the rains eased. The guests arrived. The lights came on. And suddenly, all the uncertainty of the day seemed to disappear.
The evening began with a heartfelt tribute to the late Atty. Joe Sison and his family.
His son, Atty. Jopet Sison, received a plaque of appreciation from Membership Committee Co-Chair Gabby Claudio, Club Director Becca de la Cruz and President Dot. Director Joe’s beloved wife, Tita Josie, was presented with a bouquet of flowers.
A special video tribute, (made by our very own employees Jeff and Suzanne), brought tears to the eyes of many in the room—a beautiful reminder of the life, friendship, and memories Atty. Joe left behind.
Our very own Celebrity Club Employees’ Dance Troupe followed with a lively folkdance medley. Their enthusiasm and dedication made us incredibly proud.
The audience was then treated to the beautiful voices of Lionel and Cynthia Guico, whose Filipino medleys brought us back to our roots and reminded us of the beauty of our own language, music, and heritage.
In her Inspirational Speech that followed the Front Act, Atty. Dot Gancayco said that there could hardly have been a more fitting artist for this celebration of Buwan ng Wika, Ninoy Aquino Day, and National Heroes Day - than Mr. Noel Cabangon. His music, Atty. Dot further said, tells our stories—of ordinary people, our struggles and frustrations, our dreams, our memories, and our enduring hope. And, despite the years and countless accolades, Noel remained to be humble.
For two hours, Noel Cabangon filled Celebrity Club with beautiful and memorable OPM songs. Our guests sang along, laughed, reminisced, and simply enjoyed being together. And when the show ended, it was clear that no one was quite ready to let him go.
A successful event is never the work of one person. It is the result of many people quietly doing their part. We thank our Celebrity Club Management, led by GM Leo, AGM Anna, ES Rev, and the entire management and staff; our performers, production team, committee members, officers, volunteers, and everyone who worked behind the scenes.
Our appreciation also goes to our emcee Atty. Arnold Naval, Secretary Gabby Claudio, Directors Rebecca Dela Cruz and Atty. Greg Buhain, the Rotary Club of Cubao Central, the UP Concert Chorus alumni, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Nepomuceno of Pick-a-Pearl Celebrity, Casey and Calvin Capacete of Spotlight Music School, our Sports Committee Chair Gerry Gabriel, Swimming Committee member B**g Aquino, Congresswoman Nanette Castelo and their guests, all our friends and partners, and everyone who helped make the evening possible.
Special thanks to Doña Amanda Filipino Restaurant for the wonderful dinner, as well as PICKAPEARL Celebrity Club and the Celebrity Souvenir & Gift Shop for their support.
Most of all, we thank every member and guest who chose to brave the rains. You could have stayed home. Instead, you came. And because you did, we shared a night filled with music, memories, friendship, and Filipino pride.
Himig ng Bayan reminded us that sometimes, the most memorable nights are the ones we almost didn't get to experience.
Until our next Celebrity Night!
