Stars turn out for 10,500 teachers at Big Dome
Oct. 5 is celebrated as World Teachers’ Day and, in many countries, including the Philippines, it also marks National Teachers’ Day (NTD). This year’s theme, “Teacher, Ikaw Naman!,” was a fitting tribute to our teachers, our children’s second parents, whose tireless and selfless efforts often go unnoticed and whose work is not always adequately compensated or appreciated.
It was the National Capital Region’s turn to host this year’s NTD celebration at the Araneta Coliseum. Last Monday, some 10,500 teachers trooped to the Big Dome for an afternoon of fun, entertainment and the chance to win hundreds of prizes, including three brand-new cars, 10 motorcycles, gadgets, and cash prizes from the Department of Education’s (DepEd) various partners.
The festivities began with the arrival of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM), who was welcomed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, accompanied by his wife, Tootsy. Among the other VIPs were House Speaker Bojie Dy III, former Sen. Mar Roxas, and Mayors Joy Belmonte, Nancy Binay and Lani Cayetano. Interestingly, the three mayors were seated right beside one another, a sight that might put to rest rumors of a deep divide between Makati and Taguig.
Also in attendance were Mayors Francis Zamora, John Rey Tiangco, Along Malapitan and Jeannie Sandoval, as well as congressmen Roman Romulo, Arjo Atayde, Patrick Vargas, Bong Suntay and Franz Pumaren.
Once Pres. Bongbong was seated, the lights went out, ushering in a spectacular LED light show by Electro Fire. The dazzling display drew plenty of oohs and aahs from the audience.
The light show was followed by a music video, featuring the Mandaluyong children’s choir performing I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing, the timeless song that became a classic Coca-Cola jingle in the ‘70s. Midway through the video, students from a Mandaluyong high school presented red roses to the VIPs, including the President in the front row. I noticed PBBM, Speaker Dy, and Mar Roxas singing along. The familiar tune had clearly stirred fond memories.
In his address, the President expressed his appreciation and admiration for teachers and their invaluable contribution to the country. He spoke of his personal connection to the profession, noting that his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, was a teacher, while his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, taught law at West Visayas State University and Mariano Marcos State University.
He also underscored education as a priority of his administration, citing the sector’s record-high budget for the year. Among the accomplishments and initiatives he highlighted were the promotion of more than 82,105 teachers under the Expanded Career Progression System, with another 100,000-plus expected to be promoted next year. Other benefits included a doubled teaching allowance of P10,000, a P7,000 medical subsidy and five days of paid wellness leave. He also recognized 16 teachers involved in Indigenous Peoples Education.
Unfortunately, the President could not stay for the rest of the program. Had he remained, he would have enjoyed an afternoon packed with entertainment, hosted by stand-up comedians Alex Calleja and Kakai Bautista.
The show opened with Khel Pangilinan and the Yudawans performing crowd favorites such as Bagsakan, Jopay and Araw Gabi. Khel never failed to captivate an audience, and the teachers were more than happy to sing along.
Next up was Raymond Lauchengco, who brought the Big Dome crowd to its feet as everyone joined in on familiar hits such as Growing Up, I Need You Back, Farewell and Just Got Lucky. Alden Richards followed, even offering to become the next ambassador of education. Donny Pangilinan was another crowd-pleaser, drawing excited cheers as he performed Balisong.
The energy soared further with a vocal showdown between Donita Nose and Verna Periwinkle. Their performances of Nosi Balasi, Flashlight, Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw, It’s All Coming Back to Me Now and Dancing Queen showcased their impressive vocal range. It was my first time seeing these two performers live, and I was genuinely amazed by their powerful voices, especially when they hit the high notes.
Piolo Pascual was next, drawing enthusiastic cheers as he serenaded the teachers with Hallelujah, Babe and Hanggang Kailan.
Gabay Guro, the education arm of the PLDT-Smart Foundation, brought the girl group of Star Worx to the stage. Composed of Selina Griffin, Carmela Lorzano, Kaitlin King and Gianna Huelgas, the group sang and danced to End of Time.
Pops Fernandez followed with a lively ’70s medley featuring I Love the Nightlife, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Last Dance. Jona then delivered a powerful performance of I Will Always Love You and Electric Dreams.
Ariel Rivera, once known as the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” in the ’90s, proved that he has lost none of his charm. The audience happily sang along as he performed beloved hits such as Smile in Your Heart, Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin and Sana Ngayong Pasko.
The Baby Dolls then took over the stage, sashaying to the beat as they performed lively numbers, including Ikembot Mo, Ooh La La Baby and Meme.
For the grand finale, Aegis brought the house down with a string of hits, including Buhay Ko, Mangarap Ka, Basang-Basa sa Ulan, Luha, Sayang, Halik and Christmas Bonus. As the program drew to a close, some teachers made their way onto the stage to join the performers, proving that educators certainly know how to let their hair down.
Beyond the star-studded performances, the celebration was a reminder that teachers deserve to be recognized, appreciated, and celebrated — not just on Oct. 5, but every day of the year.
To all our teachers, thank you for your endless patience, wisdom and love, which you so generously share with the generations you help shape. This day was for you!
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