(From left) Kiko Pangilinan, President Bongbong Marcos, Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Sharon Cuneta during the 5th “Konsyerto sa Palasyo.” Image: Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta
Politics took a backseat at the annual “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” where Sharon Cuneta and her husband, former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, were among the guests of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in Malacañanang on Sunday night, December 15.
The fifth concert edition was held at the historic Kalayaan Grounds, coinciding with the 5oth Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) where some celebrities whose films are participating in the festival took to the stage and were honored.
Cuneta shared their interaction with the Marcoses on her Instagram page, saying it was an event filled with “nothing but love and other friends.” She also recalled some of her unforgettable memories when she was in Malacañang, saying it was the place where she saw a disco “for the very first time,” and saw then visiting Pope Paul VI, among other memories.
“When we arrived tonight, I got the warmest hug from the FL (Araneta-Marcos), like no time had passed! And then, of course, the warmest, biggest hug from the President. With some side kwento (stories), just like old times! Thank you so much again, Mr. President and Madam First Lady,” she said.
Marcos and Pangilinan — who is seeking reelection in the 2025 mid-term polls — came from two opposing political camps in the 2022 presidential elections, where the latter ran for vice president, losing to Sara Duterte-Carpio. Marcos and Duterte eventually won an overwhelming lead over Pangilinan and his presidential running mate, Leni Robredo.
Celebrating the 50th MMFF
Other celebrities who graced the event were Vice Ganda, Gladys Reyes, Kokoy de Santos, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Ruru Madrid, Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, and Sylvia Sanchez.
SUPORTAHAN NATIN ANG PELIKULANG PILIPINO 💖✨
Present ang #AndTheBreadwinner cast, Vice Ganda, Gladys Reyes, and Kokoy De Santos, sa Konsyerto sa Palasyo—isang pagdiriwang sa Malacañang kasama ang producers at mga bida ng MMFF 2024 entries! 🏆💖
10 araw na lang na lang, Pasko… pic.twitter.com/YLUFTvJful
— Star Cinema (@StarCinema) December 15, 2024
Dumalo sa Konsyerto sa Palasyo Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino sina GMA Pictures President Annette Gozon-Valdes at GMA Primetime Action Hero Ruru Madrid upang i-represent ang pelikulang ‘Green Bones.’ #GreenBonesMovie #MMFF50 #MMFF2024 pic.twitter.com/7dLkiCpJXN
— GMA Pictures (@GMAPictures) December 15, 2024
BAGO MAG KILOMETER ZERO, KONSYERTO SA PALASYO Muna! ✨💙💫
Maraming salamat sa lahat ng tumutok sa #MyFutureYouMMFF stars – Francine Diaz at Seth Fedelin sa Konsyerto sa Palacio! #MyFutureYouMMFF is part of the Metro Manila Film Festival. A film by Crisanto B. Aquino, produced… pic.twitter.com/olJkg55eoG
— Regal Entertainment Inc. (@RegalFilms) December 15, 2024
Also invited to the star-studded concert were Julia Barretto, Enrique Gil, Lorna Tolentino, JC Santos, Chanda Romero, and Aicelle Santos.
Reunited: BJ Maniego & Dr. Anton Maniego (of MBAP)
Neighbors Enrique Gil & Tirso Cruz III with his wife Lynn Cruz at the Konsyerto sa Palasyo Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino#EnriqueGil#StrangeFrequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital full content in theaters December 25
IGs 12.16.2024 pic.twitter.com/FpdGNgtp6g
— 𝕷𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖔 𝖉𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍 💕 👩❤️👨¹⁰²⁴¹⁴ (@Inlababububeaw) December 15, 2024
The 50th edition of the MMFF will be held from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7, 2025, with 10 competing entries, namely, “And the Breadwinner Is…,” “Green Bones,” “Uninvited,” “Espantaho,” “The Kingdom,” “My Future You,” “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital,” “Topakk,” “Isang Himala,” and “Hold Me Close.”
One of its most awaited segments include the Parade of Stars which will be held in Manila on December 21.