MVP gets an 80th birthday surprise on ‘Vibe’
Last Saturday, July 11, I had the pleasure of watching “Vibe Plus” (stylized on-air as Vibe+) live at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong. Formerly known as “Vibe,” the weekly TV5 musical program continues to champion Original Pilipino Music (OPM). With its refreshed format, however, the show now also embraces international hits and current music trends, broadening its appeal to a wider audience.
The episode was broadcast live that same evening, just three days before the 80th birthday of Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) on July 14, making it a timely celebration of the MediaQuest Holdings chairman. The show’s theme, “Reaching for Your Dreams,” was a fitting tribute to the business leader whose vision has shaped the MVP Group of Companies.
Present in the audience were executives from several MVP companies, including Smart, PLDT, Meralco and Maya, who were clearly enjoying the night’s performances. Also drawing considerable attention was the arrival of San Miguel Corporation chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang (RSA), whose presence sparked renewed speculation in both business and entertainment circles about the long-rumored possibility of MVP and RSA investing in ABS-CBN Corporation.
For one evening, however, business took a back seat as the spotlight belonged entirely to the performers.
The show opened with “Vibe+” hosts Dylan Menor, Ana Ramsay, Ryle Santiago, Queenay Mercado, Joao Constancia and Carmela Lorzano, joined by Star Worx Block 1 artist Chan Martin, performing SB19’s inspirational hit Go Up.
Ryle, Joao and guest performer Poppert Bernadas followed with an energetic rendition of the Eraserheads classic Huwag Kang Matakot.
Sheryn Regis delivered a stirring performance of Angeline Quinto’s Patuloy ang Pangarap, later joined by Star Worx Block 1 artists Carmela and Selina Griffin.
Dylan teamed up with Bituin Escalante and Ronnie Liang for a heartfelt interpretation of Nais Ko, the timeless Basil Valdez classic.
The first half of the program concluded with a rousing ensemble performance of Yeng Constantino’s Salamat, featuring the “Vibe+” hosts together with guests Sheryn, Bituin, Poppert Bernadas and Ronnie.
One of the evening’s highlights was the introduction of the newest “Vibe+” host, Gigi de Lana. Through a special video presentation, the powerhouse singer was welcomed to the show before taking the stage to perform a medley of Rivermaya classics — 214, Ulan and Awit ng Kabataan — showcasing the vocal prowess that has made her one of today’s most sought-after performers.
Guiding the entire production was acclaimed director and talent mentor Johnny Manahan, affectionately known as Mr. M. Aside from directing “Vibe+,” he also serves as the driving force behind Star Worx, the talent development arm whose promising young artists were prominently featured throughout the evening.
The energy level soared when the Star Worx Block 1 artists — Adam Buck, Amo Wilding, Chan Martin, Nico Matugas, Patrick Ballesteros, Spencer Capistrano, Wayne Leonard, Carmela, Celyn David, Kaitlin King, Keisha Serna, Marthena Jickain, Nathalie Apollo, Rahil Gatali, Selina and Steph Razon — took the stage. The audience erupted in cheers as they performed the upbeat Accelerada.
The young artists also showcased their versatility through a heartwarming duet by Chan and Marthena performing Man I Need, followed by Never Ending Midnight Sun, beautifully interpreted by Selina, Carmela, Nathalie, Rahil and Kaitlin.
The Star Worx Block 1 artists are set to become semi-regular performers on “Vibe+,” bringing fresh talent and youthful energy to the program as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.
Midway through the show, Enrique Gil, lead star of the top-rating “A Secret in Prague” (airing weeknights at 8:40 p.m. on TV5), made a surprise appearance carrying a birthday cake adorned with eight candles in honor of MVP’s 80th birthday. The audience then broke into a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday, making for one of the evening’s most memorable moments.
The musical celebration continued with performances by pop-rock band Magnus Haven and singer-songwriter and beauty queen Dia Mate, further showcasing the program’s diverse lineup of established and emerging artists.
The finale belonged to hit band IMAGO, which delighted the audience with crowd favorites Taralets and Akap. The “Vibe+” hosts later joined the band onstage for a spirited performance of Sundo, bringing the show to an energetic and feel-good conclusion.
The one-and-a-half-hour program was a seamless blend of inspiring music, youthful talent and memorable performances. Mr. M once again demonstrated his flair for mounting first-rate musical productions. As he aptly remarked, “We know what we’re doing, and we have a very good show.”
After the live broadcast, I had the opportunity to ask MVP how he liked the program. With a smile, he said he thoroughly enjoyed the show and was especially happy to see so many talented young performers taking the stage.
The launch of “Vibe+” sends a clear message: great music knows no boundaries, and great talent deserves a stage where it can be discovered and celebrated. As the program broadens its horizons while remaining true to its commitment to OPM, it embodies the very theme of the evening — reaching for one’s dreams.
Happy 80th birthday, MVP. May your vision continue to inspire programs like “Vibe+” to champion Filipino talent, embrace new possibilities and encourage future generations to keep reaching for the stars.
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