Showbiz A-listers Regine Velasquez and Gabby Concepcion are more than happy to use their influence to champion Filipino teachers.
For many years, both Regine and Gabby have been staunch supporters of Gabay Guro, a flagship advocacy program that aims to alleviate the lives of Filipino teachers.
Until now, the advocacy program continues to hold a special place in their heart.
Ever since Gabay Guro started 17 years ago, the Asia’s Songbird has been a constant presence in its annual celebration to honor Pinoy teachers.
Speaking at the Gabay Guro #GrandGathering2024 press conference on September 25, 2024, Regine explains why she has high regard for teachers.
“Yung teacher, nahahambing ko sa nanay. Hindi ko alam kung bakit,” she says.
“First of all yung mga nanay natin, yun ang mga unang-unang teachers natin, e, di ba?"
She then underlines the dedication of teachers in their chosen vocation.
“Yung they give everything without really expecting anything in return. So, parang feeling ko mga nanay na natin yung mga guro… o mga tatay na natin yung mga guro.”
As a mom herself, Regine says she constantly thinks about the safety and welfare of her 13-year-old son Nate every time he goes to school.
“Na-realize ko na them or Nate going to school, kalahati na ng buhay niya yun, di ba?
“So yung mga teachers, talagang second parents na nila, di ba?
“So the role of a teacher is very important sa paglaki ng mga anak natin.
“And that’s why I’m here from the very beginning until now, for 17 years.”
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Apart from performing annually at the Gabay Guro celebration, Regine is also the singer of the advocacy program’s theme song, "Believing in Me.”
The singer quips, “Wala naman talaga akong ginagawa. Kumakanta lang naman ako.
“But I’m hoping that by performing and talking to the teachers when we do these things, when we do these programs, I’m hoping that we get to inspire the teachers to keep doing what they’re doing, kasi, otherwise, walang magtuturo sa mga kabataan natin.”
Regine hopes her partnership with Gabay Guro will be until “eternity.”
“I’m just very happy and very honored to be part of this group.”
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GABBY CONCEPCION: teachers are like family
On the other hand, former matinee idol Gabby Concepcion stresses the huge impact of Gabay Guro in his life.
Gabby begins by mentioning that the Grand Gathering held in 2019 saw him and former wife Sharon Cuneta perform on one stage after so many years.
Gabby says it was a momentous occasion for him and Sharon to finally kiss and make up.
But he has been a supporter of the advocacy program since 2015.
Gabby reveals, “Very close din ang aking relationship sa intention ng Gabay Guro at yung kinalakihan ko kasi ang nanay ko ay isang guro din.
“Ang feeling ko sa mga teachers, parang pamilya ko talaga.
“Para akong pinagagalitan nila. Naaalala ko yun nung bata ako. Napagsasabihan ka, napapangaralan ka.”
He says this advocacy program allows him to use his influence for the greater good.
He continues, “Sabi ko hindi ako kailangang maging pulitikong tao para maka-touch ng puso at maging inspirasyon ng mga ibang tao…Na mabigyan mo ng inspirasyon, in this case yung mga teachers...
“Ang ginagawa ng mga teachers, nagre-reflect sa mga bata.
“Sila-sila naman ang mga nagiging magulang."
He emphasizes that teachers are invaluable figures in shaping young minds who are the future of the country.
"And of course, I believe that education has a direct relationship to building the nation. Sila rin magiging leaders natin someday.”
The Gabay Guro Grand Gathering is happening on September 29, 2024, at the Meralco Theatre in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
The special celebration is a star-studded event to be attended by Regine and Gabby, together with Sharon Cuneta, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, Randy Santiago, Jed Madela, Jona, Kuh Ledesma, Mark Bautista, Aga Muhlach with wife Charlene Gonzalez and kids Atasha and Andres, among others.
Major raffle prizes will be up for grabs, including a brand-new car.
A week after—on October 6, 2024—the Gabay Guro Wellness Fest will be held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City.