Thousands gathered at the Metro Naga Sports Complex on Friday night as Vice Ganda headlined the opening of the Isarog International Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival, joining Leni Robredo onstage in a mix of humor and appreciation.
The mayor expressed gratitude for the comedian’s quick agreement to perform despite receiving only a single message, noting the turnout extended beyond local residents. “Hindi lang sila lahat taga-Naga. Dumayo sila just for you. Kaya maraming-maraming salamat,” she said, referring to attendees who traveled from across the Bicol region.
Vice responded with a message highlighting Robredo’s leadership, telling the audience, “Naga is the heart; you are our heart. You are our hope. We need you to continue hoping for a wonderful future, not just for our families, but for the entire Philippines. Tama? Gusto naming maranasan ‘yung luwag ng kalooban.” The host also shared a broader sentiment for the country, adding, “Sana lahat tayo, sana buong Pilipinas, ganyan araw-araw.”
Throughout the evening, Vice blended praise with humor, including light remarks about potential future announcements. “Huwag kang mapressure. Next year pa tayo mag-aannounce. For now, i-enjoy muna ni Madam Leni ang Naga,” the comedian quipped, before drawing laughter with, “Promise po, magpapakalalaki ako tumakbo ka lang ulit!”
Robredo, who secured a decisive win as Naga’s first female mayor in 2025, earlier clarified that she does not plan to pursue a national position in 2028, emphasizing her focus on local governance. She has also indicated interest in seeking another term, citing the limits of a three-year tenure. “Ako sa tingin ko, ang three years maiksi. Maiksi siya para gawin ang lahat. In fact, very frustrating para sa akin… na marami ang gusto kong gawin na hindi ko mamadali dahil kailangan kong i-navigate ang bureaucracy. Dahil marami rin ang hindi ko control,” she said.
Vice, who supported her during the 2022 elections, previously encouraged reconsideration of that decision, pointing to public demand for leadership. “Marami namang nagsabi na kung sila lang, hindi na sila tatakbo, pero dahil sa clamor at sa kagustuhan nilang makapagsilbi. Kasi ang desisyon ng pagtakbo at pagiging pangulo ay hindi naman desisyon para sa sarili. Kaya maraming tao ang naiiba ‘yung desisyon nila kasi nare-realize nilang this is not just about me,” Vice said in an interview with the Philippine Star.
