CreaZion Studios and CreaZion Studios Artists recently hosted Dare Charo, the 50th Anniversary in the Philippine Entertainment Industry and 70th Birthday Celebration of Charo Santos-Concio, held at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila.
The event gathered her family, friends, colleagues, and mentees to honor her remarkable legacy and celebrate how she has touched the lives of countless creatives and visionaries in the local entertainment industry.
The program opened with leading men Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales, and Dingdong Dantes, who serenaded Ms. Charo with her favorite songs. This was followed by heartfelt messages from Ms. Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo and Ms. Helen Gamboa-Sotto, who then called on Sharon Cuneta and Martin Nievera to perform Both Sides Now, creating a moment that truly made the evening unforgettable.
Adding a touch of wit and warmth, Vice Ganda took on the “roast” of Ma’am Charo with grace and good humor. Dimples Romana, who once worked under her at ABS-CBN, followed with heartfelt reflections, sharing some of her most cherished memories and the invaluable lessons she learned from Ms. Charo. Kuh Ledesma then delivered a stirring performance of one of Santos-Concio’s recent favorites, Hymne à L’amour.
“Ang taas ng respeto ng lahat sa inyo, ubod-ningning hanggang ngayon. Ang dami n’yong napatunayan, ang dami n’yong karangalan, at ang dignidad n’yo ay napakataas. Kaya kanina, iniisip ko, sabi ko, ‘Ang dami n’yong na-achieve, ang taas ng tingin n’yo sa kanya—bakit kailangang umabot na nagsasayaw ka ng chicken banana sa TikTok?!” Vice Ganda quipped during the roast.
Tributes also poured in from her mentees and industry leaders such as Direk Olivia Lamasan, Linggit Tan, and Leo Katigbak, as well as from beloved actresses Judy Ann Santos, Bea Alonzo, and Belle Mariano, who shared the wisdom and guidance they have received from CSC over the years.
“Nangyari ang Mara Clara ng limang taon sa ABS-CBN. Dahil sa bawat taon na dapat matitigok na kami, ipinaglalaban kami ni Ma’am Charo. Nakikinig siya sa amin. And that’s how and when my career started. Happy birthday, Ma’am Charo, mahal na mahal kita. May you continue your legacy in this industry because your wisdom will go a long way. We will be inspired by you forever,” shared Judy Ann Santos.
The evening concluded with heartwarming song and dance numbers from Ms. Charo’s family—a fitting finale to a night filled with love, admiration, and gratitude.
“Well, believe it or not, it took a lot of convincing for CSC to agree to this celebration. She even asked me, sabi niya, ‘Am I worth celebrating? Mag-aabala ka, mang-aabala pa ba tayo ng mga tao? Sa maikling panahon na nakilala ko si CSC, siya yung taong ayaw mang-istorbo, ayaw magpa-asikaso,” CreaZion Studios CEO RJ Agustin who hosted the event said during his welcoming speech. “Tonight we celebrate not just her journey but the legacy she continues to build.,” Agustin added.
Apart from the big names and celebrities, those spotted at the intimate celebration included Dr. Aivee Teo, ABS-CBN Head of Digital Jamie Lopez, Former ABS-CBN President of Creative Programs, Inc. Ernie Lopez, and his wife Michelle Lopez, ABS-CBN Corporation Chairman Mark Lopez, ABS-CBN Corporation President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, Former ABS-CBN President, Federico “FMG” Garcia, Former Managing Director of Star Cinema Malou Santos, Leo Katigbak, and Director Olivia Lamasan.
This unforgettable celebration was made possible through the partnership with The Watch Reserve, Katalia Fine Jewelry, and Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, and the support by Sun Life Financial—Sun Life, your partner for life, Rolling Stone Philippines, Nice Print Photography, and Manila Craft Mixes & Brews Mobile Bar.
There will only ever be one Charo Santos-Concio. As she enters a new chapter in her storied journey, she continues to prove that true legends never retire—they evolve. Her enduring presence in the industry shines brighter than ever, driven by her brilliance, generosity, and unwavering commitment to telling stories that inspire. Charo embodies the spirit of reinvention, embracing new challenges and exciting roles with the same passion and malasakit that have defined her continuous legacy.
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