As a sign of positive things to come, Luis “Chavit” Singson will be more visible on the showbiz scene in the succeeding days.
“That’s right!” he says. “I will venture into movie production in an attempt to help the industry. I know that many film workers need a job at this point.”
Unknown to some, the former Ilocos Sur governor is not really new to producing movies.
“My mother used to produce films in the ‘60s via Northern Star Productions. I know the ins and outs of the business. Now, I’m just reviving our film outfit for a good cause. I want to come up with commercially viable projects as well as promising indie offerings for movie aficionados”
Apart from producing films, Chavit is also excited with his upcoming TV show titled Happy Life.
“Actually, this is one of my ways to give back to the people. In this show, deserving beneficiaries will be given the chance to travel while surprise gifts await them when they reach their journey’s end … like a house and lot. Yes, we will search for a donor or if we cannot find one, I will provide the prize myself.
“Through this program, we also want to give a fresh start to hardworking individuals and organizations. My team is actually making the rounds in various parts of the country to shoot lovely tourist spots. We want to finish 12 episodes and as of now, we already shot seven. The show has a good concept and I’m just making negotiations as to which network we would air it.”
Speaking of huge projects, the still very agile political kingpin will be one of the major sponsors of the 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant to be held in the Philippines.
“It’s almost 80 percent sure that we will host next year’s edition of the prestigious beauty tilt which date will be on Jan. 30. What’s lacking is formalities. Actually, even before our recent elections, I was already in talks with the Miss Universe Organization. They requested me to take a huge and active part in the implementation of the grand project. I committed right away since I know this will be very good for our tourism. It’s also one way to show my support to the Duterte administration,” he reveals.
A whopping $12 M is the amount needed in order to mount the production of the biggest beauty pageant in the world.
“Well, it really entails a very huge amount to cover such popular event. For this gargantuan venture, I’m partnering with the Department of Tourism headed by Ms. Wanda Teo plus the private sector, which I’m personally coordinating. We are all working hard to come up with the said amount. This will be a big help to our government because it will not shell out money for this event.
“So, we’re asking support from various NGO’s (non-government organizations), my companies and other private groups which have the resources. Mr. Tonyboy Cojuangco is with me in this endeavor. Also extending their support are Mr. Henry Sy of SM who agreed for the Mall of Asia (MOA) to be used in one of the huge activities of the pageant. And so does the big hotels and the leading casinos like Kazuo Okada’s team, Resorts World, Solaire and City of Dreams which all pledged to help in the accommodations of the candidates and their respective entourage, the media and other important guests. They’ll be staying in the country for almost a month.”
Converted to Philippine Peso, the total budget will reach five hundred million pesos.
“And it’s a very huge amount, right? We’re not expecting that we will earn out of this. Of course, we’ll have sponsors but looking at the amount, it’s difficult to grow your capital. But we don’t mind since all of our local businesses will have exposure in the proceedings,” states Chavit.
It is reported that for the Miss Universe beauty pageant, his team will also prepare various modes of transportation to be used by the candidates.
“We have a 148-seater plane, luxury buses and a mega yacht. The two-decker yacht is made in Italy and will be delivered here from Spain. It’s designed by the world-renowned yacht designer Alpha Marine. As for its name, we’re still choosing between Miss Universe and Happy Life, the title of my upcoming travel show.”
Expectedly, Vigan will be featured in the pageant as one of the pageant’s main destinations.
“Oh yes! Especially that it’s officially declared as one of the New Seven Wonder Cities of the World. But we agreed that we split destinations, like one preliminary event can be held in Vigan while another one is being staged simultaneously in Davao. I don’t think one province can accommodate everybody.”
Chavit also takes pride in Baluarte, an interactive wildlife sanctuary he designed and developed whose main aim is to facilitate education apart from conserving and protecting endangered species.
“Actually, what inspired me to put up this zoo is my hunting hobby,” he avers. “For years, I’ve been traveling the world for this purpose and was able to reach countries as far as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia, Sweden and New Zealand. From each destination, I brought home beautiful souvenirs like elephant, buffalo, rhino, lions, etc. I had all these animals shipped to Baluarte so that Filipinos who can’t afford to visit said countries will see them in the flesh for free.”
Baluarte is getting more exciting over the years since it was first built.
“When I finished my term as Ilocos Sur Governor, I had more time to travel and hunt so, more animals were added in here. They surely provide more excitement and fanfare to the place and that’s my goal for Baluarte to become the ultimate fauna spot in the country.”
Interestingly, he may no longer hold the key post in Ilocos Sur but Chavit continues to be a pillar of support and inspiration to the new generation of leaders, particularly his children.
“I already relinquished my throne to them, so to speak. For one, they’re more aggressive, dynamic and idealistic at this point. Who knows, they have better ideas, right? You can never tell. All I do is support and guide them considering my vast experience in the field. Actually, I’m training my children to continue my legacy and I’m happy that they’re on the right track.”
Despite his announcement the previous year that he’s no longer interested to run for public office, many got surprised when he ran for a seat in the council of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
“For those who don’t know yet, my maiden political experience was running as councilor for Vigan which I topped then. This time though, I just wanted to help this small town shine and realize its huge potential. I went to Narvacan on purpose since it’s the only town that boasts of a big budget but hasn’t shown any progress. Imagine, among Ilocos Sur’s 32 municipalities, Narvacan is the only one which doesn’t have new municipal buildings and market and yet, it’s the biggest beneficiary of Republic Act 7171 which I authored,” ends Chavit.