ACTRESS and Cavite 2nd District Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla turned 56 last April 13, but not with a lavish bash nor a grand party. Instead, she mounted a musical concert for her Bacooreños.

‘G na G with Ate Lani’ was the actress-politician’s free birthday concert for her beloved constituents. The much-awaited event has become a cherished tradition among the people of Bacoor every time the month of April arrives – the birth month of their Ate Lani.

The concert was headlined by Pinoy pop sensations, The Itchyworms and Flow G. The Itchyworms delivered an electrifying set, treating the audience to some of their biggest hits including ‘Kabataang Pinoy,’ ‘Ayokong Tumanda’ and ‘Beer.’

The crowd was also serenaded with a soulful rendition of ‘Di Na Muli.’ In a heartwarming moment. The group asked for a volunteer to play the guitar with the band onstage. Leoric Dadia, a native of Bacoor City, showcased his musical talents and performed the ‘It’s Showtime’ theme song.

Adding thrill and excitement to the evening, was Congressman Lani, who captivated the audience as she joined The Itchyworms in a rendition of ‘Akin Ka Na Lang.’

She was later joined by her husband, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., who surprised her with a bouquet of flowers, much to the delight of the crowd.

Filipino rapper and singer-songwriter Flow G brought the house down as he performed his famous hit, Rapstar, along with other crowd favorites like Batugan and Gwolf. He capped off his performance with the upbeat Business Talk.

Completing the show were performances by the Color Guards Alliance of the Philippines – Lizzie Aguinaldo, Justine Arceo, Kacy Medina, Brandon Miranda, Venize Olimba, Harold Orioste, Jean Posadas, Miles Seño and Kurt Urayan.

Reflecting on the significance of celebrating her birthday with the people of the City of Bacoor, Lani shared, “Celebrating my birthday with Bacooreños is truly special. Masaya ang pagkakataong ito para magsaya, magkantahan at magsayawan.

“Malaking bagay ang ibinibigay nilang suporta at pagmamahala at nagpapasalamat ako sa pagkakataong pagsilbihan silang lahat.”

Throughout the month of April, Lani will dedicate a month-long schedule of activities for her constituents in Bacoor. The city has been bustling with activities. These include free medical missions, passport on wheels, PESO (Public Employment Service Office) job fair.

Distribution of TESDA livelihood kits, free eye glasses for 500 students of public schools and a bloodletting activity for Dugong Alay, Dugtong Buhay.

New covered courts and multipurpose buildings were inaugurated in various barangays and Bacooreños received financial assistance through programs like the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD).

“Para sa taong bayan,” Lani said. “It’s giving back. Basta healthy lang, lahat kami at magpatuloy ang magandang blessings, para sa aming pamilya. Masaya na ‘yun for me.”

She wished, however, that she can travel more with her husband, Senator Bong, with whom she has been married for 38 years in May 2024. She dreams of visiting Switzerland and relieve the romantic sites featured in the Korean drama series, Crash Landing on You (2019), starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin.

Lani, who’s serving her first term as Congressman, the only female actress in Congresss, insisted she is not running for a higher position next term (2025). “Maaga pa,” she maintained. “Si Senator Bong tatakbo pa ng (senator) sa 2025.

“Most likely, I will run for the same position in the next elections. Marami pa akong gustong ma-accomplish sa Congress.

“I have two more terms. So far, happy naman ang publiko sa serbisyo namin. ‘Alagang Ate Lani’ ang tawag namin sa serbisyo ko sa Bacoor. Ever since, noong tumakbo ako in 2010, ‘yun na ang tawag namin.

“Since tatakbo kaming lahat for different positions in the next elections, ginawa na lang namin na Alagang Revilla. So hindi na malilito ang mga tao.”