Duran Duran Performs At Bongbong Marcos’ 67th Birthday Party
BONGBONG MARCOS – British pop rock band Duran Duran performed at President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. birthday party.
The birthday celebration for President Marcos last Friday, featuring a performance by British pop rock band Duran Duran, has stirred controversy after an alleged event invitation with the presidential seal as the letterhead surfaced online.
Marking Marcos’ 67th birthday, the event attracted social media attention when vlogger Sass Rogando Sasot claimed the private concert was taxpayer-funded and urged Filipinos to visit the Marriott Hotel in Pasay to witness it.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) later clarified that the party was organized by Marcos’ friends at a Pasay hotel, with the President surprised by the Duran Duran performance. The PCO also emphasized that no government funds were used for the event.
However, criticism persisted after social media posts showed a supposed invitation sent to politicians and business leaders, reportedly featuring the Office of the President’s logo. Other posts described alleged instructions for guests, including a request to refrain from taking photos or videos to keep the atmosphere “cozy and private.”
According to the report, the posts also mentioned that guests were asked to leave their phones in their cars or check them in at the reception, with the assurance that a videographer would document the event and a “secure roaming photo booth” would be available for keepsake photos.
Critics condemned the celebration as insensitive to the hardships of Filipinos, with some suggesting it violated the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, which prohibits officials from accepting gifts, entertainment, or favors in connection with their official duties.
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