Honoring the Heroes of Learning, Builders of Tomorrow
If Gabay Guro was a woman, she’d be celebrating her debut this year — stepping into adulthood with grace, confidence, and a heart full of purpose.
For 18 years, this beloved education movement has been at the heart of the nation’s efforts to uplift and empower Filipino teachers — the real heroes who shape minds, build futures, and keep the country’s dreams alive.
Launched in 2007 by the PLDT-Smart Foundation and the PLDT Managers’ Club, Inc., Gabay Guro has grown into one of the Philippines’ most impactful teacher advocacy programs. What started as a corporate social responsibility initiative has become a national movement — a symbol of how private institutions and educators can work hand in hand to transform communities.
This year, the movement marks a major milestone with the Gabay Guro Grand Gathering 2025, happening on October 25 (Saturday) at the Meralco Theatre. Themed “Our Teachers: Heroes of Learning, Builders of Tomorrow,” the celebration promises an unforgettable night of music, gratitude, and inspiration — a fitting “coming of age” for a program that has spent nearly two decades nurturing the nation’s educators.
Star Power: A Night of Music and Gratitude
Over the years, Gabay Guro’s Grand Gathering has become a must-see event — a one-of-a-kind concert where the country’s biggest names share the stage to celebrate teachers. And this year’s “debut” promises to be its grandest yet.
Headlining the night is none other than Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, whose voice has been the soundtrack to generations of dreamers and achievers. Joining her onstage are OPM greats Jed Madela, Jona, Erik Santos, Jamie Rivera, and Poppert Bernadas, whose performances will surely bring both energy and emotion to the Meralco Theatre.
Adding color and flair to the celebration, Precious Paula Nicole, winner of Drag Race Philippines Season 1, will light up the stage with her trademark artistry and empowerment. The show will also feature Teacher Georcelle and G-Force, setting the tone with a high-energy opening number.
The program will be hosted by MJ Lastimosa and Dylan Menor, whose charm and humor will guide the audience through an evening of heartfelt performances, laughter, and surprises.
A Legacy of Gratitude and Growth
Behind every success story is a teacher who believed first. Gabay Guro’s mission has always been to give back that same belief — by supporting educators through scholarships, digital innovation, and sustainable livelihood programs.
Under the leadership of Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Chairperson of Gabay Guro, mWell President and CEO, and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), the program continues to expand its reach across the country.
“This year’s Grand Gathering is more than a show — it’s a love letter to our teachers,” said Cabal-Revilla. “Every performance and every story shared on stage is our way of saying thank you. Teachers deserve to be celebrated the same way they’ve celebrated our victories all our lives.”
18 Years of Milestones; Empowering Educators
Like any debutante ready to take on the world, Gabay Guro enters its 18th year with confidence — backed by results that speak volumes:
Over 2,800 scholarships granted to future educators, with nearly 1,900 graduates now serving in schools nationwide.
59 double classrooms donated to 22 municipalities, improving access to quality education.
More than 50,000 teachers trained in modern pedagogy and digital skills.
Hundreds of laptops, tablets, and broadband devices distributed to support remote and hybrid learning.
Half a million teachers reached through Grand Gatherings and regional TeacherFests.
Launch of the Gabay Guro App, an all-in-one digital platform offering free lesson tools, e-learning content, and even a PayMaya-powered e-wallet for teachers’ financial inclusion.
Each milestone reflects the movement’s promise — to build not just classrooms, but confidence, community, and change.
A Grand Celebration for the Builders of Tomorrow
The Gabay Guro Grand Gathering 2025 isn’t just a concert — it’s a heartfelt tribute to the tireless dedication of Filipino educators. Teachers attending the event can look forward to exciting raffle prizes, including ₱1 million in cash, Cignal entertainment packages, gift certificates, and a brand-new Cherry Tiggo Touring car.
The event is free for teachers, with registration coursed through their DepEd divisions. For those who can’t make it to Meralco Theatre, the celebration will be livestreamed on the official Gabay Guro Facebook and YouTube pages, bringing the joy to classrooms and homes across the country.
Turning 18 is more than a celebration — it’s a commitment to maturity, resilience, and new beginnings. For Gabay Guro, it’s a reminder that education is the foundation of nation-building, and teachers are the architects of that future.
From classrooms to concert halls, from chalkboards to digital screens, Gabay Guro continues to honor and empower the heroes who keep the Filipino dream alive.
