It wasn’t just star-studded, it was also song-filled. President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay’s inauguration on June 30 was indeed amped up in both emotion and star factor, witnessed by a reported crowd of about 500,000.

To signal the start of the festivities, Charice sang the national anthem as arranged by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. According to “TV Patrol,” Charice came home all the way from the States to give in to Kris Aquino’s request for her to do the honors.

And unlike previous instances when pop celebrities singing the national anthem during several boxing matches of Manny Pacquiao in the U.S. resulted in much controversy, this time the National Historical Institute (NHI) readily praised Charice’s rendition.

Teddy Atienza, chief of NHI’s Heraldry Section, told abs-cbnNEWS.com, "Okay na okay na. Tama lang ‘yon. At hindi nahirapan kumanta pati ang mga sumabay at pati ang audience."

And to congratulate her for a job well done, Atienza said he would send Charice and her mom, Raquel, an email —surely an exciting prospect for the blossoming international star. Atienza likewise praised singer-composer Cayabyab for always being a strong advocate of the proper way of singing the national anthem.

Atienza said, "Mabuti nga at nandoon si Mr. Ryan Cayabyab. Siya ang nagsusulong na ma-preserve ang national anthem natin sa original na composition."

As for Charice, she is admittedly happy about the praise she's received from the NHI. And in a short interview with “24 Oras,” Charice said, “Iba pa rin po talaga ‘yung maging part ka ng history especially kung about sa Philippines talaga.”

Aside from Charice’s non-controversial rendition of “Lupang Hinirang,” various singers also took to the stage to entertain the illustrious guests and the massive crowd. The Philippine Madrigal Singers sang “Bayan Ko,” while the APO got together again for a reunion of sorts to sing “Ang Minamahal Kong Pilipinas.”

Sweethearts Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid delivered President Noynoy’s campaign jingle; and for the first time, the President’s inauguration song, “Ang Bagong Pilipinas” written by Alcasid and Noel Cabangon, was sung in full. At various times, Cabagon, Christian Bautista and even Gary Valenciano also performed on stage.

Besides much music, the inauguration of the country’s 15th President was a colorful show of impressive Ternos and Filipiniana costumes, blending with the sea of yellow that a lot of the invited guests had chosen to wear.

Charice herself had two different Filipiniana gowns for the occasion—one a simple pink for her interviews prior to the festivities; the other, a black and yellow Terno, for when she sang the National Anthem. Both outfits were reportedly given to her by her godmother, Kris.

The Aquino sisters, on the other hand, were united in their yellow colors with Kris in a Randy Ortiz gown while Pinky Abellada, Ballsy Cruz and Viel Dee were in Paul Cabral creations.

Not to be outdone, the other celebrities also came dressed to impress. Velasquez was in a Patis Tesoro gown, which she said she had kept for some time to be worn specifically for this special ocassion. Gretchen Barretto may have shown up with a simple yet elegant gown, but of course she didn’t fail to point out, as “24 Oras” reported, the expensive pearl necklace she was wearing.

For the most stunning celebrity couples in attendance, Leyte Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez was a vision in a pink Joe Salazar gown while husband Richard Gomez was equally impressive in a Barong by Randy Ortiz. Marian Rivera also looked stunning in her Filipiniana gown alongside her beau, the Barong Tagalog-clad Dingdong Dantes.

Despite being wrapped in their celebratory best, the celebrities also had to endure the humid weather. They also had to walk from the Quirino Grandstand to the Manila Hotel with the rest of the crowd.

Gowns and glamour aside, hopefully this apparent coming together of the President’s celebrity supporters and his needy constituents—even if it were just for a short walk—would represent the beginning of change... that what we are all supporting would truly bridge the great divide between those who have and those who have not.