In a rare disclosure about his personal life, President Aquino has invited singers Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez to be among his principal sponsors when he gets married.

The President extended the invitation after he agreed to be part of the couple's wedding entourage this December.

Mr. Aquino talked about his wedding plans, love for music, and his struggles in the presidency during the oathtaking rites of new officers of the OPM (Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit) in the Palace last Friday afternoon. Alcasid, president of the group, was accompanied by Velasquez in the oathtaking ceremony.

"At sa Disyembre, ako’y magiging abay niyo, pagdating naman ng panahon, kayo naman ang gagawin kong  ninong at ninang ko," the President said in his speech drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

This was among the rare moments the country's shy bachelor leader talked about his love life. Aquino's girlfriend is Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad.

Aquino has become friends with Alcasid after the talented artist wrote two songs for him, one for a campaign jingle and another for his inauguration last June 30.

In the ceremony that was closed for media coverage, the President pledged that his government would strengthen the campaign on the protection of intellectual property rights, particularly the fight against illegal downloading of music via the internet.

He also pushed plans to create an organization that would promote the welfare of singers, artists and other personnel involved in the local music industry.

Mr. Aquino also revealed to the audience that music is a big part of his life especially being a bachelor, adding his songs reflect his moods.

He said he enjoys original songs by Alcasid, Velasquez, APO Hiking Society, Noel Cabangon, Jose Mari Chan, and Mitch Valdez.

"Marami po sigurong may batid na bilang binata kadalasan sila po mga kasama ko. Gusto ko malungkot may kanta akong hahanapin para sa malungkot, sa masaya, sa pampagising, sa pampatulog, sa pampakalma, sa pampagalit, nandoon na po lahat siguro yon," he said.

He said he and his family used to listen to "Saranggola ni Pepe" that helped them survive their difficulties when his father was detained during the Marcos years.

The song “Love at 30,000 feet” by Jose Mari Chan also gives him "full of positive energy" every time he listens to it, he said.

He said Regine's song, "Hindi tayo Nag-iisa," also reminds him of the challenges when he decided to run for president. "Talagang mabigat yung papasukan mo at pag nagtagumpay, mas mabigat yung magmana kay Ginang Arroyo," he said.

He admitted that although he enjoys listening the song, he has not dared sing it because he can't emulate Regine's high notes.

"Kung kayo’y nasa lugmok ng kawalan ng pag-asa, puwedeng buhayin muli na puwedeng umasa, puwedeng mangarap, puwede tayo may patutunguhan.  Kung kayo naman po’y naghahanap ng kadamay sa inyong kalungkutan, merong dadamay.  Puwede hong buhayin, puwedeng gisingin, puwedeng udyukin, puwedeng pagalitin, talagang napakalaki ho ng poder na nandiyan sa sining ng musika at ng awit.  Puwedeng magamit sa kabutihan, puwede rin namang magamit sa hindi tama," he said.

With the problems inherited from the past administration such as huge debts and insurgency problem, he also confessed that these challenges could not be resolved overnight.

"Marami ho tayong deka-dekada na, henerasyon na pong inipon, minana at hindi puwedeng bukas makalawa, tapos na po ‘to," he said.

He said all he can promise is deliver is everyday the nation is getting closer to fixing its problems.

He said one of the problems facing his government is how to reduce the planned toll fee increase at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) without violating the contract with a private operator.

The President said the government nearly found a solution to the problem by reducing the share of the state-run Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC) from the planned toll hike.

He acknowledged the government is required to follow the law on validity of contracts.

"Sa panahon na naghahanap ang mga kababayan natin ng paraan para mapalago yung ekonomiya at gumanda at guminhawa ang buhay. Meron ho tayong isang solusyon na nahanap sa paggamit ng pondo ng PNCC dahil meron ho silang bahagi rin diyan, ibawas sa idadagdag doon sa rate increase at sa ganung paraan, maibsan yung problema ng ating mga kababayan," he said.

The President however said the problem was the PNCC franchise has not renewed its franchise in the toll road since 2007.

"Wala silang karapatan raw sabi ng ibang quarters na ituloy yung paniningil ng toll.  So, yung pambabayad ho natin  ay tila parang medyo lumabo ang sitwasyon," he said.

He said this was among the problems his government faces everyday and asked the people to continue to rally behind his government.