Pio Balbuena trades ‘Tambay’ cap for Bam Aquino hat in show of support

For the past five years, rapper, actor, director, and vlogger Pio Balbuena has been known for sporting his internationally recognized “Tambay” caps. But during former Senator Bam Aquino’s birthday on Wednesday, Pio switched it up—this time wearing a cap that bears the senator’s name.

“Siguro may limang taon na rin po akong hindi nakakapagsuot ng ibang sombrero, puro Tambay cap,” said Pio, proudly showing off his new “Senator Bam Aquino” hat.

(Since maybe five years ago, I haven’t worn any other cap—just the Tambay cap.)

“Sabi ko, iyon Tambay cap nakakapagbigay ng pagkakakitaan sa mga tambay, pero ito nagpapasa ng free college, kaya ito ang isusuot ko ngayon. Happy birthday, Sen. Bam,” he added.

(I said, the Tambay cap helps provide livelihood for the idle youth, but this one passed the free college law, so this is what I’ll wear now. Happy birthday, Sen. Bam.)

He recalled having Bam as a guest in his “tambayan” in a previous vlog, asking him to help provide employment opportunities for “tambays.”

“Sabi niya, kapag nakabalik tayo, pagkatapos ng libreng kolehiyo, siguradong trabaho at diskarte para sa mga tambay,” Pio said.

(He said, if he gets back in office, after free college, jobs and strategies for the idle youth would surely follow.)

“Pero kung panahon ko alam kong mayroong free college, sigurado nakapag-college ako, di ako naging tambay dati,” he added.

(But if back in my time I knew there was free college, I definitely would have gone to college—I wouldn’t have ended up idle.)

Aside from their vlog, Pio has expressed his full support for Bam on his social media accounts several times. Most recently, he posted a Facebook Reel highlighting the impact of the Free College Law on out-of-school youth.

In the Reel, Pio asked his “tambay” friend why he’s wearing a school uniform, to which the latter replied, “Hindi mo ba alam, may libreng kolehiyo na para sa mga tambay.”

Pio and his friend then gave Aquino a high-five while saying “Bam” before flashing the No. 5 sign—Bam Aquino’s number on the ballot in the upcoming May elections.

Bam Aquino ranked 11th in the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from April 20 to 24.