Pio Balbuena Swaps ‘Tambay’ Cap for ‘Senator Bam Aquino’ Hat to Fortify Support

For the past five years, rapper/actor/director/vlogger Pio Balbuena had worn only his internationally recognized “Tambay” caps.

But on Wednesday, Pio dropped his famous hat for another cap as he greeted the former Senator on his birthday.

“Siguro may limang taon na rin po akong hindi nakakapagsuot ng ibang sombrero, puro Tambay cap,” Pio said as he proudly showed his “Senator Bam Aquino” 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.

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.

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

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.