Cabinet officials belt out Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' for Obama - GMA News

Obama makes a toast at state dinner. US President Barack Obama offers a toast as he attends a State Dinner with President Benigno Aquino at Malacañang Palace in Manila, April 28, 2014. Obama said a new military pact signed with the Philippines on Monday granting a larger presence for US forces would bolster the Southeast Asian country's maritime security, but was not aimed at countering China's growing military might. REUTERS/Larry Downing

Many first-class Filipino entertainers were present during the state dinner for US President Barack Obama on Monday, but it was three Cabinet officials who apparently stole the show.

A post by Finance Sec. Cesar Purisima on video-sharing website Telly showed Cabinet Sec. Jose Rene Almendras, Budget Sec. Butch Abad, and Public Works Sec. Rogelio Singson serenading Obama with his favorite Marvin Gaye song "What's Going On."

Gaye's 1971 hit was inspired by the violence and police brutality against anti-war activists witnessed by composer Renaldo "Obie" Benson.

Obama had earlier listed it as one of the top 10 songs on his iPod:

1. "Ready or Not" - Fugees (1996)

2. "What’s Going On" - Marvin Gaye (1971)

3. "I’m On Fire" - Bruce Springsteen (1985)

4. "Gimme Shelter" - Rolling Stones (1969)

5. "Sinnerman" - Nina Simone (1965)

6. "Touch the Sky" - Kanye West (2006)

7. "You’d Be So Easy to Love" - Frank Sinatra (rec. 1961)

8. "Think" - Aretha Franklin (1968)

9. "City of Blinding Lights" - U2 (2004)

10. "Yes We Can" - will.i.am (2008)

Obama was also entertained by The Philippine Madrigal Singers, Leo Valdez, Bituin Escalante, The Power Dance Company, Kuh Ledesma, apl.de.ap and the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company at the dinner.

Obama was in Manila for a two-day state visit. — BM, GMA News

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