TFC celebrates 30 years with a massive concert

IN THE MIX BY MIC DIAZ

A packed Toyota Arena in Ontario, California witnessed an enormous display of spectacular performances from the stable of ASAP Natin ‘To, ABS-CBN’s Sunday noontime show,—from legendary Filipino performers as well as newcomers in the Philippine entertainment industry—in celebration of TFC’s 30th anniversary last Saturday, August 10.

The Filipino Channel (TFC), the flagship multi-media brand of ABS-CBN, has been bringing everyone’s favorite Kapamilya shows to Filipinos around the world for 30 years. The Philippines’ Concert King Martin Nievera reminded everyone of TFC’s humble yet promising beginnings, and declared that next year ASAP itself is celebrating its 30 years as well. 

It was as if the entertainment gods showered California with the best of the best entertainers under one colossal roof. The 11,000-seater arena was packed to the rafters with excited fans beaming from ear to ear. Residents of Southern California certainly enjoyed spectacular performances from TFC’s 30 top-tier acts plus performers from the U.S.

OPM icons Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos and KZ Tandingan were joined by some of the hottest Kapamilya stars such as Piolo Pascual, Darren Espanto, Yeng Constantino, Janella Salvador, Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano and Kyle Echarri along with fiery dance groups G-Force and Junior New System in a blazing opening number.

In a night of myriad celebrations, OPM rock icon Bamboo celebrated his 30th year in the Philippine music industry with a show stopping medley of his hits including Awit Award Song of the Year 2005 winner, “Hallelujah.” Ogie Alcasid who is known for numerous chart topping songs that became theme songs of many films and TV dramas celebrated his birthday with a production number featuring a selection of his songs sung by OPM icons alongside multi-talented actors and singers Piolo Pascual, Jolina Magdangal, Lovi Poe and Janella Salvador.

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano also celebrated his 60th birthday with a performance of “Sa Yahweh Ang  Sayaw” with his children Gab and Kiana Valenciano, popular personalities Maymay Entrata, AC Bonifacio and top-tier dance groups G-Force and Junior New System.

Several Kapamilya celebrities and special guests such as Anne Curtis, Darren Espanto, Kim Chiu, Yeng Constantino, Morisette Amon, KZ Tandingan, Kyle Echarri, Iñigo Pascual and Maymay Entrata performed special numbers much to the delight of enthusiastic fans. 

No TFC and ASAP Natin ‘To show would be complete without ‘kilig’ moments, and this extravaganza did not fail thousands of fans who eagerly awaited their favorite love teams: KimPau—Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, DonBelle—Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, and the newest love team to come out of ABS-CBN, JoshAnne—Joshua Garcia and Anne Curtis from the Philippine adaptation of Korean drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.

TFC has always brought nostalgia to thousands of its audiences around the globe, but TFC is also known for bringing the latest acts to its enormous stages. The worldwide popularity of P-Pop has reached staggering numbers in its fanbase, and it was certainly evident at Toyota Arena. BINI, dubbed as “Pambansang Girl Group,” roused the audience with performances of their bestsellers such as “Salamin, Salamin,” and BGYO, known as the “Aces of P-Pop” stirred up the audience as well. 

Fostering inclusivity, ASAP Natin ‘To’s stage included local talents from the U.S., labeled as Pinoy Pride Artists, such as Philippine Queen of Soul Jaya, Fil-Am Prince of Pop and Star in a Million finalist Garth Garcia, American Idol Season 10 and X Factor Season 3 eyeful Jules Aurora, 2018 World Championship of Performing Arts top awardee for vocal solo James Calacasan, teen sensation from The Voice Season 24 Kaylee Brooke, teen harmony twins of The Voice Season 25 Jeremy and Justin Garcia and renowned international musician and producer Troy Laureta in a production number featuring iconic OPM theme songs of the most popular ABS-CBN teleseryes.

Fil-Am Prince of Pop and Star In A Million Finalist Garth Garcia singing “Maging Sino Ka Man,” originally by Rey Valera, the theme song of the blockbuster hit teleserye of the same name.

Klarisse De Guzman, Jona, Yeng Constantino and KZ Tandingan rendered an outstanding performance of several of OPM icon Megastar Sharon Cuneta’s songs as a precursor to an unprecedented performance by the Megastar herself.

Special guest, Sharon Cuneta, ultimately brought the house down with her rendition of her super hits that transcend generations. It’s as if the entire arena knew all of the lyrics to all of her songs. Donning royal blue gowns, the Megastar was joined by OPM icons and personal friends of the Megastar such as Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Zsa Zsa Padilla in what was an exceptionally extraordinary performance.

No ASAP Natin ’To show overseas would be complete without an all-star production number that reminds us all of our roots, our origins and our kababayans. Led by Gary Valenciano, several OPM icons sang TFC’s 30th-anniversary anthem “Always At Home With You,” and reminded everyone of home with the retrospective song “Babalik Ka Rin.”

After an entire night of superb performances with high production value as one would expect from ASAP Natin ‘To, a well-satisfied audience leaves the arena with a feeling of nostalgia remembering long-gone days of life in the Philippines, but departs from the arena overjoyed, ecstatic and on cloud nine, to say the least, to have seen their favorite stars, to have had a glimpse at their favorite love teams and to have heard their favorite songs on one massive stage in a monumental milestone celebration honoring Filipinos around the world—arguably THE Pinoy Concert Party of the Year.

Photos by Tony Garcia and Katie Ortiz