In view of the slew of festivals being held throughout the Philippines this January, “ASAP” made sure to join Filipinos all over the country and even the world in celebrating our steadfast faith, vibrant culture, and colorful tradition through its fiesta-inspired opening number last Sunday, January 12.
#ASAPCelebrate commenced with Darren Espanto, Janine Gutierrez, Gary Valenciano, and Martin Nievera ushering in the audience to the lively and fun festivity featuring some of our favorite Kapamilya stars. Maymay Entrata and Loisa Andalio were the first ones to perform as they showed off their singing and dancing skills to “Moonlit Floor” by BLACKPINK Lisa. Angeline Quinto, KZ Tandingan, and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid then further hyped us up with their rendition of Gloria Estefan’s “You’ll Be Mine (Party Time)”.
Ogie Alcasid, Morisette Amon, and Martin made us put our hands up in the air with their take on Chris Brown’s “Turn Up The Music.” They were followed by Zsa Zsa Padilla, Yeng Constantino, and Jona, who probably got us swaying and dropping it down low with their performance of Jax Jones and Demi Lovato’s “Instruction.”
Gary V, Erik Santos, and Darren led the singing of “We Are One (Ole Ola)” by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Claudia Leitte, to which the all-star cast of “ASAP” joined them afterwards. The opening number also featured the talented Sining Pilipinas Dancers.
As the mainstays greeted everyone a “Happy Fiesta!”, especially those who are celebrating Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang, and Sinulog festivals in Aklan, Iloilo, and Cebu, respectively – which are three of the biggest celebrations in the country this month. Angeline, Yeng, and KZ also shared their fondest fiesta “memz” or memories, much to the delight of everyone.
Four pairs of amazing singers then served us with their beautiful duets. Erik sang his hit “Kung Akin Ang Mundo” opposite Angeline, New Gen singing loveteam JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano brought kilig vibes with their performance of their song “’Pag Puso Ang Nagsabi”, KZ joined her husband TJ Monterde in singing his song “Mahika,” while icons Zsa Zsa and Martin ended the set with their rendition of “Maging Sino Ka Man.”
Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, Jas Dudley-Scales, Kolette Madelo, Race Matias, Ken San Jose, and New Gen Dance Princess AC Bonifacio, together with renowned Pinoy dance crew Legit Status, dominated the dance floor with their intense number that got everyone grooving.
ASAP Male Champions JM Yosures, Reiven Umali, Khimo Gumatay, and JM Dela Cerna then accepted the challenge of their fans for them to take on the trending “She’s Gone Challenge”, through which they were able to showcase their powerful and versatile vocals and prove that they can hit the super high notes of this song, too!
ASAP Dance Siren Loisa Andalio, who her ardent fans have surely missed, showcased her “baddie” facet via her solo sultry dance act.
Klarisse de Guzman, Yeng, Jona, Morisette, Zsa Zsa, and Regine—a.k.a. ASAP Divas—then brought us an intense vocal showdown through the mash-up of George Michael’s “Freedom ‘90” and Anna Kendrick’s “When I’m Gone”.
After snagging the top spot in TC Candler’s “Most Beautiful Face of 2024,” Andrea Brillantes proved that she’s definitely more than just a pretty face, for she is also multitalented and multifaceted through her latest appearance in the program. Setting aside her feminine and kikay side that we usually see on social media and her vlogs, she mesmerized us with her androgynous outfit as she exhibited her hip-hop dance prowess alongside Maneuvers.
Rockoustic Heartthrobs Kobie Brown, Luke Alford, Blackburn, Jarren Garcia, and Anthony Meneses then made their admirers swoon with their cover of Rivermaya’s “Elesi,” which was followed by Moira Dela Torre’s first-ever performance on “ASAP” of her new song “Umpisa” off her recently-released third studio album, “I’m Okay,” In her interview with host Robi Domingo afterwards, she talked about the story behind the song and the album, which she described as her “proudest work yet.”
As the well-loved ABS-CBN Studios series “Lavender Fields” approaches its finale this week, its lead stars appeared on the “ASAP” stage to bid farewell to us through a set of song numbers. Jolina Magdangal sang the official soundtrack “Maskara” originally by Regine and Ogie, Janine Gutierrez and Jericho Rosales made the hearts of their shippers aflutter with their duet of Nobita’s “Ikaw Lang,” while Jodi Sta. Maria expressed her gratitude to everyone who showed their undying support to them throughout the successful run of the teleserye by singing Yeng Constantino’s “Salamat.” Their Gen Z castmates Krystal Mejes, Jana Agoncillo, Miguel Vergara, and Marc Santiago also joined them onstage.
Jericho and Janine then shared the things they’re going to miss about the “Lavender Fields,” now that it’s down to its last week, while Jodi imparted the greatest lesson that audiences have taken away from it.
Those who are going through heartbreak and wondering until when they’re going to wait for the “forever” were probably able to relate with Darren’s latest single, “Hanggang Kailan,” which he sang for the first time on the show.
Following his historic win in “The Voice USA Season 26” last December as its first-ever Asian and Filipino champion, Sofronio Vasquez was indeed the star of “The Greatest Showdown,” as ASAP paid tribute to him and welcomed him home. The “Tawag ng Tanghalan” alumnus started the segment with his powerful version of Sia’s “Unstoppable,” which was followed by his string of performances alongside Kapamilya singers Zsa Zsa, Regine, Ogie, Erik, Martin, and Gary that absolutely showcased his world-class vocal talent. They belted out Celine Dion’s “The Power of Love,” Dusty Springfield’s “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me,” and The Greatest Showman’s “A Million Dreams,” which were a just few of the songs that Sofronio performed during his stint in “The Voice.”
“I’m so overwhelmed to be here, and maraming-maraming salamat po to ‘ASAP’ for giving me this opportunity. Gusto ko lang po sabihin na pangarap ko lang po dati na makatapak dito sa stage and now, [I’m] finally here,” he conveyed as they interviewed him after the set.
He added, “Nakakataba po sa puso kasi sinasabi po nila na na-inspire ko sila, but I’m always inspired by people who always know how to dream. Wherever and whatever that dream is, sana po ipagpatuloy n’yo kasi my dream became a reality after so many tries. So, never stop [dreaming].”
Aside from the “ASAP” mainstays, he also received heartwarming congratulatory messages from her fellow singers and industry friends, judges from TNT, and “It’s Showtime” hosts, who witnessed his journey from being an aspiring singer to becoming a world champion. His “The Voice” coach, Michael Bublé, sent a touching video message for him, too!
Sofronio wasn’t able to contain his emotions as he related, “Pinangarap ko lang po dati na mapansin, and I’d always been rejected, but hindi po ako nawalan ng pag-asa kasi may family po akong naniniwala sa akin—si Mama, mga pinsan ko po, and now I have the whole Philippines, and, of course, my coach Michael Bublé.”
Of course, the segment didn’t end without him dedicating a song for his beloved mother and ultimate “rock,” Mrs. Aida Parojinog-Vasquez, which was Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings.”