You know it’s officially Pasko season when the Kapamilya Christmas ID arrives and you can't escape the LSS. And somewhere in that long list of jingles, there’s at least one that’s part of your core memories, right?
Admit it, no one does holiday anthem quite like ABS-CBN, so much so that it's become a full-on Filipino tradition, with fans and even celebs waiting for that annual drop. But before the 2025 hymn premieres some of our favorite stars look back on the past Kapamilya Christmas IDs that still live rent-free in their minds and hearts.
They say the first one always hits different, which is why for Darren Espanto, his first Christmas ID, “Thank You, Ang Babait Ninyo” (2014), will forever be memorable. It was one of his first few projects right after "The Voice Kids," where he got to sing again with his fellow finalists Lyca Gairanod, Juan Karlos, and Darlene Vibares. And their voices ended up defining a whole Kapamilya Christmas era. "Nagugulat ako na alam ng mga bata na hindi naman umabot doon sa year na 'yun," he laughed.
Harvey Bautista feels a wave of nostalgia from the same Christmas campaign. He was still doing the kiddie gag show "Goin' Bulilit' back then, so it's basically part of his childhood core memories.
From Darren’s first taste of the Christmas ID experience to another first-timer, Robbie Jaworski knows exactly what that excitement feels like. His pick is 2024’s “Our Stories Shine This Christmas,” the first one he got to be part of as a new Kapamilya artist. “Nagulat ako kung gaano karaming tao at artista ang kasama sa pagbubuo nito,” he shared.
Raven Rigor feels the same about the 2010 classic “Ngayong Pasko Magniningning ang Pilipino," which he remembers singing while caroling with his friends. And for some reason, it’s also a top pick for '"It’s Showtime's" Baby Doll Johaira!
It wasn’t exactly her first, but a year after moving to ABS-CBN in 2016, Jona became part of the “Just Love Ngayong Christmas” song, and she still knows every word by heart.
Besides being the bearer of inspiration, ABS-CBN Christmas IDs are visual feasts for loyal fans—because when else do you see all your favorite Kapamilya stars in one music video? For the artists, it’s also a mini-reunion with colleagues and a chance to work with them on something so warm and meaningful. Rafael Rosell fondly remembers teaming up with his then-on-screen partner and friend Denise Laurel in the 2010 music video (“Ngayong Pasko Magniningning ang Pilipino”), which he loved for its concept of giving gifts to children.
For Romnick Sarmenta, the unifying thread across all these campaigns is the inspiring message of hope and love they carry. "One thing that is common across Kapamilya Station IDs is how it spreads the value of friendship, family, and doing things as a community." He listens to them all, but “Family Is Forever” (2019) is his top pick, as it was the last soundtrack before ABS-CBN's franchise loss.
For PJ Endrinal, the one that shines brightest is “Lumiliwanag ang Mundo sa Kuwento ng Pasko” (2012), while Angelina Cruz’s pick is “Family Is Love” (2018), the Christmas ID that featured Coco Martin as one of the prominent stars and which made a comeback after going viral on TikTok.
Every Kapamilya Christmas ID has memories attached to it, no doubt, but there’s one song that will always reign supreme, a universal favorite—and it’s none other than “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko" (2009). It just never gets old. Most artists asked by ABS-CBN Studios agree that nothing compares to the nostalgia and Christmas feels this timeless tune evokes. It's like the musical equivalent of 'parol' lights!
"Siguro karamihan ito ang gusto," thought Maymay Entrata. And wow, was she right! “Sins of the Father” stars Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin's faces lit up like Christmas trees as they talked about the 2009 Kapamilya carol. “Wala nang tatalo do’n,” they declared in unison. Seth recalled that he was only in second grade when it came out, and since he could already hum along, it felt like one of his first-ever LSS moments in life.
“No’ng bata ako, ‘yun na ‘yung naaalala ko,” shared Alyanna Angeles, who was captivated by its catchy tune and cinematography. Mutya Orquia also praised the anthem for its beautiful meaning, while "PBB Collab 2.0" housemate Krystal Mejes gushed, “Childhood ko ‘yun, eh.” Alora Sasam loves it for its theme, saying, “Ang ganda ng message na si Lord ang liwanag sa dilim.”
Ask Luis Manzano to choose a favorite Kapamilya Christmas ID and he’ll tell you they’re all iconic. But the 2009 hymn still tops his list. “It never fails na magpangiti, magpaantig ng ating mga puso,” he said, adding that “there was something very special about that Station ID.”
Thou Reyes shares the same sentiment, though he believes every ABS-CBN Christmas ID holds the same magic. "Ramdam mo 'yun bilang Pinoy, bilang audience at bilang tao," he reflected. "Kahit ano pang Christmas Station ID ng ABS-CBN, they'll always touch you in different ways, and you will miss your family and loved ones."
It’s also on top of the Christmas playlists of "What Lies Beneath" stars Sue Ramirez and Jameson Blake. And to prove that it’s their ultimate pick, Janella Salvador, Jeremy Glinoga, Kaila Estrada, Charlie Dizon, and Yesh Burce even sang the chorus part.
Get ready to feel the Christmas vibes as the newest Kapamilya Christmas ID drops soon on ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube and Facebook!