Simple folks, true stories inspire Kapamilya stars

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN pays tribute to different Filipinos, whose inspiring stories have touched the heart and ignited the passion of people working for the network on and off cam, in its newest Christmas station ID dubbed as Magkasama Tayo sa Kwento ng Pasko.

The Christmas station ID becomes a vehicle to share these stories to Filipinos here and across the globe. It also highlights the bond that ABS-CBN has forged with its audience through the years.

Seven stories were meticulously researched by ABS-CBN’s Integrated Creative Communications Management division and for each story, an artist was chosen based on who would best help tell their touching true-to-life tales.

“These stories of simple yet remarkable individuals will always be ABS-CBN’s inspiration in delivering its commitment to be of service to every Filipino. And for the many years that they have allowed us inside their homes, we only have gratefulness. Being accepted by Filipinos as their Kapamilya is by far our greatest achievement. Our journey with them has been remarkable. We can only look forward to many more years with them,” said head of Integrated Creative Communications Management Robert Labayen.

Nanay Baby of Isla Pulo‘s only wish for Christmas was to have an autographed picture of Kim Chiu, the actress who stayed in their humble home (which didn’t have any electricity) for an episode of the show, I Dare You, two years ago. She was definitely in awe when the one who delivered her requested photo was Kim herself. Together with Xian Lim, Kim reconnected with Nanay Baby, whom she considers like a mother in that short span of time she lived with her family.

Judy Ann Santos expressed that she wants to spend time with women who were victims of violence, having portrayed an abused wife in Huwag ka Lang Mawawala. The women of Women’s Crisis Center were brought to Our Lady of Victory chapel in Malabon knowing that they would be interviewed about their past experiences and how they had moved on not knowing that Juday would be there waiting for them. The actress sat down with them, talked with them and even served them a simple merienda of pancit, chicken and puto to the women’s delight.

Gualberto Isla Jr. is a security guard of the Star Magic office at ABS-CBN, who opens the door for artists like John Lloyd Cruz, who drop by the office. Unfortunately, he had to be relieved of his duties due to malignant melanoma which affected his left under-eye area. His simple wish was to be able to go back to work so that he can provide for his family. One rainy afternoon, an unexpected visitor entered Isla’s home in Rodriguez, Rizal and it was none other than John Lloyd Cruz himself.

Simplicio Yoma, a war veteran living in The Bay Area in California, misses his family back home in the Philippines. One day at the Embarcadero in downtown San Francisco, Gerald Anderson came up to him and surprised him with a video message from his family. It is a very personal moment for Gerald since his father is also in the military.

Magkasama Tayo Sa Kwento Ng Pasko was written by Robert Labayen, with music composed, arranged and produced by  Bojam de Belen, Thyro Alfaro and Jeli Mateo. It was performed by The  Voice of the Philippines coaches  Sarah  Geronimo, Bamboo and Lea Salonga with grand  winner Mitoy Yonting and finalists Klarisse de Guzman, Janice Javier and Myk Perez.