A Kapamilya weekend ‘invasion’ in Biñan

MANILA, Philippines - Last week saw a Kapamilya “invasion” in Biñan when ABS-CBN brought the stars of It’s Showtime and ASAP 20 for the network’s Kapamilya, Thank You “campaign.” Its Biyaheng Biñan was met with anticipation and warm welcome by Biñanense, led by City Mayor Marlyn “Len” Alonte-Naguiat and brother, Councilor Angelo “Gel” Alonte.

For two straight days (from Saturday to Sunday), the Alonte Sports Arena, a venue for trade shows, sporting events and musical performances, was jam-packed. As early as 9 a.m., people stood in line to settle themselves early in the venue. 

An early Christmas present to Biñanense, the ABS-CBN’s musical extravaganza was replete with humor and talent-showdown entertainment and concert level performances It’s Showtime and ASAP 20 are known for, respectively. The mainstays of each show didn’t disappoint the audience, whose energy never waned from start to finish.   

The It’s Showtime gang set the pace by bringing good vibes on Day One. Pep squads from San Beda College and Central Colleges of the Philippines and children dancers served as the front act and ushered in the show’s opening with youthful energy. This continued on when the hosts of It’s Showtime were grouped into five with thematic segments that delighted the crowd.

Vhong Navarro partnered with Eric “Eruption” Tai in the Ukay Ka Lang production, which showcased their “costume change” talent. Every time Vhong and Eric sported an outfit or put on a personal effect, they transformed into different personalities like Elvis Presley, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé Knowles, Manny Pacquiao and Boy George. This act elicited a lot of laughter from the audience.

Ryan Bang and Jhong Hilario, on their part, reminded everyone of harana, the Filipino traditional style of wooing someone. They wanted to get Ms. Puto Biñan’s attention by serenading her with the song Nandito Ako in Korean and Filipino. Ryan and Jhong even challenged themselves in street games like luksong baka. No matter how the two tried to win the lady’s heart, they never came close to winning her. She chose Ryan Rems Sarita instead and a bromance ending between Ryan and Jhong was implied.

The singing continued on with the Tropang Biglaan of Teddy Corpuz, Jugs Jugueta and Kuya Kim Atienza. They jammed with That’s My Tomboy winner Epey Herher.

The fun and entertainment leveled up with Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis giving everyone a “twin” sing-and-dance performance as they appeared in identical sexy outfits with Afro huge hair. They amused the audience with their bootylicious moves. However, Billy Crawford and Karylle came prepared in surprising everyone. As Karylle hit the right notes on point, while standing in a makeshift mini pool, Billy was busy fire dancing. It was an interesting act, mixing fire and water. The international stars, Karylle of The Kitchen Musical fame, and Billy, the R&B artist, did nail the Set Fire to the Rain segment. Coleen Garcia unleashed her dance princess persona in her birthday production number.

What the Showtime hosts did was a preview of what surprises they could pull off when their annual Magpasikat week comes.

The Kapamilya fun never stopped there.

Day Two had the 40-strong stars of ASAP 20 showing everyone its strength in performances — well-choreographed dance routines and well-chosen musical repertoire. The crowd was introduced to the hot love teams of Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, getting the most number of screams from fans.

Heartthrobs Piolo Pascual, Richard Yap, Joshua Garcia, Jerome Ponce, Diego Loyzaga, Albie Casiño, Robi Domingo and Anjo Damiles never failed to make the girls swoon. ASAP Supah dancers Rayver Cruz, Maja Salvador, Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee and Arron Villaflor almost equaled the performance of G-Force. Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos and Jed Madela led the show’s singing group.

The ASAP 20 in Biñan also showcased the pairings (Jerome and Jane Oineza, Joshua and Loisa Andalio, Denise Laurel and Christian Vasquez, Richard Y. and Vina Morales,) made in the afternoon drama Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita? and team-ups (KathNiel, Jodi Sta. Maria and Ian Veneracion) in the primetime soap Pangako Sa ‘Yo. The audience had also fun doing the dance session with Teacher Georcelle. They let their hair down in following the “switch, clap and shake it off” steps.

In between commercial gaps, lucky members of the audience brought home TV Plus sets and had the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite stars like in the case of It’s Showtime. The ASAP stars interacted with the audience while waiting for their segments. 

As much as the Kapamilya stars are thankful for Biñanense’s support, the latter are also grateful for making Biñan the take-off point for the other biyaheng musical events.