ABS-CBN salutes Filipino soldiers

ABS-CBN paid tribute to the Filipino soldiers recently with the stars of the hit teleserye FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano visiting and entertaining the wounded soldiers at the AFP Medical Center, bringing them joy and uplifting their spirits as they recover from their physical injuries. 

Susan Roces, who plays Lola Flora in the series that is on its 100th week, expressed gratitude to the armed forces for their heroism and their relentless fight to achieve peace in the country. 

“We think of you each day when we tape for the show and feel what you are going through. We are one with you and we want you to know that we are truly proud of you,” she told some 150 injured soldiers gathered in the auditorium.

The show’s lead star Coco Martin, whose production number marked the highlight of the variety show, made the rounds in the hospital and visited those recovering in their rooms.

“We thank ABS-CBN for making it possible for us to help and make our love felt to all Filipinos, including our soldiers. We owe our lives to all of you because you are the ones who defend our country. We love you and we hope that through this simple way we were able to make you happy,” he shared. 

The Saludo sa Sundalong Pilipino outreach was made possible through ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Chiara Zambrano, who learned about the soldiers’ request to be visited by celebrities. After an initial meeting between ABS-CBN and Col. Edgard Arevalo, the AFP surveyed the injured soldiers, who indicated that they would love to see the cast of Ang Probinsyano.  

During the program, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya distributed grocery bags and personal care kits, while the Kapamilya network donated a TV and an ABS-CBN TVplus black box to the AFP Medical Center.

“We salute the bravery, dedication and heroism of our Filipino soldiers,” said Jun Dungo, head of ABS-CBN integrated public service during the turnover.

Jean Año, wife of AFP chief of staff Eduardo Año, thanked ABS-CBN and assured the soldiers that they are always in the mind of her husband. 

“Always remember the message of General Año — ‘You are our living heroes. We are so proud of you,’” she told the soldiers in the audience. “He would tell me that instead of him giving his troops high morale, he is inspired by them.”

Hosted by some of the cast members namely Malou Crisologo, Marvin Yap, PJ Endrinal and Long Mejia, Daryl Ong opened the show by singing Basta’t Kasama Kita. He was followed by Marc Solis, Benj Manalo, Lester Llansang and Michael Roy who sang Beep, Beep.

Ejay Falcon, Yam Concepcion, Ron Morales and Louise delos Reyes delighted the audience with their duets of Ikaw Lang ang Aking Mahal.

The child stars brought the house down with their dance medley numbers. Paquito, Ligaya, Dang and Bingo danced back-to-back with breakout star Awra, who brought the house down by dancing to the songs Me Too, Kembot and Super Bass.

Jeffrey Tam and Long wowed the crowd and brought laughter with his magic exhibition, while Jhong Hilario’s Versace on the Floor was a hit with the audience with the participation of a nurse.

“We often ask ourselves, ‘How will we be without the soldiers? Can we be sleep peacefully at night?’ We are able to lead normal lives because of you,” an emotional Jhong told the soldiers after his number. “Thank you for risking your lives so everyone will be safe. I hope we were able to bring cheers and happiness.”

Yassi Pressman entertained the soldiers with a song number, Awitin Mo Isasayaw Ko. Coco followed with a medley of songs. They were joined by Jaime Fabregas, Mitch Valdez, Angel Aquino, Sid Lucero, Mark Lapid and Susan Roces.

Maj. Marisa Narag, AFP Medical Center’s personnel management division chief, closed the program, saying that “troops really needed this type of joy and support” that the Kapamilya stars showed and shared.