Paskong Kapuso 2017: A celebration of sharing & thanksgiving

With all the parties, gimmicks and happy distractions that are part and parcel of the holidays, it’s comforting to know that families can come together at home to watch Christmas specials in front of the TV.

Tomorrow, Dec. 17, GMA is airing its ultimate source of cheer this Christmas season. Paskong Kapuso: The GMA Christmas Special 2017 officially rings in the start of the festivities, and also bids goodbye to a challenging year.

Ruth Mariñas, senior program manager, said that given the turmoil and challenges that the nation faced this year, the network wanted a more meaningful celebration.

“We want to express our gratitude for the blessings that we continue to receive through our Christmas campaign,” Ruth said.

“And what better way to celebrate than to give back to the people who have less, to those who give without expecting anything in return, to the people who continue to serve as our source of inspiration.  This is the theme of our Christmas plug and our Christmas special as well,” she added.

Viewers can look forward to a carefully conceptualized, executed and documented Christmas extravaganza helmed by multi-awarded director Louie Ignacio.

Without giving too much away, they will be led through a series of heart-warming segments beginning with neighborhood caroling, a story-telling session with recuperating kids and an impromptu dance session with the elderly.

Later in the show, Kapuso heartthrobs will distribute gifts to hardworking female security guards and join female nurses for a simple Christmas lunch.

Another segment is a tribute to the country’s defenders and will include an early morning kick-boxing session with the Philippine Army, and a serenade dedicated to the survivors, soldiers and civilians of the war in Marawi.

This being a Christmas special, viewers can certainly look forward to grand production numbers (ballroom dancing with a punch of drama, hip-hop and Motown), and an elaborate comedy sketch. “Although our Kapuso stars will still be seen in special musical performances, viewers will also see a different side to them, the more heartwarming, caring side that makes them ‘mga tunay na Kapuso,’” Ruth said.

Leading viewers in a night full of surprises are Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes together with talented singers Julie Anne San Jose, Maricris Garcia and Christian Bautista.

Watch out for the country’s Comedy Concert Queen and newlywed Ai-Ai de las Alas’ rousing, one-of-a-kind rendition of the carol, 12 Days of Christmas.

Paskong Kapuso will bring together fan favorites like Alden Richards, Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado, Heart Evangelista, Michael V., Gloria Romero, Gabby Concepcion, Willie Revillame, Sunshine Dizon, Lovi Poe, Carla Abellana, Tom Rodriguez, Solenn Heussaff, Rhian Ramos, Max Collins, Jose Manalo, Glaiza de Castro, Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino, Janine Gutierrez, Andrea Torres, Barbie Forteza, Derrick Monasterio, Ruru Madrid, Gabbi Garcia, Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Mikael Daez, Megan Young, Rafael Rosell, Gil Cuerva, Sanya Lopez, Thea Tolentino, Pancho Magno, Ken Chan, Jak Roberto, Ivan Dorschner, Addy Raj and Marian Rivera plus numerous Kapuso stars in one evening of joyous thanksgiving and celebration.

“With our network’s campaign, we are hoping to inspire viewers to be thankful for whatever blessings they have, to share with those who are in need, and to give love as its the best gift they can share this Christmas season,” Ruth said.

Tomorrow at 10 p.m., gather your families around the TV to celebrate the holidays with Paskong Kapuso: The GMA Christmas Special 2017 on GMA’s SNBO.