It’s playtime with Kapuso stars

BORACAY — A handful of GMA 7 stars found a refreshing way to beat the heat by going to the island of Boracay and participating in fun, athletic challenges. They were the ones who grabbed the opportunity to become part of the GMA Regional TV-spearheaded Kapuso Summer Weekend in Boracay which locals and visitors alike witnessed in sheer delight.

With careful orchestration and party atmosphere, the event gathered more than 20 Kapuso stars last May 9 and 10 — the bulk of which physically engaged themselves to some outdoor games as two celebrity teams were formed to outplay each other.

The Tom-Den tandem of Tom Rodriguez and Dennis Trillo was part of it and even fought against each other — just one of those instant major attractions for celebrity-hunters.

Solenn Heussaff, Rhian Ramos and Andrea Torres were also seen in action, appearing as pretty counterpoints of hunks like JC Tiuseco, Rafael Rosell and Arthur Solinap.

Oliver Amoroso, AVP and head of GMA Network’s Regional TV-Integrated Marketing Division, shared, “This is the third year we’re doing this. What makes it special is that the winners in the past came over so competition is high. But more than anything it’s the camaraderie among the stars that we tend to create in this activity.”

The festivities were held at the beachfront of Pearl of the Pacific & Estacio Uno in Boracay’s Station 1. Other VIPs who helped stage everything well were Jonathan Cabillion (station manager for GMA Western Visayas), Jojo Balingit (station manager for GMA Northern Luzon), Ann Marie Tan (station manager for GMA Central and Eastern Visayas) and Mariles Puentevella (station manager for GMA Southern Mindanao).

As somewhat take-off from the hit series Survivor, the stars were divided into Puka Beach Team and White Beach Team. Some games on hand were Agawan Bola, Dodge Ball and Obstacle Course. Tom and Dennis played Agawan Bola while Arthur overpowered Rafael in another manly confrontation. Max Collins caught everyone’s attention when she showed facial determination in spilling water from a hanging bucket. So did Rochelle Pangilinan who displayed quick work at a wet market.

The winning team turned out to be Puka Beach, with its line-up led by eventual male and female MVPs JC and Isabelle Daza, respectively. Their teammate Tom won Rookie of the Year. With them are Mike Tan (who was given the special Buwis Buhay award for his efforts), Rochelle, Andrea, Arthur and Rhian.    

The losing team was composed of team leader Bettina Carlos (whose hosting skill reveals she has good comic timing), Max, Solenn, LJ Reyes, Rafael, Dennis, Mikael Daez and Pancho Magno.

Most of the celebrities who flew in for the games (including hosts Boobay, Rico Robles, Pekto Nacua, John Feir and Ate Reg) felt the urge upon learning that it would be held in Boracay.

“Boracay is still a cut above the rest. I can go on and on in saying things about this place being a great destination,” said Mikael whose special “about destinations” show with Solenn called Isla aired last May 11.

Solenn expressed always wanting to be in Boracay to “chill-out more than heavy partying.” This she said with the much-talked about LaBoracay in hindsight.

The first night was highlighted by the Luau Night which featured song-and-dance numbers from the said stars. But the second night — dubbed Kapuso Night — allowed locals and tourists to experience the biggest draw of the weekend — Regine Velasquez. The Asia’s songbird, donning a white dress, performed some songs, mesmerizing everyone with her breathtaking voice.

“Thank you for staying. As long as you want me here, I’ll sing for you,” said Regine on stage — a touching reaction towards a crowd that did not mind the increasing number of raindrops falling while she was performing.

Kapuso Summer continued with Kapuso Island Tour in Panay last May 11 and 12.

Highlights of the Kapuso Summer in Boracay will be shown in a two-part TV special Let’s Fiesta set to air on June 15 and 22 via all nine regional stations in Bicol, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Ilocos, GenSan, Bacolod and Cagayan de Oro.