Kapamilya ‘soldiers’ bond with real-life heroes

Kapamilya stars Elmo Magalona, Carlo Aquino, Gerald Anderson, Jerome Ponce, Nash Aguas and Yves Flores from the upcoming teleserye A Soldier’s Heart led the ABS-CBN contingent that trooped to Clark City recently to provide entertainment and honor the Philippine Air Force.

Earlier this year, the actors experienced the hard work and sacrifice of our country’s real-life heroes when they strapped their boots, donned the military fatigue and marched to Camp Tecson in Bulacan for a short training course in preparation for their roles.

This is why it was a very special and meaningful experience for them to be part of the ninth staging of ABS-CBN’s Saludo sa Sundalong Pilipino event in Clark, Pampanga, where they personally thanked the members of the Philippine Air Force.

“Malapit po sa akin ang military dahil galing ako sa isang military family. Ilang beses din nag-landing at nag-take off ang tatay ko rito sa Clark City. Hindi biro ang ginagawa ninyo araw-araw para sa amin,” shared lead star Gerald.

Carlo also underscored the great sacrifices of the nation’s Air Force to serve their fellow Filipinos.

“Maraming salamat po sa mga sakripisyo ninyo. Isa po kasi sa mga pinakamahirap na sakripisyo para sa akin ay ‘yung malayo sa pamilya ng ilang linggo, buwan, at taon, kaya maraming salamat po. Salamat din siyempre sa pagtanggol ninyo sa aming mamamayang Pilipino,” he remarked.

As a special treat, the cast even gave an exclusive sneak peek of their teleserye’s trailer at the Saludo event.

The star-studded event hosted by comedians Eric Nicolas and Alora Sasam brought smiles to the faces of the Air Force.

Elmo sang his father’s hit song Mga Kababayan Ko and Idol Philippines grand champion Zephanie Dimaranan wowed the crowd with her electrifying song number.

Joining the event again to bring cheer to our Kapamilya in the military were GirlTrends Joana Hipolito, Krissha Viaje and Sammie Rimando, and former Pinoy Big Brother Otso housemates Abi Kassem, Camille Sandel, Diana Mackey and Tori Garcia.

The members of the Philippine Air Force gamely showcased their acting chops that earned wild cheers from their peers. Others also had the chance to sing a duet with Kapamilya stars Kiara Takahashi, Krissha Viaje and Tart Carlo, while their very own Spider’s Band pumped up everyone’s energy.

Also present at the event were ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN head of Corporate Services Group 1 Mark Nepomuceno, ABS-CBN Integrated Public Service head Jun Dungo and ABS-CBN head of Corporate Security and Safety Leo Bungubung.

For ABS-CBN News, TV Patrol anchor Bernadette Sembrano also graced the event to show gratitude not just to the Air Force but also to their families.

“Isipin niyo, una ang bayan bago pa ang pamilya. Ang hirap kayang iwanan ang pamilya. Kaya nais din po naming magpasalamat sa inyong mga pamilya na nakakaunawa po sa inyong serbisyong ginagawa,” Bernadette shared.

Before the event wrapped up, everybody watched the Kapamilya network’s Family is Forever Christmas Station ID and took part in the traditional boodle fight for lunch.