Sold-Out ASAP Natin 'To in California: A Spectacular Celebration of Filipino Talent and Culture
Over 7000 fans trooped to the Toyota Arena to celebrate TFC’s 30th anniversary and to experience the ultimate entertainment extravaganza of the year.
Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion | August 09, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Jackie Sumang)
ONTARIO, CA, AUGUST 8, 2024 – ASAP Natin 'To in California delivered an unforgettable night of world-class entertainment, captivating audiences at the Toyota Arena on August 3, 2024. The event brought together over 40 Filipino and Filipino American performers for four hours of non-stop musical and dance performances, celebrating ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel's (TFC) 30th anniversary and highlighting the incredible talent of the Filipino.
Star-Studded Performances
The highlight of ASAP Natin 'To in California was the dazzling array of performances by top Filipino and Filipino American artists. Fans were thrilled by the electrifying acts of their favorite celebrities, who delivered powerful vocals, dynamic dance routines, and heartfelt performances. The arena was alive with energy as the audience cheered, sang along, and danced, making it an evening to remember.
Packed Arena and Enthusiastic Fans
The Toyota Arena was filled as Filipino-Americans from Southern California and neighboring areas gathered to celebrate. The event drew fans from as far as Texas, Florida, and New York, showcasing the widespread appeal and strong sense of community among Filipino-Americans. The pre-show warmed up the audience, building anticipation for the main event.
In a special moment, Consul Francis Maynard S. Maleon (4
th from left), joined by Consul Marie Cris Chieng (2
nd from left), of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, presented a certificate to ABS-CBN and TFC executives: ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Joseph Arnie Garcia (left), ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer Cory V. Vidanes (3
rd from left), ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak (5
th from left), and ABS-CBN Global COO Jun del Rosario (right), recognizing their contributions to the Filipino community. This gesture underscored the importance of cultural exchange and the enduring impact of TFC's programming on Filipinos worldwide.
Engaging Sponsor Activities
Event sponsors added an extra layer of excitement by engaging the audience with interactive games and prize giveaways. These activities provided fun and memorable moments for attendees, while also promoting the sponsors' brands in a lively and engaging manner.
A Celebration of TFC's Legacy
The four-hour spectacle was a fitting tribute to TFC's 30 years of service to Filipinos around the globe. The event underscored TFC's position as the cornerstone of Filipino entertainment, bringing joy, connection, and community to Filipino households wherever they are in the world. ASAP Natin ‘To in California was an epic and poignant reminder that TFC will always be the Filipino’s happy place, always bridging them to home.
Catch the sensory and emotional experience of ASAP Natin ‘To in California through some of the show highlights captured by veteran Hollywood photographer Sthanlee Mirador:
Here are snaps of some of the ASAP all-star cast (clockwise from top right): Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Darren, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Martin Nievera who sang a medley of OPM rock songs. Piolo Pascual and Kyle Echarri (center top and bottom, respectively) walked through a sea of fans while singing Francis M’s “Man from Manila.”
Bamboo (left) and Gary Valenciano (right) delivered pure energy as they sang Bamboo’s 20-year-old song “Noypi.”
Filipino American artists shone through in this global Pinoy pride showdown featuring: Martin Nievera with pianist/singer-songwriter Troy Laureta who provided piano accompaniment to all the songs (top left); Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Jaya (top right); Jona and 2018 Top Awardee for World Championships Of Performing Arts James Calacsan (middle row, left); teen sensation from The Voice Season 24 Kaylee Brooke and Klarisse de Guzman (middle row, center); Erik Santos and 2006 Star in a Million Finalist Garth Garcia (middle row, right); Darren and the teen harmony twins of The Voice Season 25 Justin and Jeremy Garcia (bottom, left); American Idol Season 10 and X Factor Season 3 stunner Jules Aurora and Yeng Constantino (bottom, right).
Kapamilya love teams (L-R) Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, Joshua Garcia and Anne Curtis, and Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu had the crowd at Toyota Arena screaming and their hearts a-fluttering with their swoon-worthy love song duets.
Some of the artists who sizzled on the dance floor were (clockwise from top left): May May Entrata, AC Bonifacio, Jolina Magdangal, Gab Valenciano, and Kim Chiu.
Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano (center) celebrates his 60th birthday in a lively song and dance number of “Sa Yahweh” with his children, Gab (left) and Kiana (right).
Kapamilya leading men – Piolo Pascual and Paulo Avelino (top row); Inigo Pascual, Kyle Echarri, and Darren (middle row); Donny Pangilinan, Joshua Garcia, and Robi Domingo (bottom row) - made hearts flutter and audiences scream with glee as they made their way through the stadium crowd on their way to the stage, while singing a medley of OPM love songs.
This trio (L-R) Kyle Echarri, KZ Tandingan, and Inigo Pascual electrified the audience with this stirring performance of Juan Karlos’ “Buwan” and “Ere.”
Five-member P-pop boy group BGYO astonished the audience with their performance of their still-unreleased song, “Trash.” (L-R) Gelo, Nate, JL, Akira, and Mikki moved and grooved to this fast-sexy number, to the cheers of their Aces fandom.
It was not just the Blooms who have caught the BINI fever, but the audience at Toyota Arena caught it too, as one can tell from the cheers and screams that brought the house down. The eight-member group of (L-R) Aiah, Gwen, Jhoanna, Colet, Maloi, Mikha, Sheena, and Stacey sang three of their recent crowd favorites, “Cherry on Top,” “Salamin, Salamin,” and “Pantropiko.”
International leading ladies (L-R) Kim Chiu, Anne Curtis, and Lovi Poe made waves with their song and dance numbers.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta (center) joined Zsa Zsa Padilla (left) and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (right) in a medley of classic hits by these three OPM icons.
The crowd at Toyota Arena is showered with confetti at the end of the ultimate Filipino entertainment extravaganza of the year – “ASAP Natin ‘To in California!” Truly a night to remember.
“ASAP Natin ‘To in California” cast, production team, ABS-CBN and TFC officers and staff pose for the obligatory group photo. A wonderful souvenir shot to memorialize this epic culminating event to the celebration of TFC’s 30th anniversary of being in the service of the Filipino worldwide. (Photo courtesy of Marc Pijuan)
Be sure to watch part 1 of "ASAP Natin 'To in California" this Sunday, August 11, while part 2 airs on August 18 on iWantTFC and TFC worldwide. It can also be seen on Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel and Facebook page. The show is also available on A2Z Channel 11 and on TV5.