In celebration of its 30th year anniversary, TFC (The Filipino Channel) brought the longest running musical variety show in the Philippines, ASAP Natin ‘To, to California. Selling out the Toyota Arena, the event was filled with performances of all genres, and it truly transported attendees to the Philippines. The concert lasted a generous four and a half hours long, giving attendees ample time to sing and dance along with their favorite artists.
With a lineup of over 30 artists, ASAP Natin ‘To featured some of the biggest Filipino and Filipino American stars to put on performances, surprise collaborations, and more. “Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano, who shared the stage with his children and celebrated his 60th birthday with the crowd, expressed how different this festival was compared to solo concerts. “It’s always fun to have concerts here, but it’s even better when we can perform with family like this,” he began. “We can bring a piece of home to everyone who is here.” As TFC first began in California, this was the perfect place to host the milestone celebration. “I remember handing out flyers at shopping malls thirty years ago, promoting TFC and being asked if it was a new fried chicken company,” “Concert King” Martin Nievera started. “[California] is a very sentimental and valuable place for ABS-CBN Studios, so it’s only fitting to celebrate our 30 years in the place we were first accepted [in the U.S].”
The evening was filled with unique performances that created new memories for the performers and audience. Asia Blooming shares our top five memorable moments from the night, in no particular order.
1. Pinoy Dance
The festival spotlighted talented choreographers and dancers in a segment all about dance. This part of the show featured performances by Kim Chiu, MayMay Entrata, Kyla Fajardo, AC Bonifacio, Jaydyn Hernandez, Gab Valenciano, Devin Pornel, and Bailrok. Each dancer performed their own songs, executing solo or duo choreography in their own styles. Each dancer was paired with G-FORCE Dance Crew members for support, and while some dancers such as Devin Pornel and Bailrok focused more on breakdancing, others like Kim Chiu and MayMay Entrata focused more on lyricism, matching their dance moves to the flow of the rhythm and lyrics.
2. DonBelle and KimPau
In Filipino media, a love team is an actor and actress depicted to the public as a romantic couple. While these love teams are quite popular within the Philippines, it’s not so often fans get to enjoy seeing them together overseas.
First up in this segment was Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, collectively known as DonBelle. The two performed a song together while lovingly staring into each others’ eyes, much to the delight of the gushing crowd. The pair walked along all sides of the stage, giving fans a close look at their sweet interactions, holding hands and linking arms.
Another great love team to see live was Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, known as KimPau. Much like DonBelle, the pair’s eyes stayed on each other, even while Avelino twirled Chiu around in something like a waltz as they moved around the stage to the romantic song.
3. “Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano (featuring Gab and Kiana Valenciano)
Celebrating his 60th birthday, Gary Valenciano showed what it’s like to look “60 and sexy.” The energetic performer executed his upbeat choreography with ease, never once tiring despite the fast pace. Keeping things going, the singer even slowed things down to deliver a soulful ballad before diving back into his more energetic songs, inviting his son and daughter onstage to perform as special guests with him. All the sweeter, the younger Valencianos, along with longtime friend Martin Nievera, also prepared a birthday cake to wrap up his set.
4. BINI
Known as the Nation’s Girl Group, BINI was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated performers of the show. Running on stage with bright outfits and even brighter smiles, the once calm crowd rushed to the front, raising lightsticks, selfie sticks, and phones in the air. The eight members performed their latest single, “Cherry On Top,” one of their earliest and most popular songs “Salamin, Salamin,” and their viral mega-hit “Pantropiko.” The crowd’s energy hit an all-time high during BINI’s set, as not a single person was left sitting down.
Each member of the group introduced themselves to the audience, and the cheers were especially loud for Jhoanna, who was not able to appear with the rest of the group at KCON LA the week prior due to poor condition. The group received a surprise of their own, as they were awarded two accolades for their recent albums while onstage.
5. The Finale Performance
Cast members wrapped up the night with a performance of ASAP Natin ‘To’s 30th anniversary anthem, “Always At Home With You.” The stage was filled with Piolo Pascual, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, KZ Tandingan, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos, and Darren. As the veteran performers sang about becoming a comfort place for listeners, several attendees were brought to tears.
Just like the anthem dictates, TFC is meant to be a home away from home for those who watch the channel. The different generations of Filipino talent on stage enjoying their time together was truly reminiscent of a family gathering, perfectly suited to celebrate TFC’s 30th year anniversary.
Click on the photo below to view our photos from the concert:
