ABS-CBN celebrates Filipino resilience during calamities in star-studded Christmas special

ABS-CBN 2014 Christmas SpecialABS-CBN’s biggest and rising stars unite for a night as a treat to all Kapamilya this holiday season, proving that no typhoon could hinder ABS-CBN from giving happiness and world-class entertainment to Filipinos.

Although fun-filled and star-studded, the heart of the two-part special, which airs on Saturday (December 13) and Sunday (December 14) is the Filipino spirit’s resilience and strong faith in times of calamities.

“There are times when sudden changes happen when we least expect them. But whatever the season, ABS-CBN will continue to make Filipinos experience the real essence of Christmas, which is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ—our light amidst the darkness,” said ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III said during the ABS-CBN 2014 Christmas special titled “Kapamilya Magkapiling Tayo Ngayong Pasko.”

“If nothing can stop a typhoon, then nothing can also stop us from being together,” remarked ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio during her speech.

ABS-CBN 2014 Christmas SpecialThe show looks back on the devastation caused by ‘Yolanda’ and sheds light on stories of hope from victims who are now picking up the pieces to move on with their lives.

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano also shares a meaningful message on how the Filipinos’ strong devotion is bigger than any typhoon and why Filipinos should be thankful that typhoon Ruby left minimal damage compared to Yolanda’s trail of destruction last year.

With a string of the country’s top entertainment artists, the ABS-CBN 2014 Christmas special features the network’s crème de la crème: Lea Salonga, Gary V, Sarah Geronimo, Charice, Martin Nievera, Lani Misalucha, Arnel Pineda, Bamboo, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Piolo Pascual.

Anne Curtis, Toni Gonzaga, Kim Chiu, KC Concepcion, Shaina Magdayao, Vhong Navarro, and Jhong Hilario dance and sing to popular movie musicals ‘Chicago,’ ‘Moulin Rouge,’ ‘Burlesque,’ and ‘The Great Gatsby.’

ABS-CBN 2014 Christmas SpecialKapamilya favorites Kris Aquino, Judy Ann Santos, Vice Ganda, Boy Abunda, Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo, Xian Lim, Luis Manzano, Gretchen Barretto, Dawn Zulueta, Richard Gomez, Jolina Magdangal, Marvin Agustin, Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, Alex Gonzaga, Nikki Gil, Vina Morales, Kim Atienza, Iza Calzado, Erich Gonzales, Kaye Abad, Yael Yuzon, Denise Laurel, Amy Perez and Roderick Paulate also grace the concert.

The hottest love teams featuring Teen King and Queen Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, Nash Aguas and Alexa Ilacad, Nadine Lustre and James Reid, Janela Salvador and Marlo Mortel make hearts melt, while Kapamilya heartthrobs John Lloyd Cruz, Coco Martin, Enchong Dee, Zanjoe Marudo, Gerald Anderson, Sam Milby, Jake Cuenca, Richard Yap, Jericho Rosales, Joseph Marco, EJ Falcon, Matteo Guidicelli, JC De Vera, Jason Abalos, Deither Ocampo, Sam Concepcion, and Paolo Avelino thrills the crowd with their charm in a production number.

ABS-CBN 2014 Christmas SpecialStar Magic talents Julia Barretto, Jesse Mendiola, Ella Cruz, Julia Montes, Rayver Cruz, Inigo Pascual, Gimme 5, former “PBB” stars, “LUV U” cast, and “Hawak Kamay” kids display their singing and dancing talents, while comedy stars Pokwang, Ryan Bang, Kitkat, Pooh, Chokoleit, John Lapus, Jason Gainza, Melai Cantiveros, and Jason Francisco deliver a surprising production number. Meanwhile, Yeng Constantino, Erik Santos, Angeline Quinto, Mitoy Yonting, Richard Poon, Juris, Sitti, Kean Cipriano, KZ Tandingan, Morisette Amon, Klarisse De Guzman, Marcelito Pomoy, Rhap Salazar, and Marion Aunor serenade the audience with heartfelt Christmas songs. Also present during the occasion are Kapamilya newcomers Daniel Matsunaga and Isabelle Daza.

The ABS-CBN 2014 Christmas special also features timeless Christmas songs with the participation of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, musical director Gerard Salonga together with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, Jamie Rivera, and The Company.

ABS-CBN 2014 Christmas SpecialThe ABS-CBN Christmas special highlights its corporate social responsibility efforts through the years, spearheaded by Gina Lopez, chairman of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. In honor of the foundation’s milestones, “The Voice Kids” Lyca Gairanod, Darren Espanto, Juan Karlos Labajo, and Darlene Vibares sang a beautiful number during the program.

The show also showcases a truly meaningful Pinoy Christmas experience as Kapamilya stars perform song numbers that put emphasis on the importance of family, hope, joy, and love this holiday season. To celebrate The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) 20th anniversary, the country’s best artists Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, and Charice perform a stunning production number. “Kapamilya Magkapiling Tayo Ngayong Pasko” the ABS-CBN two-part Christmas special premieres on Saturday (December 13) and Sunday (December 14), 9:30PM on ABS-CBN Channel 2. (Story & Photos by: Katherine Solis)

Anne Curtis