We, Filipinos, definitely have the longest Christmas season in the world as we begin to celebrate it as soon as we enter the month of September -- the first of the “Ber months”. This is the time when some of us probably start to decorate their homes with Christmas ornaments and plan how we are going to celebrate it.
But for avid Kapamilyas through the years, it’s also the time of the year that we’re arguably the most ecstatic about since it is when ABS-CBN launches its yearly Christmas Station ID that has certainly become a part of our Yuletide tradition for almost two decades already.
Inaugurating it in 2002, this tradition has been the network’s way of conveying its holiday messages through the LSS-inducing and heartfelt specially written anthem sung by its finest singers and heartwarming music video featuring its brightest stars and ordinary Pinoys whose anecdotes had indeed inspired us.
And just recently, the teaser for this year’s Christmas ID produced by ABS-CBN was released in the official YouTube channel of ABS-CBN Entertainment that truly thrilled and delighted avid Kapamilya supporters all over the world. The 16-second clip gives us a hint that the song, tagged “Christmas ID ng Pilipino,” will revolve around the timely concept of “Andito tayo para sa isa’t isa”.
While we’re looking forward to seeing it, let’s revisit the unforgettable ABS-CBN Christmas Station IDs that have touched our souls and warmed our hearts through the years.
ABS-CBN Christmas ID 2020 "Ikaw Ang Liwanag At Ligaya"
The year 2020 was undoubtedly a tough one for everybody because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It may also be the darkest period for ABS-CBN in recent history due to circumstances it had to face, but there’s definitely no stopping it from being in the service of Filipinos worldwide as it still chose to rise from the ashes and continue spreading hope, love, and happiness.
Drawing inspiration from the resilience, determination, kindness, and faith radiated by our ordinary Kapamilyas during these trying times, “Ikaw Ang Liwanag at Ligaya” reminds us that despite the darkness that looms our lives, there’s certainly a light inside all of us that never goes out because we have God as the inexhaustible source. And because of the goodness He constantly instilled in us regardless of the situation we’re in, this also “inspires us to pass on His light to others until our collective light wins and brings us real joy”.
This features our Kapamilyas whose inspiring stories and moving kindness amid the pandemic brought light and sparked hope not only to the people whose lives they’re able to touch, but to the onlookers as well -- making us believe that it’s still possible for us to have a “Maligayang Pasko”.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2019: “Family is Forever”
In what seemed to be a grand retrospect of famed Christmas station IDs of recent years, this 2019 SID exudes a mix of profound messages of generosity and forever love of family, with the touching unity of all Filipinos from different walks of life, and nostalgic memoirs of that yearly Kapamilya tradition deeply embedded in our hearts.
It was indeed reminiscent of the 2009 goosebump-inducing “Bro, Ikaw Ang Star Ng Pasko” sung by carolers, fishermen, farmers, call center agents, doctors and nurses, soldiers, and priests; 2017’s “Just Love” rendered by OFWs and teachers; and a touching version of 2018’s “Family is Love” by bus commuters, survivors of the Bohol earthquake and Typhoons Yolanda and Ondoy, and government troops in war-torn Mindanao.
“Family is Forever” went on to show the moving “reunions” of Kapamilya stars with the disadvantaged and inspiring people they extended assistance to in the previous years inside the ABS-CBN compound.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2018: “Family is Love"
In times of joy or despair, triumphs or trials, we all go back to where we feel love, comfort, acceptance and hope – our family. “Family Is Love” featured the inspiring five stories of families of different forms and sizes and from different walks of life to remind every Filipino to value and celebrate the love that we have for the ones that we consider as family. Together with almost 400 artists, Kapamilyas are definitely touched as we sing words of love and inspiration in this season of love as one family.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2017: “Just Love Ngayong Christmas"
“Just Love Ngayong Pasko” presents snippets of real people sharing what they have with strangers, helping one another in times of distress, and showing hope and resilience in videos or photos that went viral online and touched the hearts of many people. Stars and artists from ABS-CBN’s News and Entertainment programs and subsidiaries can also be seen writing notes to cheer up and console the people in Marawi City, and doing their own acts of charity.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2016: “Isang Pamilya Tayo Ngayong Pasko”
Colorful medallions were given away by some of the Kapamilya Network’s biggest stars to inspiring individuals and groups who continue to help others despite the adversities they experience in life. Sang by The Voice Philippines coaches Bamboo, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, and Sharon Cuneta, and kids edition winners Joshua Oliveros, Lyca Gairanod, Elha Nympha, and Antonette Tismo, “Isang Pamilya Tayo Ngayong Pasko” reminds us that as long as we have God in our lives, our hopes and ambitions are going to be alive whatever hardships that may come our way.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2015: “Thank You For The Love”
Through this Christmas Station ID, the Kapamilya stars were able to express their gratitude to fellow Filipinos whose stories inspire them in their work and in their personal lives. By showing these moments, we’re able to remind them that all their efforts in making a difference in the lives of others and to the world in their own little or grand ways are definitely never forgotten. For the first time, three of the most popular loveteams in the local entertainment scene – KathNiel, JaDine, and LizQuen -- joined forces in singing the “Thank You For The Love” hymn.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2014: “Thank you, Ang Babait Ninyo”
Enthused by the colloquial Christmas jingle “Thank you, Ang Babait Ninyo”, the 2014 Christmas SID put a different flavor to the street carolers’ anthem by injecting deeper and evocative meaning to it. The Voice Kids Season 1 Top 4 finalists Lyca Gairanod, Darren Espanto, Juan Karlos Labajo, and Darlene Vibares lent their beautiful voices to give life to it. This focuses on ordinary people and celebrities expressing their gratitude towards the significant persons in their lives and giving tribute to all those who serve as inspiration and willingly serve others.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2013: “Magkasama Tayo sa Kwento ng Pasko”
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Philippine television, ABS-CBN put into the spotlight the audience whose stories ignited the company's passion. The 2013 SID paid tribute to different Filipinos with inspiring and success stories, such as the survivor-advocates of the Women's Crisis Center, a war veteran, the residents of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Aged, the kids of Boys' Institution, brave kids of Child Haus, a Filipino couple in California that speak of true love, and the people of Cebu. Each of the stories was told by a Kapamilya artist who also extended a helping hand to those people or institutions.
"Magkasama Tayo sa Kwento ng Pasko" echoes the shared history of every Filipino, with Voice PH coaches Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, and Lea Salonga led the singing and were joined by their protégés Mitoy Yonting, Klarisse de Guzman, Janice Javier, and Myk Perez.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2012: “Lumiliwanag ang Mundo sa Kwento ng Pasko”
Inspired by real, hapless events that devastated the country in the past years, the Station ID aims to give hope and cheer to every Filipino which was symbolized by lanterns in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Since lantern is the typical symbol of Christmas here in the Philippines, directors Paolo Ramos and Peewee Gonzales deliberately made use of it throughout the whole music video, either as ornament or as the main item for the artists’ gift-giving.
Interspersed with real events and true stories on the strength and heroism of Filipinos, “Lumiliwanag ang Mundo sa Kwento ng Pasko” features hundreds of Kapamilya stars paying tribute to ordinary Filipino people while helping spread light across the globe.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2011: “Da Best ang Pasko ng Pilipino”
What makes Paskong Pinoy unique? We start the Christmas season in September, end it in January, wake up at dawn to attend Simbang Gabi, fill our tables (and tummies) with hamonado and lechon during Noche Buena, give aguinaldos, and the list just goes on and on. Above all these, the true Paskong Pinoy speaks of love no matter the distance.
“Da Best ang Pasko ng Pilipino” showcases how Filipinos around the world celebrate Christmas, whether they are with their family or not. Families who were separated by miles and oceans were able to get connected through various means of communications and were shown in split screens.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2010: “Ngayong Pasko Magniningning ang Pilipino”
Pinoy Christmas traditions shine bright in the “Ngayong Pasko Magniningning ang Pilipino” through a streak of "magic." The video is accompanied by the magnificent song crooned by Gary Valenciano, Toni Gonzaga, and the University of the Sto. Tomas (UST) singers.
In the 2010 Christmas SID, the Kapamilya network reminds us that our innate values of love, unity, and dedication are the true sources of Pinoy pride. It also brings into forefront the various artists, organizations, teams, and performers, which have boasted Filipino talents here and abroad.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2009: “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko”
Undoubtedly the top favorite and most popular Christmas station ID ever produced by ABS-CBN, “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko” was inspired by that year’s top-rating primetime series “May Bukas Pa.” Its video was one of the most remarkable for the handheld parols clasped by Kapamilya celebrities as they sang along with KC Concepcion, Piolo Pascual, and the ASAP Champions and Sessionistas.
Following the devastating Typhoon Yolanda, the Kapamilya network launched an inspiring SID that reminded Filipinos that no calamity can break the country's resiliency. This features ABS-CBN's more than 300 talents, artists, broadcasters, child stars; and our fellow Kapamilya from different walks of life.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2008: “May Katuparan ang Hiling sa Kapamilyang Kapiling”
Before the word “drawing” were able to have a negative connotation nowadays, the sketches in the music video came to life, which implies that the desires of our hearts can come true if we work hard for it and at the right time.
“May Katuparan ang Hiling sa Kapamilyang Kapiling” zeroes more on several artists’ Christmas wishes and their fondest memories of it with Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo singing a few lines of the holiday song in a few intervals. Kapamilya stars are asked what they wish for Christmas and what Christmas is for them. Answers may vary but it all boils down to the true meaning of the season—granting wishes through a helping hand.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2007: ”Walang Mag-iisa Ngayong Pasko”
"Walang Mag-Iisa Ngayong Pasko" in 2007 focused on the sense of community among Filipinos, even those who are based overseas. But instead of a heartwarming or upbeat song, the station ID featured spoken messages from Kapamilya personalities that tugged at our heartstrings as well.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2006: “Angat ang Ligaya ng Pasko”
“Angat ang Ligaya ng Pasko” could be the most resonating holiday tune the network has ever released since it’s one of the most common pieces choirs include in their sets during Christmas choral competitions. Sung by the pop rock band Orange and Lemons, it reminds us that the true essence of Christmas is not the grandiose festivities but Jesus Christ, thus, it must be celebrated no matter what our life disposition is. It stars various Kapamilya actors riding jeepneys, visiting people deprived of liberty, giving smiles to orphans via gift-giving, and other manifestations of the true Christmas spirit.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2005: “Magpasaya Ng Kapamilya”
This is the shortest station ID ever produced because it only runs for almost two minutes. Aside from that, it also uses a more mellow rendition of the APO Hiking Society hit “Himig ng Pasko” and there are no artists present in the video as it shows simple acts of kindness done by ordinary people.
Commencing with the hum of the famous "Himig ng Pasko," the 2005 SID pays tribute to the OFWs spending their Christmases away from home, the soldiers who are helping out communities in far away communities, and Filipino families.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2004: “Sabay Tayo, Kapamilya”
The value for family is always put at forefront by the ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID and 2004 is no different. "Sabay Tayo, Kapamilya" is the first SID conceptualized and written by Robert Labayen. It combines the industry's most powerful voices, such as Martin Nievera, Zsazsa Padilla, Kuh Ledesma, Gary Valenciano, Sarah Geronimo and a whole lot more. It is even infused by a short rap that emphasizes the unity of the whole Philippines despite the differences in languages and culture.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2003: “DisyembRegalo”
The country's King of Comedy took the dramatic role of introducing the second Christmas Station ID through a voice over. Unlike the previous SID which featured a song, the 2003 edition only had the dramatic monologue of the late Dolphy reiterating the true meaning of Christmas that is “selflessness” vis-a-vis a montage of Filipino Christmas traditions, such as hanging of lanterns, Simbang Gabi, and giving of gifts. He wrapped up the video by uttering “'Yan ang Kapamilya Pasko, dito at sa buong mundo”.
ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2002: “Isang Pamilya, Isang Puso Ngayong Pasko”
Firsts are always special, right? And it is true with ABS-CBN’s first station ID entitled “Isang Pamilya, Isang Puso Ngayong Pasko”, which doesn’t only feature the brightest young stars of that era, but the biggest names in the industry as well, such as award-winning actresses Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, and Lorna Tolentino, and now late icons Dolphy and Da King Fernando Poe Jr.