The “BER months” have already started, and for us Filipinos, this means that the Yuletide season has already begun! And with still more than 100 days till Christmas Day, avid supporters of “ASAP” already received a fantastic present on the very first day of September, as the iconic, long-running All-Star Sunday Afternoon Party brought a new viewing experience to everyone as a way to kick off its 30th anniversary fete next year.
Since it was announced through the teasers released across the television and social media platforms of ABS-CBN Studios that the September 1 episode was going to be a special one and everyone should watch out for it, the ASAP family – from the staff and crew to the artists and other performers – made sure to stay true to their promise and sworn responsibility of providing world-class and concert-level performances.
Just on the opening number, viewers were already given a slew of spectacular performances by the all-star cast and various dance groups. The trending “Maybe This Time” dance craze also made it to the ASAP stage, with its creator, Ralp Xyrel Villaruz, present to lead everyone in taking on the fun challenge, while Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid provided the vocals.
Aside from the new logo and new chapter of the Sunday variety show, two new groups were also introduced. The first one was the ASAP Dance Sirens, comprised of talented and gorgeous female Kapamilya stars Loisa Andalio, Chie Filomeno, and Anji Salvacion, who allured us with their sizzling dance numbers together and individually. Meanwhile, the second one was the new generation ASAP Rock-oustic Heartthrobs Kice, Rob Blackburn, Anthony Meneses, Luke Alford, and Kobie Brown, who made our hearts flutter not only with their handsomeness, but with their rendition of “Misteryo” by Cup of Joe.
It wasn’t only the mainstays who treated us with remarkable entertainment in that episode, for there were also a number of guest artists who graced the show. Fast-rising singer-songwriter Maki debuted his latest single, “Namumula,” while OPM band Over October performed their popular song, “Ikot.”
Controversial content creator Chloe San Jose, the supportive girlfriend of two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, also made her “ASAP” comeback through her performance of Camila Cabello’s “Havana” in the “Woman of the Hour” segment. Just in case you missed it, “The Golden Girl” first appeared on the online show “iWant ASAP” in 2019, where she exhibited her singing skills through her cover of “Dahan” by December Avenue.
In view of the TV premiere of ABS-CBN Studios latest teleserye offering, “Lavender Fields,” on September 2, Monday, its all-star cast made an appearance on the program. The ensemble was spearheaded by Jodi Sta. Maria, Jericho Rosales, Maricel Soriano, and Jolina Magdangal, with teen stars Krystal Mejes, Miguel Vergara, Jana Agoncillo, and Marc Santiago ushering their group in. Other cast members present were Benj Manalo, Cheena Crab, Thou Reyes, Analain Salvador, Alex Diaz, Eric Nicolas, Kate Alejandrino, and Lotlot de Leon, with the OPM power couple Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid singing the teleserye theme song “Maskara.”
Following that stint, Jericho returned to the stage for his mini-birthday concert, wherein he serenaded everyone by singing “Makita Kang Muli”, “Hardin”, and “Pusong Ligaw.” The Asian Drama King, who is about to celebrate his 45th birthday on September 22, also received a special greeting from his “Lavender Fields” co-star Janine Gutierrez. As he blew his birthday candle, Echo wished for the success of his latest series and for his much-awaited return in “ASAP.”
All the preparations, efforts, and time that the “ASAP” family had exerted during the rehearsals indeed paid off, as the September 1, 2024 episode was indeed a remarkable one. And ent.abs-cbn.com was able to capture some snaps during the show proper, which we collated in this gallery.