As high and bright as the sun is this summer, ASAP Natin ‘To shines equally as strong with their signature world-class performances on the March 21 episode. We enjoyed the Sunday afternoon as segment after segment, hit songs and popping moves were delivered by our exceptionally talented ASAP family and superstar Kapamilya guests.
Dubbed as #ASAPSikat, the opening number, of course, had to start off the party with the most popular music performed by the most renowned artists in the industry. Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Rock Royalty Bamboo entered the stage singing Post Malone’s song, “Circles.”
Concert King Martin Nievera and incredible youthful pop star Darren Espanto followed it up with their breezy and chill performance singing “Smooth”. Just like the title of that song, Joao Constancia, Jameson Blake, Lance Carr, Tan Rocal, and Aljon Mendoza smoothly slide and jive to the music, making our hearts thump even harder.
Keeping us wanting more, young sensational singers Jeremy Glinoga, Janine Berdin, and the iDolls trio Lucas Garcia, Matty Juniosa, and Enzo Almario offered a smoking song performance of the sensual hit by Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello, “Señorita”. As the tune of the song switched up its beat, superb dancers and beauties Loisa Andalio, Karina Bautista, Charlie Dizon, and Vivoree Esclito joined the party on stage.
As if hearing one of Adele’s great songs, “Rolling in the Deep”, played on ASAP wasn’t enough, we had Divine Diva Zsa Zsa and 16-year-old top belter Elha Nympha serenade it to us with their amazing voices. OPM icons Ogie Alcasid and Erik Santos also wowed us right after as they sang Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger.” With the dancing fever getting to us all, grooving hotties Joshua Garcia, Ronnie Alonte, and Enchong Dee danced us through it.
Bringing together fans old and new, widely acclaimed singers Gary Valenciano and Iñigo Pascual closed the opening number with the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”.
#ASAPSikat became more special because apparently it was also Bamboo’s birthday. The 45-year-old rock icon has truly come a long way since his simple tsinelas days because other than being considered as one of the country’s successful singers, he has also produced tons of beloved albums and coached next generation talents in the huge singing competition, The Voice of the Philippines. He marked his celebration on the ASAP stage by singing one of his hit songs, “Firepower”.
Since music and artists aren’t only the things trending these days, dancefloor royalties Kim Chiu, AC Bonifacio, Maymay Entrata, and Jameson Blake cosplayed the well-known computer game icons we know and love while shaking some electrifying dance steps.
Award-winning Filipino-American musical director and producer Troy Laureta is currently working on his newest album called “Kaibigan” to compile the best Filipino love songs with his personal touch. ASAP let us witness this world-class project as Asia’s Songbird Regine joined Troy and American Idol Season 10 alumna Pia Toscano in singing one of the album songs, “Kailangan Kita”.
We cannot let the biggest P-Pop groups miss their deserved spot on the stage to serve us a concert-like experience. BGYO cuties Gelo, Nate, Akira, Mikki, and JL caught our hearts as they performed Loisa Andalio’s song, “Sasamahan Kita”. After they flashed us their dashing smiles, Philippine’s first idol group MNL48 made us fall in love with them again as they belted their sweet voices and kicked in a polished choreography to the Pinoy version of the song “High Tension”.
To mellow out the energy in the room, Queen of Hugot Songs and most streamed female artist Moira and global pop star Iñigo duetted a heartfelt rendition of “Easily” by Bruno Major.
Last set of finalist songs of the Himig 11th edition was performed on the ASAP stage before the fast-approaching grand finals. Young biritera Janine B sang with pure heart and soul Joanna Ang’s hopeful and healing composition entitled, “Bulalakaw”. Tawag ng Tanghalan finalist turned singer-songwriter Sam Mangubat delivered a stunning vocalized interpretation of Daryl Cielo’s “Kulang Ang Mundo”, a song of overflowing and immeasurable love. ASAP Sessionista Juris, on the other hand, made us feel the longing and wonder behind “Ika’y Babalik Pa Ba”, the composition by Jabes Orara.
In the battle of who’s got the better looks, moves, and killer charms, heartthrobs Joshua and Enchong take over the stage for a viral-worthy dance showdown to the hippest music that kids get into these days.
The next trending inspirational teleserye, Huwag Kang Mangamba, is finally hitting the screens too. Centered on the theme of faith, kindness, and hope, it was inspired by the valuable and meaningful stories given to us by May Bukas Pa (2009), 100 Days to Heaven (2011), Honesto (2013), and Nathaniel (2015). In tribute to those and the new teleserye’s appreciation for the opportunity to inspire Filipinos once again, the ASAP family’s roster of amazingly revered singers sang each of the teleseryes’ main songs. The cast of Huwag Kang Mangamba also appeared on-stage to introduce the series that will let us reconnect with Bro.
Although ASAP Natin ‘To is already at the height of its popularity as the greatest and longest-running variety show, it will not stop on doing its best to remain on top by giving us world-class shows such as this episode each weekend.