In light of the historic finale of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano last Friday and Mars Ravelo’s Darna’ much-awaited beginning, ASAP Natin ‘To energized our Sunday lunchtime viewing by delivering a slew of powerful performances throughout its August 14 episode tagged “#ASAPheroes.”
PHOTOS: The powerhouse cast of Darna and FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano on ASAP Natin ‘To
It was commenced by the trio of Darren Espanto, Robi Domingo, and Gary Valenciano ushering us to another sure-fire and remarkable episode. Filipino hip-hop dancers and “Asia’s Got Talent” Season 17 finalist Urban Crew Flyers bestowed us a vigorous warm-up through their astonishing flipping stunts and impeccable dance routines.
Gary, Darren, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Erik Santos, KZ Tandingan, Angeline Quinto, Klarisse de Guzman, Anji Salvacion, Angeline Quinto, Elha Nympha, Sheena Belarmino, and FANA then emerged onstage belting out Imagine Dragons’ “Believer.” Birthday girl Chie Filomeno set the stage on fire with a sultry dance break, as Gary, KZ, and Erik continued singing the said powerful song. Heartthrobs Jeremy Glinoga and Jin Macapagal also wooed us with their handsome grooves.
Young belters Darren, Sheena, and Elha astounded us with their compelling rendition of Fall Out Boy’s “Centuries,” to which the D’ Total Performer later on danced to. It was followed by Klarisse, Fana, Anji, and Angeline screaming girl power with their version of Little Mix’s “Salute,” with Francine Diaz, Krystal Brimner, and Karina Bautista showing off their fierce moves.
Divine Diva Zsa Zsa and Asia’s Songbird Regine, along with Pinay Pop group MNL48 then took the spotlight singing Kelly Rowland’s “Commander”. The rest of the ASAP all-star homies eventually went back onstage to join them.
They then welcomed FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano lead actor-director and Primetime King Coco Martin onstage to let him express his gratitude to everyone who became part of the show and made its seven-year run possible and successful.
Aside from bidding farewell to the long-running action drama that we absolutely loved, the ASAP Natin ‘To family also didn’t forget to pay tribute to the “King and Queen of Philippine Movies” Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces by singing the songs that reminded us of them. Erik, Angeline, Jed Madela, Zsa Zsa, KZ, and Klarisse by FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano star John Arcilla “Kapalaran” originally sang by Rico J. Puno.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta, who portrayed Aurora, stepped into the stage to serenade us with “Kahit Konting Pagtingin.” They then all joined forces in singing Da King’s all-time faves “Kumusta Ka” and “Doon Lang.” A VTR was also flashed on the screen showing a few avid viewers of the program and some of the actors who used to be part of it delivering their heartfelt messages for Coco, the audiences, and showbiz icon Susan Roces.
Mr. Pure Energy Gary V then took the stage to perform “Ililigtas Ka Niya” and “Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak,” two of the most remarkable OSTs of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. It was followed by the entrance of its directors Malu Sevilla, John Prats, Kevin de Vela, and Vince Gaite; and supporting cast Jimboy Martin, Karl Medina, Whitney Tyson, Dax Augustus, Jay Gonzaga, CJ Ramos, Sancho Delas Alas, Smugglaz, Bassilyo, John Medina, Marc Solis, and Geoff Eigenmann.
Regine and Sharon then emerged on stage to sing the former’s “Di Ka Nag-iisa,” to mark the ingress of Raymart Santiago, Shaina Madayao, Michael de Mesa, Angel Aquino, John Estrada, Lorna Tolentino, John Arcilla, Rowell Santiago, and Coco Martin. The powerhouse cast didn’t only give their final salute to the Kapamilya who supported them throughout the past seven years, but also touched our hearts with their farewell messages.
“Unang-una po, gusto kong magpasalamat kay Tita Susan kasi sa kanya po nagsimula ang lahat ng ito, dahil pinayagan niya kami gawin ‘yong proyekto. At salamat po kay FPJ kasi siya po ang naging inspirasyon naming lahat na gawin ‘yong mga pelikula o mga obra niya at pinangako namin sa amin mga sarili na hindi naming sila bibiguin dahil alam namin na lahat ng mga pelikula ni FPJ ay may misyon na mabigyan ng pangarap at ng pag-asa ang bawat Pilipino. Kaya maraming-maraming salamat po dahil kayo po ang aming kinapitan. Kaya hindi po kami bumitiw hanggang dulo,” Coco emotionally conveyed.
He also expressed his endless gratitude to the ABS-CBN executives who supported them all the way. The other cast members weren’t able to hold their emotions as well when they did the same.
From one hero to another, the ASAP family then proceeded on welcoming the highly anticipated Mars Ravelo’s Darna, which is set to start today, August 15. Regine started off by belting out “Heroes” by Alesso ft. Tove Lo, which was followed by FANA, Sheena, Lara Maigue, and Elha’s powerful version of Sia’s “Unstoppable.”
The Asia’s Songbird then introduced this generation’s Valentina, Janella Salvador, who showed off her fierce facet by performing “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson, then new Darna Jane de Leon, who proved that she’s indeed ready to fly through her impressive dance number. One of its stars Iza Calzado also graced the ASAP episode through a pre-recorded video of her telling the legendary story of Darna.
The stellar ensemble cast of Mars Ravelo’s Darna, were also introduced, which includes Yogo Singh, Young JV, LA Santos, Zeppi Borromeo, Mark Manicad, Dawn Chang, Joj Agpangan, Viveika Ravanes, Simon Ibarra, Rio Locsin, Paolo Gumabao, Zaijian Jaranilla, Joshua Garcia, Janella Salvador, and Jane De Leon. Meanwhile, Pinoy P-pop group BGYO swooned us with his performance of the OST “Patuloy Lang Ang Lipad.”
Lead actress Jane wasn’t able to contain her emotions as she “Gusto ko lang po magpasalamat sa lahat po ng mga nagmamahal at sumusuporta po sa Darna, sa mga nagtitiwala po sa akin hanggang sa huli. At siyempre, gusto ko pong magpasalamat kina Tita Cory, CLK, kina Direk Lauren, kina Sir Mark Lopez, at syempre po sa lahat ng mga boss na nandiyan po para sa akin simula pa noong 2019. Maraming, maraming salamat po.”
She also gave a special shout out to her beloved mom, saying that she’s already making their dreams come true gradually, as well as to her late dad to whom she dedicates this remarkable milestone.
The episode capped off with the ASAP all-star singers heartfelt cover of Mariah Carey’s “Hero.”
Get your weekly dose of world-class entertainment by not missing an episode of ASAP Natin ‘To, Sundays at 12 high noon, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, iWantTFC and TV5!