Twenty-six years and counting! ASAP Natin ‘To episode on Sunday, February 7 marked the show’s 26th year of delivering world-class and sensational musical performances that Kapamilyas look forward to every weekend. It remains to be the longest running variety show on Philippine television and it doesn’t have a plan to stop with its growing lineup of talented artists and a deluge of loyal fans.
The episode was, of course, something special as it reminisced the wonderful moments of the ASAP Natin ‘To family throughout the years and looked forward to what the future has in store for their show. The performances were definitely nothing less than perfect as this episode was also a show of great appreciation for all the viewers that have supported it since its first airing.
Concert King Martin Nievera, who has been part of the show since it began in 1995, celebrated his birthday the same day as ASAP’s 26th year so it was a great way to start the show off with his electrifying performance of “Kasayaw”. Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid later joined Martin on stage.
Dubbed as the next generation of divas, Klarisse de Guzman, Sheena Belarmino, Janine Berdin, and Elha Nympha entered the stage with their sweet rendition of “Mahal Kita Pero”. The young Jeremy Glinoga didn’t let up as he sang the upbeat “Para Sa Tabi” with veteran singer Erik Santos.
Darren Espanto, along with the popping dance moves of Joshua Garcia and Ronnie Alonte, kept the energy up with their performance of the Skusta Clee song, “Dance With You”. The cute on-screen couple Hello Stranger, JCTon (JC Alcantara and Tony Labrusca), and their co-stars for its upcoming movie, Vivoree Esclito and Gillian Vicencio, joined in the fun with a dance performance to the tune of “Dalawang Pag-Ibig Niya”.
This was quickly followed by Jed Madela, Nyoy Volante, and Ogie Alcasid singing us their version of Iñigo Pascual’s “Lumang Tugtugin” as the Queen of the Dance Floor Kim Chiu added flair to the performance with an amazing dance routine. Maymay Entrata continued the dancing but with another kilig OPM song by Ylona Garcia and Bailey May, “O Pag-Ibig”.
To end the intro with a bang, Charlie Dizon, Jameson Blake, and Joao Constancia danced their hearts out as Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano sang his song “Mahal Na Mahal Ko Siya” with KZ Tandingan.
Before going back to more musical performances, Darren and Edward Barber recalled their very own treasured memories being on ASAP Natin ‘To. Different hosts also looked back on how ASAP has grown since 1995 as they chatted with the show’s virtual audience that joined in the anniversary special as it happened live to get their heartwarming messages.
The day had even more to celebrate because we welcomed the newest ASAP’s newest host and Kapamilya star, Janine Gutierrez. She marked her debut with a solo performance of “No Hearts”. The artist shares that she is very much excited to be part of the new family, especially with a chance to perform alongside Sarah Geronimo so she can unleash her inner Popster.
ASAP Natin ‘To has been recognized for its role as a premier stage for artists and musicians. OPM idols Ogie and Gary sang “Mangarap Ka” to inspire more and more generations of talents because ASAP will be there to hone them as world-class performers. Erik Santos and fellow singers who also started their singing career in music competitions — KZ, Elha, Janine Berdin, Jason Dy, Noven Belleza, and Elaine Duran — sang their hearts out with the Rivermaya song “Posible” to reiterate their truth that reaching big dreams is possible.
As another testament to this and celebration of his success, the recently adjudged Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 4 Grand Champion JM Yosures performed on ASAP Natin ‘To for the first time with a spectacular rendition of SB19’s “Go Up”. JM also took up the opportunity to thank everyone that was there for him in his inspiring journey. Regardless of how challenging it was, he knew he made it through because he always gave his best and had the trust of all his supporters.
Breeding singers isn’t the only thing ASAP is known for because their dancers are equally incredible. Since before, ASAP had been home to the dancing concert queen Pops Fernandez, Ms. Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres’ SayawNara, iconic dance groups such as Manoeuvres, Streetboys, 90s Teen Idols, the Original Show Girls, and various popular dance crazes and performances.
To commemorate this, Kim Chiu and fellow Dance Floor Royalty, Vhong Navarro, collaborated on an astounding dance number to different throwback songs. Charlie Dizon, Loisa Andalio, and Maymay Entrata, also showed off their amazing K-Pop dancing skills with a fierce and sexy performance. They may be relatively new to showbiz but they’re already greatly talented. In fact, international rapper and singer Jessi complimented Charlie and Loisa for their awesome dance rendition of her song “Nunu Nana”.
More artists delivered their outstanding talent on stage. Jona and rock icon Bamboo added a unique spin to the latter’s song “Masaya” by singing it as a soulful duet. This Band followed, playing their popular songs “Hindi Na Nga” and “Kahit Ayaw Mo Na” while the young belting divas Elha, Janine B, and Sheena sang it.
The next set of performers are also considered a new breed of artists. Sam Cruz, Anji Salvacion, KD Estrada, and Diego Gutierrez sang together the songs “Saves It” and “Keeps on Coming Back,” which are the official theme songs of “Unloving U.” The main stars of “Unloving U,” LoiNie (Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte), took the stage and performed the main song of the soundtrack “Kaya Pala” and also bring a lot of kilig because, as we all know, these two are also one of the cutest real-life couples.
ASAP’s internationally-recognized artists certainly did not want to miss out on this 26th anniversary episode. Regine and Zsa Zsa were joined by world-renowned musical theater actress and singer, the Broadway Diva Lea Salonga and The Company on stage to move us with their melodious voices in singing the OPM classics “Muntik Na Kitang Minahal” and “Pakisabi Na Lang”.
The show ended with a touching message that we are the ones that hold the power to make our dreams a reality with an uplifting performance of “Rewrite The Stars”. It was led by the birthday celebrant Martin Nievera and the whole ASAP family. They truly concluded the celebration full of emotion as they expressed their deep gratitude for everyone behind ASAP’s 26 years of success and their continued support for it for several more.