Fans, media meet ‘ASAP’ stars in California

Clockwise from top left: Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, ABS-CBN Global COO Jun Del Rosario, MayMay Entrata and Erik Santos. Photos by Sthanlee Mirador

ONTARIO, Calif. – The biggest stars in Philippine entertainment joined ABS CBN executives at a media event Thursday ahead of the “ASAP Natin ‘To in California” concert on Aug. 3 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.

Leading the event were Robi Domingo, MayMay Entrata, Kim Chiu, Erik Santos, Piolo Pascual, Ogie Alcasid, ZsaZsa Padilla, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Martin Nievera, and Gary Valenciano, along with ABS-CBN Global COO Jun Del Rosario and Global Head of Events Joseph Arnie Garcia.

Del Rosario opened the press conference with the good news that “ASAP Natin ‘To in California” was already sold out as of Thursday.

When asked why Ontario was chosen as the venue, Del Rosario explained that TFC’s roots are deeply tied to California.

“TFC really started in California, so it is fitting that after 30 years, we celebrate here,” Del Rosario said. “California will always have a special place in ABS-CBN’s heart because when ABS-CBN was shut down during Martial Law in 1972, and our founder, Eugenio Lopez, Jr. had to seek asylum abroad, it was California, specifically San Francisco, which welcomed him and became his second home.”

Consul Francis Maynard S. Maleon of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles welcomed the ASAP entourage to Ontario.

Gary Valenciano said the live concert experience at the Toyota Arena on August 3 will offer a nostalgic touch of home for Kapamilya viewers.

Martin Nievera expressed his excitement about the opportunity to thank supporters face-to-face and celebrate the continued success of TFC.

Earlier this week, fans were treated to four fan meets featuring some of the most beloved Filipino celebrities.

Clockwise from top left: Martin Nievera, ZsaZsa Padilla, Piolo Pascual, ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Joseph Arnie Garcia, Robi Domingo and Kim Chiu. Photos by Sthanlee Mirador

The events, held on Wednesday at Corner Occasions, an event space in Ontario, Calif., showcased BGYO, BINI, the DonBelle love team of Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano and the Heartthrobs: Kyle Echarri, Darren and Inigo Pascual.

Kicking off the series of fan meets was the phenomenal boy group BGYO. The ACES, as their fans are known, had the opportunity to engage with the five-member group composed of Akira, Gelo, JL, Mikki and Nate.

The highlight of the session was when BGYO taught the audience the choreography to their latest single, “Gigil.” Fans eagerly joined in for a dance challenge, sharing an electrifying moment with their idols.

BGYO teaches the audience dance steps to their latest single, “Gigil.” CONTRIBUTED

The nation’s girl group BINI – composed of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena – elicited deafening screams from their devoted BLOOMS.

During the lively Q&A, BINI Maloi shared that her most memorable moment was being announced that they were the final eight members, marking the official start of BINI.

For BINI Aiah, the standout moment was performing recently at KCON LA.

The session reached its peak when BINI taught their fans the dance steps to their hit track “Salamin, Salamin,” getting everyone on their feet.

The P-pop girl group BINI elicits deafening screams from their devoted BLOOMS. CONTRIBUTED

The phenomenal love team Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, affectionately known as DonBelle, had fans’ hearts fluttering during their fan meet. The couple played a fun game of charades, with Donny and Belle pairing up with three lucky fans each. Team Donny emerged victorious in the spirited competition.

Closing the day were the heartthrobs Kyle Echarri, Darren, and Inigo Pascual. These multi-talented artists engaged fans with a lively game of “Tumpakners,” inspired by a segment on “Showtime.” Each artist paired with a fan, and the challenge was to match answers to given categories.

After several rounds and a few partner changes, Kyle Echarri and his partner clinched the win with their matching answer, “Singkamas,” eliciting cheers from the audience.

These fan meets were a thrilling prelude to the main event, “ASAP Natin ‘To in California,” happening this Saturday, August 3 at the Toyota Arena.

The excitement and energy from these interactions set the stage for an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, camaraderie and the feeling of being in one’s happy place as ASAP marks the biggest, culminating  event to celebrate TFC’s 30th anniversary.