November 9, 2014 (QUEZON CITY) – From afar, the Star Performing Arts Centre boasts of state-of-the-art architecture designed by the famed Artec consultants of New York while its Star Theatre beams of modern lighting, full sound system and high-definition video which in the words of music icon Tony Benett, makes it the “finest theatre” in the world. On October 25, the renowned center became the perfect venue of premier network The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) own showcase of world-class performances fitting of modern day heroes – Galing ng Filipino: A TFC 20 Celebration.
“Galing ng Filipino: A TFC 20 Celebration” is part of TFC’s 20th Anniversary celebrations which herald the greatness of the Filipino in every aspect of their lives. According to Ailene Averion, ABS-CBN Asia Pacific managing director, the event hoped to forge ahead with the greatness of the Filipinos by raising the bar as well in terms of performances outside the Philippines and at places which only hosts the world’s best such as the much raved about Star Theater. She said: “’Galing ng Filipino’ the event is the first time we have moved to this kind of world-class venue in Singapore. We asked the artists to challenge themselves as entertainers and provide unparalleled performance fitting of the venue and most of all, of our beloved kababayans, and they delivered. I am proud to see our own Filipino talents shine with the same kind of set-up as those who have performed here and even beyond. The Filipino artist is truly great.”
One by one, Kapamilya stars led by TFC’s 20th Anniversary Ambassador Gary Valenciano paid tribute to the diligent and dauntless overseas Filipinos in Singapore, dubbed “mga Bagong Bayani” who continue to toil for their loved ones and make their country proud. Kicking off the celebrations on a high note is the powerful rendition of comedienne-singer Giselle Sanchez of the John Fogerty composition “Proud Mary,” a song that heralded the vocal prowess of every singer who dared perform the iconic tune. Sanchez earned the audience’s cheers when she went Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with the song “Hoy Lumapit Ka” and called on a male audience to join her in song. Shifting to the international scene, Sanchez exited with the Broadway hit “Mamma Mia.”
The audience was then treated to another level of performance as “Galing ng Filipino” drew the curtains for Hollywood Performing Arts Hall of Famer Jed Madela. Every heart melted with his powerful version of “Pusong Bato” from the teleserye “Juan dela Cruz” and “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin” from the drama series with the same title. Moving the audience to their feet was a grand 50s medley of “Great Pretender,” “Only You,” “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “Diana,” and “One Way Ticket” with an interesting twist – a Voltes 5 theme in the end.
From world-class performers to another, “Galing ng Filipino” rolled out the red carpet at the venue which could house about 2,000, for the “Queen of Teleserye Theme Songs” who proved that her talent is incomparable with her rendition of the TFC’s top-rating program “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon.” Proving that she truly is music royalty, Quinto rocked the song “Queen of the Night” by the late Whitney Houston. The crowd went wild as Quinto performed the iconic OPM rock hit “Halik.” Sanchez joined Quinto for a duet “Put Your Heads on My Shoulder” which left everyone nostalgic.
Setting the venue on fire was the entry of Total Performer Gary V who delighted the audience with his iconic hits “Di Bale Na Lang” and “Shout For Joy.” Tears seemingly flooded the venue as Gary V performed “How Did You Know” and a medley of the greatest teleserye themes of all time. Joining Gary V for a powerhouse duet was Madela who sang Chicago’s “Hard Habit To Break” and the performance indeed left audience with a case of last song syndrome. What began with a high note, ended with the same level of performance as Mr. Pure Energy Gary V performed “Galing ng Filipino,” TFC’s 20th Anniversary theme which the audience wholeheartedly sang along with because of its lyrics that spoke of the Filipino’s ability to overcome adversity through innate values, in the hope of emerging winners in their own journeys in life.
“Galing ng Filipino: A TFC 20 Celebration” was presented by Western Union and Cebu Pacific, in partnership with Hello Asia, Jollibee Padala, Camella Homes, Philippine Airlines, Pag-IBIG fund, RCBC Telemoney, Metro Remittance (Singapore) Pte.Ltd., Academy of Rock, Megaworld, GoldMed, and Philippine National Bank (PNB) Singapore Branch.
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