Filipinos cheer ‘ASAP Live in NY’ at Barclays Center

“ASAP mainstays Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary V. LUIS PEDRON PHOTOS

NEW YORK CITY — Filipino Americans, some 8,000 strong from all over the Eastern Seaboard, cheered and applauded the first Filipino show to perform at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn September 3, which New York Mayor Bill de Blasio proclaimed “ASAP Filipino Pride Day.”

ASAP is the longest running, top-rated weekly Filipino musical variety show in the Philippines. With “ASAP Live in New York,” ABS-CBN took the production to a whole new level, with a star-studded line up of the best and hottest Filipino live entertainers and key members of the acclaimed ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dance Royalties Maja Salvador and Enrique Gil.

The ASAP cast gave two full shows that will be aired in the Philippines two Sundays in September. “Love Songs and Stories” featured sentimental songs and inspiring success stories of Filipinos in America, including Nicole Ponseca, owner of Jeepney and Maharlika restaurants here in NY, and Jhett Tolentino, Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, to name a few.

The Soul Sessions group composed of Kyla, KZ, Jay-R, Jason, Daryl rendered R&B Pop music with soul and meaning, impressing even the ushers. Birit Queens Klarisse, Angeline, Morisette and Jona hit their high octave notes like angels, bringing to mind Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston. Special thanks go to conductor Gerard Salonga of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra for the lush accompaniment of the performers.

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach with Luis Manzano and Piolo Pascual.

ASAP would not be complete without mainstays Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and Zsa Zsa Padilla. Lookers all, the three have not aged in three decades of ASAP shows. Their voices are still crisp and powerful. Memorably, Zsa Zsa Padilla cried as she sang “Hiram.”

Colorful ASAP hosts Luis Manzano, Billy Crawford and Jolina Magdangal added life to the show with their great comedic timing, not to mention their enjoyable song and dance numbers.

ASAP receiving citation from New York Mayor and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, from left to right: Edwin Josue; Cheska Tolentino; rep from NY Mayor’s Office; Zsa Zsa Padilla; Consul General Mario de Leon Jr.; Martin Nievera; Juliet Payabyab; Marilyn Abalos (who gave greetings from the NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo). PHOTOS BY LUIS PEDRON

Although the James Reid-Nadine Lustre love team was unfortunately not part of this show, people were mesmerized by the performances of the love teams of Enrique Gil & Liza Soberano, Daniel Padilla & Kathryn Bernardo and Janella Salvador & Elmo Magalona.

Fans screamed fans whenever they were on stage. Filipinos are fond of love teams that boost the ratings for The Filipino Channel’s telenovelas. The sexy moves of the Dance Royalties Enrique Gil & Maja Salvador were a bonus.

Vice Ganda had one of the loudest cheers when he was introduced. The movie “Barcelona–A Love Untold” movie was also promoted. The audience sand Happy Birthday to reigning Ms Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

Broadway Barkada (Fil-Am stars on Broadway) bringing down the house.

ABS –CBN Superstars Gerard Anderson and Kim Chiu delivered song and dance numbers, but Piolo Pascual had the most airtime, hosting, dancing and singing. The audience went gaga for Coco Martin when he was introduced.

Based on Facebook and Twitter postings, audience members came not only from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, but also from Virginia, Massachusetts, California and Canada, and beyond. Here are some feedback the writer collected from Filipinos who watched ASAP Live in NY:

The Birit Queens.

“We are from Boston we drove four hours, we enjoyed the show and especially were excited to watch our idol Coco Martin and the love team LIZQUEN,” said Mae Reriona Longboan.

“I like it that the show had live music, a full orchestra. I love that the Filipino overseas worker and talented Pinoys were featured and a song was dedicated to them. It made feel proud to be Pinoy! TFC entertainment makes Pinoys globally happy. TFC is No.1. the best Pinoy entertainment you can get, ever!” exclaimed MayAnn Ubaldo of Queens, New York.

The ABS-CBN love teams.

“The Broadway Barkada portion was my favorite. I am so proud of our Filipino American Broadway performers. They are truly world class,” said Arni Serrano of Elmhurst, New York.

“My favorite part was the video of the Overseas worker featured who died during 911 at the World Trade Center. It was touching because I was there too. I thank God that I survived and I am here now to watch ASAP,” stated Cez Pimentel Ayroso of Long Island.

The “ASAP Live in New York” crew.

This show was co-presented by Law Offices of Atty Michael J. Gurfinkel, Philippine Airlines, Cream Silk, Rexona, Energen, Pond’s, Money Gram, Nescafe, Remitly.com, Pic Poc, Financial Rescue LLC, XOOM, Western Union; Brought to you by: sponsors: Champion, Jollibbee, TANG, Law Offices of John C. Ye, Ramar Foods, LBC, Seafood City, With Special participation of sponsors: Pizza Hut, World Remit, DirecTV, LANDCO, SMDC, Ayala Land, Globe Duo USA, Avida, AARP, Generika Drugstore, South West Sun Solar, Cherry’s Salon & Cosmetics, FilAm Star, Asian Journal , Consumer Protection Legal Center, Mama Sita and INQUIRER.net

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