CEBU, Philippines - It was a remarkable success! “ASAP Rocks” really rocked Cebu as over 60,000 people from all walks of life came to party with the 75 Kapamilya stars who were flown in, enduring the early rain shower and later on, the sizzling heat that officially marked the start of summer 2011.
The Kapamilya network was overwhelmed by the hospitality and the awe-inspiring crowd support from the Cebuanos, who flocked at the Sugbu Grounds in South Road Properties.
“ASAP Rocks” had the Sinulog festival-inspired opening prod, which showcased the all-Cebuano Kapamliya stars, along with the phenomenal love team “Melason” of Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco.
The production number was backed by 100 performers from the San Diego Dance Company, Knapsack Dancers, Disco Jammers, Carcar dancers and the Abellana National School dance troupe.
There was also the reunion of Cebuano Kapamilya stars as they rocked the stage with the G-Force in the popular dance segment, DANCE-U. Joining the cast of the all-Cebuano segment of Dance-U were Kim Chiu, Shaina Magdayao, Matteo Guidecelli, Fretzie Bercede, Enrique Gil, Pierro Vergara, Devon Seron, Paul Jake Castillo plus the Dance-U regulars Gab Valenciano and John Prats.
Serenading the musically-inclined Cebuanos with an unequalled music concert were the ASAP Champions, ASAP Sessionistas, ASAP Acoustic Republic, Angeline Quinto, Starpower 4, Vina Morales, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano and the Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo.
The Supahdance Krew, Supahkids, Dance Squad, XB Gensan and G-Force made the Cebuanos dance with all their heart.
ABS-CBN Regional Network Group’s “Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka” host Kat Ros and “Mag TV Na’s” Blinky De Leon were also given the privilege to be with Luiz Manzano and Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up-turned Kapamilya star Venus Raj in one of the hosting segments.
The Primetime Bida stars of “Mara Clara,” “Mutya,” “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin,” “Imortal” and “Green Rose” got some of the most deafening yells and cheers of the crowd. The cast of the newest teleseryes, “Maria La Del Barrio,” “Good Vibes” and “Mula sa Puso,” were showcased via one fabulous dance number.
The second to the last performances were done by the Kapamilya hunks Jericho Rosales, Gerald Anderson and Enchong Dee as they serenaded the crowd with the song “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.
KAPAMILYA SUMMER STATION ID LAUNCHED
The Cebuanos were also privileged to witness the launch of the network’s Summer Station ID during the ASAP Rocks Cebu.
The Station ID is all about actualizing your potentials and displaying your talents whether as an individual or as a group, community, or nation under the summer sun. It captures how ABS-CBN and its stars are inspired by Filipinos who strive to be the best that they can be.
ABS-CBN believes that despite the post global recession and other challenges that the country has faced, the resilience of Filipinos will never falter. With a renewed sense of optimism, the Philippines will continue to pursue excellence in any endeavor, the Station ID primer added.
The song “Bida Best sa Tag-Araw” was performed by Star Power grand winner Angeline Quinto and Vincent Bueno featuring rapper J.O.L.O. (aka J-Dot). It was written by Love Rose De Leon and Niño Anglo, with music arranged and produced by Marcus Davis.
The 2011 Summer Station ID was jointly created by ABS-CBN’s Marketing team headed by Cookie Bartolome and Zita Aragon and ABS-CBN’s Creative Communications Management headed by Robert Labayen, Johnny de los Santos, Ira Zabat, and Patrick De Leon.
CROWD SECURITY
The Cebu City police had their hands full when they secured the event. Around 80 policemen from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) beefed up the civilian force multipliers deployed to the event and the rest of the security committee underwent trainings and seminars on crowd control days before the event.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama was concerned when close to 40 spectators fainted because of the heat. There were medical teams who were very alert on the rescue.
What caused him major concern was when the crowd would get excited every time a celebrity would emerge onstage, prompting him to warn the crowd during one of the commercial gaps.
He also cautioned the Cebuano crowd not to get rowdy or he would stop the show. Despite fears of uncontrollable rowdiness, the event ended pleasantly.
SUCCESS!
“Cebu rocks ASAP!” said ABS-CBN Cebu’s floor director and choreographer Cinbeth Orellano. “It was like a family day and I’m happy that all the people were really accommodated with SRP as the venue. The number of people who witnessed the event exceeded our expectations as we only thought that only 20 to 30 thousand will come,” she added.
After the momentous event, Orellano made a survey on the people who attended and so far, most of them gave positive responses. “They looked relaxed and felt satisfied.”
Since it rained in the morning, the area got really muddy, but despite that, the crowd stayed on so they could see their favorite Kapamilya stars. Some groups even went for a swim at the beach after the show.
When Orellano asked the police on crowd estimates, they were told that it numbered to 60,000. Some of the people were in the streets and were not able to get in. Some of them gathered on the beach front.
With the visible success of “ASAP Rocks” here in the Queen City of the South, ABS-CBN is beaming with passion and pride this summer. (FREEMAN)