Viva star power at the cable congress

MANILA, Philippines - The Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunication Association of the Philippines (FICTAP) held its 14th International Cable Congress and Exhibit at the Manila Hotel last March 7 and 8. The annual event gathers cable owners and operators nationwide. This year, FICTAP partnered with Viva Communications Inc. and its new channel on pay TV, Viva Channel, for non-stop entertainment throughout the two-day affair.

Sam Pinto, host of Viva Channel’s Daily Top Ten, joined other guests in the ceremonial-ribbon cutting to open the exhibit. Anja Aguilar, who sang the channel’s theme song, Home of the Stars, kicked off the festivities. Delegates were then treated to dinner and a show at the Fellowship Night. Viva Channel started the show with a jaw-dropping dance number from upcoming sexy stars Alexis Navarro and Sara Polverini from Pantaxa and Petra Mahalimuyak from Petra’s Panniest, accompanied by ACS dancers.

Hosts Jimmy Marquez of Karaokray and Petra entertained the audience. Anja sang an upbeat version of the theme song, with upcoming rap star Pio Balbuena, and wowed the crowd with powerful song numbers. Delegates went nostalgic with Gino Padilla, and were treated to the perfect harmony of The CompanY, which also went live and unplugged on the channel’s Live at Amerasian. Jon Santos of The Jon Santos Show made a grand entrance as Sherap, as requested by the FICTAP board. A special performance by Anne Curtis concluded the event.

Before the congress closed, FICTAP delegates were again treated to song-and-dance numbers by the girl group Eurasia.