Day to night with Star World's 'Sunkissed Beach Fest'

MANILA, Philippines - As the lights went down on the island, the party went on as beach revelers and industry folk alike took the surf and sand in. That’s right. In the middle of Star World’s Sunkissed Beach Fest, the opening salvo for this year’s “sizzling summer season,” the organizers pulled the plug on the power to celebrate the annual Earth Hour. It seems, for an hour or so, the festivities were for a different kind of celebration — this time, nature. As everybody basked in the darkness of the tropical night, a child whispered a prayer to Mother Nature and paper lanterns were lit and set off into the sky. Fire dancers performed to the infectious percussion beats of Island Rhythm Force as they pushed for a sensory overload during the night.

But of course, the party went on. And as the beats echoed throughout the islands (and our heads the next day), we remembered why we were there in the first place: Star World. At this point, the Philippines’ no. 1 general entertainment and female-oriented cable channel Star World presented the opening salvo that ushered in the year’s summer season through Sunkissed Beach Fest. The one-day, fun-filled event was held at Boracay Island’s epicenter for dining and world-class partying, Epic Boracay, and were participated by beach revelers and industry folk alike. With DJ Avid Burn manning the decks, the party went on until the last hour — until an hour before our flights, that is.

Absolutely Everybody

Adrianne Concepcion, Anna Canlas, Raymond Ang, Kristine Serrano and Jason Doplito

But before anything was turned off for Earth Hour, the event lived up to the “Sunkissed” in its title. Under the glistening sun, revelers took part in games and numerous beach activities as Boracay’s Island Force Rhythm performed a percussion set to usher in the summer season. From zip tutorials to capoeira lessons, to frisbee competitions and on-the-beach massages, it was, in Sly Stone’s classic words, hot fun in the summertime.

Star World had a lot to celebrate, of course. Aside from clinching the top spot in female-oriented cable programming, the “Home of the Idols” also finds itself in the middle of a banner year of American Idol. After years of declining ratings in America, the franchise got much-needed new life with the inclusion of new judges Jennifer “From the Block” Lopez and Steven “Walk This Way” Tyler.

Given the departure of superstar judge Simon Cowell, it seemed the franchise was destined for cancellation. But with a new energy care of the new judges, and a truly impressive set of talents, the show has found its way back to relevance.

It seems, amid a playing field cluttered with wannabe talent shows, the tried and tested remains. Forget the Taylor Hickses and the David Cooks. We all now that, in the end, it’s the Kelly Clarksons who remain. It’s a lot like Star World. After years of dependable programming, well, it’s only gearing up for the breakaway moment.