The Philippine Star

Paskong Kapuso 2017: a celebratio­n of sharing & thanksgivi­ng

- angEL JaVIER CRUZ

With all the parties, gimmicks and happy distractio­ns that are part and parcel of the holidays, it’s comforting to know that families can come together at home to watch Christmas specials in front of the TV.

Tomorrow, Dec. 17, GMA is airing its ultimate source of cheer this Christmas season. Paskong Kapuso: The GMA Christmas Special 2017 officially rings in the start of the festivitie­s, and also bids goodbye to a challengin­g year.

Ruth Mariñas, senior program manager, said that given the turmoil and challenges that the nation faced this year, the network wanted a more meaningful celebratio­n.

“We want to express our gratitude for the blessings that we continue to receive through our Christ- mas campaign,” Ruth said.

“And what better way to celebrate than to give back to the people who have less, to those who give without expecting anything in return, to the people who continue to serve as our source of inspiratio­n. This is the theme of our Christmas plug and our Christmas special as well,” she added.

Viewers can look forward to a carefully conceptual­ized, executed and documented Christmas extravagan­za helmed by multi-awarded director Louie Ignacio.

Without giving too much away, they will be led through a series of heart-warming segments beginning with neighborho­od caroling, a story-telling session with recuperati­ng kids and an impromptu dance session with the elderly.

Later in the show, Kapuso heartthrob­s will distribute gifts to hardworkin­g female security guards and join female nurses for a simple Christmas lunch.

Another segment is a tribute to the country’s defenders and will include an early morning kickboxing session with the Philippine Army, and a serenade dedicated to the survivors, soldiers and civilians of the war in Marawi.

This being a Christmas special, viewers can certainly look forward to grand production numbers (ballroom dancing with a punch of drama, hip-hop and Motown), and an elaborate comedy sketch. “Although

our Kapuso stars will still be seen in special musical performanc­es, viewers will also see a different side to them, the more heartwarmi­ng, caring side that makes them ‘mga tunay na Kapuso,’” Ruth said.

Leading viewers in a night full of surprises are Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes together with talented singers Julie Anne San Jose, Maricris Garcia and Christian Bautista.

Watch out for the country’s Comedy Concert Queen and newlywed Ai-Ai de las Alas’ rousing, one-of-akind rendition of the carol, 12 Days of Christmas. Paskong Kapuso will bring together fan favorites like Alden Richards, Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado, Heart Evangelist­a, Michael V., Gloria Romero, Gabby Concepcion, Willie Revillame, Sunshine Dizon, Lovi Poe, Carla Abellana, Tom Rodriguez, Solenn Heussaff, Rhian Ramos, Max Collins, Jose Manalo, Glaiza de Castro, Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino, Janine Gutierrez, Andrea Torres, Barbie Forteza, Derrick Monasterio, Ruru Madrid, Gabbi Garcia, Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Mikael Daez, Megan Young, Rafael Rosell, Gil Cuerva, Sanya Lopez, Thea Tolentino, Pancho Magno, Ken Chan, Jak Roberto, Ivan Dorschner, Addy Raj and Marian Rivera plus numerous Kapuso stars in one evening of joyous thanksgivi­ng and celebratio­n.

“With our network’s campaign, we are hoping to inspire viewers to be thankful for whatever blessings they have, to share with those who are in need, and to give love as its the best gift they can share this Christmas season,” Ruth said.

Tomorrow at 10 p.m., gather your families around the TV to celebrate the holidays with Paskong Kapuso: The GMA Christmas Special 2017 on GMA’s SNBO.

 ??  ?? Kiko Estrada, Rafael Rosell, Dion Ignacio, Megan Young, Solenn Huessaff and Andrea Torres pose with AFP soldiers in Camp Aguinaldo
Kiko Estrada, Rafael Rosell, Dion Ignacio, Megan Young, Solenn Huessaff and Andrea Torres pose with AFP soldiers in Camp Aguinaldo
 ??  ?? From left: Maricris Garcia, Dingdong Dantes, Julie Anne San Jose and Christian Bautista
From left: Maricris Garcia, Dingdong Dantes, Julie Anne San Jose and Christian Bautista
 ??  ?? Ai-Ai delas Alas
Ai-Ai delas Alas
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? The kids of Child Haus with the Ika-6 Na Utos stars Gabby Concepcion, Sunshine Dizon and Ryza Cenon as well as Dingdong, Gabby Eigenmann and Jaclyn Jose
The kids of Child Haus with the Ika-6 Na Utos stars Gabby Concepcion, Sunshine Dizon and Ryza Cenon as well as Dingdong, Gabby Eigenmann and Jaclyn Jose
 ??  ?? The One That Got Away stars (from left) Rhian Ramos, Lovi Poe, Max Col- lins and Dennis Trillo
The One That Got Away stars (from left) Rhian Ramos, Lovi Poe, Max Col- lins and Dennis Trillo
 ??  ?? Pepito Manaloto cast John Feir, Arthur Solinap, Mosang, Angel Satsumi and Manilyn Reynes visit Child Haus
Pepito Manaloto cast John Feir, Arthur Solinap, Mosang, Angel Satsumi and Manilyn Reynes visit Child Haus
 ??  ?? Super Ma’am cast in Lualhati Ni Maria
Super Ma’am cast in Lualhati Ni Maria
 ??  ?? Dingdong Dantes gives a gift to one of the kids at Child Haus
Dingdong Dantes gives a gift to one of the kids at Child Haus
 ??  ?? Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez
Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez
 ??  ?? Alden Richards performs during the Christmas Special
Alden Richards performs during the Christmas Special

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