Kapuso stars celebrate Independence Day abroad
The Kapuso Network, through its international channels GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV, was undoubtedly at the heart of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations this year as it brought Filipinos worldwide closer to home through events attended by Kapuso stars.
Records from the different organizers show that the events participated by GMA International attracted the biggest crowds among all the Independence Day celebrations in their respective areas.
Last June 9, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera joined the festivities at the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show Sa Toronto, organized by the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto (PCCT). The reel and real life couple graced the Miss Philippines-Canada pageant, where Dingdong and Marian awarded the winner and performed before their fans.
According to PCCF and PCCT, the event drew an estimated audience of more than 14,000 people — the biggest turnout from any Filipino-Canadian event since the Centennial Philippine Independence Anniversary with some coming all the way from Chicago, New Jersey, New York, Montreal, Hamilton and Kitchener.
Over in New York City, Dingdong, Rachelle Ann Go and Aljur Abrenica joined the Philippine Independence Day Parade last June 3 on Madison Ave., which attracted an overwhelming crowd of 80,000 to 100,000 spectators according to the press release from the Philippine Consulate General New York. Despite the rain, fans and onlookers filled the streets as they eagerly waited to catch a glimpse and take photos of Kapuso stars who participated in the colorful celebration.
From the Big Apple, Aljur and Rachelle Ann headed to the West Coast in Carson, California last June 9 to participate in the 114th Philippine Independence Day Celebration held at the Veterans Park. According to the Philippine Independence Day Foundation (PIDF), organizer of the Carson event, over 7,000 people flocked the venue. Just as Rachelle Ann mesmerized the crowd with her beautiful voice, Aljur elicited cheers as he serenaded the audience with a medley of love songs before engaging in a dance showdown with Rachelle Ann along with selected audience participants.
In recognition of their participation in the event, both stars received awards from the US Congressional, the City of Carson, and the PIDF, while GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV received special recognition from the Carson City and Outstanding Achievement awards from PIDF. The awarding ceremony was graced by VIPS including US Rep. Laura Richardson, Philippine Consul General Jo Marie Aragon, PIDF president Jose Merton, Carson City Mayor Jim Dear and other city officials.
At the Mabuhay Fiesta celebration in San Francisco, California held last June 16 and 17, thousands gathered to see Rhian Ramos, Jay-r and Aljur perform on stage together with Krista Kleiner and GMA Pinoy TV’S The Sansu Show host Susan Ramsey. Fans were excited to meet them in the morning of June 16 at the Serramonte Shopping Center. Organized by Diversity Foundation, Inc., the fiesta also showcased local talents, food, arts, and a wide range of Pinoy products as the event aimed to generate awareness and appreciation for Philippine history and heritage in the Bay Area.
GMA International also reignited Pinoy pride in the hearts of Filipinos in the Middle East as GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV took part in the Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Dubai last June 8. Jennylyn Mercado and Jay-R joined the festivities at the Al-Safa Stadium, where they performed song numbers and talked to the audience. Fans also had a chance to see their idols up close during the meet and greet which took place before the program.
Known as the only Philippine Day Celebration recognized by the UAE government, the Bayanihan Festival is co-organized by the Consulate General of the Philippines and FilCom Dubai, an umbrella organization of over 100 Filipino organizations in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. GMA International, through OSN, has been participating in the annual celebration since 2008 and has contributed largely to the growth of GMA International in the Middle East, its second largest territory.
In the Asia Pacific Region, the Tayo Na! Magkaisa at Magsaya! Independence Day celebration in Hong Kong became more exciting with the support of GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV. Lovi Poe graced the Charity Ball on June 9 at the Shangri-La Kowloon and the Philippine Association of Hong Kong (PAHK) Independence Day event on June 10.
GMA International rounded out the Philippine Independence Day celebration with the participation of Dennis Trillo and Lovi in the Sama-Sama sa Kalayaan at Kasiyahan! event in Singapore last June 17. Before a jam-packed crowd at the Atrium in Suntec City, Dennis and Lovi entertained the audience with song numbers before hosting a meet and greet for their fans.