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Darna stars bid farewell on ASAP Natin ‘To

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Liezel dela Cruz

<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/asap">ASAP Natin ‘To</a>’s anniversary episode yesterday, February 5, was a far cry from tired, with the powerhouse mainstays and returning artists delivering a world-class spectacle of song and dance performances. The celebration was equal parts nostalgic and futuristic, paying perfect tribute to the program that has ruled for 28 years. Following a video introduction featuring a stylized montage of the show’s old logos, highlight moments, and interviews of Kapamilya viewers sharing their ‘kwentong’ ASAP, icons Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos, and OG host Martin Nievera (who gave the show its title) set the tone by singing the original ASAP theme song “Better Than Ever.” The ASAP all-star cast then appeared on stage performing “Good Time,” making it clear that it was going to be a high-energy afternoon, then transitioned back to “Better Than Ever.” The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/asap">ASAP Natin ‘To</a> family gathered as the opening spiels were read, displaying their ‘kulitan’ moments. This kind of togetherness was at the heart of the episode’s theme, which was all about giving back to the show’s avid supporters and celebrating the friendships, dreams, and talent that came to life on the ASAP stage through the years. Martin, who was celebrating his birthday and has been with the show since day one, thanked the staff and artists who became part of ASAP since 1995, especially his original co-hosts Pops Fernandez, Ariel Rivera, and former beauty queen Dayanara Torres. Power couple Ogie and Regine, who joined the cast in 2017 and 2018, respectively, also took the chance to thank the ASAP family for welcoming them. It was truly an afternoon of celebrations as we welcomed back the Fearless Diva herself, Jona, and congratulated Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, and Kim Chiu for their recent win at the PMPC Star Awards for TV. Add to that, BINI members Aiah and Joana’s birthdays and the birth of Gary’s grandson Luke. ASAP has launched many careers and provided talent show contestants and champions a home. In the second gap, Regine serenaded us with “In Your Eyes.” Angeline Quinto was then joined by Sheryn Regis, Elha Nympha, and Janine Berdin in singing her 2010 winning piece “Patuloy Ang Pangarap.” Fans of Jona sure got the ‘feels’ when she performed her 2005 single “Close To Where You Are” together with Frenchie Dy, Laine, and Sheena Belarmino. Jason Dy, JM Yosures, Raiven Umali, and Khimo Gumatay joined forces with “This Is The Moment” singer Erik Santos. Everyone’s soulful blending was a goosebumps-inducing way to end this spot. The new-gen Pinoy-pride acts next took center stage. BINI charmed with their “No Fear” performance, while BGYO spread ‘kilig’ with their track “Be Us.” SB19’s Felip delivered a rock-solid performance of his single “Criminal.” Closed by Darren Espanto and Bailey May, this number proved how vibrant the future of OPM will be. In the last 28 years, ASAP has entertained us with the hottest dance showdowns. Remember the sexy white shirt routine? It was brought back by ASAP’s original Dance Sweetheart Shaina Magdayao and G Force’s Teacher Georcelle. We bet you also danced in front of your TV sets as if you were in Teacher Georcelle and Gab Pangilinan’s class in Dance U. It was an ultimate throwback experience watching the segment again, this time, with the new breed of students: Jameson Blake, Joao Constancia, Jeremy G, Edward Barber, Vivoree Esclito, Karina Bautista, and Krystal Brimner. And for this session, Teacher Georcelle and Gab demonstrated the steps to Sarah Geronimo’s viral song “Dati-Dati.” Beyond entertainment, ASAP has also been an advocate for public service. It has participated in projects related to disaster management and community development, for instance, the donation drives for Typhoon Yolanda victims. This was represented by an inspiring performance of “Sarangola” by Gary. The celebrations didn’t end there as ASAP honored the success of <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/darna">Mars Ravelo’s Darna</a>, now on its finale week. Jane de Leon and Janella Salvador, their generation’s Darna and Valentina, respectively, set the stage on fire with their sultry dance numbers. LA Santos and Young JV serenaded everyone as cast members Joshua Garcia, Zaijian Jaranilla, Joj Agpangan, Mac Manicad, and Mutya Orquia joined them for their final walk. Jane thanked the series for opening new doors for her, plus Janella and Joshua expressed gratitude to their teammates-turned-family. The episode was infused with flashback segments, this time, a remake of Dayanara’s “SayawNara” courtesy of Belle Mariano, AC Bonifacio, and Maris Racal for Clash Dance. The trio danced to a mix of throwback and modern hits.Sarah Geronimo offered a gorgeous performance of “A Girl Like You.” While secondary to the Popstar Royalty’s moves and pop vocals, the visual details – the colors transitioned from black and white to vibrant pink – made the act all the more electrifying. Sarah then opened the 5th gap, talking about how she spent almost her entire career in ASAP and witnessed dreams happen on that same stage she was standing on. She introduced the next spot, which was a tribute to Martin Nievera. The Concert King sang his classic hit “Each Day With You” with Vina Morales, Regine, and Zsa Zsa.He serenaded the viewers with “Be My Lady” together with Erik and Jason. ASAP’s original It Girls Jolina Magdangal, Roselle Nava, and Lindsay Custodio were also present. Things turned sentimental when he was joined by Gary and Ogie on stage and performed “I’ll Be There.” There was a nostalgic, heartwarming display of friendship. Martin turned emotional after the prod and talked about his ASAP journey. He said standing there meant he was representing the people – the staff and on-cam talents – who made ASAP a household name in the last 28 years. He also revealed that he gave the show its acronym title, and it was all accident. “When ASAP was just on paper, they asked me, ‘What’s a good name for a show? We need a title.’ I said, ‘Asap?’ I meant, ‘Right away?’ And then it became the name of the show.” “Twenty-eight years and counting, in the service of every Filipino around the world. We are so proud to entertain, inspire, and inform each and every one of you. I speak for everyone here. We will be here – forever,” he said before closing the spot with “Forever.” Twenty-eight years later, ASAP still rocks. Get your weekly dose of entertainment, inspiration, and good vibes from <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/asap">ASAP Natin ‘To</a>, every Sunday, on <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/kapamilya-channel-livestream-12685">Kapamilya Channel</a>, <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/kapamilya-online-live-12710">Kapamilya Online Live</a>, and A2Z.

Jane de Leon and Janella Salvador, their generation’s Darna and Valentina, respectively, set the stage on fire with their sultry dance numbers.