Arzen Rose Dulzura

Pride and gratitude shine as “ASAP” stars mark 30th anniversary at ELJ Lighting Ceremony

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

After a jam-packed day of epic performances and reunions during the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/3/3/asap-s-30th-anniversary-homecoming-is-a-star-studded-reunion-filled-with-music-and-memories-0840">March 2 episode</a>, the #ASAPhomecoming 30th anniversary celebration continued into the night with a dazzling moment to remember, as some of ASAP&#x27;s frontliners and rising stars gathered to witness the lighting of the ELJ Building at the ABS-CBN compound in honor of the show&#x27;s anniversary.  The illuminated building featured a grand display of the words &#x27;ASAP 30&#x27; as a glowing tribute to the show&#x27;s three decades of world-class entertainment and pure star power. Those present during the lighting ceremony were in high spirits, filled with pride and nostalgia as they marked another historic milestone for the show.  Martin Nievera, one of the program’s four original hosts in 1995—alongside OPM icons Pops Fernandez and Ariel Rivera, and Puerto Rican beauty queen Dayanara Torres—was especially in the mood to reflect. Having been there since day one, he looked back on “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>”’s 30-year evolution and his own journey with it. “I became what I am today because of ‘ASAP,’” he shared. Martin’s gratitude runs deep—not just for how “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” shaped his career but for the legacy it has built. And as one of the show’s ‘parents,’ he hopes the next generation will carry that legacy forward. &quot;Thirty years of my life have been spent here trying to be the best that I can be, but more importantly, to be the best example that I can be for the future.&quot;  He also had an important reminder for the new-gen artists of the program, &quot;Take it seriously. We&#x27;re all counting on you to take our legacies and take it to the next level. You are in the service of Filipino because you are Filipinos.&quot;   &quot;Do not take your roles lightly. Do not come to work thinking that it&#x27;s just another Sunday. When you are on ‘ASAP,’ there&#x27;s no such thing as just another Sunday, as just another taping,&quot; the Concert King continued, emphasizing that money and fame are fleeting, but the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” family is forever—and so is its legacy. “I am Martin Nievera, and I am ASAP,” he said, encouraging everyone present to say the same and embrace their place in the show’s history. Fun fact: Martin gave the show its iconic name. As the story goes, when the creatives asked for his ideas for the show&#x27;s title, he assumed the team needed a title ASAP—as soon as possible. So he suggested simply calling it “ASAP.” The name stuck, and the team later gave it its meaning: All-Star Sunday Afternoon Party. Zsa Zsa Padilla of Batch 1996 also expressed her joy in being part of the grand homecoming, which brought back so many memories. &quot;Thirty years is quite a lot of achievement for everybody,&quot; the Divine Diva reflected. &quot;Napakahirap na makabuo ng isang show na katulad ng ‘ASAP,’ na hanggang ngayon ay tumatakbo pa rin.&quot; Looking ahead, Zsa Zsa is excited for more years of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” and the many new discoveries to come. Over the decades, “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” has not only provided a stage for established performers but has also continuously introduced fresh talents. Among them are champions from Kapamilya talent competitions who became mainstays on the show, like Erik Santos, who joined “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” after winning &quot;Star In A Million&quot; in 2003.  &quot;More than half my life naigugol ko na po sa ‘ASAP,’&quot; he smiled, calling it a huge honor and privilege for any artist to be part of the country&#x27;s longest-running Sunday variety show. He also took a moment to express his love and gratitude for everyone working behind the scenes. Angeline Quinto, part of Batch 2011, recalled that “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” was her first regular job following her victory in &quot;Star Power&quot; that same year. The show opened many doors for her, including the chance to perform abroad—milestones she was able to share with her beloved adoptive mother, Mama Bob, who passed away in 2020 during the pandemic, which was a challenging time, not just for her but for the entire show, yet they all pushed through. She&#x27;s happy and grateful to still be part of the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” family, which continues to grow and inspire more Kapamilyas. For Yeng Constantino, who joined “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” fresh off her win in the first season of &quot;Pinoy Dream Academy&quot; in 2006, being part of the show was once just a childhood dream. &quot;I can remember po &#x27;yung time na manananghalian kami tuwing Linggo, nakaupo kami sa lapag ng sala watching ‘ASAP,’” she reminisced about her pre-showbiz days. Not only did she manifest being on the show, but she also became a core member and is now part of its 30th-anniversary celebration. She expressed gratitude to God and the network executives for giving her the opportunity to serve Filipinos through entertainment. Klarisse De Guzman also shared her deep appreciation for “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>,” which welcomed her into its roster of talents even though she didn’t win &quot;The Voice of the Philippines&quot; Season 1. Standing beside Morissette Amon, her “The Voice” co-contender and fellow “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” batchmate from 2013, Klarisse said that just like many singers, performing on the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” stage was a dream come true for her. Jed Madela, whose career began in international talent competitions before joining “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” in 2005, echoed the same sentiment. “I started as a fan of this show,” he shared. He recalled how he used to watch his idols on “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>,” never imagining that one day, he’d not only share the stage with them but also call them friends. “All I wanted was to have a family, and that’s exactly what I have now,” he said. The lighting ceremony felt like both a celebration of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>”’s illustrious journey and a symbolic passing of the torch to the entertainment scene&#x27;s &#x27;young blood.&#x27; Donny Pangilinan, from Batch 2016, spoke on behalf of his fellow new-gen artists, sharing how the more senior stars are always willing to reach out and mentor the younger ones—because that’s what “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” is—a family that&#x27;s always there for each other. He hopes that the love and good vibes they share behind the scenes will also resonate with viewers at home. Pointing at the illuminated ELJ Building, he reflected, &quot;Kung gaano kaliwanag ito, gano&#x27;n kaliwanag &#x27;yung binibigay natin sa bawat pamilya every Sunday, that they have something to look forward to, na pagbukas ng TV, ‘yung joy na sana pino-portray natin sa kanila, ‘yun din ang nararamdaman nila at binibigay nila sa community nila.&quot;  Also present that historic evening were cast members from different generations—industry pillars like Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez, and new wave of stars like Darren Espanto, Belle Mariano, Edward Barber and “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pbbgen112024">PBB Gen 11</a>” housemates Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra, among many others. The special event was hosted by Robi Domingo. The celebratory lighting will continue every first Sunday of the month throughout the year. And just like the lights, the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” 30th anniversary celebration is far from over, as fans can look forward to more special episodes and performances all year round on the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap">ASAP</a>” stage.

ASAP’s 30th-anniversary lighting ceremony becomes a symbolic passing of the torch to next-gen stars!

ASAP’s 30th-anniversary lighting ceremony becomes a symbolic passing of the torch to next-gen stars!