Allyzza Kay Trinidad

“ASAP in England” brings KimPau magic, global Pinoy pride, and all-star performances

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<p>Held at the BP Pulse Arena in Birmingham last August 30, “ASAP in England” marked another milestone for the country&#x27;s longest-running Sunday variety show, still as part of its year-long 30th anniversary celebration. </p><p>With feel-good serenades from your favorite heartthrobs, fierce numbers from Kapamilya girl squads, and world-class musical numbers, “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>” turned Birmingham into one big Pinoy concert. So, feel the power and melt in kilig as the party continued with all-star performances in the second half of “ASAP in England,” aired September 14. </p><p>The episode opened with Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, Robi Domingo, and Darren Espanto taking viewers on a stroll through Portobello Market, one of the most famous street markets in London and a staple in Notting Hill. Known for its lively stalls and endless rows of antiques, vintage clothes, ceramics, fresh produce, and quirky collectibles, the market draws locals and tourists alike with its vibrant atmosphere. </p><p>From there, DonBelle, Darren, and Robi introduced the on-stage collaboration of Gary Valenciano and BINI. Bursting onto the stage with “Eto Na Naman,” Gary electrified the crowd before diving into a nostalgic medley of ’80s favorites, from “Hey, Mickey” to “My Sharona.” </p><p>The girls of BINI then took over with “Diyan Ka Lang,” which got more exciting when Gary jumped in for the rap break. The energy soared even higher as they segued into “’Di Bale Na Lang”and then capped the performance with a refreshing fusion of the two hits.</p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uv9rAtABc7M" title="BINI and Gary V turn up the energy at ASAP in England | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>From a dance-floor high straight to kilig overload, the England crowd found its sweetest moment with KimPau. The People’s Superstars Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino took everyone’s breath away with their duet of “Laging Naroon Ka,” a feel-good EYLUKE revival of Jaya’s classic.  </p><p>After the performance, Kim and Paulo charmed the audience as they greeted them. The &#x27;kiss cam&#x27; zoomed in on the pair, turning the venue into a frenzy of kilig screams. They also gave everyone something to look forward as they invited Kapamilyas to watch out for their next teleserye “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/6/18/kimpau-debuts-new-look-for-upcoming-series-the-alibi-1536" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>The Alibi</u></strong></a>.”</p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6nippsVKZCY" title="KimPau&#x27;s sweet &quot;Laging Naro&#x27;n Ka&quot; duet for ASAP in England | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>True to ABS-CBN’s mission of being in the service of the Filipino worldwide, &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>&quot; has also taken on the role of bringing inspiration to millions of Filipinos through music and heartfelt stories—&quot;mga kwento ng pag-asa at kabayanihan.&quot; One of the biggest storytellers on primetime, Coco Martin, sent a special message to the Pinoy community in England, thanking them for their unwavering support before introducing the next musical treat.</p><p>He introduced the &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>&quot; icons who filled the stage with teleserye anthems. Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez opened with “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/throwback-the-stars-ikaw-lamang-2014-14411" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Ikaw Lamang</u></strong></a>,&quot; which was the theme song of the hit drama of the same name that starred Coco alongside Kim Chiu, Julia Montes, and Jake Cuenca. </p><p>From the other side of the audience area, Klarisse de Guzman and Sofronio Vasquez took their spot to deliver a heartfelt rendition of “Kapalaran,” the theme song of Coco’s current primetime series &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</u></strong></a>.&quot; Making the performance even more interactive, they passed the microphone to a few members of the crowd and let them belt out a few lines. </p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FbbjzAt95pM" title="Regine, Ogie, Klarisse, Sofronio&#x27;s duets will give you all the feels | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>The arena turned into a giant karaoke session when Martin Nievera and Zsa Zsa Padilla led everyone in “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2024/11/26/throwback-maging-sino-ka-man-2006-1342" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>Maging Sino Ka Man</u></strong></a>,” the well-loved theme of the classis series of the same title that told the stories of Jackie (Bea Alonzo), Eli (John Lloyd Cruz), Celine (Anne Curtis), and JB (Sam Milby). </p><p>Capping the medley, Gary Valenciano and Angeline Quinto joined forces for “Iliigtas Ka Niya,” the inspirational anthem that became synonymous with the success of &quot;FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.&quot; As the rest of the performers came together with Gary and Angeline, the crowd also joined in for a grand sing-along. </p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eeMtjhmOM-s" title="WATCH: ASAP stars&#x27; fun karaoke session with England crowd! | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>The &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>&quot; squad also made a stop at Big Ben, the towering clock that has watched over London since the mid-1800s. Beyond its postcard-perfect look, Big Ben is known for the Great Bell inside, which famously rings out in a series of different notes to mark each quarter of the hour.  </p><p>And when it comes to hitting the right notes, “ASAP’s” new-gen performers can sure deliver. Maki painted the venue with a beautiful hue, singing &quot;Kahel Na Langit,&quot; which is about finding peace and comfort with that one person who feels like home.  </p><p>News of BGYO’s charisma and hot moves reached England as they performed their latest single “Headlines.” The Aces of Pop—Gelo, JL, Akira, Mikki, and Nate—delivered a truly headline-worthy performance with slick dance moves and vocals that left spectators vibin’ and swooning all at once. </p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tWlOqDpO0Zk" title="BGYO performs their latest single &quot;Headlines&quot; at ASAP in England | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Maymay Entrata brought out her confidence as she performed “Puede Ba” alongside G-Force, turning the stage into her own dance floor. Right after, BINI kept the groove and had Birmingham on their feet with “Shagidi.&quot; Released in June as the official tour single for the BINIverse World Tour, “Shagidi” hit close to home for Pinoys in the audience, who were familiar with the ’90s relay game “Shagidi Shapopo.” </p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_J7yMmJMk3E" title="BINI treats Kapamilyas in England with &quot;Shagidi&quot; performance! | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Eurovision, known as the biggest singing competition in Europe and dubbed the Olympics of Pop Music, recently crowned a Filipino champion. JJ Pietsch, born to a Filipina mom and Austrian dad, grew up singing karaoke like so many Pinoys before stepping into the global spotlight at Eurovision 2025 where he emerged as the grand winner. Now, that same Pinoy pride has made its way to the &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>&quot; stage. </p><p>JJ brought the house down with his original song “Wasted Love,” which highlighted his wide vocal range as it fused opera with techno. Following his performance, JJ addressed the crowd in Filipino, expressing how proud he is of his long journey to success, adding that it’s important to embrace who you are and where you came from and to carry that pride onto every platform. </p><p>The ladies in the audience were in for a treat as the Kapamilya heartthrobs brought music and butterflies to the stage. Piolo Pascual set the tone with “Hanggang Kailan,” followed by James Reid who charmed the crowd with “Yakap Sa Dilim.”  Also sending all the ladies into full-on fangirl mode was Donny Pangilinan who prepared his version of “Hinahanap-hanap Kita.” </p><p>Cupid must have been working overtime when Joshua Garcia came out with “Gitara,” as the girls were practically sent into a frenzy of kilig. Donny and James later joined him for the song’s finale. </p><p>Paulo Avelino then kept the feels alive with “Sige,” charming the crowd by stepping down the stage to shake hands and take photos with fans. And yes, the cameras caught Kim Chiu on the sidelines, looking just as struck by ‘kilig’ as everyone else. </p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/44LxA1UzlOU" title="WATCH: Donny, Joshua, James share the stage at ASAP in England! | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bpezGNZOHZI" title="Paulo Avelino will make your heart skip a beat with this performance! | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>After the performances, Joshua thanked Kapamilyas for supporting “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/its-okay-to-not-be-okay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>It’s Okay To Not Be Okay</u></strong></a>,” his series with Anne Curtis and Carlo Aquino. Meanwhile,  James, shared good news about his <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/8/31/kathryn-gushes-over-collab-with-james-i-love-the-concept-of-this-series-0150"><strong><u>teleserye comeback</u></strong></a> with Kathryn Bernardo.  </p><p>When mounting shows overseas, “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>” always aims to unite artists across genres and generations on a single stage because that’s where the magic of the “ASAP” concert experience truly comes alive.  </p><p>That spirit of collaboration was in full display in the succeeding performances. The audience got a golden moment when Zsa Zsa Padilla, Klarisse De Guzman, and Morissette Amon teamed up to perform “Golden” from &quot;K-Pop Demon Hunters.&quot; Zsa Zsa’s timeless elegance, Klarisse&#x27;s soulful depth and Morisette&#x27;s belting brilliance all rolled into one performance that made the &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>&quot; stage truly golden.  </p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xt_otM5RGik" title="Klarisse, Morissette, Zsa Zsa&#x27;s &quot;Golden&quot; prod for ASAP in England | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>The collaboration theme continued as Maymay Entrata took over with Little Mix’s “Power,” commanding the stage with her striking confidence, while the sassy Belle Mariano followed with her version of “Woman Like Me.” Completing the trio, Kim Chiu floated in with “Wings,” dazzling in a blue outfit. Finally, the three joined together to close “Wings” in unison. </p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/24mP8icWoF4" title="Kim, Belle, Maymay slay the stage with their girl power! | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>“<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>” paid tribute to the global success of Filipinos making waves in London’s West End, bringing together Kapamilya stars and Pinoy theater talents for a medley of musical classics.  </p><p>Sixty years ago, the world was introduced to “The Sound of Music,” the beloved musical that told the story of Maria and the von Trapp family in Austria during the rise of World War II. Martin Nievera opened the set with a soaring rendition of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” which captures the musical’s timeless message of faith and courage. </p><p>The stage transformed into one big musical celebration as Martin was joined by “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>” stars and Pinoy pride from the London West End for “Seasons of Love” from &quot;Rent.&quot; The song, which has become an anthem of love and community, was first featured in the 1996 Pulitzer Prize–winning musical about friends navigating life in New York’s East Village. </p><p>Morisette Amon next shared the spotlight with Ayana Beatrice Poblete, a Filipina performer in &quot;Songs For a New World,&quot; and Cez Campos-Bonner, a Pinay West End talent from &quot;Miss Saigon&quot; and &quot;The King and I.&quot; Together, they sparkled as The Dreams from &quot;Dreamgirls.&quot; </p><p>This was followed by a heartfelt duet of “Someone Like You” from &quot;Jekyll and Hyde,&quot; sung by Sofronio Vasquez and Gia Macuja, a Filipina West End artist known for &quot;Here Lies Love.&quot; The spotlight then turned to Angelo Paragoso, a Filipino performer in &quot;Aladdin&quot; on the West End, who teamed up with Jona for a moving duet of “All I Ask of You” from &quot;The Phantom of the Opera.&quot; </p><p>Carmelle Collado took the audience higher with “Defying Gravity” from &quot;Wicked,&quot; joined by Elizabeth Lyons, a young Filipina starring in &quot;Frozen.&quot; Their breathtaking finale note earned a standing ovation from the crowd.  </p><p>Erik Santos later took the stage with Mikhail Lim, a West End performer for &quot;West Side Story&quot; and &quot;Songs For a New World,&quot; alongside Matty Juniosa, a former &quot;Idol Philippines&quot; contender now part of &quot;Kinky Boots.&quot; Together, they performed “I Dreamed A Dream” from &quot;Les Misérables.&quot; </p><p>Finally, led by Martin, the entire ensemble came together for “Somewhere” from &quot;West Side Story,&quot; earning a rousing standing ovation from the audience. </p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NbnTrTOPA10" title="WATCH: ASAP stars&#x27; amazing vocal showcase with special musical guests | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>England is a place known for its jewels—so for the penultimate prod, &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>&quot; brought out a rare gem of Philippine entertainment. Vice Ganda hyped up the crowd with the opening lines of Gloc-9’s “Sumayaw Ka” before calling in KZ Tandingan, and that’s when the arena erupted into full party mode as KZ slayed the rap verse. </p><div><iframe width="914" height="514" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8DtRakgp54" title="Vice Ganda performs &quot;Sumayaw Ka&quot; with KZ at ASAP in England! | ASAP" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>With her brand of hilarity, Vice Ganda jestingly ‘roasted’ a blonde in the crowd by saying she should be the only blonde in the room, before striking up a conversation with the Pinoy fan who revealed he had been living in England for over twenty years. </p><p>Vice also fired her signature punchlines as she bantered with a foreign audience member who mentioned he came just to see her. She thanked him warmly for loving his Filipina wife, adding that one of the best decisions he’s ever made was surely marrying a Filipina. </p><p>A Filipina fan gifted Vice a “friendship ring,” telling her she had first seen her perform ten years ago and was proud to see how far she had come. She said the ring is also a small token for the big inspiration Vice has become to Filipinos around the world. </p><div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=ABg_XfZrb4BnQXqZ"></script></div><p>The show closed with the all-star &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>&quot; family onstage for The Dawn’s “Salamat,” led by powerhouse voices including Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, KZ Tandingan, Piolo Pascual, Erik Santos, Morissette Amon, Klarisse De Guzman, Darren Espanto, and BINI.  </p><p>Catch &quot;<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/asap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em></em>ASAP<em></em></u></strong></a>&quot; every Sunday, 12 NN, on Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, A2Z, and TV5, online via Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>iWant</u></strong></a>, and worldwide on TFC.</p>

<p>"ASAP in England" Part 2 brought another wave of all-star entertainment for Kapamilyas in Birmingham.</p>

"ASAP in England" Part 2 brought another wave of all-star entertainment for Kapamilyas in Birmingham.