The spirit of Christmas was felt by Filipinos all over the world last Saturday (December 18) as ABS-CBN went all out in bringing joy and hope to viewers through the star-studded “Andito Tayo Para Sa Isa’t Isa: The ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2021” that also paid tribute to heroic frontliners and sectors and their sacrifices for the country.
The show’s official hashtag generated over 1 million tweets remained among the trending topics throughout the night as netizens watched the performances of over 100 Kapamilya artists, and the inspiring stories of everyday heroes in our society on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and TFC.
Among the highlights of the night were the star-studded opening number featuring ABS-CBN’s Christmas themes throughout the years, the heart-tugging reunion of a family during the segment of “It’s Showtime,” ABS-CBN leading men’s serenade of female frontliners, the showstopping Broadway classics medley, and kilig and exciting numbers by Kapamilya loveteams and stars from different shows and teleseryes. Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN News anchors, and big stars also gave heartfelt messages.
Star Magic artists, meanwhile, also did an evolution of dance number to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ABS-CBN’s talent management arm. Before the show, Filipinos were also gifted with more entertainment in the “Star Magical Christmas: The Star Magic Christmas Special” that streamed on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel.
Also making a buzz was ABS-CBN’s announcement of its line-up of shows in 2022 led by Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s “2 Good 2 Be True,” “The Broken Marriage Vow” starring Jodi Sta. Maria and Zanjoe Marudo, Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte’s “Love in 40 Days,” and a new teleserye and the film “The Breakup Trip” starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil.
Also to watch for are “Darna: The TV Series” headlined by Jane De Leon, “My Papa Pi” of Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban, a new season of “I Can See Your Voice” hosted by Luis Manzano, and the recently-announced new offerings of iWantTFC led by DonBelle’s “He’s Into Her Season 2.”
Highlighted in the clip as well are ABS-CBN Entertainment’s original series with iQiyi, which are “Saying Goodbye” starring Seth Fedelin and Andrea Brillantes and “Hello Heart” with Gerald Anderson and Gigi de Lana. It also promoted the latest DonBelle starrer “Love is Color Blind” and upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival entries “Love at First Stream” and “Whether the Weather is Fine.”
Netizens shared their thoughts and feelings about this year’s Christmas Special, which has become a tradition already for Filipino families just like the ABS-CBN Christmas IDs.
On Twitter, @JakeNarral said “Dear ABS-CBN, You always complete my Christmas. Thank you very much.” User @Thea61961540 also posted, “Mas feel na feel ko pa ang Pasko because of this kaya thank you so much ABS-CBN kahit di namin masyado ma feel ang Pasko dahil sa bagyo.”
Netizen Annalyn Andres also left a comment on YouTube saying, “Grabe kayo ABS talaga. Di kayo tumitigil na pasayahin at bigyan ng motivation ang bawat Pilipino. Lalo na sa’ming mga OFW. Nararamdaman namin ang bonding ng Pinoy kahit malayo kami sa mga pamilya namin.”
“Sobrang ganda, enjoy sa panonood at may iyakan pa. Grabe congrats ABS-CBN and good job direct John Prats,” Facebook user Marivic Viloria Teologo also said.
The program, which was directed by John Prats, also began and ended with a prayer for the entire nation delivered by a child and ABS-CBN leaders Mark Lopez, Carlo Katigbak, and Cory Vidanes.
