ONTARIO, CA, AUGUST 2, 2024 – The day kicked off with an insightful and fun-filled press conference featuring iconic stars and young artists, and key ABS-CBN executives. The panel included Robi Domingo, MayMay Entrata, Kim Chiu, Erik Santos, Piolo Pascual, Ogie Alcasid, ZsaZsa Padilla, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Martin Nievera, and Gary Valenciano, along with ABS-CBN Global COO Jun Del Rosario and ABS-CBN Global Head of Events Arnie Joseph Garcia.
Del Rosario kicked-off the press conference with the good news that ASAP is officially sold out. When asked why Ontario was chosen as the venue, Del Rosario explained that TFC’s roots are deeply tied to California. “TFC really started in California, so it is fitting that after 30 years, we celebrate here. California will always have a special place in ABS-CBN’s heart because when ABS-CBN was shut down during Martial Law in 1972, and our founder, Eugenio Lopez, Jr. had to seek asylum abroad, it was California, specifically San Francisco, which welcomed him and became his second home,” Del Rosario shared.
Attended by over 40 representatives from various media outlets, bloggers, and photographers, the press conference was a lively start to the day’s events. Consul Francis Maynard S. Maleon of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles welcomed the ASAP entourage to Ontario, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in L.A.
Arnie Garcia emphasized the significance of celebrating 30 years of TFC with ASAP, stating that ABS-CBN Global and TFC are making strides to gain recognition for Filipino artists on the world stage. Gary Valenciano added that the live concert experience at the Toyota Arena on August 3 will offer a nostalgic touch of home for Kapamilya viewers. Likewise, Martin Nievera expressed his excitement about the opportunity to thank supporters face-to-face and celebrate the continued success of TFC.
In anticipation of the highly anticipated “ASAP Natin ‘To in California,” fans were treated to an unforgettable day filled with four spectacular fan meets featuring some of the most beloved Filipino celebrities. The events, held on Wednesday at Corner Occasions, an event space in Ontario, California, showcased BGYO, BINI, the DonBelle love team of Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, and the Heartthrobs: Kyle Echarri, Darren, and Inigo Pascual. All fan meets were expertly hosted by ASAP head writer, digital host, and social media influencer Darla Sauler.
Kicking off the series of fan meets was the phenomenal boy group BGYO. From 1:00 to 2:00 PM, the ACES, as their fans are known, had the opportunity to engage with the five-member group composed of Akira, Gelo, JL, Mikki, and Nate.
The highlight of the session was when BGYO taught the audience the choreography to their latest single, “Gigil.” Fans eagerly joined in for a dance challenge, sharing an electrifying moment with their idols.
Next up was the all-female group BINI, composed of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena, who were met with deafening screams from their devoted BLOOMS.
During the lively Q&A, BINI Maloi shared that her most memorable moment was being announced that they were the final eight members, marking the official start of BINI. For BINI Aiah, the standout moment was performing recently at KCON LA.
The session reached its peak when BINI taught their fans the dance steps to their hit track “Salamin, Salamin,” getting everyone on their feet.
The phenomenal love team Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, affectionately known as DonBelle, had fans’ hearts fluttering during their fan meet. The couple played a fun game of charades, with Donny and Belle pairing up with three lucky fans each. Team Donny emerged victorious in the spirited competition.
One fan, Shaina, shared her admiration for Belle’s debut single, “Sigurado,” and requested that Donny join Belle doing a sample of the song. In a heartwarming twist, Donny and Belle invited Shaina to join them in singing the song, creating an unforgettable moment for her and all in attendance.
Closing the day were the heartthrobs Kyle Echarri, Darren, and Inigo Pascual. These multi-talented artists engaged fans with a lively game of “Tumpakners,” inspired by a segment on “Showtime.” Each artist paired with a fan, and the challenge was to match answers to given categories.
After several rounds and a few partner changes, Kyle Echarri and his partner clinched the win with their matching answer, “Singkamas,” eliciting cheers from the audience.
These fan meets were a thrilling prelude to the main event, “ASAP Natin ‘To in California,” happening this Saturday, August 3 at the Toyota Arena. The excitement and energy from these interactions set the stage for an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, camaraderie, and the feeling of being in one’s happy place as ASAP marks the biggest, culminating event to celebrate TFC’s 30th anniversary.
