Members of Entertainment Press Shine in ABS-CBN Christmas Party
Showbiznest, together with members of the entertainment press, graced ABS-CBN’s fun-filled Christmas Party for the Press last December 3.
A showbiz columnist dancing to Justin Bieber’s “Baby” clad with only baby diapers is something you wouldn’t see regularly. But this was just one among the many highlights in ABS-CBN’s recently concluded Christmas Party for the entertainment press held last Friday, December 3 at the Dolphy Theatre.
No less than ABS-CBN President and COO Charo Santos-Concio and Channel 2 Head Cory Vidanes welcomed the press to what they called as “the press members’ night.” And indeed, print, TV and online editors and writers, and not the stars, took the spotlight in the much-awaited event.
This year’s program, entitled “Ngayong Pasko, Magniningning Ang Pilipino, Kapamilya Krismas Party sa Press 2010,” proved to be one of the most memorable with its colorful blend of show-stopping performances, heart-tugging tributes, and extravagant raffle prizes.
Hosted by Ogie Diaz and MJ Felipe, who are members of the press themselves, the festivities kicked off with a talent showdown among members of writer groups EnPress and PMPC, and columnists Glenn Sibonga and Leo Bukas, who came out with individual performances.
Bukas’ heartfelt rendition of Gary Valenciano’s “Natutulog Ba ang Diyos?” won judges Rene Salud, Nat Manilag, and Frederick Peralta over, while the PMPC group was runner-up. Bukas won himself P20,000 for his winning performance.
The program also included the announcement of the winner of the “Theme Song ng Buhay Ko” contest, which is inspired by the “Pilipinas Win na Win’s” segment where contestants submit letters of their life stories and the song which would serve as the entrant’s life theme.
Pete Ampoloquio Jr’s story was judged the most moving and inspiring and he was treated with Marco Sison’s live rendition of his life theme song, “If We Hold on Together.”
Members of the press were even more close to tears when ABS-CBN played a touching tribute for two members of the press who departed this year—Archie De Calma and Robert Pangis.
Meanwhile, another big winner that night was Dominic Rea, who won “Pinakamaningning na Press” with his shining and shimmering get-up. He and his three runners-up were also serenaded by Markki Stroem of Pilipinas Got Talent.
The climax of the night, of course, was the raffle segment where it gave away more than P500,000 worth of premium items and cash prizes. ABS-CBN talents such as KC Concepcion, the “Shoutout” cast, Markki Stroem, Princess, Hannah Flores, and the Star Power finalists also took time to entertain and bond with the press. ABS-CBN also gave the showbiz press a sneak peak at the Kapamilya network’s 2011 offerings including the comeback of Pinoy Big Brother and The Price is Right with Kris Aquino as host.
To end the night, members of the ABS-CBN Corporate Communications Division led by Head Bong Osorio gave a rousing surprise dance number with the “Press All-Stars,” who are made up of entertainment columnists and editors.
Every year, ABS-CBN stages a separate Christmas Party for the entertainment press to thank them for their support of the network, its talents and programs. “Kami po ay naniniwalang dahil sa inyong suporta, ang aming mga programa’y mas napapanood,” Osorio said.
This year, ABS-CBN did more than just thank the press. It also gave them a platform to showcase their talents, to just sit back and relax and to celebrate Christmas with their peers and friends.
