A Kapamilya Christmas

Ngunit kahit na anong mangyari,

Ang pag-ibig sana’y maghari,

Sapat nang si Hesus ang kasama mo,

Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko

These lines from an Apo Hiking Society original Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko, given a new flavor by Orange & Lemons, perfectly captures the message of ABS-CBN’s Christmas Station ID (SID) 2006 — Angat ang Ligaya ng Pasko.

"For Filipinos, Christmas will always be celebrated, the hard times, notwithstanding," says ABS-CBN vice president for Creative Communications Management (CCM) Robert Labayen when asked about the SID’s theme. "Pinoys only need warm embraces, shared laughter, intimate moments and a simple noche buena to have a memorable celebration of Christmas. After all, the essence of Filipino Christmas lies in our love for family."

Indeed, the people behind the SID made sure images used were consistent with the premise of the special plug. Felix Nafarette of CCM adds, "If you would pay attention to the props used in the SID, you would see that those are made from recycled materials because that’s how Pinoys are – marunong mamaluktot kapag maikli ang kumot."

The Christmas SID, directed by Marie Jamora, marks ABS-CBN’s first time to venture into Station IDs after more than a year and a half.

"But, it was all worth the wait," quips Kathrina Sanchez of CCM. "After seeing the final version of the SID, the stress of the many weeks of planning, the tedious four-day shoot and the numerous, long hours spent for editing instantly vanished. We are very happy with the outcome of this year’s Christmas SID."

With the immense talents of the entire production crew, which includes director of photography Odessy Flores, the 2006 ABS-CBN Christmas SID perfectly translates a very strong, inspiring Christmas message through impressive visuals – masterfully photographed scenes with colors blended superbly to create the appropriate holiday mood.

But more than just being an eye-candy, Kathrina adds the SID also touches the core of each Kapamilya because it also features a dose of heartwarmingly real scenes that highlight the values Filipinos have. These scenes, of course, feature the ABS-CBN stars and their Kapamilyas – the public, the ordinary people.

The SID, for example, shows how Sarah Geronimo and John Prats show concern for someone in prison, while Kristine Hermosa and Diether Ocampo play Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, respectively, to give importance to the Pinoy’s love for God.

But, the strongest message of the SID is the Filipino’s love for its Kapamilyas.

Dolphy, during the shoot, was quoted as saying, "I really like being part of ABS-CBN Station IDs kasi kumpleto lahat tayo."

True enough, more than a hundred Kapamilya stars participated in the SID. During his scene, Dolphy was surrounded by Kapamilya icons Susan Roces, Maricel Soriano and Judy Ann Santos.

Sharon Cuneta was in her usual bubbly self the whole time she was on the set, while Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby, who just got off their plane from the US, gamely joked with Sharon and everyone on the location.

Aga Muhlach with wife Charlene Gonzalez and Willie Revillame had time to exchange stories during the shoot. Showbiz royalties Boy Abunda, Ai-Ai de las Alas and Kris Aquino graced the gathering.

Instead of reading other people’s heartwrenching testimonials, Maalaala Mo Kaya host and ABS-CBN executive vice president Charo Santos-Concio opted to give children a grand time with her kiddie stories. Meanwhile, Claudine Barretto led the roster of Star Magic talents in the SID.

ASAP ’06 mainstays Zsa-Zsa Padilla, Vina Morales, Gary Valenciano and the Champions Christian Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Sheryn Regis and Erik Santos also had fun during the taping.

Also taking part in the celebration were ABS-CBN’s News and Current Affairs personalities like Korina Sanchez, Ted Failon, Bernadette Sembrano, Julius Babao and Karen Davila.

The SID also features a number of couples, real or reel – John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, Jericho Rosales and Heart Evangelista, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, Maja Salvador and Jason Abalos, Shaina Magdayao and Rayver Cruz and Angelica Panganiban and Jake Cuenca.

"It" Girls Toni Gonzaga, Mariel Rodriguez, Bianca Gonzales, and Nikki Gil lent their pretty faces to the plug, while Albert Martinez, Vhong Navarro, Matt Evans, Sam Concepcion, Zanjoe Marudo made sure female fans were not shortchanged.

Pinoy Dream Academy headmaster Jim Paredes, with his scholars, also made his SID debut.

Not to be outdone, child wonders Makisig Morales, Jairus Aquino, Sharlene San Pedro, Nash Aguas and other Goin’ Bulilit cast members, provided youthful energy during the shoot.

The ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2006 is only one of ABS-CBN’s way of reminding its Kapamilyas that, no matter how hard times are, "sa Kapamilya mo, tuloy na tuloy ang Pasko."