Kapuso Humataw sa Davao

DAVAO CITY  , Philippines — Gidagsa (Visayan word for mobbed) or dinumog in Tagalog.

That aptly described Davaoeños’ response to GMA Network’s series of events held here recently in connection with the 73rd Araw ng Dabaw celebration. Even the network’s way of educating voters for the coming May elections was carried out via a Sayaw Galaw Automation Dance Contest. Eight members of the Sexbomb Girls graced the grand finals held in Bgy. Bangkerohan and was aired live over Kapuso regional morning show Una Ka Bai! hosted by Sarah Jane Hilomen.  

The Kapuso network initially turned March 15, the eve of Araw ng Dabaw, into one exciting and action-filled afternoon as amateur boxers from different barangays and nearby provinces gathered at the City Hall Drive in the 20-bout boxing competition. Davaoeños screamed their lungs out at the breathtaking action inside the ring. Winners received trophies and cash prizes. Over at SM’s Event Center, StarStruck V winners Steven Silva, Sarah Lahbati, Diva Montelaba, Rocco Nacino and Enzo Pineda performed before an ecstatic audience. The show kicked off their series of regional shows dubbed StarStruck Ultimate Regional Road Show.

Adding glitter to the occasion were First Time lead stars Joshua Dionisio, Barbie Forteza and Jhake Vargas. The young trio joined a colorful parade morning of March 16 where 237 contingents consisting of elementary pupils, persons with disabilities, military men, youth movement, tribal groups, horsemen club, bike enthusiasts, and various business groups took part in the city’s founding day revelry.

Thousands of people, unmindful of the scorching heat, lined up the streets to get a better view of Barbie, Joshua and Jhake pleasantly waving at the crowd. Some threw their hankies to the Kapuso float for the teen stars to wipe their faces with, while others cried out “Cindy! Lucas! Baste!”

Exciting moments continued in the early evening of the same day at Gaisano Mall as deafening shrieks filled the air when Last Prince stars Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal performed before the 8,000 audience who trooped to the mall’s atrium for GMA 7’s Hataw Dabaw. Their solo numbers and a duet of Friend of Mine elicited oohs and aahs.

“It’s heartwarming to know that our loveteam is popular here. Thanks to GMA. Our show is actually our seventh (team-up) after winning StarStruck almost three years ago,” shared Aljur.

Although TV stardom did a lot of good — and not so good things — to him, Aljur has remained humble.

“I can’t explain the feeling whenever people scream in admiration. It inspires me to work harder,” added Aljur.

Meanwhile, Joshua, Barbie and Jhake got a fair share of the spotlight when the crowd burst in thunderous roars as they danced to Do You Remember. The three also performed solo: Barbie sang Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko. Joshua did a rendition of Ngiti and the Ne-Yo hit So Sick. Jhake crooned Sandalan and Alipin to the delight of the teen admirers. Barbie and Joshua also did a duet of Way Back Into Love.

“This is my first time in Davao. I’m glad that people appreciated our presence. Nakakataba ng puso,” Jhake said.

How about the Sexbomb Girls? Their Hugis Itlog dance number has offered more than just entertainment.

“This is our way of letting everybody know about the voting system we will be using come election time. We are happy to be part of the campaign,” Ira said.

Hataw Dabaw only proved GMA can entertain and educate at the same time.