One hot Party in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — If you think the best time to party is at night, think again.

Hip parties do happen in the afternoon, too, when you feel like you’re already shriveled under the scorching sun that threaten to reduce you to dried durian (like that cute ref magnets I bought as pasalubong). Yet you can’t help but groove to the beat, sway your hands in the air and stomp your feet.

That’s exactly the scenario at SM City Davao’s parking lot C when Davaoeños enjoyed the live staging of GMA 7’s Party Pilipinas last Sunday. Everyone who trooped to the venue seemed unmindful of what could possibly happen under the sweltering heat for almost two and a half hours. Thanks to those colorful buri hats given away at the start of the show, a lucky few found comfort from the heat. The crowd that hot afternoon party was estimated at 10,000.

Over 60 artists flew in from Manila to show what they got — from rendering rock, pop, danceable and romantic tunes to shaking their booties to the latest dance-infectious beat.

Mark Bautista, Geoff Taylor, Gian Magdangal and Miguel Escueta opened the show with an upbeat performance that set the crowd in real party mood. Frencheska Farr and Yassi followed with a dance number. La Diva, Jennylyn Mercado, Kyla, Julie Ann San Jose, Glaiza de Castro, Kris Bernal, Iza Calzado and Jolina Magdangal got them singing and grooving, too. Pop Girls and XLR8 livened up the show to the tune of 2NE1’s I Don’t Care. Jay Perillo and Geoff, on the other hand, set the mood to a rockin’ and rollin’ with Alapaap. Steven Silva, Jay-R, Joshua Desiderio elicited oohs and aahs from the dancing crowd.

How about “party animals” Jaya and Janno Gibbs? Janno kept the audience amused with his funny acts while singing. Jaya was in her element as she ascended the stage. 

“This is fun. I never thought they’re that good,” I overheard a lady seated behind me say to her companion during commercial break. Is this proof that Party Pilipinas has created a niche that could equal, if not topple, its noontime show competition?

“Whenever we perform, all we think about is entertaining the people with every number we have prepared for the show. For me, it’s not just about the ratings but also the outcome of the show that counts,” StarStruck’s Diva Montelaba said.

Thus, even if they have little time to rehearse before the show, everyone is eager to perfect their performances. Ogie Alcasid went straight to the rehearsals as soon as he arrived hours before Party. Backstage, Mark Herras, Enzo Pineda and Rocco Nacino practiced some footwork. The Glam Girls composed of Rhian Ramos, Heart Evangelista and Lovi Poe were just as keen in their dance number.

Elmo Magalona, who looks and sounds like his dad FrancisM, was in a jubilant mood for the party.

 “I can do anything — rap, sing and dance — thanks to my dad who shared his talents with us. As of now, I am comfortable performing almost all of his songs,” he stated.

Party Pilipinas is not just all about singing and dancing, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes treated the audience to kilig moments as both sweetly answered queries from fans before rendering Ngiti in duet.

Temporarily in charge of directing the show is Rommel Gacho, after Louie Ignacio resigned allegedly because some artists refused to attend rehearsals.

The Davao live Party telecast is the third provincial stop of the month-old show after its Dagupan and Cebu airing recently. The show had a grand launch at the Araneta Coliseum. Residents of Rizal joined in the Party event as the show taped its Sunday, May 9, episode at the Ynares Gym in Antipolo.