Kapamilya stars bring cheer to Pinoys in Japan

MANILA, Philippines - True to its name, the Stellar Ball in Shinagawa was filled with Kapamilya stars and fans as the ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (RNG) and The Filipino Channel opened the doors to Kapamilya Fiesta World this weekend. Headlining the sold-out event were John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Paulo Avelino, Joem Bascon and Richard Yap. The stars were in town to give back to the Filipinos for their continued support for ABS-CBN shows and TFC products and services.

Nearly a thousand overseas Filipinos based in Japan trooped to the Stellar Ball for a glimpse of their favorite stars and to learn more about what TFC has to offer.  In the event, TFC unveiled its state-of-the-art service — TFC.tv. TFC.tv, the official online service of TFC, is the source of ABS-CBN and TFC content including exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes of top-rating teleseryes as well as interviews with well-loved stars.  Online features include real-time chat with fellow subscribers as well as interface with social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Hosting the TFC.tv launch was Chokoleit who led the crowd into singing the breakthrough service’s Click Tayo video featuring stars from ASAP 2012. Chokoleit threw in some prizes from participating sponsors for contestants who gamely joined in the fun and games.

Maria Theresa Gow, Japan-based host and singer, hosted the pre-show where local artists Jazz Ramirez, Maricar Riesgo and Ivan Paneza performed. In the segment, TFC’s anti-piracy campaign was also launched publicly. 

The week before, ABS-CBN President and Chief Content Officer Charo Santos-Concio and Global Ltd. Raffy Lopez met with Filipino community leaders, dealers and partners to enjoin them in the fight against piracy.

In partnership with the Optical Media Board (OMB) headed by Ronnie Ricketts, TFC hopes to convey that piracy of video materials is wrong and illegal. With the theme Bawal Kumopya, TFC and OMB led Kapamilya stars in the campaign against piracy across platforms such as public service announcement and including merchandise items such as shirts.

At 6 p.m. the crowd went wild when the Kapamilya Fiesta World presented John Lloyd and Bea, one of the most successful love teams created by ABS-CBN. Lloydy and Bea thrilled their fans as they sang the theme song, Against All Odds, from their engaging teleserye A Beautiful Affair. Kapamilya Fiesta World is not their first TFC event in Japan but the experience of meeting Filipinos in Japan is unique for them each time.

John Lloyd and Bea were also proud to unveil the free screening of their blockbuster movie The Mistress much to the delight of their fans in Japan. The movie, currently the highest-ranking movie for 2012, also marked the tandem’s 10th anniversary as a love team.

Also joining in the event was John Estrada. In Beautiful Affair, Lloydie and John play unlikely rivals for the love of heiress Bea (Gen in the series).

Meanwhile, Paulo and Joem thrilled the audience not with their acting prowess, but with their dance moves. Surprisingly, Paulo is a singer himself and gave a preview of his recording career by singing a few lines from his self-titled album.

Deafening shrieks filled the air when Be Careful with My Heart star Richard Yap ascended the stage. He charmed the audience with his singing voice.

TFC subscribers got special gifts while TFC.tv subscribers got a chance to meet and greet with their favorite stars. Winners will be posted at TFC’s Facebook page.

Kapamilya Fiesta World was brought to Japan by RNG and TFC in partnership with LBC Remittance, Globe, Enduranz, MX3, Zeflexin, Globe, Knorr, Asvet-Babito and in part by Worldcomm, KC Cargo, Ana’s Trading, Asia Yashao, Karaoke Kan, Century Properties and MTrend.

In true Kapamilya spirit, Kapamilya Fiesta World opened the doors to Pinoys into another fun-filled event where everyone was truly welcome to join in the festive spirit.  According to Enrique Olives, managing director for ABS-CBN Japan Inc. (TFC Japan), Kapamilya Fiesta World may be the TFC team’s year-ender but is actually just a preview of more things to come.