MANILA, Philippines - Kapuso Network recently spread cheers at Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival. GMA Regional TV invited some of the brightest Kapuso stars.
The festival commemorates the Christianization of the natives and is in honor of the Holy Child Jesus (Señor Sto. Nino). Dinagyang Festival was voted the Best Tourism Event among the country’s festivals for 2006, 2007 and 2008 by the Philippine Association of Tourism.
The Kapuso Day in Dinagyang drew thousands of screaming fans last Jan. 24 at the Robinsons Mall Iloilo. Present were Jennylyn Mercado, Yasmien Kurdi and Mark Herras, the lead stars of the newest GMA 7’s primetime series Rhodora X.
Yasmien performed her original song titled I Know and Kisap Mata. Locals and tourists alike sang and danced along with Jennylyn as she did a couple of cover songs When I Was Your Man and Clarity, while Mark’s body-shaking dance proved that he is still the “Bad Boy of the Dance Floor.â€
The Ilonggos’ warm welcome was reserved for Genesis star Dingdong Dantes who serenaded the crowd with the song Adik Sa Yo and Don’t Know What To Do Don’t Know What To Say. Dingdong was excited about his second movie with director Erik Matti. “Wala pang casting, pero nag me-meeting na kami ni direk Erik, target din namin na maisama ang movie sa international festivals,†he said.
The event was also graced by AVP of GMA Regional TV Oliver Amoroso. Parlor games gave Kapuso Ilonggos a chance to join the affair. Kapuso local talent John Arceo hosted the event.
The following day, The Borrowed Wife stars Camille Prats, Rafael Rosell and TJ Trinidad took part in the Kasadyahan Parade. The event featured colorful parade of floats and tribes as Ilonggos and tourists grooved to the beat of the drums.