Kapuso adds color to Panagbenga

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Regine Velasquez led the Kapuso stars who graced the 23rd Panagbenga Flower Festival. It carried the theme Celebration of Culture and Creativity, to promote the city’s inclusion in the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) creative cities list.

The Songbird rendered a couple of song numbers as she greeted The Clash auditionees and fans during the Kapuso Meet and Greet held at the Sunshine Park.

Kilig vibes with real-life couple Mikael and Megan(left). The Clash host Regine Velasquez and event host Sef Cadayona(right) pose with the crowd during the Baguio-leg auditions at Sunshine Park

The Clash, airing soon on GMA, is set to feature hopefuls who will compete against each other to be the country’s next solo singing superstar. Hundreds of hopefuls lined up and filled the Park. Present during the Baguio screening process were Jay Durias of South Border and direk Louie Ignacio. After Baguio, another audition will also be held on March 10 at SM City Davao.

The Kapuso Float

After her performance, Regine gave pieces of advice to the aspirants, “When you really love something, you have to put an effort to it. May mga taong hindi naman magaling sa umpisa, you should use this as a motivation and inspiration. Try lang ng try and never give up. Work hard hanggang maabot mo yung pangarap mo.”

Meanwhile, The Stepdaughters lead stars and real-life couple Mikael Daez and Megan Young brought kilig to the Panagbenga Grand Float Parade, which lasted for almost three hours. The sweethearts were seen holding hands and hugging each other to the delight of the crowd.

In an interview before the parade, Megan shared that she was thankful to GMA for giving her and Mikael the chance to work together in a teleserye. “Thankful na lang kami at pinag-sama kami sa show ni Mikael. What works the most, aside from the fact na we’re together, is the comfort that we have with each other. It’s easier to talk to Mikael about scenes and collaborate with him because I know him as a person, so hindi ko tinatantiya kung paano aatakihin ang eksena,” shared Megan.

Joining them were Glaiza de Castro and Jak Roberto of the upcoming primetime series Contessa and Matt Evans and Ruru Madrid of Sherlock Jr. The group drew the loudest screams from fans who patiently waited along the three-kilometer parade route.

After the parade, Glaiza, Mikael, Megan, Jak, Matt and Ruru entertained fans during the Kapuso Fiesta show also held at the Sunshine Park. Sirkus star Sef Cadayona hosted the weekend events.

Regine with (from left) GMA Regional TV VP and head Oliver Amoroso, GMA Entertainment Content Group VP Darling de Jesus, GMA Central and Eastern Visayas station manager Ann Marie Tan and GMA North Central Luzon station manager Jojo Balingit.

“These Kapuso events are our way of giving back to our loyal viewers. We are very grateful for the support of our Kapuso viewers in the regions. They are the reason why we are here. We hope they continue to keep us No. 1 nationwide,” said GMA Regional TV VP and head Oliver Amoroso.

Also present during the festival were GMA Entertainment Content Group VP Darling de Jesus, GMA Central and Eastern Visayas station manager Ann Marie Tan and GMA North Central Luzon station manager Jojo Balingit.