Kapuso spreads Christmas cheer in Anaheim

MANILA, Philippines — By this time, tickets for the seats in the last two rows of The Grove of Anaheim must have already been sold out. Reason: GMA Pinoy TV will be holding an early Christmas show, dubbed as Kapusong Pinoy: Paskuhan at Kantawanan sa Anaheim, at the 1,500-seater theater for all Kapuso in California.

Happening on Oct. 7, the GMA-produced event, through Starmedia Entertainment, will be headlined by Marian Rivera, Christian Bautista, Julie Anne San Jose, Ai-Ai delas Alas and the comic duo of Donita Nose and Super Tekla.

According to Star Media Entertainment CEO Ana Puno, premium tickets were sold right away and only the last two rows have yet to be filled up.

“There are still many people wanting to buy for VIP seats but nothing was left vacant but the last two rows,” she told The STAR after the recent media launch held at the 17th floor of the GMA Network building. “It was only last month when we started promoting it and now almost sold out.”

GMA first VP and head of International Operations Joseph Francia, for his part, said that GMA is very grateful for the warm response of Pinoys in L.A. to the concert which is also the network’s way of joining in the celebration of Filipino-American Heritage Month in October.

“We want to make sure that the Fil-Am community feels our participation in the big event also being supported by the US government, and, then closer to home we have two milestones — first, GMA Pinoy TV is already 13 years in the business and when we launched it in L.A. for the first time, they (Star Media Entertainment people) were there with us, and until now.

“The other milestone is that GMA Live Channel is celebrating its 10 years. Kasama na din ito sa gusto nating i-celebrate through this concert.”

During the recent press con, Christian, Julie Anne and Marian said they look forward to celebrating Christmas with our kababayan with pure Pinoy fun complete with sing-and-dance numbers.

“For a change, I will surprise our kababayan in Anaheim. I will sing this time,” quipped Marian. “Seriously, I am excited to go to Anaheim and let our Kapuso in America feel the true spirit of Christmas siyempre, iba pa rin ‘yung saya kapag kasama mo na mag-celebrate ‘yung pamilya mo, mga kapwa mo Pinoy, kaya ‘yun ang gusto naming ihatid sa kanila.”

Christian, on the other hand, said that they will make sure that through the show, Filipinos abroad will feel much closer to home in this year’s most joyous season.

Julie Anne agreed by saying, “Christmas is magical and for me, it’s not all about gifts but all about being together with your family. I hope our kababayan won’t miss our early Christmas treat. Aside from songs and laughter, they will witness all-out performances.”

Joining them in the show are US-based performers Erwin Andaya, Sharon Rose Orosco, The Dancing Moms of L.A., Clarishe Enaje, Haydee Angeline and Michael Zuñiga.

Anna shared that they’ve been receiving a lot of requests for GMA to hold shows in the US, especially for next year. “I’ve been with GMA since the launch of GMA Pinoy TV in the US and I can say that the people (in the network) truly have a heart. Same with the artists — mababait sila, very approachable and humble.”