The flagship GMA international channel has definitely outdone itself with its sold-out two-night anniversary concert in the U.S., starring no less than Bea Alonzo, Aiai Delas Alas, Lani Misalucha, Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, and Dingdong Dantes.
The highly successful "Together Again: A GMA Pinoy TV @ 17 Concert" was held last Sept. 24 and 25 at the Pechanga Theater, Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. After a three-year hiatus in the US concert scene, thousands of excited fans flocked to the venue for a night of singing, dancing, laughter, and everything Pinoy!
Everyone was ecstatic the moment when multi-awarded actress and box-office icon Bea Alonzo stepped into the GMA Pinoy TV stage. As her concert debut as a Kapuso, the multi-awarded actress and box office icon was just as excited to perform for them. “Talagang naramdaman namin ang warmth ng inyong pagtanggap,” said Bea, thanking the Pinoy fans. “Sana hindi pa po ito ang huli and sana po lagi kayong mag-iingat at lagi po kayong manood ng GMA shows sa GMA Pinoy TV,” she urged. She also delightfully invited the Kapuso abroad to support her first GMA series, ‘Start-Up PH’ with Alden Richards.
Kapuso Comedy Concert Queen Aiai delas Alas, in turn, surprised the audience with her out-of-this-world costumes and antics that made the experience unforgettable for them. “After so many years, nandito po kami para paligayahin kayo at sana po ay naging maligaya kayo kahit sa ilang oras lang na pagsasama natin. Mula sa kaibuturan ng aking puso, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nanood at nakisama at sumali sa ating show,” she gratefully expressed.
On a more heartfelt note, the crowd also turned emotional as Lani Misalucha shared her health issues and her miraculous recovery leading up to the concert. With her timeless vocal prowess, the Las Vegas Siren of the Strip sang her new song “I'll Rise To The Top," which is about how she overcame her health situation. “Sana magkita-kita pa po tayo ulit sa mga susunod pa naming mga concert na gagawin. Talaga namang nakakasarap po sa damdamin na together again po tayo. We will see you again. Thank you so much for watching the show,” Lani said.
Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose and Kapuso Total Heartthrob Rayver Cruz, collectively known as JulieVer, wowed the audience as they showcased how multi-talented they are individually and as a duo. The audience witnessed their on-screen chemistry from being the hosts of ‘The Clash,’ mainstays in ‘All-Out Sundays,’ and even on social media through their viral dance videos.
“Sa lahat po ng ating mga Kapuso at kababayan abroad, maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong suporta. And of course, nandito lang kami para po sa inyo and we always want to bring you closer to home kaya po kami nandito. That’s why we have been doing these shows in different parts of the world. We are stronger together talaga kapag nagtutulungan tayo,” said Julie, star of the newest Kapuso primetime series ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra.’
“Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na dumaan, nandirito pa rin kayo para suportahan kami. Kaya ngayon, nandito naman kami para mag-give back ng isang napakagandang show para ma-feel good naman ‘yung mga Kapuso natin dito sa States,” Rayver added.
And speaking of kilig, no one was spared by Dingdong Dantes’ charm. The Kapuso Primetime King easily wooed the crowd as he serenaded them and even sang a duet with one of the audience members.
Dingdong, who has been with GMA since the international channel’s launch in the US 17 years ago, could surely attest to how much the Kapuso abroad has become stronger after all these years with GMA Pinoy TV. “We are happy to be here again finally. Pagkatapos ng ilang taon, we are together again. But this time, we are definitely stronger dahil ang dami po nating natutunan. Bukod sa na-miss namin kayo, sana na-miss n’yo rin kami kaya babalik at babalik po kami,” he assured. Towards the end of the show, he gamely took selfies with the fans and invited them to continue watching ‘Family Feud’ and ‘Amazing Earth’.
Online, several netizens congratulated and shared their delight with the Kapuso stars for a successful show. Some of them, who are from other parts of the world, were also clamoring for GMA Pinoy TV to bring their favorite artists and hold concerts in their respective areas.
One of the concertgoers with the handle @igotyoubabe_ commented on Instagram, “Was there tonight at Pechanga and wow, I was blown away by Bea. She is gorgeous, and hearing her sing this song live, blew me away. it so much and everyone else who performed. Dingdong not only is so POGI but very kind. He grabbed almost every camera and took selfies. Juliever is such a match made in heaven. Aiai is as always so funny. Last but not least, Asia's nightingale is just amazing! Great performance everyone!”
“Superb performance, Ms. Julie! So grateful your presence on stage. Hope you could do more concerts soon,” wrote @imericcho.
@row1705 also commented, “Dingdong was generous giving everyone a handshake, pogi na mabait pa.”
“Hi Lani M, you’re fabulous singer! Hope and pray for your health, take care po,” said @fhaye16.
Equally, GMA International First Vice President and Head of Operations Joseph T. Francia has nothing but good words and gratitude for being together again with the Global Pinoys. “Thank you for your overwhelming support as we celebrate 17 colorful years with you. Thank you for making GMA Pinoy TV a part of your lives, for welcoming us into your homes, and into your internet-enabled devices.”
“We are strong as a people. Individually, each of us is strong. But when we celebrate our diversity and complement each other’s strengths – as a community coming together – we can be formidable. Let us be the #StrongerTogether Movement. And with faith in God and one another, be a powerful force for good in the US and even in the world,” Francia added.
Directed by Mark Reyes, "Together Again: A GMA Pinoy TV @ 17 Concert" was presented by GMA Pinoy TV, Starmedia Entertainment, and GMA Synergy. It was also made possible through GMA Regional TV, GMA Entertainment Group, GMA Life TV, GMA News TV, and Tancinco Law P.C.