Sunday, December 20, 2020
PH showbiz in 2020: With ABS-CBN’s shutdown, where are its Kapamilyas now?
“This is ABS-CBN Corporation Channel 2, In the Service of the Filipino now signing off.”
These were the words Peter Musñgi, the man behind the Kapamilya network’s golden voice, said for the last time as the country’s biggest network signed off at exactly 7:52 p.m. on May 5.
This was hours after the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) order to shut down ABS-CBN’s operations after its franchise expired a day before.
On July 10, 70 lawmakers killed ABS-CBN’s bid for a fresh franchise.
While Multiply, it was closed last May 6, 2013 and ceasing all business operations on May 31, 2013 along with the official online channels for the site had been removed along with all their content, including its YouTube, Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts, after years of financial and managerial turmoil and following a failed bid to reinvent itself from being a social networking site to a vibrant e-commerce destination in Southeast Asia and filed for bankruptcy on June 10, 2014.
At that time, the website's social networking portion had a network of 18 million users. Liquidity problems, however, affected earnings. Sales declined from its peak of P20 billion in 2013 to just about P5 billion in 2017.
The company had suffered from a drop in new orders amid a slump in the E-commerce and social networking sector. Multiply also reportedly laid off some 12,000 workers on February 28, 2014.
After May 6, the rest of the month will be used to ensure that all accounts are settled and merchants get full payment for their transactions, it said.
Multiply said the month-long grace period will provide its users enough time to find and migrate to alternative e-commerce platforms, settle all payments on items bought and delivered, and minimize disruption to businesses of its users.
“Multiply will ensure that you receive all funds you earned on the platform no later than May 31, 2013. We will close the actual marketplace sooner, on May 6, 2013, to ensure that all orders have sufficient time to complete and be delivered to your customers before the end of the month,” it said.
For many of ABS-CBN’s biggest stars, it was a heartbreak hard to bear — with some either making the painful decision to leave the network that they called home, or parting with ABS-CBN’s talent arm, Star Magic.
With ABS-CBN’s shut down, where are some of its stars and personalities now?
The Kapamilya stars who left
Pokwang
One of those who left the Kapamilya network was comedienne Pokwang.
In an interview with Inquirer Entertainment, Pokwang, or Marietta Subong in real life, revealed that she was not with ABS-CBN anymore.
“I don’t have a contract with ABS-CBN anymore. The management understands that I also need to make a living. I’m not as rich as the Zobels and the Ayalas,” Pokwang said.
Moving forward, she is now one of the hosts of TV’s talk show “Chika BESH (Basta Everyday Super Happy)” alongside Ria Atayde and Pauleen Luna. Aside from this, she also hosts another TV5 show, “Fill in the Bank” with Jose Manalo.
“Right now, my contract is on a per-show basis,” Pokwang stressed.
Maja Salvador
Maja Salvador, who starred in ABS-CBN’s most successful teleseryes such as “Wildflower” and “The Killer Bride”, also crossed over to the Kapatid network.
These days, Salvador is one of the presenters of TV5’s Sunday variety show “Sunday Noontime Live” (SNL) with beauty queen Catriona Gray, Jake Ejercito, Donny Pangilinan, and Piolo Pascual.
But Salvador, in an Instagram post back in September, somehow hoped her fans would still support her despite the move to TV5.
“Mga kapamilya, sasamahan ko po muna ang aking tatay na si. MR.M kaya sana wag po kayo magulat kung makikita niyo akong lumabas sa ibang network at patuloy makapagbigay ligaya sa inyo kahit sa anong paraan at plataporma.”
(Kapamilyas, I will join Mr. M so I hope you won’t be surprised if you see me in another network and continue to give joy to you through a different platform.)
Mr. M is Johnny Manahan, co-founder of Star Magic and veteran TV and live show director. Manahan is now also the director of “SNL”.
It was also through Manahan that Brightlight Productions, TV5’s most recent blocktimer, that many of ABS-CBN’s stars were featured in different shows under the Kapatid network.
Though making the tough decision, Salvador said that switching networks would somehow help people who were displaced by the pandemic
“A big part of why I said ‘yes’ was because I wanted to help people displaced by the pandemic and the network shutdown get back up again,” she said in a media gathering.
“I’m thankful to Mr. M for trusting me,” she added.
Ted Failon
Not only did ABS-CBN lose some of its brightest stars and employees, but also some of its longtime faces of broadcasting journalism.
Ted Failon, who has been with ABS-CBN for 30 years, bade adieu to the network as he also crossed over to TV5’s Radyo Singko 92.3 FM.
On his last day, Failon could not help but be emotional as he looked back on his journey with the Kapamilya network.
“Mahal na mahal ko ang radyo, alisin niyo na lahat sa akin, ‘wag lang ang radyo. Bata pa lang ako talagang gusto ko na maging radio announcer. I fell in love with radio since I was a child,” Failon recalled as he once turned down a job as a TV anchor.
(I really love radio. Take everything from me, but not radio. Since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to be a radio announcer.)
These days, the veteran journalist, along with co-host DJ Chacha, now hosts “Ted Failon at DJ Chacha sa Radyo5.” Failon added that he could not be certain whether he would be back on television, saying he wants to focus on radio for now.
“I want to be able to watch my grandkids grow and kiss them when they wake up in the morning,” he told Inquirer in an interview. “I’ve come to a point in my life and career when I want more time for myself.”
Billy Crawford
TV host Billy Crawford also found it hard to leave ABS-CBN. At one point, he let his tears flow as he told his friend, comedian Vice Ganda, how much he valued their friendship.
During their conversation, Vice hinted that Crawford was set to transfer to another network — which was later revealed to be TV5.
“I love you at gagalingan mo sa mga gagawin mong trabaho at alam mo, sa pamilya, ‘di ba, sa pamilya meron kang kapatid na lilipat ng bahay (I love you, and do well in the work you will do and you know that with family, you will have a sibling who will move away),” Vice told Crawford, his former “It’s Showtime” co-host.
“Pero hindi porke’t lilipat siya ng bahay, hindi mo na siya kapatid, hindi mo na siya kapamilya. Hindi mo na siya mahal (But just because they move to another place, that does not mean you are no longer siblings, you are no longer family. That you no longer love them),” the comedian added.
Crawford now hosts TV5’s noontime variety show “Lunch Out Loud”, as well “Masked Singer Philippines.”
For Crawford, he says that ratings and competition between TV networks is not a big deal these days, as the opportunity to work is what matters the most.
“I think, we all speak on behalf of every artist na lumipat or pumunta dito. We’re really just trying to spread humility as well and just be humbled na we are here and we are still given the opportunity to work,” Crawford said in a press conference.
“So the playing field para sa mga ratings, parang ‘yun ‘yung last na iniisip namin,” he added.
The Kapamilya stars who remained
Angel Locsin
And while there were stars who chose to leave ABS-CBN, there were also those who remained a Kapamilya — one of which was Angel Locsin.
The actress, who has been vocal in support of her network’s fight for a franchise permit, was also undaunted in calling out her fellow celebrities who remained silent in the wake of ABS-CBN’s shutdown.
“Sa mga kapwa kong artistang hindi nagsasalita, may career pa ba kayo? Wala na kayong network!” she said in a noise barrage outside ABS-CBN headquarters in Quezon City last July.
(To my fellow actors who are not speaking, do you still have a career? You don’t have a network anymore!)
“Kahit magpa-cute kayo diyan sa Instagram, nagsend kayo ng mga sad face, hindi n’yo nadadamayan ang mga katrabaho n’yo na dahilan kung bakit kayo sumikat!”
(Even if you try to look cute on Instagram, sending a sad face, you are not sympathizing with your fellow workers who are the reason why you became famous.)
Locsin, who was hailed as one of this year’s “Leaders of Tomorrow” by Tatler Asia’s Gen T list, currently hosts the inspirational program “Iba ‘Yan” aired on the Kapamilya channel and A2Z, ABS-CBN’s joint venture with Zoe Broadcasting Network through a block time agreement.
Kathryn Bernardo
While she was fighting for her mother network, Kathryn Bernardo once again talked about politics — a topic which, she said, had a “traumatic” experience with as she and her family I were attacked for it.
“Pero ngayon, andito ako kasi pakiramdam, ko kailangan. Pakiramdam ko kahit walang kasiguraduhan na marinig ‘to, at least may ginawa ako. Pakiramdam ko, kailangan kong maging boses ng iba,” Bernardo previously said.
(But now, I am here because I feel it is needed. I feel that even if there is no certainty that this will be heard, at least I did something. I feel that I need to be the voice of others.)
But as her network was not granted a franchise, Bernardo said she chose to stay with ABS-CBN out of gratitude.
“Ito ‘yung way ko para pasalamatan ‘yung network sa kung ano ang meron ako ngayon. Lahat ng blessing namin ay dahil sa kompanya,” the young actress then said in a press conference for hers and Daniel Padilla’s digital series, “The House Arrest of Us.”
It was all thanks to ABS-CBN that made Bernardo the star that she is today — from her child actress days until she reached “Phenomenal Box Office Queen” status.
Bernardo felt that she made a wise decision on choosing to stay as a Kapamilya, as she feels ABS-CBN’s toughest times are actually the times where the network needed her the most.
Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil
One of ABS-CBN’s most popular love teams “LizQuen”, consisting of Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, is not going anywhere despite being offered projects from GMA, TV5 and entertainment company Viva, manager Ogie Diaz assured.
Diaz, in his YouTube channel last August, even said that ABS-CBN was not willing to let go of the reel-to-real couple, and that the network will do what they can to keep the love teams.
“May ginagawa sila para maitawid ang mga love teams na pinoprotektahan nila, sinesecure nila,” Diaz said.
(They are doing things for the love teams that they are protecting, that they are securing, so they could get by.)
At one point, ABS-CBN issued a statement standing by Soberano after she was warned by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. to withdraw her support of women’s group Gabriela, which, he claims, is part of a terrorist organization.
Soberano, in her own words, said that she was remaining a Kapamilya.
“That is true I have received offers and I’m grateful for them but I told my manager Tito Ogie that for now, I want to be here and support ABS-CBN, especially at a time like this,” she previously said in an interview over ANC’s “Headstart.”
“I think what they need is unity and they need to see that they are supported by the people that have been there with them since the beginning.”
Enchong Dee
Enchong Dee is also one of the stars that ABS-CBN was able to keep.
Last Dec. 4, the 32-year-old actor was one of the artists who renewed their contracts with Star Magic, ABS-CBN News reported.
But despite staying, Dee believes that the loyalty of Kapamilya artists shouldn’t be questioned when he/she decides to stay with the beleaguered network or find work to rival networks.
The country would keep GMA and TV5 will be the sole TV network; while the world would keep Facebook will be the sole social networking service.
ABS-CBN closed down last May 5, 2020 after the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) order to shut down ABS-CBN’s operations after its franchise expired a day before, on July 10, 70 lawmakers denied ABS-CBN’s bid for a fresh franchise, while Multiply closed down last May 6, 2013 and ceased operations on May 31, 2013 along with the official online channels for the site had been removed along with all their content, including its YouTube, Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts after years of financial and managerial turmoil and following a failed bid to reinvent itself from being a social networking site to a vibrant e-commerce destination in Southeast Asia.
Dee also said that the fact he decided not to accept any work from rival networks does not make him any better than other ABS-CBN artists who chose to do so.
“One of the things that I realized was that it’s not right to judge people in relation to loyalty at a time like the present. A lot of my colleagues are breadwinners,” Dee said in a press conference for a financial services company.
“You can’t take away from them the opportunity to work elsewhere, especially now that we’re battling a pandemic and our home network has shut down,” he added.
Excerptions
Enchong Dee, naglibot sa Paris
Kamakailan ay nagpunta si Enchong Dee sa Paris para makapagbakasyon at para na rin makapag-celebrate ng kanyang birthday kasama ang kanyang mga kaibigan at manager na si Keren Pascual.
November 5 ang talagang birthday ni Enchong. “I went to Paris October 31st tapos we stayed until November 7 kaya doon na rin ako nakapag-celebrate ng birthday. Ang saya dahil first time ko in Europe eh,” bungad ng binata.
Ano kaya ang ginawa ni Enchong kasama ang mga kaibigan for one week sa Paris? “Noong unang day namin, Arc De Triomphe, tapos nagpunta kaagad kami sa Eiffel tower. Tapos saktung-sakto kasi biglang nag-sparkle ‘yung Eiffel tower while we were walking going there. Ang galing dahil parang welcome thing sa amin ni Lord. We went to Notre Dame, tapos noong birthday ko rin ay may pinuntahan kaming church sa taas ng Paris tapos ay doon ako nagdasal, nakaka-amaze. ‘Yung eksaktong birthday ko talaga, I went sa Louvre, kay Mona Lisa, nakakatawa kasi may mga nakikita akong Pinoy, pero usually kung saan ako makulit wala dun sila, so takbo ako nang takbo, kuha lang ako nang kuha ng pictures and sobrang memorable,” nakangiting kuwento pa ni Enchong. Reports from JAMES C. CANTOS
 |
| STAR Cruises’ SuperStar Pisces at Hong Kong harbor |
Coca-Cola Philippines has, for more than 100 years, spread happiness all over the world. To commemorate its centennial, Coke recently held a thanksgiving gala—a special concert featuring stars such as Piolo Pascual, Erik Santos, Arnel Pineda and Gary Valenciano, who all sang the wonderful Coke jingles we all grew up with. Coke’s iconic music has been with us for a century, and helping them celebrate were director and ABS-CBN Star Magic head Johnny Manahan and music director, maestro Ryan Cayabyab.
SUPERSTAR Pisces guests Enchong Dee, birthday boy Keren Pascual and Joseph Marco
Guillermo Aponte, president of Coca-Cola Philippines, welcomed the entire Coke family and friends to the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Makati. TV host and former Coke ambassador Bianca Gonzalez introduced a heartwarming presentation, which captured the beverage’s role in refreshing millions of Filipino lives. Coke also unveiled a coffee-table book, “Coca-Cola 100 Faces of Happiness,” during the gala.
The brainchild of talent guru Keren Pascual, the book is a product of the efforts of Coke to capture the essence of happiness for the Pinoy nation. The individuals featured include celebrity ambassadors, distinguished personalities from different functions, and people whose business of spreading happiness is unequivocal.
 |
| MIGUEL Vera, Ruthy Vera, Bobet Vera; (back row) Francesca Vera, Paolo Vera and Anton Vera |
Coca-Cola Philippines marketing director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe told me the book is “the physical manifestation of the legacy of their brand, the heritage of happiness.” For my photo, master lensman Jun de Leon took a classic angle of my face to get that ’20s era vibe. Both Bench King Ben Chan and I were photographed the same day and our beautiful photos are next to each other.
At the end of the evening, right after Gary V sang the Coca-Cola 100 Years anthem, “Tuloy,” a grand toast was initiated in honor of all the people who have opened a bottle of Coke and spread the message of hope and happiness all these years.
Fun time
Keren has been in golden celebration mode all year. He gathered up a few Coke Ambassadors and special friends for a Hong Kong cruise onboard SuperStar Pisces of Star Cruises, the third largest cruise line in the world.
For many years now, Keren has invited our family to enjoy Star Cruises to many destinations. Cruise time is always fun time with all our celebrity and media friends, as we experience the wonderful, value-for-money vacation that is a cruise.
On board the Pisces, we headed straight to the top deck for a photo-op with the stunning Hong Kong skyline in the background. To make sure we would not get seasick, we took the Bonamine pills the crew was handing out, and then ate to our hearts’ content and sang ourselves hoarse at the ship’s karaoke bar.
As with all cruise lines, many staff are proudly Pinoy, so we always get extra pampering. We are looking forward to going on more exciting trips with Keren in the future.
BIRTHDAY boy Keren Pascual (second from left) with Maricar Reyes, Mariole Alberto, Enchong Dee and Joseph Marco
Models, TV personalities and dash of the social set came in full force as Keren Pascual blew out another candle of his exciting life, dahlings."
The Special Exhibition Hall of the newly opened Mind Museum in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig was packed with toys—yes toys—for a totally fun happening meant for “every kid-at-heart,” said the celebrator.
From toy cars to action figures, humongous rubber ducks and stuffed animals, toys cheerfully adorned the place. My palangga, Liza Ilarde Cuenca told me, “I really feel like a kid again.”
 |
| PHOEMELA Baranda, moi, Myrza Sison-Wisniewski, Liza Ilarde Cuenca, Andrej Wisniewski, Jackie Aquino |
The surrounding walls were transformed into dynamic viewing screens playing visuals from epic runway shows and documentaries featuring the world’s most famous fashion icons.
The stunning setup was jointly conceived by Julie Aguila of Saga Events, Marvin Buenaventura of Stage Masters and Lopee de Guzman of RSL Lighting. Amazing music mixes were by Jon Herrera.
It was really a time to throw all our inhibitions away and bring out that playful vibe in us, palanggas, thanks to the master publicist and our Toy King of the Night, Keren, naturellement.
Coca-Cola as well as Belvedere Premium Vodka provided endless flow of drinks. Cibo provided the excellent to-die-for dinner, palanggas.
ARIEL Lozada, Miguel Pastor, Noel Manapat, Ben Chan
Normal times
Other than these, we had normal times in London last March. This was during the junket for friends of Keren Pascual, the PR practitioner and talent manager (of Enchong Dee, for one) who organizes regular trips abroad he’s dubbed as “Famous.” The one last March marked his not-yet-senior-citizen birthday celebration.
"Happy Birthday Tita Winnie" :) (cakes c/o Fernando's bakery)
Xian hinihintay pa rin ang sagot ni Kim
Malapit na ring matapos ang shooting ng pangatlong pelikulang pagtatambalan nina Kim Chiu at Xian Lim. Nilinaw ni Xian ang napabalitang hindi raw sang-ayon ang mga tagahanga ng tambalan nila ni Kim na makapareha ng kanilang idolo ang ibang artista sa mga susunod na proyekto ng dalawa. “Well they’re very supportive. They understand that we’re just doing our job. Kumbaga passion namin ang umarte at kung sino man ang maka-partner namin talagang todo-suporta sila,” paliwanag ni Xian.
Ayaw daw ng binata na limitahan din ang kanyang mga proyekto dahil pangarap din niyang maging isang magaling na aktor. “Ako ang wini-wish ko ay sana magkaroon na ako ng project soon because there’s a lot of people waiting. If ever I do get that, promise na ibibigay ko ang lahat and I won’t let them down,” paliwanag ni Xian.
Samantala, kamakailan ay ipinakilala na ni Enchong Dee ang kasintahan sa publiko. Ngayon ay marami ang nangungulit kay Xian kung kailan malalaman ng publiko kung ano ang tunay na estado ng relasyon nila ni Kim. “Naku! Right now we’re just going to focus on the movie. In perfect time. Perfect timing po ‘yan and if ever, ipapaalam ko agad sa inyo and I want it to be special. Everything dapat special. Alam n’yo sa totoo lang, alam naman ni Kim na may gusto ako sa kanya. Alam naman ni Kim na crush na crush ko siya eh. So I’m just here, I’m just happy na she’s happy,” giit ni Xian. Reports from James C. Cantos
From The Philippine STAR, September 28, 2014 issue:
"Insurance man Peter Coyiuto celebrated a milestone last August 8th at Buddha Bar in Makati City. Prominent personalities from business, politics, government, alumni from Peter’s alma mater (De la Salle University and Wharton School), his family and friends attended the special affair. Peter, First Life Financial’s CEO, revealed his less serious side in a dance performance with his wife Elena and their kids, as well as a hilarious video presentation to the delight of the guests. Generous donations from close to a thousand guests went to Caritas Manila, the event’s beneficiary."
Big shout-out for the it-boy
 |
| Enchong Dee has a quiet birthday dinner at CDP and bumps into friends: Carlo Magdaluyo, Keren Pascual, Korina Sanchez, Margot Torres. |
CONSISTENT, TOP-RATED TELEVISION SHOWS, A multi-million peso hit movies, a string of big endorsements, a handful of upcoming projects that are surely as huge, a legion of die-hard fans and a wonderful family life; just some of the best reasons why today’s it-boy Enchong Dee should be celebrating.
And that’s exactly what happened last November 10 at Mind Museum hours after his production number in the ABS-CBN’s Sunday noontime show ASAP Natin 'To when he gathered friends and colleagues for a special moment of annual thanksgiving and celebration for all the wonderful things and opportunities he’s been blessed with through-out the year. The Kapamilya actor’s annual birthday party proved to be a perfect break from an incredibly hectic schedule that he turned 31 on November 5 and a relaxing time to hang out with friends who have stood by him as he made his every dream happen.
Some of the personalities with the birthday boy were Jorge Carino and wife Daisy, Vice President Leni Robredo, former President Benigno Aquino III, former Vice President Noli de Castro, House Speaker Alan Peter and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano, former Taguig Mayor Freddie and First Lady Kaye Tinga, Ana de Ocampo, Franco Laurel, Carlo Magdaluyo, Anakalusugan Party List Rep. Mike Defensor, Bong Guerrero, chef Noel dela Rama, Karen Davila, Anton San Diego, Bev Llorente, Samantha Lopez, Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco, Arnold Vegafria, Perry Lansigan, Mons Romulo, Carol Garcia, Karen Santos, Margie Moran Floirendo, Laurie Westfall, Sharm Hiranand, Marianne Po, Roseanne Belmonte, Agnes Huibonhoa, Jojie Dingcong, Susan Joven, Michelle Tiangco, Melba Solidum, Carol Garcia, Alice Edurado, Mother Lily Monteverde, Roselle Monteverde, Veana Fores, Doris Magsaysay Ho, Margarita Forés, Maricel Soriano, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Sandy Romualdez, Jon Herrera and Patti Grandidge, Gian Carlos, Maquie Raquiza, Filbert Kung, Kim Nicholas, Monch Novales, Mo Nuevo, Marivic and Atty. Cesar Pareja, Bro. Armin Luistro, Dinky Soliman, Keren Pascual, Pops Fernandez, Chad Dominic Hernandez, Mikki Gonzalez, Jaru Albert, Nenette Rustia, Ella Zobel de Ayala, Thou Reyes, Charlie Dizon, Jo-Ann Bitagcol, Miah Gomez, Kirby Andres, Korina Sanchez, Margot Torres, Johnny Manahan, Mariole Alberto, Benedicto Sison, Jeff Remigio, Pat-P Daza, Noel Ferrer, Enrico Santos, Joel Mercado, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Joanne Maglipon, Girlie Rodis, Eloisa Matias, Leo Katigbak, Laurenti Dyogi, Shirley Kuan, Law Tan, Dolor Guevarra, Angelica Alita, Bibeth Orteza, Malou Choa-Fagar, Arnel Patawaran, Liza Ilarde and Elbert Cuenca, Millet Mananquil and hubby Robert, son Robby and wife Maxene Magalona, Thelma San Juan and son Luis Carlo, Cory Vidanes, Deo Endrinal, Biboy Arboleda, MTRCB chairwoman Rachel Arenas, Senators Pia Cayetano, Grace Poe, Sonny Angara and Cynthia Villar, Antique Rep. Loren Legarda, Leyte 4th District Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, actors and friends Gretchen Barretto with Tonyboy Cojuangco, Cesar Montano, Albert Martinez, Agot Isidro, Gerald Anderson, Arjo Atayde, Ria Atayde, Rayver Cruz, JC de Vera, Robi Domingo, Ejay Falcon, Mark McMahon, Xian Lim, Arron Villaflor, Zanjoe Marudo, Janus del Prado, Sam Concepcion, Rodjun Cruz, David Chua, Carlo Gonzales, Mauro Lumba, Philippe Magalona, Joseph Marco, Miko Raval, Inigo Pascual, LA Aguinaldo, Alexa Ilacad, Grae Fernandez, Raphael Robes, Randy See, Tyson Kraft, Sacheen Steinmann, Dimitri Tolenaars, Alison Carlos, Javi Cang, Kim Cruz, Carlos Laurel, Hannah Locsin, Luigi Pumaren, Kat Galang, Paolo Gonzales, Kelsey Merritt and Daniel Velasco. The popular leading gorgeous leading ladies’ actresses Bea Alonzo, Julia Barretto, Iza Calzado, Kim Chiu, Yam Concepcion, Maymay Entrata, Chienna Filomeno, Erich Gonzales, Janine Gutierrez, Julia Montes, Melissa Ricks, Bianca Manalo, Jessy Mendiola, Janella Salvador, Maja Salvador, Daniella Stranner, Kylie Verzosa and Megan Young, comedians Kit-Kat, Pokwang and Vice Ganda, models Phoemela Baranda and Nicolette Bell and hair stylists Ton Lao, Liz Uy and Sidney Yap were also there to make the night even more special.
A prized talent of ABS-CBN Star Magic, Enchong was discovered as a champion swimmer for the De La Salle University where he was a three-time most valuable player in the men’s swimming division and seven-time swimming gold medalist in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Swimming Championships. He started out appearing in supporting roles in various TV dramas which eventually led him to becoming a sought-after endorser for various brands. Enchong endorses some of the country’s most reputable brands such as Bench, Bench Body, Timex, Arena Swimwear, Speedo, Adidas, Nike, Jins Eyewear, Coca-Cola, Real Leaf Green Tea, Milo, Powerade, Lucky Me, Jollibee, Convergys, Nike, Bench Skin Expert, GAOC - Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center, Bodyworx Spa and Fitness Club, Technopack and Nutrilite.
It wasn’t until the primetime soap Katorse that he was “accidentally” paired up with Erich Gonzales, Ejay Falcon and Xian Lim and they clicked as a love team. A string of bigger projects followed such as Tanging Yaman, a political drama launched prior to the May 10, 2010 automated elections and Magkaribal, dubbed a “fashion-serye” with Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay, Angel Aquino and Gretchen Barretto, the Philippine adaptation of Mexican telenovela Maria La Del Barrio, Ina, Kapatid, Anak, a “family drama” series starring Kim Chiu, Xian Lim and Maja Salvador, Muling Buksan ang Puso, a melodrama series starring Julia Montes and Enrique Gil, A Love to Last, a “romantic family comedy-drama” starring Bea Alonzo, Ian Veneracion, Iza Calzado, Julia Barretto, Ronnie Alonte, JK Labajo and Hannah Lopez Vito and The Blood Sisters, an crime and mystery drama series starring Erich and Ejay themselves.
Let's not forget, that this happening was also Enchong Dee’s birthday. No wonder were giant E’s at the entrance. Over candles and cake, the guests sang Happy Birthday to Enchong Dee. It was truly a fun-filled and delightful evening, especially for our Kapamilya star Enchong Dee.
“To all who attended and helped :) Thank you for making this surprise birthday party a success”, he said.
Cheers!