ABS-CBN and TFC set the tone for 2016 with the first ’OK Go!’ in Chiba, Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Jan. 20, 2016 - PRLog -- ABS-CBN and The Filipino Channel (TFC) opened 2016 with a powerhouse ensemble of Kapamilya stars welcoming the year in what could be a preview of what’s in store for Filipinos in Japan at the successful “One Kapamilya Go! Japan” (OK Go! Japan) at the Chibaken Bunka Kaikan in Chiba Prefecture last January 10, Sunday.

“OKGO!” set the tone for a good year ahead as it brought the world-class performances, the stellar line-up and community spirit for which “OKGO!” has been known for across the world, for the third time in Japan and for the first time at the Chiba prefecture.

With the thrilling performances from blockbuster tandem John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo and powerhouse song and dance mixes from Maja Salvador, Enchong Dee and Shaina Magdayao, and with comic interjections from Pooh, Filipinos in Japan can look forward to an exciting year with “OKGO!” as a preview of things to come.

Kicking off the “OKGO! Japan” was the special screening of the highest grossing non-MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) Filipino movie of all time, “A Second Chance,” starring Cruz and Alonzo who played Popoy and Basha, where the audience welled up.  The perennial Box Office King and Queen relived their memorable movie moments on stage as they sung “I’ll Never Go” popularized by Erik Santos.

Bea surprised the audience with her sweet renditions of pop hits like “Same Old Love” by Selena Gomez and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” by Meghan Trainor.  Surprising the audience even more was Cruz who sang. The cheers reverberated across the halls of Chiba-ken Bunka Kaikan when Cruz emerged from the stage and even kidded the audience “Relax lang kayo mayroon pa akong 200 songs (Relax I have 200 more songs,” referring to the number of times the audience had to endure his singing.

Dance Sweetheart Shaina Magdayao delighted the audience with her own version of “Lean On” by Major Lazer and “Cheerleader.”  Enchong Dee raised the excitement level for the ladies in the house as he sang “Seloso” his original music from his debut album.

The crowd went wild when Dance Princess MajaSalvador, Magdayao and Enchong grabbed the dance floor with their show-stopping moves in a medley of RnB hits.

Capping the party that no one seemed to end was crowd favorite Salvador who impressed both the male and female Filipino and Japanese audience with her impressive cover of “Breakfree” by Zedd during her solo performance.

During the show, comedian and host Pooh amped up the fun and excitement by throwing wacky antics that made the audience roar with laughter.

ABS-CBN Asia-Pacific Managing Director Ailene Averion is amazed by the warm welcome of the Kapamilyas in Japan for the first TFC event of the year.

“This is the third time that we held an ‘OKGO! event in Japan but every installment has its own merit.”  Averion explained, “This is the first time OKGO! is kicking off the year and is giving a preview of good things to come for our Kapamilyas in Japan.”

Averion ends, “I’m beyond happy because whichever way we bring a TFC event, Filipinos in Japan are always there to greatly support.  This is really a great way to start off 2016.”

“OK Go!” was launched in the U.S. in 2008 and has since created a history of its own, bringing the biggest names in the Philippine entertainment industry to party with their kababayans in renowned venues in the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific, in one festive celebration of the greatness of the Filipino talent.   “OKGO!” first set foot in Japan in 2010 by way of Tokyo and Nagoya and a second in 2012 back in Tokyo.

“OK GO!” in Chiba was attended by over 1,500 Filipinos, some braving the distance from far-flung prefectures to Chiba, just to experience the first ABS-CBN and TFC event in 2016.

“OK Go! Japan,” an event spearheaded by ABS-CBN Regional and TFC, was made possible through the help of major sponsors, Philippine Airlines, Koi, MX3, Rebisco Hansel crackers, and Thunderbird.

Cruz can be seen weekends via “Home Sweetie Home” and Pooh via “Banana Sundae.”  Meantime, Salvador, Dee and Magadayao are regulars on the longest running musical variety show “ASAP 20.”  Alonzo will soon appear in a Star Cinema movie.  These programs and Star Cinema movies can be seen via TFC’s internet protocol television (IPTV), cable platforms and via TFC’s official online service, TFC.tv

For some of the highlights of “OK Go! Japan” in photos, check out the events to look forward to, and connect with fellow global Kapamilyas, always visit www.facebook.com/TFCJapan