Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual are part of “ASAP’s” studio return. Image: screengrab via YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment
“ASAP Natin ‘To” is finally back with studio performances after production was halted in compliance with quarantine restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The variety show went on air today, June 14, with a star-studded lineup that included Sarah Geronimo, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Piolo Pascual and Erik Santos.
Precautionary measures are in place to avoid infections: “ASAP” is still not admitting a studio audience, while performers observe physical distancing with only up to five people allowed on stage.
Nievera, Santos and Pascual gave a lively rendition of “Come Alive”, while Padilla and Velasquez belted “This Is Me”, both of which are from the musical film “The Greatest Showman”.
(L-R): Piolo Pascual, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez and Erik Santos return to the ASAP stage — with social distancing. Image: screengrab via YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment
The five singers could not help but get sentimental being back to shoot together. Padilla remarked that having no audience was not new for her, as it was that way back in the 1980s, but she knew people were watching.
“Nakakataba ng puso na andiyan lang kayo,” she said. (It fills my heart to know you’re just there.)
Besides missing fellow singers, Velasquez said, “Namiss natin ang sanay na sanay nating gawin (We missed what we are so used to doing), which is to entertain everyone.”
Geronimo brought her pop songs to life such as “Misteryo”, “Kilometro”, “Ikot Ikot” and the viral hit “Tala”. She wowed audiences online as well, with “Sarah G. Day” trending on Twitter.
Image: screengrab via YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment
Valenciano meanwhile was energetic as ever in performing disco hits “Sumayaw Sumunod” by Boyfriends and “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko” by VST & Co.
Image: screengrab via YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment
Velasquez showed off her vocal prowess with Barbra Streisand songs such as “No Matter What Happens” and “Songbird”.
Image: screengrab via YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment
Mr. Pure Energy could not help but muse about how different things were after being back in the studio.
Taken right before my performance. It’s not easy seeing the hallways empty for ASAP NATIN TO. It’s never been like this. But our hearts were full of the desire to inspire. We thank you so very much for joining us even as we start the new norm. #ASAPNatinTo pic.twitter.com/3QqwmiLQD4
— GARY VALENCIANO (@GaryValenciano1) June 14, 2020
“It’s not easy seeing the hallways empty for ASAP NATIN TO. It’s never been like this,” he said on Twitter today. “But our hearts were full of the desire to inspire. We thank you so very much for joining us even as we start the new norm.” JB
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