ABS-CBN features first LGBTQ couple inclusion in 2023 Christmas station ID

Real-life queer couple Roanne Carreon & Tina Boado in ABS-CBN’s 2023 Christmas station ID

Anticipating the arrival of TV networks’ Christmas station IDs has become a staple ofFilipino households as they serve to remind them that Christmas is just around the corner.

The Ignacia-based network ABS-CBN officially released its most-awaited 2023 Christmas Special ID, and according to fans, it is everything they hoped it would be, as the network has never failed to hit close to home.

Aside from the love and gratitude that station IDs always aim to highlight, ABS-CBN’s entry this year showcases a more inclusive space as it features its first-ever LGBTQ+ couple, giving the message that Christmas is indeed for everyone.

Social media influencers Roanne Carreon and Tina Boado, a real-life queer couple and the founders of the Queer Safe Spaces community, joined the Christmas video, and fans were delighted to see such representation.

“I love how RoTin was tagged as “couple na advocate for mental health at animal welfare” instead of LGBTQIA+ advocates, showing na LGBT couples are just like hetero couples. We are as normal as we could be. Like that’s in your face, ‘normalize this’ moment,” wrote X user @ThatKidMarmee.

First LGBT couple inclusion in @ABSCBN's Christmas Station ID! ❤️💚💙🌈

Maraming salamat sa pagkilala na kami ay isang pamilya 🥹#ABSCBNChristmasSID2023#KwentongPaskoSID pic.twitter.com/ER7pyzvRXZ

— Roanne Carreon (@racarreon) December 1, 2023

ABS-CBN’s 2023 station ID

Released on Friday, Dec.  1, ABS-CBN’s Christmas station ID, titled “Pasko ang Pinakamagandang Kwento,” sees married couple Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid, Piolo Pascual, child artist Imogen Cantong from “It’s Showtime,” Vice Ganda, Angeline Quinto, Bamboo and Sarah Geronimo in the forefront of vocals.

The video features the Kapamilya artists that make up the entire network, some in their respective shows including teleseryes “Batang Quiapo,” “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “The Iron Heart,” among others. 

One of the most beautiful moments in the video is when “It’s Showtime ” cast members and Kapuso employees are seen together in front of the GMA building, as well as the cast of “Nag-aapoy na Damdamin” in front of the TV5 building, emphasizing the all-embracing differences of each network.

Despite the warmth the station ID gives the audience, viewers can’t help but feel the change as former power couple Kathryn Bernardo and Danie Padilla as “KathNiel” are now seen in respective solo frames, following their recent breakup.

From KathNiel to Kath and DJ for ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 😭💔 pic.twitter.com/tEM8X7KMdR

— KATHNIEL VIBES OFFICIAL 💙 (@KathNielVibes) December 1, 2023