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| Top: Erik Santos, the Philippines' King of Teleserye Theme Songs, on the stage of "PINASayang Pasko Sa Paris" stage; Bottom: Gerald Anderson and Barbie Imperial with several members of the Filipino community in UAE during the Shukran Festival in Dubai (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
As if a sign of gigantic things to come on its 30th anniversary in 2024, ABS-CBN's TFC (The Filipino Channel) wrapped up its events calendar this year by electrifying audiences with high energy and community goodwill in Paris and Dubai on the second weekend of December. TFC brought truckloads of holiday cheers via two back-to-back events, namely the inaugural Shukran Festival at the Horizon International School in Dubai, UAE last December 9, 2023 and the “PINASayang Pasko sa Paris” at the La Palmeraie in Paris, France on December 10, 2023.
For Love Of Basketball: Shukran In Dubai
“Shukran” – which means “thanks” in Arabic – was graced by the participation of the Philippines' Action-Drama Prince Gerald Anderson and actress-model-dancer Barbie Imperial. Shukran 2023 was a well-attended full-day event with inter-emirates games for basketball and volleyball. Aside from the sports fest, the event featured a bazaar and a pop-up service for Migrant Workers Office, Assistance to Nationals and PhilSys. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver and Philippine Consul General Renato Dueñas Jr. supported the event with their esteemed presence. Anderson, who also plays basketball in the Philippines, took part in the championship basketball match between RAK Team and Al Ain Varsity. A toin coss had Anderson joining Al Ain Varsity as a guest player, helping the team win the championship trophy. Meanwhile, Imperial dazzled the sports crowd during half time with some musical numbers and games. She also did the ceremonial toss for the games with Anderson. TFC partnered with festival organizer Infinite Communities to bring song, dance, food, sports, fan meet and greet, and camaraderie to Filipinos in UAE especially during the holidays.
A Taste Of Pinoy Christmas: "PINASayang Pasko sa Paris"
Filipinos in the City of Light were transported back to the homeland by none other than the Philippines' King of Teleserye Theme Songs Erik Santos when he held a special concert as the program highlight of “PINASayang Pasko sa Paris”. The suave, charming, and witty award-winning singer thrilled with his hit songs and popular favorites the hundreds of fans who packed the venue. As a gift to the Filipino Community, organizer Michael Lim Events partnered with TFC, MX3 and UNAHCO (Univet Nutrition & Animal Health Company) to offer free admission to overseas Filipinos who are missing a Filipino Christmas celebration. During the very fun concert of Santos, fans not only sang along with him but also gamely performed solo lines when engaged by the popular singer. Everyone was so excited that most were on their feet during the entire concert. To add to the season’s cheers, the event also had a Christmas Bazaar, Raffle, Competitions, Pageants, Food Expo and tons of entertainment.
“It’s been a long and colorful year of events all over the world for ABS-CBN and we are very grateful to all the fans and sponsors who supported our efforts and partnered with us to bring joy to the global Filipino community and even to the growing number of non-Filipinos at our events. We end the 2023 calendar with so much hope and excitement for TFC’s 30th anniversary celebration next year. We hope to see you all," said ABS-CBN Global Head of Events and Concurrent ABS-CBN Europe and Middle East Managing Director Joseph Arnie Garcia.
