Philippine Celebrities Take The Stage at Star Magic World Tour

Guest Contribution by Crystal M.

On June 27, 2009, thousands of Pilipino and Pilipino American individuals of different age ranges braved long lines to be the first to claim their seats at the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, California for the Star Magic World Tour.  Music blared on the intercom as a variety of venders sold Pilipino paraphernalia and passed out flyers to the crowd.  Over 40 Pilipino actors and actresses, dancers, singers, and comedians, including Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu, and Jake Cuenca, were to grace the Citizen’s Bank Arena stage.  

The hot weather, the large crowd of Pilipinos, and the hundreds of vendors made Ontario, California feel like the Philippines.  It was overwhelming to see such a large crowd of Pilipinos gathered in one place and to witness the effects that media had on Pilipinos in the United States.  Through the 17th year anniversary of Star Magic that coincides with the 15th year anniversary of The Filipino Channel (TFC) Pilipinos in the United States celebrated Philippine entertainment and were able to reconnect with Philippine culture via the Star Magic World Tour.

  
John Lloyd Cruz (Left), Bea Alonzo (Left) and Pokwang (Right) on stage at ABS-CBN's Star Magic World Tour.

The 17th year anniversary of Star Magic celebrated talented individuals who found their start through the Alto Broadcasting System-Chronicle Broadcasting Network’s (ABS-CBN) Talent Center.  The Talent Center, now known as Star Magic, began in 1992 by Former Executive Vice President and General Manager for ABS-CBN, Freddie M. Garcia and Johnny Manahan, Former Program Director.  Star Magic’s first major project was “Ang Tv,” a gag-variety show that encouraged the development of talented individuals like Claudine Baretto and John Prats.  Within two years of the Talent Center, concerts were held and albums were released.  The second generation of “Ang Tv “was launched in October of 1994.  Since its start in 1992, Star Magic has evolved to include the production of various films, reality television shows, and concerts that continue to yield talented individuals.  The first Star Circle Batch was launched in 1995 and included Rico Yan and Regine Tolentino.  Sixteen Batches of talented actors, singers, and dancers have been developed since Star Magic’s onset. The Filipino Channel (TFC), ABS-CBN’S international Pilipino broadcasting service, has made it possible for individuals world-wide to view Philippine programs and watch the development of talented stars who began their careers with Star Magic.

The anniversaries of Star Magic and TFC are a testament to the Philippine transnational culture that exists through new media formats available in the United States.  Pilipinos of different age ranges and of different generations were present on June 27, 2009 for the Star Magic World Tour and a sense of pride filled the arena as the actors, singers, dancers, and comedians performed for the audience. Many may argue that Star Magic celebrities lack the talent necessary to compete with their Hollywood counterparts, but no one can deny the power that their singing, dancing and entertainment has to bring Pilipinos of different generations together.

*More images to come