Kapuso stars entertain Iliganons in Diyandi Festival

ILIGAN CITY -- Thousands flocked to the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) gymnasium here last week to watch their favorite GMA Kapuso stars perform their own version of Diyandi Festival in celebration of the city’s feast honoring St. Michael the Archangel.

Iliganons were treated to a lot of games and surprise numbers by the network’s stars headed by the cast of “Pepito Manoloto” Season 2 TV sitcom Manilyn Reynes, John Feir, Angel Satsumi and Arthur Solinap who surprised Iliganons with their performance.

The show was hosted by the ever energetic and stunning Bettina Carlos and GMA Davao’s Resci Rizada.

Iliganons also got to see Party Pilipinas mainstays Geoff Eigenmann and Janno Gibbs, Day-Off and Sports Pilipinas host Isabel Oli and Chynna Ortaleza.

They were also thrilled to see Protégé mentor and veteran actor Philip Salvador together with Protégé contestant from Cagayan de Oro, David John Llanas, who showed off his dancing skills together with Ruru Madrid.

In an interview with the stars backstage, Reynes, who came with her ever supportive husband, felt happy of the warm welcome they received from Iliganons.

She said it was her second time to perform in the city.

“During my first show here years ago for the Diyandi Festival, I was so overwhelmed because in my dream, I saw St. Michael waving at me saying ‘thank you’ for being part of the festival,” the Cebuano actress shares in the vernacular.

Reynes said after that “vision,” she promised to come back and provide entertainment to Iliganons.

Cagayan de Oro’s Llanas, who is only 19 years old, was voted out from Protégé but still thanked GMA for the opportunity.

Llanas is a “Sendong” survivor. Their house along Acacia St. in Barangay Carmen was destroyed by the flood.

He said he may no longer be part of the final nomination but he is very thankful to God for the opportunities that kept on pouring in.

“My career in showbiz has started. I will now be a part of Party Pilipinas and hopefully I would have many more shows in the future,” Llanas said.

He expressed gratitude to those who voted for him while he was still competing for Protégé, especially his fellow Kagay-anons.

“Despite all the blessings, I will always keep my feet on the ground and will always be a Kagay-anon by heart even if I will not be staying often in Cagayan de Oro,” Llanas added.

He said he will make proud of his roots and through his talents, he will show to the world that Cagayan de Oro has a lot of it.

Meanwhile, actor Salvador also shares his love for Iligan since his wife is an Iliganon.

“How I wish I could have a tour of the majestic falls of Iligan, the Maria Christina Falls, and get to know more about the hometown of my wife,” he said.

He vows to be back for a visit with his family.

Oliver Amoros, AVP for GMA regional TV, said he felt overwhelmed of the warm welcome, citing that the festival is an important and happy occasion for the city.

Amoros said the Iliganons’ overwhelming love and respect for their patron saint are highly visible in this year’s Diyandi Festival.

“GMA Network is happy to be a part of this celebration and we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all our Kapusong Iliganons for their support to our activities, and also to our event sponsors and partners as well,” he said.

Among the activities that GMA conducted and supported include the “Kapuso Barangayan” on Sept. 27 at Barangay Ma. Christina with Mikael Daez of “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga,” Ms. Iligan 2012 coronation night at the MSU gym hosted by Kikael and the fiesta parade on Sept. 28 with hunk actor JC Tiuseco escorting Ms. Iligan 2012 in the GMA float.