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What Went Down During the ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2023

Here are the highlights of and some exclusive snaps at ABS-CBN’s Christmas special

ABS-CBN’s “Forever Grateful” Christmas Special happened at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Packed with exciting performances, the event was a convergence of up-and-coming artists, seasoned actors, all-around performers, and P-pop supergroups who showcased their timeless talents on stage.




Kapamilya superstar Kathryn Bernardo, for one, stood out with her sizzling Tyla’s “Waterperformance during the party, causing a thunderous cheer from the crowd. Her number captured the audience’s attention, making her video massively viral.


In another showcase, Kathryn also shared the spotlight for the first time with her former beau Daniel Padilla after a breakup announcement on social media on November 30. The stage performance was the first public appearance that the two took on, alluring KathNiel supporters as they sang “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts.


Kathryn and her Mara Clara co-star and close friend Julia Montes reunited at the function, too, snapping backstage snippets together. The tandem then delighted the viewers during their turn to perform with other Kapamilya primetime leading ladies. 


What Went Down During the ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2023
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla | Pat Buenaobra


Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, meanwhile, made a surprise appearance at the show. She sang OPM tracks alongside Kapamilya talents Regine Velasquez, Jamie Rivera, Jed Madela, Yeng Constantino, KZ Tandingan, Morissette Amon, Darren Espanto, Maymay Entrata, BINI, BGYO, and many more.


Among the headliners of the highly-anticipated grand gathering were Can’t Buy Me Love leads Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano as well. DonBelle lit up the stage with a series of production numbers, pulling in collective cheers from the people. 


The phenomenal pair performed with other outstanding Kapamilya pride, too, taking on performances like Donny’s Harry Styles’ “As It Was” duet with Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, Belle’s loaded rendition of FIFTY FIFTY’s “Cupid” with Francine Diaz. DonBelle was such a romantic sight, too, when they hit the stage to serve the hymn “Last Christmas.”


Entertainment veterans Vice Ganda, Coco Martin, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Piolo Pascual, Dimples Romana, and Anne Curtis-Smith were at the event as well, along with well-loved Kapamilya love teams who were part of ABS-CBN’s themed celebratory concert. 


What Went Down During the ABS-CBN Christmas Special 2023
Maris Racal, Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan, and Darren Espanto | Pat Buenaobra


See some snaps from ABS-CBN’s “Forever Grateful” Christmas Special:


Lead photos by Pat Buenaobra

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