“MBP: After the awards, parties, parties and parties”

One of the important experience that I gain being a contract artist for Kapamilya station ABS-CBN is network's reward system. Apart from the fat Talent Fees, after all the hard work which reap grand slam awards from almost all of the award-giving bodies for May Bukas Pa, the network pays tribute to all the people involved in the production by hosting parties for them. The almost 24-hour tapings that the artists, crew, production staff and all the people involved in the production go through is matched with parties complete with food, drinks dancing, singing and plain and simple camaraderie.

Aside from the thanksgiving and birthday parties, all of the people involved in coming up with the top-rated show are looking forward to the christmas parties!

First of such parties was the joint christmas party of all the people involved in the production of the Soap Operas under the Unit of Mr. Deo Endrinal: May Bukas Pa, Tayong Dalawa, Your Song, Pepeng Agimat, Komiks, Katorse and the forthcoming soaps like Rubi, Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo, Tanging Yaman to name a few.

It was held last saturday, 12 December 2009 at the Sky Dome of the SM North. The txt message invite to the party said that gate will open at 6:00 p.m. I decided to be at the venue at 7:00 p.m. I was lucky I came early, I found a parking slot at the SM Annex parking area. As I was walking towards the Sky Dome, the fireworks started and it was a delight to watch the sky with the amazing fireworks.

When I went inside the SkyDome, Tita Mae Santos and some of the staff of May Bukas Pa were already there. Gio Marcelo who plays the role of a bodyguard of Mayor was also an early bird.

Slowly people trickled in. I occupied a table which later Zaijian “Santino” Jaranilla shared together with Timothy Lambert “Rico” Chan, Tony Manalo and briefly with Assistant Director Cathy.

Greetings, beso-beso, shaking of hands, kumustahan. I greeted boss Deo Endrinal “Merry Christmas” when I saw him. I met Direk Trina Dayrit whom I had the opportunity to work with for several projects in the past. More “batian” with old friends. But, what was funny was when I approached Miss Julie Ann Benitez and greeted her with “Happy Birthday!” obviously with the beer that I had drunked! I had to correct myself and said, “Merry Christmas”! But this was overshadowed with a boo boo said by one of the emcees that night when he acknowledged the presence of Gloria Romero who was not around, but he was referring to Gloria Diaz!

There were overflowing beer: both bottled and draft! There was also a bar with promo girls serving The Bar.

There was a contest of production numbers with participants coming from the production staff of the different Soap Operas. The team of May Bukas Pa was tied with the team of Tayong Dalawa for the first prize!

We, from the May Bukas Pa are now looking forward to the christmas party for the show on December 18! Cheers, Bro!