The Story of Us stars Kim Chiu and Xian Lim roused the laidback island of Saipan, as they kicked off their “TSOURISTAS Global Trip” at the Royal Taga Convention Center World Resort in May.
Through The Filipino Channel (TFC) and partner Philippine Airlines, the arrival of one of the most popular love teams on Philippine television came as good news for Filipinos in the capital of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), home to about 18,000 Filipinos, according to the Consulate of the Philippines in CNMI.
As the dry season in Saipan also comes to a close, TFC excited kababayans and continued to provide warmth to the thousands of Pinoys with a taste of Filipino entertainment they only previously saw on TFC and TFC.tv.
Chiu, a multi-talented performer, sang her famous hit “Mr. Right” and invited male members of the audience to apply as Chiu’s “The One” during the event. Winner Johnny Bohman was ecstatic as the teen superstar chose her over hundreds in the audience.
Lim, teasingly challenged Bohman to let the best man win, much to the amusement of the audience.
When it was Lim’s time to perform, he showed how one can have both talent and good looks at the same time. He sang “Harana” and Jireh’s viral hit “Buko,” which was also part of one of their movie’s soundtrack.
The day did not end without a duet from the love team. The crowd swooned as the rumored couple sang “When You Say Nothing At All” by Lee Ann Rimes and revealed they will continue to travel the world as part of the “Tsouristas Global Trip.”
Chiu, dubbed the Philippines’ Chinita Princess, may have travelled the world but for her, the experience in Saipan is one of the most memorable.
Chiu said: “We’re very happy sobra kasi parang it feels like we’re still in the Philippines parang hindi kami lumalayo sa Pilipinas kasi andaming Pilipino, andaming nagha-hi samin. They’re very warm and lahat ng tao talaga tinatawag kaming Macoy at Tin so parang nakakatuwa.” (We’re very happy because it feels like we’re still in the Philippines, like we were never apart. There were a lot of Filipinos who welcomed us. Everyone was warm and everyone was calling us Macoy and Tin.”
Xian could only agree. He observed, “Walang katumbas iyong aura na binibigay talaga ng mga tao dito dahil napakabait, napaka-happy lahat, parang walang problema. Ang saya-saya dito and hopefully, when we get back, sana makita po namin ulit kayo.” (The vibe was incomparable. Everyone was kind, happy and cool. It was very different. When we get back, we hope to see the same people).
The “Tsouristas Global Trip” trended at no. six during the week of the event with over 20,000 tweets using the hash tag #KimXianSaipan.
ABS-CBN Managing Director for Asia Pacific Ailene Averion said Filipinos’ attendance, the trending on social media and the feedback the team received were proof of how receptive Filipinos are of ABS-CBN content, stars and engagements. “Saipan may be one of the most compact regions we serve, but what it does not have in terms of geographical size was made up for the bigness of the people’s hearts. I am not just talking about the Filipinos but also the locals who also watch our content,” she adds.
She ends, “It gladdens me to know that our stories resonate with them, proof that everywhere we go, there will always be loyal Kapamilyas just waiting for us.”
Guests who were met by TFC with the trademark Kapamilya treatment were Honorary Consul of the Philippines to the CNMI Eli Arago. Performers include Revive Band that sang “Love On Top” by Beyoncé and “It’s Too Late” by Carol King. The Saipan Music Dance Studio moved the attendees to their feet, while viral sensation, Bernice Shane Sabino sang Sia’s “Flashlight” a take-off from her Smule video with Jessie J which has earned over 12 million views since posting.
“Tsouristas Global Trip” in Saipan was made possible by Philippine Airlines’ launch of the maiden flight to Saipan on June 15. PAL gave away two round-trip tickets to the Philippines where Filipinas Shirley Kim and Aira Joy Velasco won.
Catch the next destination of the “Tsouristas Global Trip” leg via TFC’s Facebook pages worldwide. For more updates via facebook.com/TFCGuamandSaipan
