New Year’s Eve has a way of pulling everyone into the same heartbeat. Some people stay glued to the television, counting down with a bowl of grapes or a plate of pancit. Others want to feel the noise, the lights, the crowd, and the moment when the clock tips into tomorrow. Either way, no one wants to miss it.
This year, GMA Network is leaning fully into that shared ritual, rounding up its biggest stars and loyal Kapuso crowd for what it calls a grand thanksgiving and New Year celebration rolled into one long night of music, dance, and spectacle.
Billed as “Kapuso Countdown to 2026,” the event takes place on Dec. 31 along the SM Mall of Asia Seaside Boulevard, turning the familiar strip into a full-scale party zone. It is GMA’s annual way of saying thank you to viewers who stuck around all year, and they are doing it with volume turned all the way up.
Leading the charge to midnight are some of the network’s most familiar faces, including Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Christian Bautista, Rocco Nacino, Betong Sumaya, Angel Guardian Faith da Silva, and Kyline Alcantara, all set to take turns on stage as the seconds tick away.
Fans can arrive as early as 6:00 p.m., when the night kicks off with a lantern parade, followed by a pre-show featuring international singer Bonnie Bailey alongside GMA Music artists Plume and Vilmark.
The lantern parade itself gets an extra dose of pop culture buzz, headlined by former housemates from Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition, including Will Ashley, AZ Martinez, Charlie Fleming, Vince Maristela, Marco Masa, Eliza Borromeo, Waynona Collings, and Lee Victor. Expect bright colors, playful designs, and plenty of camera-ready smiles inspired by Kapuso shows and sponsors.
Adding a pageant glow to the evening is Emma Tiglao, Miss Grand International 2025, whose appearance comes on the heels of the Philippines’ back-to-back win on the global stage. Dance fans are also in for a treat, with Stars on the Floor Ultimate Dance Star Duo Rodjun Cruz and Dasuri Choi leading high-energy performances, joined by Joshua Decena, JM Yrreverre, and sisters Kitty and Kakai Almeda.
Music fills the rest of the night, with performances lined up from Jessica Villarubin, Hannah Precillas, Naya Ambi, Tala Gatchalian, John Rex, Jong Madaliday, Anthony Rosaldo, and Tanghalan ng Kampeon 2025 grand champion Bjorn Morta. PPop group 1621 brings a dose of youthful charm, while K-pop act AHOF, presented by SM Mall of Asia, is set to close the show with an electrifying set.
Somewhere between the performances and the fireworks, GMA will also announce the winners of the first GMANetwork.com Awards, revealing which stars and shows topped online fan polls. Categories range from New Kapuso Male and Female Star of the Year to Drama Series, Kontrabida, and Comedian of the Year, giving fans another reason to keep their eyes on the stage.
As the countdown reaches zero, fireworks will light up skies across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, a visual reminder that the celebration stretches far beyond Pasay.
For those who prefer to celebrate their New Year from their homes, the entire event will air live on GMA-7, Kapuso Stream, and ATM’s official YouTube channel, with Tim Yap, Sean Lucas, and Cheska Fausto hosting the livestream alongside special guests.
