More than 100,000 Pinoys Join Aga, Derek and Sharon in PH Independence Day Parade in New York

The Big Apple became the appropriate setting for one of the biggest gatherings of Filipinos held in the U.S. in recent years. On June 2, 2013, over a hundred-thousand Filipinos from the East Coast and surrounding states flocked to Madison Avenue to witness the grandest-ever Independence Day Parade mounted in New York City.

It was a momentous event made even more remarkable by the first ever participation of the Philippines’ fastest growing network – TV5. Excitement was palpable when three of the Kapatid Network’s brightest stars – Derek Ramsay, Sharon Cuneta, and Aga Muhlach – took to the streets riding a huge, red and white TV5 float while greeting the ecstatic Filipino crowd. But that was all but a prelude to the jam-packed, star-studded affair.

After the parade, Derek Ramsay kicked off the program with a special song number,wherein he also distributed roses to audience members. As if his serenade didn’t make the crowd swoon enough, the Kapatid hunk also facilitated a game which required the participation of four lucky girls from the audience. Die-hard fans of Sharon Cuneta also had a field day when the Megastar appeared on stage to belt out her signature classics “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko”, “Maging Sino Ka Man”, and “Sana’y Wala nang Wakas”. The audience became even more delighted when she was joined by matinee idol Aga Muhlach in performing a duet of the classic ballad “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang?”

TV5 also reached the pinnacle of innovation by setting up an augmented reality booth, the first by any Filipino network. This new technology placed U.S.-based Pinoys in a virtual, augmented environment where they were able to interact with a bevy of Kapatid stars ranging from screen legends Nora Aunor and Edu Manzano and fast-rising young stars like Eula Caballero and Ritz Azul. It allowed users of the booth to get up close and personal with their favorite TV5 stars without being actually with them.

It was truly a grand way to usher in TV5’s participation in the momentous parade and judging from the elation of Filipinos living in the area, it was indeed a warm welcome. “We are happy that TV5 is here, and for making this year’s celebration the biggest ever. They said they will bring Aga, Derek, and Sharon, and now it’s a reality” shares Consul General Mario L. De Leon Jr. It was also a surreal experience for the people behind the scenes as Pilipinas Global Network (PGN)/TV5 International President Claro Ramirez also shared, “We are delighted to see our Kapatids here in New York, and for bringing our biggest stars closer to them. We hope to be able to do this every year.”

Filipinos in the United States can enjoy their favorite TV5 programs on Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International available via Dish Network.