1 month ago
9
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
How’s this for a symmetrical alignment? The year 2025 indeed marks the significant 25th anniversary of NET25, the flagship television station of Eagle Broadcasting Corporation. It’s noteworthy that NET25 pioneered digital broadcast TV in the Philippines back in 2000. The network’s reach extends beyond television, encompassing DZEC Radyo Agila 1062 and their FM station, Eagle FM 95.5, as well as five other Radyo Agila AM stations located in Lucena, Dagupan, Cebu, Naga and Davao.
As NET25 president Caesar Vallejos so aptly put it, “For 25 years, NET25 has stood firm in its commitment to truth and genuine public service. This milestone is not just a celebration of our journey; it is a reaffirmation of our responsibility to inform, inspire and serve the Filipino people with integrity and purpose.”
And because NET25’s 25th anniversary is truly a milestone event, the network has organized a series of activities throughout the year. One of these was the Third NET25 Golf Cup, held on April 14 at the Alabang Country Club.
The hyped-up crowd at the NET25 milestone event.
The event saw Mata ng Agila news anchor Alex Santos teeing off alongside other celebrity golfers such as Anthony Suntay, Epi and Vandolph Quizon, and Randy Santiago. Several other NET25 personalities, including Korina Sanchez-Roxas, Rikki Mathay, Tonipet Gaba, Love Añover, and talents from Starkada, also graced the event. The awarding ceremonies were hosted by Vince and Patricia Hizon.
Moving from the greens of the golf course, NET25 hosted an even grander celebration for the 10th anniversary of their “Summer Blast” concert. The event took place at the Philippine Arena, the world’s largest indoor arena situated in Bocaue, Bulacan, on April 27.
I Belong to the Zoo lead vocalist Argee Guerero
Indeed, the sheer number of people I saw gathered at the Philippine Arena Complex in Ciudad de Victoria that day must have set some kind of a record. Unofficial estimates suggest a massive crowd of around 100,000 individuals, all enjoying the various amusement rides, food booths and outdoor activities.
The author with Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah G with their dog Leah before SG’s performance.
But the concert was undeniably the most awaited event. As early as 11 a.m., people were already making their way to the Arena to secure their seats for the much-awaited performances. By 2 p.m., the estimated crowd inside the Arena had swelled to 60,000, with 55,000 seated all the way up to the rafters and another 5,000 standing in the main floor area.
At 2:30 p.m., the pre-show commenced, hosted by Starkada’s Jiro Custodio and Via Lorica. Interspersed with the distribution of gifts from sponsors to lucky attendees were energetic performances from New:ID, a rising P-Pop group, and the Jumanji band.
Pop rock royalty Yeng Constantino
Following a brief intermission, the lights dimmed, and the stage transformed into a vibrant scene with beautifully designed palm trees and four 2D jeepneys adorned with neon lights. A captivating video showcasing 25 years of NET25’s historic highlights played on the large LED screens.
Soon after, the Philippines’ pop-rock icon, Yeng Constantino took the stage. As Yeng performed her popular hits like Hawak Kamay, Pag-Ibig, Chinito, Cool Off, Lapit, Ikaw and Salamat, I experienced goosebumps several times, especially as the enthusiastic crowd sang along and illuminated the venue with their phone flashlights, much to Yeng’s delight. It was a truly unforgettable sight, and Yeng herself expressed her immense happiness, telling the crowd it was a moment she would forever cherish!
After Yeng took “groufie” photos with the audience, “Kada Umaga” hosts Pia Guanio, Emma Tiglao and Diana Meneses then came onstage to introduce the next performer, Earl Agustin, the voice behind the viral TikTok hit Tibok. In addition to his own popular tracks such as Aya, Dito Sa’kin, Pag-Ibig ng Ikaw at Ako and Dalangin, Earl also treated the crowd to beloved Original Pilipino Music (OPM) classics like Apo Hiking Society’s Panalangin and VST & Company’s Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko.
Pop star royalty Sarah Geronimo
Then came Calista, the four-member P-pop girl group, as they performed Don’t Have Time, ‘Wag Na and Maki’s Namumula. Calista was immediately followed by another P-pop group, the seven-strong boy band Hori7on, which had the audience dancing and swaying to Sumayaw, Sumunod, Lovey Dovey, Cold, Lucky and Tiger.
The beautiful and colorful set design of ‘Summer Blast 2025.’
Up next was Rere Madrid, sister of lead star Ruru Madrid. After Rere sang Oo, Ruru came onstage to the delight and overwhelming kilig of the audience. Ruru was clearly enjoying himself, as he went on to sing four songs for the enthusiastic crowd.
The pumped-up audience was then treated to a set by pop rock band I Belong To the Zoo, whose lead singer Argee Guerrero wowed the throng with Patawad, Paalam, Masaya, Pansamantala, Balita and Balang Araw.
As the second to last act, the popular band SunKissed Lola took the stage and performed all their hits, including White Toyota, Pakisabi, Kamehameya, and their record-breaking single Pasilyo, which sent the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. Lead singer Dan Ombao enthusiastically invited everyone to sing along and light up their phone flashlights at his signal. To the audience’s delightful surprise, Dan and Laura Lacbain, the band’s female lead vocalist and guitarist, then generously gave away T-shirts. Observing this from the sidelines, I was truly impressed by the genuine connection SunKissed Lola forged with the Arena audience.
As SunKissed Lola exited, an electrifying anticipation filled the air, signaling the grand finale. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, eagerly awaiting the final act. And what could be a more perfect way to conclude the incredibly successful concert than with a performance by the one and only pop star royalty, Sarah Geronimo? Sarah’s mere presence on stage was electrifying and utterly mesmerizing.
Dressed in a striking all-red pantsuit, SG was on fire, captivating the crowd with her dynamic moves and energy as she performed her hits Dati-Dati, Cuore, Kilometro, and her most anticipated song, Tala. Even her husband, Matteo Guidicelli, was spotted enjoying his wife’s powerful performance from the sidelines. To the delight of many, Sarah even graciously went down from the stage to shake hands with lucky audience members.
As Sarah Geronimo’s electrifying performance concluded and the crowd began to make their way out of the Arena, a spectacular fireworks display erupted, providing an awesome and memorable finale to the “Summer Blast” concert. Happy 25th anniversary, NET25!
