A ship carrying pirates, a guy dropped down from the ceiling via a harness, topless hunks showing their muscular torsos and wizards waving around their wands—these were just some of the scenes shown during the opening number of ASAP Rocks last Sunday, July 24.

Viewers of ABS-CBN's Sunday variety show were treated to an opening number inspired by Hollywood blockbusters.

Sarah Geronimo kicked it off by assuming a pirate character who is saved by Piolo Pascual. The matinee idol was dressed up just like Johnny Depp's character, Jack Sparrow, in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Meanwhile, as Sarah performed "I Need a Hero," Rayver Cruz was suddenly lowered down from the ceiling via a harness, bringing to mind Tom Cruise's iconic descent in the movie Mission Impossible.

Sirens and the strains of the theme song of Mission Impossible was played as Shaina Magdayao and Iya Villania showed acrobatic moves.

Enchong Dee then entered the stage wearing a robe similar to those worn by wizards in the recently concluded movie franchise. The ABS-CBN actor even wore round glasses that made him look like Harry Potter! Enchong was joined in this segment by Sam Concepcion and Robi Domingo.

Maja Salvador had no qualms about crawling on the floor as she channeled the spirit of Sadako in the horror film The Ring.

Another horror flick, Scream, was represented by two figures holding ghoulish masks. When their masks were set aside, they turned out to be lovely Kapamilya leading ladies Kim Chiu and Erich Gonzales. They were later joined by comedienne Melai Cantiveros.

The Twilight love triangle of a vampire, a human girl and a werewolf was brought to life by Sam Milby, KC Concepcion and Luis Manzano. KC wore an all-black ensemble as she was torn between Sam, who wore a trench coat and Luis, who bared his upper body for the production number.



BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS. This particular episode also featured the birthday celebrations of Sarah Geronimo and Diether Ocampo.

For her message to Diether given via VTR, Angelica Panganiban said: "Si Diet ang isa sa mga pinaka-professional na leading men na naka-trabaho ko." They previously worked together in ABS-CBN's local adaptation of the Mexicanovela Rubi.

As for Diet's leading lady in Guns and Roses, Bea Alonzo revealed: "Isa sa mga paborio kong qualities ni Diet ay ang pagiging maalaga niya sa mga leading ladies niya. Ang wish ko para sa yo, mahanap mo na ang perfect wife na hinahanap mo."

Diether Ocampo wore a formal suit as he performed "Fever" while Maja Salvador, KC Concepcion and Shaina Magdayao rocked in their leather outfits.

When asked for his birthday wish, Diether said: "Sana makakita ako ng tulad ni KC [na girlfriend]."

KC asked Diet if he is happy with his single status, the actor replied by saying, "I'm in no rush...Like PJ [Piolo] here, it's worth the wait."

For her special segment, Popstar princess Sarah Geronimo wore an all-leather ensemble as she entered the stage onboard a motorcycle. She grooved and danced to her version of "Blow."

Sarah expressed her gratitude by saying, "Ako po ay super blessed dahil sa ASAP nabibigyan ako ng chance ng gawin kung anong ang gusto kong gawin."

When Piolo asked Sarah what else she wants to achieve, the singer-actress said that she wants to come out with a praise and worship album.

The episode also served as a welcoming party and post-birthday celebration for Maria Aragon who recently signed up with Star Records.

Maria played "Born This Way" on the piano while Sarah sang along with her.

After their song, Piolo came out and handed a bouquet of flowers to the young Fil-Canadian singer.

She expressed her gratitude for everyone by saying, "I feel really blessed and I'm really thankful for your support. I want to say Mabuhay to all of you.

"I feel really welcome...you are all so beautiful."

When asked to name the singers that she would want to perform with, Maria revealed that she would love to sing with Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano.


PIOLO RECEIVES AWARDS FOR HIS ALBUM. Another highlight of the ASAP episode was the announcement made by Star Records about Piolo Pascual's album.


Piolo performed with Olivia and Marie Digby for the song "Just Tell Me You Love Me." Afterwards, he gave a passionate performance of "Somebody."

KC said of her boyfriend, "Nakaka-proud ka talaga, ang layo na ng narating mo."

Annabelle Regalado-Borja, Star Records head, and Jonathan Manalo, album producer, then presented double and triple platinum awards for Piolo's album titled Decades II: Hits of the '80s, '90s and 2000s.

Piolo took the time to thank Jonathan whom he described as a "genius" and S2S Singapore, which will create his upcoming Asian album and organize his upcoming Asian tour.