Television networks in the Philippines customarily usher in the New Year with countdown specials that air nationwide.
The Kapuso Countdown is set to return to SM Mall of Asia, particularly on Seaside Boulevard, on December 31, 2023. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. Show begins at 10 p.m.
As in the previous years, ABS-CBN will cover Salubong 2024 nationwide starting at 11:15 p.m.
Here is THE PEP LIST of The Top 5 New Year Countdowns seen on Philippine TV in the past years.
MILLENIUM COUNTDOWN LED BY REGINE VELASQUEZ
This new year countdown is by far the most iconic.
The millenium theme song "Written in the Sand" was sung by Regine Velasquez, together with 2,000 youths, with narration by the late Mike Enriquez.
Serving as backdrop was the fountain facade of The Peninsula Manila.
This became the country's entry to BBC's Millennium Special: 2000 TODAY, which was televised in 67 broadcast networks in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa, and was watched by almost a billion people.
Composer Danny Tan described the moment as "monumental."
“Star Drop” by ABS-CBN in Eastwood (2020)
The parol fired a hundred points of light at the stroke of midnight, spectacularly looking like a shooting star.
This was the highlight of the 2020 salubong in Eastwood, along with a grand fireworks display that came with the Star Drop.
The artists who graced the festivities included Ebe Dancel, Ben & Ben, Rico Blanco, and James Reid.
LIPAD Kapuso 2016 COuntdown LED BY ALDEN RICHARDS
This was at the height of AlDub fever.
What great way to cap the year with Alden Richards himself hosting the countdown that took place at SM Mall of Asia.
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His opening dance number was "Dessert" by Dawin ft. Silentó, one of the hit songs during AlDub's Kalyeserye stints.
He returned with "Fantastic Baby" by BIGBANG.
Towards the end of the concert, even if it was drizzling, Alden went on singing "God Gave Me You," AlDub's theme song.
Though Maine Mendoza was not there with him, a video introduction of the program and greeting was played right after Adlen's dance number.
German Moreno was tasked to deliver a message a few minutes before the countdown. This turned out to be his last new year greeting. Eight days later, on Jauary 8, 2016, he died from cardiac arrest.
Countdowns became a nationwide EVENT for the first time in 2013
This year marked the time that New Year's Eve festivities transformed into an event celebrated across the entire nation.
The country rang in 2013 with outdoor festivities, live shows, and pyrotechnics everywhere.
The commencement of these celebrations took place at the central hub of the capital, in Luneta, aka Rizal Park, famously known as Kilometer Zero, the reference point from which all distances in the Philippines are measured.
TV networks simultaneously held their own countdown events as outdoor festivities, live shows, and pyrotechnics were mounted all over the country.
THE KAPAMILYA TEAM BEHIND THE CAMERA ARE SHOWN ON TV
Through the past years, ABS-CBN would end its countdown showing the people working tirelessly behind the camera.
And always, it was heartwarming to see their happy faces even as they greeted the New Year away from their families.