LOOK: Cornerstone Entertainment celebrates 20 years in the industry

It was night of music, friendship, and thanksgiving at the 20th anniversary celebration of Cornerstone Entertainment, held last October 29 at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. More than the glitz and glamor, what stood out more was the air of friendship and camaraderie among the company’s executives, staff, talents, industry friends, and supporters. 

The evening was quite laid-back, with everyone catching up with one another as they enjoyed the wide offering of cocktails and snacks. A five-course dinner soon followed, but what made it extra spectacular was the roster of talents that came to celebrate the two-decade milestone. 

Richard Poon, one of the first talents of Cornerstone Entertainment, kickstarted the night by serenading everyone with a medley of well-loved classics.

Next up was Asia’s Soul Supreme herself, KZ Tandingan. In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, KZ shared how thankful she is for the respect that Cornerstone gives their artists. “I know Cornerstone is a business pa rin, pero sobra kong na-appreciate na they always try to understand kung saan nanggagaling ‘yung mga needs ng artists, ‘yung what makes an artist, an artist.” 

Maricar Reyes-Poon and Piolo Pascual went up next to introduce some of the talents of Cornerstone Music. This was followed by the soulful tunes of Gabby Sampedro, France Siopongco, Jason Marvin, and Zia Quizon. 

Next, the trio of young, promising actors — Elijah Canlas, Joao Constancia, and Michael Sager — presented the four P-Pop groups under Cornerstone.

The four Pinoy Pop groups — AJAA, Yes My Love, VXON, and G22 — lit the stage with their talent in both singing and dancing, proving exactly why they are the ones to look out for. 

Award-winning actress Julia Montes was also present and talked about the achievements of Cornerstone Studios, such as Replacing Chef Chico and Five Breakups and a Romance, to name a few. Director Irene Villamor also talked about an upcoming movie starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, developing a Netflix series, and working on another project with Julia. On the company’s future plans, Direk Irene said: “Eventually, sana maging global. Hanggang sa kalawakan.” 

Next to take the spotlight were comedians K Brosas and Empoy Marquez. After sharing a few laughs with the crowd, they then introduced some of Cornerstone’s powerhouse singers. Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 3 Grand Champion Elaine Duran and The Voice Kids Philippines Season 2 Fourth Placer Sassa Dagdag performed a duet of “Feeling Good”, while The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 Grand Champion Jason Dy sang “Through the Fire” and Idol Philippines Season 1 Grand Champion Zephanie Dimaranan did a solo of “Die With A Smile”. 

Seasoned hosts Gretchen Ho and Markki Stroem took the mic next. Markki, who was part of the first roster of stars, recalled how they were just six artists before and how they would celebrate milestones in his house in Antipolo. 

Gretchen looked back at how she was once a young, naive athlete who had no idea how the entertainment industry worked. “They believed in me since day one, even if they knew I was of a different mold. Even if I was awkward, I was shy, I was stiff and all of that, these guys saw the potential in me and accepted me for who I am and who I could become. They were patient, allowing me to grow through the years, but most of all, is that they were there in the lowest of moments.”

Director John Prats, who has evolved from working in front of the camera to being the one behind it, also joined them on stage to reminisce about being part of Cornerstone. “Back in 2017, nag-usap lang kami ni Sam (Milby) na gusto ko magdirect ng concerts. It was just an idea.”

It was under Cornerstone that he realized his potential to be a director. “They never pressured me, but they supported me. Binigay nila ‘yung buong-buong tiwala nila. Ang naramdaman ko lang ‘yung support. Maraming salamat dahil sumugal kayo, nagtiwala kayo sa akin.”

Accompanying John for the evening was his lovely wife, Isabel Oli-Prats. The actress, host, and model is also a talent of Cornerstone. 

John confirmed that Cornerstone Concerts and Events already have several productions lined up: KZ and TJ Monterde’s In Between: Live at the Big Dome concert, Yeng Constantino’s anniversary concert, and Erik Santos’s special concert with a concept that he came up with. 

TJ Monterde then took the stage, singing his hit song “Palagi”. He was later joined by KZ, to the delight of the audience. 

Catriona Gray went next with her soothing rendition of “When You Believe”, followed by Erik’s heart-wrenching “Home”. 

The evening’s highlight was the Pioneer Awards, where Cornerstone gave tribute to their employees and artists who have been with them for over a decade. 

Artists who were given the Pioneer Award were Lilet Esteban, Gil Cuervo, KZ Tandingan, Dan Villegas, Irene Villamor, Via Antonio, Gretchen Ho, Kit Thompson, Slater Young, Erik Santos, Yeng Constantino, Moi Bien, Markki Stroem, Maricar Reyes-Poon, and Richard Poon. 

A special tribute was also given to Sam Milby — the very first Cornerstone artist and “the man who helped start it all” — as he was presented with the Top Pioneer Award. 

The evening ended with a toast, and the night went on as the whole Cornerstone family bonded over drinks and laughter at the after-party.