MANILA — Kapamilya stars are bound for Sydney as they gear up to reunite with the Filipino community abroad through ASAP XP Australia 2026, promising a world-class celebration filled with music, culture, and Filipino pride.
Set to take place on July 25 at the TikTok Entertainment Centre in Sydney, the concert will gather some of ABS-CBN’s biggest stars in a special show dedicated to overseas Filipinos longing for a taste of home.
For Kai Montinola, the event marks her first trip to Australia, making the experience even more meaningful.
“I’m so excited to go to ASAP XP Australia. It’s my first time in Australia, so I’m so happy to be there with my ASAP family and our Kapamilyas,” she shared.
Beyond the excitement of traveling abroad, Montinola said representing the Philippines on the international stage comes with a responsibility.
“It’s our responsibility as Filipinos to go international and represent our culture. You’ll see that through our performances because we’ve really prepared for this show,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude that ASAP’s performances continue to reach audiences worldwide through digital platforms, allowing more people to appreciate the talents of Filipino artists.
Dancer and actress AC Bonifacio, who previously experienced watching ASAP as a Filipino living in Canada, said performing for overseas Filipinos now has come full circle.
“Whenever we go out of the country with ASAP, I’m just so excited to see the Kapamilyas and the OFWs. I once was like them watching from Canada, so I know the excitement they’re feeling,” she said.
Fresh off his international success, Sofronio Vasquez described joining the Sydney show as both an honor and a privilege.
“I am excited and thrilled that I’m part of the cast. I’m privileged to represent the Philippines and I can’t wait to see our Kapamilyas in Australia,” he said.
Having once lived abroad himself, Vasquez said community events become an important way for Filipinos overseas to reconnect with home.
“Even when I was working abroad, concerts and Filipino community events made you feel like you were back in the Philippines. Now, I’m part of the people bringing that joy, and that’s really special,” he added.
Singer-songwriter TJ Monterde will also experience his first overseas ASAP performance.
“The last time ASAP was abroad, I was only accompanying my wife and wasn’t performing. This time, I’m finally part of the show, and I’m really excited to experience it with the ASAP family,” he shared.
Meanwhile, KZ Tandingan said this year’s concert is extra special because she gets to perform alongside her husband, Monterde.
“Ako po, very excited kasi syempre, ibang joy palagi ang mag-perform para sa mga kapamilya natin. But today, for this particular ASAP out of the country, I get to do it with my husband. So, I'm very excited,” she said.
Monterde emphasized that the performances offer overseas Filipinos more than entertainment.
“Super malaking bagay. Like the past tours we've done with the concerts na ginagawa namin, iba rin talaga yung init ng pagtanggap ng mga kababayan natin, mga kapamilya natin abroad. Kasi parang, parang silang, sabi nga nila kahit doon pa lang sa venue, hindi pa nagsistarting event, ang laking bagay na.
Kasi it feels like natatagalog lahat ng tao. It feels like they're back in the Philippines and back home even just for a couple of hours. Ganon yung pakiramdam.” she said.
Singer Jona, who has previously visited Sydney, said this will be her first time performing there with the entire ASAP family.
“I’m excited to sing for our Kapamilyas and bond with them. For those who’ve been living in Australia for years, we hope to make them feel like they’ve returned home, even for just one night,” she said.
She also hopes the show will introduce younger Filipino generations overseas to Original Pilipino Music and Filipino culture.