Thousands of loyal Kapamilyas filled the big dome (Araneta Coliseum) recently to watch the much-awaited ABS-CBN Christmas Special, the media giant’s biggest yuletide offering, featuring the best performances of the brightest Kapamilya stars.

Television’s largest Christmas extravaganza airs this weekend, December 19 (9:30 p.m.) for its Part 2 on ABS-CBN.

Dubbed as “Ngayong Pasko, Magniningning ang Pilipino,” the well-attended special gathered today’s most-talked about celebrities, including some acclaimed pillars in the entertainment industry.

In her Christmas message, ABS-CBN president and Chief Operating Officer Charo Santos-Concio extended her gratitude to everyone for being a loyal Kapamilya. The network chief also gave praises to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the real reason for Christmas.

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano together with divas Zsa Zsa Padilla and Vina Morales, Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo, Pinoy Rock Icon Arnel Pineda, Asia’s Idol Christian Bautista, World Champion Jed Madela, Pop Prince Erik Santos and singing sensations Rhap Salazar and Sheryn Regis, were in their highest spirits in their Christmas medley opening.

Stunning teleserye princesses Empress Schuck, Andi Eigenmann, Erich Gonzales, Maja Salvador, Shaina Magdayao, Kim Chiu, Jessy Mendiola, and Bea Alonzo sang their primetime theme songs. They all jammed with rocker Rico Blanco.

The charm of the soap opera ladies was followed by the Showtime-inspired stand-up comedy of Vice Ganda. The hit noontime celebrity introduced some of the most humorous numbers from Noah’s Zaijan Jaranilla, PBB sweetheart Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco, Going Bulilits Sharlene San Pedro and Nash Aguas, collaborating with comedians Kitkat, Chokoleit and Pooh.

ASAP Sessionitas, on the other hand went unusual with their classic song numbers. Nina, Richard Poon, Siiti Navarro, Duncan Ramos, MYMP and Aiza Seguerra showcased their ever relaxing vocal prowess.

The crowd became more ecstatic when teleserye love teams Cristine Reyes and Zanjoe Marudo, Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, Toni Gonzaga and Vhong Navarro, Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz, performed their most romantic songs.

Mega daughter KC Concepcion and acoustic heartthrob Sam Milby spearheaded the blazing song/dance numbers of the budding Star Magic artists. KC was also welcomed in the biggest celebrity core group.

Applauses kept on sound especially when Christian Bautista, Robert Seña, Isay Alvarez, Carol Banawa, Billy Crawford, Nikki Gil and Erik Santos sang their own classic rendition of some 2010 hits.

The atmosphere remained heatwarming as Gary V. sang I Will Be Here” and “The Warrior is a Child,” thanking the Lord for everything He has done.

Zsa Zsa Padilla, Kuh Ledesma, and Pokwang, together with Bellestar Dancers, induced everybody’s happy mood with their diva medley number.

High energy was felt when dance superstars Enchong Dee, John Prats, Jhong Hilario, Rayver Cruz, Gab Valenciano, Vhong Navarro, and Gerald Anderson performed the hottest rhythmic moves. Today’s most celebrated Shoutout groups were also seen in their best performing action.

The ultimate Kapamilya Christmas Special also paid tribute to the personalities who have given the country glory and honor this year. Miss Universe 4th runner-up Maria Venus Raj, World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim Bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr., Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda and University of Sto. Tomas Singers, who recently won the Choir of the World-Luciano Pavarotti Grand Prize in the 2010 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, U.K., shone brightly in the night of inspiration.

Gretchen Barretto has also proven her beauty supremacy as she did a very hot sexy musical with Jake Cuenca, Zanjoe Marudo, Jason Abalos, and Derek Ramsey. The audience also sang with timeless hits brought by Hitmakers Rey Valera, Nonoy Zuñiga, Marco Sison, and Rico J Puno.

Star Power girls were the last to enthrall everyone as they sang with the Megastar Sharon Cuneta.

Sharon’s message to the Kapamilya’s prompted all the big stars for an unforgettable finale. All together, they sang “Christmas All Over” the world and ABS-CBN’s remarkable yuletide theme, “Ngayong Pasko Magniningning ang Pilipino.”