The best of Ogie in ‘20/20’

MANILA, Philippines—Ogie Alcasid’s 20th anniversary concert at the Big Dome had the right mix of fun and sentimentality. He exactly knows the kiliti of his audience.

Even in such a huge venue, it seemed like an up-close and personal encounter. Ogie has a way of reaching out to every single person watching him. His sincerity cuts through each song. His spontaneity makes you feel instantly at home so you don’t notice time passing by. The Alcasid charisma puts you on a daze.

I particularly enjoyed Ogie’s number with Janno Gibbs. The “Small Brothers” reminisced about their friendship and partnership in crime through their wacky yet heartwarming version of Apo’s “Awit ng Barkada.”

Rufa Mae Quinto, Michael V and Ogie brought the house down with their ’80s medley as they impersonated Madonna, Prince, Wham, Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson. Pandemonium broke loose when Piolo Pascual sang. He thanked Ogie for being his vocal coach and mentor in singing.

Highlighting the night was Ogie’s song for his parents which he composed and his touching rendition of “I Will Be Here” for his daughters. The eldest, Sarah, joined him onstage but his bunso Leila was too shy to do so. Ogie’s ex Michelle Van Eimeren couldn’t hold back her tears while Ogie was serenading their kids.

“Thank you, Michelle, for being there when I’m not,” he said. They are living proof that there can be friendship after marriage.

Ogie also thanked Michelle’s BF Mark Murrow who was with her. “You’re now tabloid material, Mark,” Ogie ribbed. He introduced Regine Velasquez as his leading lady for life. She had no dramatic message for Ogie. Their sweet photos flashed onstage already said everything she could not say.

If only all celeb ex-couples could be like Ogie and Michelle, then show biz would be a more peaceful place. Even non-show biz couples could learn a thing or two from them about the art of letting go.

I congratulated Ogie after his concert via text. His reply: “It’s the happiest day of my life! I’m thankful to God for making everything fall into place.”

He will set aside time to bond with his kids before they fly back to Australia.

Ogie has truly lived LOVE to the fullest. It shows in his songs. His “20/20” sold-out concert made my heart have 20/20 vision.

Concert repeat

Some good things are worth repeating. Just like premier classical balladeer Bo Cerrudo’s “Love … Around the World,” which will be staged once again at the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental on Oct. 3 and 4 (750-8888 loc. 2446). His special guest is Sen. Chiz Escudero’s lovely wife Christine.

Together with the rhythm ensemble of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, they will perform well-loved songs from different countries. Let Bo take your heart on a trip. Fasten your heartstrings!

"Main Event." A Big Triumph for Regine and Lani

by Vic Perez

After a long drought of good shows, Starmedia Entertainment mounted an unforgettable concert that has left LA concertgoers enthralled and astounded.

Main Event, the concert that converged three of the brightest stars of the Philippine music industry - Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha and Martin Nievera-proved to be a commercial and critical sucess.The venue was filled to rafters , filling up three thousand seating capacity.

The two Divas reigned supreme during that night, both providing great vocal prowess and versatility while the Concert king gave an excellent complement .The chemistry of the three singers was brilliant,fllawless and exceptional.This concert was ,indeed, a casting coup .Their performance was simply unforgettable.

Regine Velasquez performed with her marked scintillating and clear vocie, bringing the audiences to greater heights. She sang favorite pop songs and OPM hits, so much intensity and flair.Top of the list is her much adored Maybe its You, the intimate OPM Dadalhin and her showstopper Mariah Carey hits.

Lani Misalucha was a big revelation for many who have not experienced her singing style.

She performed with bravura and versatility, contrasting the elegant Conti Partiron with the rock opera version of Laklak. She gave a fantastic renditon of Whitney Houston hits that has kept everybody stunned and speechless.

Their solo spots gave them the opportunity to showcase their craft but Main Event provided the vehicle for these two divas to present that they can play beautiful music together.Forget the great divide of the fans of both queens who have kept comparing the two premiere artists. In this concert, they were pitting talents but they both came out victorious as they did play music harmoniously.Their spiels were natural amd comedic but both spoke and sang like they were doing a sister act.

The opening act was pure energy and fun with Broadway’s favorite Dreamgirls medley which segued to Mama Mia. Later they did a sexy Beautiful Liar, of Shakira and Beyonce but the crowd hooted to the more popular Aegis Medley.

The most applauded number was the back to back to back OPM hits which showed their strong connection to the people because these romantic ballad songs kind of brought the audience back home .

The finale was the biggest showstopper when they both pay homage to the artists they both adore -Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

When they ended the show, the audience clamored for more and they gave in with the most lifting duet of Barbra Streisand ‘s Piece of Sky. The performance was simply magnificent!

This show is the most splendid and fantastic concert ever. You should never miss it in your lifetime.It is an imperative for any music lover. A “must see’ with all the superlatives!

Ako si Kim Sam Soon

Regine Velasquez - Whitney Houston Medley - SONGBIRD