Energy and excitement marked the Inquirer’s 33rd anniversary celebration, as three of the country’s most talented young music artists performed at the party, held Dec. 6 at Passion restaurant in Resorts World Manila.

 

They each played a short set of all-original songs, much to the delight of PDI management and staff—though many in the audience were hearing these tunes for the first time.

 

Bita and the Botflies lead singer and songwriter Sofy Aldeguer exuded an air of mystery and a hip attitude, as guitarists Rebel Aldeguer and Kevin Navea, bassist Rheymon Concepcion and drummer Mark Lincallo backed her up in the unconventional “Tagu-taguan” and “Sisikat Ka, Iha.”

Earl Generao, meanwhile, didn’t need a full band, just his soulful voice and an acoustic guitar, with Aya Lagac on percussion, to give life to his upbeat compositions, the highlight of which was the compassionate “Katabi.”

 Soul and blues

 

In a similar vein, Juan Karlos’ vocals simmered with soul and a blues edge, even as he toned down his emotionally charged hit single, “Buwan”—with bandmates Clark Henriel Cunanan (bass), Marcus Pallagud (guitar) and Gian Franco Rey Hipolito (percussion) as backup.

 

But that wasn’t all.

 

Theater artist Mark Ghosn gave a sample of the fascinating solo act known as monologue—the performer undergoing a range of emotions while talking to an imaginary character.

As a finale, a seasoned singer who has renamed herself Asia Gabriela got everyone up on their feet with her version of classic hits by Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer and other divas.

Adding holiday cheer to the celebration were bottles of Chivas Regal 12 and Extra, sponsored by the renowned Scotch whisky brand’s distributor, Pernod Ricard Philippines.

In a manner of speaking, the PDI milestone’s theme, “Steady at 33,” also reflected the admirable qualities of its guest performers—consistent in their desire to write their own songs, and secure in their journey in the musical firmament.