Too commercialized, the cynic would often say, about the significance of Valentine’s Day. But, of course, nothing can stop people from celebrating the occasion the way it’s been done for ages—flowers, chocolates and, if the budget allows, a dinner date that features a musical performance.
Inquirer Lifestyle browsed through the dozens of Valentine shows around town and chose the most interesting ones, based not only on the performers’ lineup, but on the kind of music to expect and other factors as well.
“Jay Durias Live”
Feb. 13, 7 p.m.; Newport Plaza Mall, Resorts World Manila; with South Border
People don’t get to see much of South Border these days, since Jay Durias is the only remaining original member. But he assembles a crack team whenever he performs, and remember that he’s got some of the most soulful compositions this side of Pinoy R&B. The shows will be held inside two malls, which means the audience can have dinner first at any of the restaurants in the malls, and then take a walk to the nearby venues.
“All For Love”
These former members of 1970s supergroups Circus Band and New Minstrels have been staging successful reunions the past few years. The nostalgia trip may get overbearing at certain moments, but what makes this show something to look forward to is the presence of Joey Albert, Ray An Fuentes and Chad Borja.
Albert and Fuentes have been living abroad and these are the rare times when fans could watch them again. And Borja has survived throat cancer and has never sounded better.
“Love X3”
Side A, Top Suzara and Jinky Vidal; Feb. 14, 8 p.m.; Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World, Pasay City; tel. 8919999, 6877236 or 9088000 loc. 7700
Top Suzara and Jinky Vidal were bandmates in Freestyle before misunderstandings led to Suzara’s ouster from the pop group. Vidal has also left Freestyle due to some personal reasons. It would be interesting to see how they would gel after the bad times they went through.
“Jessica Sanchez Live”
With special guest Colton Dixon; Feb. 14; Smart Araneta Coliseum; tel. 9115555; visit ticketnet.com.ph
The first time “American Idol” 2012 runner-up Jessica Sanchez performed in Manila was last September with nine other “Idol” finalists, including grand winner Phillip Phillips. Now she’s all alone, although Colton Dixon, “Idol” 2012 seventh-placer, will play a supporting role. It would be interesting to see how Sanchez is able to do a full-length show, given that all her past performances in the US and elsewhere were limited to three songs at the most. If she makes it with flying colors, the audience at the Big Dome will be part of a historic Valentine concert.
Mitch Valdes with Route 70 band; Feb. 15, 8:30 p.m.; Filinvest Tent, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City; tel. 8919999
Mitch Valdes was really a talented singer before she became a comedienne. Now she gets to do both—serious singing with doses of gags—with a live pop-rock band at that.
“Angeline Quinto in Love”
Angeline Quinto is one of the best pop singers of the new generation of reality talent-search winners. One wonders why she was not paired with a male singer who can match her skills. Which is not to say that Vice Ganda might ruin this show. The promoter is probably just making sure that this concert would have its fill of fun moments.
“A Very, Very, Viva Valentines”
Basil Valdez, Vernie Varga and Jon Santos; Feb. 13, 8 p.m.; Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World, Pasay City; tel. 8919999, 6877236 or 9088000 loc. 7700
Pop icon Basil Valdez still has his vocal chops, and so does jazz diva Verni Varga. But the biggest come-on of this show has to be Jon Santos, never mind if he has not yet maximized his talents as a singer. It’s almost a guarantee that the audience would be treated to a side-splitting good time and come out of the theater with a lesson or two on the foibles of romance.
“Romance and Dance”
Ramon Jacinto with the Tiongco Brothers; Feb. 14, 8:30 p.m.; Bistro RJ, Dusit Hotel; tel. 2183326.
Retro-rocker Ramon Jacinto will provide the dance tunes, while the enduring Tiongco Brothers will prove that, like the best wine, musical talent gets better with age.
