Arts

Night of the Champions Encore Concert

Photos by Joe Cobilla, Benny Uy, Phillip Ner & Noel Guinto. All rights reserved.

By Tony T. Vizmonte

It was a fun night watching the return of the champions at the Heritage Forum in Anaheim last March 29. Late for 30 minutes, the show started at 8 P.M. with Mark Bautista singing “Babaero” for a nearly sold-out crowd. Christian Bautista, looking overeager, followed with “’Martin Nievera’s “On the Right Track.” Then came Rachele Ann Go with her rendition of Zsa Zsa Padilla’s “Mambobola.” And of course, the star Sarah Geronimo sung Regine Velasquez’s “Urong-sulong.” The crowd was thrilled to no end.

Rachele Ann’s version of “The Star is Over” had a nice ending that earned lots of applause. She seemed to enjoy basking from the glory of great rendition. She sounded great displaying mature prowess. She looked sexy and pretty onstage most of the time, although at one point it was very discomforting to watch her while wearing that awful gown with curtains-like attachment.

Christian, physically better this time, serenaded his fans and gave roses to lucky ladies. His version of “You are so Beautiful” was refreshing. His OPM medley participated by seven ladies as source of inspiration drew raves and positive responses. Here’s wishing that in the future he gets to sing his own hits.

Aside from the expected pairing of these singing partners, it was a great treat having Sarah and Rachelle doing a song together as well as the two Bautistas. It was a significant change from the predictable annual concert brought to you by producer Al Chu.

Back to his exciting and livelier form, Mark bounces back from his lackluster and dreary performance from last year’s concert. “It was as if he wasn’t there physically. He was just there but not mentally,” according to concertgoer Marilyn Avengoza. This observer was just happier to hear Mark singing even sad, emotionally-longing hits like ”Break it to me Gently,” “Special Memory” and more. Wearing super tight pants and displaying sexy moves, Mark succeeded in bringing excitement to the crowd – especially the ladies – that went wild and crazy.

By the way, the only disadvantage of having an open stage depends on where you are seated. At the end of the show, despite having an $88-ticket, I must have memorized the sizes and shapes of the performers’ buns. Stage lighting was effective and there was no dull moment as if the action was not interrupted and fast paced.

After her dysfunctional and outrageous “Wonder Woman meets Super Gee” outfit at the beginning of the show, Sarah redeemed herself by wearing a stunning gown near the finale. She thanked the show’s producers and praised God for a successful US/Canadian tour. “Makakauwi na po kami,” she remarked.

Of course, what a better way to end her solo act but with a combination of her own hit “Forever is Not Enough” and Celine Dion’s “To Love You More.” When the audience accorded her with a standing ovation, Sarah almost cried as she expressed her heartfelt gratitude.

At 10:17 P.M., another night with the champions was over. It is time to concoct another mix of these young talented performers when they return for another gig.

UNCLE RALF ADDS: Thank you Mr. Tony Vizmonte.
The Show featured Christian Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista. This event was sponsored by ABC Entertainment and VIVA Films, in cooperation with Tancinco Law Offices, Tribune USA, Marissa Entertainment, Bahay Kubo Natin, Kalesa Grill, Eggroll Etc., ABS-CBN The Filipino Chanel, Wilshire Travel Center, Globe Express, Intl., Broadway Court Apartelle and California Wok.Supervising Producer - Jonathan Algada; Technical Director - Jet Montelibano and Musical Director - Marc Lopez.