Serenading in different genres

BO CERRUDO (left) and Robert Seña

‘Valentine Serenades’

Bo Cerrudo and Robert Seña with special guests Richard Merk, Rafa Siguion-Reyna and Rachelle Anne Wolfe; Feb. 13, 8 p.m., Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort and Casino, Parañaque City; call TicketWorld, 8919999

‘Kontrakultura III: Born for Love’

Yeng Constantino, Quest, Freestyle Band and Sabado Boys; Feb. 14, 6 p.m., Sunken Garden, UP Diliman. Call 0917-9534060.

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What’s the most romantic gesture you’ve done for a special someone?

Robert: During our “Miss Saigon” days in London, I gave Isay (Alvarez) flowers every night. I hid them in her prop cart, which she pushes in the Bangkok scene. Every time she opened it, there was a bouquet of flowers…  She says it was the most romantic thing I’ve done for her.

Bo: I built a garden for my wife in the house we live in now. I visited gardens in Bulacan and picked the best flower plants. I did the carpentry work—which took four to five months to finish … Bigla akong nagka-green thumb!

Quest: I’m honest and true to her.

What makes you swoon?

Robert: Simple things like holding hands while walking, or just about everywhere.

Bo: Soothing, cool, beautiful music—kahit piano lang or violin. That’s what lifts my spirit, my heart.

Quest: Words of encouragement and affirmation.

If you could go on a date with any famous personality, who would it be?

Robert: I’m married—that would be adultery! Hahaha! But… perhaps Jennifer Lopez.

Bo: Julia Roberts in her prime (she was at her prettiest in “Notting Hill”) and I find her very interesting.

Quest: Hmmm… Gee Canlas. Anywhere she wants… because she always pays!

What is the best love song ever written?

Robert: One of the best is “Unexpected Song” written by Stephen Sondheim. It’s about meeting someone you don’t know, and just feel love. And it just happens at that moment. It’s really kilig.

Bo: “Hymne à L’amour” by the French singer Edith Piaf. There are lines [in the English adaptation, “If You Love Me (Really Love Me)] that amaze me… such as  “When at last my life on earth is through/ I will share eternity with you / If you love me, really love me.”

Quest:  “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel, “My First, My Last, My Everything” by Barry White, “At Last” by Etta James, “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers… ito ang mga paborito ko.

What can we look forward to in your show?

Robert: The combination of Bo’s high baritone voice and my tenor voice. We’ll offer a different sound… not something you usually hear in concerts. We’ll sing lots of love songs, serenade you with pieces in different genres and languages. We have standards, musical theater, a little bit of kundiman and some OPM songs.

Bo: This concert features a fusion of musical theater and the usual concert fare. Robert and I have done musicals and concerts for decades. It’s about time we did something like this. We will do classic love songs that have been part of so many people’s lives, songs old and new.

Quest: You will leave determined to live and love life. Allan Policarpio and Jodee Agoncillo

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