Thank you, thank you

AUTHOR receives Aliw’s best major concert trophy. Facebook of Tin Samson

I couldn’t think of another way to start this article, except to say, “Thank you, Aliw Awards.”

This is beyond “thank you” for awards received at last Monday night’s ceremony (lifetime achievement award and best major concert, female). It is also for recognizing the hard work, dedication, perseverance, talent, passion and true love for what we do as live performers in concert venues big and small, hotels, lounges, bars, theaters, labs and dance halls.

The thing about being a live performer is this: We get only one chance to get it right with this particular audience sitting (or standing) before us. The moment is fleeting; our relationship with the crowd, precarious. Nothing is set in stone, regardless of how extensive the preparation might be.

For a play or a musical, rehearsals can last four to eight weeks, depending on the degree of difficulty. Concerts require anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. At every turn, there is collaboration with the director, musical director, set and lighting design teams, and costume, makeup, and hair crew. It is never, ever a solo endeavor.

Minutes before the performance, our hearts race in anticipation of that first note sung, or first step danced. Oh, the things that go through our minds before we step out of the darkness and into the light!

“Please, God, don’t let me mess up.” “I have to go through my lyrics one more time.” “Let my partner catch me, please.” “Is the teleprompter working?” “I need to go to the bathroom again.” “Oh no, how does that intro go?” “I should’ve worn that other dress/suit/pair of shoes/earrings.” “Is my fly open? Oh good, it’s not.” “Will the audience like me? Please like me.” “My throat is dry; can someone get me water?”

And then, finally, the moment of truth. It’s a rush that never gets old: adrenaline coursing through our veins, no matter the department in which we work. From the performer center stage to the conductor with his back turned, to the stage manager calling lighting cues, to the producer biting his (or her) nails, the ride is crazy. And fun. And one we all willingly go on again, and again.

Thank you, Aliw Awards, for acknowledging the craziness of live performances. Thank you for recognizing the blood, sweat and tears of everyone who puts up productions of all kinds, honing the skills of performers, directors and musical directors born on these shores. Thank you for honoring men and women who have poured much of their lives into the pursuit of excellence and the often-elusive sound of hands enthusiastically clapping, expressing appreciation.

My own list

Since Thanksgiving just passed a full week ago (belated Happy Turkey Day to our American friends), it seems as good a time as any to express my personal “Things to be Thankful For” list. 2014 has been an incredible year, and before it ends, please indulge me for a few sentences more.

I am thankful for:

My wonderful family around the world for being the wind beneath my wings. Yes, that sounds awfully cheesy, but I couldn’t think of a cooler expression. You have always been supportive, as well as inspirational. Big thanks to my mother for being the first person to hear and recognize my voice, and for her unwavering faith in what my brother Gerard and I can do;

To my “brothers and sisters from other mothers,” we have decided to be each other’s family. I am always thankful for your presence in my life, in laughter and in tears, in support of one another always;

To Il Divo (Carlos Marin, David Miller, Sebastien Izambard and Urs Buhler) for the incredible opportunity to go around the world with you, performing in theaters, stadiums and arenas in Asia, North America, and Europe, taking me to places I had only dreamed of experiencing firsthand. Thanks to your crew for keeping me in stitches;

To my “The Voice of the Philippines” family: Fellow coaches apl.de.ap, Bamboo and Sarah Geronimo, I can’t think of better people to share the responsibility of being a mentor on this show … the entire staff and crew for having our backs … and the members of all our teams for showing us how excellent Filipino singers and musicians are;

To my colleagues in the television, concert and musical scenes, I don’t think I can fully express how appreciative I am of the magic we make together; and lastly…

To my fans, old and new, young and old … you are the best! None of this would be possible without you.