THANK you for the music, The CompanY (from left): Annie Quintos, Moy Ortiz, Sweet Plantado, OJ Mariano and Cecile Bautista. Raul Ceralde Supnet, M.D.
There was no press conference, and not much publicity to promote the 30th anniversary concert of The CompanY, billed as “the country’s premier vocal ensemble.” Yet, The Theatre at Solaire was filled to the rafters, the first time the theater had a sold-out show. Why are we not surprised?
With 30 years of nothing but an excellent track record, churning out 24 studio albums and consistently high-quality live concerts, who would have doubted that we were in for quite a show?
The lineup of performers alone was impressive.
The audience savored Aiza Seguerra’s heartfelt rendition of “Pagdating ng Panahon,” cowritten by the group’s Moy Ortiz.
Goosebumps
Some had goosebumps when songbird Regine Velasquez hit the high notes with original “Shine” vocalist and group member Sweet Plantado.
“Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady’s” Bituin Escalante and “Rak of Aegis’” Aicelle Santos shared vocal chores in “Balut,” a ditty popularized by “Katy.” No, not Perry, but De la Cruz. They obviously had fun.
Talented Myke Salomon beatboxed for “Jambalaya.”
Every guest did his share, from Christian Bautista (“Just a Love Song”) to Franco Laurel (“What Would They Say?”).
What took the cake, though, was the rendition of “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”—
opera style!—with Ryan Cayabyab aka Mr. C on keyboards, and Jon Santos taking a break from his stand-up comedy to sing for a change. Earlier, Santos’ impersonation of Armida Siguion-Reyna was projected onscreen.
The audience felt the guest performers’ love for the group; it was simply overwhelming and overflowing!
Sing-along
Fans had so much fun that they sang along to most of the group’s signature songs such as “Pakisabi na Lang,” “Now That I Have You,” “Everlasting Love,” and “Ganyan Kaming Mga Pinoy.”
Everyone was silent though when it was Cecile Bautista’s turn to render “Muntik na Kitang Minahal.” (Were those tears rolling down our cheeks?)
We enjoyed the music videos of The CompanY’s versions of the Hotdog original “Manila” and VST and Company’s “May I Have This Dance?”; and live performances, complete with offbeat costumes, of “Video Killed the Radio Star” and the “electrifying” performances of dance groups like Manoeuvres and G-Force, to the tune of “Electric Dreams.” Another group, Whiplash, performed in earlier numbers.
Absolutely no ego
It’s amazing how the members of the vocal ensemble, namely Moy, Annie Quintos (who were two of the original members of the hitherto 12-member The CompanY), Cecile and Sweet showed absolutely no ego, and allowed new member OJ Mariano to shine.
And shine he did, showing loyal fans why he deserved to be the group’s fifth member. OJ’s got a booming voice that’s perfect for the theater! The cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (which the members performed with the Ateneo Chamber Singers) was proof enough of his talent. He also performed “Hindi Na” and “Special Memory.”
Children, nieces and nephews of the members nicknamed “The CompanY Kids,” were so cute. And they just had to choose this great song, “Children Will Listen,” from the musical “Into the Woods.”
Now we’re assured that The CompanY knows where to find new blood.
All great things must come to an end; after an encore of several songs, the concert was over. We wish The CompanY another 30 years—to quote the group’s song, “Bawal ang Goodbye!”