Not just a voice in the crowd

“X Factor Philippines” and Cotai Jazz and Blues Festival finalist Mark Mabasa says he’s “grateful” to be included in the Manila stop of “Hitman: David Foster and Friends,” to be held Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In a show in Singapore three years ago, Mark was plucked from the crowd by Foster himself, and was given a chance to perform a snippet of “The Last Time.” This time, he’ll get to perform three songs.

Mounted by Mediasync Productions, the show will also feature Charice, Boyz II Men, Ruben Studdard, Natalie Cole and Gerphil Flores. For tickets, call 9115555 or log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph

What was your fondest memory of your first meeting with David?

MARK Mabasa will perform with David Foster, along with other foreign and local artists on Tuesday.

I guess my favorite part was when I saw on his face the recognition that I could actually sing and he told me to go for the “big note.”

At first he asked me, “Are you sure you can sing?” But when I got to sing a verse of the song, he was like, “Wow, get up here!” The big note was the hardest thing to do, especially at the end where there really was no big note. I had to make it big.

Aside from David, who among the singers in the gig are you looking forward to seeing?

I want to meet all of them; they’ve inspired me.

What are you currently working on?

I might join David’s tour soon, you never know. Life has a lot of surprises. I’m just really working hard and giving my best to whatever is given to me. I’m staying positive. Allan Policarpio