A musical celebration of women of all shapes and sizes
From left: Radha Cuadrado, Frenchie Dy and Bituin Escalante
“Don’t hide yourself in regret / Just love yourself and you’re set / I’m on the right track / Baby, I was born this way”
The message of these words, from pop star Lady Gaga’s dance hit “Born this Way,” has never felt more potent, as when it was delivered by Frenchie Dy, Radha Cuadrado and Bituin Escalante at their recent concert, “The Big, Big Show.” Oozing with spunk and sass, they strutted from side to side and wagged their fingers—as if dismissing those who put them and other women down because of their weight.
This musical event, held at The Theater at Solaire, was, more than anything else, a celebration of women of all shapes and sizes; of their strength and their humanity. That was duly reflected by the meticulously curated set list replete with feminist songs, old and new, like the classic “Babae Ka,” the 1990s anthem “Free Your Mind” and the modern pop hit “All About That Bass.”
For most of the show, the musical direction leaned toward funk and jazz. And with the AMP Big Band’s skillful playing at the back, the mood and sound swung from bombastic and spirited, to smoldering and sexy. But regardless of tempo or genre, one thing remained constant: Frenchie, Radha and Bituin’s emphatic, soulful singing.
In songs with full arrangements, like the show-stopping “Balut,” the three singers showed off their power and ability to play with their vocals, and in more intimate, stripped-down numbers, such as their a cappella take on “Saving All My Love For You,” the natural beauty of their tones and an impeccable ear for harmonizing.
Frenchie, Radha and Bituin made sure to do the essentials.
It was in their individual spots, however, that they allowed the fans to take a peek at their respective styles and preferences.
Frenchie, whose voice exuded gospel vibes, especially as she ascended her belting range, performed “Superwoman” and “Someone Who Believes in Me.” Radha injected a little bit of grit and a little bit of blues in her renditions of “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” and “How Come You Don’t Call.”
While her two coheadliners chose fairly melodically straightforward tunes, Bituin seemed to revel in the changing pace and mood of the songs “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” and “Come Back to Me,” which she tackled with ample flair—scatting, belting and, at times, even dancing.
And what’s a night of women empowerment without some Aretha Franklin? Frenchie, Radha and Bituin made sure to do the essentials—“Natural Woman,” “Think,” “Chain of Fools” and, of course, “Respect,” which they deservedly earned from their enraptured audience.
