Free shows bring Christmas cheer to nine Pagcor casinos

The sound of Christmas wafted through the Airport Casino Filipino in Parañaque on the first day of December, with a free concert featuring the  Pagcor 5, winners of the “OPM@Pagcor” talent search.

More shows followed at  Casino Filipino branches in  Hyatt, Tagaytay, Heritage, Cebu, Bacolod, Angeles, Davao and Manila Pavilion.

The Pagcor 5 exhibited peculiar strengths that highlighted their individual styles. After harmonizing on a medley of Filipino and English Yuletide classics, they shone in solo spots.

Hadasa Camporaso belted out “Jingle Bells” in Broadway fashion, her voice soaring high in the last notes. Steve Fernandez’s ballad version of “All I Want For Christmas” showcased his soothing baritone that beautifully shifted to falsetto.

Potential teen idol Remz Ruther gave “The First Nowell” a powerful finish. Charles Tan, in a wild, flower-designed suit, infused his version of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” with humor. Grand champion Joyce Tanana’s full-bodied vocals captured the sadness in “Christmas Won’t Be the Same Without You.”

Lusty cheers greeted special guest Ariel Rivera, who opened his three-song set with a Ric Segreto hit, “Give Me a Chance.” He explained his choice: “Christmas is about love.” He followed this with “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.”

When it was time to do a Christmas tune, he picked his own hit, the pensive “Sana Ngayong Pasko.” The women in the audience shrieked and went crazy; one of them made a quick dash and kissed Rivera on the lips.

The show brought cheer to the casino but, in future outings, it would be great if a live band could back up both the Pagcor 5 and the guest performers. Pocholo Concepcion