From left: Erik Santos, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera and Ogie Alcasid
Tonight’s the night. Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos and Martin Nievera are all set to tickle our hearts, as well as soothe our wounds of love in “#paMORE,” 8 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
What sweeter way could there be to usher in the Valentine month?
The sold-out concert is proof that we Pinoys treat V-Day as if it were an official holiday.
Four icons
Since the four icons are my good friends, I’ve seen them in their unguarded moments. Ogs is like a clown to Reg. Laughter is one key ingredient that makes their marriage work. Erik’s heart is still in limbo as he searches for the right one. When his heart is in it, the sky’s the limit.
I could listen to Mart wax poetic about love all day. After all the love battles that Mart has endured, he is more than qualified to be a love guru.
So there will definitely be more and more amour in the air as the formidable four serenade you tonight.
Here are musings from Mart (M), Ogs (O), Reg (R) and Erik (E):
If you could only sing one love song, what would it be?
M: “Unchained Melody”
O: “Love Me Tender”
R: “Kailangan Kita”
E: “Love Always Finds A Way”
What are your thoughts on fame?
M: I know I’m no longer the “in-demand” guy I was when I started. I just embrace it. My new game plan is to stay in the game looking out. To last in this biz, we should sing from the heart and not per project.
O: At this point of my career, I perhaps cater to a smaller but more significant audience. I am not after fanfare anymore. As long as people have ears, the four of us will never lose our jobs.
No illusions
R: At the peak of my career in the ’90s, I had gigs every single day. I have learned to accept that those days are over. I refuse to pressure myself. I have no illusions of staying on top forever. I am thankful that I’m still given opportunities to sing. My priorities have changed. I’m glad my schedule isn’t as frenzied as it used to be, so I can spend quality time with my husband and son.
E: To share the stage with my three idols is the highlight of my career. I still have a lot to learn about this thing called fame. I will make sure to stay grounded.
Martin and Ogie on their kids’ music careers:
M: I think Robin (Nievera) is consciously veering away from my genre of music. He wants to make his own mark, which is a good move.
O: I got emotional when Leila was launched by Star Records. It happened to be the same date I started my career 30 years ago. We have come full circle.
On musicals:
O: It’s sad to say, but musical films don’t make a killing at the box office in our country. I think we still have to indoctrinate the audience. ABS-CBN is planning to make a stage play using my songs, plus new tunes that I will still write. Hopefully, by the time it comes out, the audience will be ready.