MOY ORTIZ, top left, and The CompanY
Every year, Inquirer Entertainment helps readers pick a show for that special day, by asking the concert artists to talk about their gigs … and romance.
‘A Lighthearted Valentine with The CompanY’
The CompanY, February 14, 8:30 p.m., The Bellevue Hotel, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City; call 771-8181, 0917-8718181
‘Love in the Island’
Chad Borja with Rico J. Puno, Marco Sison and guest Ara Mina, February 11, Tejeros Grand Ballroom, Island Cove Hotel & Leisure Park, Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite; call 810-7878 or 470-2222
‘Love Is a Four-Letter Word’
CHAD Borja
Tony Marino and Gina Respall, February 13 and 14, 9 p.m. (dinner at 7:30 p.m.), La Cuisine Française, Sedeño corner San Agustin St., Salcedo Village, Makati; call 501-5202 or 893-2072
What is your most unique and unforgettable romantic relationship?
Moy Ortiz (MO): The question assumes that I had had a unique and unforgettable romantic relationship. I will neither confirm nor deny this. I plead the 5th amendment!
Chad Borja (CB): My most unique and unforgettable romantic relationship is ongoing. A lot goes on in a relationship for it to last and become stronger.
Tony Marino (TM): He was blind. It was love at first feel! And the best part was, I did not have to look my best all the time.
Gina Respall (GR): I met a Hollywood star and he asked me out to dinner. But we didn’t make it to the next stage.
GINA Respall
What is the worst thing you did after a breakup?
MO: I spoke ill of the person.
CB: When I was a struggling musician in Cebu, I had a GF who was a model. When she broke up with me, I felt very bad. I went to my sister’s house – back then, they had no decent flooring. I didn’t care and just slept for hours without even a banig on the floor – actually, the ground.
TM: I was arrested for attempted homicide.
GR: I cut my own hair and it came out uneven. I was 21.
Is Valentine’s Day overrated or does it deserve its special observance? Tell us why.
TONY Marino
MO: Valentine (especially in the Philippines) can sometimes be overblown and overrated. Whether you are single or in a relationship, it can sometimes give a lot of societal pressure (how it should go, how it should look, how it should feel). Of course, it is nice to have some kind of symbolic gesture to commemorate and rededicate one’s personal commitments.
CB: Just like Christmas, Valentine should not only be observed once a year, but all throughout. For entertainers like me, this is a busy season, so I have never been on a date on that day because I always have a show. I’ve gotten used to it.
TM: Yes and no. I’d rather forget “Valentine’s Day Massacre.”
GR: Valentine may be regarded as a highly commercial event. However, I choose to keep it on our calendar for selfish reasons. I receive a lot of presents.
How do you keep your love life interesting and exciting?
MO: I don’t have one!
CB: Any relationship has its ups and downs. We solve problems together, enjoy success together, have fun together and most importantly, celebrate life together!
TM: Internet.
GR: I like surprises, so I always think of new things to do with the special guy.
What is the most uniquely written love song for you and why?
MO: It’s actually a sad love song called “Where Do You Start?” written by Johnny Mandel and Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It asks how one picks up the pieces when a love affair comes undone. Truly poignant and heartbreaking.
CB: “Drive” by The Eraserheads. It’s a very unique love song. In fact, Ely Buendia is a great and unique artist who makes unique songs.
TM: Cole Porter’s “Let’s Do It.” It’s about royal families, Siamese twins and (even!) oysters falling in love and doing it.
GR: I was walking in Barcelona when a guy with a guitar stopped me and asked me to sit while he scribbled on a piece of paper. He handed me the paper and said that he just wrote a special song for me … in Spanish. Then he played his guitar and sang it.
Why should we watch your concert?
MO: I hope people keep us company at the Bellevue Hotel on February 14 because we will give them a very entertaining evening. It won’t be one love song after another. We will give our audience a full show with emotional arcs, some comedy and tons of good vocal music!
CB: We prepared a great show. Of course, Rico Puno is already an icon on his own, and his shows are always interesting. Marco Sison is another great artist. I have my own style of entertaining which you should see! I can assure you, it will be a memorable night.
TM: I really want to buy that Lamborghini.
GR: Because it is a show for all genders and various types of relationships. It is a show not only for couples. It features songs that are rarely performed by other artists, songs that are edgy and daring.