Choose your Valentine show

RACHELLE Ann Go

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.

‘Seasons of Love’

Basil Valdez, Rachelle Ann Go, The CompanY; Feb. 13, 8 p.m., Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila; call 687-7236 or 911-5555

‘Up Close and Romantic’

Annie Brazil, Pat Castillo, Emcy Corteza, Elmir Saison, Ferdie Topacio and Jyps Nicolas; Feb. 14, 9 p.m., Merk’s Bar Bistro, Pasay Road, Makati; call 547-3146 or 0917-8191135

What’s your most unique and unforgettable relationship?

Rachelle Ann Go (RG): The first relationship is always the unforgettable one.

Annie Brazil (AB): My romantic relationships were with my husbands— a long time ago, and they are gone.

Emcy Corteza (EC): My most memorable relationship is with my husband, who was my third boyfriend.

Ferdie Topacio (FT): I first met my future wife in law school, but we didn’t pay attention to each other. We met again after seven years, in October 1996. It was a chance meeting, I had a case and she was clerk of court … My case was being called but I didn’t hear anything, I was focused on her. The judge banged the gavel and said, “Atty. Topacio, what’s wrong with you? We’ve been calling the case!” I stood up and said, “I’m sorry, your Honor, I was smitten with your clerk of court.”

What’s the worst thing you did after a breakup?

RG: I holed up in my room and watched heartbreaking movies, then went to places all by myself and did things that reminded me of the past.

AB: I always moved on. May mga anak na kasi ako. I don’t dwell on the past because in moving on you get the answer. It’s all in the past. Anything that’s not good, I leave it in the past.

EC: After a breakup? Got drunk and tried to forget everything that happened.

FT: I was 21 when I broke up with a girl because of a third party on her side. I cried myself to sleep for eight months— hagulgol talaga. And it even affected my studies.

Is Valentine’s Day overrated or does it deserve its special observance?

RG: It is overrated if you have to wait until then to express your love for someone. For that, everyday should be Valentine’s Day. As it is, on that special day, we should all exert extra effort to make the people around us feel loved.

AB: It is not overrated. It’s special for romantics and for people who really love each other.

EC: Feeling loved can never be overrated.

FT: While we may share love everyday, there should be at least one day that emphasizes nothing but love.

How do you keep your love life interesting and exciting?

RG: I meet new people without expecting to start a relationship. I let God write my love story.

AB: Be happy, don’t be choosy. My singing keeps me alive, as do my grandchildren, and mahjong with close friends. Keep good friends around, not plastic people.

FT: When she least expects it, I visit her at work. I send her roses for no special reason, I go shopping with her. I take her to fancy restaurants or on romatic getaways. Constant communication is very important. No matter how late I get home, she gets up open the bedroom door and we’ll cuddle and talk about anything and everything before we drift off to sleep. Everyday!

What, in your opinion, is the most uniquely written love song and why?

RG: “So High” by John Legend. There’s a line in that song that goes, “We’re so high … Walking on cloud 9 … ”

AB: Naku, marami … “Autumn Leaves,” “God Bless the Child” … When I sing a song, I sing it with my whole being.

FT: That would be our theme song, “My One and Only Love.” The lyrics are sheer poetry: “The very thought of you makes my heart sing like an April breeze on the winds of spring … and you appear in all your splendor, my one and only love…”

Why should we watch your concert?

RG: It’s a treat for everyone. All the people involved in this concert really worked hard to come up with great music, especially OPM. I myself couldn’t believe that I’m part of this show. It’s a dream come true to perform with Mr. Basil Valdez and The CompanY. This concert will take you to a different place in time.

AB: You won’t lose anything by watching me. This show is a small get-together, an intimate gathering with special people. Why do I sing the way I do? To me it’s Valentine’s Day everyday.

EC: Our show will illustrate how love songs bring back good memories. You will feel loved listening to my songs. You will realize how beautiful the lyrics are of the songs in my repertoire—“You Go To My Head,” “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “Insep’rable,” “So Many Stars,” and many more.

FT: For one very simple reason: It’s a show straight from the heart—no frills, no fancy costume, no special effects, just a bunch of people who love music expressing their feelings. It’s going to be love unadulterated.