Christian Bautista
Christian Bautista has taken part in various benefit online shows and put out inspirational songs since the country was put on lockdown last March. But we can’t stop just yet, he said, because many Filipinos are still in need of care and assistance.
“We didn’t know what to do the first few months … everyone was affected. Come June, July and August, we tried our best to get our bearings. But helping shouldn’t stop now,” the balladeer said in a recent virtual press conference for World Vision’s fundraising concert, “One Voice for Children” on Aug. 29.
“There are already a lot of people who need help, even before the COVID-19 pandemic happened. What more now?”
But what’s especially heartening to see, Christian said, are music artists banding together for a common cause and working tirelessly for their advocacies and charitable activities in these times.
“We’re one. The good thing about these fund drives is that we see so many different artists doing their part. It doesn’t matter if young or old, a newbie or a legend. We can’t be tired, even if we are,” stressed Christian, who will be joined onstage by seasoned singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid and R&B-hip-hop artist Quest to raise money for children in vulnerable sectors.
While the pandemic has affected everyone’s lives in one way or another, some of us, the 38-year-old singer pointed out, still lead more comfortable lives.
“As I think about what we’re doing, I realize that we have internet connection, lights, electric fans or air conditioners. But there are some communities who really have nothing,” he said.
“These are hard times indeed. But here we are, still doing our best to move forward, trying our best to gather some strength, or making do with what we have left. We hope to encourage other families or people, who may still have something to give,” he added.
Christian believes that it’s crucial, now more than ever, for celebrities to use their influence beyond entertainment. “It has to be part of our identities. To be an ambassador for any organization or corporation, you have to be vetted. And as imperfect as we are, we do our best to still stand up and promote and encourage goodness,” he said.
Because live performances are still prohibited, social media is pretty much the only thing that allows artists to connect with their audiences. And though it has its advantages, performing alone in front of a phone or small camera can be quite challenging.
“Sometimes, you just wish you could stand up, walk onstage and make personal connections, because now, we’re stuck in front of a camera. I’m not a dancer but I want to move, stage left and stage right. I want to be able to see people in front of me and at the back,” he related.
“You can get the right equipment. But the energy you give the people and give back to you—it’s not there.”
Christian doesn’t consider himself a songwriter. But once in a while, inspiration strikes, which help him come up with his own material. But the extra time at home has allowed him to explore this side of him as a music artist.
Christian’s latest single, “We Are Here,” is his own composition. Recorded with Indonesian singer Delon, the uplifting ballad talks about a friendship that knows no bounds, especially in times of hardship.”
“The inspiration behind this song is definitely for us to be hopeful and strong even if we’re experiencing this; to come together and tell each other that we’re here for each other,” he related. “I don’t consider myself a prolific songwriter. When it happens it happens. And I’m just glad it happened for this song.”
“A lot of beautiful inspirational songs have been put out during the lockdown, and there will be more,” he added. “Artists will continue singing, creating and inspiring.”