After overcoming ‘challenges,’ Julie Anne grateful for chance to send ‘message of hope’ in Dubai concert

Julie Anne San Jose

While doing digital concerts and specials amid the pandemic has been a fulfilling experience for Julie Anne San Jose, being live onstage, she said, is still an entirely different experience. And on March 30, she will finally get the chance to sing in front of a huge crowd for the first time in two years at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

“We’re now in the digital age, and we have to adapt to it. But doing live shows and interacting with fans have a different impact,” Julie Anne said in a recent Zoom conference for her participation in the said international exhibition, which started last Oct. 2021 and will run until March 31, 2022.

Closer and stronger

“Personally, I feel more inspired to perform when there are people before you, listening to you. You see them appreciate your music and performances. That really gives you an adrenaline rush. So I really missed doing these kinds of events,” said the singer-actress, who plans to perform her original songs, covers and popular hits that will inspire the crowd to sing along with her.

As part of GMA Pinoy TV’s contingent at the expo, Julie Anne—along with other GMA artists Xian Lim and Jessica Villarubin—will perform at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Dubai Expo Grounds in the United Arab Emirates.

“This is our first to do a show this big in a while. There have been a lot of challenges along the way, but we’re grateful for this opportunity. We’re all looking forward to seeing our kababayan in Dubai. I know that there are lots of Filipinos there, many of us have friends or families there,” she said. “It has been a long time since we traveled abroad, too.”

The 27-year-old Kapuso star, who hosts “The Clash” is looking forward to performing with Jessica—the reality singing contest’s third season champion.

“I’m happy to be witnessing Jessica’s growth as an artist. She’s very kind, humble and she just keeps getting better. When we hear her sing in ‘All-Out Sundays,’ we’re like, ‘Uwi na tayo! Tapos na! Halimawan,’” she related. “Jessica deserves to perform in Dubai, and I know it will only expose her to a bigger audience.”

With the theme “#StrongerTogether,” GMA Pinoy TV’s concert in Dubai aims to share the message that Filipinos abroad—while separated by distance—“can draw strength from each other and still unite in facing the adversities in life.”

“It’s great to have a platform like this, something that brings us closer and stronger together. This sends a powerful message of hope for our fellow Filipinos. Despite everything we’ve been through, we remained resilient and held on to our faith. Those are qualities that set us apart,” she said.

Julie Anne previously did a live gig in Taguig City which will be featured in “Rise,” the third and final installment of her musical documentary special “Limitless.” It was an intimate affair with only limited attendees. But it’s heartening to see, she said, that the local live music scene is starting to open again, slowly and steadily.

“Things are getting better. Even if things are movingly slowly, at least there’s progress,” she pointed out. “I’m sure there will be more shows in the coming months.”

What else is she busy with? “The third installment of ‘Limitless’ will be shown next month. I have also been writing a lot of songs. I have a musical collaboration in the works, too, but I can’t reveal who I will be working with yet,” she said. “I’m excited.” INQ