Being Christian Bautista

CHRISTIAN Bautista meets the media at the premiere of “A Special Symphony,” now showing in theaters.

Christian Bautista flew in from Singapore and was facing a very tight schedule. The Manila premiere of “A Special Symphony” was crucial; it is the singer/actor’s first lead role in a film, an Indonesian production. To come home, he was pulled away from the Singaporean TV production “Kitchen Musical,” which features him with Karylle, Art Acuña and several other Filipinos.

Living Stars was with Christian for more than 12 hours on Sunday, July 31, covering a media and mall tour that included guest appearances on Jam 88.3, Love Radio 90.7 and “The Buzz” on ABS-CBN.

9 a.m.

A Black Fleet pulls up in front of Strata 2000 in Ortigas Center. We’re off to an interview with DJ Miggs of Jam 88.3. With Christian is Maribeth, most famous Filipino recording artist in Indonesia, who plays his aunt in the movie.

The interview is jovial.

10 a.m.

JO AND Ebert Bautista, Christian Bautista, Indonesian envoy Kristiarto Legowo, Nation Pictures managing director Delon Tio, Indonesia-based Pinay singer Maribeth and Starlink Asia managing director Shirley Tayer-Calibara

Enroute to Aliw Theater, Christian serves as tourist guide for some Indonesian guests. Inside Aliw, he points out Manila  on a map in the lobby.

He gives radio DJ/entertainment reporter Morly Alinio a bear hug. Christian is interviewed on dzRH and Love Radio 90.7 by Morly and Chris Tsuper, and by Mrs. Kumpletos Recados for rhTV.

2:30 p.m.

We’re on a second mall appearance, at SM North Edsa. In front of the stage are kids from World Vision and Autism Society of the Philippines, two organizations that Christian supports.

In “A Special Symphony,” he is a musician who becomes a teacher of special children. Maribeth sings John Lennon’s “Imagine.” It is one of the songs performed by the students in the movie. When Christian takes the mic, the music that comes on is not a minus one; it has his vocals. He stops and jests, “Take 2!”

He could have just lip-synched so he could rest his voice. Instead, he insists on the minus one and gives it his all. The song, “I’m Already King,” is one that he co-wrote for the movie. It is also one of the tracks on his new CD, “OPM Love Songs.” While singing, he goes down the stage and hugs some kids.

CHRISTIAN Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go

4:40 p.m.

On “The Buzz,” Charlene Gonzalez-Muhlach asks Christian about his mom’s bout with cancer. Christian says his mom has recovered. Charlene asks about Rachelle Ann Go—are they getting back together, now that she’s broken up with John Prats? Christian hints that it is possible… in the future.

6 p.m.

We are approaching Robinson’s Galleria, where the premiere will be held. Everyone in the group is tired and hungry. But, Christian informs the organizers that he is attending church services at Victory Christian Fellowship first.

8:30 p.m.

The cinema lobby is filled with reporters, photographers, movie critics. Christian is nowhere in sight. Celebs turn up—Cristalle Henares, KC Concepcion, Miriam Quiambao, Mark Bautista…  Christian arrives just in time to welcome Indonesian Ambassador Kristiarto Legowo and his wife Caecilia. Cameras flash.

PDI Learning editor Chelo Banal-Formoso, chef Jessie Sincioco, National Bookstore founder Socorro Ramos, Martin Nievera

11 p.m.

The crowd applauds when the credits roll. Martin Nievera is seen walking out of the theater, smiling. Rachelle Ann Go congratulates Christian. Apparently she sneaked in unnoticed and avoided the fans and media! Christian’s brother Joshua and mother Jo are happy to see Rachelle. Fans stroll by, singing the movie theme, “No one can take my faith away… flying to the sky, higher and higher, I’m already king, I’ve reached my desire… ’cause I’m with you.”

Photos by Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista, Contributor