Like their folks, but with a twist

FROM left: Robin Nievera, Karylle, Paolo Valenciano, Isabella photo: FROM KARYLLE’S INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

I IMMENSELY enjoyed watching “Next Attraction: The Repeat” at the Music Museum.

Karylle, Isabella, Paolo Valenciano and Robin Nievera were in their element. Their rapport on stage was not put-on. The four “gen next” artists radiated good vibes. You could tell they were driven to give the show their all.

I could not help feeling nostalgic as I watched Robin perform. I used to attend his kiddie birthday parties.

I told his mom Pops Fernandez, the show’s producer, how our kids, as well as our friendship, had grown. I also told her that “Next Attraction” was ready for a nationwide tour.

The performers did not try to upstage each other. K, Izy, Pao and Rob had their own moments to shine. Their banter was spontaneous.

Everything from the laid-back set to the mood lighting and repertoire spelled coolness. In today’s parlance, “Lakas maka-bagets ng concert nila!”

The “fierce four” wowed the crowd even more when they sang their own compositions. They showed that there was really more to them than just being the offspring of OPM icons.

The cute daughter of Jessa and Dingdong Avanzado, Jayda, and Homer Flores’ daughter Hanna performed a number with the four stars. The young girls were quite impressive. Music was obviously in their genes, too.

My favorite part of the show was when the four artists paid tribute to their celebrity parents, Pops Fernandez and Martin Nievera (Robin), Gary Valenciano (Paolo), Kuh Ledesma (Isabella) and Zsa Zsa Padilla (Karylle), by singing some of their parents’ hit songs.

The young artists almost sounded like their folks, but with a twist.

Bravo to the hip four! They are not out to dethrone their parents, who are OPM greats. K, Iz, Pao and Rob are creating their own music kingdom.

Overdue break

ALDEN Richards is humble and accommodating.

Very few celebrities are more deserving of success than Alden Richards. He is such a humble and down-to-earth guy.

I am happy that he finally got his long overdue break via his phenomenal love team with Yaya Dub in Eat Bulaga’s “Kalyeserye.” The pair is now known as “AlDub.”

I remember Alden to be very accommodating when I interviewed him in Bacolod during GMA 7’s Masskara festivities last year.

After I posted my picture with Alden on my Facebook wall, Aga Muhlach commented: “Very nice guy. Happiest for him!” I told Aga he and Alden had a striking resemblance.

Ahh! That killer bedimpled smile of “A and A” (Aga and Alden).

Fame has not made Alden forget his humble beginnings. He still goes home to Laguna when his schedule permits. Hopefully, he will bring Yaya Dub to meet his family one day.

AlDub is our noontime kilig “provider.” When, oh when, will they have an upclose and personal encounter?

As the suspense builds up, let us remember that even if Alden and Yaya Dub don’t have a “happy ever after,” it doesn’t mean that their kalyeserye was not a love story.

Meeting Mama Nena

It was such a joy to see my “second mom,” Amalia Fuentes, at our favorite parlor, Oskee Cabeltis Salon (Boni Avenue, beside Club Mwah).

It has been five months since her unica hija, my kumare Liezl Martinez, passed away. There’s still so much sadness in Mama Nena’s eyes. I wished I had a magic wand to make the pain disappear. As I listened to Mama pour her heart out, it felt like Liezl was the one talking because they were like clones.

Mama Nena is turning a year fiercer on Aug. 27 and, if plans push through, she will spend her natal day in London.

If I could gift wrap inner peace, I would hand loads of it to Mama Nena. May her beautiful memories of Liezl comfort her until she gets to the point where remembering will be without pain.

Candid chats

It was fun chatting with my good friends Ricky Davao and Willie Revillame at the birthday bash of Aga Muhlach. I’m sharing some of their insights:

Willie: If a show is really exceptional, it doesn’t matter what channel it is on. If it stands out, it will rate regardless of the network that airs it.

Ricky: There are actors who shine in some movies yet fail in others. Not all actors can tackle every role given to them. There are actors suited for specific roles. Actors must know their forte.