Xian into 1st solo live show

MANILA, Philippines – “The feeling is high and it’s mixed emotions.” That was Xian Lim speaking about his first solo concert titled A Date With Xian on July 9, 8 p.m. at the Kia Theater in a recent presscon.

Prior to it, Xian did sell tickets at the Kia booth. “It boosted my morale as ticket buyers would encourage me, saying, ‘Kaya mo yan.’ Simple gestures like that ay nagpapalakas ng loob ko, especially now that the concert date is near or the show is days away.” As Xian put it, everything now is sinking in, and he has to put up a good show for fans and showbiz watchers. 

Since it’s his debut venture into the live solo performance, Xian is not spared from, you know, first-time jitters.

“Nandyan pa rin yung halong kaba na parang ‘Can I do it?’” the handsome performer said. “Nandun yung tanong na siyempre kaya ko ba? Yung requirement na kailangan ng concert. Pero ngayong papalapit na (ang concert) I can say we have a show.” 

A Date with Xian is a wish granted for the Kapamilya star because “I’ve wanted to have a (solo) show before... When the Star Events gave me the opportunity, I just grabbed it. I didn’t think twice. OK na ito, ito na yun. Kumbaga, this is it.”

Asked about how hands-on he is when it comes to the show’s nitty-gritty, Xian replied, “(The conceptualization) started last year. Before The Story of Us began (taping), we were conceptualizing it. The title then was Must Date Xian. Then (it) eventually became A Date With Xian. As for the list of songs, I had ideas that I wanted to do and Star Records also pitched in ideas. And also my director, whom I requested, Alco Guerrero, (was there) to help us out with the concert. When he was onboard, he got Chino David from Silent Sanctuary. They told me we would weave this concert based on how (or who) you are.”

Although the concert is showcasing Xian’s musical talents, he will surprise everyone by going out of his comfort zone.

“Gusto kong makita nila na wala si Xian sa comfort zone,” he said. “Isa rin yan sa mga gusto kong take-away nila (the audience). Ibang-ibang Xian and he took that chance na umalis dun sa comfort zone niya… I think they haven’t seen me fully performing on stage. They usually see me in a solo number or (in a number) with other artists. This time, I’m involved in the entire show, which is roughly two hours or more. I’m out of the comfort zone. I want this (show) to be very personal. That’s why we (chose) the title A Date With Xian. I want to bond with them. I want to have audience interaction. I want them to feel the appreciation I have for them. You know for the years they have supported me.”

Going out of Xian’s comfort zone could also mean him bringing his dancing shoes and proving that he’s more than just the piano-guitar playing guy. “Ang dami na pong dance lessons. Madami, dami na rin. I’m very excited about the dance segment. For sure, I will bring something new (another musical instruments) to surprise the fans, may mga iba akong dadalhin dito. We have a grand piano in the middle. We’re gonna play classical music with the Philharmonic. I’m very excited about it. There will be ballad and rock (songs).”

If that seems a full detail of what fans can expect from Xian as a concert artist, it is just a sneak peek and we’ve just scratched the surface.

“(Looking at) the list of guest performers, you’ll get a feel of the concert,” he said. “There’s Abra, Morissette (Amon), Dawn Chang, Richard Poon, and of course, Kim (Chiu). The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra is joining us.”

Concertgoers are in for an eclectic kind of entertainment — from rap to pop, dance to big-band, from mainstream to classic.

How did Xian prepare for this musical treat for fans? According to him, he began playing the keyboards in-between takes of The Story of Us. As soon as his primetime teleserye wrapped up, Xian went to rehearsals for his show. This was interrupted shortly when he got sick recently, but Xian is back — and ready to take this challenge and development in his career. If this becomes a success, as everyone wishes it to be, Xian will perhaps follow it up with another personal show at Smart Araneta, which is a few blocks away from Kia.

(Tickets to A Date With Xian are priced at P3,710, VIP Section; P3,180, Orchestra A; P2,650, Orchestra B; P1,400, Loge; and P800, Balcony. For ticket inquiries, log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/starrecordsphil or follow @starrecordsph on Twitter and @starmusicph on Instagram.)