World-class vocal showdown this October

MANILA, Philippines - Two highly-anticipated concerts this month feature some of the most distinctive and powerful voices in town. The first, a come-together affair of the most recognized talents from The Voice of the Philippines; the second, a gathering of the most lauded competitors in various singing contests, led by one who won not a particular title, but the privilege of fronting an internationally-acclaimed pop-rock group.

Happening today is One Voice which gathers The Voice alumni Klarisse de Guzman, Juan Karlos Labajo and Jason Dy in one stage: Music Museum. The venue is where performers are booked because they’re proven talents and intimate audiences get the guarantee of satisfaction.

Produced by Hills and Dreams, spearheaded by a dynamic risk-taker named Vernice Soyangco, One Voice is the first major concert involving the three who are all doing well in their separate exploits.

Klarisse finished runner-up during the first season of The Voice, but there is no denying she’s gotten to the top of the heap and the bubble won’t burst anytime yet. She staged her first solo concert in August 2014.

Chatting with The STAR, Klarisse noted, “We all feel challenged and excited because the audience will expect us to harmonize on stage while at the same time make sure that our individuality comes off once the spotlight is on.”

Vernice has produced concerts the past few years and One Voice is special because of the pool of talents and the strong following all three have. Fan base is a usual concern for her to determine if an artist has what it takes to get in the crowd.

“This line-up is strong and putting them together allows them to go out of the box and showcase something in them that they do not usually put on display,” Vernice said.

One Voice, set tonight at 8, is under the direction of Frank Lloyd Mamaril who welcomes the familiarity that goes between his style and that of the producer’s approach. Obviously, it is not the first time they’ve collaborated.

Talking about familiarity, music fans have accustomed themselves to the serenading nature of Jason’s voice — a detail that helped him win the second season of The Voice. He was a crowd favorite during that run and continues to be after it.

So does the youngest in the trio, Juan Karlos whose success goes beyond singing. He has appeared in ABS-CBN soaps Hawak Kamay and Pangako Sa’yo. His good looks, passable acting chops and the fact that he’s the bet for the youngest of fans make for effective add-ons to his already emphatic singing.

With musical director Marvin Querido on board, One Voice promises to be a showcase that should make this month sound extra promising.   

By the time the concert aptly billed Powerhouse happens on Oct. 28, the month is about to conclude into the Halloween night. Just imagining the combination of Pinoy singers appearing at The Theatre of Solaire Resort & Casino that night (beginning 7:30 p.m.), the scare is delightfully reverberating.

The gang of world-class performers collectively labeled Powerhouse is led by Arnel Pineda whose soaring vocals put the brilliance of Filipino in stadium rock. He has been wowing crowds the world over with his Steve Perry-like vocals. Whether he’s in Las Vegas or Chile, audiences cheer as if to say Perry is still around for Journey after all.

Comprising the strong support cast built around Arnel are Your Face Sounds Familiar second placer Michael Pangilinan, rising diva Morissette and X-Factor UK finalist 4th Impact. As if that isn’t enough an arsenal, ABS-CBN’s Jap-Pinoy Star Quest Mayumi and T.O.M.S Band will also join the group.

Promoter Lucky 7 Koi Productions, Inc. put up by a group of industry veterans, sent out a strong message that it is primed at delivering the public world-class talents in its concert projects. “It’s a musical showdown of world-class performers. What more can be said about that,” said its spokeswoman.

At the press conference to promote the show, hosted by Jobert Sucaldito and held also at Solaire, Michael and Morissette gave media attendees and lucky spectators a dose of what to expect. They gave more than what was hoped and it was appreciated through the long, loud applause.

(For both concerts, call Ticketworld at 891-9999.)