Sharon keeps her word again

Sharon Cuneta’s willingness to share her life with her audience has brought joy to many for nearly 30 years. She has reached that point in her life when she can afford to sit back and bask in her accomplishments. And while they clearly miss seeing her more often, her followers seem prepared to allow her to do just that. Stay home, enjoy her family and make occasional appearances. Well and good. The only problem is the entertainer in the Megastar who refuses to do so.

That is why Sharon has decided to once more do the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, Feb. 12. It has been quite a while since she last performed in a concert. That was her 25th anniversary show, also at the Big Dome in 2002. It has been even longer since she last did a Valentine show. I do not recall the date anymore but it was a two-night dinner show at the Philippine Plaza some years ago. So with My Mega Valentine, Sharon recalls these two events together by returning to the Araneta for Valentine’s.

As any entertainer will surely tell you, a concert at the Araneta which can sit nearly 20,000 people gawking at you and maybe waiting for you to fall flat on your face, is anything but easy. More so in Sharon’s case as she has taken some years off to play wife and mother and makes only occasional performances. But while she loves her private roles, she also loves singing as much and has vowed that she will be in excellent form for this particular concert.

Easy to do as far as her voice is concerned, which sounds even better now that she has been off smoking for several years. Hard to do because she also decided this is the right time for her to get rid of the excess poundage. Her fans expect only the best from her and that includes not only sounding but also looking her most beautiful.

Sharon is known as somebody who keeps her word. She makes good on her promises. The pounds are off and still falling off and she is ecstatic over the results. The enthusiasm has carried over to her singing. Would you believe that while in the middle of rehearsals and promo work for her concert, she has also found time to start recording a new album of love songs? Her followers and anybody who enjoys beautiful music are assured of a special treat next Sunday.

Because My Mega Valentine will also present a 40-year-old Sharon for the first time to the public, old and new has been chosen as the theme of the show. This is carried in the line-up of songs that will surely include Sharon standards listeners cannot seem to get enough of like Pangarap Na Bituin, Bituing Walang Ningning, Sana’y Maghintay Ang Walang Hanggan, Ikaw, Sana’y Wala ng Wakas and many others that were originally composed for the Megastar.

The old as far as her guests go are her old friends. Kuh Ledesma, because although they have known each other since Sharon was 13, they have never performed together in a concert and the guy she refers to as her eternal crush, favorite leading man and now her singing partner Christopher de Leon. As for the new, there are Christian Bautista and harpist Noelle Cassandra plus of course, new songs and a lovely new figure for Sharon.

My Mega Valentine is presented by Lady’s Choice Mayonnaise in cooperation with McDonald’s ABS-CBN, Bar One of Holiday Inn, Galleria and Sony-BMG Music Entertainment. Tickets are available at Ticketnet outlets (911-5555) and at Artist House (817-4660 or 816-2496).

Mga Awit-Pelikula ni Christopher de Leon

Speaking of Christopher de Leon, the much-awarded actor ventures into recording with the release of Mga Awit-Pelikula ni Christopher de Leon. He performs theme songs from some of his popular movies in his first solo album, including Bituing Walang Ningning, Sisikat Din Ako, Iduyan Mo, Hanggang Sinasamba Kita, and a duet of Sana’y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan with Sharon, among others.

Christopher will launch his album with a special performance on GMA 7’s S.O.P. this Sunday, Feb. 5. This will be followed by a showcase at the Podium in Ortigas Center on Wednesday, Feb. 8.