It has now been 30 years since the then 12-year-old Sharon Cuneta ventured into recording. And she is celebrating with a concert titled Megathirty at the Araneta Coliseum tonight. Her last outing at the Big Dome in February, 2007 was a success so the audience can count on this one to be truly enjoyable.
Because this is an anniversary show the Megastar has surrounded herself with people close to her to help her entertain her fans. Guesting are friends Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera and her daughter KC Concepcion. KC started performing in her mother’s shows some years ago. Megathirty marks her first appearance as a full-fledged singing star.
Johnny Manahan who directed her recent concerts is in charge of direction for TV. Louie Ocampo, whom she has known since they sang Ewan together is once more her musical director and arranger. Choreographer is Douglas Nierras who did the same for her very first concert.
Then there is Rowell Santiago, the actor/director is another close friend and colleague of many years. He also directed The Megaconcert at the Cuneta Astrodome some years ago, which I believe is still Sharon’s best to date. There is every chance that Megathirty will change that.
Now I do not know what songs Sharon will perform in Megathirty. It would be impossible to cover everything she recorded during the past three decades. She might not even be able to do 30 of her hits. But no matter, whether she gets to sing them or not, here is a list of my favorite Sharon songs.
1. Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko — a little ditty that Rey Valera wrote early in Sharon’s career. I see it as her song for her fans, most especially those who have generously supported her all these years.
2. Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas — this Willy Cruz composition is unofficially, Sharon’s theme. It is also the Viva theme song. Nobody decreed this to be so. It just happened and is a testimony to how closely intertwined Viva and Sharon were in the past.
3. Bituing Walang Ningning — Inspired by the komiks novel of the same title, it is about how a woman gave up success to be with the man she loves. Highly unlikely this will happen with Sharon but if you want to hear her perfect vocals, then this is the song.
4. Pangarap Na Bituin — It is understandable that every aspiring singer wants to sing this song about the hard climb to stardom. But it will always be Sharon’s because she fulfilled the dream beyond all expectations.
5. Maging Sino Ka Man — This is the best example of how Sharon could take any song and make it her own. She also chose this cover of a Valera song as the theme for her first movie with Robin Padilla.
6. The Promise — live or recorded, this is a song that Sharon does very well. Maybe it is because ever the romantic, she honestly believes in her heart the message of the song. I promise you I’ll never say goodbye.
7. Tubig at Langis and Init Sa Magdamag — This two songs about illicit love are mentioned together because they show Sharon’s amazing depth of feeling and intelligence. She recorded Langis when she was 14 and Init when she was 17.
8. Mr. DJ — The Valera composition that made her a star and always and ever the song that evokes memories of the 13-year-old Sharon.
9. Ikaw — George Canseco wrote the lyrics to this Ocampo composition. He refused to have it recorded despite numerous requests from other singers and only changed his mind when Sharon asked for it. Ikaw became one of her signature songs.
10. To Love Again — This Odette Quesada song presents Sharon, the pop singer. It remains as current and as trendy as when she first sang it in 1983.
11. Both Sides Now — Because every girl singer worth her salt should get a crack at this song and Sharon came up with a beautiful version.
12. Hagkan and Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo — I think of these two as quiet, introspective songs. One is by Ocampo when Sharon was 14 and the other by Valera when she was 24. I hear the actress who is able to involve the listener with her emotions in both.
13. I-Swing Mo Ako — Because Sharon singing dance is such a rarity and this song helps to remind people that nag-swing din sya, once upon a time.
Years from now, when the images have faded and have became just cherished memories, here are the sounds that for me will bring back the sweet Sharon feeling.