How Tintin & Julius got ‘Sting-ed’

When Chris Botti and Sting perform at Resorts World Manila’s (RWM) Marriott Grand Ballroom on Thursday, March 3, it will mark the first time the two Grammy award-winning artists share the stage together on our shores. Although the two have performed solo in the country before, they certainly are no strangers to each other when it comes to live collaborations, having toured together on many occasions. In fact, Botti and Sting’s history extends far beyond what most people would expect.

“I certainly owe Sting most of my career for giving me my big breaks,” shared Botti. “In many ways, I have patterned my career after what I learned being around him for those two or three years on the ‘Brand New Day’ Tour. When I was in his band, he gave me so much exposure by doing solos with me and really promoted my career in a big-time way, but it was his urging that really made me and the opportunity to be his opening act throughout the world that really launched my career in a big-time way. He’s always been the biggest supporter and the best friend, and he’s like my big brother, really.”

For sure, among those eagerly watching the show are Julius Babao and his wife Christine “Tintin” Bersola, specifically for Sting, their idol. In an exclusive Funfare interview, the couple recalled how they got, well, “Sting-ed.”

Since when have you guys been a fan of Sting?

Julius: I have been a fan of Sting since his Police days. I collect all his albums.

Tintin: Since I heard the songs Every Breathe You Take and Fragile.

Who’s the bigger fan?

Julius: Me, definitely.

Tintin: Hands down, Julius is the Fan Boy!

Can you recall the moment when you first encountered the artist?

Julius: I interviewed Sting during his first visit to Manila in the 1990s for my morning show. I was so star-struck that I could not remember my questions. It was just so surreal to see your idol in front of you. You can never be prepared for moments like these.

Tintin: I interviewed Sting during his Manila visit…I have a photo to prove it, hehehe!!!...when I was an entertainment news anchor. Sting was wearing a black silk long-sleeved collared shirt which was see-through! And his smell,  I still remember the musky scent! And how he would look at you in the eye when you were asking questions. He was really listening. The thing is, if you ask me now, well, I don’t remember what his answers were! I don’t even remember my questions! Thank God, there’s this photo in my album and a signed ticket and sleeve to serve as proof that I did meet him!

What’s the thing that drew you towards him?

Tintin: His songs. His beautiful music and haunting lyrics. (Proceeds to sing) “On and on the rain will fall/Like tears from a star like tears from a star/On and on the rain will say/How fragile we are, how fragile we are.”

Julius: His songs are amazing. I remember listening to his first solo album Dream of The Blue Turtles, and it was so majestic. It was so different from his previous Police albums. When they made Synchronicity, Sting kinda prepared us on what to expect of his solo album. Wrapped Around Your Finger and King of Pain already had that Sting DNA in them. I can also relate to his persona. He is a renaissance man. He likes arts and culture just like I do.

Tintin: And Julius chose to take Yoga as a form of exercise because Sting is a yogi!

What are your favorite Sting song(s)?

Julius: Shape of My Heart, Fragile, Be Still My Beating Heart and August Winds.

Tintin: Fragile, Every Breath You Take, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Englishman in New York and Shape of My Heart. 

Do you have a favorite Sting moment?

Julius: Meeting him for the first time.

Tintin: Yep, same. Meeting and interviewing him. And seeing him in that see-through top, hehehe!

Do you collect Sting memorabilia?

Julius: I have all his books and all his albums.

Tintin: I leave the collecting to Julius. Anyway, it’s conjugal property, LOL.

What are the things you’ve done as a fan?

Julius: I watched all his Manila concerts and bought all his concert DVDs.

Tintin: And he is in my Spotify playlist. I follow him on Spotify.

I heard that Julius bought a dog, similar to what Sting owns.

Tintin: Ay grabe sinabi mo! And he proudly showed me all these pictures of Sting with his Irish Wolfhound.

Julius: That’s how much of a fan I am. I imported an Irish Wolfhound from Finland. I couldn’t find one in Manila so we bought it there. Sting and his wife Trudie are breeders of Irish Wolfhounds. I hope to buy a dog from them one day. (Paging Trudie!)

Sting has used his status as a worldwide celebrity to support certain advocacies, what of these do you share with him?

Julius: I fully support his advocacies on environment protection. We only have one earth. We must use our popularity to help save it.

Tintin: Same. I hope to have the chance to give Sting my children’s book, The Basura Monster.

Have you had another chance to meet Sting in person or seen one of his concerts?

Julius: Yes. But I don’t think he’ll remember me. I’ve seen all his concerts and they were awesome.

Tintin: This is the fourth time we are watching Sting perform in Manila. We hope to meet him again so I can ask him, “When can we visit your Tuscan Vineyard?”

Have you noticed any difference with the way he performed then and how he is now?

Julius: He’s still as good as before, though his music has matured through the years.

Tintin: His voice is still amazing!

What do you expect from Sting’s concert with Botti on March 3?

Julius: I think it will be a night of music and romance. Their music is perfect for lovers.

Tintin: I expect unforgettable moments onstage!!! #selfiewithSting.

How would you describe Sting to some of the younger lovers of music who failed to catch him at his prime?

Julius: He is an icon. A true artist and a legend. I don’t think there will be another like him. Everyone must watch a Sting concert.

Tintin: Sting’s music transcends the boundaries of musical eras and ages. It will be a shame not to listen to and love Sting’s music.

If you can tell Sting one thing, what would it be?

Julius: Every breath you take, every move you make I’ll be watching you!

Tintin: Can you compose a song titled Christine and make it as timeless as Roxanne? Can we sing a line from your song?

(Note: Tickets for Chris Botti with special guest Sting Up Close and Personal are now available at the Resorts World Manila Box Office [632] 908-8000 local 7700 and TicketWorld [632] 891-9999.)

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