Anywhere We Sing is Home: A showcase of outstanding theater talents

The concert titled Anywhere We Sing is Home at the Samsung Theater is an experience that transcends video recordings. It’s not just because phone recording isn’t allowed, it’s because words can better convey the incredible journey it offers.

The 54th anniversary of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) was celebrated in grand style, featuring outstanding theater talents accompanied by the prestigious Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

What made the evening truly special was the heartwarming moment when NAFM musical director-conductor, National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, passed the baton to his son Toma Cayabyab during the Rama Hari segment, evoking smiles in the audience.

Leading the way was the celebrated Filipina pride of the West End, Joanna Ampil, whose impressive repertoire based on her body of work, including Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Sound of Music, Cats and South Pacific, formed the backbone of the night’s performances.

West End star Joanna Ampil, who anchors the gala with show-stopping finesse and is a genuine Filipino gem to be proud of.

Joanna was in her element, delivering show-stopping tunes — As If We Never Said Goodbye, Don’t Rain On My Parade, I Don’t Know How To Love Him, I Dreamed A Dream and Memory — with a distinct quality honed over 30 years.

The event was supported by equally exceptional performers like Aicelle Santos-Zambrano, whose rendition of Narito Ako showcased her vocal prowess, even at six months pregnant, and Sheila Francisco, whose passion-driven Gypsy medley demonstrated her undeniable professionalism.

Arman Ferrer’s Awit Ni Isagani certainly marked him as the rising male lead star of Philippine Musical Theater.

Sheila Francisco at her best as Rose in a passion-driven, Gypsy Musical Medley.

Gab Pangilinan surprised and impressed, proving her versatility in Mag Balik Ka Na Mahal from RamaHari with crystal-clear, brilliant tones.

Reb Atadero’s rendition of Being Alive was emotionally compelling and confident.

Gerald Santos, vocally brilliant and consistent, brought a thrilling presence to the concert stage once again. His growth as an artist since his Pinoy Pop Superstar days is evident both in what you hear and see.

Kudos to show director Floy Quintos (who, by the way, was the first concert director of yours truly at the Folk Arts in 1988) and line producer-talent manager Noel Ferrer.