Not your usual Valentine show

MANILA, Philippines - Nope, this is not an advertisement for animal rights welfare group PETA. This is a promo for a Valentine concert — but not your usual Valentine concert.

Bring together a double duo of the country’s top talents from competing networks — two alpha males and two femme bots and what do you have? “Groovin’ Love,” a Valentine’s dance party like no other, headlined by pop/R&B sensation Billy Crawford back-to-back with Prince of R&B JayR, together with R&B sirens Kyla and Nikki Gil — -that’s three mentions of R&B in one sentence, so that means a whole lotta R&B! 

 And it happens next Sunday the 14th, Valentine’s Day. Bring your lovers and your loved ones — it’ll be lucky for you since that date happens to be Chinese New Year!

“It’ll be a Valentine’s Day dance party like no other,” Billy assures me over Coke Zero and fries at Pix Republic Studio while ace lensman Ramon Mangila was shooting a bird, oh, I meant Kyla. “We’re setting it up differently, with bars on the VIP areas so people can feel free to drink and dance with the whole party vibe going on,” explains JayR, who sounds really excited for this foursome ... of a concert party.

 We all know how electrifying a performer each one in this quartet is — they are all major stars from competing networks who have achieved great success individually and now have decided to join forces for a rare, must-see event which aims to be the “perfect shindig for coosome twosomes, and the best antidote for the loveless and lovelorn.” Yay! You see, Valentine’s Day does not have to be a mush fest of recycled acts from our forefather’s era — hooray to the four! So while the rest of the world will flock to see the oldies but goodies in the other sides of the world, hop onto this R&B ride — I’m sure it’ll be worth the trip.

 Watching the two leading men of this V Day show, one can’t help but see their bond. “I’m only gonna take my shirt off if Billy takes his shirt off, too,” says JayR to stylist RCXY. All throughout the shoot, they were like kid brothers joking around. Yup, they’re brothers alright — soul brothers. They actually remind me of Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano when they’re together, with Billy being the more bibo one (Martin) and JayR the more suave of the two (Gary). In between takes, Billy would run over to give Nikki a tight hug, and Kyla, R&B princess, looks at them and smiles.

Jay-R and Billy couldn’t be more elated about their V-Day tandem. “This is one of those rare times that we’re headlining a show together,” says Billy. ”And having Nikki and Kyla along for the ride makes it even worth the ticket.” Jay-R adds, “It’s definitely for the young crowd, kinda like a club scene, where everyone can party while the concert’s happening.” 

“Groovin’ Love” will be held on February 14 at the SMX Convention Center Halls 3 and 4. For ticket inquiries, call 637-7016.  Showtime is 8 p.m.

BILLY CRAWFORD

Valentine’s Day should be all about ... Love and fun.

My most unforgettable Valentine’s ... With the one I love on a yacht, with dinner and wine.

This Feb. 14, I will ... Be performing with my girl and friends.

My Valentine’s soundtrack consists of ... Musiq Soulchild, Robin Thicke, and Brian McKnight

My best love advice is ... Don’t always follow your heart. Think about what you’re getting into before diving in.

Define love ... It changes you.

I love ... God. Life, I love loving my special someone, I love my friends, my family, and my job.

JAY-R

Valentine’s Day should be all about ... A day that reminds people to spread love every day.

My most unforgettable Valentine’s ... Would be when I was in elementary school, I would write personal messages to each one of my classmates.

This Feb. 14, I will ... Spread music and joy to couples and singles.

My Valentine’s soundtrack consists of ... Slow songs like Always and Forever, I Can’t Wait Another Minute and Sweetest Love.

My best love advice is ... To stay patient and always put yourself in your loved one’s shoes. Communication is key.

Define love ... Deep affection and warm feeling for another.

I love ... My friend, my family, dogs, and my music.

KYLA

Valentine’s Day should be all about ... Celebrating love and spending time with the special people in your life.

My most unforgettable Valentine’s ... It was five years ago when I had a concert. And my boyfriend (who was still courting me at that time) watched me and in the middle of my number, he stood up showing his shirt with my picture on it, saying, “I love you.”

This Feb. 14, I will ... Be performing with Jay-R, Billy Crawford, and Nikki Gil in a concert.

My Valentine’s soundtrack consists of ... I don’t really have a Valentine’s soundtrack.

My best love advice is ...  To always be true to yourself and your boyfriend. Don’t expect too much and enjoy being in a relationship.

Define love ... Love is a feeling of deep affection for a parent, friend or a special someone.

I love ... My family, my boyfriend and friends.

NIKKI GIL

Valentine’s Day should be all about ... Gifts! Kidding. Love — all kinds of love. Romantic love, familial love, puppy love, etc.

My most unforgettable Valentine’s ... Last year, my special someone rented a yacht for the evening. When I got there, a candlelit dinner was prepared.

This Feb. 14, I will ... Be spending Valentine’s Day with hundreds of other people

My Valentine’s soundtrack consists of ...  It used to be One Last Cry by Brian Mcknight, Someday by Nina, and I Never Really Loved You Anyway by The Corrs. Now, Love by Musiq Soulchild, Sweetest Love by Robin Thicke, and I Wanna Know by Joe.

My best love advice is ... Strike that balance between following your heart and your mind

Define love ... Love is wanting to see your partner grow, wanting to see him fulfill his dreams even if it means sacrificing from your end

I love ... Love. I love being in love. I love getting hurt and learning from love. I love thinking of new ways to express my love.

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Share the love, feel the groove. Follow me at twitter.com/iamtimyap.