‘70s icons to hold ‘#TandersLane’ concert in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Age has oftentimes become a punchline, but seasoned performers Rey Valera, Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga – all who have cemented themselves in the OPM hall of fame – are here to own this stage of their lives with a concept show unlike any other.

Presenting “#TandersLane,” the ‘70s icons alongside comedienne and actress Giselle Sanchez, give the term “tanders” (a play on the word “tanda,” meaning aged or old) a whole new meaning as these loud and proud old-schoolers are proof of the golden standard and have remained solid, celebrated artists throughout decades. In their “tanders” years, they are showing no signs of slowing down.

In a digital press conference with Cebu media, the trio, sans Zuñiga, shared that they are excited to show their pieces with a little theatrical spin. Based on the lyrics of Valera, Sison, and Zuñiga, “#TandersLane,” which will unfold at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on January 18, 2019, will revolve around a certain story. The rose among the thorns, “almost-tander” Giselle Sanchez, who embraces the inevitable and considers herself a fellow “tander” while looking as young and fit as ever at 43, will provide new antics that will surely get the tale going and the audience cracking up throughout the evening.

“Napaka-sarap mag-perform sa Cebu,” Valera shares. “Siguradong mag-e-enjoy kayo.”

Sanchez, a Cebuana with maternal roots in Basak, Pardo, has a lot of faith in her fellow performers’ legacy. She says that these men are no one-hit wonders.

“We’re talking about people who are hitmakers here,” quips Sanchez, who admits to being intimidated with working with not one but three OPM icons. She says that it’s such an honor to become part of “#TandersLane.”

Fans can look forward to Zuñiga’s timeless tunes like “Never Ever Say Goodbye,” “Kumusta Ka,” “Doon Lang” and “Love Without Time,” as well as go on a feels trip to Valera’s greatest hits including “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” “Maging Sino Ka Man,” “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako,” “Naaalala Ka,” and “Sorry Na, Puwede Ba,” among others, and even sing along to Sison’s beloved classics like “My Love Will See You Through,” “Si Aida, Si Lorna, O Si Fe,” “Always” and “Make Believe.”

While great singer-songwriters in their own right, Valera, Sison, and Zuñiga have no problem with showing a bit of their acting chops for “#TandersLane.” But ultimately, more than just a trip down memory lane through a jamming session, the show is about all the good things that come with age: the experiences, wisdom, learning to take things in stride and being proud of your stripes.

Valera, a mainstay judge in the “It’s Showtime” singing competition “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” says that he doesn’t get offended with comedian Vice Ganda’s wisecracks about the 64-year-old composer, saying that it’s all part of the show and the comedy. If anything, the jokes are meant to put the spotlight on him. Sison, on the other hand, doesn’t pretend to be “bagets” because, well, he’s not.

“Minsan ang edad, nagiging punchline. But I guess it’s okay to be getting old,” shrugs Sison, the youngest of the gentlemen at 61.

Indeed, their ages have never become restrictions for these performers, and if anything, encourages fellow “tanders” to never be ashamed of their years in life. Those precious times should not be something one is compelled to hide.

With their impact reaching listeners of all ages, this is a message they mean to share: while it’s good to relish your youth, the next step is to embrace age, time and the person that you are in each of these periods in your life.