Bocelli unaugurates Big Dome’s StarWalk

Mere mention of the name Andrea Bocelli brings back memories of the magical evening of April 30, when the Italian-born tenor enthralled audience at the Araneta Coliseum.

His memorable performance was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Araneta Coliseum, with its rich tradition of showcasing only the best events, decided to honor and immortalize such a performance from such great names. In view of this, the Araneta Coliseum recently awarded Bocelli the very first spot in its new StarWalk.

The world-renowned tenor was present to inaugurate his medallion of honor, with him was the woman responsible for his performance in the Philippines, philanthropist and opera aficionado Rosemarie "Baby" Arenas. The medallion is a 33-inch diameter marker with Bocelli’s name and the date of performance carved in metal and imbedded on stone, a testament to a performance that will echo throughout the annals of the Araneta Coliseum’s 44-year history.

The StarWalk is the Philippines’ version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hong Kong Avenue of Stars. Plans are being finalized to set up a museum that will feature memorabilia from other performers and events that have made a special impression at the Big Dome.

Among the other prominent names in Coliseum history who are candidates for the StarWalk are: Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier; Pope John Paul II; Nat King Cole; The Everly Brothers; The Lettermen; Santana; Dave Clark Five; Patti Page; Neil Sedaka; Julio Iglesias; Burt Bacharach; Shaquille O’Neal; Kobe Bryant; Ervin "Magic" Johnson; Johnny Mathis; Thalia; Andy Williams; Rod Stewart, Ricky Martin and Menudo; Matt Monro; the Harlem Globetrotters; Pat Boone; Paul Anka; Bobby Fisher; Manhattan Transfer; Eric Clapton; The Platters; Follies Bergere; Mandy Moore; David Gates; Pilita Corrales; Elgin Baylor; Sharon Cuneta; Martin Nievera; Gabriel "Flash" Elorde; Gary Valenciano; The Searchers; and many others.

The creation of the StarWalk manifests the unwavering reputation of the Araneta Coliseum as the pioneering stalwart in Philippine sports and entertainment. Through the years, it has evolved from a mere amusement venue into a landmark and a socio-cultural icon.

True enough, Bocelli’s Manila performance lived up to the hype. Arenas’ decision to hold the event at the Big Dome was sheer genius, as the Patron section and the bleachers were filled to the brim. The Green Gate lobby was transformed to a posh elegant gathering of the who’s who in Philippine society. Visitors ranged from diplomats, celebrities, business tycoons, and even political personalities who graced the red carpet entrance set up for the night, with the inaugural Bocelli star in plain view.

Inside, everyone was in awe. As one journalist said, you could hear a pin drop even with the sea of humanity present that night. The silence amazing. The tenor treated the audience to a heavenly repertoire of operatic arias, delivered in masterful fashion. His voice was enhanced with the Coliseum’s excellent acoustic and sound configuration. From the front row all the way to the top, the experience and the emotion was no different.

On the way out, concert goers got a glance of the soon-to-open Gateway Mall that will connect to the Coliseum. The new mall will make future events such as this more accessible with connections to the LRT2 and the Farmer’s Plaza which connects to MRT3.

The public can expect to see more world-class events with maximum convenience at the Araneta Coliseum.