Nha Trang’s 4,000-seater stadium was filled to capacity with screaming fans as Carlo opened the show with a popular Vietnamese song, Pho Bien (peaceful sky). The imagery created with the song being sung on a battleship-shaped stage is more than symbolic. After a long history of embattled resistance, the socialist country’s move to bring in more foreign artists is perhaps a genuine sign of doi moi – economic and cultural renovation – in action.
Carlo performed two other numbers on Friendship Melody – an English version of Freddie Aguilar’s Anak, which is hugely popular in Vietnam, sung as a duet with Hong Ngoc; and the uplifting Go The Distance from the Disney animated movie Hercules.
Carlo was with theater colleague and fellow Genesis talent, Pam G. A regular frontliner at Gary V. concerts, Pam G wowed the audience with her edgy moves and natural R&B stylings. She sang I Believe I Can Fly, as well as a Latin number with Hong Ngoc.
Carlo is proud to be part of Vietnam’s new cultural reform. "It’s an exciting time for Vietnam, and it feels great to somehow be able to open doors for Filipino entertainers as well," he says. It all began last December when Carlo was invited to headline the SEA Games’ closing ceremonies. He sang the event’s theme song with Vietnam-based pop diva My Linh. That performance led to a chart-topping single, as well as a legion of fans clamoring for his return. Two months later, he was invited again as My Linh’s special guest on Friendship Melody.
Carlo’s popularity in Vietnam has paved the way for other Asian artists to break through the country’s music scene. "I didn’t realize that a lot of Filipinos are already working here as singers and musicians, especially in hotels," he muses. "Hopefully, my TV stints with Vietnam’s pop stars will someday help put out the spotlight on them, too."
As the first musical artist to perform in Vietnam, Carlo has since accepted invitations to perform for OFWs in other countries as well. The next stops on his itinerary are Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea, where he hopes to bring a piece of home with him to Filipinos out there through his music.