Through thick and thin

Showbiz may not be lasting but friendship among actors does matter in more ways than one. It keeps them in circulation and makes their star shine brighter.

This, on and off cam friends Glenda Garcia, Jenn Umali, Shyr Valdez and Lovely Rivero have proven over years of togetherness. The quartet recently formed a group called Babae which performed recently to an SRO crowd at Teatrino. It then spawned another concert at the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental which again drew audience approval.

“Since our schedule permits us to do something more than acting, we decided to do a show that can also display our passion and at the same time let everyone know what more we can do,” Glenda says.

Glenda has put her contravida days behind her. She was John Lloyd Cruz’s mom on ABS-CBN’s Maging Sino Ka Man Book 1 and 2. Glenda has also finished the indie film Hilot and will soon start taping another soap for the Kapamilya network.

Shyr, on the other hand, has appeared in the just-concluded GMA 7 action series Codename: Asero. And while Lovely manages her time well as she tapes for Luna Mystika, hosts NBN 4’s She-Ka and will soon be seen on Dragonna and on TV5’s Girls and Goals, Jenn has taken a break from singing stints abroad. She had a guest appearance in Hilot and was last seen on TV via Daisy Siete.

Except for Lovely, the acting lull gives Shyr, Glenda and Jenn a good reason to perform together onstage.

Initially, Jenn adds, their plan was to do a musical play. “It was supposed to be something like Mamma Mia. But with all the rehearsals, costumes and other preparations, we realized it would eat up a lot of time. Norie Sayo, our first musical director, suggested why not instead do a concert because we can carry a tune naman.”

“I can sing but compared to them, I am not a good singer. It is easy for me to act and it challenges me every time I perform on stage because you could see right away the audience reaction, kung natuwa sila o hindi,” Glenda offers.

Yet, Glenda hastens to add, no one among them feels insecure about issues common in all-female groups. No one thinks about who gets the most applause after every number or who looks sexier in her outfit.

“Our musical director, Elmer Blancaflor, helps in choosing songs that fit our voice range. And yes, as friends we always support each other,” says Glenda.

Nothing can destroy their friendship. They sit down and talk out their differences. That’s why they know each other’s attitudes like the palms of their hands.

“And we share many things in common like all of us are single moms,” Jenn shares.

Come Dec. 18, Glenda, Shyr, Lovely and Jenn will again go onstage for Babae … Stronger at Music Museum. The concert, produced by Emeellee Mercado-Coronel, starts at 9 p.m. This time, they will cover oldies and today’s hits complemented by outfits that will elicit more cheers and excitement. Rachel Lobangco and Dinagat Islands Gov. Jade Ecleo will guest.

The concert is for the benefit of Jade Ecleo-Villaroman Foundation, Inc. and the Sikap Bata Foundation.