Sharon takes a musical journey to the past

MANILA, Philippines - If there is someone who should inherit the “Golden Voice” tag from Superstar Nora Aunor, it ought to be Sharon Cuneta. More than 20 years after she recorded her signature anthems, Sharon still renders it live onstage like the original versions up to this day.

 In her Mega Drama concert at the Araneta Coliseum, Sharon’s voice was at its best, as she gave life anew to her memorable hits. From the opening ditty, Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko to her encore, Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas (“the theme of my Sharonians”), Sharon’s songs carry her distinct timbre that undoubtedly propelled to her eminent musical status and made her the Megastar to reckon with.

It was a welcome change to listen to Sharon carry out an all-OPM repertoire in Mega Drama. In keeping up with the title, the show also chronicled some of the significant highlights in Sharon’s life and illustrious showbiz career, as narrated by good friend Judy Ann Santos.

Sharon was only three when she discovered she could carry a tune. “Bata pa lang po ako, hindi na ko nahihiyang kumanta,” she told an amused Big Dome crowd. “Whenever my mom would ask me to sing, I would only say, ‘Where’s the mike?’ And it was usually only a hair brush.”

Credit her mega-musical director Louie Ocampo for helping Sharon line up a diverse repertoire in Mega Drama that allowed her to sing tunes she hadn’t rendered before. Aegis’ Luha, Imelda Papin’s Kung Liligaya Ka, Didith Reyes’ Bakit Ako Mahihiya and a nostalgic Apo Hiking Society medley (Tuyo ng Damdamin, Di Ko Malimutan and Panalangin) made it to the well-applauded list of songs that Sharon delivered that night.

Guests came early on. After only a few numbers, Sharon called onstage Ai-Ai de las Alas and Pokwang (yes, in that order), who pumped up the energy of the audience. The two funny ladies added mirth to the show with their hilarious rendition of Kahit Konting Pagtingin and Mr. DJ, sang to the tunes of Lady Gaga’s Poker Face and Bad Romance, respectively.

 “After tonight, you’ll be singing these songs differently,” Sharon told her audience who was reeling with laughter.

Following that high moment was the appearance of Ogie Alcasid, who reprised with the Megastar her versions of songs in her Sharon Sings Alcasid album, released under Sony Music two years ago. Together, they carried out best-remembered ballads like Pangako, Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang, Nandito Ako and Kung Mawawala Ka.

The crowd went wild when Piolo Pascual joined Sharon onstage. The dashing and gorgeous actor, as most everyone knows, is being romantically linked to Sharon’s eldest daughter, KC Concepcion.

Much to the delight of thousands of fans, Sharon and Piolo surprised KC with their duet of the latter’s hit single, Imposible. They also jammed in Rivermaya’s Himala.

Sharon also paid tribute to her favorite composers, who wrote well-loved tunes for her and worked with her in live concerts through the years. In the beautiful Ryan Cayabyab suite, long-time friends Kuh Ledesma and Zsa Zsa Padilla shared the stage with Sharon. They dished out brilliant arrangements of Kahit Ika’y Panaginip Lang, Paraisong Parisukat, Magbalik Ka Lang and Minsan ang Minahal ay Ako.

In her solo Willy Cruz number, Sharon got the crowd to sing with her in Bituing Walang Ningning and Pangarap na Bituin, well-loved themes from her films of some 20 years ago.

Of course, the show wouldn’t end without a medley of hauntingly beautiful Louie Ocampo songs — Tell Me, Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin, Kahit Isang Saglit and Ikaw — which Sharon belted out with Sarah Geronimo.

“His songs transcend generations,” said Sharon of Ocampo’s compositions.

It was the first time for Sarah to perform onstage with Sharon and the former had no qualms confessing, “Nerbiyos na nerbiyos po ako ngayon.” She later did a spot number of Ikaw ang Aking Pangarap, the theme from the Piolo Pascual-Angel Locsin primetime series, Lobo.

With Rowell Santiago as stage director, Mega Drama reminisced Sharon’s highly successful career, highlighted in her classics that have undeniably become part of pop culture and musical history.