MANILA, Philippines - It was a sunny day last November when Kathleen Dy-Go of my new family, Universal Records, informed me that I was to represent the country in the 10th Pattaya Music Festival in Thailand.
I was both overwhelmed and thrilled with the news. It was, after all, my first time to represent the country in an international music festival. Aside from that, I have very big shoes to fill, both figuratively and literally, because Christian Bautista, known to have a very strong following in the Indonesia, performed there the year before.
Since November, I was counting the months, weeks and days until finally, the most awaited day has arrived — March 18, the first day of the festival.
When finally our plane landed on Thailand soil, I felt a sudden rush. It was like the universe is telling me that I’ll have an ultimate good time in my first gig in that country. True enough, the next three days were a lot of fun, not just for me but for all participants.
During the first day, I was told that this year’s Pattaya Music Festival is the biggest because it is the fest’s 10th year. And, indeed, it was one big celebration of music, talent, friendship and unity.
What a blessing to have been seated alongside some of the biggest names in the region during the press conference — Singapore’s Derrick Hoh, Japan’s Golf-Mike, Ice-Saranyu, Thailand’s Chin-Chinnawut, Japan’s Hanuman Bang, Malaysia’s Will Ng, Vietnam’s PAK, Laos’ Tik Princess, Indonesia’s Super Kidz, Korean popstar Ji-Hoon, known internationally as Rain, and Son Dambi.
During the said conference, I got so kilig when Chin-Chinnawut declared that he was such a fan of mine. Whew. More than that, I was proud to represent the country.
The next day, it was the Asian artist featured on the Galaxy Stage. I performed three songs — Someday, I Do and I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing I was so happy taking on that stage because I felt the love of the audience, which included some of our kababayan.
Aside from all these commitments, I, with all the performers, had the chance to have some bonding moments at the Hard Rock, where we were billeted.
My participation in the Pattaya Music Festival is just one of the many things that signals my gradual transformation.
Late last year, I moved to my new record label Universal Records and I consider it one of the biggest blessings in my career. In a few months, my latest album will be released, and it will showcase a new, yet familiar Nina, which I hope everyone will appreciate.