World-class performances from Basil, Rico & Jon

From the more than 50 shows held in Manila and environs during the recent Valentine week, three of the best were the Viva Concerts’ trilogy held at the Resorts World complex featuring Basil Valdez, Rachelle Ann Go and The CompanY in Seasons of Love; the unsinkable Rico J. in The Best of Rico J. Puno with Jennylyn Mercado, Katya Santos and the irreplaceable Verni Varga; and Love in 3D with Jon Santos solo along with his many impersonations. Since we couldn’t watch all, we watched Basil and asked colleagues to report on the others for us.

It is a sad reflection of Filipino concertgoers to be eternally late at shows. Seasons of Love scheduled at 8 p.m. had a sizeable group of foreigners by 9 p.m. up in arms, ready to storm the 1,500 capacity theater. Thankfully, by the time Basil came out with his introductory numbers, the hall was full although the show proceeded much too slowly for our comfort with Rachelle Ann whom Basil called his new friend, and the CompanY’s well-thought-out repertoire.

Everything perked up by the second part with Basil’s musical history from the ’50s (On the Street Where You Live), ’60s (Alfie) and ’70s (Manilow’s I Write the Songs). By the time he got to the ’80s, Basil was all revved up with his favorite Gerry Paraiso compositions, on to Michel Legrand (What are You Doing the Rest of your Life), his C medley from Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco and Willy Cruz (Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, Bituing Walang Ningning, Iduyan Mo) many of them with both Rachelle Ann and The CompanY. By this time, even the irritated foreigners were shouting for encores, and after Corner of the Sky, they trooped over to grab the artists’ CDs and get autographs.  

Credit must go to the wonderful new arrangements that gave Basil’s “old” songs a new spunk and vigor.

Here’s Baby K. Jimenez on Rico J. Puno:

Rico J. Puno with guest Verni Varga

The Rico J. we knew from the late ’60s at Spindle, had the same kind of humor (elevated to a bigger audience and adapted to the digital times). By the time he did his popular version of Memories (Alaala nang kita’y mag-sweethearts pa), the audience had already embraced the new updated vintage Rico J, green, ultra green jokes and all.

Imagine his remark when Verni joined him on stage — he got away with his “lust” looking at her still perfect figure and mouthing words that MTRCB would have clipped in the bud... Or his funny gestures when sexy young Katya advised him not to react to anything she would do while he remained almost chained on his chair. That brought the house down. For what else could you imagine Katya would be doing as she did a duet — Magkasuyo.

But of course, the balikbayan love him dearly (me included).  For how could you not remember Manila (It’s more fun in the Philippines) with his all-time hit songs like Kapalaran, May Bukas Pa (revived recently on ABS-CBN’s hit teleserye 100 Days), Macho Gwapito, etc.

And here’s Chiqui Gil on Jon Santos as Tita Midz:

Jon opened the show as Cupid garbed with an oversized diaper with bow and arrow as accessory. Followed by “D” characters Sen. Merriem Defensive, Gov. Ate Vee, Syerap Espada and Armida Siguion Macarena (Tita Midz), respectively. In between acts were intermission numbers by celebrity couples who sang love duets.

While all characters were equally funny, I found Sen. Merriem Defensive the least amusing and Armida Siguion Macarena the most entertaining. I just couldn’t see Miriam Santiago visually in Jon, unlike his replication of Ate Vee and Tita Midz. As for Syerap Espada, Jon may not have the body of Erap to help him visually, but the voice impersonation made up for it. Ate Vee’s dancing prowess, signature flipping on the air with matching pouting lips made my day.

Jon Santos is a perfect Tita Midz

As for Tita Midz, she was the complete entertainment package. It was so comical to see her sing Kundiman in a medley with contemporary hits by the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and even Bruno Mars. Not to mention Tita Midz dancing to the tune of these current, upbeat hit songs. Very funny indeed! For next year, Jon may want to come up with a show called Stupid Cupid.

Obviously, these shows only presented for one night on Valentine’s have been conceptualized by that brilliant producer boss Vic del Rosario to make the rounds of balikbayan abroad. We can easily see how even foreigners will appreciate the talent in them. Perhaps Jon could start studying Michelle Obama?

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