Now, it’s Ate Gay’s turn at the MOA Arena

MANILA, Philippines - For the comedian Ate Gay, it’s no joke headlining a concert at the 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, most especially when it’s just a few days after the hugely-successful concert of American pop star Jennifer Lopez and a little over a week after that of Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

Ate Gay, whose real name is Gil Morales, said that he’s been losing sleep just thinking about the audience and the things that he will be doing, including the stunts and surprises, to give the people who came out to watch him a riot of a show.

“I feel nervous and excited!” the comedian admitted in a presscon last Tuesday promoting his concert tomorrow night, Nov. 30, titled Ako Naman!!! Ate Gay Sa Arena. “Earlier today, I was supposed to sleep two o’clock in the morning, but I was shocked that I couldn’t sleep yet. I was able to sleep 6 a.m. already. I was just lying in my bed, thinking and imagining the audience and what I will be doing. Then I was thinking about Regine’s concert, then J.Lo’s… Nakakaba!”

What he can promise though is a show that will be a “combination of Regine and J.Lo,” he added with a laugh. 

“Actually, in Regine and J.Lo’s concert, there’s no comedy. So here, may Regine na, may J.Lo pa, may comedy pa,” he joked.

Concert promoter/producer Joed Serrano of That’s Ntertainment Productions related the anecdote that when J.Lo entered the MOA Arena for her concert last Monday night and saw the poster of Ate Gay’s next to hers, she reacted, “Who’s that?”

 â€œWhat I heard was that she was told that Ate Gay’s a comedian, the Gangnam of the Philippines,” said Joed, “So, it goes without saying that even from the poster alone, you’ll know (Ate Gay’s show) really going to be comedy.”

He also said that audiences should watch out for the opening number because it’s unlike any other, as they wouldn’t know where Ate Gay will be coming from when he makes his entrance. “It’s really a funny concept,” Joed added.   

Ate Gay, who’s been known for his hilarious mash-ups in his comedy gigs, also promises brand-new mash-ups (or songs made from bits of various songs) of Broadway numbers, opera songs, today’s chart-toppers, etc.  

Asked what he’s been doing to ensure that he won’t lose his voice come concert night — like in the case of Regine, who unfortunately caught a flu virus and affected her voice on the day of her concert that she’s mounting another one for free this December for the ticket-holders — Ate Gay mused that audiences don’t really go to his shows for his voice. “They don’t really care about my voice. Pero halimbawang pumiyok ako, hawakan n’yo po ang ticket... Hawakan nyo lang,” he joked.

He also takes pride in his guest list, a mix of great live performers and popular stand-up comedy: The CompanY, Aiza Seguerra, John Lapus, Aegis, Anton Diva, Allan K, Talentadings, newly-crowned Miss International Queen Kevin Balot, Michelle O’Bombshell, SexBomb, Bailes de Luces, X Factor Philippines’ Top 3 (KZ Tandingan, Gabriel Maturan and Daddy’s Home) plus a production number with Brazilian boys.

But a major highlight of the show will be the special appearance of Nora “Ate Guy” Aunor, Ate Gay’s idol and the inspiration behind his signature comic impersonation. Ate Gay said that it’s going to be a tribute of sorts to Nora because if not for the multi-awarded actress, tagged in showbiz as the Superstar, he wouldn’t have made his mark as a comedian.

“People have to watch out for our number. This is going to be a surprise for the Noranians (Nora’s hardcore fans). One of the things I’ll do is sing for her. It will be one touching moment. It’s one of my favorite parts,” Ate Gay said. “To appear on the stage with her is a dream come true because she’s idolized by many, including my mother.”

Asked if Nora will share a duet with her (the actress, who’s making a comeback in the movie scene thanks to her Brillante Mendoza-directed film Thy Womb, has stopped singing some years back after losing her voice in a reported botched operation), Ate Gay said, “Who knows?”

“Baka may himala!” he quickly added in his best Nora impersonation, calling to mind the iconic scene in the Ishmael Bernal classic Himala (recently digitally restored, by the way), wherein Nora’s character as a teen visionary cries, “Walang himala!”

Meanwhile, concert promoter Joed said that he decided to produce Ate Gay’s show because he believes this kind of entertainment is what audiences are also looking for. Joed’s That’s Ntertainment is the producer of the concerts of international acts Jonas Brothers and The Fray this year (he is also working out a concert featuring K-Pop superstar Psy of Gangnam Style fame for next year), plus those of local artists — Vice Ganda in his two hit Big Dome shows, Aiza Seguerra’s 25th anniversary a few months back and next year, Lea Salonga’s 35th anniversary concert.

“I decided to produce Ate Gay’s show because people are looking for a show that is isn’t just a venue for singing, but will also make people laugh,” Joed said. “I thought of Ate Gay because I really find him funny, and why not? He’s been in the business for so long and he’s deserving of it. I know it’s a great show, so no regrets.”

Tickets to the Ako Naman!!! Ate Gay Sa Arena concert are priced from P2,120 (VIP/Reserved Seats) to P270 (General Admission). They are available through www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222 for reservations.