Successful showdown of Kapuso stars in Dubai

MANILA, Philippines - After last year’s sold-out anniversary show in Los Angeles, GMA International recently flew to the Middle East to celebrate its eighth year by bringing four of its biggest stars to the deserts of Dubai for the very first time.

Held last Sept. 27 at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, the Kapusong Pinoy Sa Dubai: A GMA Pinoy TV Concert featured Christian Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Julie Anne San Jose and Marian Rivera in a two-part musical extravaganza.

My-HD, GMA’s exclusive direct-to-home distribution partner of its international channels in the ME region, partnered with GMA International to make the event possible.

The Kapuso stars certainly did not disappoint their fans, who came from different parts of the Middle East, just to see them perform live. Marian had everyone on their feet as she eagerly danced with members of the audience sending everyone immediately in high spirits.

Marian shared that her excitement for the Dubai event was apparent even before she left the Philippines, “Masaya kaming lahat dahil during rehearsals pa lang sa Manila, excited na kami mag-perform sa ating mga Kapuso sa Dubai.” 

The Kapuso primetime queen went on to say that she was quite nervous to be performing alongside professional singers, “Sa araw ng show, kabado ako, kasi puro singers ang kasama ko. Because supportive sina Rachelle Ann, Christian and Julie Anne, kinaya ko pong makipagsabayan sa kanta at sayaw. First show pa lang po ay super sarap ng pakiramdam dahil sobrang init ng pagtanggap nila sa amin kaya pagdating ng second show, mas lalo pa naming binuhos ang performance namin. Hindi namin naramdaman ang pagod dahil parehong puno ang venue ng mga Kapuso natin na nagsusumikap mag-work sa Dubai. It’s really an experience that I will treasure.”

Meanwhile, Christian and Rachelle Ann gave memorable performances and proved that their chemistry on stage is still as strong as ever.

“Performing for our kababayan in Dubai was a great experience,” said Christian about his first time to grace a GMA International event. “I love the connection that we were able to share with them. And I hope to visit them again soon as well our kababayan from other countries.”

On the other hand, Rachelle Ann, who frequently joins events spearheaded by GMA’s international business unit, expressed her appreciation and fondness for the Dubai-based Kapuso fans.

“It’s always nice to perform for our kababayan in Dubai. Napaka-warm nila and very welcoming, which made it even more memorable,” she recalled. “Masarap makita na napasaya namin sila kaya sana makabalik ulit kami sa Dubai.”

Julie Anne, who returned to Dubai for the second time, echoed the same feeling saying that, “it was overwhelming to perform (there).”

Julie Anne serenaded the crowd with a medley of love songs that only left them wanting for more. According to the Kahit Nasaan Ka Man lead actress, she took the concert as an opportunity to give back to our modern-day heroes in the Middle East.

“The hard work they do not just for themselves but also for our country is something we cannot easily repay. So I’m really grateful that I am one of those privileged artists who got to perform for them,” related Julie Anne.

Mark Reyes, who directed the concert, said, “Sulit ang malayong biyahe, puyat at pagod ng buong produksyon dahil ramdam na ramdam namin ang pagmamahal ng mga Kapuso natin sa bawat palakpak, halakhak at pagbigay puri nila sa dalawang konsyertong inalay namin para sa kanila. Salamat at mabuhay ang mga Kababayan nating Pinoy sa Dubai!”