What made KZ Tandingan ‘gently weep?’

MANILA, Philippines - KZ Tandingan, the voice behind the current radio hit Mahal Ko O Mahal Ako, found herself suddenly shedding tears during a recent press conference for her Valentine show KZ 4 U.

The reason? She felt emotional upon mentioning that she misses her younger brother Tex Paul Matthew who is in the province.

It all made sense when she declared she is fond of little boys (Tex is still a pupil), responding to an observation from this writer that she usually gives the same, warm gesture towards kids.

“Ganun po talaga ako kinukulit ko ang mga batang nakakasabay ko sa elevator. They remind me of my brother and I miss him so much, I miss my family so much,” she shared — her voice obviously shaken by her sobbing.

When she said “kinukulit” it really meant being cuddly, appreciative and friendly, as this writer witnessed a couple of times.

One time inside the elevator of a condominium building where she stays, KZ, unaware that she is in the presence of an entertainment journalist-neighbor who happens to be cuddling his five-year-old son at that quick moment, made nice gestures towards the child, ending it up with a harmless tap over the boy’s head while she’s in full, sweet smile.

Having seen KZ’s admirable trait more than once at the said place, either inside an elevator or at the lobby, this writer felt wanting to share his observation the moment he got the chance.

That chance came at a media gathering for her big show early this year, interestingly enough, her biggest to date.

Director Calvin Neria told The STAR, “As director, dream artist ko si KZ. I don’t see it as a challenge because she can sing whatever you throw at her. Sobrang dali niya katrabaho to the point that she only asked me to tell what songs are ‘bagay’ to her voice.”

KZ 4 U, co-produced by the established Pink Management Production, Inc., will be held at the Grand Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria on Feb. 14, 8 p.m., with the dinner prepared for attendees to be served two hours before show time.

“I’ve always wanted to perform on stage since I was young. Iba ‘yung feeling kapag nakikita mong nag-e-enjoy ang mga nanonood sa’yo,” stated the 22-year-old star from Digos City, Davao Del Sur.

Showing humility, which seems natural to her, she admitted feeling pressured to do her own version of Madonna’s Crazy For You (from which the concert title was obviously culled) for fear she might not nail it to please everyone.

Well, she surely can, and her distinct voice that made her X-Factor Philippines Season 1 winner and helped turn Mahal Ko O Mahal Ako into an instant Himig Handog classic would likely bail her off.

KZ might be missing her family a lot, but she is grateful for being blessed with a career that made her a busy resident performer in ASAP 20, a recording artist with self-titled debut album under Star Records, and a traveling live show act — her recent ones she did with Piolo Pascual in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia.

“Life is so much better now,” she said, “I can’t spend time with my family as much as I want to. But I am happy to travel around the world because of my job. I am so blessed to be doing something na ginagawa ko lang sa banyo.”

This bathroom singer, no doubt, has made it.

The Valentine show dinner, which will feature Jimmy Marquez and some surprise guests, is being described as “one with no frills and fuss and no confetti.”

Direk Calvin explained, “You can expect a simple set. It’s basically unplugged and raw. But those coming to hear good music and voice will definitely be in for a great treat.”

For this year, KZ, awarded Aliw’s Best New Artist in 2012, plans to show more of her “real self” as a performer. She is by now working on a new album to consist of her original compositions. Having collaborated with street poets Abra and Gloc-9 did make a big impression on her that she promises to be more involved in creating her records.

The effort to be more likable in front of the public is there, as she revealed she consciously tried losing weight for aesthetic purposes. The strain of that workout was the reason why she was limping on to the center stage during last year’s MYX MO all-star concert show at the Araneta Coliseum.

Truth be told, KZ’s character within doesn’t need to be given much effort to appear amiable. It comes naturally, even inside a half-full elevator, hidden from TV cameras and public view.