Filharmonic ready for concert with Fifth Harmony

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American a capella group The Filharmonic arrived in Manila yesterday morning to perform as the opening act for the first Philippine concert of American girl group Fifth Harmony in Mall of Asia Arena tonight.

Composed of Niko Del Rey, Jules Cruz, Joe Caigoy, VJ Rosales and Trace Gaynor, The Filharmonic was created for the singing contest “The Sing-Off” and was featured in Hollywood flick “Pitch Perfect 2,” where they became known as the “Manila Envy.”

Prior to Fifth Harmony, the group has also opened for the concerts of Pentatonix and Gary Valenciano, among others. Answering a question from Philstar.com in a press conference at Gerry’s Grill Aseana earlier this afternoon, the group divulged they also dream to become the front act for a concert of R&B superstar Bruno Mars, who is also half-Filipino.

Tonight, The Filharmonic looks forward to meet Fifth Harmony for the first time and to watch the first Philippine concert of Coldplay, which to them, is “legendary.”

“We are so excited. We’re freaking out and actually, I’ve been listening to Fifth Harmony all the time. I know all their songs, so to be able to share the stage with them is awesome!” shared Rosales.

While The Filharmonic has been trending in YouTube for their covers like Ariana Grande’s “The Way,” John Legend’s “All of Me” and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” they are now busy coming up with original songs, which Filipino watchers can see them perform for the first time in the concert tomorrow.

“It’s cool because that’s part of what makes us unique, our Filipino heritage,” said Gaynor, who, like everyone in the group, learned from Filipino parents the value of taking care of their national pride, family, values and self.

According to Caigoy, his Filipino parents specifically remind him to always drink a lot of water, especially now that it is summer in the Philippines.

Since they are an a capella group, they take care of their voices by trying to get enough sleep, changing how they perform a song and technique, drinking as much water as they can and keeping their bodies in top shape, Gaynor narrated.

Cruz admitted that because their group’s name sounds like the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, many mistake them for a cultural group. The Filharmonic, however, proudly declared that they took inspiration from Original Pilipino Music stalwarts like Apo Hiking Society, MYMP and Regine Velasquez.

“There should be no distinction between pure Filipinos or Filipinos in the Philippines or Filipino-Americans in the US. We are all Filipinos. It does not mean that just because you do things the American way, you have forgotten how it is to be a Filipino. We always had that Filipino culture we got from our families. If you mix American culture and Filipino energy together, you get an interesting kind of music. It works well on our side,” Cruz pointed out.

There are also others that bash them and tell them that what they do is not art because they have appeared in pop shows like “The Sing-Off” and “Pitch Perfect 2,” Gaynor said.

What makes them overcome bashers, said Cruz, is to know that they got the support of their kababayans or fellow Filipinos, who are always there to fill half of the audience wherever they go.

“As long as we know what we’re doing, to represent the Philippines that is going to inspire Filipino children, then we know that we’ll work out fine and everything will be worth it,” he affirmed.

To those who also want to make it in the global music scene, he advised: “Don’t let the pressure get into you. Just have fun and be your own inspiration. Tie your own experiences because if something distracts you, it’s going to come to you on stage and you’re going to blow up.”

Caigoy added: “Be bold! Don’t quit even if you’re scared. Because singing, making music, is a very emotional experience. Especially as a singer, your instrument is your voice. If someone doesn’t like it, don’t take it personally. Take the risk even if it means dropping something for a performance, just do it. Otherwise, the opportunity might never come again.”

Gaynor shared that Fifth Harmony has always been at the top of their wish list. “Dreams do come true!” he assured.

WATCH: The Filharmonic's trending guesting in "The Late Late Show with James Corden"

(video from YouTube)