Marion Aunor serenades the brokenhearted

MANILA, Philippines — Singles, lovers, and everyone in between recently went to see Marion Aunor at Viva Cafe to enjoy her “Valentine’s Show Para Sa Walang Ka-Valentine.”

Directed by Vivian Poblete with musical direction by Elmer Blancaflor, Marion aimed to touch hearts across the board with the show.

And the concert delivered on many of its promises.

First, Marion and her team put together a well-curated setlist of covers and originals, designed to resonate with the diverse crowd that filled Viva Cafe on the night of Feb. 14.

When the show began, Marion started strong with Nosi Balasi, ensuring that everyone present could feel her vibrant energy. Her interpretations of the Imelda Papin torch song Isang Linggong Pag-ibig and the Queen classic Bohemian Rhapsody demonstrated her versatility and effortless genre-crossing ability.

However, the highlights of the show were when she performed her original songs like Pumapag-ibig and Nahulog. Marion first gained mainstream recognition as a songwriter, and these performances reminded everyone of her talent in putting music and lyrics together while seamlessly performing them live with the signature swagger of her stage persona.

However, “Valentine’s Show Para Sa Walang Ka-Valentine” wasn’t without its shortcomings. For instance, lighting and set-design could have been better.

Lighting, an essential element in setting the mood for such an emotionally charged event, sometimes missed the mark. While it aimed to complement whatever Marion was singing at any given moment, there was an instance when the lighting could have been more dramatic to bolster the mood of her heartfelt performance particularly on her reading of The Eraserheads’ Ang Huling El Bimbo.

Despite these minor missteps, the heart and soul of the concert — music — was solid. Marion’s vocals were impeccable. The musical arrangements, especially the addition of strings and brass, added a layer of “grandeur” to the intimate setting of Viva Cafe, fulfilling Marion’s goal of making the show feel like a big concert despite the cozy venue.

Overall, “Valentine’s Show Para Sa Walang Ka-Valentine” was a memorable event that celebrated love in its many forms. While there’s room for improvement in terms of audience engagement and technical aspects, leaving a lasting impression was her talent and music — which fans can also check on her Instagram (@marionaunor), Facebook (Marion Aunor), TikTok (@marionaunor), and YouTube (Marion Aunor Official) — plus, the thoughtful way she crafted her setlist. It was a Valentine’s Day show that provided a space for everyone, regardless of their relationship status, to feel a little less alone and a lot more loved.