Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez make beautiful music together

Have you ever been to a concert where, instead of the usual shower of multicolored paper confetti, everyone is treated to the delightful extravagance of fresh rose petals cascading from the ceiling? Combine that with some beautiful songs, good humor, and sparkling performances, and you’re in for probably one of most enjoyable nights you’ve ever had in a long time.

That, in a nutshell, describes my personal experience at Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez’s sold-out Valentine concert The Songbird and The Songwriter. That the music would be good was a given. What I didn’t quite expect was the genuine hearty laughter Ogie’s antics effortlessly elicited from the appreciative audience. And to think this wasn’t his first concert that I’ve watched – Richard and I are actually Ogie Alcasid regulars. Honestly, how many times can an artist reinvent himself and dish out something new? But if that night was a sign of things to come, then I don’t think that should be a problem. Ogie delights and surprises!

In a sea of talented singers with above-par vocal prowess, Ogie is one of few who stand out as a total performer – he dances (very well that he can actually keep up with the Hotlegs who are just the best!), his comic timing is impeccable (I have a lot of respect for people who can bring forth a good laugh not at the expense of others), and he sings with so much heart he seems almost soul-naked. Beautiful!

Now the Songbird, Regine, is another performer to behold. In most of Ogie’s concerts in the past, she was a regular and very welcome special participant. Her singing prowess is such that it is almost unfair that she sings onstage for just a couple of songs. That is sheer deprivation. Which is why this concert is so nice – it is a welcome treat to have two of our very own top homegrown talents perform side by side in one show. I once said that although Regine may seem just as normal as you and me when she sings, she gracefully elevates herself to the status of a goddess.

As a performer, what I appreciate most about Regine is the fact that she really goes the extra mile not to disappoint the audience in terms of showmanship. By that, I mean she does not capitalize and rely solely on her beautiful voice to see her through. She likewise gives much thought to her choice of outfit and hairstyle, so it’s never quite the same Regine you see from one concert to the next. This time around, she donned four beautiful outfits, two each from designers Randy Ortiz and Rajo Laurel.

If you think the dance steps were exclusive to Ogie, think again. Regine did not only belt, she boogied too. At one point she even did a Beyonce – with both outfit and moves to boot!

I loved the songs they did that night, mainly OPM originals that would make any couple melt like chocolate. And I did not really quite grasp the talent packed into the person that is Ogie up until that night, which was a showcase of songs he not only sang but composed as well. Back when I was in college, I remember being smitten with the song Mahal Kita Walang Iba. And then, of course, there was Nandito Ako, Sa Kanya, and the iconic Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang, a song that has probably been the mantra of many a love affair. Of course, they also did his more recent compositions, my favorite being Kailangan Kita.

It’s amazing how Ogie can seamlessly put together the words of a beautiful love song. I think the magic lies in the fact that he has captured the essence of a love story and translates it beautifully as words to a song. That they all become hits is testimony to his undeniable talent.

Yes, I loved the concert and like many others I look forward to enjoying many more of its kind soon. For those of you who missed it, the good news is that there will be a repeat, due to popular demand, on March 12, 8 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets and at the Araneta Coliseum.

Regine and Ogie have both come a very long way. And rightfully so, great talent always deserve a standing ovation.