‘Love United’: Sheryn Regis in her first digital concert

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebuana diva Sheryn Regis acknowledges that not all singers are fortunate to headline a digital concert during a pandemic, more so with the backing of a major recording company. She then feels “blessed, excited and overwhelmed” with her first foray into the online concert scene via “Love United.”

“I’m just very fortunate that ABS-CBN Star Music still believe in my talent. Sa panahong hindi na ako naniniwala sa sarili ko, nandiyan sila. Also my management March On Entertainment, they are there to really push me that I can still do whatever I want because I have that passion in singing. Kumbaga, may asim pa,” Sheryn, dubbed the Crystal Voice of Asia, quipped in a virtual media conference.

Pre-recorded at the sprawling Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City, the musical event promises performances that will promote love, hope, and healing.

“These times, we greatly need love, healing, inspiration and hope,” she said. “It’s not just for us to entertain but also to inspire.

“Love United” will stream via KTX.ph, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV tomorrow, October 23 (Saturday), with a re-run 10 am the next day (Oct. 24, Sunday).

The Kapamilya crooner will share the virtual stage with rising artists like viral sensation EZ Mil, Filipino pop-rapper H-BOM, child singing prodigy Kaela Francheska, former “Tawag ng Tanghalan” finalist Froilan Canlas, and the vocal trio of Francis Concepcion, Keifer Sanchez, and Mackie Empuerto aka the TNT Boys.

Sheryn was awestruck with her guest performers, saying that while she didn’t think much of her solo parts, she particularly prepared herself for her duets because “they were so good.”

“EZ Mill is a rapper but here he will perform a ballad. Malalaki na rin ang TNT Boys at ibang level na sila,” Sheryn shared. “Froilan Canlas, it’s my first time to work with him at sobrang galing. This seven-year-old Kaela Francheska from Virginia Beach…she’s like a child prodigy. And H-BOM, I didn’t expect him to perform that way, great rapper.”

Sheryn, who made her showbiz comeback this year through new songs “Tulad ng Dati” and “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” added that while that it’s challenging to perform without a physical audience to connect with, she assured that the concert experience will still be special nonetheless.

“Ang hirap kasi wala akong audience na nakikita sa mata, wala akong kinakantahan kung hindi puro pula ng camera. At ang nakikita kong tao naka PPE lahat. Feeling ko nasa operasyon or surgery ako. Iba yung feeling,” said Sheryn.

“Basta may support lang ng kahit konting tao like the director waving at me and telling me ‘Kaya mo yan. Isipin mo lang na sobrang daming tao.’ For musicians mahirap kapag walang palakpak ng totoong audience. Diyan kami humuhugot ng lakas at motivation para mas galingan pa talaga namin. Maraming beses na akong kumakanta na walang audience at nakayanan din naman.”

Asked how she’s made herself relevant despite newer, younger artists and an evolving music landscape, the Carcar City native said, “Singers, musicians are like students. We don’t want to stop learning. Music evolves, so as a singer, your style should also evolve. We collaborate with a lot of other singers and since iba na yung style ngayon, you also have to upgrade. In the Philippines iba ang mainstream music. Iba na din ang level of thinking ng ating musikero at composers. Ibang-iba. So I’m very proud of our Philippine music industry because it really evolved.”

“Love United” is presented by ABS-CBN Events and produced by MAK Entertainment. Tickets are available online for P899 (regular) and P1,499 (VIP with access to digital after party).