Iconic Pilita Corrales joins Sharon, Regine in concert

The country's “Megastar” Sharon Cuneta and “Asia's Songbird” Regine Velasquez promise a memorable concert as they celebrate truly Filipino hits for their highly anticipated back-to-back “Iconic” concert.

Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita CorralesINSTAGRAM PHOTO

It can be remembered that “Iconic” had a successful Manila sold-out show in 2019 and in that same year, the country's OPM divas also won Aliw Awards 2019's Best Collaboration in a Concert.

“As you all know, we did 'Iconic' in 2019 and for me, it's such a dream come true. One of the most fulfilling concerts I've ever done in my entire concerting career because I was with my idol. We had so much fun doing it, we wanted to do it again for everyone and so we have a repeat this year. This time, we added and changed some new songs just for the times,” Velasquez shared during a media conference.

Cuneta also shared her mutual admiration with Velasquez saying, “Reg, of course, who is my sister, my friend, my love. It's such a blessing to be given a chance to work with someone you really love and who also never stops teaching me even without her knowing. She teaches me how to be a better singer and performer but she doesn't even know she's doing that.”

“I haven't sung in almost two years, but she's such a dependable friend — a real person, sincere, true,” Cuneta continued.

Full circle

This year, the industry's shining stars share the stage anew and are making the most of the upcoming “Iconic” show to pay tribute to another Philippine musical icon, Pilita Corrales.

“It's a tribute to her, and it's also a way of thanking her and giving her also a chance to thank all her supporters throughout all these decades. She's a very talented and timeless performer,” noted Cuneta.

Both OPM stars recalled how Corrales became an instrument for them in their decade-long careers.

“I learned all her songs before I started singing, when I was little or grade school because my father used to have cartridges of her songs and Tita Celeste Legaspi. So during long trips, because we used to go to Baguio almost every weekend, this was our music all throughout,” Cuneta looked back.

“At 16 or 17 years old, ako lang ata yung bata sa buong St. Paul Pasig na nakakaalam ng kantang 'May pumukol sa pipit sa sanga ng isang kahoy…' and then 'Kapantay ay Langit' and all these things. Later on, it became one of my covers from the 'Si Sharon at si Canseco; album and also the title of one of my movies. So parang full circle in a way for me,” she added.

Full circle was also the word for Velasquez. In 1984, then 14-year-old Velasquez started her career auditioning and eventually winning in the reality television series “Ang Bagong Kampeon” which Corrales co-hosted with Bert Marcelo.

“I'm so happy that she will be part of our concert kasi sa totoo lang, siya talaga yung icon. Part siya ng buhay namin. Ako alam niyo naman, faney. So I'm so happy we're staging this again kasi noong una nating ginawa sobrang gandang ganda ako sa concert na ito. Lalo na ngayon we're with Mamita,” Velasquez said.

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and Megastar Sharon Cuneta

Having done concerts and musical shows for many years now, both Cuneta and Velasquez shared they no longer feel the pressure. Instead, they feel emotional and excited.

“I'm emotional kasi I'm wishing my dad was here. Love niya kasi si Tita Pilita, because I grew up with all her songs. If he could only see that his daughter is performing with his favorite, I wish he was here. So it's very personal to me and I'm very proud to be performing with her,” Cuneta said.

“Every time I'm given the chance to work with true icons Sharon or Pilita Corrales, mas nangingibabaw sa akin yung excitement na I'm going to learn a lot of things from these artists because when you work with someone, hindi ka lang naman kakanta with them. You also get to know them. I'm excited with the amount of chismis, bilang ako si Marites,” Velasquez laughed.

Produced by Full House Theater Company, directed by Paolo Valenciano and with musical direction by Louie Ocampo and Raul Mitra, the two-night affair is set on June 17 and 18, 8 p.m. at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Resorts World Manila.

Last few tickets are available at all TicketWorld and SM Tickets outlets.