R&B prince Kris Lawrence is thankful live shows are back. “I’m very grateful because until this day, 17 years in the industry, I’m still going strong when it comes to bookings and performances,” Kris said.

“Thank God, I’m still here and still touring the world, doing solo concerts. Even in the pandemic, I was still busy.”

Kris continues to perform onstage even this Valentine’s. On February 14 and 15, he takes centerstage at The Palace owned by his manager, Arnold Vegafria, in Olongapo City (45 Magsaysay Drive).

The Valentine’s concert is going to be more intimate than the previous ones Kris did. “It’s going to be more special, too, because the concert will be at Arnold’s bar in Olongapo,” Kris said. “It’s a dual purpose for Valentine’s and to help promote his bar.

“The show will be in a place called The Palace. For the Prince of R&B [rhythm and blues], it is very fitting. ‘The Prince of The Palace.’ The stage in the venue isn’t so big, so the show will be more intimate.

“If the people of Olongapo want to jam, I just want to create memories with them. Dance with them, drink with them, jam with them, sing with them. This show is nothing too serious. It’s more of just having fun. Performances should just be like that. Nothing too seriously.”

Kris just checked his music archive and found out he has about 25 songs yet to be released. “They were songs written since 2012,” Kris revealed. “They’re accumulation of Tagalog and English.

Some, I think, are not ready for the Philippine market.

“The others were produced in the US. This year, I’m releasing one every two months. My first single will be Matsala (Salamat).”

Kris will do a songwriting camp this year. “I’ll rent out a couple of villas at the vineyard in Tanauan (Batangas) and I’ll produce and train songwriters,” Kris disclosed.

“In March or April, me, Jay-R and Billy Crawford will produce a Soul Brothers songwriting camp. We are going to choose ten artists, import two music producers from the US who will work with two from the Philippines.

“One producer from the US might be Andrew Briol, who did a lot of songs for me and Jay-R. Andrew also wrote for BTS, Usher, Jay-Z, Drake. We’re flying him to Manila. We’re going to get songs and ten artists.”

Kris unabashedly admitted he’s getting old and a partner in life needs to be seriously considered. He is now dating a non-showbiz girl but a serious relationship between them has yet to happen.

He is happy with his co-parenting duties with actress Katrina Halili, the mother of his daughter, eleven-year-old Katie, who is based in Palawan with her mom.

He is definitely a health buff. He focuses on himself a lot and prioritizes his health. “After pandemic, I realized health should come first. I tried a lot of supplements, but the best that I can’t go without and this is not an endorsement is Choco Bambam.

“It just gives me the energy I need before any performance. It’s just pure cacao and it gives your body all the energy it needs. Your energy goes through the roof without the jitters of coffee.

“I see everyone getting sick left and right. Thank God, I’m healthy and I don’t get sick.”