FOR the first time, SB19’s singer-songwriter, rapper and dancer Pablo (John Paulo Bagnas Nase) will share the stage as one of the guest artists in the concert of pop idol Dingdong Avanzado in the latter’s forthcoming concert, “The Original Prince of Pop.”

Pablo is familiar with the songs of Dingdong as the former often heard the tunes being sang by his dad.

“I am familiar with Sir Dingdong’s daughter, Jayda, kasi I often worked with her,” Pablo tells. “Then I learned na tatay niya si Dingdong.”

Jayda is also a singer-songwriter like her father. Meanwhile, Jayda’s mom, Jessa Zaragoza, is likewise youthful-looking like her dad. Both of them will guest in “The Original Prince of Pop” concert.

“Si Jayda kasi, napaka-bait na bata,” says Pablo. “She’s very passionate about music. That’s why when I learned na tatay niya si Sir Dingdong, overwhelmed po ako.”

Pablo cannot be happier that the Avanzado family are fans of SB19. “They watched our concerts and watched us perform. Nakaka-kaba when we know they are in the audience watching.”

Pablo gets the chance to share the stage with Dingdong on July 19 at The Theater at Solaire.

“Usually, kinakabahan ako when I perform,” Pablo says. “But this time, quadruple times na na multiply ‘yung kaba ko dahil kasama ko po si Sir Dingong Avanzado.

“Kung mag-isa lang ako, siguro normal na kakabahan, pero kakayanin. Pero habang nagre-rehearse kami, sobrang kinakabahan ako. Nanginginig ang kamay ko. I don’t know, pero siguro mataas ang respeto ko for him.

“To be able to sing beside him on the same stage, I’m very honored. I’m so thankful for the opportunity given to me to also show my skills as an individual who can sing. I rap often usually. But this time, I will sing.”

Pablo is doubly excited how he and Dingdong can make their first collaboration extra special onstage. “This is not something that often happens,” Pablo continues.

“While we were rehearsing earlier, Sir Dingdong was giving me instructions on how we can improve our performance. He was very collaborative. He instructed me to harmonize and what else can we add. He asked me what else was I thinking.

“If I want to adlib or what else do I want to do. It’s not really advise, but more of professionalism how we can make our number and performance more special.”

Pablo simply asked Dingdong to support him in their number together. “Sir Dingdong, kayo na po ang bahala sa akin,” Pablo says. “Saluhin niyo po ako.

“Thank you for this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform with you. I respect you a lot. Hopefully, we can share another opportunity to perform again.”

Dingdong returns to the live concert scene

“THIS will be a fascinating musical experience,” assures Dingdong about his 27th anniversary concert on July 19 at The Theater at Solaire. “They will see something that we don’t normally do when we tour together.

“I want to introduce my music to the new generation. I’m very thankful that despite how many generations have passed, I’m still around. This concert will give me a chance to really showcase how I started out.

“Being in this industry is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. If you want to make this a career where you will last long, you need to learn the ingredients you will need how to make it last. It’s not about making it big, it’s about making it last.”

Dingdong’s only daughter, Jayda Avanzado, will guest in his concert. “It’s always a pleasure to share the stage with my dad,” Jayda enthuses. “It’s no secret at that.

“He is never been afraid to push boundaries when he sings. Masipag siyang mag-aral ng mga bagong songs. He’s very updated with today’s pop culture.

“This concert will also feature the evolution of P-pop. You will witness that in this concert. In terms of keeping it fresh, we keep on rehearsing even new songs together. You will see the songs that we will perform in this show.

“I feel like with every performance, we never give the same. That has always been our mindset. We always want to give fresh performances each time for every crowd. We always give a hundred percent. You can expect that.”

Jessa, meanwhile, insisted all three of them give their best in every performance, here or abroad. The family has staged concert tours in the US, Europe and even in Australia, more recently.

“Working with Dingdong, grabe ang attention to detail,” says Jessa. “Maiiyak ka. Through the years na magkasama kami as husband and wife, we performed in a lot of shows together. We’ve been married for 23 years.

“We’ve been performing a lot together. In every show, he really thinks about what he wants to present, hindi lang a hundred percent. People will leave enjoying the show. He always makes it a point na may puso ang performance niya. That’s what we want to present on July 19.”

Also guesting in the concert are Randy Santiago, actually Dingdong’s rival although Randy started ahead. They were both members of La Salle Greenhills’ all-male singing group, Kundirana. In more recent years, they even became golf buddies.

Other guests are singing champs Khimo, Marielle Montellano and JM de la Cerna, with singer-actor LA Santos. Dingdong’s long-time director for more than two decades, Elmer Blancaflor, works at the helm.

“What we do is coming from our heart,” stresses Dingdong. “You can’t go wrong with that. It’s pop music with a purpose and we’ll wear that in our sleeves.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio