Leah Salterio

Three US- based Pinoy artists in a sold-out concert

August 19, 2024 Leah C. Salterio 100 views
Troy
DK Tijam (left), Dessa and Troy Laureta share the stage for the first time in By Request

FOR the first time, three Filipino artists based abroad – Dessa, Troy Laureta and DK Tijam – came together to perform in a one-night concert, By Request: Your Playlist Live Onstage, at the Music Museum.

The one-night, sold-out concert undoubtedly pleased all those who trooped to the concert venue to be entertained that Friday night.

Dessa, who was missed by the audience, as she is now based in the US, opened the concert with Whitney Houston’s dance ditty, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, in her glittering dress. She started the concert dancing with back-up.

Troy, in his signature cape, took on the piano as he was also the musical director that night. He started with Ordinary People and If I Ain’t Got You.

Meanwhile, DK crooned A House Is Not a Home and After the Love Has Gone. The last time he performed in Manila was in 2017 and after seven years, he got the chance to sing anew for his kababayans.

In her “wedding gown,” Dessa proved she can still hit those stratospheric notes when she belted out Greatest Love of All then segued to the Power of Love. She is still no doubt clearly the biritera and the “powerhouse diva” from three decades ago.

She carried out the teleserye theme for the Rico Yan, Claudine Barretto and Diether Ocampo starrer, with the powerful Saan Ka Man Naroroon. Earlier, Dessa mashed up Bring Back with Officially Missing You.

DK cannot be any thankful that he was joined by Dessa and Troy onstage this time. He gave the audience a sample of Till My Heartaches End, That’s What I Like and carried out his version of JR’s Bakit Pa Ba.

He was joined by Dessa in One Sweet Day and they also gave the audience Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita.

Katrina Velarde was called in from the audience to belt out a surprise number, Araw Gabi, that delighted the audience.

With Calvin Murphy Neria as concert director, the show had its lean band – Adonis Tabanda, Gino Madrid, Luke Sigua, Iean Iñigo – and back-up vocals Mike Luis and Suey Castrodes Medina.

DK flew in his voice students from Toronto – Keeanna, Kayleigh, Antoinette, Chelsea and Bella – who did the nearly one-hour front act. Towards the end, the girls returned onstage and rendered Lipad ng Pangarap with Dessa.

“I couldn’t be any prouder for a job super well done,” DJ said in his post. “Rocked the stage you guys did. Thank you for flying all the way from Canada to share your gifts. I am your fan and will always be. Love you kiddos.”

DK was thankful to the parents of his students for supporting the young singers. “Thank you very much for doing everything for the kiddos and for preparing them for our big day. They and I are lucky to have you in our lives.”

In the full-house audience that night were Bo Cerrudo, Jed Madela, Sylvia Sanchez, Trina Belamide, Jenine Desiderio and Jonathan Manalo.

Dessa, DK and Troy closed By Request with Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika and Huling El Bimbo.

The one-night only concert impressed its audience with its carefully chosen set list that undoubtedly entertained the crowd.

Let’s hope the three artists all based abroad will get to join together anew onstage sometime next year.

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