By RICKY L. CALDERON
The Freeman 10/17/2005
After fresh triumphs abroad - a successful stint on Indonesia's own version of "American Idol" and an extensive concert tour of the U.S. - Christian Bautista returns home, and celebrates his 24th birthday, with a personal "pasalubong" to his loyal fans. STAGES, Christian's management team, is producing "Heartfelt" - an intimate evening of love songs, personally chosen by the Romantic Balladeer and requested by his fans, at the Music Museum on November 11 and 12.
For two romantic evenings, Christian will be serenading his devoted listeners, with a line-up of songs that includes "One Last Cry," "You To Me Are Everything," and "If Ever You're In My Arms Again," as an expression of his heartfelt gratitude for their continuous patronage of his music and various projects. Talented Coca-Cola girl and MYX VJ Nikki Gil, and another Trumpets Playshop's young talent Sam Concepcion will be his special guests.
The intimate atmosphere of this concert will be a refreshing change for the "Star In A Million" alumnus, after months of non-stop performances in stadium-sized venues here and abroad. "'Heartfelt' will be all about the fans," says Christian. "I'm in constant awe of how generous they are with their time, and expressions of support. I really haven't thanked them enough."
Christian's growing following stayed behind him even after "Star In A Million" and saw him race past many of his contemporaries in the industry with a record-breaking speed. Before long, his albums were going platinum not just in the Philippines but in another Asian country as well. The juiciest commercial endorsements were soon signing him on - Bench, Smart Communication, Greenwich Pizza, Skechers, Swatch, Bed Head products, among others.
With the solid backing of STAGES, his record label Warner Music Philippines, and ABS-CBN - Christian's career has branched out to acting and hosting for TV as well.
As "Lorenzo" in ABS-CBN's hit teleserye "Kampanerang Kuba," his fan base has expanded even more, and so with his regular spots on "ASAP." His recent guest appearances in hugely popular TV franchise "Indonesian Idol," and wildly successful U.S. concert tours attest to that.
"I wouldn't be anywhere right now without all these amazing people," he says with sincerity. "Knowing they're out there listening, wanting to know what I'm going to do next, keeps my feet on the ground. I owe it to them. 'Heartfelt' is how I can say thank you in the way I know best."
"Heartfelt" is also STAGES' follow-up to its immensely successful run of "Footloose the Musical." Now revved up to stage more major musical productions in the future, the company continues to develop projects for its homegrown talents, beginning, of course, with its top discovery. Aside from more concerts, a major musical is in the works - "The Fantasticks" - top-billing Christian, whose professional roots were, lest it be forgotten, in the theater.
A romantic weekend with "Heartfelt" will be onstage on November 11 and 12, 9 PM at the Music Museum. Audie Gemora directs the show, while IJ Gacia handles musical direction. For ticket reservations, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or STAGES at 818-1111 loc. 225. Ticket prices: P600 and P1,000.
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/Freeman200510172401.htm