Sana kahit minsan ay mapansin ako
Malaman kong ikay mahal at yan ang totoo
Huwag mong iisiping nagbibiro ako
Tunay ang pag-ibig na alay sa yo…
The haunting melody, the lyrics piercing our hearts…Has it been 30 years?! SANA KAHIT MINSAN. It’s about time ARIEL – you really should be back with us here in Toronto. And he will be, promise, on Saturday March 28, 2020 at the Toronto Pavilion. He will woo and wow us, beg on his knees, make us captive in a prison we do not want to be free of. ARIEL! A gentleman, maybe a flaterrer, a tease. And you will instantly fall into his tender trap willingly (at any cost?) and perhaps even forget he’s now married (sorry Geli de Belen).
Hey female self-appointed back-up singers, are we ready to sing along with him? We do not want this romance to end! Kahit Minsan? Lang? Nooooo! Syempre we want more.
We bumped into Ariel one ungodly hour on FB prompting us to start an echat. Sharing with you our gabfest.
Why did you decide to do this concert?
ARIEL: I just thought it was time. I’ve missed performing in concerts and singing my own songs, since 90% of what I do now in the Philippine Entertainment business is mostly acting in movies and teleseryes. I wanted to go back to my grassroots, even for just this short time.
What really inspired you to sing? The many things that led you to music.
ARIEL: No specific thing really inspired or even led me to sing. I’ve just always loved music from the get go. Add to that my parents’ love of music, then I suppose it was inevitable. I just didn’t know it would lead me to this incredible path. Not many people know that my parents are both musically inclined with my mom possessing a beautiful, raw operatic voice.
What skills have you learned that help you in your singing career?
ARIEL: I suppose it’s the sincere love of and for music which you really have to convey to the audience. The audience plays off your emotions and if you show a genuine love for the music you’re singing, they cling to that and they, in effect, take that journey with you.
How does playing a big venue compare to a simple gig at a small cozy place?
ARIEL: Not very much really, except I suppose you have to make sure that in a large venue, you just have to include the people farthest from the stage in the musical journey by means of your spiel or through larger movements.
How to motivate an audience? Is there is such a thing as a tired audience? if there is, how do you energize such audience?
ARIEL: I believe there is such a thing as a “tired audience”. You just have to take them to where you’re going. Be genuine with what you say and the songs you sing. Before you know it, they’re there with you.
What makes a good concert? Is it the popularity of a singer or the songs he sings – or both?
ARIEL: I think both…
Which carries more weight, you as a singer or as an actor? Is there any conflict between acting and singing in your case?
ARIEL: I’m proud to say that I’ve managed to balance both my singing and acting in the 30 years I’ve been in this business. It’s nice to know that in spite of my infrequency on the concert scene, I’m still remembered and referred to as a singer before an actor.
Combining the two is really quite a challenge. One of the major requirements before a concert is to get plenty of vocal rest, meaning refraining from talking if possible and getting plenty of sleep. Those two things just aren’t possible when you’re doing a movie or teleserye since we normally have a 20 hour filming schedule. It’s always a concern when you try to do both singing and acting.
Your sons – are they inclined to follow in your footsteps? Will you allow them?
ARIEL: Both my sons have no interest whatsoever in pursuing a career in our field. At least they haven’t expressed it or even hinted. As parent we always have them decide what it is they want to do in life for themselves. Our only requirement is for them to finish school and make sure that the profession they choose is one that they truly enjoy and love, regardless of what it may be. (Joaquin, 20, is taking up Aviation Technology; Julio, 18, studies Kinesiology. (Kinesiology is a natural health care process that entails the thorough study of mechanics and anatomy of the human body.)
In an early interview, Ariel dicosed that “We gave them an option. Years before, we asked, ‘Where do you want to study? Here in Pinas or there in Canada? My feeling was it’s better that they study there kasi more opportunities, more options. “Then they opened to that suggestion two years ago… now, they are happy that they did. They like it there.”
How does Gelli give her support to your career? How do you support hers?
ARIEL: We’ve always been supportive of one another. We ask each other’s opinion on our career paths as well as what we can do to improve our craft. I’m quite pampered by my wife when I go off to work through her fixing my “baon”, clothes requirements and the likes. Ariel plays the role of an honest cop in the current chartbuster ABS-CBN’s Sandugo.
Your country of preference – Canada or Pinas?
ARIEL: I’m a proud Filipino through and through but home is Mississauga… It’s where I grew up and where my family is.
Meanwhile, we are waiting to be reunited with Ariel. I am certain you will join me.
*****
Guess who caught me online? My dear Eic Quizon – who is prominently known as Director/Producer/Actor rolled into one. He revealed some big news, that the biggest film festival is to open in BGC. The Bonifacio Global Film Festival (BGFF), touted as a four-day multi-venue conglomerate of a film market is perceived as a game-changing event set for 2021 at the opportunity-rich Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, Metro Manila. BGFF is seen as a key indicator in the transformation of the country’s film industry in line with the latest developments, and to further enhance its contribution to the global film market. This project is an international event by and for Filipinos all converged and inspired — solidified by way of organized happenings like sessions exploring film talks, experimental showcases related to arts and technology, compelling exhibits, brand displays, entertainment pocket shows, and a culminating gala involving film stars and enthusiasts. Eric is spearheading BGFF with PR specialist Yenny Gonzales.
What projects Does Eric have in mind? “Will reveal the details once we are ready!” I suggested, why not something like the Korean plots that are a favorite these days.
*****
Let’s jump now to the current sizzling top favorite streaming on Netflix – tvN’s CRASH LANDING ON YOU (What is TVN? It means Total Variety Network, stylized as tvN, a South Korean nationwide general entertainment network)
aptly called CLOY. Undoubtedly this is a must to binge-watch right now. If you have not done it yet, that means you have not started to live, breathe and enjoy life to the fullest. Ha ha. Everybody has fallen in love with the irresistible male lead HYUN BIN. The kind of handsome that makes women of all ages now weak-kneed. Maybe HYUN has the effortless sexiness that only maturity can bring – he is about 37. Whatever it is, HYUN has got it. Hyun’s popularity is growing by the day, no let me edit that – probably every hour? The actor has been stealing viewers’ hearts all over the world.
South Korea’s biggest current television hit is a surreally unlikely tale of a billionaire heiress (Son Ye-jin) who accidentally paraglides into the North and falls in love with a chivalrous army officer (Hyun Bin) serving Kim Jong-un. The perfect chemistry works and the internationally well-loved romantic tale is a yarn from the famous Romeo-Juliet mold which boasts of strong “KILIG” moments. What makes every fan happier is that it is light (devoid of the heavy drama ingredients), it tugs at our heart-strings and provides some elements rich in sad pathos that leaves the audience with teary eyes, pining for a “happily ever after” ending. You tend to rewind and rewatch some scenes to read the subtitled quotable quotes which you hurriedly jot down to remember.
This is my favorite: “There is an Indian proverb that goes, sometimes the wrong train takes you to the right station… I told myself I would live a life where I don’t dream of the future…Until you crash landed into my world one day…Even if I have to worry about losing you everyday, I want to have you in my heart. Even if it breaks my heart because it’s a dream that can’t come true, I’d like to sincerely dream of the future.” Haaaay.
*****
How could we forget the late Tony DeZuniga, the legendary comic book artist? Last March 8, his works which include “Jonah Hex,” “Black Orchid,” “Conan the Barbarian” and “Spider Woman” were exhibited at the Filipino American National Historical Society Museum in Stockton, California. He is best known for his involvement as a penciler, inker, designer and creator for both DC and Marvel comics. Thanks to his widow Tina who has allowed the museum to share Tony’s life work and let people know this part of history…”
Tony had paved the way for other Filipino comics artists to enter the US industry when he convinced DC Editor in Chief Carmine Infantino and Joe Orlando to visit the Philippines in 1971. Artists like Alex Niño, Alfredo Alcala, Nestor Redondo, Fred Carrillo. Vicatan, Gerry Talaoc and so many more found a lot of work on DC’s stable of Mystery and War titles as a result.
We vividly remember Tony as the art director of Fernando Poe, Jr. in the late 60s, he created FPJ’s movie ads.
******
One of my favorite throwback photos: Location was at Bahia of Intercon. March, 1996. I was then residing in LA and my brod JUN longdistanced me “Come home, let us celebrate!”….I did! He surprised me by hosting a party and invited these three beautiful ladies along with other friends and family. Charo, Boots and Susan rocked the dancefloor swingin’ to boogie, swing, tango and chacha. Oh What a Night! and Oh what a sight! Everyone at Bahia watched the dancing session! Yes, it was my birthday. See you next ish.
