Mr. Music treated concertgoers to a sonic spectacle.
Jonathan Manalo celebrated over two decades in the music industry with a grand concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre last October 15. Titled Mr. Music: The Hits of Jonathan Manalo, it featured over 30 new and veteran artists performing his biggest hits. The setlist included songs that became radio and TV show staples.
Jonathan is the country’s “most streamed songwriter, record producer.” His work has earned 1.4 billion streams. He has produced more than 1,600 recordings, 500 songs, and 200 albums.
An evening of Jonathan Manalo hits
The event began with AC Bonifacio, Angela Ken, Darren Espanto, and Sheena Belarmino singing a medley of Manalo’s hits that included “Isang Pangarap.” This was followed by a number that saw Erik Santos singing his signature song “Pagbigyang Muli.”
As a tribute to Manalo’s favorite genre, R&B chanteuse Kyla took the stage with “Beautiful Days.” Performances by Jason Dy, JMKO, Jona, Sheena Belarmino, and Nyoy Volante followed suit.
Jonathan is best known for writing theme songs. The concert highlighted “Ililigtas Ka Niya,” “Hindi Kita Iiwan,” “Hindi Maghihiwalay,” and “Paano Ba Ang Magmahal.” The set also included Moira’s melodramatic rendition of Ice Seguerra’s hit, “Para Lang Sa’yo.”
The setlist also included songs Jonathan wished that he had written. Angela Ken performed “Ako Naman Muna,” while Jonalyn Viray sang “I’ll Never Love This Way Again.” KZ Tandingan regaled the audience with her version of “Two Less Lonely People,” followed by Morissette’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” and Sheryn Regis’ “Come In Out Of The Rain.” That segment ended with Moira who sang “Ikaw At Ako.”
The concert also promoted a project Manalo did with artists from the Philippines and Singapore. Filipinos Trisha Denise, LU.ME, and Singaporeans KIRI, Kotoji, and Marian Carmel sang “My Safe Place.” These new faces were soon followed by a medley from the new breed of artists who did Manalo’s songs, including Darren Espanto.
Visual and vocal treats
Apart from the vocal treats, dance production numbers served as a visual treat to those present. P-pop favorites BGYO and BINI wowed the crowd with their collab stage. Then KZ Tandingan once again took center stage with “Raise Your Flag.”
For its climax, back-to-back power ballads were in store. Idol Philippines finalists Ann Raniel, Bryan Chong, Nisha Bedaña, and PJ Fabia jammed on “Bakit Ba Minamahal Kita.” Then Morissette and Sheryn Regis faced off on “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw.” Finally, an ensemble led by Angeline Quinto who did “Patuloy Ang Pangarap” came out.
The show ended with Manalo being joined on stage by many of the artists who worked with him over the years. Together, they sang “Pinoy Ako” and “Tara Tena.”
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Congratulations, Mr. Music!
Featured Image Daniella Sison
