AS1
by: Lorelie Diño
The skies cleared up for this momentous event in Original Pilipino Music. History in the making, AS1 was the coming together of the two most renowned talented Filipino artists --- The Concert King and Mr. Pure Energy. It was a big showdown between Martin Nievera and Gary V, or Gary V and Martin Nievera, as how you’d like to interchange them. It didn’t really matter who was top billed first as they are both of high caliber in their craft, AS1 in song and in harmony. A concert series that reached many Filipinos abroad as well, they kicked it off at the open concert grounds of Mall of Asia on September 19, 2009. Fans and co-celebrities marked their calendars in showing their full support for a whole team of people coming together.
It was highly entertaining to see these two in one stage. A show filled with humor and wit provided by Martin. A show that touched your heart with Gary Valenciano’s inspirational songs. Showcasing their strong vocals, Gary and Martin can surely bring the whole stage to life. Martin proved that he can move. He has dancing shoes too. Comical looking but nevertheless, can obviously dance even if he denies it. Gary also demonstrated that he cannot move. He can keep still, contrary to his overflowing energy. Martin had to hold him down by tying him up. People were amused by their antics and tennis court-like conversations.
The night was composed of a splendid musical arrangement by Louie Ocampo and Mon Faustino. It was an almost 3-hours filled show that started at 8:45 and ended at 11:35. Singing their hit songs one after the other and medleys interjected in between, a unique range of musical tastes was heard. G-Force and The Manoeuvres made it a lot more energetic with their hip dance moves. An all-star-cast band completed the repertoire.
From the 80s to classics, from Toto to Air Supply, from Frank Sinatra to a tribute to Michael Jackson, from Broadway musicals to teleseryes and movie theme songs, from family affair of talents coming from Gab Valenciano’s drumming skills and Robin Nievera’s electrifying guitar playing, to Wonder Girls and Black Eyed Peas songs, and a video duet with Zsa Zsa Padilla and Pops Fernandez --- it was indeed an all-round entertainment concert.
After 25 years of brotherly friendship, Martin and Gary V. AS1 was a once-in-a-lifetime Filipino concert you didn’t want to miss. Lucky you if you were able to take part of it and were able to catch them at the city nearest you! This was one of those precious Filipino moments.
p.s. "A big thanks and much kudos to Monster Radio RX 93.1 for the free tix to this concert, i got to enjoy it with my friends :-) "
AS1 concert update: There will be a repeat, catch 'em while you can!
follow twitter @Manilaconcerts [NEW EVENT] As 1...The Repeat: Gary V and Martin Nievera LIVE! See the details here http://bit.ly/dyaFNs
