PAGCOR 5 delivers a repertoire consisting entirely of Christmas songs
MANILA, Philippines — PAGCOR 5 proves there’s talent to be found even when the TV is turned off.
They are not Kapamilya or Kapatid or Kapuso but Joyce Tanana, Charles Kevin Tan, Renz Robosa, Steve Fernandez, and Hadasa Camporaso opened their Christmas tour last Dec. 1 at Casino Filipino Paranaque as if they were on a Sunday variety show being watched by millions of viewers. The high energy, the ease in delivering spiels, the repartee and vocal blending, the forte of each member, the stage presence even when one of them almost slipped onstage but recovered gracefully…it’s just unbelievable that they aren’t on any TV show yet.
But maybe that’s why they are so good: Honed through live performance versus singing to a camera, they have developed a performance style that feeds on the audience’s response, constantly adjusting and readjusting.
Delivering a repertoire consisting entirely of Christmas songs, PAGCOR 5 certainly had people in holiday mood. Each was given a spot to showcase their individuality even as group medleys demonstrated that sometimes, five heads are better than one. Each knows his place in the group (e.g. Renz is your David Archuleta-type; Steve, your Martin Nievera disciple; Charles as your Pinoy Michael Buble) and he uses it for the greater good.
Some of the songs they took on were “O Come Let Us Adore Him,” “Jingle Bells,” “Christmas Won’t Be The Same Without You,” “Himig Pasko” and “All I Want This Christmas.” Music arranger Elmer Blancaflor ensured that there was a balance between presenting the songs in the traditional way while others in more contemporary fashion. What’s great with PAGCOR 5 is that each member gives equal importance in hitting the low notes as much as the high ones and that even when they can show more vocal prowess, they hold back unless they go over the top.
Guest performer Ariel Rivera still hasn’t lost his touch---and charisma. Though he sang just four songs, these were enough to send the crowd back to his “kilabot ng colegiala” days. Women, ladies lined up to give the former heartthrob a peck on the check even as he remarked that he’s not as young as he used to be.
Rivera’s song choices were well thought of: one Ric Segretto remake, his signature hit “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin,” and “Sana Ngayong Pasko” that has become his contribution to the list of OPM holiday songs. People wanted to hear more, of course, but really the three songs already was a complete shortlist if you think about it.
The next dates in “PAGCOR’s Paskong Pasasalamat 2011 – a Casino Filipino National Christmas Tour” are on Dec. 3 (Casino Filipino Hyatt); Dec. 4 (Casino Filipino Tagaytay); Dec. 8 (Casino Filipino Heritage); Dec. 10 (Casino Filipino Cebu); Dec. 11 (Casino Filipino Bacolod); Dec. 15 (Casino Filipino Angeles); and Dec. 17 (Casino Filipino Davao).
All shows start at 9 p.m. Admission is free. First come, first served. For inquiries please call PAGCOR Entertainment Dept.
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