Acoustic Festival

21 August 2004, 9:30 a.m.

Was planning to go home straight from work last night, when I received a text from my friend Isa, “You wanna watch Acoustic Festival tonight, with Paolo Santos, Jimmy Bondoc, Akafellas, & Thor?” “Is the Pope Catholic?” I almost text back.

After some frenzied minutes, couldn’t find anyone to accompany me. So sadly decided to give up and just go home. But just as I was leaving the office, I chance upon 2 friends looking for something to do this Friday night. So am back to “concert” mode! After making sure we still have tickets, off we went to Casino Filipino in Paranaque for the concert.

The concert started late, almost 10 p.m., but it was well worth the wait. I thoroughly enjoyed the show (lighting effects included, sound problems excluded).

First to perform was Thor, and since this was my first time to even hear about him, I was quite surprised that he had a very nice voice! He sang Stevie Wonder songs (titles which escape me at the moment) and he was pretty good. He sang “Wonderland” (his first single), and “Lately”. Someone who I think is well on his way to becoming a famous balladeer.

Have heard of Akafellas before, but never really got to hear them sing until last night. And they were a treat! They’re 8 young guys, (all kinda cute, may I add), and all with great voices which blended melodiously together. Didn’t catch their names, except for DJ Mike, who wowed the crowd with his talent for imitating drums, synthesizers, anything & everything…really good! Another standout was the smallest guy in the group, who had the highest, and sweetest voice of the group, and who reminded me of a young Michael Jackson (maybe even better!) Their version of “Bongga ka ‘day” was fresh and different! There were a few awkward moments before each song, but once they started singing, it was pure bliss. I also remember them saying that they’re not a boy band, but a “voice” band. And what beautiful voices they have. :)

The highlight of the concert for me? It was a tie between Jimmy Bondoc’s rendition of the classics “The way you look tonight” and “someone to watch over me”, and Paolo Santos’ “Moonlight in Paris”, and “There’s no easy way to break somebody’s heart”. Hearing these guys sing was well worth the effort of braving the traffic going to Paranaque during rush hour on a Friday night!

All the performers did well, but struck me the most was the confidence Paolo Santos exuded on stage. He has really grown to be a better performer. And Jimmy Bondoc? I never knew (until last night) that he had a great sense of humor. Funny guy!

Boy, am I glad I was able to watch the concert. Things just fell into place, considering that it was such short notice. What luck! I love you, Isa! Mwah mwah mwah! :D