A concert’s ‘first kiss’
One can describe Jose Mari Chan’s recent concert in Cebu like that of a first love’s innocent kiss: Subtle, sweet and slow.
The “father of Filipino Christmas” was in town headlining the “Celebrate Life: Golden Years of Service and Music” concert held at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino last Nov. 23. The concert was organized by Zonta Club of Cebu 1 which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The feeling of being transported back to dear moments of romance was evident in the devoted crowd who were holding on to every lyric Chan was singing.
One might even swear that everyone could only utter oooh’s and aaah’s as the balladeer sang his classic hits “Afraid For Love To Fade,” “Deep In My Heart,” “A Love To Last A Lifetime” and “Tell Me Your Name.”
The all so familiar, featherlike singing voice of Chan, was welcomed like gentle whispers to the ears of the audience, touching hearts, especially those of couples who consider his classic hits to be “their song.”
In his 50th year in the music industry, the singer was still very charismatic and energetic on stage. Aside from getting the ladies to blush, he proved to be a solid stand-up comedian too, breaking the audience into fits of giggles and laughter with his humorous take on marriage, religion, family and people from different races and walks of life.
Cebuana songbird Anna Fegi was openly beaming when she sang a duet of “Please Be Careful with My Heart” with Chan.
However, the female members of the crowd exceptionally cheered when the father of five introduced three of his sons who were as debonair and handsome as they were married. Chan introduced his children Joe, Michael and Franco who all sang a capella a The Beatles song and also sang with their father The Four Freshmen’s “It’s A Blue World.”
Of course, a Jose Mari Chan concert will not be complete without his singing his Christmas carols. These songs captured the surprising warm feeling of Christmas, a kind of happiness that could be a great pick-me-up on long cold nights.
The concert was an experience that brought about a mix of emotions, particularly that unexplainable feeling of elation that only a first kiss can bring.