Balladeer and world-class musical theater artist Gerald Santos is set to dazzle his audiences in Courage, a one-night-only musical shindig slated on 24 January at the SM North EDSA Sky Dome. The concert promises to bring a lot of feels and heart. Antonino Rommel Ramilo directs. Echo Jam and Visionary Productions are producers.

“Courage nowadays is being able to go outside the box,” said Santos when asked about his definition of the word. “Cancel culture is prevalent now, so being able to tell the truth and face detractors without getting bothered by them also shows the importance of having courage.”

Courage in his heart, plus ambition and the desire to realize his dream of being singer, is the force that guided Santos to take the Pinoy Pop Superstar stage. He was only in his teens where he eventually became its victor. He also mustered the courage when he auditioned for Miss Saigon, got the role of Thuy and performed on international musical theater stages.

“The most courageous step I took, is of course, auditioning for Miss Saigon,” Santos said. “The opportunity presented itself at the time when I was feeling hopeless and ready to give up on my singing career.”

He continued: “Although Pinoy Pop Superstar was really special because it gave birth to me in showbiz, but I was a kid back then. With Miss Saigon I was an adult already, more mature, especially emotionally. And to portray Thuy and gave life to him, enjoyed every bit of the experience.”

“I grew so much as a person and as a young man because it was my first time to live independently abroad,” Santos carried on. “It was something that you couldn’t exchange for anything. Priceless and life changing experience to be part of what many consider as one of the best musicals, travelling the world and getting paid doing what you love. It’s by far the highlight of my life, something that I will forever treasure as an artist and performer.”

Courage, the concert

“This concert hits different for me personally because now in my life and age, I feel I have found more purpose than sharing my music and being a performer,” said Santos.

What can we expect from Courage? Santos said, “The songs in the repertoire, I must say, are fearless. Not the usual songs that my public is accustomed to. There will be dancing, yes! Rock ballads as well. And tribute numbers.”

Sharing the Courage stage with Santos as special guests are Erik Santos, Aicelle Santos, Sheryn Regis, Elish and PPop boy band Aster.

Bare and brave

“The desire to reinvent myself in terms of my singing and music has always been constant in the concert, that is what everyone will hear and experience, “Santos said. One of the highlights of Courage, will be the first live performance of his new song billed “Hubad.”

“When I heard ‘Hubad,’ finally the perfect song at the right time,” Santos declared. “It’s like everything fell into place. You know, I was looking, searching for the perfect song for my reinvention. Thank the heavens for Feb Cabahug, ‘Hubad’s’ composer who had me in mind to sing her song.”

Santos said: “’Hubad’ is contemporary, hot, intriguing and, I must say, sexy. I have so much faith in the song. When I perform this during the Courage concert, ay! That is all that I can say.”

Aside from pushing “Hubad” to be a killer hit this year, the concert is the launchpad of the Courage Movement. “The Courage Movement seeks to inspire and encourage individuals, to embrace bravery, assert their confidence, and know that he or she is not alone. The movement is a platform to spread hope, foster ties, assist, offer support, especially to those who face the toughest of emotional and psychological battles because of sexual abuse.”

Santos is currently in a relationship with New York-based Grace Torrecampo. Is marriage the next courageous life path he will embark on? “It’s a very big decision and it must not be rushed,” Santos replied. “It requires a lot of stability, talking about emotional, mental, financial, spiritual stability, among other things. But I am happy that my Grace and I are not afraid of discussing it. In God’s perfect time, it will happen. I know she is the one.”

To those who are afraid and disheartened by what is happening to them, specifically newcomers in the live entertainment industry, Santos said: “Show business now is a totally different ballgame. It has changed drastically since I started because of social media and all of us being more interconnected with the world. What to do is to always practice, hone your talent, believe in the power of prayer. Just expose yourself and your talent to the world. You have a lot of platforms now. Have an open mindset when it comes to sharing your God-given gift.”

“I am happy, grateful for every blessing that comes my way -- Courage, this concert; and the movement, of course, dreams that are now realities. All the glory to God,” concluded Gerald Santos, the Courageous.

“Hubad,” Santos’ latest song is now available Spotify, ITunes, Amazon Music and other major streaming platforms.

Concert tickets for Courage are purchasable on smtickets.com.