Why these OPM artists are champions

Valentine’s night will surely be an enchanted and musical evening with Champions of the Heart, featuring five of the Philippines’ most beloved singers — Martin Nievera, Jed Madela, Jona, Klarisse de Guzman and Sofronio Vasquez — headlining the concert on 14 February at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. John Prats serves as concert director, Marvin Querido as musical director and Anna Puno of Starmedia Entertainment is the concert producer.

What say you, director Prats?

It will be a working birthday for Prats this Valentine’s Day as he takes the helm of Champions of the Heart.

On what to expect from the concert, Prats said, “We want to make it a different Valentine concert. The entire show is an exposition of the glory and wonders of love, and of course, the aches and pain that are part and parcel of it.”

“I believe that when you fall in love, you gamble — it’s a risk,” Prats continued. “It’s wonderful to fall in love; being in love intoxicates. Of course, at some point there will be pain, even a breakup. That kind of pain truly shatters. However, if your relationship turns sour and ends, it does not mean you are talunan (defeated), because from heartbreak you gain wisdom, clarity and emotional maturity.”

Prats shared during the press conference: “The concert will be filled with the stories of each singer. It’s their story. This concert has no writer because I believe all the artists here are the writers of their love stories. They know best which aspects are worth sharing. We want them to be as truthful as possible.”

As for the title of the concert, Prats explained, “Every love we give involves risk. When we face and navigate love in a relationship, sometimes we win, sometimes we lose — and that’s all right. We are champions in love and romance because we braved it and endured all the challenges, as well as the highs and happiness we experienced.”

Prats admitted this will be his first time working with Madela, Nievera, Jona and Vasquez. “More than feeling intimidated, I’m excited. Their inputs make the concert even more beautiful. Ang sarap (It's nice) to work with artists who are all in.”

The champions

Nievera is the "Concert King." Madela is the "Grand Champion Performer of the World." Jona is the original Pinoy Pop Superstar. Klarisse is known as the "Philippine Soul Diva." Vasquez is the first Asian and Filipino to win Season 26 of The Voice in the US.

Nievera said, “As the so-labeled 'Concert King,' it’s an honor and privilege to be onstage with these talented artists. I come from the ’80s, while these singers represent the future of OPM (Original Pilipino Music). To work and sing with them, exchange ideas and simply listen to them — wow. I truly feel lucky to be part of this dynamic group.”

On what makes the concert different, he added, “We’ve spent many years learning how to blend together as Kapamilya. We are not strangers. The rapport is already there. The chemistry is present. When you hear us harmonize, sing together, or perform duets and solo numbers, they become the best musical treats.”

“It’s once in a lifetime to have a lineup like this,” Madela said. “Most of my shows are solo, so when I collaborate with other artists, I discover something new about myself. Dueting with Klarisse brings an entirely different level. With Sofronio, it will be a new high. With Jona — and of course Kuya Martin — it’s something else altogether. This is a dream collaboration.”

“I am so grateful to be part of this dream team and dream concert,” Jona shared. “All the singers here are my idols, which is why I’m kilig. I know that on concert night, the audience will be filled with inspiration as we sing about love, joy, heartache, hope and romance.”

“The concert will surely be epic,” said de Guzman. “We’re truly a mutual admiration club. I look up to all of them, and it feels wonderful that they appreciate me and my talent. Everything feels light — no egos, no diva or divo. I know this will be a concert like no other, which is why I’m excited.”

“I believe I’m the youngest in this group, especially when we talk about being a champion,” Vasquez said. “During our initial meeting, I was in constant starstruck mode. I used to listen to their songs, some of which became my contest pieces. Now we’re discussing repertoire and deciding which songs work best. Everyone gives, listens, explains and we agree together. I’m still in the ‘Is this really happening?’ state of mind, and I’m grateful to share the stage with them.”