On the Tanghalang Pasigueño stage, it could not be denied that Renz Verano, who celebrated the three-decade milestone of one of his hit songs, "Ibang-Iba Ka Na," possessed a truly magnetic X factor. The moment he stepped on stage and began to sing a Rey Valera original, the audience’s excitement erupted. The applause was electric and instantaneous, with their eyes transfixed on the singing sensation, filled with admiration and respect. His signature raspy voice filled the venue, and his renditions of songs with syrupy lyrics told their respective stories, complemented by all the emotional push and pull that only Verano could muster and provide.

When the time came for him to sing his own anthems, I observed the crowd. Some became teary-eyed. Other faces beamed as they sang along with the OPM icon. The star-struck majority cherished and enjoyed every note and line, and Verano’s emotional delivery added even more magic and mystique to the pop classics. What he brought to the ditties was, without a doubt, charisma, talent, emotion and passion, plus a mesmerizing performance that can best be described as precious and truly deserving of the thunderous applause from his adoring, sing-along audience.

Three decades

“I am humbled and, of course, grateful that my song 'Ibang-Iba Ka Na' gets to be celebrated,” Verano said. “I think its appeal comes from the fact that it was able to capture the devastating, slow-burning realization of a love and romance that ended because of the obvious changes in a beloved.”

“I am most thankful to Evelyn Bruce and Efren Jymaquio, the composers and lyricists of the song, for their trust in me; to the recording label that released the song in 1996, PolyEast Records; and to all my fans and supporters na hanggang ngayon, andiyan pa rin,” Verano said during the post-concert press conference.

Proof of the enduring impact of Verano’s anthem on pop culture and music history, it was honored during EBQ Productions’ Ibang-Iba Ka Na: Thriving @30th Anniversary Concert, where the song’s three decades of success was celebrated.

One of the concert’s most memorable segments featured EBQ talents interpreting the Verano hit in different languages and performing it as duet numbers.

Forever young

“Hearing the song in English and in our local languages, nakakamangha (it was amazing), and with the young artists of today giving it a new musical flavor and spin, it shows the timelessness of the song. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam (It feels great), at ang gagaling ng mga bata (the young singers are all good),” said Verano.

Three of the most impressive singers during Verano’s concert were Aerwyna Pearl, Robby Diesta and Lyndon McLain. This trio also received the Most Influential Filipino Asian Award.

The other artists who performed during the Ibang-Iba Ka Na anniversary concert were KITTRIX, Erwin Factoran Guina, Ivana Itawis, John Rey Infante Mendoza, Domss Mission, Nonie Inciong, Clarise Acosta Imperial, RayeRaye, Giane Rosales, Shoogar Bet, Eve Quin Nick Quintua, Joseph V. Rivera, Mart Joseph Garcia, KZ Custodio and Julius Brian Salvania.

Currently available on streaming platforms is Verano’s latest song, "Hiram."

“It is an emotional ballad that explores themes of love, perfect timing and second chances,” said the "King of Filipino Ballads" in conclusion.

With his distinctive soulful, raspy vocals, emotionally relatable lyrics that make hearts scream and soar, the perfect blend of kundiman and ’90s pop-rock, and the way his songs and persona have made audiences feel love through the years, we now know why Verano’s music and career continue to endure and resonate.