Music and the thrill of live performance are the ties that bind seasoned performer Arnell Ignacio, rising P-pop artists Bilib and the boyband Formula Five.
These performers prove Filipino artists are world-class especially in terms of musicality, dance moves and giving the much-needed feels and groove to the songs they sing.
Though Arnell Ignacio holds the position of Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the side of him being a performer cannot be denied. That is why it is a no-brainer that he is back in the concert scene to headline the post-Valentine dinner concert “Timeless... Music & Laughter” on 15 February at the Grand Ballroom of the Century Park Hotel Manila.
“I miss performing with a live audience,” said the seasoned artist. “What I miss the most (is) the instant appreciation of the audience and the energy you get from them — the energy when you’re on stage, nothing compares to it.”
“That’s really very, very hard. When you are on stage, parang may gagapang sa iyo ang adrenaline na (adrenaline just creeps up on you that) will just tell you what to say, how to say it, or to take your time,” Ignacio said.
“What happens next is pure magic,” said the performer. “You cannot help but smile, feel great and you know the fact that you have captivated your public with your talent, they are entertained, having a wonderful time and masigabo at mainit ang kanilang mga palakpakan (and their applause if warm and enthusiastic). Wow! Just wow!” Ignacio promises a show that will be worth their time.
Performing with Ignacio during the post Valentine concert are the New Minstrels Fifth Generation, Atty. Rene Puno, Alyanna and Chad Borja.
“Timeless… Music & Laughter” is produced by Sarangola Media, with Liz Alindogan as its associate producer.
The seven-member P-pop group BILIB and a miss called Zela make history as they raise the Filipino flag as official representatives to the Waterbomb Manila 2025 on 22 to 23 February at the Quirino Grandstand.
Composed of Yukito Kanai (leader), Clyde Ballo (main dancer), Zio Dela Paz (rapper), Rafael Mumar (main vocalist), RC Coronel (visual), Jmac Sangil (lead dancer) and Carlo Samson (lead vocalist), the group already has four singles available on leading digital platforms with “Kabanata” and “Say Watcha Wanna Say” as top favorites of their BILIBers.
“Preparations are in full swing” said group leader Kanai. “We are currently undergoing intense training, proper diet, staying active is a must and, yes, we are showing off a little skin.”
Since there will be a lot of water elements on and off the Waterbomb stage, Coronel said, “Physically we are trying to do our best para naman magpakita ng (just to show off) a little bit of spice — na first ever din nila makikita (that they will see for the first time) from us.”
The seven young men are more than eye candy — they are smart and aware of their responsibility of being part of the P-pop rise movement. Brotherhood and music bind them, and they promise more musical bombs and surprises this year.
The one and only miss called Zéla will perform her first single “Karma” and latest “01/01.”
BILIB and Zela will kick off the second day of the festival with 15-minute sets.
What makes Formula 5 a standout in the boyband landscape is its aurally pleasing, satisfying harmonies, most evident when the group sings mash-up numbers of OPM classics and musical theater anthems. The members also make original compositions and make their own kind of music.
Managed by director Frank Lloyd Mamaril, who also recently debuted as a singer, its members include Kirby Bas, Lei Dionela, Kier, Shone Ejusa, Oliver Agustin and Mamaril himself.
Bas is not only a singer, but also a violinist. He said his group’s major strength is: “It is the fact that we represent various parts of the Philippines. I’m from Mindanao. My co-members are from the South and North. It’s good to represent our hometowns. We do our best to make each performance our own.”
Dionela said, “It’s a blessing to find a group that values originality while also celebrating friendship, and that enthusiasm is what keeps them together.” To be an actor is another dream that this gentleman from Cavite wants to realize soonest.
Kier, the group’s main musical composer, said, “I am honored and pleased that direk Frank trusted me to write original songs for the group, as well as each individual member. Ang sarap sa puso na marinig ang mga komposisyon ko na kinakanta ng aking mga ka-grupo (It feels good to hear your compositions being sung by your group).”
Ejusa, a recording artist from Negros Occidental and TikTok PH Rising Livestreamer of the Year 2023, said, “I believe that Formula Five has a lot to contribute. Marami kaming io-offer (We have a lot to offer). We’re determined. We are passionate. We love singing.”
Agustin, the newest member, added, “I hope that our individual stories may encourage people to achieve their dreams.”
Mamaril, as the boy group manager, wants Formula Five to be focused on their goal and constantly reminds them of professionalism and to always put love and passion in their performances.