Unified (concert)

Last updated

Unified
Concert by Regine Velasquez and Sarah Geronimo
Unified Concert Poster.jpg
Promotional poster for the show
Location Araneta Center, Quezon City, Philippines
Venue Araneta Coliseum
Start dateFebruary 14, 2020 (2020-02-14)
End dateFebruary 15, 2020 (2020-02-15)
No. of shows2
Regine Velasquez concert chronology
Iconic
(2019–2023)		Unified
(2020)		 Freedom: The Regine Velasquez-Alcasid Digital Concert
(2021)
Sarah Geronimo concert chronology
This 15 Me
(2018–2019)		Unified
(2020)		Tala: The Film Concert
(2021)

Unified was a co-headlining concert by Filipino singers Regine Velasquez and Sarah Geronimo. It was announced in December 2019 and held on two consecutive nights in February 2020 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The show was a co-production by Viva Live and iMusic Entertainment, in partnership with the Pinoy Box Office, Tagalized Movie Channel, and K Movies Pinoy. Ticket sales were handled by TicketNet, with Colgate as a major sponsor. Raul Mitra and Louie Ocampo served as musical directors, while Paolo Valenciano was the stage director. The set list included songs taken from the singers discographies, as well as covers of various pop and OPM music.

Contents

Described as a production by two of the most powerful music artists in the Philippines, the concert was Velasquez and Geronimo's first joint venture, although they have appeared as guest acts for each other's shows in the past. Unified received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the pair's live performances and wardrobe. The production was named Concert of the Year, while Velasquez won Female Concert Performer of the Year at the Star Awards for Music. On February 26, 2021, a concert film was released via the streaming platform Vivamax.

Background and development

In March 2002, Regine Velasquez presented the first season of the television singing contest Star for a Night , which was based on the British talent show of the same name. [1] Sarah Geronimo won the competition and was signed to a management deal with Viva Records. [2] Throughout her career, Geronimo has considered Velasquez a role model and credits her as a "mentor and inspiration", [3] adding that Velasquez made her realize the value of hard work in pursuing a career in music. [4] The pair has performed together in concerts, often as guest acts for each other's shows. Velasquez featured in Geronimo's Popstar: A Dream Come True (2004), The Other Side (2005), and Perfect 10 (2013). [5] [6] [7] Meanwhile, Geronimo has appeared in Velasquez's Reigning Still (2004) and R3.0 (2017) concerts. [8] [9] On screen, they have co-starred in the superhero film Captain Barbell (2003), and Velasquez made a cameo appearance in Geronimo's family drama Unforgettable (2019). [10]

In October 2018, Velasquez signed a network deal with ABS-CBN . In partnership with the television station, one of her first projects under the deal was hosting the musical variety show ASAP Natin' To , of which Geronimo is part of the ensemble performers. Velasquez has stated that she hoped to collaborate with Geronimo when she joins the show. [11] [12] On December 9, 2019, Viva Live announced through their social media accounts that the pair would be partaking in a co-headlining concert on February 14–15, 2020, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, with a show title called Unified. [13] [14] Raul Mitra and Louie Ocampo served as the musical directors, while Paolo Valenciano was the stage director. [15] Tickets for the show went on sale for the general public on December 15 and was handled by TicketNet. [13] The prices for the tickets were from ₱560 to ₱11,200. [15] The Philippine Star reported that ticket sales grossed ₱17.5 million (US$350,000) within 24 hours of availability, asserting that it was an event by "two of the country's finest performers and biggest stars". [15] In January 2020, additional seats were sold because of high demand. [16]

The concert's behind the scenes special depicted the pair rehearsing with the band, the lead up to the event, and clips of fans waiting in line to show appreciation for the singers. [17] When explaining the concept of the show, Valenciano stated that he drew inspiration from the awareness ribbon and its symbolism of solidarity and positivity. He envisioned the production design to be cohesive with the concert's title, collaborating with stage designer Enzo Pizarro, adding that "the design itself needs to communicate with our audience". [17] : 26:50  The set list featured songs taken from the pair's catalog spanning the majority of their careers, and included covers of pop and OPM music. [17] : 30:15  In the video, Ocampo spoke of his admiration for the pair, calling them vocally equipped and musically capable musicians. [17] : 28:20  Although he acknowledged the process of choosing the songs as daunting, his objective was to pick out the finest songs from their discographies. Sushila Reyes, the vocal director, described the show as a musical treat, "It's a rare chance that you get to hear the best of their hits together, re-interpreted [and] re-invented". [17] : 29:50 

Velasquez and Geronimo worked with multiple local designers for the shows' costumes, including Mak Tumang, Michael Leyva, Leo Almodal, Rajo Laurel, Neric Beltran, Edwin Tan, Jot Losa, and Nat Manilag. [18] The pair wore blue embellished ensembles designed by Tumang and Leyva for the opening, while they donned sheer white crystal-encrusted gowns for the finale. [18] [17] Unified was a joint production by Viva Live and iMusic Entertainment, in partnership with media platforms Pinoy Box Office, Tagalized Movie Channel, and K Movies Pinoy; the oral hygiene brand Colgate was its major sponsor. [14] [17]

Concert synopsis

Unified is over two hours and 30 minutes long. The concert opened with a video introduction of footage from Velasquez's and Geronimo's music videos, films, and past live performances. The pair then emerged from the upper stage and made their way down the staircases, performing "On the Wings of Love" (1982) and "Forever's Not Enough" (2003). Accompanied by dancers, the number continued with U2's Pride (In the Name of Love) (1984), which was mashed with Martin Garrix's and Bebe Rexha's "In the Name of Love" (2016), taking the latter's future bass motif and incorporating the chorus lines. They then delivered a welcome note, before playing a medley of songs from Filipino musicians Ben&Ben, Unique, and Moira Dela Torre. Geronimo leaves the stage and Velasquez sang a re-arranged version of the former's single "Isa Pang Araw". Geronimo followed this with a stripped-down rendition of Velasquez's 1990 single "Narito Ako". [17]

The next segment opened with the duo seated centerstage performing "How Could You Say You Love Me" (2004), followed by "Dadalhin" (2002). After the number, Geronimo appeared from the upper stage surrounded by female dancers singing a medley of her dance tracks. Next, Velasquez performed the main theme of the drama series Love Thy Woman (2020). She was then joined by Geronimo and spoke briefly about the "divas of their respective generations", before transitioning into an Adele and Whitney Houston tribute number. The show continued with "Tala" (2016), which Geronimo performed as female dancers delivered a sensual choreography. Velasquez returned onstage and proceeded with "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" (1982), which she performed against a backdrop of deep red light beams. The final segment saw the pair perform covers of Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" (1995) and Jackie DeShannon's "What the World Needs Now Is Love" (1965). They followed with the contemporary inspirational songs "Rescue" (2019) and "Rise Up" (2015). The show concluded with an encore performance of the duo's uptempo songs "Urong Sulong" (1987) and "Sa Iyo" (2003). [17]

Reception and recording

A review by ABS-CBNnews.com praised Velasquez's and Geronimo's vocal abilities, making references to their renditions of "How Could You Say You Love Me" and "Dadalhin". It concluded: "As expected, they brought the house down by effortlessly hitting all the high notes even while sitting down." [19] Ryan Arcadio from the Philippine Daily Inquirer commended Geronimo's performance of "Tala" for its "fierce" routine, highlighting its revamped choreography. [20] The show's fashion also received praise. Elyse Ilagan of Metro magazine, wrote: "Sarah and Regine looked regal in lavish dresses. Embroidered to perfection, it reflected how the concert was nothing short of grand. And while it was a no brainer that people attended the show to hear Sarah and Regine sing, it wasn’t just their voices that shone through the stage." [18]

At the 2022 Star Awards for Music, Unified was named Concert of the Year and Velasquez won Female Concert Performer of the Year. [21] The pair also earned Best Collaboration in a Concert at the 2020 Aliw Awards. [22] On February 26, 2021, a concert film was released via the streaming platform Vivamax. [23]

Set list

The set list is adapted from the concert film. [17]

  1. "On the Wings of Love" / "Forever's Not Enough"
  2. "Pride (In the Name of Love)" / "In the Name of Love"
  3. "Pagtingin" / "Sino" / "Tagu-Taguan
  4. "Isa Pang Araw"
  5. "Narito Ako"
  6. "How Could You Say You Love Me" / "Dadalhin"
  7. "Misteryo" / "Ikot-Ikot" / "Kilometro"
  8. "Mahal Ko O Mahal Ako"
  9. "All I Ask" / "Hello" / "Chasing Pavements"
  10. "Run To You" / "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" / "I Have Nothing" / "All at Once" / "I Know Him So Well"
  11. "Tala"
  12. "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"
  13. "Earth Song"
  14. "What the World Needs Now Is Love"
  15. "Rescue" / "Rise Up"
Encore
  1. "Urong Sulong" / "Sa Iyo"

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sarah Geronimo</span> Filipino singer and actress (born 1988)

Sarah Asher Tua Geronimo is a Filipino singer and actress. Known for her musical versatility and performances, she is a recipient of numerous accolades, including a Billboard Women in Music Award, an Mnet Asian Music Award, an MTV Europe Music Award, a Classic Rock Roll of Honour Award, and a World Music Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regine Velasquez</span> Filipino singer and actress (born 1970)

Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez is a Filipino singer and actress. She is considered one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and belting technique. She had unorthodox voice training during her childhood, where she was immersed neck-deep in the sea. Velasquez rose to prominence after winning the television talent show Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1984 and the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in 1989. Under the name Chona, she signed a recording contract with OctoArts International in 1986 and released the single "Love Me Again", which was commercially unsuccessful. The following year, she adopted the stage name Regine Velasquez for her debut studio album, Regine (1987), under the guidance of Viva Records executive Vic del Rosario and producer Ronnie Henares. She explored Manila sound and kundiman genres on her second and third studio albums, Nineteen 90 (1990) and Tagala Talaga (1991).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ogie Alcasid</span> Filipino actor, comedian and singer-songwriter (born 1967)

Herminio Jose Lualhati "Ogie" Alcasid Jr. is a Filipino actor, singer, songwriter, comedian, director and producer. He is best known for his songwriting and collaboration with other musical artists. He has appeared in films and television shows, notably as a cast member of Tropang Trumpo (1994–1995) and Bubble Gang (1995–2013), and a host and main performer of SOP (1997–2010) and ASAP Natin 'To (2017–present). He is currently married to Regine Velasquez, with whom he has one child.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angeline Quinto</span> Filipino singer and actress (born 1989)

Angeline Quinto is a Filipino singer, actress, and television personality. Known for her vocal range and soulful singing style, Quinto's music has garnered critical praise for its lyrical content and themes of love, heartbreak, and empowerment. It has been featured in the soundtracks of films and television series in the Philippines.

Lyca Jane Epe Gairanod is a Filipino singer and actress. She won the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines, where she landed a recording contract with UMG Philippines She subsequently made her first television appearance as an actress portraying herself in ABS-CBN's Maalaala Mo Kaya and guested in ABS-CBN's Hawak-Kamay the following month.

"Isa Pang Araw" is a song by Filipino singer-actress Sarah Geronimo, composed by Miguel Mendoza III. It was used as theme song of Geronimo's film Miss Granny released in 2018 under Viva Films. It was nominated for "Best Original Song" at the 67th FAMAS Awards. The song was included on Spotify Philippines' Top OPM Songs of 2018. At the 32nd edition of Awit Awards, the song won Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist and Best Song Written and Performed for a Movie/TV/Stage Play.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R2K: The Concert</span> 2000 concert by Regine Velasquez

R2K: The Concert was the first arena concert by Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez, held on April 7 and 8, 2000, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. It was a part of Velasquez's promotion of her tenth studio album, R2K (1999). It was exclusively promoted by Viva Concerts, with beauty brands Pond's and Sunsilk as sponsors. Velasquez served as the stage and creative director for the show, which featured Ogie Alcasid, Gabby Eigenmann, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, and KC Montero as guest acts.

One Night with Regine was a benefit concert by Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez that took place on April 26, 2002 at the National Museum of Anthropology in Rizal Park, Manila. The charity event was organized by ABS-CBN Foundation to raise funds in support of the Bantay Bata child welfare program, which aimed to promote awareness of disadvantaged and at-risk children. The proceeds were donated to benefit the development of a children's village in Velasquez's hometown of Bulacan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reigning Still</span> 2004 concert by Regine Velasquez

Reigning Still was an arena concert by Filipino entertainer Regine Velasquez, held on December 3 and 4, 2004, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. It was part of Velasquez's campaign to support her twelfth studio album, Covers, Vol. 1 (2004). The set list featured songs predominantly taken from the album, and various covers of pop hits. It was exclusively promoted by GMA Network, with Smart Communications as sponsor. Velasquez served as the stage director for the show, which featured Andrew E., Sarah Geronimo, Sheryn Regis, Kyla, Francis Magalona, and Ariel Rivera as guest acts. Velasquez was nominated for Best Female Major Concert Act at the 18th Aliw Awards for the production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silver (concert)</span> 2012 concert by Regine Velasquez

Silver was a two-day arena concert by Filipina entertainer Regine Velasquez. An initial concert was held on November 16, 2012, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with a second date taking place on January 5, 2013. Velasquez became the first local artist to play at the venue since it opened that May. The show's concept and name is a reference to the 25th anniversary of her professional debut in 1986. The setlist contained songs predominantly taken from Velasquez's discography and various covers. The show was produced by iMusic Entertainment, with GMA Network as its broadcast partner. Ryan Cayabyab and Raul Mitra served as music directors, accompanied by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solo (concert residency)</span> 2023 concert residency by Regine Velasquez

Solo is a concert residency by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati. Consisting of six shows, it began on February 17 and concluded on April 29, 2023. After not performing for a live audience following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Velasquez conceived the concert residency to celebrate the 35th anniversary of her professional debut. She described the show's concept as an artistic journey, with performances that would be devoid of front acts or special guests.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R3.0 (concert)</span> 2017 concert by Regine Velasquez

R3.0 was an arena concert by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez, held on October 21 and 22, 2017, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. It was a part of Velasquez's promotion of her seventeenth studio album R3.0 (2017) and marked a celebration of the 30th anniversary of her professional debut in 1986. The set list featured songs predominantly taken from the album, with additional songs from her older albums and various covers of pop hits. It was exclusively promoted by Viva Entertainment, with PLDT, Inc. as sponsor. Raul Mitra served as music director, while Paolo Valenciano was tapped as stage director.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iconic (concert)</span> 2019 tour by Sharon Cuneta and Regine Velasquez

Iconic was a co-headlining concert tour by Filipino singers Sharon Cuneta and Regine Velasquez. Comprising 16 shows, it began on October 18, 2019, at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, and concluded on March 26, 2023, in Los Angeles. The tour in the United States was due to begin May 2020 with six dates scheduled, but these were postponed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic; new shows were announced after a two-year delay. It continued in June 2022 at the Resorts World Manila, followed by a series of shows in the United States throughout 2023. The concert tour featured guest appearances by Pilita Corrales, Jeremy Glinoga, and Zephanie Dimaranan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freedom (concert)</span> 2021 concert by Regine Velasquez

Freedom: The Regine Velasquez-Alcasid Digital Concert was a livestream concert by the Filipino recording artist Regine Velasquez. The concert was produced and broadcast by ABS-CBN Events through four live streaming platforms at 8:00 p.m. Philippine Standard Time on February 28, 2021. The concert's premise was "freedom of singing", stemming from Velasquez's desire to sing songs from several music genres and create a live experience on a stream for her fans longing for a sense of human connection. The set list included renditions of songs from artists such as Elton John, Chris Isaak, George Michael, Sara Bareilles, Dua Lipa, and Billie Eilish. Bamboo Mañalac performed as a special guest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regine Rocks</span> 2023 concert by Regine Velasquez

Regine Rocks was a concert tour by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez. It commenced on November 25, 2023, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila and concluded on April 19, 2024. The shows in the United States began in February 2024 which visited select cities in California. It was initially conceived as a celebration of Velasquez's 35th anniversary since her professional debut, and was promoted as the lead-up event following her concert residency Solo at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, which ran from February to April 2023. The concert's premise stems from Velasquez's desire to perform rock music and elements of subgenres such as pop rock, and slow rock. The show spans over 2.5 hours, with a set list of 33 songs, including music from rock artists such as Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Coldplay, Guns N' Roses, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Queen, Radiohead, and the Rolling Stones.

References

  1. ↑ Salterio, Leah (March 27, 2002). "Star for a Night looks for new Regines". Philippine Daily Inquirer . p. A24. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023– via Google Books.
  2. ↑ Red, Isah V. (March 8, 2003). "Sarah is Star for a Night". p. 8. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023– via Google Books.
  3. ↑ Dumaual, Miguel (January 28, 2021). "Sarah Geronimo has a good reason for ASAP absence, says Regine Velasquez". ABS-CBNnews.com. Archived from the original on September 11, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  4. ↑ Esteves, Patricia (December 3, 2013). "Concert review The Sarah G experience". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  5. ↑ Camino, Louie C. (September 29, 2003). "The next big thing". Philippine Daily Inquirer (in Tagalog). p. C4. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023– via Google Books.
  6. ↑ "Sarah Geronimo's big moment". The Philippine Star . August 25, 2005. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Sarah Geronimo concert scores a Perfect 10". Philippine Entertainment Portal . November 16, 2013. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  8. ↑ Tariman, Pablo (December 3, 2004). "Regine's reigning season". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  9. ↑ Calderon, Ricky (October 5, 2017). "Songbird struggles, but prefers her voice now". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on July 23, 2019. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  10. ↑ Siazon, Rachelle (October 3, 2019). "Sarah Geronimo on closeness to Regine Velasquez: "One text away lang."". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Tagalog). Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  11. ↑ Tomada, Nathalie (October 17, 2018). "What's in store for Regine as Kapamilya". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Everything you need to know about Regine Velasquez's transfer to ABS-CBN". Rappler . October 18, 2018. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  13. 1 2 "Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo to perform in joint concert" . Rappler . December 11, 2019. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  14. 1 2 "Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Ms. Sarah Geronimo Unified at the Araneta Coliseum on February 14 and 15, 2020". Viva Live. December 9, 2019. Archived from the original on February 11, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2023– via Facebook.
  15. 1 2 3 Gil, Baby A. (December 27, 2019). "Christmas visits Unified". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on February 29, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  16. ↑ "More tickets to be released for Regine, Sarah's 'Unified' concert". ABS-CBNnews.com. January 6, 2020. Archived from the original on February 16, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Unified (2020)". Vivamax. Archived from the original (Video) on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.(subscription required)
  18. 1 2 3 Ilagan, Elyse (February 17, 2020). "All the designers Sarah Geronimo and Regine Velasquez wore at their Unified concert". Mega. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Watch:Regine, Sarah impress with duet of original hits at 'Unified' concert". ABS-CBNnews.com. February 16, 2020. Archived from the original on June 16, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  20. ↑ Arcadio, Ryan (February 16, 2020). "Watch: Sarah Geronimo dances 'fierce' version of 'Tala'". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  21. ↑ Dumawal, Mario (October 13, 2022). "Moira, Ogie, Regine win big at 2022 PMPC Star Awards for Music". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  22. ↑ Hernandez Reyes, Alice (December 15, 2020). "Aliw 2020 Congress, A first in AAFI history". Aliw Awards Foundation Inc. Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  23. ↑ Requintina, Robert (February 2, 2021). "Viva Entertainment launches new streaming app". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved December 15, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.