“I’m really tired. But I won’t stop. I know there are so many people out there who are sad, lonely, and down. I want to make them smile.” This was the Philippines’ Phenomenal Star Vice Ganda’s post on his Twitter account early October – a promise to make his fans happy all the way, until the end.
Staying true to his word and devoted to his fans, Vice Ganda endured the eight-hour travel to Australia for the last leg of his equally phenomenal concert series “Pusuan Mo si Vice Ganda sa Sydney” held last October 29 at the Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney.
Anticipation was undeniably high because as early as almost a month prior, tickets have already been sold out.
Fulfilling his promise to entertain his fans to the last stretch, Vice Ganda opened the night with his mash-up performance of the songs “In the Name of Love” by international artists Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha, and “Kapag Tumibok ang Puso” by Donna Cruz. After greeting his fans with his customary “What’s Up Madlang People?”, Ganda, one of the main hosts of the top-rating musical-variety show “It’s Showtime” shared that no matter what the challenges are, human frailty include, he really wanted to bring the concert abroad because of his beloved fellowmen, the overseas Filipinos (OFs).
“We try to bring entertainment to our overseas Filipinos to ease their homesickness in our own way)”, Vice Ganda, also dubbed Unkabogabol Star (Indomitable star) affirms.
“Pusuan Mo si Vice Ganda sa Sydney” is the fourth and last international leg of the “Pusuan Mo si Vice Ganda” concert series this 2017. The first international performance happened in North America (the U.S. and Canada) in March and April; second in Japan in July; and the third in South Korea last August.
Originally meant as a Valentine concert, ABS-CBN and TFC expanded the concert year-long and worldwide, anchored on the belief that love is a year-long celebration. “No matter what month it is in the year, Filipinos always have some feels to share when it comes to love)”, the multi-media star explains.
With timeless love as the theme of the concert, Vice Ganda joined the crowd to look for a couple in love, and met Nanay Maricel and Tatay Renato in his search. The couple who had been together for 23 years, was asked by the comedian-host on what is the secret for a lasting relationship, to which the couple replied, “respect and love”.
Moved by their love for each other, Vice Ganda asked for a song that he could perform for them, and the couple chose George Benson’s “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You”.
Vice Ganda did not let the opportunity pass to also look for his “Mr. Right”. He chanced upon event security Chris Walker, who revealed that he is single and is also looking for love. The two gamely shared some sweet moments, which elicited loud cheers and laughter from the crowd. After a while, Vice Ganda thanked Walker for “being a good sport” and gave him a friendly hug.
Vice Ganda continued to give the audience different love “feels” with his lineup of songs such as “Sa Isip Ko” by Agot Isidro; “Anong Nangyari sa Ating Dalawa” by Aiza Seguerra; and “Shout Out to My Ex” by international girl group Little Mix.
One song that moved the full house Darling Harbour Theatre is “Heaven” by Bryan Adams, where the crowd even lit the venue with their phones; raised their hands; and swayed to the music.
Loud cheers also welcomed Dancefloor Heartthrob Rayver Cruz when he entered the stage while performing the song “Mama” by international singer Jonas Blue, which he matched with some smooth dance moves. Many also got envy when he serenaded a lady onstage with the song “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur, and acted as if he was pursuing her.
Meantime, the usual duo went solo when Lassy Marquez performed a solo act during the concert, after perennial partner MC Calaquian felt sick on the day of the show. However, the show must go one and he performed the song “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko” by the classic OPM group VST and Company, all solo.
Vice Ganda concluded the show by asking his fans to move closer and take a selfie photo with them.
At the end of the day, the fans went home with big smiles not only on their faces but also with their hearts full. Much in the same way Vice Ganda, Cruz, and Marquez went back home feeling fulfilled after bringing joy to the Filipino community in Australia.