Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Leave it to Kuh Ledesma and company to satisfy the appetites of concertgoers in Northern California.

The Unity Tour made its stop in the Southbay last Tuesday, October 2, and despite being scheduled on a weekday, an estimated crowd of 3,000 gathered at the Jubilee Center in San Jose to catch the Pop Diva and her co-stars in a highly entertaining show that had people riveted, in stitches and saying "Amen!".

After the opening group number, each of the show’s stars segued into their own sets, or were featured in duets.

Jograd dela Torre mixed rock music and humor. The comedian/singer, who wore leather pants and an animal print shirt, sang original lyrics to the tune of Ice, Ice Baby, and a medley of rock songs.

Carlo Orosa showed off his stage skills as he sang a Moses number after an impressive Impossible Dream interpretation.

Charlie Green, who may well become the Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble of his generation, sang old standards which blew the audience away.

Nanette Inventor may have stolen the show because it was her two sets that had everyone falling off their seats. A member of the original Champoy gang that had a successful TV run in the ‘80s, Nanette touched on the subject of growing old in her first set (for both men and women) which included her take on the kinds of Pinoy noses, and the plastic surgery mishaps that a close friend had gone through. Her second set, where she became "Madame [Ma La Kee] Chan," had her going through feng shui, lucky numbers, and what’s good and bad for the Year of the Ox.

Christian Bautista was his usual charming self as he went to the audience in both of his sets and crooned to the women. Managed by Carlo Orosa, Bautista sang his popular songs and a medley of Jose Mari Chan songs which are contained in his newest album out in the market.

Isabella, the daughter of Kuh, sang pop-jazz numbers and a song composed by her dad.

As for Kuh, she sang some of her most popular and memorable songs, including Till I Met You, Ako Ay Pilipino and Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan. It was during the last song that she made an appeal to people in the audience for monetary contributions intended for the victims of the Philippine typhoons which were to be coursed through ABS-CBN Foundation.

There were interesting pairings as Christian and Isabella sang Fly Me to the Moon, and Carlo and Nanette joined forces for Tonight, which they sang in Ilocano.

It was really a captivating night of music and humor coming from artists who have a strong belief in their Christian faith and a strong commitment to doing their best in front of their fans.

If you have a chance to catch the Unity Tour concert in your area, do so. You won’t even notice the passage of time because you will either be laughing your eyes out or enjoying the musical talents of seven different performers.

[To catch the next tour dates and cities where the Unity Tour cast will be performing, go to www.unitytourconcert.com.]

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published October 29, 2009 in SF Magazine p. 13 )