UNCASVILLE, CT – The East Coast fans of Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano couldn’t get enough of their idols that no amount of snow, sleet or rain could prevent them from trooping to the Mohegan Sun to watch them perform last Sunday, Feb. 28.
The historic undertaking—that of bringing the two concert icons together on one stage—is on its second leg in the United States, after a highly-successful initial run last year. Fans thought they’d never see the day when their idols—once rivals, now the best of friends—would be going on a world tour to perform for their fans around the globe.
The powerhouse tandem of Gary and Martin brought together their fans not only from the tri-state area but also from other states in the eastern seaboard like Massachusetts and Delaware.
Audience members were waiting for the audience entrance to open as early as 2:30pm for the 4pm show time. They were giddy in anticipation of what was to come.
The two performers did not disappoint, and neither did the audience.
The energy level was so high, and both Gary & Martin sang their hearts out. The audience screamed and clapped and gave them standing ovations, proof enough that they approved—two thumbs up, no less—of the tour de force performances.
This was my second time watching it. I also watched the sold-out Atlantic City leg of the concert tour last year and I was similarly awed.
The two singers were effusive and generous when it came to describing each other, particularly in the videos shown before their solo acts. The friendship was palpable. It sure wasn’t created overnight; it took more than two decades to develop and nurture.
Martin and Gary has found that elusive chemistry that whenever they are onstage, fans of each one wouldn’t worry if their idol would have enough stage time. In showbiz parlance, hindi sila nagsasapawan. On the contrary, their banter and spiels complement each other.
It’s as if Martin is the yin to Gary’s yang, or vice versa. Martin was the loud one, Gary the silent one. Martin clowned onstage a lot, Gary was more reserved.
Despite the obvious differences, they were united as one with their undeniable talent. The combination was totally explosive as the stage became the backdrop of how they both evolved as performers— from their days performing in small clubs such as Tavern on the Square, to filling up arenas like the Araneta Coliseum or ULTRA.
That was what they brought to the Mohegan Sun Arena that Sunday. Decades of experience pleasing the audience plus their beautiful gift of song and electric stage presence equals to one concert act that is going to be one tough act to follow.
I saw producer Ana Co Puno by the box office on that day of the performance and thanked her once more for bringing the two back. I also asked here, "How do you top this?" She smiled and said, "I am working on it."
( Published March 5, 2010 in LifeEASTyle p. 2 )
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