KATZ Entertainment is indeed blessed as they come to their year’s end with a top class act featuring no less than artist par excellance, Becca Godinez. Like a real jaded producer of big, popular names, I must admit that no other self-proclaimed diva can come close to Becca’s artistry and soothing, vocal prowess. She oozes with class, charm, and confidence on stage. Often candid and glib, Becca performed with a natural, offhanded ease that she transported her audience through a Christmas ecstasy during her concert, “Christmas with Becca Godinez and Friends.”
The crowd braved the storm that night and trooped all the way to the Heritage Forum in Anaheim. Even publishers, Roger and Cora Oriel took some time out from their very busy schedule to be a part of Becca’s Christmas celebration. So many beautiful people including Consul General Jo Aragon and former beauty queen, Yogi Dominguez-Zaragoza were present at the concert, and they were not at all disappointed. In fact, the show was so well-put-together featuring one delightful carol after another that when Becca sang her closing song, the crowd couldn’t believe that it had already run for more than an hour and a half.
We all experienced a delightful Christmas musical that started and ended with joyous carols and perfect harmony. With the help of bosom friend-cum-director, Ted Benito, Becca took care of the entire presentation. Assistance also came from the sometimes under rated but very gifted, musical director, Yoyong Nalasa. The musicians played wonderfully. Kudos to Blake Aaron on guitar; Mike Agorilla, drums; and Bryant Simpson on bass. The back up vocalists lent the extra sprinkling of harmony and excitement to most of Becca’s production numbers. They were, Grace Saenz-Tinio, Marian Saenz-Luna, Belen and Bert Miranda. Many gave kudos to the well-mixed sound aptly engineered by Bob Ludwig.
For starters, the show began with the festive rendition of a medley that included Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit and We Need a Little Christmas. During a key moment in the song, all the holiday lights lit up the stage and we knew that we were going to be transported through a beautiful show. As soon as Becca set the joyous mood for everyone, she quickly followed this number with It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas/ Pine Cones & Holly Berries. Taking a short pause from the carols, Becca gamely obliged in singing her signature song, “Shining,” bringing most people who remembered the song, cheering for more. Turning to friends in the audience, Becca called on fellow church mates, Gwen Rogers, Margaret Faitalia and Maria Martinez in, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.
Becca quickly picked up the beat with the popular tune Grown Up Christmas List together with gold-medal winner in a capella, the Prime Note Ensemble. To show why they are vocal champions, the Prime Note Ensemble sang their original rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. It was the first Christmas song performed in public by PNE since it was taboo for them to sing Christmas songs when they all resided in the Middle East. Prime Note is directed by Medard Obida and choirmaster is Novem Cabios.
More guests followed. Outstanding was Ner de Leon who brought the house down with his performances of Feels so Good, This Christmas and a duet with Becca in Pasko Na Sinta Ko. Tasha, unica hija of Becca also came equipped with a melodious and original R&B rendition of O Holy Night.
As the show came to an end, Becca surprised the audience with the entrance of four, young and talented drummers in “Little Drummer Boy.” The arrangement was so unique that it brought most folks up on their feet – swinging to the beat. Thanks to Cameron Miller, Ivan Elizondo, Joe Michael Terranova and Joseph Hicks. The entire company closed with a reggae version of Deck the Halls/ Hark the Herald Medley. Finally, Becca obliged an encore with her own version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, singing in Spanish, English and Tagalog.
Special acknowledgment goes to Maricar Belisso Conner, Triccie Barredo and Chris Conner for the postcard perfect stage design and props. Becca was also featured in attires designed by renowned couturier, David Tupaz. By the way, even Dave was quick to comment that the show was so “…classy and beautiful. It’s not your typical Filipino variety show.”
I’d like to end this review with some of the mail and comments received by both Becca and Katz Entertainment:
“...my word for the whole thing was “superb!” “
“I liked how performances flowed so well throughout the evening. [Becca’s] voice is magical, magnificent.”
“… CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU so much for blessing…with your music. You were amazing! Your voice is truly a gift from God and you were born to sing! Your daughter is pretty amazing too, definitely took after the mom! Ner de Leon is pretty cool… Stage very nice and festive… The finale with the drummers [was] dramatic and impactful. Overall, the show was great, beautiful choice of music and songs, great band, great and energetic back up singers, very nice flow…kept us engaged all throughout the evening. Ted did a great job with the production. Thanks again for lifting us with your music and bringing the holiday spirit!
“I had a blast. The show was awesome. Glory was given unto the Lord last night”.
“We had so much fun that we kept standing up and applauding and yelling”.
“The show was past awesome. I cannot find the words to say how much I enjoyed myself last night. [Becca’s] performance was top of the line”.
“My son ….. was hesitant at first but after the show, he couldn’t stop saying how great Becca was and that the whole show was amazing.”
“This is by far the best concert I’ve seen all year”.
“…Just wanted to let you know, we thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was absolutely awesome, the music was phenomenal.”
“Everyone was amazing, the sax player blew me away! The guitar player and your music director were off the chart! Of course I already knew how talented Bryant is. Tasha … was great! Loved the a capella group, but [Becca was] … Aaaammmazzzzing!!! I loved how everyone who shared the stage was so ready to share a word about our Lord and Savior with the audience without being preachy. What a night (can you tell I had a good time?)!!”
“Wonderful show!!! .... Your voice - I am just amazed at the power of your voice. Wow!!!”
“....thank you for a great show! We really enjoyed every moment of it. Nancy, .....drove all the way from Northern California primarily to attend your show! “
“[Becca’s] ...voice is still powerful after all these years. Galing!!! “
“What an awesome concert!!!!!!!! We loved it and the variety of songs and different entertainers were amazing!!! I think Ner even got better compared to the last time I watched him. I love your selection of songs, brilliant as usual! ….The only thing is, ... we wanted to hear more songs… I could listen to you all night... “ n
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