The audience saw sparks fly when Nyoy Volante called Nina to the stage at the University of Guam field house last week. The two, who indulged an appreciative audience with several duets, confirmed for their local fans just what helps them sell out some of Manila's trendier concert venues: They are cute. Super cute. And they both can sing. And sing well together.
Although the Philippines' "soul singer" Nina headlined the "Beautiful Life" concert, it was Volante who took up the biggest chunk of the nearly three-hour show with the Mannos Band. Volante performed a solid mix of original love songs and catchy pop tunes, as well as classic American popular hits. He did a couple of songs from the 1980s with his own versions of Aha's "Take on Me" and George Michael's "Faith."
Most songs played up what makes Volante popular in Manila -- an acoustic set full of energy and heart. His ballads were accompanied by stories about how he came to write them, and what was going on in his life when he did. He spoke a little about love and finding the right someone.
When Volante brought out Nina, the crowd went wild. Apparently, they are dating. The petite couple came out with a rendition of Bryan Adams and Barbra Streisand's "I Finally Found Someone," and their fans lit up the dark reaches of the bleachers with their cell phone lights.
The concert opened with model/ rapper Troy Montero warming up the crowd with his hip-hop beats. The buff sometime-actor got the approval of dozens of screaming girls in the audience, many of whom rushed to take photos of him with their camera phones.
Sponsors for the concert included Johnnie Walker, Fiesta Resort Guam, Burger King, iConnect, Marianas Variety, Jamaican Grill, National Office Supply, Club Manila, Trane, Seabridge, KUAM, Great National Insurance and Circle K/76.
Originally published January 28, 2006
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