Hearthrobs London 2009: A Recap

I was a bit disappointed with Hearthrobs London 2009, which was held on Sunday, the 8th of November. With the thousands of pesos (in equivalent) I spent, it was just so-so. The stage was plain. Just a big LCD screen with, some lights, then tarpaulins that featured the sponsors. That’s it. Okay I can forgive the ordinary stage because I’m guessing it’s expensive to fly in the artists and their entourage to London, and of course the artists’ talent fees plus the rental of Theatre Royal Drury Lane for exclusive use must have taken a huge chunk from the production budget, but still they should have put on a better show. It seemed like the artists were just told to bring along minus ones (yes there wasn’t even a live band) handed them microphones and then pushed towards the stage where they had to sing three songs each. It was poorly conceptualized and poorly prepared, if any preparation was given to it at all. Well I know they are movie actors and possess no singing prowess close to West End performers’ calibre but I had expected a concert with ala-ASAP production numbers. Not a karaoke show.

At least I am consoled by the fact that part of the proceeds would go to typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) victims.

But I have to give credit to the artists though. I could see that they were trying their best to liven it up.  It takes courage to go on stage and sing karaoke alone in front of thousands of fans without any backup singer to bail you out in case you go out of tune.  It’s not easy dancing up there, telling everyone to parttyy, without any a soul of backup dancer behind them.

Pokwang was really hilarious. She brought the house down. Without her the show would be boring.  I am a fan. Sam was so sweet. He defied the guards and hopped down the stage to personally shake the hands of his adoring fans.  (Piolo later commented that he couldn’t go near the audience because Sam was reprimanded backstage for doing that.) I was surprised that Bea can hold her tune. I love her pink dress. If only I can borrow it. Piolo can also sing, impressive actually. But my attention kept on zooming to his biceps, which were still obvious, bulging even under long-sleeves sweater. And John Lloyd? Ahhh... the main reason why pinatulan ko to in the first place, was adorable. His comedic attempts to entertain everyone made him all the more endearing to my heart.

Pokwang harrassing a member of the audience

Pokwang doing her thing while singing the infamous Aegis song,

Nangangarap ng gising. Nakatulala sa hangin...

Sam!

Oh why don't you smile my only star? Smile on baby. Smiillllee, my only star.

is still my favourite song of his

After this he got off the stage to greet his fans. Those at the front literally leapt from their seats and those at the back rows sprinted and swarmed onto him like there's no tomorrow. It took a few burly guards to break the crowd apart.

Bea is really pretty in person.

Singing a dance song without a backup dancer, plus dancing around the stage on 4-inch stiletto shoes... I admire the effort!

Ahhh... John Lloyd.

Bea and John Lloyd - their loveteam was one of the best, in my opinion.

C'mon, closer John Lloyd...

Awww John Lloyd, stop staring at me... *blush*

Piolo's biceps

Piolo singing Kailangan Kita. He sounded a bit miffed when the audience told him they would like him to sing this song. Tehee - he must really be sick and tired of singing it. Well he shouldn't have asked. Or he shouldn't have brought its minus one...

Sam, why the shocked expression...?

They ended the night by roll calling their sponsors. Makes me convinced that there was enough budget to give us a better concert!

I enjoyed the pre-show acts. The young performers were fantastic, pure raw talent. Boy, these kids can sing! I won't be surprised if all of them will be international hitmakers someday.

The Cachero sisters. These sisters already performed in the West End musical, Miss Saigon.

Natalie Grace Chua won Singer Songwriter UK at the age of 11. She has appeared at various Harry Potter films and was part of the band Angelis, managed by Simon Cowell.

Silverdale Boyz, who had already performed in serveral shows in the Philippines, and have 2 CD albums released under Camden Media Production. Their next album will be released in 2010.

Tru Colorz, whose achievements include: Top 24 X Factor 2009 Finalists and Filipino's Got Talent UK 2009 Winners