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Tawag ng Tanghalan alumni Gigi De Lana and Sofronio Vasquez will take the stage with National Artist Ryan Cayabyab for MaestroClass Concert Series 3, a Burt Bacharach tribute set on May 15–17 at the Proscenium Theater.
The singer-actress shared her excitement about the upcoming show. “I’ve truly been looking forward to working with him again. The first time was during the 2019 SEA Games, where Anthony Castillo and I recorded 'We Win As One.' That experience stayed with me. I remember seeing a different side of Mr. C, very gentle, yet undeniably exacting when it comes to the sound he envisions.
Gigi De Lana
“There’s a quiet intensity in the way he listens, and you feel his standards without him needing to say much.
“When I finally met what he was looking for vocally, there was this sense of relief, like: ‘Whew, I got it.’ It’s a space that challenges you, but also allows you to grow. And I’m grateful to be back in that space again, now singing for him in this concert.”
Vasquez also has his thoughts on working with Cayabyab. “The idea of me being in one stage with Maestro Ryan, who already performed with most of the excellent artists in the Philippines, excites me the most.
“I already consider myself now an artist who can perform with the greatest because I will do this well-produced concert with Mr C.”
Sofronio VasquezTogether with two other main feature artists, Bituin Escalante and Jett Pangan, they will bring to life some of Bacharach's classics including "What the World Needs Now Is Love," "Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head," "I Say a Little Prayer," "The Look of Love," "Close to You," and "Walk On By" — timeless songs known for their lush arrangement and intricate rhythms.
For Vasquez and De Lana, the Bacharach catalog hits on a personal level, with each artist drawn to songs that reflect their own journeys.
“Burt Bacharach has produced a lot of hits. And when I say a lot, it's a lot, including those I’m not aware of," Vasquez said.
“But 'What The World Needs Now is Love' resonates the highest to my heart because it is really true, in this lifetime we can only put love next to God and everything will be better.”
National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab
Meanwhile, De Lana chose "A House is Not a Home." “When I first heard 'A House is Not a Home,' I was moved to tears. To me, it goes beyond romantic love. It speaks to every kind of relationship we hold dear. It reflects a kind of love that exists even in absence or distance, where the pain itself carries a quiet beauty. There’s something profound about how it captures longing and connection at the same time," she said.
“Both 'A House is Not a Home' and 'I’ll Never Love This Way Again' resonate deeply with where I am in life right now. These songs remind me of my mom,” she added.
Tickets for the show are available via TicketWorld (online and outlets) and at the Power Plant Mall Cinema.