MANILA — Decades after they first shared the stage as contestants in the Metropop Star Search, seven of its standout singers came together once again — this time as seasoned performers with stories of careers, detours and dreams fulfilled.
The one-night “Stars Reignited: The Metropop Star Search Concert Reunion” at Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City, last September 5 brought Faith Cuneta, Roxanne Barcelo, Miles Poblete, Anna Katrina Lara, Champagne Morales, Camille Velasco and Xaxa Manalo back together for an evening of music, memories and stories of the lives they built after the competition.
The sold-out concert featured a mix of timeless classics, OPM favorites and songs that have become part of their individual musical journeys. Cye Soriano, who helped make the reunion possible, also joined the lineup as a special guest.
The musical event opened with the seven divas performing a mashup of Whitney Houston's “I'm Every Woman” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”
In the concert's “Bonding Moments” the artists reminisced their Metropop Star Search journeys and reflected on the life-changing experiences that shaped their careers.
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The Metropop Star Search divas. Handout
Barcelo, now based in Taiwan, entertained the audience with her performance of "I Think I'm In Love.”
Lara serenaded the crowd with “Inseparable” and an inspiring story of perseverance. She was the grand winner of Metropop Star Search in 2000.
The night also highlighted the remarkable journeys of each artist. Manalo shared how she transitioned from singing to becoming a flight attendant and eventually a pilot before returning to the stage with a rendition of “Get Here.”
Velasco reflected on family, faith, and her unexpected return to music, while Poblete recalled her experiences singing abroad and later becoming the female lead vocalist of the legendary band Hotdog.
Morales inspired audiences with stories of courage, faith, and gratitude, while Cuneta revisited some of the most beloved songs from her celebrated career.
The artists also acknowledged Soriano, the person who played a vital role in bringing the reunion to life. Introduced by the divas as “The Clear Voice,” Soriano performed “Angel” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
The event continued with a series of performances, showcasing the artists' prowess. They performed timeless classics and OPM favorites to personal signature songs.
The concert ended with the finale performance of “Ever After,” bringing all the artists together on one stage in a powerful celebration of friendship, resilience, and shared dreams.
Due to public demand, "Stars Reignited: The Metropop Star Search Concert Reunion" will have a repeat show on November 28, Saturday, at 7 p.m. at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan.
'Stars Reignited:The Metropop Star Search Concert Reunion' to stage repeat
The idea behind "Stars Reignited" began with the heartfelt wish by 1999 Metropop Star Search grand champion Miles Poblete, who sought to reunite some of the competition's most memorable talents after decades apart.