Dingdong Avanzado shared what he learned from his friend and fellow OPM icon, the late Hajji Alejandro, when it comes to mounting concerts and live shows.
During the intimate press conference for his upcoming Sa Aking Puso concert with wife Jessa Zaragoza, Dingdong shared how Hajji influenced him to create story-driven and personal shows.
“In this show, kailangan iniisip namin yung song na babagay doon sa istorya na gusto namin ishare. When we are doing a concert, sa akin important yung connection sa audience and pinakapowerful is yung story na nirerelay mo sa audience and that is through the songs you put together (for the set),” Dingdong said.
Dingdong recalled how he initially approached performing during his early years in the industry. However, as he grew older, his perspective on his craft also changed, partly through the influence of his friends and fellow artists.
“When I started, gusto ko lang kumanta but as I aged and grew older, more wisdom and mas naiintindihan ko na yung craft mo at ano gusto ko ishare sa tao, mas nagiging hands on ka sa repertoire mo,” he explained. “Lagi kong nilalagyan ng anggulo para mas lalo maappreciate ng nanonood.”
Dingdong said this perspective was also influenced by Hajji, who had his own special way of connecting with audiences during his performances.
“I got this from the late Hajji Alejandrino, he told me before na when he do a show he makes it to a point na he shares something personal na people will know when they watch the show kasi yung personal na iyon matatandaan ng tao and they will connect with you and grow attached to you. Those are things that made them come back and made them grow with you as an artist,” he shared.
Following the success of their US tour and as part of their celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary, Dingdong and Jessa decided to bring Sa Aking Puso to Manila on September 13 at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.
“Since it is our 25th wedding anniversary this year, we decided to hold Sa Aking Puso Manila leg because ang story ng Sa Aking Puso is our love story, our journey,” he said.”
As the creative director of the show, the “Basta’t Kasama Kita” hitmaker also shared that the concert will feature meaningful moments from their 25 years together.
“Dito sa show, it would highlight interesting moments in the past 25 years. They are people na hindi sila aware na masheshare namin iyon through music and sa stage,” Dingdong stated. “I wanted this show to be personal and family oriented.”
For Dingdong, Sa Aking Puso is also about the songs that have become part of every Filipino’s life.
“Ang concept is ano ba ang nasa puso ng bawat Pinoy kaya Sa Aking Puso and we felt like these are the songs that are part of the lives or soundtracks of Pinoys. Hindi lang OPM but in general,” he said.
Joining Dingdong and Jessa onstage are their close friends and fellow artists who have also been part of their journey, including Randy Santiago, Pops Fernandez, K Brosas, Ethel Booba, and their daughter Jayda. Noel Cabangon and Tim Pavino are also part of the concert’s guest lineup.
Tickets for Sa Aking Puso are still available through TicketNet’s website and outlets, with prices starting at ₱1,601.
SVIP - ₱6,404
VIP - ₱5,336
Orchestra - ₱3,736
Loge Premium - ₱4,269
Balcony - ₱1,601