Alex Gonzaga has made it to the growing list of actors-turned-recording artists that have been given the opportunity to hold a huge concert.
The 27-year-old, who recently released her debut single titled “Panaginip Lang,” is all set to star in her first solo concert billed “AG From the East: The Unexpected Concert,” on April 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While she finds the idea of headlining a big show at such a historic venue intimidating, Alex promises to give her all to make it worthwhile for all involved.
“Kinakabahan po talaga ako pero (it helps) na ’yung mga taong kasama mo very positive, so you just hope for the (best). Siyempre nagho-hope po kami, nagpe-pray po kami (na mapuno ang Araneta Coliseum) pero kung ano ang ibigay sa akin ni Lord, I believe it’s meant to be,” Alex told members of the media during a press conference.
On her own, she started doing vocal exercises and avoided taking dairy products, cold water and sweets. She also began doing cardio routines to help with her endurance for the big day. She is set to undergo proper voice training and dance workshops.
Alex said the show’s production numbers and gimmicks will definitely surprise her fans. She believes the opening and closing performances might even raise the eyebrows of a few showbiz and government personalities.
Without giving a hint, Alex explained, “Ang ending po namin talaga at opening ay very different in that never in the history of concert-making na nagawa ito, nag-research kami.”
Alex refused to disclose additional details about the show, save for the fact that it will have a love advice portion midway through.
The author of the bestselling book on love advice titled “Dear Alex, Break na kami. Paano?! Love, Catherine” shared, “Kung may problema po kayo diyan, heartbroken kayo, meron kayong pinagdadaanan, meron po akong libreng mga advice na maibibigay.”
She assured concertgoers of all ages will enjoy the show that will showcase her many talents.
Two of her guests in the show are actress-dancer Maja Salvador and, of course, her older sister Toni Gonzaga.
“Siyempre ang ate ko part na rin naman ’yan so kasama po siya,” she said. “Basta magugulat na lang po kayo sa gagawin niya, unexpected talaga ang mga nangyayari.”
In terms of sisterly support, Alex shared with humor, “Days ago, pinagagalitan niya ako kasi nakahilata ako pag-uwi niya sa house from taping. Sabi niya bakit daw parang ’di niya ako nakikita na nagte-training, dapat daw nagsu-swimming na ako… Kailangan din po kasi ng endurance, stamina, para magkaroon ng energy sa concert.”
Alex appreciates Toni’s concern for her career the same manner that she appreciates concert producer Joed Serrano’s trust in her ability.
“Si Kuya Joed, siya talaga po ang papasalamatan ko kasi wala naman pong iba pang magtitiwala, magla-lakas loob na sumugal sa’kin (para mag-headline ng concert) kundi siya po,” Alex said.
On speculations that she will soon usurp Toni’s throne in the biz, Alex said, “Hindi naman po. Kasi wala naman dapat palitan kasi hindi mo mapapalitan ang isang tao dahil lahat ng tao ay magkakaiba. May ibang maipapakita ’yan na hindi mo kayang ipakita kahit anong mangyari (and vice versa).”
Since her return to ABS-CBN in 2013, Alex has been getting jobs left and right. She became co-host of the reality-based competition “The Voice of the Philippines,” scored a lead role via the remake of Koreanovela “Pure Love,” and is currently part of gag show “Banana Split” and Sunday variety show “ASAP 20.”
More, Alex will star as lead in the upcoming ABS-CBN primetime teleserye “Inday Bote.”
Asked if she thinks jumping from hosting and acting, to recording and now headlining a concert is a bit too much too soon, Alex replied, “What is too soon? If it’s not now then when is (the right time)? It’s (starring in a concert) now or never, take it or leave it.”
Alex could only be thankful for all the opportunities given her and will give her best all the way. (With report from)
