Three generations of ace singers learn from one another

CEBU, Philippines —  Three undeniably powerhouse artists shared the concert stage for the first time, showing to one and all why they are the Philippine music industry’s aces.

Lani Misalucha, Jona and Darren Espanto, in a concert series dubbed “The Aces,” opened their tour in the Queen City of the South last night at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

In a press conference at the Asmara Urban Resort and Lifestyle Village in Banilad, Cebu City the night before the concert, Jona and Darren said that it is a source of pride to perform alongside Asia’s Nightingale.

“It’s an honor to share the same stage as them,” said Darren, a finalist in 2014’s “The Voice Kids Philippines.”

“There’s a bit of pressure dahil ang gagaling po nila and I have to keep up with them. It’s a fun experience.”

For Jona, the first “Pinoy Pop Superstar” winner, she feels “very lucky and blessed. Totoo po ang pakiramdam na ganoon na makasama ang iconic na si Miss Lani Misalucha and of course ang talented Darren Espanto.”

“Ang feeling ko very balanced ang aming combination,” the petite diva continued, adding that Lani never runs out of tips and that one can always count on Darren to lighten the mood. “I feel very lucky to be part of ‘The Aces’.”

Jona, 29, promised an electrifying stage, while Darren said he will do something he has never done vocally.

Icing on the cake

“Iba’t-ibang generation, nire-represent nila ang klase ng performance nila. This person excels in this type of singing, kinuha niyo po sila, pinagsamasama para maging alas, maging buong act,” said Jona. “Kahit nagkasama na po kami ni Miss Lani in other events [2017 ASEAN Summit], makakasaksi po sila ng ibang type of production number. Kumbaga, electrifying.”

Lani was also excited upon learning that she will be working with “The Total Performer” and the “Fearless Diva.” Like a proud mom, the 46-year-old promised that Darren and Jona would definitely meet expectations and that she was just “icing on the cake.”

The trio share an easy relationship, with Lani often clowning around with the two. While Lani can easily be the star of the show, she is quick to share the limelight and make sure Jona and Darren shine bright.

Throughout their time preparing for “The Aces,” Darren and Jona have learned a lot from Lani, also known abroad as Siren of the Strip for the prominence of her performances in Las Vegas Strip, the Entertainment Capital of the World. Most of these lessons come from watching her work, mostly involving how to behave and treat the people around you.

“She gives advice kung paano maging professional. To keep the humility, keep your feet on the ground which I think are important lessons when you’re in this industry,” said the 17-year-old Darren.

“Si Miss Lani, hindi po siya ang type na tao na sinasabi na dapat ganito. Mao-observe mo lang from her kung ano ang dapat gawin dito sa showbiz,” shared Jona. “Kahit isa ka ng legend, isang icon, you still have to keep your feet on the ground. Hindi po siya nagpapa-serve, siya po ang generous to care for the people na makakasama mo – hindi lang sa artists, pati sa staff, sa production people.”

They also learned from the veteran the value of having depth and knowing how to deliver a certain piece. Apart from technicalities and vocal prowess, one needs to understand what they’re singing and connect with the audience.

Keeping up with youngsters

Lani too was all praises for her fellow Aces, gushing at Darren’s professionalism and Jona’s determination. She boasts of Darren’s growth as a singer and Jona’s discipline. She said Jona takes so much time to hone her craft and take care of her voice, a stark contrast to Lani’s self-confessed less disciplined pre-show habits.

No matter how much the youngsters talked about what Lani taught them, Lani quipped back that they taught her so much more. She raves at how talents these days are just extraordinary and are very different from the singers of her time. The newbies, she noticed, have found new ways of singing that wow her.

“Sila yung current, sila yung very much accepted ng mga bata. Sila yung very, very ‘in’ ngayon. Kami, we have to keep up with them,” Lani admitted. “Dahil marami ng tool kung bakit sila sikat na sikat and their way of singing is completely different from how I sing, the way Martin [Nievera] sings. Makikita mo talaga yung kakaiba na kulay. Ang kabataan, ganoon kagagaling sila. Andami nilang knowledge sa bagong technique. Yun yung natutunan ko sa kanila.”

She added, “You would think na sila ang makakakuha ng maraming tips from me. But no. Ako yung maraming natutunan from them, honestly.”

Erratic lifestyle

Darren is planning to put out more music this year. Jona, who turned Kapamilya in 2016, will release an album, has a string of US shows and hopefully dip into acting after putting it aside to commit on “The Aces.”

“Nakapag-acting workshop po ako sa Star Magic and I think I liked it. Kahit papano nakakapasok ka sa ibang mundo, ibang character other than me on a stage, singing,” said Jona, sharing she might try drama first since the feelings are similar to the emotional songs she belts out.

Lani plans to complete another album with Star Records. This time, fans can look forward to tracks in English. She is also poised to go on two more concerts after “The Aces.”

“Ganoon talaga ang buhay ng entertainer, napaka-inconsistent ng oras, erratic, walang regular na nangyayari. That’s part of our career, our lifestyle. We just embrace it,” Lani said of her full calendar. “We are very grateful that we have something like this to do. It’s just a matter of taking care of our health para meron pa kaming enough strength and energy for the next day. We just have to manage our time.”

“The Aces,” directed by Marvin Caldito and produced by CCC Productions, will take the show next at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on March 2, and at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on March 30.