Robert and Isay’s blast from the past

If I remember right, they started out as one of the new singing discoveries from the musical Magsimula Ka many years ago. Then they gained international fame as Thuy and Gigi in the original West End production of Miss Saigon. I do not know when their love story started but they have now been married for 15 years, have three kids and remain very active as performers and producers.

One of their recent projects is the album Dueto. As the title clearly says, this is made up of duets by Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez, plus one or two solos. But that is not what makes Dueto a total treat. What does is the fact that most of the songs included are Filipino classics. These seem like unlikely choices for two people who made their mark with modern musicals. But I am so glad they allowed themselves to be charmed by these compositions and I hope that with Dueto, they will entice others to pay some attention to these almost forgotten treasures.

I find most interesting Kung Ako’y Mag-aasawa, written by Juan Silos Jr. and Levi Celerio. You have to admit that unlike the old ballads, this song has become sadly out of place in contemporary times because of its style and structure. It also requires a particular type of artist, somebody with a strong theatrical bent, which you are not likely to find among the current singing stars. Able singers they may be, but Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go or Nyoy Volante and Nina will need a lot of work to do justice to it.

But Robert and Isay are just perfect for the song, probably composed for a black-and-white romantic comedy ages ago. They smoothly blend sincerity and humor into an engaging rendition. Of course, it also helps that they are married and know what they are talking about. In concession to the times, they have included the Sinutil na Timpla, which I guess means the evil remix of Kung Ako’y Mag-aasawa, featuring Rommel of the rap group Salbakuta. Nice touch but Robert and Isay nailed this down by themselves.

A lot of help came from arranger Mel Villena. I think of Megamel as one of our thinking arrangers. He takes a song, studies it carefully then gives it his own spin. That is why his arrangements are well-thought out pieces that bring out new facets in the old songs. That happened again in Kung Ako’y Mag-aasawa, plus Ikaw ang Mahal Ko, Ang Daigdig Ko’y Ikaw, Kahit Na Magtiis, Minamahal, Sinasamba, Kahit Saan, Kahit Kailan, a song from Gines Tan’s Magsimula Ka, Habang Buhay, composed by fellow Miss Saigon grad Jenine Desiderio and my favorite of the batch, the lovely Ang Mahalin Ka by Ryan Cayabyab and Jose Javier Reyes, which Isay sings solo.

In connection with the release of Dueto, Robert and Isay will be at Robinsons Mall in Lipa, Batangas on Oct. 1, Robinsons Ermita on Oct. 13, Robinsons Galleria on Oct. 14, Robinsons San Fernando, Pampanga on Oct. 15 and Robinsons Metro East on Oct. 22.

They will perform several cuts from the album during their mall tour. But those who want to see and hear more of this dueto can still catch them in Love You, Hate You, Love You at the Teatrino in Greenhills. Upcoming dates are Sept. 28, Oct. 12, 19 and 26 and Nov. 3 and 9. Those who have already seen the show, which is now on its third run may want to know that this edition of the cabaret type series features additional songs and new characters.

Nyoy’s Now Hear This!

The big guns are coming and Nyoy Volante is one of them. This means that music companies have started releasing their major products to take advantage of the flood of extra money for the Christmas Season. And next on tap to come up with a new album this week is Nyoy. The title of the CD is Now Hear This! and it is made up of all new original compositions by Nyoy himself.

Take note that his last album contained Manila Sound favorites. So this new one should be a treat. The first single is entitled Ha! Besides, the guy is on a songwriting binge. He not only finished an entire album for himself, he also contributed two songs to his favorite girl Nina’s new album, I Need Your Love and Someday.

By the way, did you know that Nyoy’s real name is Nino? So it is now Nina and Nino. Sounds like a good name for a duet but not now. She is with Warner. He is with Vicor. Anyway, their labels should talk. More on this after I get to listen to Now Hear This!