Kilig moments at Richard's concert

MANILA, Philippines – Richard Poon’s The Crooner concert last Nov. 12 at the PICC Plenary Hall has gained praises from concert goers. Richard wowed the audience when he serenades everyone. With his distinctive voice, chinito looks and endearingly innocent charm, he simply enjoys singing on stage while the attendees obviously enjoyed the night.

Present at that night was Pilipinas Got Talent grand finalist and co-Cornerstone artist Markki Stroem who front acted. According to some who watched the concert, Markki is a potential Richard Poon in the making and resembles to another fellow co-Cornerstone artist Sam Milby. Star Power finalists were also present to perform.

Richard gave tribute to legendary foreign singers whom he idolized. He shared some trivia so people would remember them. Richard personally chose to pay tribute to the singing icons who had influenced him with his music. He sang Tony Bennet’s I left My Heart in San Francisco; Johnny Mathis’ Misty; Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable; Paul Anka’s Put Your Head on My Shoulder; Matt Monro’s Portrait of My Love; Engelbert Humperdinck’s Release Me; and Frank Sinatra’s Let Me Try Again. The love songs made a connection between Richard and his audience.

Richard’s next production number with his elder sister, Eva Marie made the crowd giggle when the latter shared trivia about their childhood Eva even teased her younger brother about his new found love. The siblings sang Chinese songs titled Yue Laing/ Tien Mimi which they dedicated to their parents. A duet rendition of Dahil Sayo (a song recorded by their mother who was a former opera singer) was a heartfelt moment.

Richard never failed to sing some of his hits from his two albums, I’ll Take Care of You, Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko, The Last Time and You and I.

Other special guests were Pokwang who never failed to make people laugh and Lea Salonga who added glamour to the show. Pokwang did more than enough that night to entertain the crowd. She sang her own version of Luha and Hahabul-habol while Richard showed his dancing prowess.

A part that set the mood in the hall was the kilig moment of Richard and Lea. They rendered a duet that was seen long before Richard’s concert. Lea’s impeccable delivery of her song and emotions catches every listener’s heart which sets her apart from other performers. Her duet with Richard included songs like Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Cheek to Cheek and You Make Me Feel So Young. Lea also sang her own rendition of The Way You Look Tonight.

Some songs of the ’80s and ’90s hits were done in a new taste. Just Got Lucky and Eraserheads hit, Pare Ko were never been heard in a new arrangement played by a 25-piece orchestra. The audience had a great time singing listening to Richard’s soulful rendition of the songs Binibini, Sway, No Touch and Grown up Christmas List.

Richard will hold a series of mall shows and an album launch for his CD of duets, I’ll Be Seeing You. Schedule is as follows: tomorrow, Nov. 26, 5 p.m. at SM City North EDSA the Block Atrium; Dec. 4, 6 p.m. at SM Megamall Mega Atrium; Dec. 18, 6 p.m. at SM City Fairview Atrium; Jan. 9, 6 p.m. at the Podium second floor lounge; and Jan. 15, 6 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Main Mall Atrium, with guest, MCA Music’s acoustic artist Sabrina.