La Diva wows OFWs in Dubai

MANILA, Philippines - Pinoys staying abroad take pride in seeing good local acts from the Philippines perform there live. They gather in hordes when talented artists are up on the bill.

This was how the Filipino community in Dubai reacted when La Diva performed last December. OFWs flocked together when Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia did a well-attended, applauded concert at the World Culture Stage in Dubai’s renowned Global Village.

La Diva also visited Orbit Showtime Network and met its boss. Jonalyn, Aicelle and Maricris had a radio visit and live phone interview with Dubai Eye 103.8

The La Diva concert was part of the group’s World Culture Concert series which ensured the gallant people of Dubai, United Arab Emirates a big Christmas treat featuring three stand-alone voices melded into one.

“Personally I wanted this group to last, like what I always say to the other two, ‘sana tumagal tayo like APO,’” expressed Maricris.

All three of them were past winners of GMA 7’s Pinoy Pop Superstar competition that for a few years brought on TV undiscovered singers with very good potentials. They each launched successful solo careers, but found bigger triumph when the Kapuso network formed them into what is now known as La Diva.

La Diva experienced a career turning point in front of global TV when they sang the Philippine National Anthem (Lupang Hinirang) during the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight in 2009.

The critically acclaimed GMA Artist Center talent later won at this year’s Aliw Awards, taking home the trophy for Best Group Performance in a Concert for their first major concert titled Only La Diva.

Maricris added, “Winning such awards motivated us more to give good music and work harder. The feeling is so overwhelming and everything was unexpected.”

Formed in 2008, La Diva released a 10-track album that provided listeners its brand of singing. The group recorded themes for GMA 7’s Rosalinda, Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang, Basahang Ginto, and Queen Seon Deok theme. Its other hits include the versions of One Republic’s Apologize, En Vogue’s Free Your Mind, and Lara Fabian’s Broken Vow.