A sexier, bolder Sarah at 24

I just saw the poster for the upcoming concert, 24/SG and realized that Sarah Geronimo is turning 24 this July. Her birthday is actually on July 25 but the show is happening on July 7 at the Big Dome in Cubao, Quezon City. I looked at the young woman in the picture and honestly can’t believe that Sarah is 24.

How time flies. I still remember Sarah during her awkward beginnings. I also realized that give or take a few months, it has now been 10 years since Sarah won the top prize in the Star For A Night (SFAN) singing contest and began her ascent to stardom. Remember that white gown with the long shawl during finals night? That was the beginning of what has been a beautiful ride.

Of course, like most kids around whose parents believe they could become successful singers, Sarah has had her share of hard work. She has been performing since she was barely a toddler, delighting crowds with her powerful voice in her little sequined dresses. She also did work as a child actress in a teleserye or two and some bit parts in the movies. But it was with the Viva Television show Star For A Night that happened in March, 2003 at the old IBC-13, that Sarah hit the big time.

As the first of the franchised competition shows from abroad to hit the country and with a million pesos as the top prize, SFAN emceed by Regine Velasquez, drew a lot of young singers. The finalists were quite a talented batch. Among those who lost to Sarah was Angeline Quinto. Angelie Mae Flores, now with the multi-racial girl group Blush, was also among them. It was also where Mark Bautista was discovered. So winning then must have been difficult but the ensuing years proved that Sarah was not only lucky. She has in fact, now proven that she was indeed the most deserving.

Everything else came easy. There were the hit songs. Her winning piece, a cover of Celine Dion’s To Love You More, the first original single Forever’s Not Enough by Vehnee Saturno, the covers, I Wanna Know What Love Is and Sa Isip Ko. There were also How Could You Say You Love Me, Dahil Minahal Mo Ako, Sa Iyo, and recently, Sino Nga Ba Siya? and Kung Siya Ang Mahal.

Then all the elements that go into the creation of a big star followed. The million-peso paying product endorsements which are now too many to mention; the concert tours that have taken her around the country and around the world; the blockbuster movies, A Very Special Love, You Changed My Life and Catch Me I’m In Love; the leading men, John Lloyd Cruz and Gerald Anderson; the boyfriend, the now ex Rayver Cruz; the star feud, with Cristine Reyes; the high-rating TV show, Sarah G. Live, where she sings and dances on Sunday evenings; and the sold-out concerts, once a year events that her fans always look forward to.

This year, this live event is 24/SG. It is expected to have a mature, sexy, fiercer Sarah celebrating her 24th birthday. Since there is no escaping growing up the local Pop Princess is adapting to it by turning glamorous diva. Last year’s Sarah concert, What Love Is, had her teamed up with Martin Nievera. This time around, she will be back on her own but with a line-up of exciting guests. Fans are said to have been praying that either John Lloyd Cruz or Gerald Anderson would show up. Maybe even both. Prepare for the screams. Watch out for which one will bring in the kilig factor.

Sarah’s 24/SG is directed by Paul Basinillo with Louie Ocampo as musical director. Tickets to the show are now available at SM Ticketnet outlets located at SM Department Store’s Customer Service Area. Ticket prices are P3,920 (Patron A); P3,360 (Patron B); P3,360 (Lower Box); P1,680 (Upper Box A); P840 (Upper Box B); and P448 (General Admission). Get your seats now as the good ones are fast running out.