MANILA, Philippines - International artists come and go here. Some old school ones seem to make Manila the last pit-stop of their careers, while many emerging ones make it their playground in solidifying their Filipino fan base. Every month, there’s something American or British that “invades” the local concert scene and, hands down, Juan dela Cruz gets gaga over it. This only proves how musically-inclined Filipinos are. That’s why even concert producers and talent promoters abroad are eyeing Manila as a musical venue for their roster of talents.
“They do (enjoy),” shares N91Live CEO Jun Lorenz Mamangon, who, along with Torch Productions, will bring Michelle Branch and Jojo to Manila next month. “I haven’t had any negative feedback (from them). Everyone who came here and we asked them, ‘How was the Philippines?’, (they would say), ‘It’s the best.’ They know that we know how to appreciate live concerts… They love the Philippines. They love the culture. They love how hospitable we are. We are very kind people. (They love) the way we accept and welcome them.”
Jun and his team were that link to make the Changing Lives concert with Justin Timberlake as guest possible two years ago. The Manila producer sought for Jun’s help and the latter did the nitty-gritty of talent booking with Justin’s manager Johnny Wright. After weeks of negotiations, Jun sealed the deal. “That was the beginning of my presence in Manila,” he says. And it was his first stint as concert producer.
“I’ve been involved a lot in live event management in the States,” Jun says. “Primarily, I’m not a concert producer. I’m more of a talent promoter.”
“We love music, right?” he adds. “We love to sing. We love to eat, right? This is the business I wanna provide.”
His company N91Live has the experience to book and promote renowned entertainers, manage live events and provide production services.
Asked about the most challenging and crucial part of his job, Jun replies, “Negotiations.” On top of that is perhaps dealing with egos of the people involved in any live entertainment.
Jun says his work means talking to straight-forward and difficult people, dealing with e-mails and doing a lot of follow-ups. “If I have to hang out in a concert venue just to talk (to that person), I will do that. I will go all the way to get the job done.”
Clearly, Jun’s passion is to provide what the local concert producer’s need — that is to bring international artists to the concert venue. “I want to bring talents and work with talents,” he adds.
“I was a DJ here,” Jun recalls of his Manila days before migrating to the US. “I love music. I love all kinds, too. I love a lot of R&B. I’m (also) a big jazz fan. I love rock. (During that time,) I was listening to Led Zep(pelin), Queen. Basta hit songs I like (listening to). I like all kinds of genre.”
The Michelle Branch-Jojo showcase on June 7 and 8 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum and Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu promises a “flavor of pop and R&B right here with Jojo,” Jun says, and the music of the Grammy award-winning artist Michelle to complete the billing. Both artists would love to work together and to perform on stage back-to-back.
Fans will be treated to Jojo’s hits such as Leave (Get Out), Too Little Too Late and Baby It’s You and Michelle’s popular singles Everywhere, All You Wanted, Breathe, Goodbye to You and Are You Happy Now?. Also on everybody’s wish-list is a set of songs from the two artists’ latest albums titled Jumping Trains and West Coast Time.
Before the year ends, Jun might bring the American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez here for a show. Yes, J.Lo, who with Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson, saved Fil-Mexican Jessica Sanchez from early elimination. Jessica has recently joined the AI runner-up circle along with David Archuleta and Adam Lambert. Jun is in discussion with J.Lo‘s team. There’s also a possibility for Jessica to front act the concert. If this will be pushed through, Filipinos can watch J.Lo and Jennifer perform up close sometime in November.
As a concert producer and talent promoter, Jun can’t help but ask people questions to get their musical pulse and preferences — and wishes not “to be the biggest” in his field but “to be the best.” It’s about quality over quantity for him. Jun may have brought international artists once or twice a year in Manila, but he assures the Pinoy audience and promoters a fun live concert time to be cherished even long after the show is over.
(For ticket inquiries, call Ticket World at 911-5555.)