One More Try with Mark and Andrew E.

MANILA, Philippines - While most musical artists would get into the collaboration bandwagon by tapping the talents of current rap sensations like Gloc-9 and Abra, Mark Bautista opted for one who came and peaked a generation before: Andrew E.

The two of them joined forces in recording their version of One More Try which was popularized by Timothy T. in the early ’90s. They were actually together at the studio (Amerasian along Sct. Madrinan, Q.C.) last June 9 where Mark himself was humbled by the latter’s professionalism.

During the press conference promoting his June 21 show at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Ortigas, he shared how the atmosphere went when they met to lay down vocal tracks, “For some unavoidable circumstances, I arrived a few hours late and there he was patiently waiting for me. Very positive siya about the project and the experience made me realize why he became an icon.”

The collaboration piece that features Andrew E.’s rapping style will be launched at Mark’s solo concert The Best of Me to be held at the said hotel’s grand ballroom. Mark is producing the show with the help of Pink Management & Productions and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

“Gusto ko talagang makipag-collaborate with an iconic rapper at para din bagong combination,” Mark explained.

Andrew E. rose to fame back in the ’90s with his breakthrough hit Humanap Ka Ng Panget. His other familiar ditties are Andrew Ford Medina, Alabang Girls, ’Wag Kang Gamol and others that made heads turn for their supposed double meanings.

Mark will be joined by Sitti, Rochelle Pangilinan and Kyla in his hotel dinner show that promises to open with a lot of dancing and fireworks. Attendees may expect him to sing around 13 songs, some of them coming from his standard covers album The Sound of Love released by Viva Records.

He will also be doing a medley of Barry Manilow songs, and another concocted by Homer Flores.     

On serving as show producer, he related, “I’m in the stage in my career where I want things done my way and in this case hands-on ako sa lahat. Hindi pwede ang petiks-petiks lang. Ako din kasi ang masisisi pag nagkamali.”

Well, the concert title itself suggests there’s no room for mistakes. It’s something that gives both pressure and excitement for Mark. “On fire ako to do this concert at gusto kong magpakita naman ng kakaiba,” he hinted.

Meanwhile, Crowne Plaza was also the venue of the recent Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand awarding ceremony where Reader’s Digest Asia gave GMA 7 anchor Jessica Soho the recognition as “Philippines Most Trusted News Presenter for 2014.”

Considered as the most awarded broadcast journalist in the land, Soho happily accepted her latest trophy from Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand which already reached its 16th edition. She said, “It’s always a proud moment for me to go up on stage and receive this because Reader’s Digest is such an influential and respected magazine.”

On that note she credited Reader’s Digest for getting her hooked on reading.

Asked how she fights off stress from the pressures of her work, she replied, “I empty my mind after dealing with issues as a form of recharging. It’s hard but it’s the way to do it. My advice for those dreaming to become reporters is, if this is not your dream job and you’re not willing to face whatever challenges that come with it, maybe it is best not to try at all.”

Chosen local companies from various fields, as voted by consumers, were given platinum and gold awards. Categories included were consumer electronics, finance, household products, personal products, food and beverage, health and personal care, services, motoring and telecommunications.