The Shining Star Across The Pacific

MANILA, Philippines -  They are the acknowledged stars in their own little worlds — let it be the suites and the staterooms, bistros and restos, halls and hubs, pools and tubs, casino and cinema, arcades and promenades, and alleys and the galley. They are the ever-smiling Filipinos that happily give life to the many cruise liners that ply the oceans, near and far.

All this and even more add experience on several memorable sailings through the years.

Little did I realize that the solo star performer, headline act and the guest entertainer at the Princess Theater, with a packed and very responsive listeners for two evenings during a recent nine-night cruise on some of the ancient capitals of Japan aboard the Diamond Princess would be a full-blooded Filipino. His name: Daniel Mallari.

Noticing my expression of almost disbelief, yet laced with pride, my ever so inquisitive seatmate declared, “Don’t you realize, you Filipinos are everywhere?”

As for the next entertaining 40 minutes, he swooned the crowd with his one-of-a-kind style, blending pop and opera, which I quickly learned is a new musical genre called Popera to the delight of the audience who continuously interrupted his repertoire with enthusiastic applause after applause.

His unique technique smoothly leaps and graciously immerses through a mishmash of classical, pop and opera pieces, while weaving from one style to another, to craft a hard-to-forget performance.

While I rested that night, thoughts crossed my mind, particularly on Filipinos while being simply talented and giving out their best, relentlessly conquer the international scene with prominence and warmly capture the hearts of the citizens of the world.

During a chance meeting on the ship’s promenade the following afternoon, having introduced myself with enhorabuenas, Daniel broke the ice by stating, “I’m a chopsuey of sorts. My mother is from Cebu, while my dad hails from Pampanga. I grew up in Project 7 in Quezon City.”

“My musical journey began when a leading music company tapped me as their Voice Color Star in a promotional concert mall tour. I then secured a contract in Japan, singing pop and standard songs. This was my first international debut,” he proudly shared.

Daniel soon moved to Hong Kong where he resided for over seven years, performing as the lead vocalist for the English rock band Stunned Mullet. He likewise launched his musical theater career with notable acts in The Pyjama Game, Dr. Seuss and Walt Disney in Concert and did stints with the Hong Kong Opera Society such as Puccini’s Turandot.

 “Following several visits to Australia, falling in love with the country and its people, I discovered how interesting, yet challenging their entertainment industry is. In late 1997, I decided to relocate,” he concluded.

 “My initial appearances were in singing competitions to gain recognition and exposure. As the winner of the 1998 Fast Track to Fame National Talent Search, I represented Australia in the United States of America, with appearances on the country’s most watched talent show Fast Track to Fame with 38 million viewers. Following the success, I soon recorded four songs with the American-based Sonic Records,” he gladly claimed.

Daniel has become a club scene favorite and a much sought-after host for corporate events throughout Australia and the Pacific Islands. In addition to his own shows, he nurtures his strong interest in musical theater having played Sir Archibald Proops in the Australian premiere of Jekyll & Hyde — the Musical alongside Rob Guest.

Hand-in-hand with his solo career, the singer also currently stars in the popular productions of Popera Classics Collection, where he endearingly introduces audiences to Popera in a fresh, exciting and up-to-date extravaganza. He enacts as the pint-sized half of the sensational duo, The Two Tenors.

When asked if he has ever shared the stage with other Filipino talents, he quickly pointed to Martin Nievera and Rachelle Alejandro. “I fondly recall to have joined them around Australia, for several affairs organized by the energetic and innovative leaders of the Filipino Community.”

And as if all that is not enough, the dynamic tenor released his premier solo album My Corner Of The Sky in 2003, followed by Chasing Dreams in 2006, which features a selection of his favorite Popera and contemporary tunes. “The title track is a self-penned effort I wrote as a tribute to the music which shaped my life. Since I was a child, it has always been my supportive wings. It has helped me reach places I thought were once-upon-a-time unreachable, turned my dreams into reality and led me to concerned men and women that would remain important in my life. It has all been about chasing dreams.”

His third album has just been released. Featured are more theatrical favorites such as Defying Gravity from Wicked, Memory from Cats, and the artist’s very own rendition of the song from Love Never Dies, Till I Hear You Sing. “It has all the promises to be a collector’s item for any discerning theatrical lover,” he assured.

“I must confess that I have this special relationship with cruise ships,” he revealed, “Since my first contract years ago, I continuously find myself coming back for more performances on board.”

He admitted the downside of these particular types of engagements, “It includes the notion of getting there, the packing, the waiting at airports, the actual flying to the next destination and all the adaptations that follow.”

“However,” he attested, “the best part is when my music affects the people, bringing them tears of joy.”

Every time he uproots himself, he disclosed, “I feel sad having to leave the place, for somehow strong solid connections have been established. But then again, I realize I must move on,” gesturing that he likewise has to go.

 “Last two questions,” I ventured. “What’s your favorite port of call and do you ever, ever relax, having noticed your ever-on-the-go lifestyle?” He broke into a smile, a smile that lighted up the center stage of the ship’s theater the night before, “Yokohama. This is where my love affair with cruise ships began. There is that sentimental value again,” as he shook his head.

“While on cruise,” he volunteered, “In between my shows, I find the ability to recharge and take time out to prepare for the forthcoming shows on land.”

“How do I then totally unwind, as in completely unwind?” he laughed, “Candy Crush! It absolutely makes me stop thinking.”

For details on Princess Cruises, call Cebu Fortune Travel (c/o Aida Uy, president and GM) at tel. no. (032) 412-2575 or e-mail [email protected]. Address is Ground floor, Machay Bldg. No. 30 Gorordo Ave. Lahug Cebu City 6000.