Alden soars in AR concert

MANILA, Philippines — Alden Richards brings again his A-game in Adrenaline Rush (AR), a follow-up to his first major concert Upsurge. If water was the latter’s inspiration, the former draws theme from air. Fans might see their Bae Victor Magtanggol soar and pull out all the stops.

“They are not the usual stuff that I do,” Alden piqued media’s interest in a recent presscon in what one can expect from him on Sept. 21, 8 p.m. at the Kia Theatre. Come showtime, Alden invites everyone to just sit back and relax — and expect the unexpected.

“Perhaps, I have done some (of them) during my Sunday All-Stars, Party Pilipinas days. (But I’ll be doing) intense performances,” he added. “Kasi yung element ng previous concert ay water. Nilagyan namin ngayon ng air (We used the element water in the previous concert. Air is now being incorporated).” The bedimpled actor is taking his Upsurge to the next level, offering something new, concept-wise, to his audience. His superhero persona will also make a guest appearance on the show. Adrenaline Rush will see Alden as a “triple-threat” star by doing singing, dancing and executing stunts, yes, buwis-buhay segments — not death-defying but spectacular ones — in just one night. “It’s all about timing and precision for us to pull off the production numbers we intend to do,” he said.

That’s why Alden admires performers who can sing and dance flawlessly. “It’s challenging that your body movement is not aligned with the singing, nag-i-iba po yung tono. Yun po ang challenge to us, especially to me (like) how I will deliver during those performances.” 

Given that thrilling not risky aspect of the show, a protocol for safety requirements should be followed. The challenge to Alden now is making himself mentally prepared and physically fit. “In my first concert, I was just busy doing it, wala (yung) nakasabay (na ibang trabaho). I was focused on it,” he recalled. “I have a soap (on top of this one).”

What makes the workload lighter, however, is the group of people that surrounds Alden. They have helped him conceptualize the show and fine-tune everything.

At the helm is GB Sampedro, who shared that the concert does follow the narrative format but it has a well-planned line-up and clear sequencing. The structure is designed to provide stories to the segments. The storytelling is not necessarily done in one continuous manner. Marc Lopez is the musical director.

Asked how involved he is with Adrenaline Rush, Alden answered: “There was already a concept and I was asked about it. ‘Alden OK ba ‘to?… I was given the license to (collaborate and) be part of the creative process (that the concert requires).”

During the media con, Alden said that the list of guests is yet to be finalized. As much as his team wishes to include this name or that name, the artist’s availability is a consideration.

Sure to join Alden on stage are Regine Velasquez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Rodjun Cruz, Betong Sumaya, One Up and Ex Battalion.

“Meron pong ibang (songs) na expected nila (my fans),” shared Alden about his repertoire. “In every segment, there is a theme. We’re (putting and complementing) the songs (within and) with the theme. Merong pa ring personal choices na kasama. There are parts of the segments that are dedicated to certain people.” But when pressed to name names, he just smiled and replied “oyy, panoorin natin.” Let’s leave it at that and let Alden surprise us.

On that special day, Alden will also officially release his five-track album titled Until I See You Again with I Will Be Here as the carrier single on digital platforms such as iTunes, Spotify and Amazon. Fans can digital pre-order it beginning today.

(Tickets priced at P4,780 for VIP (with free album); P3,880 (platinum); P2,780 (gold); and P1,780 (silver) are available via TicketNet. GMA Records produces Adrenaline Rush.)