Why Gabby feels ‘now is the time’ to reunite with Sharon

“Concepcion nung araw ito eh.” That was how Gabby Concepcion teasingly introduced ex Sharon Cuneta at their very brief encounter during “back-to-back” solo presscons ahead of their first concert together, Dear Heart 2023, on Oct. 27 at the SM MOA Arena.

As they gamely shared a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek (at the request of Gabby) before the media, some of whom were witnesses to the start of their successful team-up four decades ago via Dear Heart the movie, last Friday’s event became a preview of sorts of what is expected to unfold during the actual concert.

Gabby, nevertheless, hinted that anything can happen.

The former reel and real-life partners will officially reunite on the concert night itself.

Prior to that, they will not be meeting each other or even rehearsing their duets together.

“It’s part of the plan… It’s a gimmick na hindi kami magkikita. In fact, we have no rehearsals together. Sa show na kami magkikita,” Gabby said.

“We have rehearsals but not the two of us. There’s a stand-in (during rehearsals)... With enough practice on our own, hopefully, we can deliver something of value. It’s a challenge because we’ve not done anything like this.”

“Mahirap laging magkasama at nagkikita kasi baka magka-develop,” he would joke later on during the presscon.

One thing is for sure, their long-delayed and highly-anticipated reunion project is finally pushing through.

Asked what really made the actor say yes to the concert, Gabby said, “It’s been a long time actually. Dapat nuon pa ito. In fact, may movie sana kami gagawin nuon and I think everything came down to timing. I guess, it wasn’t time then. So, now is the time. I have very few words but my excitement ko andun lahat.”

He also said, “Of course, maganda naman yung feeling kaya natuloy ito dahil kung nanduduon pa rin yung hanging na ano, ‘di matutuloy ito. Kaya ang sarap ng feeling ng ‘wag muna kayo magkita para may suspense even for us.”

Gabby and Sharon briefly interact in between their solo presscons at Okada Manila.

Gabby dedicated this onstage reunion to the ShaGab fans who have stayed loyal to their tandem through the years.

“I’ve said this before to Sharon and to our producers, I’m excited to do this show more for the fans. Sila naman talaga ang nag-umpisa sa amin. Kahit wala akong kitain dito…

“To be honest, I’m really more excited in that sense. Sabi ng father ko, ‘pag naging doctor ka, sa kapatid ko, hindi para sayo yan, yung services mo para sa tao. Yung nagpasok sa akin, other than Mother Lily (Monteverde of Regal Entertainment), of course, yung mga fans natin na nilagay tayo diyan, sa kanila ako nagpapasalamat.

“There are many people to thank for but sa kanila talaga yung drive, sige, kung meron man akong ibabalik even if not monetary but for their enjoyment, just to see us together again, because parang wala ng hope ‘di ba? The concert is one tool and avenue for them to see us.”

The STAR asked Gabby how he would best describe his relationship with Sharon right now. “Well, right now, we don’t have a ‘relationship,” he said, in the sense that “hindi na kami nagtatawagan, nag-tetextan… Iwas ‘di ba…Para good vibes lang. Wala naman pag-uusapan.”

The last time they saw each other in person was at the backstage of a Gabay Guro event in 2019.

Gabby, nevertheless, clarified that he and Sharon are OK. “Pero wala kaming issues. May kanya-kanya kaming buhay. Wala kaming issues. Kaming dalawa wala. Yan ang maganda.

“Actually, maganda nga. If this was done 10 years ago, things would be different. But things are different now. We’re OK. Can’t wait.”

Besides the fans, that one person who’s probably the happiest or the most thrilled over the reunion is their daughter KC Concepcion.

It’s not confirmed yet if KC will make it but the proud dad hopes she will be present and that they will also perform together.

In an earlier media interview, KC had said she was feeling mixed emotions over the concert.

“I am their only child so I don’t think nararamdaman ng iba ‘yung nararamdaman ko about this reunion because it is mixed emotions. But of course, nananaig ‘yung happiness ko,” she said.

“So, hopefully, guys, pag-pray nating lahat na ito na yung start ng friendship nila.”

Besides Dear Heart 2023, Sharon and Gabby will have a special VIP night at Okada Manila’s Grand Ballroom on Oct. 30 and In Life’s Dear Heart in Cebu on Nov. 17 at the NuStar Convention Center. Details are available on Dear Heart’s official social media pages.