A tribute to mothers at Kapuso’s Musikalye concert
Kapusong Pinoy Studio 7 Musikalye sa Brooklyn was one spectacular variety show with high-energy dance numbers, powerhouse vocal performances, and one heartfelt segment honoring Filipino mothers.
The Kapuso stars took the opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day by serenading three outstanding mothers. Cora Reyes, Menchu de Luna and Joyce Andes-Davis came on stage and received flowers from the performers. The stars also dedicated song numbers to five community leaders who represented their organizations – Helen Kwong of CEBU, Inc., Theia delos Santos of Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND, Inc.), Eddie Manongsong of FALConn (Filipino Amateur League in Connecticut), Dulce Barangan of Ilocano American Association, Inc. (IAAI), and Fely Perez of Philippine Heritage Center. In this special segment, the Kapuso female artists wore elegant gowns designed by RC Caylan, who is based in Michigan.
It was a lively evening that began with rondalla music — courtesy of Filipino Arts and Music Ensemble (FAME) — greeting guests arriving at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn.
Sinulog, a ritual prayer-dance honoring the Santo Nino, was performed by Tribu Cebuano as the opening act. A skit presentation by MUFACEA, a student group from Montclair State University and William Paterson University in New Jersey quickly followed.
The Studio 7 squad comprising GMA Network’s stellar performers expressed their gratitude for making the first international Musikalye a “huge success.” Said singer Christian Bautista, “Thank you so much for spending time with us.”
“We’re very fortunate dahil nadala namin yung saya ng Studio 7 sa international stage. Hopefully, marami pang shows na dumating para mas marami pa kaming mapasayang Kapuso abroad,” echoed Julie Anne San Jose.
Rayver Cruz, who joined his first international roadshow as a Kapuso artist, said, “Masaya kami na nakapagbigay kami ng ligaya dito sa Brooklyn.” Thankful for the opportunity to entertain Filipinos in the U.S., Kyline Alcantara said, “Sobrang saya makasama ang mga Kapuso natin sa New York at hopefully, makasama ko ulit sila soon.”
“Kahit nasa ibang panig man kami ng mundo, hindi nawawala ang mainit na pagtanggap ng mga Pilipino,” said singer Golden Cañedo, who is the first winner of reality show The Clash.
One of the crowd favorites, comedian Betong Sumaya, said he was grateful to back in NYC for Musikalye. “Amazing thanks sa inyong suporta, sa mainit ninyong pagtanggap, at sana po tuluy-tuloy lang po ang inyong pagsuporta.”
Actor Alden Richards also shared how the moms he met during the concert made him feel sentimental in time for the Mother’s Day celebration.
From the community, Atty. Dulce Barangan of the Ilocano Association said she was pleased to see a show that recognized FilAm leaders. “Maganda, it was fun, well-attended, masasaya at magagaling silang lahat.” Lawyer Elizabeth Cueva said she enjoyed the concert. “It’s first-rate, I like it, it’s total entertainment.”
The concert also received praise from netizens, such as Christina Sheugar who wrote on Instagram, “You guys rock. Thank you for entertaining us New Yorkers and beyond!”
NYC YouTubers Roy Flores and David Kirsch, whose YouTube Channel is called “Pinoy and a Jew,” said in their vlog, “All of them are great! It’s a true representation of the Filipino artistry.” One of GMA Pinoy TV’s Facebook followers, said he and his friends drove all the way from Rhode Island to attend the concert.
“We are glad to have brought the ultimate music tambayan experience of Studio 7 to New York,” said GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia. “It affirms our mission to bring our Kapuso abroad feel closer to home and provide them with great entertainment they deserve from no less than some of the network’s multi-talented performers.”
Musikalye sa Brooklyn was presented by GMA Pinoy TV in coordination with GMA Entertainment Group, under the supervision of Vice President for Business Development and Department III Darling de Jesus-Bodegon. The concert was directed by Mark A. Reyes V and in association with Synergy Production & Marketing Inc. headed by Grace Labaguis. – GMA Pinoy TV