Acoustic lovers in Dubai will be treated to a soulful evening on August 5 as Filipino artist Aiza Seguerra returns to the UAE for their biggest concert to date — Acoustic Journey at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Acoustic singer-songwriter Seguerra is a regular performer in Dubai, most often performing in smaller halls. Seguerra is joined this time by Joey Generoso.
“Every performance I do in Dubai, I always make sure there is something new,” Seguerra wrote in an email interview with tabloid!. “This time for Acoustic Journey, I will be performing with Joey Generoso and I will be with three of my pogi [handsome, as she calls her band] boys, Edward Rosquillo on keyboards, Jonathan Urbano on violin and Budeths Casinto on [percussion]. We will definitely all have fun.”
Acoustic Journey will also feature Filipino-Australian singer and actor James Wright, dubbed the Pop Heartthrob, as a guest performer.
Generoso says fans can expect an enjoyable and entertaining evening. “Our supporters can expect a really great show because they deserve it. They spent time and money just to watch us, so we give what they want,” he says.
Seguerra says performing in Dubai has always been an enjoyable experience: “I always love performing in Dubai. Every show I [have done] in Dubai was always memorable. The people are very warm... so I make sure that I always give them my 101 per cent. I think almost all overseas shows I did were memorable to me. I thank you guys for always supporting me.”
Asked if the Dubai show is part of a world tour, the singer-songwriter says it’s not. “This is just a special concept show for our kabayans [compatriots] in Dubai. Who knows, we can also tour this concept show.”
Generoso, the former frontman of the band Side A, says fans can expect some Side A hits during the concert. “Of course. People always request for Side A songs. I think it’s my obligation to let them hear those songs. Thank you to the composers, especially to Joey Benin [composer of many Side A songs, including Forevermore, one of the band’s best-known hits] for allowing me to sing their compositions. We owe it to our fans,” he says.
Side A was formed in 1985 and was active in the Filipino music scene until the early 2000s; Generoso left the band to pursue a solo career.
The former frontman says going solo is part of his musical journey. “I have been with Side A for 25 years, half of my life actually. And I can say those were the best days of my career. My journey continues, for the love of music and for the people who still want to watch me perform. I’m sure it will be one great journey,” says Generoso.
Aside from a busy singing career, the 32-year-old Seguerra is also known as a loyal supporter of the new Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. “A lot of exciting things will happen. Aside from my shows in the Philippines and abroad, I shall be busy helping our elected president Duterte. I will extend to him all my support in areas where he asked me to help him. Me and my wife Liza have been very busy meeting different people, gathering their inputs on how to further push our arts and culture. We can expect many positive changes with the new administration,” Seguerra says.
Seguerra has been married for almost two years to beauty pageant winner and actress Liza Dino. “It’s a happy journey so far and as I always say, I am very happy being always with my wife Liza and our daughter, Amara. I cannot imagine my life without them.”
Aside from music and politics, Seguerra is now pursuing a career in film directing. “I am undergoing film directing classes for the past weeks at Mowelfund and I’m very happy that I finally find time to pursue one of my longest aspirations to become a film director,” says the artist, who has been in the entertainment industry for almost three decades.
54-year-old Generoso, meanwhile, is busy with an album in the works. “I just finished a major show with [Filipino singer] Nina and am looking forward to doing more shows like that. I still have my regular gig at Chivz, Historia, 19 East and 12 Monkeys, and busy with some out-of-town and corporate shows. I’m planning to come out with a new album. Still collecting material, and excited to announce that I have one beautiful song composed by my friend, the very talented Top Suzara,” he says of working with the former vocalist of Freestyle.
Tickets are Dh295 (VVIP with dinner meet and greet), Dh125 (VIP), and Dh90 (general admission, standing), at Platinumlist.net, Enocc/Eppco Zoom outlets and Virgin Tickets online. Gates open at 6pm and the show will start at 8pm. Call 052-7426906.
