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Filipino artistes set Yasalam afire for ‘Beats on the Beach’ concert

Gary V and Vina Morales open this year’s ‘Beats on the Beach’ concert.

The Abu Dhabi Corniche buzzed with pure energy on Thursday night as Filipino artistes and star performers Gary V and Vina Morales opened the Yasalam’s ‘Beats on the Beach’ concert in high crescendo till 1am.

From as early as 6pm, a large number of people, majority of whom were Filipinos, thronged the beach area to watch their idols perform on stage.

At exactly 10.45pm, clad in tights and sequined top, Morales came on stage belting Jennifer Lopez’ upbeat song ‘Goin’ In’ and ‘On the Floor’ while dancing on the beats before shifting to more tender songs ‘Pangako Sa Yo’ (I promise you), ‘Gaano Kita Kamahal’ (how much I love you) and ‘Kahit Isang Saglit’ (a moment more).

She finished off her outstanding performance with the same feverish start with disco medleys ‘Tuloy Pa Rin’ (still going), ‘Bongga Ka Day’ (you’re fabulous) and ‘Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko’ (sing and I’ll dance).

Filipino musical legend Gary V immediately took his turn on the same high with his ‘Eto Na Naman’ (here we go again) accompanied by his famous dance moves, followed by his other popular 1980s songs ‘Wag Mo na Sanang Isipin’ (don’t think about it), ‘Eto na Naman’ (here we go again) and ‘Di Bale na Lang Kaya’ (never mind).

Coming on stage before him, Gary V fan Alex Sena, expressed desire to see his idol execute his “signature moves”. And he was not left disappointed, as ‘Mr Pure Energy’ lived up to his name and reputation in the next hour and a half of non-stop exhilarating show.

In between his high-octane performance, Gary V took a breather by interacting with the crowd, much to their delight.

“I’m 49 years old today and 30 long years of being in the industry. It is a miracle that I can still do what I’m doing today. I am truly overjoyed. If I’m huffing and puffing like this, It’s okay I’m not tired, I’m just having fun,” he announced, and the audience cheered.

Getting his hands on a keyboard, Gary V, showed off his softer side by singing ‘Each Passing Night’, ‘Reaching Out’, ‘Sanay Maulit Muli’ (wish it will happen again), ‘Tayong Dalawa’ (the two of us) and ‘Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan’ (till the end of eternity).

Later on, the powerful dynamic duo came on stage together to give a rendition of some of the 1970s popular songs ‘I Will Survive’, ‘September’ and ‘Last Dance’.

Gary V’s finale performance of ‘Hataw Na’ (beat it), ‘Shout for Joy’ and ‘Sa Yahwe’ (to Yahwe) was met with much enthusiasm as the crowd sang and danced along – a fitting ending for such a zestful night. “It’s good to have Filipino artiste come here,” Jake Delos Santos said.

Before the start of the concert, Khaleej Times caught up with both artistes who expressed a great desire to come back and perform in Abu Dhabi and their disappointment that their busy work schedule doesn’t allow them to stay longer.

“Not this time, but I’ll be able to go around for sure. When I come back to Abu Dhabi, I’ll make sure that I have the time,” said Gary V.

He added that he plans to come back same time next year in the Capital.

“Well it is my 30th year in the industry and I do want to come back to Abu Dhabi as part of my 30th year to do a solo concert with my family, my children to guest in my show.”

Morales is staying till today and will have a chance to see some of the sights in the emirate, and Ferrari World is one on her agenda.

“Hopefully (I’ll) be back here with a different concept of concert and maybe to tour UAE. I haven’t been to Dubai for so many years,” she stated.

— olivia@khaleejtimes.com