Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — After opening for numerous big names over the years, singer-songwriter Isha Ponti and bossa nova artist Andrea Gutierrez will finally take the stage as headliners in their show, “The Next Ones.”
The back-to-back concert to be held on Dec. 13 at the Music Museum will be directed by Calvin Murphy Neria, while the musical direction will be led by Adonis Tabanda.
“The Next Ones is nit just about us, it is also about us paving the way for the next generation,” Ponti said in an interview.
“The Next Ones” aims to showcase performers mentored by veterans in the music industry, such as guest performer Rey Valera, whom the two artists will honor with a tribute performance during the concert.
Gutierrez is set to debut her recording of Valera’s hit “Walang Kapalit.” She is the first woman Valera entrusted to cover the title.
“Noong nalaman ko una ako babae magco-cover ng ‘Walang Kapalit’ naisip ko totoo po ba? May trust po siya. Overwhelmed and thankful ma binigyan niya ako ng hit song,” she recalled.
“Sa mommy ko, I cried. after the next day nag-record na kami. As in siya andoon, hands-on. Everyline tinutulungan ako. Sobrang thankful.”
Ponti will sing live for the first time an original piece Valera made for her.
“Noong sinabi na gagawan ko ng kanta, akala ko joke. Akala ko biruan. Tas bigla ako inemail. Nakita ko mag lyrics na, may minus one, inaral ko agad,” she shared.
“Noong una I thought it was a sad song but the thing is it is a graduation song. The pressure was built up. But super saya,” she added.