Since his recent successful concert in Cuneta Astrodome gathered most f his avid supporters in one venue, popular balladeer Christian Bautista, who just turned 26, made the event looked like a big birthday elebration that is ironically not centered on the celebrator, but on the singer’s many inspirations – his family, friends and fans.

Aligned with the concert’s premise of paying tribute to the young hit maker’s inspirations, “Christian Inspired,” a very apt title to the show, provided ample segments for the birthday boy to render songs he heartily dedicates to his family based in Imus, Cavite; friends in and out of showbiz and fans who have been with him since his competing days n ABS CBN’s “Star In A Million” Season One.

Written and directed by veteran concert director, Freddie Santos, “Christian Inspired” kicked off by unveiling the humongous 9×42 feet “Watchout” screen as main backdrop, which wowed the audience as splashy visual effects and interactive devices pop out to complement what’s happening on stage. Christian began his “party” with a U2 medley of songs including “In The Name of Love,” “Elevation” and “Beautiful Day.”

Christian’s opening spiel was much awaited as he candidly shared with the audience how upset he was when he made a blunder while singing the National Anthem, a few weeks before his major concert. “…I understand why some people out there are upset. Believe me, ako din, nainis sa sarili ko. Me forgetting the National Anthem, ako pa naman tiga-Cavite kung saan unang kinanta and Pambansang Awit!…If Emilio Aguinaldo were alive…I would be dead,” said Christian.

The audience sympathized with the charismatic singer and collectively urged him to go on with the show with loud cheers and applause.

The tone of the show started to be a bit serious as Christian sang songs to his parents and younger brothers Joshua and Jordan. With Christian’s signature heartfelt singing, he effortlessly dished out songs “Stand By Me,” “Lean On Me,” “Of All the Things,” “Colour Everywhere” and Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up” and “You Are Loved.”

Featured guests Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby, both real life friends of Christian, joined the birthday boy on stage and sang songs about friendship culminating with “That’s What Friends Are For.”

Speaking of real life friends, Piolo Pascual, direk Joyce Bernal, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Mark Bautista, Daisy Romualdez and girl friend Rachelle Ann Go were in attendance at the Astrodome. Bro. Eddie Villanueva and wife Dori were also spotted in the audience.

The evening’s portion dedicated to Christian’s countless fans highlighted a medley of the singer’s hit songs not only popular across the islands but also in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Chart topping singles “The Way You Look At Me,”"Invincible,” “More Than You’ll Ever Know,” “Got to Believe in Magic,” among others, comprised this selection.

But what brought the house down was Christian’s hilarious interpretation of Billy Crawford’s “Bright Lights,” complete with dance moves and back-up dancers on the “Watchout” screen who were actually Christian’s clones. Fellow Swatch watch endorser Billy Crawford held his major concert at the Big Dome on the same night.

Other featured guests Kuh Ledesma, Joni Villanueva, Sam Concepcion, Tricia Amper-Jimenez and Gary Valenciano ended the evening on a high note with praise and worship songs all dedicated to Christian’s ultimate inspiration, the Lord Almighty.

Right on the heels of Christian’s major concert at the Astrodome is the release of the Christmas edition of Platinum awarded “Christian Bautista Live!” album, featuring 5 Christmas recordings. He will also be the main featured artist in two concerts: “2 On 2 Anniversary Concert” at St. Francis Square on Nov. 16 and “Celebrating Life: WorldVision Philippines’ 50th Anniversary Concert” at PICC Plenary Hall on Nov. 24. He will share the stage with fellow STAGES artists Sam Concepcion, Reymond Sajor and Aria Clemente.

“Christian Inspired” was line produced by STAGES, with musical direction of Mel Villena, for the Imus Unida Christian School in Cavite. It was presented by PLDT/Smart, Philippine Star and ASAP Live; in cooperation with Dunkin Donuts, Outland and Kiseki; with major sponsors MTV, Solar Cable Network, TFC, Video Sonic, Oishi, Bench, Starmall, St. Augustine School of Nursing, PAGCOR, Essensuals Toni & Guy, Bedhead, Sennheiser and Warner Music Philippines; In part by Swatch Watches, Belo Medical Group, Gold’s Gym, Tokyo Café, Flavours of China/Tempura Grill, Elijah Dental Clinic, Papermate, Monami and Excel Fresh O. Clothes by Njork and Dennis Lustico. Styling by Eric Pe Benito.

Photos by Sheila Juan and Mari Arquiza

Released by Oliver Oliveros

STAGES

stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph