April 7 ------ “Eye-conic” singer Randy Santiago returns to the concert scene with a bang for his first big solo show in years. Randy, or Mr. Private Eyes as he is fondly called, headlines “Eyecon…The Club Experience," a club-themed concert to be held at the PICC Plenary Hall on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 8 pm.
Joining Randy are fellow OPM greats Pops Fernandez, Gino Padilla, Juan Miguel Salvador, Nina, and Rachel Alejandro, and today’s new breed of Pinoy singers and musicians JM Yosures, Khimo, Lyka Estrella, JM dela Cerna, Marielle Montellano, Jezza Quiogue, LA Santos, the girl group Calista and the band Six Part Invention. During a media conference in Quezon City on April 3, Randy said he looks forward to performing upbeat songs and today’s most favorite tunes with his all-star guests. "I am excited to collaborate with some of the industry’s most talented performers." "Inuna ko yung mga taong malalapit sa puso ko like Gino and Rachel na batang-bata pa, magkakasama na kami. Mga more than three decades na yata?" said Randy, brother of actors Raymart and Rowell Santiago, on choosing his special guests. "Pero hindi na lang namin sasabihin kung ilan taon na kami." Asked if he was challenged by the size of PICC, Randy added: "Hindi naman sobrang laki ang venue, although hindi ko na hinahangad pa na mag-Mall of Asia. Ang theme po natin is club experience. The moment you enter the PICC, parang club experience na. Dadalhin namin kayo doon."
Gino and Rachel recalled performing with Randy in the past shows. "I remember I was 17 years old at kasama ako sa tour ni Randy around the Philippines. Ang title ng concert na yun is 'Wild Eyes' with Rachel Alejandro in a special role. Yun ang nakalagay. Sabi ko bakit? Yun ang naaalala ko. Since then may mga corporate shows kami," said Rachel. Gino said: "I had a show with Randy last year. And if ever I perform with him, I always remember our Triple Treat (variety show) days namin." This early, Randy reveals he won't be singing his hits "Hindi Magbabago" and "Babaero" in his concept show. "Hindi pa naman ako humihinto sa pagkanta eh. This one is a concept show. While we were doing the lineup, wala talaga yung mga kanta ko eh. As in wala. Dadalhin kasi namin sila sa mga 80s, 90s and yung mga bago. Kinalimutan ko muna yung mga songs ko dahil ang gusto ko talaga mga dance song muna," he said. "Bahala na. Ready naman ang team namin if ever. Medyo foreign ang mga song namin. It's a club experience para maging fresh kami. Anytime naman pwede kong kantahin ang 'Hindi Magbabago' lagi kong kinakanta na yun. Pati yung 'Babaero.' I always do that." “For a singer-performer like me who’s been around in the music industry for so many years, I am lucky to have the privilege to stay true to my craft and entertain my audience with so much enthusiasm,” Randy said in a post on Instagram.
Showbiz success and longevity
Randy, Rachel, and Gino shared some of their secrets to career success and showbiz longevity. "Faith in God. You have to be focused and love your work. Whatever you do, eat, and work, we do it for God's glory. I always make sure I deliver that to my audience. On the other hand, having fun with good friends is also a blessing. That's the secret to a happy and stress-free life, especially if you have a loving wife. You will always be on track," said Gino, who brought the hits "Closer (You and I)" and "I Believe In You." Rachel shared about a healthy lifestyle as one of the keys to success. "I guess genetics din. Healthy lifestyle, eating good food, and getting enough sleep. Napaka-importante na matulog ng maayos. Genetics is an important part. Swerte rin ako na anak ako ni Boss Hajji (Alejandro). As you see, wala talaga siyang kakupas-kupas. I was talking about Randy's family. Lahat sila flawless. The Santiago brothers," said Rachel, known for her hit ballads "Kay Tagal," "Nakapagtataka," "Paalam Na" and more.
Randy, 63, thanked the media and fans who supported him in his showbiz journey. "Tumagal kami siguro sa industry dahil sa pakikitungo namin sa lahat ng taong nakakasama namin. Malaking bagay din ang press people na hindi nasira yung image namin. Siguro kung hindi maganda yung imahe na ipinapakita namin sa public, I'm sure noon pa lang sira na kami. "I'm so blessed sa mga taong nakakasama ko especially the 80s group. 90s na kasi si Rachel. Kung ano man ang maibabahagi namin sa bagong henerasyon, we are more than willing to do that. "Kami kahit saan nabibitbit kami. They (young stars) have management or managers. Pero kasi kami, tumagal kami na walang masyadong nagko-control sa amin. Kung kailangan makihalubilo kami for a longer time, andun kami para sa tao. Tama po ba?" Randy said. Rachel added: "I've been on tour in the US for two years. And everywhere I've gone, I realize na appreciate ng mga tao na maka-meet and greet nila, makapag pa-picture, at makausap nila yung mga artista. "Tulad ng sinabi ni Randy, may mga artista na hindi puwedeng hawakan, hindi puwedeng magpa-picture, kasi nga bawal daw. Talagang sad yung mga Pinoy kapag hindi sila nakapagpa-picture kasi yun lang naman ang kaligayahan nila. I'm so happy that Randy and my dad are two of those artists and Martin Nievera. Hanggang sa last person sa line na hindi pa nagpapa-picture, hihintayin n'ya yun. He's so generous. I think that's one of the secrets," she added. Randy also said: "Nakasama ko na rin si Regine (Velasquez). After the concert, pipila lahat ng fans for meet-and-greet. Halimbawa matapos ang concert niya ng 11 pm, siguro uuwi yung mga alas dos kasi uubusin niya yung linya sa meet-and-greet. Ganun din kaluwag si Tita Girlie Rodis (talent manager)."
Source: mb.com.ph