-By Boy Abunda (The Philippine Star)
Inarguably, if only for her guts, bravery and love for “danger,” Anne Curtis is immortal. She is “La Divina.” One of the most beautiful girls in this country, she is an intelligent actress with box-office powers, a natural host in and out of Showtime, a trusted product endorser — but a concert star, she was not and never was, for when the good Lord gave away musical talents to the multitude, Anne was busy counting her other blessings. But she loved to sing. She still does.
She was never shy to croon any song she would fancy anywhere she could — in her dressing room, in the hallways of ABS-CBN, in her TV guestings. Sounding tremendously better than a pretty, magical frog, she would sing her heart out, like she was Beyoncé. She would ululate without fear and care. As in anything she does, she would sing with bravado and heart.
At first it was funny until I started to enjoy watching and listening to her sing. Because she was always having a blast every time she would whack a song. I would call her my “concert queen.” So it didn’t come as a surprise when I heard that she was mounting an Araneta concert. I figured it was about time concert singers learn some tricks from someone who pulls everything out from the heart.
What a brave girl this Anne Curtis is. She is inspiring, empowering, proving to anyone who doubts himself that yes, dreams come true and you can make the impossible possible. All you need is to believe.
Anne Curtis filled the 17,000-seater Smart Araneta Coliseum with people who came in droves to watch her on stage in her first-ever concert billed Anne-bisyosa. Anne knows that her voice is no match to Sarah Geronimo’s or Charice’s. She is no regular singer, she said in her spiel. “Para sa mga non-singers diyan, this is for you.”
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from people who came to watch her concert, Anne was emotional as she went on stage to face the big crowd. “Walang pwedeng mag-sabotahe ng evening na ito. My goodness, hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko pero dreams do really come true.”
In full support of Anne’s first big outing on live stage were her family, friends and her ABS-CBN family like younger sister Jasmine Curtis-Smith who had a number with her as well as Sam Milby, Derek Ramsay, Cristine Reyes, Rico Blanco, Vice Ganda, Luis Manzano and Sarah.
And here’s what they have to say about Anne and Anne-bisyosa:
Sarah — “She’s always been passionate about music. I’m always behind you.”
Vice Ganda — “Ang mga tao rito nagpunta hindi dahil gustong makita kung magiging maganda ba yong gagawin ni Anne. Nagpunta rito yong mga tao dahil alam nilang mahalaga ito kay Anne.
Derek — “Congratulations. I haven’t seen Araneta like that. It’s crazy.”
Luis — “Being proud of you is an understatement. Mahal na mahal ka namin. Mag-world tour ka, nandoon pa rin kami.”
KC Concepcion — “I’m really proud of Anne. I am really happy for her.”
Kris Aquino — “The last time na nakita ko na ganito kapuno, si Vice ang nag-co-concert. Bilib na bilib ako sa na-accomplish mo.”
Raymond Gutierrez — “This is such a great accomplishment. You know how much we love you.”
Anne’s boyfriend Erwan Heussaff also had a great part in the success of Anne’s Araneta outing. “He has been so supportive. He made T-shirts for everyone. Hinahayaan niya ako. Kasi stressed ako, talagang hinayaan niya ako. He said, go have a singing career.”
Anne announced that she will soon have a world tour billed No Other Concert that will see her performing all over the country and other parts of the globe.
Bravo Anne. You make dreams come true. Not just yours, but ours, too.
Golden girl
Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos is celebrating her 50th anniversary in showbiz in November. People close to the Star for All Seasons is leaving no stone unturned for the actress-governor’s 50th anniversary celebration. Among the activites lined up are a book launching and a Star Cinema movie, titled The Healing.
“Magkakaroon po ng book launch. Open po sa lahat kung sino man ang maki-celebrate. Dito sa movie industry kung saan ako lumaki at sa pinagkakautangan ko ng loob.”
Gov. Vi is also excited about her Star Cinema movie. “Tuluy-tuloy yong gagawin naming shooting. May aabangan silang suspense. I am excited to do one movie again with Kim Chiu. Kasama ko sila Pokwang and Janice de Belen. It is directed by Chito Roño.”
As regards her son Luis who is rumored to be toying with the idea of walking down the aisle with girlfriend Jennylyn Mercado, Gov. Vi had this to say, “Hindi ako magdedesisyon nun. Ayokong makialam.” She also said that Luis is mature enough to do things on his own. “Hindi ko ma-imagine pag andun na siya sa simbahan. Hahagulgol ba ako? Kung saan liligaya ang anak ko, dun ako.”
Doubly proud of her son, Gov. Vi revealed Luis will be hosting Deal or No Deal. “He is very serious with his job. I am here to support you. I will pray for you, I’m proud of you. I love you Lucky.”