Pinoy performers gather for a night of Christmas concert in Dubai

AL AIN, United Arab Emirates – Last December 4, a Friday, 35 Filipino musicians from all over UAE gathered in one stage in Dubai for a night of performance designed to usher in the Christmas spirit among its homesick kababayans.

Dubbed “A Christmas Musical Presentation,” the concert was held at The Fridge, located at Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, and featured Filipino bands and solo performers, most of them have been featured on GMA News Online.

Among the performers were Zack Allen; Bonz Saforteza; Alijan Tatel, who introduced his new band Kumanderku and the Ginggastee; Ela; Project: [PROTOTYPE]; 3hirdParty; and Sons of Asaph, who performed with its new drummer John Paul Abuda.

The gig was produced by Ronald Galvez, an OFW, along with Rudy Parilla, James Pacheco, Benedict Batalla and Louie Miclat of Sessions DXB.

"Sessions DXB is a platform to showcase the talents of our fellow OFWs, both amateur & professional," Galvez said. "We are encouraging everyone to shift the experience of playing music at home to a live stage performance."

Galvez and Parilla also performed in the mini-concert—as vocalist/rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist, respectively—as the Greyback Band. They were joined by vocalist/lead guitarist Ralph Mancao, composer/keyboardist Francis Del Mundo, bassist Arnold Ponseca, and drummer Jeff Garcia.

"Music and art is my passion, the same thing when I say I love my family. It’s my life and it will be forever," said Galvez, a graphic communications manager at Al-Futtaim, beaming at the success of the one-night only concert.

"I have my own home studio and music production here in Dubai which is self-supporting," he said. "Every night, I set at least three hours to work at my home studio doing graphic arts and music-related projects."

Also in the event was Tag 91.1 FM brand manager Nikki Famador, vocalist of the band Dekada. She performed together with lead guitarist Chris Barroga and drummer Benny Lalic.

Louie Da Costa of Tag 91.1 FM graced the show, too, as well as guests Joan McEldowney, an Irish singer/composer; Riff Raff Band, an Irish group; and front acts Electrokats and Olliekraft.

"A Christmas Musical Presentation" was held in coordination with Nite Owl Production, Black Light Project, Follow Up, and Music Smart Studio. Tag 91.1 FM, which has been supporting Filipino performers in the UAE, also promoted the event on air.

"We recommend those artists or bands that have three original compositions to our partner Tag 91.1 FM for acoustic live performance on air," Galvez said. "And later Tag 91.1 FM will recommend those artist/bands for other events/concert as front acts or main performers." —KBK, GMA News

Photos courtesy of Lucky Mae F. Quilao and Nite Owl Production. Gallery by Jannielyn Ann Bigtas