You can sense that a bunch of harmonizing singers is world-class and worth your time when members of The CompanY, long described as the country’s premier vocal group, come into the venue, occupy a table, and happily watch them.
That scenario happened last Aug. 23 at The Music Hall at Metrowalk as a capella group Acapellago held a victory concert. Seeing Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos, and OJ Mariano at the venue and in awe of what they were witnessing should be a good reason to feel truly triumphant. Yet there was really a major one to celebrate after the group bagged the grand champion plum at the Asian Cup A Capella competition held in Kagawa, Japan on Aug. 9.
It seemed like even the alleged business-disrupting ghosts of August found Acapellago too good to even deprive them of a dream deal against others vying for the title. Thus, the quintet was also declared VoiceJam Awardee which in effect earns them the privilege to perform in next year’s festival of the same name to be staged in the US of A.
“Pasensya na po ito lang op ang nakayanan namin,” mused beatbox-sound provider Ricky Gavin Laderas on their latest trophy.
There is classic Pinoy humor in the way he said that. One can take more pride knowing this talented combo of voices is bare and basic Filipino.
With rose among thorns in Michelle Pascual and a remarkably strong effeminate presence in the group, fans may conclude Acapellago as the country’s embodiment of Pentatonix. But once they perform and their voices melt into each other like cheese to pizza, comparison proves immaterial and Acapellago simply transforms into an act on its own and delivering the goods at world standard level.
In a jaw-dropping showcase of classic and class, the furious five sang the Barbra Streisand-Donna Summer duet “No More Tears (Enough is Enough).” It’s a song-and-dance display of well-orchestrated showmanship that should convince anyone still in doubt of the act.
This year alone proves that Acapellago is on a great run after likewise winning the top spot for medium vocal ensemble category in Moscow Spring Acapella last May. Named winner for Best Vocal Arrangement (for their song Peroplano) in last year’s Awit Awards, the group is once again a finalist for the same category, this time for their song Kariton.
Completing the rest of Acapellago are Almond Bolante, Joshua Cadeliña, and Ronnel Allen Laderas.
“With multiple trophies from competitions in various countries, no surprise people around the world are getting to know them more,” described a press release about them.
Safe to say those who saw them for the first time during last June’s Acapellago Live in Taiwan had become welcome addition to their growing fan base. It’s easy to like them as you can see they’re giving their all while performing. Simply put, that’s one reason they consistently win in the international stage. They have both talent and heart.