The long-awaited comeback concert of GMA Pinoy TV was a huge success as thousands of concert-goers flocked to the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre at the Expo 2020 Dubai as the Expo drew to an exciting close.
Time stood frozen as the crowd was stunned when Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose, The Clash Season 3 Grand Champion Jessica Villarubin, and Kapuso actor Xian Lim dominated the concert stage.
But even before the concert, the trio was surprised by the warm welcome of Filipino fans waiting for their arrival at the venue.
And just as promised, fresh from her successful solo concert, Julie Anne gave an explosive live performance singing some hit songs by Adele and Jennifer Lopez. She also sang her latest original song “Free.”
Jessica wowed the thousands of viewers when she belted out “Girl on Fire” and Beyonce’s “Love on Top.” And though it was her first international performance, she was very confident on stage. She also did not miss the opportunity to talk to her fellow Cebuanos.
Xian serenaded the audience with Eraserheads’ classic songs such as “Pare Ko” and “Magazine.” The False Positive leading man captivated the crowd with his confident command in playing the keyboard on the stage while singing. And the inevitable happened when some overly excited concertgoers swarmed him when he went down the stage and approached them for a quick selfie. The Kapuso actor had to get back to the stage to calm down the crowd.
In their glittering dresses, Julie Anne and Jessica gave a powerful duet of some famous OPM hits of Dingdong Avanzado and Ariel Rivera. The Kapuso singing divas also enticed the audience with their eye-catching concert outfits—from their extraordinary black dresses to voluminous floor-length couture ensembles. Providing their glamorous outfits is Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Ryan Pacioles of Atelier Zuhra. The artists’ hair and makeup were done by Darwin Perez.
The musical extravaganza was also full of surprises when a montage of special video greetings from Kapuso personalities was played on the LED wall.
This concert also united the talented performers of the World Championships of Performing Arts, United Cebuanos Folkloric Dance Ensemble, and MDM Dance Company who sang and danced to the GMA Network theme in a fresh pop tune during the opening act. Dubai Filipino Overseas Chorale rendered a solemn performance with some inspirational songs.
For the finale of the concert night, Julie Anne, Jessica, and Xian led the UAE performers to do GMA Pinoy TV’s latest station ID, “Stronger Together,” which is now a popular Tiktok dance challenge that has already more than 1.9 million views on social media. The song is also available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other digital platforms worldwide.
“It is such as great opportunity to be here tonight. I love you too!” Julie Anne said during their final performance.
Among the key personalities that express thanks to the concert performers were Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjyaceelyn M. Quintan, Department of Trade and Industy (DTI) OIC-Undersecretary of Trade Promotions Group and Alternate Commission General of the Philippines at Expo 2020 Dubai Rosvi Gaetos.