Before we begin, Primus Hotel Naga City., would like to extend its gratitude to the staff that ensured quality experience for our guests.
Preparations were underway long before the arrival of our guest performers. The kitchen was performing dry run after dry run, making sure that they had covered all possible scenarios and routes to make sure that guests were served quickly.
They had prepared countless iterations of the menu for the night, ensuring that the quality of the meal was spot on. Servers were strategically stationed around the venue, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The front desk team eagerly awaiting the arrival of our guests, having already prepared the guest list, table seating arrangements, among other things. This truly was a team effort, and we would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to men and women of Primus Hotel. This would not have been possible without you. A million thanks to you, the Primus team.
Have a look at the Primus Team in action.
The ARRIVAL
Ms. Pilita arrived via Plane in Legazpi City, Albay, Bicol on the 9th of September, along with the rest of the band. They relaxed and stayed at the hotel, practicing their songs, and their routines before the show. We enjoyed a night with them, and they, including Pilita, even sang with the Mozart Brothers. A local band that was playing on stage that night at the hotel.
The next day however, it was ALL business.
The moment doors opened; guests were all patiently lined up to enter the Peñafrancia Grand Ballroom. A preview of what was to come.
The night started with lively music from Lolo Andy and the Vocalistas. They opened the evening entertaining the guests while they were served their 4-course dinner, especially prepared by our Executive Chef and the kitchen team. Although Lolo Andy, and the Vocalistas only had a few songs, they definitely entertained the crowd with their lively music, and choreographed steps.
The main kickoff for the event were the Village Vanguards. The members are;
– Carlos Lopez (Harmonica),
– Martin Guzman (Bass),
– Dorraine Collado (Singer),
– Richie Quirino (Drums),
– Cynthia Torre (singer),
– Ken Barroga (Keyboard),
– and Tom Marco (Lead Guitar).
They started off with slow music, lead by Mr. Carlos Lopez, with his harmonica. If you’ve never heard an expert or professional harmonica player with a full band behind him, you should. It’s amazing how music can be enhanced with such a small instrument, in the right hand of course.
The songless performance was followed by two stellar singers of the Vanguard in Ms. Cynthia, and Ms. Dorraine. They sang Filipino and western classics such as “Para sa akin”, and “Nearness of you”. They mixed up their first set with a combination of fast, and mellow songs.
The Vanguards had the guests engaged from the beginning. The crowd was dancing in their seats as they clapped, and swayed to their favorite classical and modern music.
And finally, the star of the night, Ms. Pilita Corrales entered on the 2nd set. She sang her classical Pinoy Music such as Usahay, and Filipino Medleys.
The Vanguards had the guests engaged from the beginning. The crowd was dancing in their seats as they clapped, and swayed to their favorite classical and modern music.
And finally, the star of the night, Ms. Pilita Corrales entered on the 2nd set. She sang her classical Pinoy Music such as Usahay, and Filipino Medleys.
But the absolute showcase of her talents was her ability to engage, and interact with the crowd. Ms. Pilita DID NOT hold back. She went down the stage and entertained the guests on their table. She sat on their laps, took videos and photos while performing, cracked jokes for the night, her talent for comedy, singing, and as a performance really shined.
The guests were either laughing or admiring her performance. Ms. Pilita Corrales is truly incredible.
The last and final set saw Pilita do a wardrobe change and was joined by the Village Vanguards as they played songs, the group was familiar with. Fun fact, Carlos Lopez, the harmonica player of the Village Vanguards, is the husband of Ms. Pilita. They have enjoyed a few sets performing together, prior to tonight.
After the last song of them together, the lights dimmed. The band, shifted to the back, with only Pilita at the center. Just when we thought the show was over, the lights, fixated on Pilita, switches on as she sang one of, if not THE biggest song of her career, “A Million Thanks to you my Love”.
As she sang, she did her signature pose, where she leaned back, albeit not as much as she could in the earlier years. The crowd was taken. Emotional. In love. By the fact that she who was once their idol growing up, is now performing, engaging, and making small talk with them. We couldn’t have asked for a better performer for the guests that we had. After her hit song, she, along with the Vanguards, gathered on stage as they bowed to everyone, to a resounding applause.
Although the concert was done, Pilita, because of her non-prima-donna attitude STAYED, and made sure to interact with all of the guests that approached her. And when we say all, we mean ALL.
She made greetings for birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions. She signed the tickets to her concert, the menu, took photos with everyone and all who wish to. She was tired, for sure. But she gave everything she could to her fans.
It was short but sweet. We feel like a two-day concert would have been better. But as the saying goes, sometimes, less is more. Thank you to all our guests who attended the event. Primus Hotel Naga City is determined to make many more events like this, to make your visit memorable.
Stay tuned for more amazing concert, coming to you LIVE at Primus Hotel Naga City!
Looking for a place to hold your event? Have a quick read about Primus Hotel Naga City, HERE.
