Isha Ponti, Andrea Gutierrez make sweet music as OPM’s next stars
After years of opening for established artists, singer-songwriter Isha Ponti and bossa nova singer Andrea Gutierrez are finally owning the stage as main acts with their own back-to-back concert titled The Next Ones on Dec. 13 at the Music Museum.
The show, directed by Calvin Murphy Neria with musical direction by Adonis Tabanda, aims to showcase the next generation of Filipino performers mentored by veterans in the music industry.
“We want to manifest that they will be the next ones in line,” Neria said. “They have the drive and determination to make it in the music scene.”
Neria and Tabanda worked closely with the young artists to craft a setlist that highlights their individuality.
“I will not force them to sing songs that are not suited to them,” Neria said. “The goal is to show their brand and let them enjoy performing their kind of music.”
Both Ponti and Gutierrez, once front acts for senior artists, now have the creative freedom to define their identities.
“Andrea is the bossa nova princess and I’m the pop sweetheart,” Ponti said. “We’ll prove to people what we’re good at.”
Tabanda, who has worked with the two artists since their early years, said the concert will feature performances tailored to their vocal strengths. “Isha and Andrea can do so much more,” he said. “This concert will elevate what they can do.”
The Next Ones will also pay tribute to veteran singer-composer Rey Valera, who will appear as a special guest. Valera personally guided the singers in recording his classics “Kung Maaalala Mo Ako” and “Walang Kapalit,” reinterpreted by Ponti and Gutierrez, respectively.
Valera’s support left a mark on the young artists. “He always tells me, ‘Ituloy mo lang ’yan,’” Ponti said. “Those words keep me going when challenges come.”
Despite early doubts, both singers see the concert as a milestone. “We may not be in the mainstream yet, but this is our start,” Ponti said.
Also performing in the concert are Nathan Randall, P-pop group Div9, the group Aster, and 11-year-old WCOPA performer Maurice as front acts.
