La Diva

If it takes two to tango, then it takes three to stage a sensational concert.

All-female trio La Diva proved this in their return engagement show, “Only La Diva,” held at the Music Museum last Dec. 5. Just like its precedent on Nov. 28, “Only La Diva” served up a crowd-rousing performance which had the audience on their feet for a standing ovation by the time the last note sounded off.

La Diva’s configuration is the fulcrum to their magic. Not just a trio of good singers who only become great when they’re together, La Diva is composed of “Pinoy Pop Superstar” champions Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos, and Maricris Garcia, and that’s why each can stand up on her own.

Yet they choose not to do so in the name of harmony, both in literal and musical sense. In songs such as “Apologize” (originally by OneRepublic) “Stand Up For Love” (Destiny’s Child), “Free Your Mind” (En Vogue), “Best Of My Love” (The Emotions), and “Broken Vow” (Lara Fabian), the three supported each other throughout the intricate vocal blendings and contrapuntal melodies; letting one shine after the other, or combining prowess to deliver a wall of textured force.

The units of the trio interchange in “parts.” That is, anyone of them can do the main melody at one point in a song, and then smoothly slip into the role of support singer the next. This lends aural variety which keeps the audience from tiring of a particular vocal style or quality.

Musical director Danny Tan, also La Diva mentor, deftly steered the concert from becoming a boring bawl-your-toenails-dead competition among the girls, to one that showcased their best both as a group and as individuals.

Tan ensured that the repertoire was a balanced mix of old and new favorites, that the musical arrangement only strayed from the original if something fresh can be offered (e.g., slow jam versions of “Kung Liligaya Ka” and “Nobody”), and that each of the singers had her moment via solo spots (“Mahal Kita” for Maricris, “I Am Changing” for Jonalyn, and “I Believe I Can Fly” for Aicelle).

Some of their fans tried to outscream each other in a bid, perhaps, to show which singer has more following, but in the end, it was the cooperation among the three that won out.

This is the musical philosophy they followed even in their number with guest Aljur Abrenica. Although any of the girls could have run circles around Abrenica in the vocals department, they did not. La Diva even graciously allowed him to sing the highlights in “Way Back To Love.”

And that’s the thing with La Diva: When they perform, each singer does not even begin to try outdoing or upstaging the other members. Indeed, each member respects the other's mettle while having a confident appreciation for her own.     

The other songs La Diva sang at the concert were “I Have Nothing,” “Lady Marmalade,” “Through The Fire,” “In Your Eyes,” “Out Here On My Own,” “I’m Yours,” “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas,” “Bakit,” “Now That You’re Gone,” “Never Ever Say Goodbye,” “Sometime Somewhere,” “The Climb,” “Dream Girls,” “Kasiping Ka” (first single from their debut album), and “Angels Brought Me Here.”

La Diva was formed for a segment on Sunday variety show “S.O.P.” But due to public demand, Jonalyn, Maricris, and Aicelle officially became a group that has already gone places in less than two years of its existence.

Their latest achievement was performing the Philippine National Anthem at the Pacquiao-Cotto match in Las Vegas.          

“Only La Diva” was produced by Sunny Side Up Productions in cooperation with GMA Network, Inc. The show is presented by Aficionado & Joel Cruz with support from Sony Music Philippines, PLDT Call All, in cooperation with Creative Hair Systems by Arnel Ignacio.

The show’s choreographer is Regine Tolentino, stage director is Louie Ignacio, and costume designers/stylists are Pepsi Herrera and Edwin Tan.