It was a very memorable night for me as I gazed upon OPM’s alt-rock icons Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, and Kitchie Nadal sharing the same stage and performing self-penned classics and new songs. It was a surreal experience to hear them sing in their first-ever collaboration concert entitled Secrets.
“Secrets: A Night with Aia, Barbie and Kitchie” was held at the Music Museum last December 10. The one-night show featured intimate and captivating performances that made fans go through different experiences.
Here are the 4 phases fans went through during the Secrets concert:
Anticipation & Excitement
What could be more exciting than watching 3 of the best ladies of OPM in one venue? I saw a lot of smiling fans as they entered the venue and I knew exactly what was going on their minds. It was such a great privilege to be sitting in a place where you could see Aia, Barbie, and Kitchie up close.
The venue’s size was just right because it created an intimate ambiance that made us feel close to the performers. When the lights went out for the transitions, fans yelled out their love for Aia, Barbie, and Kitchie.
Nostalgia
If you’re like me, chances are that you were exposed to these ladies’ music back in high school or college. A rush of familiarity came to me when I heard each of the ladies play some of their classics.
I remember that I started listening to Aia back in college during her time in Imago. There was a time that I would always hear “Sundo” being played by friends on their guitars in UPLB. She pumped up the crowd when she sang Taralets at the concert.
I instantly fell in love with Barbie’s songs because of her voice. Her style is very unique and I love her mellow touch to her songs. Every time I hear “Just A Smile”, I can’t help but sing along.
Kitchie was my ultimate high school crush. I remember always tuning in to MYX’s daily top ten to sing along to “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” and “Same Ground”. Watching her perform Same Ground live after all these years just reaffirmed how much I love her classics and new music.
Admiration
After all of the reminiscing, you’ll come to the point where you’ll realize how amazing these women are. Barbie started her music career back in 1995, Kitchie in 1998, and Aia in 1999. They have all been in the limelight for more than a decade now and are still bringing great music to their fans.
What I really admire is their capacity to be independent after starting their solo careers. Barbie had Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle before starting her solo career; Aia was part of Imago before pursuing a solo career; and Kitchie was the lead vocalist of Mojofly before taking the solo route.
These ladies are simply marvelous.
Intimacy
It was a very intimate night indeed. Fans got to see these three women in a new light as they shared some things about their lives.
Aia shared the influence of her father to her music, while Barbie shared the encouragement for her to pursue a music career. Barbie also shared some things about her life as a wife and a mother. It was very romantic when Barbie pointed out that her biggest fan and husband, Martin, is always present at her gigs. Kitchie also shared things about her life as a wife and her advocacies in regards to the socio-economic status of people in the Philippines.
The venue made it more intimate as Aia and Kitchie moved around in the audience area to be closer to the fans. A lucky couple also got a sweet serenade from Aia as she played her guitar, unplugged, and sang Sundo.
Kudos to you, ladies! Congratulations on your successful collaboration. Thank you for giving us a wonderful night to remember. See you again on February 2017!
Secrets: A Night with Aia, Barbie and Kitchie
Produced by Vandals On The Wall and Gabi Na Naman Productions.
