MANILA, Philippines — KD Estrada, Jeff Moses and Anthony Rosaldo will, in a way, make a stopover first in the forthcoming “Manila, Manila, the Hotdog Tribute Concert” before the singer-actors introduce their characters in “Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical.” The latter is based on the 1979 movie titled “Annie Batungbakal” of the late Superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor and features the iconic songs and sound of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) band Hotdog.
Brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia formed the band, which gifted Pinoys with timeless tunes such as Annie Batungbakal, Bongga Ka, ‘Day, Beh, Buti Nga, Manila, Panaginip, and Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko.
Fans of KD, Jeff and Anthony may view their participation in the concert on Aug. 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater as part of their preparation to further immerse themselves in the distinct sound of Hotdog.
Anthony and Jeff are taking on the character of Romer Pasion, described as “a cosmopolitan, flirty flight attendant,” while KD is portraying the “down-to-earth folk rock singer” Burn in the disco-themed stage presentation, co-produced by Viva, The Philippine STAR and Newport World Resorts.
KD and Jeff were tapped to play the conyo, rich boy Arnel and the athletic heartthrob Topee, respectively, in the successful “Bagets the Musical.”
“It’s actually very hectic now, trying to, like, do everything,” said Anthony when this paper asked him, KD and Jeff about navigating their schedules for “Bongga Ka ‘Day” and the tribute concert these days in a recent presscon.
He added that they had been busy promoting, anticipating the rehearsals and feeling excited. Anthony described the musical as a fun and colorful show with a lot of dancing, and singing along, as one may add.
“Ang saya lang dahil (it’s fun since) we have a Hotdog tribute concert,” shared KD, “and then we also have the musical that also pays homage to Hotdog songs. Ang saya lang kasi we get to celebrate the OPM songs way back then. We bring it to the modern era. We’re not modernizing it in a way but more on we honor it. We respect it and we respect the music.”
As for Jeff, he feels very grateful to be able to work with new artists tasked to interpret the hits of Hotdog and Maso Diez-Rivera, Rita Saguin-Trinidad and Gina Montes-Infante, the band’s original members.
“I’m really happy because for someone who is from the province, itong mga bagay na ‘to, bago ‘to sa akin (doing this kind of concert and the musical are new to me),” said he. “I feel proud that I’m here in Manila, also singing the songs of Manila (Sound).”
Available information says that Manila Sound is a music movement and genre that came into being in the ‘70s with Hotdog, which paved the way.
Jeff went on to say that he is not complaining about the hectic schedule ahead of him “because this is something that I prayed for,” shared he. “Ayun nothing but (I’m) grateful for all the (new opportunities that) we’ve been doing.”
Jeff hoped that everybody would enjoy watching the concert in August and the musical in September.
He, KD and Anthony agreed that they have entered their live performance and musical theater era.
During the media call, the three also shared their favorite songs from Hotdog.
“For me, it’s not even on Spotify. It’s on YouTube,” said KD. “It’s Bandang Pinoy. It’s a rock song (with a) commentary about OPM bands or Filipino bands not being able to provide or sustain their careers.
The lyrics are like bandang Pinoy wala namang makain, sanay sa hirap, sanay sa gutom (the words go like Pinoy bands have nothing to eat, are used to hardship and hunger). The song has a very nice message. Sobrang angas niya (it’s very brave).”
For his part, Anthony said he has old and new favorites.
“Yung old (with the old song), gusto kong mag-thank you sa Hotdog (I would like to say thank you to the band) kasi nagamit ko siya sa mga shows, sa serenade (I get to use it in my shows and in serenading parts). It’s Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay ko.”
“For the new favorite, it’s a beautiful song,” added he. “I’m not sure if this is that popular, but my new favorite is Dying To Tell You. Ang ganda ng song. I hope you get to listen to it. It might be a surprise also.”
With Jeff, his choices are Bitin Sa’yo and Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko, “(Well,) let’s just say I can relate to the song (Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko),” said he.
The nice thing about a tribute concert is that everyone is treated to familiar and popular songs that have become the soundtracks of one’s life and make one go down memory lane.
“So, I guess we will be doing a song that is not probably familiar to everybody. But it’s a song written by Dennis and arranged by Rene. And, of course, we will be each performing one song,” said Maso, giving a sneak peek into a repertoire she and fellow Hotdog members have in store for everyone. Doing duets seems to be part of the show.
As for her thoughts that Hotdog songs are still being celebrated today in a tribute concert and a musical presentation, Maso answered, “I think today, knowing that it’s still, you know, out there, popular. I mean, it’s still, everybody loves Hotdog… So, how does it feel? Pride. So much pride.”
“Actually, I know that Dennis and Rene are even prouder,” added she. “…wherever they are, I think they’re very proud of the fact that these young people, these young artists will be singing their songs.”
KD, Jeff and Anthony would love to take the chance to interpret the tunes Hotdog has created for different generations to enjoy.
Also taking part in the Hotdog tribute concert are Adie, Alamat, Atasha Muhlach, Aubrey Caraan, Gat, Mia Bella, Raya, Rob Deniel, Sam Concepcion and Wilbert Ross.
For ticket inquiries, go to TicketWorld.