Gabby Concepcion — GMA ENTERTAINMENT. Singing in front of people was something Gabby Concepcion never thought he would do when he first entered show biz. But that changed after one memorable conversation with the late National Artist Fernando Poe Jr.
(FPJ) in the 1980s. His career was at its peak, and his phenomenal love team with Sharon Cuneta drew throngs of adoring fans wherever they went. A simple song, the movie legend told Gabby, is one way to reciprocate the people’s love and support.
“I have always loved music and I did sing back then, but only when I was alone. FPJ suggested that I learn even just one song: ‘Para sa mga fans mo. Para kapag hinilingan ka nila, ‘di mo sila bibiguin,’” the actor recalled in a recent group interview.
Gabby took his advice to heart. After that exchange, he went on and practiced Rey Valera’s “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako.” “From that one song, my mindset evolved.
I began looking for other songs until my repertoire grew. I called Louie Heredia to ask if I could sing some of his hits. I especially loved the one that goes, ‘Araw-araw na lang/Ay naghihintay sa ‘yo,’” he said, breaking into the ballad, “Nag-iisang Ikaw.
” While Gabby is always aware of his limitations, he gives it his best nonetheless. “The simpler the song, the better for me. Whether English or Tagalog, just sing what you’re comfortable with.
My other favorites are ‘Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko,’ ‘Init sa Magdamag’ and ‘Iisa Pa Lamang.�.
