MANILA, Philippines – International artists are coming here in droves, but a group of Filipino singers are not happy about it.
During the launching of his 25th album titled "Replay" on Wednesday, Gary Valenciano expressed concern over the increasing number of foreign acts in the country.
Although he has nothing against foreign talents doing shows in the Philippines, it becomes an issue as it starts to affect the country’s local artists, the Mr. Pure Energy said.
"No matter what you say talagang apektado ang local scene. Although, siyempre kapag sinabi mong John Mayer ang pupunta sa Manila, 'Wow!' But it will be good if John Mayer is in Manila tapos matagal bago dumating ang susunod,” Valenciano, who is the vice president for internal affairs of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM), explained.
Mayer held a concert at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on October 1. Prior to him, US singer Kelly Rowland, British R&B sensation Jay Sean and South Korean pop singer Jung Ji-Hoon, or more popularly known as Rain, were among those who recently performed in Manila.
For this month alone, Araneta Coliseum already booked at least 2 foreign shows, including that of Jack Jones and David Foster’s. Adam Lambert will also perform in the country this month.
Sandara Park and her Korean band 2NE1 as well as Justin Bieber are expected to perform for their Filipino fans here this year.
“Kasi ang nangyayari ang hirap talaga,” Valenciano said. “Unang-una ang sponsors mo they would rather support kung ano ang bihirang makita ng tao. But that's okay for as long as ‘yong hindi tipong one after the other [ang show]."
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Source: ABS-CBN news + Yahoo! Philippines
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