THERE is another side of actor Ian Veneracion not many know about. Most of us recognize him as an actor. Some know him as a sportsman and others in the art community, an abstract painter. But very few are aware he’s also musically gifted.
After making a big splash on television by way of two very successful drama series, Pangako sa ’Yo and A Love to Last, Veneracion is preparing to showcase his musical talent. In A Love to Last, his character turned to music when emotions needed to be expressed. In some promotional activities for the TV show, Veneracion shared a few samples of his gift of voice when he performed in trade shows and a few corporate appearances.
Middle of last year, he flew to the US to be the special guest in Sharon Cuneta’s stateside concert tour, which he enjoyed tremendously. “That experience sharing the stage with Sharon, performing for our kababayan in some key US cities was really very memorable for me,” he volunteered.
But this time, Veneracion is gearing up for another milestone in his artistic life: He is set to headline his first-ever solo concert.
Veneracion and his team have chosen Cebu City for his debut as a solo concert artist. Billed as Ian: In 3 Acts, the concert scheduled on April 21 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug, shall feature the vast range of Veneracion’s musicality when he performs carefully selected pieces he himself handpicked. He will also be showcasing his guitar and piano playing skills, collaborating with his musical director, his band and guest musicians.
“My excitement escalates as concert night approaches and I’m looking forward to share one special musical night with our Cebuano friends.
I’ve always loved Cebu, and it has one of the
warmest and most appreciative audiences in our country. It will be a night of wonderful music, of unforgettable songs, and we want everything just smooth, suave and chill. There will be surprises, of course,” he said.
He added that the show will be pieced together with a narrative, much like a film, hence the three acts. “I will also be singing some of my original compositions for the first time in public, which I’m so excited about.” The concert will also feature some promising talents like LA Santos and Cebu’s pride Jolianne Salvado.
Ian: In 3 Acts will have stunning visual imagery projected on giant LED screens as backdrop, especially conceptualized and directed by award-winning television commercial and film Director Mike Alcazaren.
“I’ve worked with Mike for a film many years ago, and we’ve kept in touch. He is an amazing artist and director, and I’m glad that he is part of my debut solo concert,” Veneracion said.
Things are looking good for Veneracion, who takes everything one day at a time and every blessing that comes his way in stride, always with a thankful heart.
Recently, Veneracion was elated to find out that he won Best Actor at the 38th Oporto International Film Festival held in Portugal, where his film Ilawod, directed by hotshot filmmaker Dan Villegas, was part of the main competition. “It’s my first, and I am grateful for the honor, especially knowing that the award given was purely based on the work submitted and the merit of performance.”
He added, “I’m in my early 40s, I have a wonderful family, and amazing children. I’m at a very comfortable state in my life. I like the pace I’m in right now. I like to do things that will make me a happier and a better person. I don’t need to rush. I have been in this industry for almost all my life. I’m fortunate to be able to reach a point where I can choose to do things that I want to, and stay away from those that I don’t want to do.”
Very soon, Veneracion will make a rare appearance in the high-rating weekly drama show Maalaala Mo Kaya, portraying the character of National Artist for Visual Arts Cesar Legaspi.
The concert Ian: In 3 Acts is a nice breather, an exciting journey, a good opportunity to tap into Veneracion’s musical gifts. He has been rehearsing with his musicians and has been creatively collaborating with the key people from Dreamwings Production, which is mounting the show. The concert will have a special Manila leg, in time for the Mother’s Day celebration in mid-May at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.
Ian Veneracion is not just an actor. He’s an artist. There are still many facets of his artistry that we will discover in the coming days.