If there’s one Filipino artist that Filipino expatriates in the UAE love to see perform, it’s probably Sarah Geronimo. Dubbed the Philippines’ Pop Star Princess, Geronimo will bring her tour to the du Forum, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi for a night of musical entertainment on Thursday. The multi-talented entertainer will be joined by special guests Mark Bautista, James Reid and the G-Force dancers.
Prior to her concert in the capital, Geronimo shared her excitement at returning to the UAE with her Perfect 10 world tour, which she calls “the mother of all concerts” — it’s her most successful tour to date.
“The first time I had a concert in Abu Dhabi, it was memorable for me,” says Geronimo. “The audience was so appreciative and warm as they welcomed me and watched me perform. It’s truly a blessing and a pleasure to share with them my Perfect 10 concert, which is a celebration of my ten years in the business. I will take them through my journey of the past ten years. I will share with them a big part of me not just as an artist, but as an ordinary person as well.”
Fans can expect a mix of pop songs, originals and covers during the concert.
Being one of the most in-demand Filipino artists in the UAE, Geronimo says she is grateful to have a huge fan base among the expatriates in the country. “I am so thankful and feel very blessed to have supportive fans not only in the Philippines, but also in other parts of the world, especially in the UAE. They are my family also. And through my Perfect 10 concert, I can share my stories and sing my heart out para maka-inspire pa tayo ng marami nating kababayan [so I can inspire my fellow Filipinos].”
Geronimo also tells tabloid! she personally interacts with her fans through social media. “Whenever I have time or during breaks, I check on my website and interact with my fans on Facebook,” says Geronimo.
While many adore Geronimo there are also those who are not as appreciative of her work. However, she says critics also help her improve her craft. “There are a lot of challenges that I went through before I got to where I am now, and those challenges made me a better person and artist. I am still growing as a performer, and part of it is learning how to improve your craft every now and then,” says Geronimo. “For now I am very thankful to God for giving me a wonderful gift, which I am able to share with my family and to the rest of our kapamilya [fans]. I am happy performing, acting, singing.”
The star, who answered questions via email, wouldn’t be drawn on topics such as her love life (she is rumoured to be in a relationship with Matteo Guidicelli), her relationship with her stage mother, Divine Geronimo, and her new short hairdo.
Geronimo says she finds strength and motivation as an artist from the people close to her, including her fans. “My dream is supported by the love of my family and appreciated by our kapamilya around the world. I am so blessed and I will be forever grateful to God for giving me a wonderful decade and looking forward to many years of inspiration through my craft.”
Aside from her Perfect 10 anniversary concert, Geronimo is busy doing a movie with multi-award winning actor Coco Martin. She has done blockbuster movies with leading actors in the Philippines such as John Lloyd Cruz and Gerald Anderson. “I’ve always liked acting ever since I was a kid, but honestly, acting has always challenged me to push myself more and see what I can do and give to my supporters as well as to the non-believers and be an inspiration with the roles and characters that I portrayed. I am excited to work with Coco and I hope you will support me in this upcoming movie.”
