American singer-songwriter David Pomeranz is currently working on a theater musical set in the Philippines with an eye on the international stage. When staged locally and abroad, hopefully in 2024, it shall cast local actors.

David disclosed this secret project of his during a mediacon on Nov. 21 at a Quezon City restaurant. He said he’s collaborating with playwright Liza Magtoto (Huling El Bimbo), who’s writing the libretto.

The Florida-based hitmaker is in town for a series of 10 shows celebrating his 40th anniversary as a performer in the country.

David’s concert series is produced by Dr. Carl Balita’s Productions and Review Center. Balita earlier produced “Tulong Taal” concert in 2020 and socially relevant films like “Nars,” “Maestra”, “A Father’s Love” and “Siglo ng Kalinga.”

David considers this Manila visit a personal homecoming, having been a frequent flier to the country since 1983, when he staged his very first concert here at the Folk Arts Theater.

He recalled the time when renowned promoter, former stage actor Renen de Guia, called him, offering him a concert. “I was told my songs are big around here, so I said yes immediately.”

From then on, David would advise people to always say yes whenever an opportunity presented itself to them. David rose to fame in the country on wings of his hit song “Got to Believe in Magic” and “King and Queen of Hearts,” plus a few others. 

These two songs, he said, remain close to his heart as they introduced him to Filipinos, who are among his ardent followers. “Coming Home: The 40th Anniversary Concert Tour” is literally a tour around the country with stops at Zamboanga KCC Convention Center (Dec. 3), Cagayan de Oro Lim Ket Kail Mall (Dec. 4), Pan Pacific University Center in Pangasinan (Dec. 5), Albay Astrodome (Dec. 10), Calapan Convention Center in Mindoro (Dec. 12), Mango Grove, at Maguindanao del Sur (Dec. 13), Summit Hotel, Tacloban (Dec. 15), Calbayog Sports Center, Samar (Dec. 17), and the Iloilo Convention Center (Dec. 19).

Guesting in the series alternately on different nights are Frenchie Dy, Donita Nose, Beverly Salviejo and DWTA. The Manila show will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre, with guests Vina Morales and Elisha Gutierrez, on Dec. 8.

David considers this 40th-anniversary concert tour in the Philippines especially meaningful as it reminds him of his wonderful relationship with Filipinos; for him, an unending source of joy.

“I keep coming back here because I can feel that the people here really care.” Asked why he thinks there has been an instant connection between him and the Filipinos, David noted our people’s love for good melody and beautiful lyrics. In a way, yes, he agreed that’s a bit on the sentimental side.

He admitted to being sentimental himself, recalling that he, then, still a child, cried the first time he heard the songs live in ‘West Side Story.’ “I was awed by the depth and beauty of its songs.”