Isha Ponti (left) and Andrea Gutierrez

Young emerging artists, singer-songwriter Isha Ponti and bossa nova singer Andrea Gutierrez, have gained recognition in the music scene as front-act performers in major concerts. 

But now Isha and Andrea are ready for their first major concert together in a show dubbed "The Next Ones" to be staged at the Music Museum in Greenhills on Dec. 13.

Isha and Andrea, as newcomers to the industry, expressed their enjoyment of performing as opening acts for major shows. However, believe it is now time for them to hold their first concert together. They reminisce about the moment when the opportunity to stage the concert was presented to them.

"I felt unsure. Wala pa kasi kami talaga sa limelight or mainstream as individual artists. Wala pa kaming hit songs pero bakit kami magkakaroon ng concert?" (We weren't really in the limelight or mainstream as individual artists yet. We didn't have any hit songs yet, but why would we have a concert?)" Isha admitted, when asked how she felt about being offered a major show, during a press conference in Quezon City recently.

Isha added, "The thing is we agreed. We wanted to break up our cage. Instead of makita nila kami as front acts, we wanted to go out there." 

Andrea mentioned that she felt the pressure, but she described it as something normal.

"Hindi talaga yata maiaalais ang pressure especially baguhan pa lang kami sa industry. Basta, practice lang kami, and then we will give our best on the day of the show. Pero ang saya-saya namin kapag may nagsasabi sa amin na ang galing mo after the concert at may nakakakilala rin sa amin. May nagpapa-picture. Happy naman po. (I don't think the pressure can really be relieved, especially since we're new to the industry. We practice, and then we will give our best on the day of the show. But we're so happy when someone tells us how great we are after the concert, and someone recognizes us. Someone takes pictures. We're happy.)"

Concert director Calvin Murphy Neria created the set list with assistance from musical director Adonis Tabanda.

"I want to claim that Isha and Andrea are the next ones," said Calvin. "We know that there are emerging artists now so we want to take the chance na sila naman ang magshine. Believe ako sa kanila because they have been trying to do their own music. They compose songs and produce them. Doon pa lang makikita mo ang determination and drive nila to make it in the music scene. (We know that there are emerging artists now so we want to take the chance for them to shine. I believe in them because they have been trying to do their own music. They compose songs and produce them. That's where you can see their determination and drive to make it in the music scene.)"

Isha and Andrea

Calvin added, "Gusto kong ipakita ang kanilang brand. I also want to showcase their versatility, which is why they will do pop songs, not alien to them. Hindi ko sila ilalagay sa usual way of performing. I want them to show their own brand. Hindi ko sila ipipilit sa isang genre na hindi sila comfortable. That's why I collaborate with them, because I want them to enjoy the show. (I want to show their brand. I won't perform them in the usual way. I want them to show their own brand. I won't force them into a genre they're not comfortable with.)"

Adonis said they have crafted a lineup of songs that will suit the styles of Isha and Andrea.

"In this show, we're all collaborative. We listen to their suggestions, so it's pure collaboration. So, I will refine the show — the songs are personalized for these two artists. For instance, if they have cover songs, it's a style that suits their personalities. I am hands-on with them when it comes to music, voicing, and harmony. So we are focused on making it exciting," the musical director said.

"May training din kaming gagawin. So hindi lang kami practice or rehearsal. (We also have training to do. So we're not just practicing or rehearsing)," said Andrea.

Isha added, "Tututukan talaga namin bawa't galaw. (We will really watch every move.)"

“The Next Ones” will honor veteran singer-composer Rey Valera, who will be the special guest for the evening. He has provided his original songs, including “Kung Maaalala Mo Ako” for Isha and “Walang Kapalit” for Andrea, which the artists have also recorded.

Other guests in "The Next Ones" include Nathan Randal, P-pop group Div9, the group Azter, and 11-year-old WCOPA (World Championship of Performing Arts) artist Maurice, who will be performing the front acts.

Of the songs that define them, Isha said, "The song that defines our friendship is 'Count on Me.' Individually, my song is 'Invincible.' Hindi talaga mababago yun. For every interview, I always say 'Invincible' talaga because it talks about your growth and resilience through ups and downs."

Andrea said, "I don't have a title in my mind now, but I am just happy."