The presence of Richard Gomez and Robin Padilla at Sharon Cuneta's birthday concert last night, January 12, at the Araneta Coliseum raised hopes among faithful fanatics of a Gabby Concepcion appearance.
Unfortunately, the closest thing fans could get for a reunion between the celebrated ex-couple was a short clip of Gabby spliced together with other Kapamilya stars in an upbeat greeting card-like video collage set to the tune of the Black Eyed Peas' dance hit, "I Gotta Feeling."
Both Richard and Robin were romantically involved with the Megastar a couple of years back and their appearance thrilled the crowd. Richard sang "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" with Sharon, while Robin, armed with a bouquet of flowers, emerged from the backstage to greet the 44-year-old singer-actress, complete with his trademark bad-boy swagger.
BOASTING WITH STAR POWER. This year's offering witnessed the Megastar cutting down on her stage spiels and leaving most of the talking to hosts Pokwang, Chokoleit, and Randy Santiago.
What hasn't changed, however, was the star-studded lineup of guests.
Sharon's invited guests consisted mainly of top-caliber singers like Journey's Pinoy frontman Arnel Pineda, Concert King Martin Nievera, the country's premiere vocal group The Company, 2009 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Junior Grand Champion Rhap Salazar, Jed Madela, Rachelle Ann Go, Erik Santos, and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano.
PBA superstar James Yap and his wife, actress-television host Kris Aquino, surprised the crowd with their duet of Rey Valera's classic hit "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo," which is also the title of Kris's upcoming primetime soap on ABS-CBN.
Judy Ann Santos also graced the occasion along with husband Ryan Agoncillo, who personally gave flowers to the birthday lady.
Pokwang and Chokoleit also got the crowd going with their stand-up comedy. The two also proved that they have enough vocal muscle to match up against the other guest singers, dishing out the Aegis videoke staple "Halik."
Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, veteran kontravida actress Cherie Gil, comedienne Candy Pangilinan, and Umagang Kay Ganda mainstay Rica Peralejo joined forces with Sharon in rendering the popular Korean pop hit "Nobody." As expected, the number was received wildly by the audience, particularly the young ones.
Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla and daughter Karylle teamed up with Sharon and daughter KC Concepcion in rendering "Sana'y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan."
Ai-Ai delas Alas, who appeared with Sharon in the Star Cinema 2009 comedy film Best Friends Forever (BFF), was reunited with the Megastar as they delivered jukebox tunes "Tukso Layuan Mo Ako" and "Isang Linggong Pag-ibig."
KC Concepcion returned on stage, this time with dancer-comedian Vhong Navarro, for an upbeat dance number.
Sharon ended the evening with a solo spot number—dedicating the song "Nais Ko" to all her loyal supporters—while in the company of husband Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, daughters KC, Frankie, and Miel.
The previous year, according to Sharon, has been a good one for her, citing the success of her record albums and the good showing of Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love in the recently concluded 35th Metro Manila Film Festival.