"Ang buhay kasi ay pinaplano and may mga nangyayari sa 'yo na hindi mo pinaplano. 'Yon ang nangyayari sa akin, kung ano ang mga pinaplano ko, hindi natutupad; kung ano 'yong mga hindi ko pinaplano, doon ako napupunta."
This was how Gabby Concepcion described the major events that happened in his life, particularly his career. Even the launch of his second album titled Unforgettable, which is going to be released by Warner Music Philippines, is something he did not expect.
"So, pelikula, hindi ko plinano. Ang teleserye, hindi ko plinano, nangyari lang. Itong Unforgettable, hindi ko plinano 'to, nangyari lang," Gabby told the press during its official launch last January 28, at Red Box Videoke in TriNoma Mall, Quezon City.
He finished the album last year but because of his busy schedule, the launch took place only recently.
Elaborating on his song selections, the '80s matinee idol said he dedicated this project to his father, Rollie Concepcion, who passed away in 2008.
"Ito ang mga kanta na madalas na kinakanta ng father ko. Alam mo, all of these songs kinakanta niya. Ang paborito ko dito ay 'Moon River,' 'Fly Me to the Moon,' and 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' kasi lagi niyang kinakanta 'yon," Gabby said.
And he's glad about the product.
"Nagulat ako rito. Noong ginawa namin ito, hindi rin naman namin alam na maganda ang kalalabasan ng scoring, ng arrangement, at ng packaging. I love the songs, I love the memories that went into this CD," he said, obviously proud of his work.
"I WANT TO GET A REST." In the course of the interview with the actor-singer, Gabby mentioned his plan to take a short rest from show business after the expiration of his contract with ABS-CBN.
He told the media, "Until the end of this year [ang contract ko]. Kaya nga sabi ko, kapag hindi ako nag-renew, nagpaplano na kami [ng family ko] na magpahinga muna."
But the actor was quick to say that this does not mean he's getting tired of his job. "Kasi kararating ko lang halos, ang adrenalin ko is still high, so I'm still enjoying it. After all, I missed it, pero I'm still in denial," he said.
It will be recalled that Gabby left the industry for 13 years following the Manila Film Festival fiasco. When he returned in 2008, he immediately got offers for TV show appearances, movie, and even endorsements.
Despite his long absence, he easily regained his momentum. Isn't he scared that he might lose it again when he temporarily leaves showbiz?
The 45-year-old actor answered, "Yeah, sabi nga nila, strike while the iron is hot, di ba? Pero alam mo, hindi mo masasabi kung ano ang mangyayari sa 'yo bukas. Kaya babalik ulit ako doon sa sinabi ko, I take [things] one day at a time. I would accept kung ano ang mangyari sa akin bukas kasi nangyari na sa akin, e. Siyempre, I have to be realistic, e. When I was younger, hindi ko iniisip 'yan, akala mo walang katapusan."
While on vacation, Gabby said his source of income will be his properties in the States.
"Sa States, nakapagbuo na kami doon, we have a few houses there. 'Yon ang dream ko, magkaroon ng several homes para you can retire on them, rental, ganun," he related.
The California real estate broker and agent further explained, "Now is the time to buy. People are renting right now. So, the more homes you have right now, the better for you because maraming renters. They can't afford to buy homes all because their credit is shut and strict ngayon. Houses are cheap but they cannot afford to buy a house because they can't shell out [money] one time."
When asked if he has plans of going back to the States again for good, Gabby replied, "I don't know. Hindi natin masasabi. Now, it's okay pero pagdating ng panahon, who knows. I just go with the flow."