This year marks the 20th anniversary of singer-songwriter Kitchie Nadal's self-titled debut album.
Released in 2004, the ten-track record produced the hit singles "Run," the rocking "Bulong," the poignant ballad "Same Ground," and the catchy and massively popular "Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin."
The album was a huge commercial success — ranked 29th in the best-selling albums of all time in the Philippines and 23rd in the best-selling records of all time by Filipino artists — and catapulted Kitchie to nationwide fame.
To mark this milestone, Kitchie is staging a one-night concert titled Same Ground: Kitchie Nadal's 20th Anniversary Concert on June 2, 2024, Sunday, at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.
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Now based in Spain, Kitchie occasionally visits the Philippines to perform and reconnect with friends and fans.
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But she barely has time to engage in music nowadays, as motherhood keeps her busy. Kitchie gave birth last year to her second child Iago with Spanish journalist husband Carlos Lopez.
Read: Kitchie Nadal gives birth to baby boy
Looking back, Kitchie has fond memories of her heyday, playing in front of many people in the Philippines and abroad, and her songs enjoying continuous airplay on radio and television, including music channels.
"However the downside is that it comes with a loss of privacy as you become a public figure," Kitchie tells PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) by email.
Plus, touring musicians often face the risk of fatigue and burnout as they strive to meet audience demand and keep demanding schedules to capitalize on the momentum of their popularity.
Kitchie, no doubt, went through all the highs and lows of fame at the height of her popularity.
But two decades after the release of her debut album and the enduring appeal of "Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin," Kitchie finds herself armed with a fresh perspective on that era, one with clarity and depth.
"Reaching the 20th year of my music career felt like a remarkable milestone worth celebrating," says Kitchie, talking about her decision to stage a concert.
"Seeing many legendary artists whose careers ended tragically due to personal struggles, I view this longevity as a precious gift."
The singer-songwriter continues, "Despite balancing family life now, I'm grateful for the chance to keep sharing my songs with the new generation."
Her songs indeed have transcended generations.
To date, "Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin" — written by Kitchie as suggested by her manager then because "breakup songs tend to become a hit" — has been covered by several artists like SUD, Agsunta, Gigi de Lana, Lola Amour, and Sarah Geronimo.
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REUNION WITH MUSICIAN FRIENDS
For her upcoming concert, Kitchie is set to share the stage with fellow musicians and good friends Aia de Leon, Hannah Romawac, Acel Bisa, Lougee Basabas, and Barbie Almalbis.
Read: Alternative singers Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, Kitchie Nadal reunite for benefit concert
Mayonnaise vocalist Monty Macalino is also part of the billing as a special guest.
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Staging a concert with her as the main act means Kitchie would have the chance to play more songs, including tracks from her albums "that were never released as singles."
She remarks, "We often don't get to play them (the non-singles) every time they're requested to play at gigs."
In hindsight, Kitchie's debut album came out during an era where artists predominantly relied on physical albums to disseminate their music, making it accessible to the public for consumption.
Times have evolved significantly, with online streaming platforms emerging as the preferred channel for numerous musicians to distribute their music to a wide audience.
Read: Kitchie Nadal believes OPM is alive and well amid emerging media platforms
But is Kitchie planning to release a new album soon?
Considering her current priorities, which revolve around her children and family, Kitchie admits the possibility seems unlikely.
"That's why it's best to just release new singles."
Tickets to Same Ground: Kitchie Nadal's 20th Anniversary Concert are available on Ticketnet.