Entertainment
Sparkle Artists Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Bianca Umali, Ruru Madrid, Barbie Forteza, and David Licauco reveal secrets behind pre-show rituals
By Arianne Lacanilao, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
In April, Sparkle couples Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Bianca Umali, Ruru Madrid, Barbie Forteza, and David Licauco will embark on a highly anticipated concert tour titled “Sparkle Goes to Canada.”
Sparkle artists revealed they have been gearing up for each performance, along with planned surprise productions for their Canadian audiences a.k.a the global Pinoys.
For some performers, the journey to a successful performance involves following pre-show rituals to help self harness the perfect blend of physical readiness and mental fortitude. In an exclusive interview during GMA Pinoy TV’s press conference, Sparkle artists share their personal rituals that ground and prepare them before stepping into the spotlight.
Julie Anne San Jose sets the stage for success by prioritizing rest and vocal care. “I really make sure that I get 8 hours of sleep,” she emphasizes. “Sleep is very important.” Steering clear of coffee, Julie Anne opts for tea and hot water, accompanied by a banana for its potassium boost—a must-have for every concert.
Echoing the sentiment, Rayver Cruz confesses to a lack of discipline in the past but credits his co-star Julie Anne for instilling the importance of preparation. “So, 2 bananas and 9 hrs of sleep,” he jokingly shares. Alongside prayers, Rayver highlights a unique ritual—a handshake shared with his partner Julie Anne, as he believes this handshake helps make the production a smooth flow.
Bianca Umali and Ruru Madrid emphasize the significance of mental and spiritual readiness. Ruru humorously remarked that he just takes a bath before performing, and despite the cold Canadian weather, he insisted that he would still shower. While both offer prayers before stepping onto the stage, for Bianca, a simple glance at her partner Ruru before the show commences serves as a calming anchor against stage fright. “Parang nakakabawas siya ng [kaba] kasi may stage fright pa rin naman, hindi naman nawawala ‘yun. (“It somewhat reduces nervousness. Because stage fright is still there, it doesn’t disappear.) Mas nakakabawas [ng kaba], (It lessens [nervousness]) knowing that your person is there,” she explains.
If Julie Anne avoids coffee pre-show, Barbie Forteza, on the other hand, finds solace in a cup of coffee to prepare herself. Barbie also shared that amidst nerves, the BarDa (Barbie & David) duo engages in light-hearted banter to ease tension and exchange energy. “Kasi kaming dalawa lang naman po yung nasa stage ‘di ba? So kami lang din ang magkakahugutan ng energy.” (“Since only the two of us are on stage, we’re the only ones who can draw energy from each other.”) David Licauco chimes in with a chuckle, highlighting the importance of vocal warm-ups intertwined with their casual conversations.
These pre-show rituals reveal they truly serve as anchors, grounding esteemed artists in the present moment, and fueling their passion for the stage. It’s worth considering incorporating these techniques into future performances, but remember that individual needs may differ. Understanding what the body and mind require is essential.
Don’t miss the Sparkle Goes to Canada tour on April 5 in Calgary at the Southview Alliance Church, and April 7 in Toronto at the Toronto Pavilion, under the direction of Mr. Johnny M. Manahan. Show produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Berce Enterprises, in collaboration with GMA Pinoy TV. For ticket inquiries, contact Vangie Fons at 587-834-1820, Beth Malcolm at 416-731-4772, and Candace David at 416-825-5750.
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