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Rob Deniel elevates music in first major concert at Araneta
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One of the songs that went viral on social media in 2025 was Rob Deniel's reinterpretation of Ogie Alcasid's OPM classic, “Nandito Ako.”
According to the 22-year-old music artist, he never expected the song to become a hit — something that the celebrated singer-songwriter Ogie deeply appreciates. For Rob, the success of the track also opened the door for him to personally connect with the OPM legend.
“Unang-una, thankful din ako kasi sa kanya galing ang song, e, kinanta ko lang naman. Kapag nakakausap kami ng ni Sir Ogie, nagkukumustahan kami, sinasabihan niya ako ng 'Magpahinga ka naman,' na parang anak lang.
“Kapag nagkikita kami para kaming mag-tito o mag-tatay, nagkukumustahan lang at nagpapasalamat sa isa't isa dahil sa nangyari, sa Nandito Ako, na hindi namin ine-expect. Dahil din dun, nakakausap ko si Sir Ogie,” Rob shyly shared during the recent media conference for his upcoming first major concert, The Rob Deniel Show.
The success of “Nandito Ako” also led Rob to discover a new side of his artistry.
“Actually, ngayon ko lang din na-discover na magaling pala akong mag-cover because of 'Nandito Ako.'
“Siguro dahil sa kinalakihan ko na laging nagkakaraoke kapag may okasyon sa bahay o sa resort. Lagi akong pinapakanta ng mga Kenny Rogers [songs]. Siguro dahil doon mas nahihilig akong kumanta ng mga artist.”
Aside from “Nandito Ako,” Rob has also released his own renditions of other Ogie Alcasid hits, including “Ikaw Sana” and “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang.”
Asked if he would be open to other artists covering his own songs, Rob did not hesitate to answer.
“Masaya po sa feeling. Yun idea lang na yung isang artist ay alam na alam yung music mo, masaya po sa puso yun. Siyempre, gusto ko yun na may mag-cover ng mga kanta ko.”
First major concert
Beyond cover songs, Rob has steadily built his reputation through his original compositions such as “Ulap,” “Miss Mis,” “Sinta,” “RomCom,” and many more.
Formerly a member of a band, Rob saw his group's live performances come to a halt during the pandemic.
However, the setback did not stop the young singer-songwriter from continuing to create music. Alongside writing his own material, Rob also dedicated himself to mastering different instruments.
“Inaral kong mag-produce, inaral kong mag-record ng sarili ko, inaral kong mag-drums, tumugtog ng piano, gitara, para makatapos ng isang kanta.”
He also noted, “Kapag marunong ka na sa isang instrumento, meron ka ng idea kung paano gamitin yung iba. It will just follow, parang magiging natural na lang lahat.
What began in Rob's bedroom in 2020 has now reached the grand stage of the Araneta Coliseum, as he prepares for his first major concert, The Rob Deniel Show, on February 27.
Despite the milestone, Rob admits that the reality of performing at the iconic venue has yet to fully sink in.
He shared, “Actually, kapag nandun ka sa Araneta, hindi siya yung malaki yung feeling niya, unlike kapag nakita ko siya sa pictures.
“Noong unang sinabi sa akin, parang natakot ako, siyempre. Sino ba naman ako para mag-Araneta, di ba? Pero naniwala naman si Boss Vic [del Rosario], ang mga boss, 'Kaya mo na 'yan. Ready ka na mag-Araneta Coliseum.'
“Ako naman, alam ko naman sa sarili ko na kayang-kaya kong mag-perform sa Araneta Coliseum. Yun lang, it's a matter of time para mag-sink in sa akin na, wow, may mga taong manonood sa akin sa Araneta Coliseum, ako lang yung magpe-perform. Yung part na 'yon, nakakatakot.
“At the same time, na-excite ako para mag-explore ng iba't ibang bagay sa stage and makita nila kung sino talaga si Rob Deniel.”
Concertgoers can expect what Rob calls “Elevated Rob Deniel music.” When asked what that means, he explained:
“I think yung elevated na part is being connected with fans. Hindi siya papakinggan lang, it's more of an experience. Yun ang gusto kong maramdaman nila sa concert. Hindi lang nila pakikikinggan na kakanta ako, kasama ko sila sa concert, and mae-experience nila 'yon.”
Meanwhile, here are some fun facts about Rob Deniel:
