Around GMA

Article Inside Page

In the showbiz industry, one of the most common issues is billing, as it is often used as a basis for who is more well-known or more popular.

At a music festival last year, this became a topic of discussion due to changes in the performers' lineup. This sparked a debate among netizens over who should perform last, which was said to depend on the layout of the poster.

In an interview with GMANetwork.com and selected entertainment media, the well-known band Freestyle was inevitably asked whether billing is an issue for them.

According to their keyboard player IJ Garcia, he would prefer for them to perform earlier in a festival.

He explained, “I mean, at this point, at this time of era that we're in, if I can go home earlier and see my kids, I love it. I mean, not to say that we don't like playing at the prime set because we do. In the event that they gave us an earlier timeslot.”

For the band's lead vocalist, Top Suzara, if there's a change in billing or timeslot, it's always best to refer to the contract.

“I think, at the very end of it is your contract. If your contract says you're playing at least 10:00 [p.m.], just be ready. If the contract says you're playing at another time, just be ready,” he said.

He added, “If there's a schedule change, we refer back to the contract. If we have another commitment that depends on the original schedule, we stick to it. If it's reasonable, we adjust. But moving us from early evening to midnight—that's not reasonable.”

For their upcoming pre-Valentine's Day concert called Stages of Love, Freestyle's manager and Top's wife, Rom Suzara, revealed that they were also asked if they were okay with the billing. The band will be performing with a fellow Pinoy band Neocolours, and solo singer Gigi de Lana.

She related, “The producer and the production asked if it's Neocolours, Gigi, and Freestyle as it's announced in the poster. I said, no problem as long as it's announced in the poster. In other words, we have no problem if we play in the middle, if we play first or last.”

She further stressed, “It's not an issue. It's just a matter of time management. There are times when we have a show prior then, I'd manage the time. Kasi minsan, even on a private event or corporate event, dalawa yung shows in a day. It's just a matter of… If the other show we're playing last. Then, here naman we're playing first. I manage that.”

Aside from time management, Top also highlighted the importance of communication.

“We'd just tell them, We have a prior commitment wherein we're performing from this time to this time. What time can we perform for you?”

To also help with the smooth transition on stage, Freestyle's management always prepares two technical teams who will help the band set up on stage separately.

“So, when they unplug, takbo doon sa kabila. Walang parang ang tagal maghintay,” Rom explained.

Working with Gigi de Lana

Meanwhile, for their upcoming concert Stages of Love, Freestyle expressed excitement over performing with solo artist Gigi de Lana for the first time.

“Kami, since we're older than her, we present to her how a kuya should handle this young one,” said Top.

“We also have a special number that we'll be performing together. We're so excited to do kasi she's singing a Freestyle original. We're arranging it specifically to accommodate her capacity. Sabi nga namin, we're turning this into something that we can Gigi-fy. When she performs it, she doesn't have to parrot the original.”

Although she's known for her song covers, Gigi has also started singing her original songs. In connection with this, Freestyle also agreed to collaborate with her to produce a couple of new singles.

“Sabi ko, no problem. Let's do it after the concert. Walang problema if you're hungry for it. Yung ability niya [to sing] is no question, pero mas maganda if she's known for her own song.”

While waiting for these new songs, fans can enjoy the music of Freestyle, along with Neocolours and Gigi, at the Stages of Love concert on February 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“We put together some of our favorites and share them as best as we can,” Top concluded.