Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista say their friendship will shine through 'Bautista X Bautista' concert

Christian Bautista and Mark Bautista are finally teaming up for their first concert together as a duo.

The two go way back, having known each other from their days as reality singing show contestants. They have maintained a close bond and healthy competition over the years, something they say will shine through in their collaboration concert, “Bautista X Bautista.”

At the media conference in Quezon City on Thursday, GMA News Online asked whether their friendship got stronger during this season of rehearsals and promotions.

“Fine-fake lang po talaga namin. Nagaaway po kami,” Christian joked.

The singers said that they talk more now to discuss their performances for the show. They've even been carpooling to the venues of their promotional activities.

“Sometimes, ‘pag busy ako, sila ni Kat nag-uusap, my wife, about how to help pa the show,” Christian said, adding that his whole family watches Mark’s concerts.

Mark shared that it's Christian who starts group chats about the show. 

“So ‘yung collaboration namin, mas close kami especially with this concert.”

Christian admitted that they do have misunderstandings about shows and performances, “pero hindi namin pinapatagal.”

And although they have some competition, they still see themselves as close friends.

“Pwede kayo maging kaibigan pero also want the best for each other. And to do that, you have to be the best version of yourself,” Christian said.

Mark added, “And para ma-achieve ‘yan, I think kailangan lang ng wisdom and kailangan ng timpla kasi baka ‘yung pagiging competitive mo ay nakaka-offend na or something. Ang friendship dapat nangingibabaw pa rin, ‘yung support nangingibabaw pa rin.”

Their friendship was further solidified when Mark released his book “Beyond the Mark,” which was filled with revelations.

“Dun ko rin na-test ‘yung friendship namin ni Christian when things were uncomfortable, when things were crazy. Andun siya, hindi siya lumayo,” Mark said.

For his part, Christian said he's the type of friend who is there for others.

“Kasi ang mahirap naman sa buhay namin, any news article that aims to put us down will really affect us eh,” he said. “I didn’t ask him how he was, pero I just told him, ‘I’m here as your friend if you need anything.’”

Christian added that they show up for each other during small and big moments, like weddings for example, and that their families are close.

“We pray to God that this friendship will last and stand the test of time,” he said.

What to expect in the show

The strength of friendship is expected to shine through the “Bautista X Bautista” concert. While they will showcase who they are as individual artists, they will also perform as a duo.

“Meron kaming ganun na friendship and understanding. And you will see this friendship also in this show,” Christian said. “There will be times of course, na dapat talaga magpapasikat kami sa isa’t isa, pero at the same time, when we sing a song, [we sing it] in harmony.”

Mark said he admires Christian’s professionalism and always listens to his input, “kasi most of the time, sakto ‘yung mga suggestions niya.”

Christian described Mark as a “performer na giver” or somebody who doesn’t hog the limelight. “If he knows na for example, this moment is for you, so he will give you that moment.”

“For all these years na I’ve known Mark, when we sing together, parang, ‘oh hirap ka ba today? Ako na dito sa note na ‘to. Harmony? Ikaw baba, ako taas. Kunin mo na ‘yung last line because it’s your birthday.’”

Mark said they are similar because they both sing ballads and do theater. For the concert, however, Mark will perform more pop and upbeat songs from his repertoire, while Christian will stick to his ballads.

“Kasi lagi kami napagkakamalan ako si Mark, siya si Christian. So, time to settle the storm,” Christian said.

Mark described himself as experimental, while Christian is a perfectionist.

However, they are both very family-oriented people. 

“We’re so close as friends, we like the same sport, we like coffee,” Christian said.

“Bautista X Bautista,” directed by Paolo Valenciano, is happening on March 6 at the New Frontier Theater. Tickets are available via TicketNet. —JCB, GMA Integrated News