Christian Bautista Rocks!

It was our best gig as a front act ever! We fronted for Christian Bautista's concert here in Cagayan de Oro called "Inspired" and I am so happy to share that the band did a really great performance out there. The sound system was of top notch quality and we really have to commend the sound engineers for a job well done. And i'll have to say that the entire production team was so polite and kind that we never felt alienated from them. And to top it all, Christian Bautista himself was very accomodating and polite, no "arte2x". It was easily the best experience for us. I think this wouldn't have happened with out God's grace. And I could say that this really was his plan for us. We were actually called only a day before the concert by a friend from a Christian station, 103.3 The New J's station manager, John Decleene, if we could front act for Christian Bautista because the production group was looking for a band. I hurriedly contacted Thrina upon knowing of the offer and asked for her availability as well as the band members who would be playing for us. And thank God that Joshua Manguiran was available to do guitar works for us because Erikson was not available. Anthony Rosqueta on the other hand rejoined us after he missed a gig last thursday to resume his drumming chores. Alvin Carreon who also happens to be in town retook his bass spot.

This was a very unlikely group if I might say because Joshua had only played one gig with us before and Alvin (who just recently came back after resigning from his job in Camiguin) had never shared the stage with Joshua prior to this gig. So this in effect is an entirely new group who has never played a single gig for Thoughts And Notions before. So we went on a panic mode and had rehearsals that ended at 12 midnight. We were all so nervous the following day that we decided to lift up this performance to God. And by his Love and Grace, we were able to pull off a performance that we can be very proud of. It was like the band has played together for so many years. The tightness of the sound, the cohesiveness of the members, everything was so well placed that we were generously given thunderous claps of approval from the audience after each song that we played. We played 5 songs, 3 originals namely Brand New Day, Runaway Angel, My Journey Ends, and the covers, Someday we'll know, and Every little thing he does is Magic. 

The concert was called Inspired and I was happy to know that Christian Bautista would be singing inspirational songs as well as a couple of well loved Christian songs. Being a Pinoy Christian artist who is actively promoting the OPM Christian Contemporary Music scene ourself, it was a sight to behold that one of the best balladeers in our country has ever had is now singing songs that shares about God's love. I was able to briefly chat with Christian after the show and I was even more happy to know that this wasn't just any mere publicity stunt, but he himself would love to share his faith to his audiences by singing these types of songs. It was really a very amazing experience to share the stage with Christian and have the same goals with our music. This proves after all that God has indeed called us to be more active with our Christian faith and do whatever help we can to share his love. This gig was heaven sent. Indeed it was God's plan.     

The Christian Bautista Inspired concert was presented by Alejandro Go Beltran (AGB) Development foundation. AGB Development Foundation was founded on October 29, 2003 primarily to serve the less privileged sector and poorest segment of society. It focuses on developing the poor people's capacity to become economically viable, thus improving their conditions and enabling them to actively participate in local economic development. At present, AGB is closely working for the upliftment of the tribal people of Barangay Sibantang, Talisayan, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, in partnership with the Lutheran World Relief, in a project called the Higaonon crop production and marketing project.  

For more information, please visit AGB Development Foundation at its office at 2nd Floor, Door 2, Sebastian Building, Echem-Capistrano Streets, with telephone numbers (08822) 714-344