Expect a night of good music and vocal fireworks on Aug. 16, as Dessa, Troy Laureta and DK Tijam join forces, singing songs they and their fans love in By Request: Your Playlist Live Onstage.
Dessa, Troy Laureta and DK Tijam will share the stage for the first time in a one-night concert, By Request: Your Playlist Live Onstage, on Aug. 16, 8 p.m., at the Music Museum.
The concert will be mounted by DK Talents and Orange Magazine in cooperation with Backstage Entertainment.
This is not the first time for Dessa to perform with DK. Aside from doing online shows with him in Kumu, she was able to invite him to Las Vegas when she had a show in one of the Filipino bars there. She again performed with DK in her recent show in Los Angeles.
“I have met DK during the pandemic days,” says Dessa. “We were both streaming online and we became very close in Kumu. Now we’re best of friends.”
With Troy, Dessa has done shows with him also in LA and his recent show, “Harana,” with Martin Nievera, among other artists, in Las Vegas.
“I’ve met Troy through DMs (direct messages),” Dessa shares. “When I guested on ‘ASAP’ in Las Vegas in 2022, I saw him there with his sister Cheesa and from then on, we became friends.”
For the Music Museum concert, DK, Dessa and Troy will be doing songs that they love singing or songs that are on most people’s playlist.
“We will also be doing classic OPM songs arranged by Troy,” says Dessa. “We’re doing medleys of beautiful love songs. I’m doing some of my original songs. While DK and I will be doing some duets and production numbers that people will surely enjoy.”
Dessa can’t be more thankful that she still gets to do what she loves. “Thank God, I’m busy with gigs here and there with my band,” she says with a smile. “I do gigs almost every weekend in the US.
“On weekdays, I’m busy with family. I also have a small business which I truly enjoy because I love bags and stuff. I have an online pre-loved bags business. I buy and sell bags.
“I’m also in the process of learning and studying to be an insurance agent here in Nevada. I still do shows around the US,” she says.
Although it’s not the first time for Dessa and Troy to perform together, the latter will share the stage with DK for the first time.
Troy learned about DK through the latter’s beautiful and soulful singing on his live streams. “This will be my first time performing with DK,” says Troy. “I first learned of him on Kumu and his online covers.
“I’ve known Ms Dessa for a while through TFC and songs like ‘Saan Ka Man’ and ‘Lipad ng Pangarap.’ We’ve performed a couple times together and she was a part of my ‘Harana’ concert.
Troy had a hand in lining up some songs in DK’s and Dessa’s set list. He also serves as the concert’s musical director.
“Yes, together we put a set list that really showcases each artist’s voice and versatility,” he continues. “We also show how eclectic we are without drifting too far from what is authentic to each of us. We go through the genres we loved, as well as the catalogue of music each artist has brought to the entertainment and OPM world.”
Troy is presently the musical director for Singaporean artist JJ Lin’s world tour. “I am also preparing my headlining tour called ‘Harana,’ which features artists from all over the world signing OPM classics, as well as beloved western hits. It is slated to launch in October. We are planning to bring ‘Harana’ to the Manila stage soon,” he informs.
Two decades after DK became a finalist in the first “Star in a Million” in 2003, he continues to stay on in the music scene. Even after he migrated to Canada, he still continues performing.
Apparently, “Star in a Million” has a special place in DK’s heart. “It has impacted my life in so many ways,” he says. “One being that I was introduced to Philippine TV and that’s why up to now, I find it heartwarming that some people still recognize me. Secondly, I’ve gotten a chance to do what I love and earn something from it.”
DK moved to Canada in 2006. It was one of the most pivotal decisions he’s ever made in his life only in his early 20’s.
“A few years after the move, that was only when it really hit me hard,” he shares. “I missed my family, I missed my friends and the life I thought I wouldn’t miss. When you’re young, your perspective hasn’t grown yet and your decision-making isn’t the most reliable.
“I’ve always believed in kindness but I was a rebel during those younger years. I wanted to try something new. But yes, I had some regrets back then. Having said that, I’ve accepted and embraced the life I chose. Now I’m happy, truly.”
Earlier this year DK had an epiphany. He asked himself if he doesn’t focus on music this year, when would it be?
“As we get older, we realize how fleeting life is,” DK says. “Hence it’s best if we seize the day and do the things we love the most and make the most of it while we still can.”
Joining the three artists on stage are Kayleigh Cerezo, Keena Cerezo, Antoinette Targa, Chelsea Star and Bella Magabag..
Tickets are available through Ticketworld, Music Museum or through Diane Edosma (09352057132) or Owian Alvar (09275939673).
