‘Randy said that the way artistas treat fans is very valuable.’
By GAY ACE DOMINGO
Singer, director, composer, and just all-around multi-talented guy Randy Santiago is marking 37 years in the entertainment industry. He started in showbiz as a member of the band, Cicada and an assistant director of his father, the late Pablo Santiago who helmed a number of the action movies of Fernando Poe, Jr.
In 1986, Randy was enlisted to sing “You’ve Got the Power” – the theme song of “Ninja Kids,” a Viva Films youth-oriented action flick (also directed by Pablo Santiago). Together with singers Juan Miguel Salvador and Gino Padilla, Randy gave life to the very upbeat, catchy and fun melody. The song paved the way for Randy to record the ballad “Hindi Magbabago” which ultimately catapulted the former Kundirana member to superstardom and a long and thriving career as a performer and artist.
Of course Randy has never forgotten his days as a showbiz newbie. As he stages his major concert comeback “EYECON… The Club Experience” at the PICC on April 12, Mr. Shades (as Randy is fondly called because of his iconic sunglasses) has invited upcoming singers to join him. Performing with Randy and his singer-friends Pops Fernandez, Rachel Alejandro, Gino Padilla, Nina, and Juan Miguel Salvador at “EYECON” are young singers JM Yosures, Khimo, Lyka Estrella, JM dela Cerna, Marielle Montellano, Jezza Quiogue, LA Santos, the girl group Calista and the Six-Part Invention band.
At the press conference to promote the concert, Randy’s admiration and concern for the young singers were very evident. He urged the latter to speak during the Q & A, and encouraged the media in attendance to address questions to the young artists. The singer-director even asked his own questions to prompt the upcoming musicians and singers to answer, making sure that they also had their share of the limelight.
To continue to flourish for decades in showbiz like Randy, talent is a given. Sure, these newbies who are discoveries of singing competitions have lots of that. But Randy and Rachel (who was also at the press con) also shared other important factors to an enduring career.
In answer to the question “What is your secret to longevity” asked by entertainment editor Bobby Requintina, Randy said that the way artistas treat fans is very valuable. “Tumagal kami rito dahil sa pakikitungo namin sa lahat ng tao,” he said.
To illustrate his point, Randy related how sometimes managers and talent agencies are very protective of their artists to the point that the latter have restrictions with the time and treatment with fans. “Minsan nakikita mo na hinahatak na lang kaagad ‘yung artists, hindi pa nakakausap ng mga tao,” Randy said.
He pointed out that he and his contemporaries have enjoyed long careers because of how they took care of their supporters. Randy hoped that all artists could be gracious like Regine Velasquez.
Randy said, “Nakakasama ko si Regine. Isipin mo, after the concert ni Regine, pipila lahat (ng fans) para sa meet-and-greet, Matataapos ang concert ng 11 o’clock, siguro alas-dos ng umaga, uubusin niya ‘yung linya… Kung kailangan makipaghalubilo for a long time, andoon kami para sa tao.”
He also praised talent manager Girlie Rodis who allows her own talents (like Rachel Alejandro, Celeste Legaspi and Mikee Cojuangco) to give time and acknowledge the fans.
“Ganoon kaluwag din si Tita Girlie Rodis kaya lahat ng mga inalagaan niya.”
Rachel agreed with Randy. She shared in particular her experience with Pinoys in the US who are very eager to see Filipino singers. She said, “I’ve been in the States for the past two years. And, everywhere that I’ve gone, talagang na-appreciate ng mga tao, ng Filipinos doon yung maka-meet and greet. Yung makapagpa-picture, yung makausap yung mga artista…
“To be honest, yung mga artista na hindi pwedeng hawakan, yung hindi pwede magpa-picture, kasi yung ‘Ah, bawal…’, talagang sad sila yung mga tao, yung mga Filipino. Kasi yun naman ang kaligayahan nila…. And I am so happy Randy is one of those artists, and my dad, and Martin Nievera, I’ve seen him in concerts… hanggang yung pinaka-last person doon sa line na hindi nakakapagpa-picture, hihintayin niya ‘yun. He is so generous and Randy is so generous. I think that is the secret.”
