Maricar Riesgo sets 'Untold Music' concert on Oct. 25

OPM singer Maricar Riesgo is back in the country and she is ready for her concert dubbed "Untold Music" at the Metrowalk Music Hall in Pasig City on October 25 at 7 p.m.

Joining her at the concert are Angelo Miguel featuring N2DG (Into the Groove), Gio Levy, Aikee Rapido, Sta. Maria featuring Mikhail Saludo, and Cosmic Wall. It will be hosted by Boobita and Pepita Curtis.

Riesgo is behind the popular "hugot" song these days entitled "Lumuluha" which is now available for digital format. It is composed by Yang Duna; arranger, Elras Tiquia; and producer, Rob Tiquia.

You may not see a lot of Riesgo in the country. It's because she performs with a band in Japan for 10 years now.

"I perform there almost everyday of the week, that's six sets a day, with a musical band Bless of GK," said Riesgo during an interview at Shakey's in Timog, Quezon City. "Pero madalas din naman ako pabalik-balik dito sa atin."

In 2013, Riesgo released her self-titled CD with the carrier single "Mahal Mo Na S'ya" under Saturno Music. The song is composed by no less than Vehnee Saturno, the man behind the hits "Bakit Pa," "Mula Sa Puso," "Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig," "Dahil Tanging Ikaw," etc.

"I will be coming up with my next CD. There will be a Japanese song in my next album," said Riesgo, who added she is now fluent with the Japanese language.

Before Riesgo went to Japan, this singer has already joined various singing competitions in the country. While she had her first taste of public recital at 10, Riesgo became a national champ in the televised Rachel Alejandro Sing-Alike Competition.

She also took part in competitions "Singing Starquest," Star"Sing-Ala Mega," and "Ikaw at Echo" on the popular noontime show "Eat Bulaga."

"These programs served as platform para lalo akong maging mahusay sa pagkanta," said Riesgo.

In 2006, Riesgo bagged the 2nd place at the Grand Finals of the national televised Japan Karaoke Grand Prix aired on TBS Network of Japan.

Riesgo has developed an affinity with various genres and enjoys tremendously the dynamics and rapport she develops with other musicians, vocalists and performers.

In 2011, Riesgo became the only Filipina  regular lead in Kentos, a high-class musical venue in the center of glitzy Ginza.

"Sa tutoo lang, ang daming Filipino singers ang gustong manirahan na lang sa atin. Pero sa kakulangan ng opportunities ng mga musicians dito sa atin, pinili na lang nila ang mag perform sa Japan," she said.

Riesgo said that popular musical artists like Sharon Cuneta, Kuh Ledesma and Sarah Geronimo inspire her. Among the foreign singers, she idolizes Demi Lovato, Jessie J. and Lady Gaga.

When asked who among the local artists she wants to work with, Riesgo said: "Martin Nievera. I had the chance to perform with him na kasi. Napaka-kalog nya. He will make you feel relax at sya pa ang unang mangumusta kung nasa isang event kayo." - ROBERT R. REQUINTINA