Fact: Wind chills below zero will not keep people from enjoying a night of entertainment.
Last January 22, Chicagoans braved the coldest night of the year to see the YouTube heartthrob that is Gabe Bondoc. Fans of the Pil-Am singer/songwriter, who hails from San Mateo, CA, were eager to be serenaded on his third trip to the Windy City. Bondoc had the mostly female audience swooning during his entire set that included favorite original songs like "You're it", “When You Say”, “Dictionary”, and “I’m What You Need”.
Bondoc proved himself to be ever so charming by cracking jokes in between songs with the audience about the mane-like do he was sporting. His versatility as a singer was on full display as he tackled covers of Cee Lo Green’s recent hit “Forget You” and “Part of Your World” from the Disney movie, The Little Mermaid.
Yes. “Part of Your World”. From The Little Mermaid. SWOON.
Several well-known local artists also treated the audience to music and dance. Among those was Alex “Excel” Cruz, Ashlee Barrera, and The Roxas Brothers - familiar names in the Pil-Am Chicago music scene. The newly formed dance crew The Puzzle League got everyone amped up with their super energetic routine. Acoustic singer/songrwriter Sam Lee and the HIP band also performed.
Concert-goers were also invited to buy apparel and potholders from Rot10 and shirts from Rabbit Hole Apparel, whose designer was also part of HIP band. The Northwestern Institute of Health and Technology was also on hand, holding a raffle and inviting people to get more information about their nursing programs.
My New Year’s Wish: Gabe Bondoc Live in Chicago! was put together by a team of people assembled by well-known Chicago event producer A.C. “Bboy” Mangubat. Mangubat has been a part of concert productions and tours within the Pilipino community for the past 10 years. “I know the power of the Pil-Ams on YouTube and it was time for Gabe to come back,” he shares. “There was a demand for him after two years of not being here.”
Bringing Bondoc back to Chicago wasn’t the only motivation for Mangubat in planning the event. He also wanted to promote young local talent and to give a platform for up-and-coming artists. “It also helps the older generation to know that there's a lot of good talent in the younger generation.”
Photos & Videos by: Ram Catapang
