A new explosive duet by Asia’s songbird and Poppert punctuated the finale of Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Triple Threats trilogy on Saturday night. The Black Box Theater audience got their first taste of “Bitaw” with vocals of Regine Velasquez-Alcasid soaring high, blending perfectly with the distinct singing style of Poppert Bernadas who wrote lyrics for the original song with Jesper Mercado (music).
The third and final installment of the CCP series entitled “Ang Musika, Ang Teatro, at Ako” showcasing the ATeam singer-actor was originally slated for the latter part of December. However, the show was rescheduled due to medical reasons and it turned out to be the 2023 opening salvo. It chronicled Poppert’s musical journey with songs he used to sing growing up in Davao, Basil Valdez classics, musical theater numbers, and his original songs.
The sold-out show directed by Floy Quintos with musical direction by Farley Asuncion also featured performances by Bayang Barrios and Toto Sorioso. What made the night extra memorable though was the virtual participation of Regine Velasquez-Alcasid who sang “Bitaw” with Poppert via a prerecorded video.
According to Poppert, he wrote “Bitaw” with another singer in mind who backed out at the last minute. Regine who is quite open about Poppert’s talent, listened to the song and volunteered to record it with him. Poppert added that he was humbled especially since his idol, Regine loved the song so much that she even recorded additional background vocals for it.
The power duet that demands a wide vocal range and agility says that it’s ok to let go especially if you know you’re at the losing end. It suggests that even if it’s difficult, while it is still early, protect your heart from all the hurt and pain by letting go. See lyrics below:
“BITAW” Lyrics by Poppert Bernadas Music by Jesper Mercado Arrangement by Marlon Barnuevo Additional Back-up Vocals by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (POPPERT) Di mo namamalayan Unti-unti nang nahuhulog sa bitag ng pag-ibig Pag-ibig na walang katiyakan Ngunit pilit pa ring lumalaban Lay La ri ya Di mo namamalayan mga oras na iniingat-ingatan Ay bigla na lang masayang Pag nasaktan ayan ka na naman pilit binabalik-balikan… kaya Chorus Bitaw, kung di na kaya Bitaw, habang maaga Huwag ng hayaang puso Ay masaktan (REGINE) Di mo namamalayan Mga kwento mo’y paulit-ulit na lang Maawa sa sarli, tama na kaibigan Kaya… (POPPERT) Tama na kaibigan (REGINE & POPPERT) Tama na kaibigan Kaya Chorus (Duet) Bitaw, kung di na kaya Bitaw, habang maaga pa Huwag ng hayaan ang puso Ay masaktan pa. Bridge: (POPPERT) Huwag nang ipilit ang nararamdaman Kung alam mong matatalo ka lang (REGINE) Huwag nang ipilit, alam mo na talo ka lang Huwag mong ipilit ang nararamdaman (POPPERT) Kung alam mong matatalo ka lang REGINE Kung alam mo na talo ka lang Chorus (Duet) Bitaw, kung di na kaya Bitaw, habang maaga pa Huwag ng hayaan ang puso Ay masaktan (REGINE) Bitaw (POPPERT) Huwag ng hayaang (REGINE & POPPERT) masaktan (POPPERT) pa (POPPERT & REGINE) Lay La ri da dee dah
“Bitaw” will be released in all music platforms this February.
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