Moira Dela Torre during the ‘Moira, World Tour Qatar’ concert at the Al Gharafa Sports Club Indoor Hall on Friday. Pic: Carmina Soberano
It was a four-hour fun-filled night of music and laughter, as more than 4,500 spectators gathered to watch Filipina singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre perform live in Doha, along with co-artistes Kyle Echarri, Boobay and Ate Guy.
In a sold-out concert at the Al Gharafa Sports Club Indoor Hall on Friday, many kabayans arrived as early as 1pm despite the show starting at 7pm — proof of how they support Filipino artistes and how eager they are to watch live performances post-pandemic.
The show started with an energetic performance by famous Filipino comedian, Boobay, with his version of ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Doha Qatar)’. He then serenaded the ladies among the crowd with ‘Kahit Ayaw Mo Na’.
Boobay was joined by another top Filipino comedian, Ate Guy, who brought the house down with his mashup of ‘Amakabogera’ and ‘Nosi Balasi’. Ate Guy also belted out ‘I Just Fall In Love Again’ to the audience’s delight. The comedy duo didn’t disappoint the crowd with their singing prowess and humour combined.
Filipina singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre performing at Al Gharafa Sports Club Indoor Hall
At 8.30pm, a loud cheer welcomed teen heartthrob Kyle Echarri, a well-known singer and actor in the Philippines. Echarri’s dance moves and powerful vocals brought the audience to their feet with his rendition of ‘24K Magic’. The young artiste filled the hall with kilig moments as he pulled one lady from the crowd, while singing ‘Ako’y Sa’yo at Ika’y Sa Akin’. Echarri also performed his original composition ‘Dyosa’.
After Echarri thanked the audience, the crowd started chanting “Moira, Moira, Moira!”
Dressed in an all-black outfit, the multi-platinum Filipina artiste began her two hours performance with her hit song ‘Paubaya’. She performed sixteen of her popular songs, including her latest singles.
The audience were all ears when she sang her new song ‘Red Flags,’ which talks about wasting five years of her life with a person who made mistakes many times.
Kyle Echarri
As expected, she stirred the emotions of the crowd with a number of women shouting, “Sobra kang manakit, Moira” (You’re hurting us too much, Moira).
Known for penning poignant lyrics, Dela Torre melted everyone’s heart with the reworked versions of her past hits, all hinting at a failed relationship. The crowd teared up over ‘Ikaw at Sila’ which contains lyrics from her hits ‘Ikaw at Ako’ and ‘Tadhana’.
With a guitar in hand, the 29-year-old artiste performed her latest composition ‘Eme’ as the audience sang along with the lyrics flashed on a huge screen.
One of the highlights of the concert was when Dela Torre brought out a box of sun-dried Danggit (spinefoot fish) for a fan who commented on one of her videos on social media, requesting her to bring him fish. The lucky fan was invited on stage and happily accepted the Danggit after a quick selfie.
A jam-packed venue as over 4,500 spectators attended the concert.
The upbeat ‘Babalik Sayo’ was Dela Torre’s 16th and final song. She thanked everyone inside the jam-packed concert hall and said she hoped to come back to Doha as she left the stage to audience applause at 11 pm.
Fans and supporters expressed their happiness after the concert. Antonette Barbara Gangan, a VVIP ticket-holder said she enjoyed the show from start to finish. "Congratulations to the organiser for bringing Moira to Doha to entertain us. We enjoyed all the performances. I especially love Moira's soothing voice. I’m looking forward to more entertaining events this year."
A young supporter, Matt Karl Magnaye, who bought a Gold ticket said: "The whole experience was enjoyable and I would gladly listen to Moira perform live again if given the chance. She's amazing with her soft voice when speaking, but powerful while singing. Even the first segments with comedians Ate Guy and Boobay were great. They also sang excellently and delivered their jokes and punchlines really well. Kyle Echarri's performance was also enjoyable, plus I liked how he interacted with the crowd.”
From left: Filipino comedians, Boobay, and Ate Guy performing on stage.
Speaking to The Peninsula, CEO of Royal Sports and Events, Jonar Paz, said he is beyond grateful for the outcome of the show. “I hoped for the concert to be successful, but I didn’t expect the overflowing support. I thank Moira and all the performers, the ticket holders, sponsors, and guests, including Ambassador H E Lillibeth V Pono for gracing the event.”
Paz said he’s working on bringing more performers to Qatar to entertain the Filipino community and other nationalities and to highlight the talents of Filipino artistes.
