SINGER-songwriter Juan Karlos Labajo, known simply as juan karlos, is gearing up for a monumental moment in his career as he takes the stage at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on November 29, for his first major concert, juan karlos LIVE.
With Paolo Valenciano as director and Karel Honasan as musical director, this show promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for his fans.
JK has poured his heart and soul into preparing for this milestone, emphasizing the importance of savoring the process while going over every detail.
“Right now, I’m just trying to really enjoy the process, focusing on the flow of the whole show and focusing on the things I do have control over, like the setlist. I’ll probably get more nervous as the concert gets closer,” he says.
JK worked closely with Valenciano and Honasan to ensure the concert will allow him to show a new side of himself as a performer. He teased, “We’ll be performing songs that we haven’t performed before, and I’m also going to share the stage with the people I’ve released songs with.”
Set to share the spotlight with JK is a stellar lineup of guest performers. First is Paolo Benjamin Guico of the beloved folk-pop band Ben&Ben. Known for his deeply personal songwriting, Guico collaborated with Labajo on “Tapusin Na Natin ’To” in 2023, a poignant track about toxic relationships.
Zild Benitez will also join JK onstage. He rose to prominence as the bassist and vocalist of IV of Spades but has since carved out a successful solo career. His collaboration with juan karlos on “Gabi” from the latter’s Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 1 album, released in 2023, further solidified their bond as songwriters who wear their hearts on their sleeves. Their previous collaboration, “Lunod” — a track they did with Ben&Ben in 2021 — tackles emotional turmoil and mental health, making it a standout in Ben&Ben’s Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno album.
The concert will also feature Janine Berdin, who first captured the public’s attention as the winner of It’s Showtime’s Tawag Ng Tanghalan second season. Known for her emotional performances and powerful vocals, Janine collaborated with JK on a song called “Pancit” in 2022, which was part of his three-track Drop 1 project. Its playful tale of puppy love, paired with an Alice in Wonderland-inspired music video, paved the way for it to become a fan favorite. In addition to performing as a guest, Janine will open juan karlos LIVE as the concert’s front act, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Moira Dela Torre, widely believed to be one of her generation’s best songwriters, will also take the stage with JK. Her collaboration with him on “Medyo Ako” from the Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 2 album is a poignant exploration of curiosity and longing that comes after a breakup. The track highlights the seamless blending of their voices, which will also be on full display on the night of the concert. You won’t want to miss that!
Rounding out the list of guests is Gloc-9, whose rapid-fire rapping style and socially relevant discography have made him an icon in the OPM scene. In 2020, he and JK collaborated on “Sampaguita,” a powerful song that reflects the emotional struggles and sacrifices of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The track pairs JK’s soulful singing with Gloc-9’s incisive verses, creating a touching sonic backdrop for the hardships faced by all Filipinos who work abroad to support their families.
juan karlos’ journey from a 13-year-old finalist on The Voice Kids in 2014 to one of the most compelling figures in the local music scene has been nothing short of extraordinary. After releasing two solo albums, he formed his namesake band juan karlos, releasing songs like “Buwan” that have become modern OPM classics. Beyond music, JK has made his mark as an actor, with star turns in the ABS-CBN series Hawak-Kamay, Pangako Sa ’Yo, A Love to Last, and Senior High.
His performances in the spin-off High Street and the Netflix film Lolo and the Kid have further cemented his versatility as an artist.
juan karlos LIVE is produced by Nathan Studios, marking the studio’s foray into live entertainment this 2024. Known for producing cutting-edge content like the film Topakk and series like Cattleya Killer and The Bagman, the studio is extending its reputation for innovation into concerts. Backed by Universal Music Group, JK’s record label, this concert is set to redefine the standard for OPM performances.
Tickets to juan karlos LIVE range from PHP 750 (General Admission) to PHP 8,500 (SVIP). The latter comes with exclusive perks, including a shirt, tote bag, photo opportunity, and signed poster.
As JK prepares to take the stage, all signs point to a night that will not only celebrate his journey but also underscore his place in the OPM landscape.
