Filipino alt-rock icon Barbie Almalbis celebrates her 25th year in the music industry with a concert chronicling her career as an artist who helped build Pinoy rock into what it is today: borderless and always evolving, shattering the assumption that the movement is “a Man’s Man’s World.”
Aptly titled Firewoman: 25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, the show will reunite two of her supergroups, Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle for a special moment filled with vigor, nostalgia, and appreciation. Almalbis will be performing some of the biggest and most notable hits of her career in three separate sets: as a frontwoman of the aforementioned bands, and as a solo artist who managed to make a name for herself.
“While this is truly a dream for me, it was GNN Entertainment Productions who first believed it could happen and conceptualized the show,” the Tabing Ilog hitmaker reveals. “We reached out Ricci Gurango, Franklin Benitez, Rommel de la Cruz, Wendell Garcia, and Kakoy Legaspi, and we’re delighted that they were all excited to do it too. Ricci, who now lives in the US, is coming home to the Philippines for the show.”
Firewoman: 25 Years of Barbie Almalbis was conceived last year to honor the award-winning singer-songwriter’s contribution to OPM, and to celebrate her staying power with anthems that proved to be impactful to listeners of all ages.
“I’m just so excited to play alongside some of my old friends, who also happen to be some my favorite musicians,” Almalbis shares in an official press statement. “We have so many great memories, making music, touring, and growing up together. They’ve taught me so much over the years. I’m just so grateful for this opportunity to jam with all of them on the show. I’m also looking forward to sharing the stage with many other artists I admire.”
The event is set to take place at 123 Block in Mandala Park on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 2 p.m. onwards. It will also feature performances by some of the country’s finest acts, including Sandwich, Gab Alipe of Urbandub, Clara Benin, I Belong To The Zoo, Kai del Rio, and Bird.
Almalbis also attributes her success as a musician, a woman, and a person of influence to her team’s dedication and hard work.
She adds, “I’m so grateful to still be playing, making music, and enjoying it a lot. It helps that I’m not doing it alone: my husband, who also loves music, helps me, especially during times when I find it hard to write. He’s a constant sounding board for ideas. Our daughter Stina has been joining in a lot lately too. I’m also so grateful for an excellent team: our manager Tommy, road manager Morris, and the band: Karel, Nikko, and Jonard. And of course, the one who holds the whole thing together. So much of my career was something I didn’t plan, so I always do my best to look to God and follow where he takes me. Music is such a gift; I’m praying I get to do it until I’m old and gray.”
Firewoman: 25 Years of Barbie Almalbis is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, Backspacer Records, JB Music, Nova Wellness Store, and 123 Block.
Tickets to the show are available for purchase starting February 13 (Monday) at 6pm via TicketMelon.
