Asia’s Phoenix Morissette Amon offered words of comfort and resilience to those affected by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu, her hometown, as well as to Filipinos facing challenges across the nation.
At the press conference for her upcoming ‘Ember’ concert, Morissette was asked what song she would dedicate to those impacted by the tragedy.
“There’s so many songs po, but one of the songs that I feel na I could dedicate sa lahat – I mean, there was an earthquake happened in my hometown in Cebu. But also I don’t want to be blind about everything that is going on in our country. Nakakapanghinayang lang po talaga,” she said.
“And so I think my song for everybody would be – this is an original by Andra Day, it’s called Rise Up.”
She went on to explain the message of the track and why it resonates in times of crisis.
“I really love the song for what it stands for talaga and rising up doesn’t have to be being super aggressive. Sometimes you just need to be strong,” Morissette added.
“‘Yung lyrics niya I feel like kahit hindi man po ngayon, always siya relevant. So I wanna dedicate that song to our nation, to everybody, and of course sa mga kababayan ko po sa Cebu and everyone affected sa earthquake.”
The singer even moved the press in attendance by performing a few lines of Rise Up on the spot, her voice carrying both power and emotion.
Morissette is gearing up for her long-awaited Ember concert on October 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, marking her 15th anniversary in the music industry. This will be her first major solo show at Araneta since 2018.
Directed by world-class musical director Troy Laureta, the concert will feature reimagined arrangements, storytelling, and a setlist that spans Morissette’s career.
She hinted that some songs may be performed for the last time in this milestone show, making it a special celebration of her journey as one of OPM’s most celebrated voices.
Indie-folk band The Ridleys will serve as the opening act, with additional surprise guests expected to join Morissette onstage.
Tickets are now available through Ticketnet.
This year has also been significant for Morissette outside the concert stage. She made her film debut in “Song of the Fireflies” and gained international buzz for her rendition of “Golden,” featured in Netflix’s K-pop Demon Hunters.
With Ember, Morissette looks back at her 15-year career while also delivering a message of strength and hope. As she reminded during the presscon: “Sometimes you just need to be strong.” (with reports from Loyd Pino)
