At a recent intimate press gathering at Tikme Dine, Filipino actor, singer, commercial model, and two-time Aliw Award winner for Best Male Host Raymond Gorospe shared the excitement building around his long-awaited solo debut. The one-night-only show, presented by Ponti Entertainment Production, is set for October 2 at the Celebrity Club on Capitol Hills Drive in Quezon City.
For Gorospe, this moment carries the weight of a lifelong dream finally taking shape. Music has always been at the center of his world. As a boy, he was the one asked to sing in class and at school events. He would belt out songs along with the radio, record himself on a cassette player, play it back, and sing again.
His father, though, had more practical plans and steered him toward nursing. Gorospe completed the course, but the pull of performing never faded. He took singing gigs whenever he could, then moved into acting and commercial modeling. He appeared in films and TV, including roles in April Boys: Sana’y Mahalin Mo Rin Ako, Torotot (Destierro), Maria Clara at Ibarra, and The Secrets of Hotel 88. He became a familiar face in commercials, “the face that launched a thousand products”, and earned recognition as a WCOPA multi-medalist in 2015. Hosting brought him two Aliw Awards for Best Male Host. He also stayed active in dragon boat rowing, competing locally and internationally with his longtime team and still winning medals in the senior category.
Through it all, singing remained the constant. He performed theme songs for soaps and films and kept taking stage work. Yet a major solo concert of his own always felt just out of reach. “I wanted to, but of course, it is not easy. I couldn’t produce it on my own,” he has said. That changed through family. His niece, singer and producer Isha Ponti of Ponti Entertainment Production, had quietly held the idea from the start of her company. A casual conversation turned into concrete plans. “It’s a dream come true for me, it’s a blessing. I’m really happy and excited for the concert,” Gorospe shared.
Preparation has been deliberate. Vocal training has sharpened his delivery, and careful voice rest has protected his instrument. Rehearsals are complete, with another round planned to lock in every detail. The evening will feel personal: Gorospe intends to share the stage with artists from different generations, blending nostalgia with fresh energy. Expect duets and group numbers with singer friends he has met along the way, plus two.new songs, an inspirational track called “Bawat Umaga” and a lighter one titled “Miss Universe.”
He looks forward to connecting with the audience in real time. “I love interacting with my audience. Gusto ko talaga nakikita silang masaya or satisfied whenever I perform.” He even joked that dancing might make an appearance, calling it his Waterloo but willing to give it a try. His simple request to fans recording on their phones: enjoy the live moment; snippets are fine, but the real joy is being present.
Grounded and ready after years of balancing nursing studies, modeling, acting, hosting, sports, and steady stage work, Raymond Gorospe is stepping into this milestone with gratitude.
The night of October 2 promises a rich lineup of talent surrounding the main man. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., with the show at 8:00 p.m.
Special Guests include Ima Castro, Kathy Hipolito, Madonna Decena, Beverly Salviejo, Tala Zaldivar, Jojo Abellana, Jong Cuenco, and Jonathan Badon.
Special Participation comes from Dwin Aranza and Jenny Fajardo.
Pre-Show Entertainment features young artist Theo Tiu and PPop group NXTGEN.
Stars of the Future guests are Isha Ponti, Esay Kirstin, Jiro Custodio, the HK Sisters, and GJ Carlos.
Tickets and reservations are available through 0999-881-6848 or 0918-985-3984.
His upcoming solo concert is a perfect timing, and a full-circle celebration of a lifelong passion that refused to stay quiet.
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