Three Filipino talents – Dessa, Troy Laureta and DK Tijam – will share the stage for the first time in a one-night concert, “By Request: Your Playlist Live Onstage,” August 16, 8PM at the Music Museum. The concert will be mounted by DK Talents and Orange Magazine in cooperation with Backstage Entertainment.
This is not the first time for Dessa to perform with DK. Aside from doing online shows with him in Kumu, she was able to invite him to Las Vegas (Nevada) when she had a show in one of the Filipino bars there. She again performed with DK in her recent show in Los Angeles (California). “I have met DK Tijam during the pandemic days,” admits Dessa. “We were both streaming online and we became very close in Kumu. Now we’re best of friends.” With Troy, Dessa has done shows with him also in LA and his recent successful big show, “Harana,” with Martin Nievera. Pia Toscano, Loren Allred, Morissette Amon, Jay R, Wendy Moten and Josefina in Las Vegas. “I’ve met Troy through DMs (direct messages),” Dessa shares. “When I guested on ‘ASAP’ in Las Vegas (2022), I saw him there with his sister Cheesa and from then on, we became friends.” For the Music Museum concert, DK, Dessa and Troy will be doing songs that they love singing or songs that people surely love. “Classic OPM songs arranged by Troy,” grants Dessa. “We’re doing medleys of beautiful love songs. I’m doing some of my original songs. Me and DK will be doing some duets and production numbers people will surely enjoy.”
Dessa cannot be more thankful that she still gets to do what she loves. “Thank God, I’m busy with gigs here and there with my band,” she beams. “I do gigs almost every weekend in the US. “On weekdays, I’m busy with family. I also have a small business which I truly enjoy because I love bags and stuff. I have an online pre-loved bags business. I buy and sell bags. “I’m trying to do living life insurance, too. I’m in the process of learning and studying to be an insurance agent here in Nevada. I still do shows around the US.” Although it’s not the first time for Dessa and Troy to perform together, the latter will share the stage with DK for the first time.
Troy learned about DK through the latter’s beautiful and soulful singing on his live streams. “This will be my first time performing with DK,” admitted Troy. “I first learned of him on Kumu and his online covers. “I’ve known about Ms Dessa for a while through TFC (The Filipino Channel) and songs like ‘Saan Ka Man’ and ‘Lipad ng Pangarap.’ We’ve performed a couple times together and she was a part of my ‘Harana’ concert. Troy had a hand in lining up some songs in DK’s and Dessa’s set list. He also serves as musical director of the concert. “Yes, together we put a set list that really showcases each artist’s voice and versatility,” he said. “We also show how eclectic we are without drifting too far from what is authentic to each of us. “We go through the genres we loved, as well as the catalogue of music each artist has brought to the entertainment and OPM world.” Troy is presently the musical director for Singaporean artist, JJ Lin, world tour. “I am also preparing my headlining tour called ‘Harana,’ which features artists from all over the world signing OPM classics, as well as beloved western hits. It is slated to launch in October.
We are planning to bring ‘Harana’ to the Manila stage soon.” Two decades after DK became a finalist in the first “Star in a Million” in 2003, he never left the music scene. Even after he migrated to Canada, he still continued performing. Apparently, “Star in a Million” has a special place in DK’s heart. “It has impacted my life in so many ways,” he said. “One being that I was introduced to Philippine TV and that’s why up to now, I find it heartwarming that some people who watched the show still recognize me (on social media). Secondly, I’ve gotten a chance to do what I love and earn something because of it. “I wasn’t always doing music in Canada and around 2010, I almost gave up on it, but I found out after much thought that my love and passion for music are synonymous to my existence.” DK moved to Canada in 2006. It was one of the most pivotal decisions he’s ever made in his life only in his early 20’s.
“A few years after the move, that was only when it really hit me hard,” he said. “I missed my family, I missed my friends and the life I thought I wouldn’t miss. When you’re young, your perspective hasn’t grown yet and your decision making isn’t the most reliable. “I’ve always believed in kindness but I was a rebel during those younger years. I wanted to try something new. But yes, I had some regrets back then. Having said that, I’ve accepted and embraced the life I chose. Now I’m happy, truly.”
Earlier this year DK had an “epiphany.” He thought to himself if he doesn’t focus on music this year, when would it be? “As we get older, we realize how fleeting life is,” DK says. “Hence it’s best if we seize the day and do the things we love the most and make the most of it while we still can.” Joining the stage in “By Request” are Kayleigh Cerezo, Keeana Cerezo, Antoinette Targa, Chelsea Star, Bella Magbag of DK Talents.
Special thanks to Orange Magazine, PLDT Home, Beautéderm, airasia Philippines, AirAsia Move, Grab, TaiChi, Moringa Vita, PascualLab, ALPAS Consultancy, AGENTS International Persuasion Specialist, Joy~Nostalg Hotels & Suites, Grand Westside Hotel and Mang Inasal. Tickets are available at Ticketworld, Music Museum or through Dianne Edosma (09352057132), Owlan Alvar (09275939673)