Filipinos have watched Juan Karlos Labajo's evolution from a confident 13-year-old contestant on the first season of "The Voice Kids" (2014) to a sought-after musician and actor. Now 23, he is set to take a significant leap in his career with the eagerly awaited "Juan Karlos Live" concert on November 29 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Besides delivering remarkable performances in shows like "Senior High" (2023) and "High Street" (2024), Labajo has captivated audiences music-wise with an impressive lineup of hit songs led by the now classic "Buwan," "Ere," "Kalawakan," and "Kasing Kasing." Every song he has recorded has only highlighted his exceptional talent more and more, establishing him as a remarkable presence in the music scene.

As Labajo gears up for this critical milestone — his first-ever major concert — the artist says he is completely concentrated on giving his best and simply relishing the journey.

"Right now, I'm just trying to really enjoy the process, focusing on the flow of the whole show and focusing my energy on the things I have control over, like the setlist and how we will show it. I'll probably get more nervous as the concert gets closer," Labajo admitted at a media conference in Quezon City.

In prioritizing these creative elements, he explained, "I've been working hand in hand with my overall director Paolo Valenciano, my musical director Karel Honasan, and just really focusing on the audio and visual aspects."

Teasing some new elements in his live routine, the artist promised that his fans can look forward to a fresh experience in this major production.

"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 like Paolo Benjamin of Ben&Ben, Zild, Moira and Janine Berdin.

"I think there are still others we're finalizing schedules with like Kyle Echarri and hopefully Gloc-9 as well," he revealed.

With the mammoth Mall of Asia Arena as the venue for his first-ever major concert, the singer says he is aware that expectations are high, while admitting that performing at such a large venue was never part of his plan.

"I've never really thought about having a concert at the Mall of Asia Arena. I'm happy performing anywhere. I mean, we've been performing for a while now, and I've been content with that," he said.

That he never thought about a big venue concert is not not necessarily about self-doubt, says the hitmaker.

"It's just more about being content that I'm able to perform wherever I am."

He credits his supporters for pushing toward thg big stage, telling him, "It's time."

"You may not know it either but I'm really a shy type," he chuckled quitely.

On top of the list of people he wants to thank for encouraging him to make his mark at the MoA is veteran actress and Nathan Studios produecer, Sylvia Sanchez, head of concert producer Nathan Studios.

"I don't think you can ever be ready for something like this. But if there's something she told me, it's, 'Wag mong isipin na para sa iyo lang ito, kasi para ito sa mga taong gusto kang makita at marinig live. Para ito sa mga fans mo.' No matter how cheesy it sounds, it's true. It really made me think, 'Oo nga ano, I never thought of it that way.' It shifted my perspective and made me see this concert differently," Labajo said.

This realization has given the concert a deeper meaning for Labajo, as he envisions the event as more than just a performance.

"If you wrap the whole idea with that concept in mind — of doing it for everyone who loves you and believes in you — it really changes the direction and idea of the concert. It's more nerve-wracking, but at the same time, it's also something that comes from within," he added.

As for how he sees the concert unfolding, Labajo said he's trying to strike a balance between personal enjoyment and the expectations of his fans.

"I'm trying to balance selfishness and selflessness in a way where internally we're also trying to set the flow of the show. Para hindi masyado ganoon kabigat yung pressure at yung kaba, we're imagining it as just us jamming — but in an arena," Labajo explained.

In the end, he hopes the audience takes away something special from the experience.

"It's just about being inside this whole capsule of experience — feeling all of the stories and emotions these songs carry. When people come, they'll experience it with me and everyone else," Labajo concluded.

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