Dannyka Manangan

Jona Viray's Journey to the Arena: A celebration of two decades of music

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>It was a night filled with nostalgia, pride, and gratitude as the Fearless Diva, Jona Viray, marked her 20th year in the music industry with her milestone concert Jona: Journey to the Arena at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last November 8.  </p><p>The powerhouse singer, known for her soaring vocals and top-tier performances, took her audience on a musical journey through two decades of artistry, memories, and reinvention. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/10/10/jona-reflects-on-20-years-in-showbiz-i-m-content-but-i-still-have-more-dreams-to-fulfill-1127"><strong>READ: Jona reflects on 20 years in showbiz: &#x27;I’m content, but I still have more dreams to fulfill&#x27;<br/></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>The concert opened dramatically with Jona revealed from behind drapes, stunning the crowd with her falsetto rendition of Richard Harris’s “MacArthur Park.” Her fans erupted in cheers, amazed at the strength of her voice early on. She then greeted the audience with a beaming smile, saying, “MOA, Welcome to the Journey to the Arena!” </p><p>Transitioning into high-energy disco, she surprised everyone with her full sing-and-dance performance of “What a Feeling” by Irene Cara, followed by “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” of Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, and “Finally” by CeCe Peniston. Her lively choreography and vocals set the tone for an unforgettable night. </p><p>After the electrifying opening, Jona warmly addressed the crowd: “Now I can finally say, Good Evening, MOA Arena! Finally, I am here; we are here! Thank you so much for being with me on my journey. Masasabi ko po talagang I&#x27;m having the time of my life! And, What A Feeling to celebrate my 20 amazing years with all of you kaya maraming maraming salamat po.” </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/5/2/jona-talks-about-the-many-firsts-that-shaped-her-career-0108"><strong>READ: Jona talks about the many &#x27;firsts&#x27; that shaped her career</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>She reflected on the long path that led her to this moment, acknowledging the challenges she faced before achieving her dream of performing a solo concert in a venue as grand as the MOA Arena. “It took me 20 years bago po ako makapag-show as a solo artist sa isang venue as big as this one,” she shared. “Truly it is a dream come true, not only for me but also my supporters. I dedicate this show to each and everyone who are here tonight.”</p><p>She then promised the audience a trip down memory lane with theme songs she has performed for teleseryes, both from her GMA and ABS-CBN years. The medley began with a powerful falsetto call of Darna! before singing “Di Na Mag-Iisa,” followed by “Ikaw Nga” with Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1 First-Runner Up Brenan Espartinez, “Ang Mundo Ko’y Ikaw,” and her emotional hit “Help Me Get Over.”  </p><p>She then shifted to her ABS-CBN era, singing “Ngayon at Kailanman” from the teleserye of the same title, a song she revealed had helped fund her animal shelter.  </p><p>Jona continued with beloved movie theme songs including “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” from <em>Barcelona: A Love Untold</em> and “You” from <em>My Ex and Whys</em>. Returning to teleserye hits, she performed “Pusong Ligaw,” one of her early songs with ABS-CBN.</p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/5/4/jona-s-iconic-osts-from-kathniel-and-lizquen-s-kilig-tracks-to-jodi-s-hugot-anthem-2342"><strong>READ: Sing along to Jona&#x27;s iconic OSTs—from KathNiel and LizQuen&#x27;s ‘kilig’ tracks to Jodi&#x27;s &#x27;hugot&#x27; anthem</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>The Fearless Diva shared that some songs had to be cut due to time constraints, but she expressed her gratitude for being entrusted with so many television theme songs over the years.</p><p>The night turned into an OPM celebration as Jona was joined by some of the country’s biggest icons. Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha graced the stage with her latest single “Aking Tatanggapin” and “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin” with Jona.  </p><p>Jona also had duets with singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid on “Nandito Ako,” Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla on “Kahit Na,” and Concert King Martin Nievera on “Ikaw ang Lahat Sa Akin”.  </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/6/1/jona-thankful-for-20-years-in-the-music-industry-asap-1334"><strong>READ: Jona thankful for 20 years in the music industry | ASAP</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>The OPM legends later sang “Maghihintay Ako” with Jona, marking a dream collaboration for the singer. They also shared heartwarming messages for her, with Ogie saying: “Jona, we love you. You are so good. Hindi namin alam kung saan nanggagaling ang boses mo,” and Martin playfully adding, “We took one look at you, and we knew that this show is JONA [gonna] be a great show.”</p><p>Jona then introduced someone very special, her mentor and inspiration, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Together, they performed Mariah Carey&#x27;s “Never Too Far” and Whitney Houston&#x27;s “Run to You.”</p><p>They also had their first ever live performance for their song “Matibay” released in 2017.</p><p>Soon after, Regine took the opportunity to deliver a warm message to Jona and the audience, expressing pride in the singer’s growth and resilience. “I am proud [that] you have become this woman na sobrang strong. After all you&#x27;ve gone through, I&#x27;m so proud.” </p><p>“More than you being an incredible singer, I am proud of who you are now,” Regine said.</p><p>The celebration continued as the OPM icons surprised Jona with a birthday cake, singing “Happy Birthday” ahead of her November 15 birthday celebration. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/5/31/jona-reminisces-on-her-most-unforgettable-asap-experiences-0006"><strong>READ: Jona reminisces on her most unforgettable “ASAP” experiences</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>In a VTR, Jona shared her artistic reinvention and the joy of exploring new genres where she later showed off. Returning to the stage, she shocked the audience with a pop mashup featuring BINI’s “Karera,” GAT&#x27;s version of “Daleng Dale,” and SB19’s “Dungka,” even rapping and breakdancing energetically.</p><p>A technical issue prevented her planned performance with P-Pop boy group ALAMAT, but Jona handled it with grace and professionalism, turning the performance into banter, proving that the show must go on. ALAMAT later performed “Day and Night” and “LuzViMinda” to the crowd’s delight.</p><p>Jona later sang “Spark” and “Ikaw Lang Sa Akin,” stepping down from the stage to interact with fans, taking photos and sharing smiles. She acknowledged friends and family in the audience. Among the crowd are her fellow artists in the industry including Sitti Navarro, Yeng Constantino, and Rochelle Pangilinan. She sang “Someone to Love Me” and “Till the End of Time” by Jonathan Manalo, even inviting a fan for a duet. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/5/3/jona-shares-stories-about-her-birit-queens-sisters-and-the-asap-life-0112"><strong>READ: Jona shares stories about her &quot;Birit Queens&quot; sisters and the &quot;ASAP&quot; life</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>The audience was deeply moved when Jona revealed that her biological mother and half-siblings were in attendance, the first time her mother had ever seen her perform live. “Sa unang pagkakataon po napanuod niya na ako sa concert. Salamat sa presensiya ninyo,” she said tearfully. </p><p>The night continued with special performances with Alden Richards on “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang” and Jed Madela on a duet medley of “Your Song,” “One Day I’ll Fly Away,” and “Come What May.”  </p><p>Another VTR followed, where Jona opened about the burnout she once experienced and how she found peace during the pandemic, rediscovering her love for music and her purpose as an artist. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/10/29/jona-viray-talks-about-growing-up-in-a-broken-family-and-choosing-forgiveness-0932"><strong>READ: Jona Viray talks about growing up in a broken family and choosing forgiveness</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>A much-awaited reunion took place when Jona was joined onstage by her original La Diva co-members Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia. Their rendition of “Angels Brought Me Here” filled the arena with nostalgia, followed by an energizing performance of “Golden” that had fans cheering for an encore. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/10/25/jona-says-pets-should-not-be-left-behind-during-calamities-2046"><strong>READ: Jona says pets should not be left behind during calamities</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Showing her compassionate side and being an animal rescuer herself, Jona dedicated “You’ll Be in My Heart” to beloved pets who have walked the rainbow bridge, before offering prayers for Filipinos affected by recent calamities through “What a Beautiful Name It Is” and “My Miracle.”  </p><p>The crowd joined her with a sea of lights and voices.</p><p>As the night drew to a close, Jona performed her song “Close to Where You Are,” then ended the night with “The Impossible Dream.” The song perfectly encapsulated her 20-year journey, one of perseverance, faith, and triumph.</p><p>JONA&#x27;s Journey to the Arena was more than a concert, it was a celebration of a woman who has stood the test of time, embraced reinvention, and inspired generations through her voice.  </p><div><br/></div><div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=ABrc9TDgJk-Cbmfa"></script></div>

<p>Fearless Diva Jona Viray celebrated her 20th anniversary with 'Jona: Journey to the Arena,' a grand showcase of her evolution as an artist.</p>

Fearless Diva Jona Viray celebrated her 20th anniversary with 'Jona: Journey to the Arena,' a grand showcase of her evolution as an artist.