SINGER-songwriter par excellance juan karlos (full name: Juan Karlos Labajo), is gearing up for a monumental milestone in his career as he dares take the stage of the SM Mall of Asia Arena November 29 for his first major concert, juan karlos LIVE.

With Paolo Valenciano as director and in-demand bassist Karel Honasan as musical director, juan karlos promises to pour his all and make this concert a once-in-a-lifetime experience for his die-hards.

JK gave his heart and soul to prepare for this concert, putting emphasis on the importance of savoring the process and not forgetting to have fun while going over every nook and cranny.

“Right now, I’m just trying to really enjoy the process, focusing on the flow of the whole show and focusing on the things I do have control over, like the setlist. I’ll probably get more nervous as the concert gets closer,” he says.

JK worked closely with Valenciano and Honasan to ensure the concert will allow him to show a new side of himself as a performer. He teased, “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.”

Set to share the spotlight with JK is a stellar lineup of guest performers. First is Paolo Benjamin Guico of the beloved folk-pop band Ben&Ben. Known for his deeply personal songwriting, Guico collaborated with Labajo on “Tapusin Na Natin ’To” in 2023, a poignant track about toxic relationships.

Tapusin Natin 'To

"Oh, sino ka ba para hilahin sa magkabilang panig? / Bawat nilalaman ng aking puso / Alay sa'yo hanggang maubos ako, oh / Ginamit mo lang ako, oh". Set on top of a classy and stark chamber piano background, this straightforward, confrontational song packs a mean emotional wallop.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Former IV of Spades member Zild will also join JK onstage. He rose to prominence as the bassist and vocalist of one of the biggest young bands in recent memory but has since carved out a successful solo career with a big devoted fan of Panikis. His collaboration with juan karlos on “Gabi” from the latter’s 2023 full-length album Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 1 album, released in 2023, further intensified their bond as songwriters who wear their hearts on their sleeves. Their previous collaboration, “Lunod” — a track they did with Ben&Ben in 2021 — tackles emotional turmoil and mental health, making it a standout in Ben&Ben’s Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno album.

“Gabi”

"Nakakailang bote na, kaibigan / Mabuti na lang, ika'y aking natawagan / Palagi na 'kong lutang / Nanonood ng mukbang para lang malibang / Natatawa lang ako sa t'wing nagkakagan'to / Nawawala ang angas ko..." Probably the most enchantingly arranged Pinoy kanto beer and sympathy anthem.

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Lunod”

"Nalulunod sa pangangamba / Mga parusang 'di humuhupa / Sa'n ka kakapit kung malalim na? / Ang sabi'y, 'Mababaw lang 'yan'". Written and recorded during the pandemic, this track is a dark, folksy song about the struggles that comes with mental health issues sang in a balagtasan or sarsuwela-evoking cadence.

Rating: 5 out of 5

The concert will also feature Janine Berdin, the proverbial It’s Showtime’s Tawag Ng Tanghalan second season-turned-runaway rebelious pop-rocker. Known for her emotional performances and powerful vocals, Janine collaborated with JK on a song entitled “Pancit” in 2022, which was part of his three-track Drop 1 project. Its playful tale of puppy love, paired with an Alice in Wonderland-inspired music video, paved the way for it to become a fan favorite. In addition to performing as a guest, Janine will also have the honor of opening juan karlos LIVE, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

“Pancit”

"Parang 'di niya 'ata pansin / Ang pancit sa kanyang labi / Ang araw ay sumasayaw / Sa mga mala-rosas niyang mga pisngi..." A very quirky love-at-first-sight song.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Moira Dela Torre, widely believed to be one of her generation’s best songwriters and is one of the most prolific OPM artists on Spotify ever, will also take the stage with JK. Their collaboration “Medyo Ako” from the Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 2 album is a poignant exploration of curiosity and longing that comes after a breakup. The track highlights the seamless blending of their voices, which will also be on full display on the night of the concert. You won’t want to miss that!

“Medyo Ako”

"May nahanap ka na bang Kagaya ko? / Na medyo iba / Pero medyo ako..." A witty song about the difficulty of moving on from a failed relationship.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Rounding out the list of guests is Gloc-9, whose rapid-fire rapping style and socially relevant discography have made him an icon in the OPM scene. In 2020, he and JK collaborated on “Sampaguita,” a powerful song that reflects the emotional struggles and sacrifices of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The track pairs JK’s soulful singing with Gloc-9’s incisive verses, creating a touching sonic backdrop for the hardships faced by all Filipinos who work abroad to support their families.

“Sampaguita"

"Hanggang hinawakan ako sa balikat ng isa na may tangan na patalim / Pilit inaagaw ang dala kong bag na pinakatatago ko ng palihim / Dahil ang laman nito ay ang lahat ng mga araw na ako’y nakatingin / Sa bituin kahit madilim pero bakit sa dulo ako pa rin ang bibiguin?" - A tragic OFW story. The part where the story takes a dark turn was perfectly conveyed with an abrupt and frantic change of pace.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

juan karlos’ journey from a 13-year-old finalist on The Voice Kids in 2014 to one of the most compelling figures in the local music scene has been nothing short of impressive and extraordinary. After releasing two solo albums, he formed his namesake band juan karlos, releasing songs like “Buwan” that have become modern OPM classics. Beyond music, JK has made his mark as an actor, with star turns in the ABS-CBN series Hawak-Kamay, Pangako Sa ’Yo, A Love to Last, and Senior High. His performances in the spin-off High Street and the Netflix film Lolo and the Kid have further cemented his versatility as an artist.

juan karlos LIVE is produced by Nathan Studios, marking the studio’s foray into live entertainment this 2024. Known for producing cutting-edge content like the film Topakk and series like Cattleya Killer and The Bagman, the studio is extending its reputation for innovation into concerts. Backed by Universal Music Group, JK’s record label, this concert is set to redefine the standard for OPM performances.

Tickets to juan karlos LIVE range from PHP 750 (General Admission) to PHP 8,500 (SVIP). The latter comes with exclusive perks, including a shirt, tote bag, photo opportunity, and signed poster. As JK prepares to take the stage, all signs point to a night that will not only celebrate his journey but also underscore his place in the OPM landscape. ###