Jed Madela, JMielle, and Bituin Escalante show 'Heart and Soul' in Cebu benefit concert

As the headliner of Santuario de Padre Pio Cebu’s benefit concert on August 5, Jed Madela was requested to perform “Stay with Me, Lord,” dedicated to the Italian saint — a song he had to relearn earlier that morning.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

“It’s a very special request,” the Kapamilya singer told the Cebuano audience at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. “They reminded me that I did this song years ago, but because I had limited storage in my brain, I forgot the lyrics. But I felt that it’s perfect for the concert, so I reviewed it.”

Madela’s heartfelt rendition of “Stay with Me, Lord” justified the concert’s title, “Heart and Soul.”

Throughout the two-and-a-half-hour show, audiences witnessed his vocal prowess as he put his own spin on each song, performing them as more than just covers.

“Heart and Soul” marked Madela’s first concert in Cebu in six years, the last being his 15th anniversary concert in 2019.

“Every time I hear the applause, it’s almost as if it’s my first time performing onstage. Thank you so much for showing me love,” he said. “I will be celebrating my 25th anniversary in showbiz in 2028. That’s three years from now.”

He recalled, “That journey wasn’t easy. There are times I question my place in this industry with so many insecurities. So I turn to people who I trust and who support me sincerely and unconditionally because we artists need affirmation that we are still relevant, and we want to know if you want us to sing. In this age and day of social media, the turnover of artists is so fast. Sometimes, I just want a little nudge and a voice to remind me, ‘Jed, you're good.”