FOR THE open-air gig, formal costumes and classical numbers are set aside in favor of Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Ogie Alcasid numbers.

Pack the picnic bag, throw in a waterproof mat or blanket on Sunday and bring the whole family—including the pet that likes music (leave the less sociable four-paws behind)—to Bonifacio Global City High Street at the Fort in Taguig. For good measure, vocalize one hour prior.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers—Madz for short to admirers worldwide—will be back for a second free open-air sing-along concert of pop hits. If it doesn’t pour, it’s going to be another fun-packed, occasionally romantic, hour. Trust us on this—our party of seven, aged 2 to 65, went to the first one last Sunday and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Except, seeing well-groomed and well-behaved canines seated on the grass beside proud owners, the toddler missed her own.

But she had bounced back by the third number, clapping to the beat of Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror” while adults around her sang to the famous chorus.

The concert started promptly at 7, with the Madz tackling “William Tell Overture.” No instruments, of course, apart from the singers’ perfectly conditioned pipes. Tenor Ervin Lumauag took solo spot for the second number, “Nessun Dorma,” and was enthusiastically applauded.

CHOIR master Mark Anthony Carpio gives the mic to the audience

‘Man In The Mirror’

Preceded by the gospel-leaning “Heal The World” (with John Christian Jose doing the solo), “Man In The Mirror” was the second half of an MJ tribute—arranged by Madrigals Chris Borela and Annie Nepomuceno—that signaled the start of the sing-along.

“Heal the world… / There are people dying / If you care enough for the living / Make a better place for you and for me…” It felt very good to sing this in such a setting, with complete strangers, exchanging smiles.

And then it was love songs galore. First, “A Very Special Love”; then Marvin Gayatgay took the solo on “How Did You Know”—both songs again arranged by Borela. Choir master Mark Anthony Carpio brought the mic to the audience and, to the foreigners happily watching, it was one more proof that the Philippines is a country of gifted singers, pro or not.

RICHEL Taytay (right) and Madrigal Kitbielle Pasagui.

Jose Mari Chan’s “Beautiful Girl” was next, in tandem with “I’m Yours,” by Jason Mraz. How soloist Tomas Virtucio Jr. pulled that one off is better witnessed than described. Madrigal Kitbielle Pasagui failed to convince anyone to sing along to “From A Distance,” arranged by Eudy Palaruan—which was understandable, given the song’s degree of difficulty, even for karaoke experts. She was more successful with “Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka,” a Mon Faustino / Ogie Alcasid composition, arranged by Ily Maniano. Kitbielle picked Richel Taytay from the crowd and led her up front as they sang together.

Richel, 30, sort of saw it coming. She smiled widely as she told Inquirer Entertainment, “Alalay po ako ng Madrigals.”

“Formal” had been forbidden for this twin gig. Not only costumes were chucked (the 20 Madrigals wore simple knit shirts and slacks); the classical pieces were edited out, too, to suit the “camp out” setup. What about “Nessun Dorma,” some may argue? Well, it ruled the British pop charts a few years back, didn’t it?

The double event is some sort of a bye-for-now offering. The renowned and in-demand Madz will leave in April for a six-month “Grand American Tour.”

“CAMP-out” setting works for Boni High crowd.

Record holder

In the remote likelihood that there are still a handful out there who don’t know, it’s on record that this group has won all the top prizes in the world’s most prestigious choral competitions, including Arezzo and Gorizla in Italy, Marktoberdorf in Germany, Spittal in Austria, Neuchatel in Switzerland, Tours in France, Varna in Bulgaria, Debrecen in Hungary, Cantonigros and Torrevieja in Spain. It is the first choir in the world to win the European Grand Prix of Choral Singing twice, in 1997 and 2007.

The group has graduated some 200 members since it was organized in 1963 by National Artist for Music Professor Andrea O. Veneracion. In short, we can say that long before there was “Glee,” there was this singing/dancing (oh yes, they do) group of Filipinos who set out to conquer the world with good music in an easy package.

Last Sunday, the Madz also rendered a “Rain” medley, kicked off by the Apo classic, “Pumapatak Na Naman Ang Ulan,” and wrapped up by Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” with Tagalog lyrics. Not a single drop was coaxed from the sky. You bet it was fun.