‘Wish Date: Refrain’ Sends Hearts Aflutter with Music and Romance

Showcasing heartfelt performances — both from the film actors and music artists — “Wish Date: Refrain” brought love and music center stage at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, June 1. This served as the 18th edition of the concert series known for intertwining film, live acting, and musical performances into one emotionally charged experience.

True love finds its way

The film follows the story of Sara Dela Costa (Kate Yalung) and Richard De Castro (JC Alcantara). It’s a tale of two hearts that find their way back to each other, no matter how circumstances try to keep them apart.

They first meet when their grandfathers, Reynaldo Dela Costa (Robbie Packing) and Ferdinand De Castro (William Lorenzo), are political allies — long before a bitter rivalry divides their families. The tension between the two elders keeps Sara and Richard’s relationship discreet, marked by setbacks and quiet frustrations.

Eleazer Dominguez (Tyrone Tan) and Eloi Diaz (Eisel Serrano) play pivotal roles as the plot thickens. In the end, reconciliation between the once-feuding grandfathers paves the way for Sara and Richard to finally be together.

Astounding music stints

Elevating the film’s atmosphere are astounding performances from the featured musical artists.

Six-piece band Letters From June delivered Wish Date Refrain’s theme song “Refrain.” The KDR Music House talent also offered renditions of classics namely Odette Quesada’s “Friend of Mine,” Phil Collins’ “You’ll be in my Heart,” and Toto’s “I Won’t Hold You Back.”

Esteemed singer Nyoy Volante performed his versions of Carpenters’ “Close To You,” Michael Ruff’s “More Than You’ll Ever Know,” Glenn Frey’s “The One You Love,” Nina’s “Someday,” and TJ Monterde’s “Palagi.”

Alternative-rock quintet Over October brought their originals “Kaakit-akit,” “Ikot,” “123,” and “Wait.”

Singer-songwriter Mark Carpio performed The Boyfriends’ “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal,” Kenny Rogers’ “Through The Years,” his original “Ako Na Lang Sana,” and hit “Hiling.”

Debuting on the Wish Date stage on a high note, Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha belted out Natalie Cole’s “Someone That I Used To Love,” the OPM classic “Saan Darating Ang Umaga,” Dusty Springfield’s “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me,” Basil Valdez’ “Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan,” and Natalie Cole’s “Starting Over Again.”

“Wish Date: Refrain” is made possible by major sponsor RiteMed, and minor sponsors Everest Appliances, Genesis Organic Sprulina, and Calle Café by Don Gabriel.

Follow KDR Music House’s Facebook Page. For its latest installment, Lani Misalucha, Nyoy Volante, Over October, Mark Carpio, and Letters From June delivered outstanding musical performances. Meanwhile, the short film featured Kate Yalung, JC Alcantara, Eisel Serrano, and Tyrone Tan.

Words: Joram Flores

Editing: Emmy Borromeo

Photography: Kenneth Valladolid

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