The crux of being human lies in the inherent truth that our existence is finite. Limited by time, resources, and sheer happenstance, we can sometimes be consumed by the desire to overcome the finality of our frail humanity—and seek the eternal.
Aptly titled Soul Impact, De La Salle Innersoul’s 23rd anniversary concert delved into this concept of breaking free from our mortal shackles as the program was presented at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium last March 5. The timeless ideas of love, change, and believing in dreams were all explored in a grand showcase of talent and vision helmed by the vocal group’s director, Vince Mallari.
All that glitters
Immediately, the show exploded with a powerful opening number—a medley of Fall Out Boy’s Immortals and Lenka’s We are the Brave—that accentuated the powerhouse vocals in the group’s arsenal. Clad in shiny costumes, the members of Innersoul moved with utmost grace and precision following flawless choreography, providing the audience with a glimpse of what the rest of the program had in store for them.
However, succeeding their explosive opening was a drastic shift in tone, as the lights were dimmed and the stage was left devoid of frills. It was in this dark and drab setting that Innersoul belted out their Bahay Paraiso medley and a particularly soulful rendition of Rico J. Puno’s May Bukas Pa. Plaintive yet hopeful, their talented vocals were highlighted to a wonderful degree, while tugging at the listeners’ heartstrings as the performance explored and questioned social ills, such as poverty and inequality.
Women, front and center
The women of Innersoul also took the stage in Soul Impact as power players, with luminous performance after luminous performance capturing the hearts of the audience, ranging from Leo Valdes’ Magsimula Ka to Naomi Scott’s Speechless, and even Gloc 9’s Takipsilim.
In fact, most of the night’s utterly spellbinding moments were created by these women. Anna Benitez hit the highest of notes not once, but on two occasions—to the exhilarated cheers of the crowd. Meanwhile, Gwyneth Lim’s stunning soprano voice and Bea Carlos’ magnetic stage presence were also highlights of the evening. But beyond individual prowess, their coming together as an ensemble at the end served as a wonderful form of catharsis, demonstrating a breathtaking flair even in stripped-down numbers like their acapella of The Script’s Hall of Fame and Katy Perry’s Roar.
Colors
Afterward, in another display of Innersoul’s range, the group came alive like never before as they covered a number of Broadway songs such as Spread the Love Around from Sister Act, Defying Gravity from Wicked, and You Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray. In a flurry of color and joy, the intensity during this particular segment of the concert remained unmatched; performers such as Meth de la Cerna and Hyeon Yul Kim busted out their acting chops, maintaining a level of charm and charisma as they delivered unique spins on these familiar Broadway hits.
The vocal talents then paid homage to those that came before them as they invited their alumni to join them onstage for a rendition of Barry Manilow’s One Voice. The sight of former and present members harmonizing as a single unit painted a tender portrait of the enduring power of Innersoul throughout generations.
Ever-fixed mark
Innersoul returned to the stage for their final number clad in the same glittery costumes they donned from their first performance, ending the night with a boisterous Hataw Sayaw mashup and the same unwavering energy that kicked off the show. The performers were all smiles as they bade the audience goodbye with a parting message, “We hope this concert reminded you that you have the power to believe in yourself; you have the power to uplift those around you; and you have the power to reach out to the last, the lost, and the least.”
We may be but brief flickers of flame against the backdrop of time, mere wrinkles in the grand scheme of things, but Soul Impact has another story to tell: that we may be fleeting and fickle vessels gone all too soon, but our actions—if meaningful and passionate enough—can echo throughout eternity.
