Juan Karlos Gathers OPM Superstars for a Historic MOA Concert
By Boy Romero
Singer-songwriter Juan Karlos Labajo, also known as juan karlos, is about to make his biggest move yet with his first major concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on November 29. Juan Karlos LIVE promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience for his fans, under the stage direction of Paolo Valenciano and with Karel Honasan as the musical director.
JK, as he is fondly called, is really putting his heart into preparing for this big event and enjoying every step of the process.. “Right now, I’m just focusing on the flow of the show and things I can control, like the setlist. I know I’ll get more nervous as the concert gets closer,” he shared.
The concert also brings a star-studded lineup of guest performers, starting with Paolo Benjamin Guico of Ben&Ben. The two collaborated on “Tapusin Na Natin ’To” in 2023, such a heartbreaking track exploring the dynamics of toxic relationships.
Zild Benitez, formerly the bassist/vocalist of IV of Spades, will also take the stage. JK and Zild’s synergy as songwriters has produced standout tracks like “Gabi” from JK’s Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 1 album and “Lunod,” a collaboration with Ben&Ben in 2021 that dives deeper into emotional struggles and mental health.
Janine Berdin, known for her powerful vocals and as a Tawag Ng Tanghalan champion, will not only be a featured performer but also the front act. She and JK previously worked together on “Pancit,” a playful and endearing track that became a fan favorite in 2022.
Moira Dela Torre, will also join JK to perform their poignant duet, “Medyo Ako,” from Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 2, which touches on heartbreak and separation. Adding even more depth to the night is the OPM icon Gloc-9. Their 2020 collaboration “Sampaguita” pays tribute to the sacrifices of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), blending Gloc-9’s powerful verses with JK’s soulful voice.
Juan Karlos’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From being a 13-year-old finalist on The Voice Kids in 2014 to becoming one of OPM's brightest stars, he's now recognized as one of today’s finest songwriters, with major hits like the modern classic “Buwan” and the emotional track “Ere.” Beyond his music career, his versatility shines through in acting roles in series like Senior High and films like Lolo and the Kid.
The concert, produced by Nathan Studios in collaboration with JK’s record label Universal Music Group, marks Nathan Studios’ first foray into live entertainment. The studio, known for its innovative content like Topakk and The Bagman, is setting a new bar for OPM performances.
Tickets for juan karlos LIVE range from PHP 750 (General Admission) to PHP 8,500 (SVIP), with exclusive perks like signed merchandise and a photo opportunity for SVIP ticket holders.
As Juan Karlos takes this big milestone in his career, juan karlos LIVE is set to celebrate his artistic journey and cement his contribution to the OPM landscape.