MANILA -- After 22 years in showbiz, singer and stand-up comedian Anton Diva will finally have his first major concert.
Titled "Shine XXII AD," the show will be held on June 15 at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Joining Anton Diva as special guests are his friends, "Asia's Songbird" Regine Velasquez and ace comedian Vice Ganda.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Friday, Anton Diva or Anton Ragaza in real life admitted that he never thought he would share the stage with his idols.
"Hindi ko talaga inakala. Hindi ko na talaga inasahan. Kaya nga hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. Hanggang ngayon parang, 'kurutin niyo nga ako.' Parang panaginip," he said.
He went on: "Hindi ako nainip [na magkaroon ng concert] kasi parang hindi na ako nag-asam. Kasi mahirap 'yung masyadong nage-expect tapos hindi naman darating... E dumating. So ngayon, kinakabahan [ako]. Pero I'm really, really happy. I'm so blessed na 'yung friends na nakilala ko along the way, sila rin ang tutulong sa akin na makakasama ko sa concert na ito."
Anton Diva went on to reveal that the two stars agreed to make a guest appearance in his show for free.
"Sobrang pasasalamat ako kay Ms. Regine at kay Meme Vice Ganda sa suportang ibinibigay nila sa akin. Maraming, maraming salamat sa pagmamahal at sa tiwala rin," he said.
"Hindi ba jackpot na agad? Kasi kung babayaran sila eh di wala nang kikitain. Pero they are supportive and money doesn't matter to them. 'Yun ang importante, 'yung suportahan," he added.
Anton Diva started his career in 1997 and eventually became known as an impersonator of Velasquez.
Produced by Teri Onor Entertainment Services, "Shine XXII AD" is directed by Peter Serrano, with Mark Lopez as the musical director.
Tickets are available at Ticketnet.