Christian: Filipino, overseas fans are different
Christian Bautista knows what strategies work well for fans from the Philippines and other countries.
"There is a difference," Christian said in "The Kitchen Musical" press conference, when asked about his Filipino and international fans. The balladeer said that talents matter first for Filipino fans. Indonesian fans, on the other hand, started loving him since his song, "The Way You Look At Me," made it big in their country.
"We really expect the best from our Filipino singers, bago natin sila i-appreciate. Dapat super galing nila or charming sila, which I think naman as performers, ginagalingan namin," Christian added.
He also said that the reception and attitude of his Filipino fans vary, depending on their location. "Especially sa mga different provinces, iba-iba yan, may mga provinces na madaling mapasaya, may mga reserved ng konti," Christian shared.
Filipino fans' critical attitude towards the artists' talents helps Christian perform better. He says it brings out the best in Filipino artists. "That's why we're so ready to perform anywhere in the world. Anywhere in the world, for sure there is a Filipino singer kasi Filipinos can adapt anywhere at pwedeng maki-connect sa kahit na anong audiences," Christian shared.
"The Way You Look at Me" topped Indonesian music charts and Christian has also had a number of TV and concert guestings in Indonesia. "All I needed was to record one song, 'The Way You Look At Me,' nagustuhan nila. Kumonek eh," Christian said about his popularity in Indonesia. He also plays leads in an Indonesian film, "Jayden's Choir," where he portrays a music teacher. The film will be shown here on August.
"Sa Indonesian audiences, iba ang kultura nila. All they need is one good song and they love you for life. I have one song, 'The Way You Look At Me.' It's still being requested up to now in debuts, concerts. And their (the Indonesians') musicality is also good, same as ours," Christian described his Indonesian fans.
He also added that he never dreamed of being popular overseas and believes that if it's someone's destiny to make it big in other countries, he will make it. "I didn't even dream na makakatapak ako sa iabng bansa. I guess if it's your destiny, like Charice, a YouTube sensation now famous all over the world, Arnel Pineda. If it's your destiny to reach this market, then you will get there," Christian shared.
Christian just left the Philippines and will be away for four months to film his pan-Asian series "The Kitchen Musical" in Singapore. He will return to Manila in August to attend the movie premiere.
Christian added that he has sacrificed some commitments to give way to filming, "The Kitchen Musical." "I'm sorry for those that we have to let go. There are sacrifices," Christian said.
Having worked many times in Indonesia, Christian learned that Indonesians admire Filipino values. "Filipinos are so respected in Indonesia. The Filipinos I met there are bosses, teachers," Christian added.
The balladeer believes that Filipino artists have the potential to make it big overseas and hopes they can act as bridge between countries though arts and entertainment.
