Former member of The CompanY still sings, out at sea
By Yugel Losorata
Given up for dead after jumping off an unsinkable ship called The ComnpanY, singer Reuben Laurente proved he has survived the deep plunge as he surfaces, well, out at sea.
Seven years since pursuing a solo career, he has found steady work as an entertainer in cruise ships managed by Royal Caribbean International, considered to be the biggest and most innovative when it comes to onboard entertainment. He has made a reputation for himself, being cast as the featured singer in some of the productions.
His key ports of call include an Oceania itinerary covering Australia, New Zealand and the nearby South Pacific islands.
Reuben, who from time to time docks in Manila for a break, said, "I have done six contracts in a span of four years. Every contract is a new ship assignment under the Royal Caribbean International. Thus, I get to do new shows each contract. Our production shows consist of a dance/ballroom show, a live pop concert type, and a Broadway/West End revue."
He showed to friends videos of his well-produced shows. "My cruise work has even further honed my craft as a versatile performer. I have to adapt quick and embrace the genre sound-wise," he said.
Two-night Manila show
Reuben, who spent 14 years of his singing career with premier vocal group The CompanY, recently took time off from his busy cruise work to be with this family here.
And as is his wont, he also took the opportunity to do a couple of shows. In October, he held a two-night concert called "Ovations: Reuben Laurente by Request" at the Big Shift Music Lounge at A. Venue in Makati.
With friends and supporters in attendance, Reuben covered classic pop and rock songs like John Lennon's "Imagine" and Queen's "Love of My Life" backed by a nine-piece big band. He also went through a medley of noted 80s love songs and a mashup of Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams" and Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" which he said were interconnected in some way.
Interestingly, most of his remaining compatriots in The CompanY were on hand during the shows. "I can never thank The CompanY enough for that musical journey with them. They even watched and gave me support I needed kaya sobra ang appreciation ko sa kanila," he gushed.
Still being nominated for his work
Since splitting from the group and in between his cruise ship work, Reuben has recorded a string of solo albums. In 2011, he released his fifth, the 11-track "More Than Just Renditions," under Musikatha Ministries Foundation. The album is available at House of Praise stalls and other Christian bookstores. It even earned a nomination in the 2012 Awit Awards.
The recognition brings to mind his grand slam wins in 2007, when he took home an Awit for "A Single Soul," his duet with Regine Velasquez. His CD "Pop Virtuosity" won the Catholic Mass Media Award for "Best Secular Album of the Year." He also triumphed at the Aliw Awards as Best Male Lounge Performer of the Year.
"I have always taken every decision with… a positive outlook that everything works for a reason under His perfect plan," he said.
And that, he knows, includes being out at sea.
