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Ken Alfonso talks 'Shake, Rattle and Roll,' Venus Raj, and growing as a performer

Ken invites everyone to "Hotspot," his Dec. 4 concert with Daniel Matsunaga, Ariella Arida, Venus, and many more

Ken Alfonso has been waiting for his time to shine, and he's not sitting back waiting for it to happen.

Instead, the 23-year-old is working his way towards it, working on himself and honing his talents with the goal of becoming a total performer.

Ken recently became a household name after his cover duet with beauty queen Venus Raj, "All of Me," became a viral hit on YouTube. It has 194,489 views and 2,078 likes as of writing. What many don't know is that — three months before "All of Me" — Ken was already a hit online with his single, "Umaasa," the theme song of Koreanovela "Secret Love." It currently has 42,945 views on YouTube and 224 likes.

The numbers are still rising.

Ken is currently preparing for "Hotspot," the song and dance concert he will be starring in together with other Mercator (management agency run by beauty queen-maker Jonas Gaffud) talents Wyn Marquez, Ara Arida, Shamcey Supsup, Benjamin Alves, Lem Pelayo, Fabio Ide and other artists and models. It will be headlined by Daniel Matsunaga. Of course, Ken's "ka-tandem" Venus Raj will be there, too.

We caught up with Ken to find out what else he is busy with, aside from his continuous training in dancing and singing. His GMA7 afternoon primetime soap "Dading" has just wrapped up, but things are far from slowing down.

"I’m excited about the upcoming teleserye which we will be taping soon, and hosting a travel show that will be aired on GMA News TV. This particular show will not only focus on culture and tourist spots but will also feature talented Filipinos here and those who live in other countries."

Tell us about the movie projects you are working on now

We just finished shooting "Shake Rattle and Roll XV" which is part of this year's Metro Manila Film Festival. This is my first time to do a project for the big screen.

Have you always loved singing and music?

Yes! I have always loved music. I either sing or listen to it. It gives so much emotions, brings back memories, and creates new hopes. I also love to dance; it's an opportunity to express feelings through gestures.

How do you feel about your fans' support for your and Venus' cover of "All of Me"?

I felt overwhelmed at first. I was nervous since it was my first time to do a collaboration with Venus, and we wanted it to be appreciated by a lot of people. We are very thankful with the positive response.

What's it like to work with Venus?

What makes us a good tandem is because we've established a good rapport. Our training together helps us learn each other's flaws and improve our own singing skills. This has created compatibility.

Tell us about your new cover and video with Venus, "My Grown-Up Christmas List."

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs from Michael Buble. Covering this song with Venus is a different experience since it has a different harmony. We are so excited for the feedback.

It has been a landmark year for you, with new beginnings. How are you spending your Christmas?

I will spend it with my family. I will have a new teleserye [on GMA7] so I might be working during that time.

Ken ended our interview with an invitation to fans to support "Hotspot."

"Hotspot is for the benefit of The Daniel Matsunaga Football Academy and Our Lady of Penafrancia Association," he said. "Please come and watch."

"Hotspot" is happening on December 4, 7pm, at the Music Museum. Tickets are available via Ticketworld. Visit ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999.