30/08/2025
๐ก๐๐ช๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐ | Harmony In the Alley: Gian Eriveraโs acoustic serenade charms cafรฉ-goers
White, fluorescent lights mixed with OPM cadence filled the evening atmosphere. Accompanied by well-rounded vocals and refreshing iced coffees, performers and audience alike dabbled in an unforgettable jam session that resonated with both heart and soul. Arms swaying, guitars strumming, eyes glued to the stage. And with a slow, steady voice that sang in tune with the mellow breeze, it was a night like no other. All together, harmony was born.
The scene unfolded during an acoustic night session last August 23, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Taktak Alley Podium. Organized by the recently opened Kohii Cafe by Riri, the casual, yet memorable session has drawn numerous people in, inviting Gian Erivera, a rising star on TikTok and a Marketing Management student at Benilde Antipolo, to showcase his outstanding talents alongside one of their baristas, Angel Torres.
Throughout the evening, the session saw numerous performers taking turns to sing their hearts out and play their instruments. But as soon as Erivera conquered the stage, a wave of customers came crashing down the venue, eager to bask in his soulful vocals.
โThe event was a success; we had a surge of foot traffic during the night as they heard Gian sing,โ remarked Teresa Aquino, the owner of Kohii Cafe by Riri. The best part? It came to the point where they lacked adequate chairs and tables to accommodate every new customer arriving one after another โ a beautiful problem, indeed.
โIt was a great experience, lalo na first time ko mag perform here in Taktak, Antipolo. I didnโt expect na sasabay โyong crowd sa mga naprepare ko na songs and also na appreciate ko din โyong mga taong pumunta kahit na medyo maulan.โ Gian stated, reflecting on his gig experience.
Being a first timer at the venue, the whole experience took Gian by surprise. But at the same time, he took it as a confidence booster. The fact that several people joined and chimed along with the jam session, despite the rainy weather, spoke volumes about Gianโs charisma as a performer, so much so that his serenading voice had reeled people in, even against all odds.
Beyond his charm, the nighttime performance was taken to another level when Gian sang a cover of Rob Danielโs โUlapโ and โNandito Akoโ โ two trending original Pilipino music (OPM) pieces.
โRob Danielโs โUlapโ is one of my favorite songs since [the COVID-19] pandemic pa. Isa โyan sa nga dahilan kung bakit tuloy-tuloy ako sa pagkanta, it is clearly a masterpiece.โ He expressed wholeheartedly, followed by, โI think the audience liked my performance lalong lalo na โyong time na sumasabay sila sa mga naprepare kong trending songs like โNandito Akoโ by Rob Daniel, mas nakakagana kumanta if sumasabay sila and nakikita silang masaya habang nagpeperform ako.โ
Gian was personally driven by these songs, as both serve as cornerstones for his undying passion to continue singing. The audienceโs cheer and applause also played a crucial role in the bliss of it all, inspiring him to keep the flow going in showcasing his musical prowess.
When asked about his message for aspiring musicians and people who admire his artistry, he shared, โAlways move forward no matter what challenges and problems na haharapin, because I know one day, mawawala din โyan.โ
Across his various gigs and performances, this sentiment deeply reflects his profound growth as a developing musician and student. Now, he wishes everyone to carry the same mentality. This leaves a reminder that true harmony resides not within our heads, but in the commitment to face our challenges and transform it into notes that flow smoothly along the rhythm of our lives and the people we share it with.
Words by Kevin Cruz
Photo by Denise Nicole Margarette Hernandez of Musica Maior - Benilde Antipolo
