{images by Joey Arenas}

On Sunday 2nd of November 2008, three of the biggest acts in Filipino Entertainment – Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby and Pokwang - jetted in to perform to a 1,500 stong audience at the prestigious London Palladium for “An Evening with The Heartthrobs”. Not only were KCC Productions responsible for this large-scale event… it was their very first!
 
But who are KCC Productions?
 
They are the husband and wife team of Jerrick and Roselle Collado, proprietors of Kendelicious Tindanhang Pinoy & Reyes Haircutters in Central London. Roselle explains that even though this was their very first main event, they have had the exposure to showcasing Filipino Entertainment to the Fil-UK community for a long time.  Over a decade ago, Roselle’s family brought over renowned artists of that time, such as the Reycard Duet, Sheryl Cruz and Christopher De Leon. Then the hiatus began.
 
Ten years on and with a common goal, Roselle and Jerrick’s vision is to change people’s perceptions and reinvent the production of these shows. They want to be able to offer the audience “the best value and superior quality” events available to them; and promote the concept and celebration of community pride, unity and family. Most importantly “KCC Productions values the rich diversity of cultural expression, traditions, heritage and the talents of Filipinos.”
 
As an agent for TFC (The Filipino Channel) they decided to propose themselves as key producers to take on the task of creating the London stint for The Heartthrobs 2008 tour. London is considered as one of the main cities for OFWs, but in comparison to other European cities, London has not had the same importance with these productions. This gave KCC another reason to take it on and to prove to the channel that it could be created here.
 
After getting the ‘yes’ they needed from the channel, auditions took place straight away for local Filipino acts to participate. The decision in having these acts in the show was always going to be an essential part from the start. Roselle says that she wanted “the acts to have the spotlight on them and to become a part of the show”. They then secured the West End’s most popular theatre, The London Palladium aka the home of the Sound of Music.
 
The bespoke signage was featured front-of-house of the London Palladium… the concert had most definitely arrived. The on-stage production of the show was managed by Jerrick and the in-house AV & production team of the London Palladium. Jerrick looked remarkably cool under pressure during rehearsals and kept that way throughout the evening.
 
At 5pm crowds had built up and caused a road block on Argyll Street. A buzz of excitement built up as everyone waited for the doors to open. Passerbys asked what it was all about, as they could not understand who everyone was waiting and even screaming for. As the audience sat in their seats, they found a free program and as they waited they were offered free raffle tickets. The concert started promptly, with no sign of the renowned ‘Filipino Time’. In attendance were important figures of Filipino entertainment industry including Mr Manahan aka Mr M and the Director of Star Magic. It began with an introduction from Roselle and Kendice, to welcome and introduce everyone to who KCC Productions are. The Lupang Hinirang (Filipino National Anthem) followed, and then a showreel ran of the show’s sponsors and of the charities KCC were supporting - Bantay Bata and Gawad Kalinga.



After an amazing two hours of being entertained by the Piolo, Sam and Pokwang, it was time to go home. Not content with a free program and raffle, the audience were offered free sandwiches at the end of the concert. A last minute idea they decided on, as they put themselves in the audience’s shoes. “We all know that after a show, the next thing you think of apart from getting home is… food!”. (haha)
 
The following day, those with VIP tickets and CDs were given a bonus treat as they were invited to a meet and greet with the artists which was held over a 2 hour duration at their store. 
 
There is no doubt that after this concert, KCC Productions has set a new standard for Filipino entertainment within the Fil-UK Community. They are now at the forefront by going beyond expectation through their commitment, hard work and passion.
 
We wish KCC Productions all the best and continued success with all their future events… We will support your work and look forward to the next one!
 
And for those wondering what KCC stands for… it is inspired by their daughter Kendice Collette Collado J
 
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A massive Thank You to Roselle, Jerrick and Kendice Collado for all their help and generosity.

Posted on 20 February 2009 by Lani in Entertainment, Events

Tagged abs-cbn, heartthrobs 2008 tour, jerrick & roselle collado, kcc productions, london palladium, piolo, pokwang, sam milby, tfc