Arnel Pineda, adopted son of Binalonan, jolts thrilled fans in free concert

Filipino lead vocalist of international rock band Journey Arnel Pineda on February 17 rocked Binalonians and visitors from the nearby towns during an almost two-hour free concert at the Binalonan Municipal Grounds.

Prior to the concert, Pineda was given a plaque of recognition declaring him an adopted son of Binalonan through a municipal resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan and approved by Municipal Mayor Ramon V. Guico III.

Pineda sang Original Pilipino Music like Nosi Ba Lasi by Sampaguita, and English songs popularized by foreign singers like Bed of Roses by Bon Jovi, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, I Do it for You by Bryan Adams, among others. To the delight of the audience, he sang Faithfully, one of Journey’s greatest hits.

With his amazing vocals and energetic performance combined with his jumping onstage, tossing his microphone in the air, and audience participation, Pineda captivated the audience until his last song Pain in My Heart, an OPM composed by his former band mate, the late Monet Cajipe.

Many times, while singing, he went downstage, approached the audience and shook hands with them.

Before leaving the stage, Pineda, who had his first concert in Binalonan last year, had photo opportunity with the municipal officials and fans.

In his speech, Mayor Guico said that the concert was brought to Binalonan because his administration wanted to make the people of Binalonan happy during the town fiesta.

The live open field concert organizer was Mr. Leo Arnaiz,municipal sports program coordinator with Councilor Bryan Louie R. Balangue, Angelica Peregrino, tourism coordinator and marketing officer, with the assistance of the PNP, BFP and MDRRMO.