A Front-Row Seat to Broadway, Games, and Holiday Joy

Being invited to such an intimate concert already felt special, but getting a front-row seat made the night even more memorable. U Hotel’s El Mundo Café, usually known as a lively and busy restaurant, transformed into a relaxed and cozy performance space. It became a chill setting where music and storytelling took center stage, allowing everyone to truly appreciate the art up close.

The night opened beautifully with guest front act Hannah Bulos singing “Give Love on Christmas Day” popularized by The Jackson 5 in 1970. Her sweet, childlike voice instantly set the mood and gently pulled the audience in. Before long, people were singing along, turning the opening into a shared and heartfelt Christmas moment.

 

What made the concert even more enjoyable was how interactive it was. Games were woven into the program, giving Anya and Cara the chance to connect directly with the audience. Guessing which song they would perform next added excitement and laughter, making the night feel personal and playful rather than formal.

 

Cara and Anya Gutierrez

Despite some technical difficulties during the first act, the performances themselves stood strong. Anya opened Act 1 with “Popular” from Wicked, delivering a lively and confident performance that highlighted her natural charm and comedic timing. Cara followed with “Journey to the Past” from Anastasia, where her clear vocals and emotional delivery captured the longing and hope of the song. She continued to impress with the 1939 hit from the movie, Wizard of Oz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” offering a gentle and heartfelt version that felt intimate and sincere. Anya then surprised the audience with a more serious turn in “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar, proving her ability to shift from playful to deeply emotional with ease.

The technical issues from the first act were fully redeemed in the second act, where the sound system was restored and the performances truly shined. Cara delivered a touching rendition of “Pasko Na Sinta Ko,” the only Tagalog song of the night, which resonated deeply and brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the room. The sisters then came together for “For Good” from Wicked, a duet that highlighted their strong harmony and emotional connection. Their chemistry continued in “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas,” where they balanced softness, power, and joy, ending the concert on a festive and uplifting note.

Throughout the night, Anya and Cara clearly showed both vocal and character versatility. Anya’s cheerfulness and expressive energy were perfect for playful and upbeat songs, while Cara’s composed and serious presence brought depth to ballads. Together, they blended these strengths seamlessly, proving they can shine both individually and as a duo.

One of the biggest surprises of the evening was a special performance by Cara with director Jojo Urquico. Their duet of “Sun and Moon” from Miss Saigon delighted the audience and felt like a meaningful tribute to musical theater, leaving a lasting impression.

Overall, the concert was heartfelt, fun, and inspiring. It showcased not just strong vocals, but growth, versatility, and genuine passion. I left the venue excited and hopeful for what lies ahead for Anya and Cara, knowing that this night was only a glimpse of greater things to come.