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.

Read More

A Night of Broadway, Christmas, and Storytelling: Cara and Anya Gutierrez Live at U Hotel Makati

This December 18, U Hotel in Poblacion, Makati sets the stage for an enchanting evening of Broadway favorites and holiday classics as sisters Cara and Anya Gutierrez headline a special pre-Christmas concert directed by Miss Saigon alumnus Jojo Urquico.

Both Cara and Anya are Miss Saigon alumni, a shared legacy that anchors the evening with theatrical depth and international pedigree. Designed as an intimate, two-act performance, the concert blends timeless Christmas songs with iconic musical theater numbers, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience world-class talent in a close, personal setting.

Act I opens with heartwarming holiday selections and beloved Broadway standards, including “My Grown Up Christmas List,” “For the First Time in Forever,” “Journey to the Past,” “Over the Rainbow,” and “Climb Every Mountain.” The act concludes with emotionally resonant performances that highlight each sister’s distinct vocal strengths and storytelling ability.

Act II brings playful energy, powerful theatrical moments, and a festive finale. Audiences can look forward to crowd favorites such as “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman,” “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Home,” and “Popular,” as well as moving duets like “For Good” and a joyful holiday closer with “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Anya Gutierrez is an internationally trained singer, actress, and dancer who starred as Belle in Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical and played Yvette in Miss Saigon with World Theater Productions in Guam (2022–2023). She recently portrayed Maria in the Ateneo dramatic play No Harm, No Foul (2024) and headlined major performances including the ISKiN 10th Anniversary Show at Solaire and Opening Night: A Broadway Concert at Ateneo’s Dulaang Sibol (2025). Anya trained in acting for film and television under renowned Hollywood coach Howard Fine and is a Soprano 1 trained in the McClosky Vocal Technique. She also continues her dance training with Douglas Nierras Power Dance and IDMM Ballet.

Cara Gutierrez is a Filipino-American actress and vocalist celebrated for her expressive authenticity and luminous vocal quality. She starred as principal Kim in Miss Saigon (World Theater Productions), earning critical praise for her raw emotional delivery and gentle strength, and is currently in callbacks for major productions including Hamilton, Les Misérables, and Aladdin. A Merit Scholar at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (New York City), Cara trained under Broadway professionals Kyle Taylor Parker, David Cady, Jim Elliott, and Jay Russell, with further international training at the Unseen Acting School in London, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and with West End dance instructors Jack William Parry and El Haq Latief; she also continues her hip hop and jazz training with Douglas Nierras Powerdance. Trained in the McClosky Vocal Technique, she brings emotional honesty, depth, and heart to every role, and holds a cum laude degree in Information Technology Entrepreneurship from Ateneo de Manila University.

Set against the stylish and intimate backdrop of U Hotel, Poblacion, the December 18 concert promises an evening of music, storytelling, and holiday warmth—led by two rising stars whose shared journey on international stages now comes home for a special Christmas performance.

Read More