Janet Jackson's costume showed off her curves that fans have been longing to see. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Janet Jackson has always been one of the sexiest women ever. Obviously she has the, bone structure in her face and her body has the perfect proportion of voluptuousness. What makes her extra sexy is the immense talent that she has consistently displayed. The performing side is a given with the voice and dancing. Song writing, composition and even acting skills makes her so desirable for her millions of fans across the world. Filipinos and fans from places like Guam and Middle East flew in to Manila, just to see her kick off her Asian tour.

Janet's sexiness is beyond the physical,it's seen on her body and felt in her songs. Photo by Jude Bautista

The pricey tickets that ranged from 25 grand to the cheapest at 5 grand was absolutely worth it for everyone who saw her on stage at the Phil. Intl. Convention Center last February 4, 2011. The title says it all, “Number Ones: Up Close and Personal Tour” organized locally by WILBROS Entertainment. She’s had so many number 1 hits (35 in total) that she could do a whole concert just performing those songs.

From left: Our very own musical superstar Vina Morales with Wilbros Entertainment Head Winston Llamas. Photo by Jude Bautista

Every single time she would make a music video it would be this huge event that everyone would wait for. Soon her dance steps could be seen performed not just by the youth but also in the acts of other artists. Our very own Vina Morales said, “I also attended her 1993 concert here in Manila. And she along with Madonna and Beyoncé have influenced a few of my dance numbers. I can’t wait to see her new moves and production in this concert. I feel she’s one of the best dancers out there.”

From left: Liezl Martinez, “Rosario” director Albert Martinez, Wilbros Entertainment Head Winston Llamas and Cha Balisbis. Photo by Jude Bautista

Her ballads mean so much to “Rosario” director Albert Martinez and wife Liezl. He said, “We’re fans since way back. At the time I was courting my wife, we both loved Janet’s ‘Lets Wait A While’.”  He’s also crossing his fingers that “Rosario” qualifies for several prestigious film fests such as Karlovi Vary, Cannes, Montreal, Dubai, Hong Kong and Pusan. Sea Princess, Tessa Prieto Valdes came in a Janet inspired costume. Tessa initially chose “What I’ll do (Satisfaction)” as her favorite hit but changed her mind and said “I love everything.”

Joel Cruz of Aficionado Perfumes said that they were there, “To groove to the hits and not just watch.” Joel’s new endorser John Lloyd Cruz was not among the celebs seen at the concert. Kim Chiu was without Gerald Anderson, gal pal Angelica Panganiban was with her. Kaye Tinga, Marvin Agustin, Pokwang, Regine Tolentino, model Ana Lloren, Mia Cabalfin, Kat Agarado, Christian De Vera, Phoem Barranda, and Jamie Rivera were also there.

“Black Cat”, is classified as a rock song and written by Janet herself. It is a great example of her wide range as an artist because she’s primarily known for R&B. Photo by Jude Bautista

The concert began with the “Go Deep” video that was first released in 1997. It has since been remixed by Timbaland. The track is dedicated for the Manila concert. Out of nowhere Janet appears in the middle of the stage singing in place of the video. Fans go out of their minds when they see her in a hot latex, space inspired suit. Her latest hit “Feedback” soon followed. The costume showed off her curves that fans have been longing to see and no one was disappointed. Her sexiness exudes the physical. It’s seen on her body and felt in her songs.

As part of Janet’s many advocacies she chose to show a movie clip of an abused wife, which she played. Audiences applauded when she physically defended herself and kicked the guy out, screaming, “Get out! Get out! This is my house! This is my house!” The clip was able to exemplify her acting skills while being able to deliver a message about spousal abuse.

Jamet'ss had so many number 1 hits (35 in total) that she could do a whole concert just performing those songs. Photo by Jude Bautista

Then came the biggest reactions to her ‘older’ but faster hits, “Miss You Much”, “Escapade”. By then it was just a huge party where everyone enjoyed themselves. Couples and most Filipinos however, truly appreciated her ballads “Let’s Wait a While” and “Again.” The paced was picked up once more with “Love Would Never Do without You”, her first no.1 hit “When I Think of You” and “It’s All for You.”

The “Rhythm Nation” was one of the few dance videos shot in black and white at the time and featured the choreography of Paula Abdul. This was way before Paula became an American Idol judge. “IF (Things I’ll do for you)” video had this elaborate Asian themed production design. The most high energy song of the night was “Black Cat”, classified as a rock song and written by Janet herself. The screeching guitars started the song and took the energy to a higher level. The song is a great example of her wide range as an artist because she’s primarily known for R&B.

The general consensus from the 90’s and onward was that she was beginning to overtake the popularity of even her brother Michael Jackson. She has certainly distinguished herself from her famous clan. But when you watch her up close there are certain moves that are quite similar with Michael. The crispness and snap of hands or legs coming together or arms outstretched ending with a gleaming smile, it’s the Jackson DNA in her. For some of Michael’s fans she may be the closest thing to seeing him again, LIVE.

Sponsors for the concert include: SMART Communications, Jack TV, Business World

Tickets were sold out a month before the concert date. Photo by Jude Bautista