Moira Talks Finding Courage, Taking ‘Braver’ Concert Series to Cebu, and More

Singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre is set to stage the third leg of her “Braver Moira” concert series.

After the success of her Davao and Manila concerts, she is heading to Cebu on October 25, Friday, to bring the Wish 107.5- and Cornerstone Concerts-produced show to the Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Hotel.

Before the music revelry unfolds, the 25-year-old OPM star entertained questions from the media and talked about having Cebu as her next stop for “Braver,” her upcoming projects, finding courage in the process, and more.

How is ‘Braver Moira’ different from your first-ever major solo concert ‘Tagpuan’ held in February last year? 

When I did “Tagpuan” ⁠— as well as the “Malaya” album ⁠— I was relating it to the autumn season, the fall season. It’s about letting go and acceptance, because for you to be able to grasp the new you, you have to let go of the old.

With “Braver Moira,” it’s actually about the “winter season.” Winter, for me, is a season of waiting. Oftentimes, when we take risks, we expect to see the results immediately. But in reality, you have to wait first. Your faith has to be practiced and tested first. There are lessons that need to be learned first.

For you, what does it mean to be brave? 

I was diagnosed with a depressive mood and for a long time, I felt very lost. From that experience I realized how you’d never see the strength you have in you if you give up. Because being braver means persevering even when you don’t feel so brave. It’s rising up to the challenge even when you don’t feel enough. It’s about sticking to the fight even when you want to quit.

How have you gotten braver, musically speaking?

To prepare for the “Braver Moira” concert series, I started taking workshops and doing lessons. I am a very shy person, so even to move and walk on stage is a big thing for me. Without the workshops, there’ll be so many things I’ll never know I can do.

I was also writing with [my husband] Jason the songs for the “Paalam” album, which is the album counterpart of the “Braver” concert. While writing, I did not know I could belt a little bit. 

I feel like this year is the most challenging year of my life and it was also in that challenging times that we were able to write the whole album. Relating it again to the winter theme, I really felt like winter does make people brave. It’s that season where you acknowledge the pain, and you persevere even while feeling that pain.

During the process, I also discovered that I have a very strong personality and I know what I want. I love to collaborate, I enjoy celebrating other people. I really love it that I get to share my dreams with other people. For the album, I collaborated with I Belong To The Zoo; my husband and I also have a song together. Erik [Santos] and Yeng [Constantino], we’re currently working on something.

Now, you’re on the third leg of ‘Braver Moira’ and this time you’ll be performing in Cebu. How special is this place for you?

When I was just starting out, there were many mall shows where almost nobody watched. It was in Cebu as well as in Davao where I had a crowd that actually sang along to my songs. That’s why I will never forget these places. I have so many memories in my head -- from where I used to be and where I am now. And I’m just so grateful because it feels like all of you journeyed with me.

What can the Cebuanos expect in your upcoming concert?

Cebuanos can expect authenticity and realness from me. I admit that I’m not the strongest singer I’m not the strongest performer but I’m a really strong songwriter and I’m a great storyteller -- that’s what they can expect. 

If I concern myself about pleasing a hard-to-please crowd, like what they say about the Cebuano crowd, I'll just feel pressured. That’s why I’m gonna go as me. I’m gonna go with my new songs. I’m gonna be performing my new songs that are not out yet. I really feel like I have a great, hopeful story to tell. I just really want to inspire and encourage, that’s my goal.‍

The Cebu leg of “Braver Moira” is happening on October 25, 2019 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Hotel, with Ice Seguerra and I Belong To The Zoo as special guests. Get your tickets now at www.smtickets.com, www.platinumlist.net, or at the Waterfront lobby. For ticket reservations, call 032-232-6888 or 0915-535-3873.

This concert is a joint production between Wish 107.5 and Cornerstone Concerts, co-presented by Waterfront Hotel, and made possible by the following major sponsors -- Shell, Ayala Malls Bloc and MDF Productions -- and minor sponsors -- Filipino Homes, GT Cosmetics, Foodpanda, Titay's, and Island Tea Co. Special thanks to UNTV, Power 89.1, Power 90.3, Bai Radio TV, Sunstar, Global Image Advertising, Steel Art Billboard, Alcordo Advertising, Cebu Daily News, InqPOP, Inquirer.net, Bai TV, Pop News, AdPamo VisMin, Aksyon Radyo, Love Radio, Go Large, House of Lechon, Mabolo Royale Hotel, and Maxus G10.

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