Rob Deniel never imagined a single performance could change everything.
In July 2025, the young singer captured hearts nationwide after his emotional performance of Ogie Alcasid’s classics “Nandito Ako” and “Ikaw Sana” at an award show. The moment went viral — and suddenly, Rob was no longer just a rising artist. He was a name everyone was talking about.
But behind the applause was fear.
In his guest appearance on “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” Rob admitted he was overwhelmed knowing that Ogie himself was watching from the audience.
“Nag-congrats siya. Siyempre, thankful ako kay Sir Ogie,” Rob shared softly. He thanked the OPM icon not only for the songs, but for the support he felt while performing right in front of him.
The pressure was real.
Rob revealed he almost turned down the tribute offer — not because he didn’t admire Ogie, but because singing an icon’s songs in front of the icon himself felt terrifying.
“Nakakakaba talaga,” he said. “Hindi ko alam kung tatanggapin ko noon. Ang bigat ng pressure.”
He wasn’t even sure how he would pull it off.
What pushed him forward was his team — his band, his people — who believed in him when doubt crept in. Together, they created a rendition that stayed true to the originals, yet carried Rob’s own voice and soul.
And it worked.
Ogie later thanked Rob in a separate interview, sharing how the viral performance helped boost streams of “Nandito Ako” on Spotify. Inspired by the response, Rob officially released his own versions of “Nandito Ako” and “Ikaw Sana” in October 2025.
Since then, Rob has continued to build his own sound with songs like “Miss Miss,” “Sinta,” and “Ang Pag-Ibig.”
Now, the journey comes full circle.
On February 27, Rob Deniel will headline his first major solo concert, “The Rob Deniel Show,” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum — joined by none other than Ogie Alcasid, alongside Arthur Nery, Janine Teñoso, and Pops Fernandez.
From a nerve-wracking tribute to sharing the same stage with his idol — Rob Deniel’s story is proof that courage, support, and heart can turn fear into unforgettable moments.
