After a decade of navigating the ups and downs of show business, singer-actor Wilbert Ross is celebrating a career breakthrough with “WRten By,” a two-night sold-out concert at the New Frontier Theater.
Tickets for the July 25 and 26 concerts sold out within an hour of going on sale, something Ross admitted he never expected despite steadily building a loyal fan base through acting, music and digital projects over the years.
Speaking during a press conference, Ross revealed that the emotional video of him crying after the ticket sales was never intended for public viewing, but was simply his honest reaction after weeks of anxiety leading up to the concert announcement.
“I never became fully confident about anything in my career. I always had this thought in my mind that I wasn’t sure if I could fill the venue or if many people would actually come to watch.”
The singer said he entered the project with little expectations, hoping only that at least one night would eventually sell out because he was uncertain if he would ever be given another opportunity to stage a major solo concert.
“I wasn’t sure if I would ever get another chance. This felt like the perfect opportunity to do it and to share my music."
Ross explained that the fast sellout became even more meaningful because it represented genuine support from people willing to spend both time and money just to watch him perform live.
“Just because you have many likes on social media doesn’t mean it will automatically reflect in ticket sales. It’s different when people intentionally go out of their way and spend money for you.”
To him, one of the biggest surprises was discovering that many of the concertgoers were “silent supporters” who rarely interacted online but had quietly waited for the opportunity to finally see him onstage.
“They’re not the type who constantly comment or post about me, but apparently they were waiting for my concert because they wanted to hear my music live. That made me really happy.”
Ross first gained public attention in 2016 after joining “Tawag ng Tanghalan” and “Pinoy Boyband Superstar” before becoming one of the original members of the dance group Hashtags on “It’s Showtime.” That exposure later opened doors to acting projects in films such as “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” “Nokturno,” “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile” and “Pagpag 24/7.”
However, he found more success in showbiz after signing with Viva Artists Agency in 2020. Under the management agency, he was able to bag his breakout role as Arkin Sanchez in Viva One's University Series, gaining further popularity with his lead role in “Golden Scenery of Tomorrow” alongside Bea Binene.
Through the show, Ross and Binene became a successful love team popularly known as WilBea, making supporters swoon with their undeniable chemistry on screen and during live shows.
Meanwhile, Ross emphasized that his rise in the entertainment industry was far from easy, describing his career journey as a “slow burn” marked by breakdowns, frustrations and uncertainty.
“As far as I can remember, there were only breakdowns. But it never crossed my mind to quit. I would cry, feel frustrated, then the next day I’d grind again. I’d write another song and keep hoping someone would notice me,” he shared when asked if he had ever thought of giving up.
Ross said enduring those difficult years ultimately shaped both his discipline and appreciation for every opportunity that came his way.
“Life may have been hard for me in showbiz. But I’m proud because those experiences molded me. They strengthened my work ethic and my love for the craft.”
Beyond music and acting, Ross has also ventured into writing, revealing during the press conference that he is preparing to release two comics and a novella at the Manila International Book Fair later this year, including his original Filipino anti-superhero story “Atleta.”
Ross is expected to perform songs from his album “Aking Musika,” along with fan favorites such as “Ginintuang Tanawin,” “Avianna,” “Ikaw Ang Aking Musika,” and “Paggising Kong Muli” during the sold-out anniversary concerts.