SMOKE GETS – A US-based friend tells this story which happened several years ago, but is worth telling. He has this friend, a lady singer, who vowed to conquer New York… and possibly the world, including Manila.
One time, she invited him (the friend earlier referred to) to watch her singing engagement in this Filipino restaurant which turned out to be a grill house (“ihaw-ihaw”). In the middle of her Broadway song, smoke emitted from the kitchen irritating the audience, prompting one to joke, “Part of the show, special effect.”
But the lady singer remained calm and poised, even when smoke gets in her eyes singing her heart out, belting as if there was no tomorrow.
Needless to say, she didn’t make it in New York… not even in Manila.
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HOPE SPRINGS – Here’s another story, from the same US-based friend. This time this actor-singer was determined to land a role on Broadway, as many Filipinos did in “Miss Saigon.”
Too bad that the most he got were bit roles on off-off-off Broadway… and not for lack of trying as day after day after day he auditioned.
After several years and his “career” was still going nowhere, friends advised him to get a 9 to 5 job. After all, he has a degree in a NY school. But no way saying, “Someday, somewhere, somehow I’d make it.”
Today “waley pa rin.” But then hope springs eternal in his determined heart and mind.
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EARLY VALENTINE – Here’s an early Valentine release.
THEY are back.
Viva Live is bringing back the singers of the New Minstrels, with an all-new repertoire for another evening of song, romance, dance, and fun happenings in “Happy Together.” And this outing is very special because joining The New Minstrels is the country’s premiere vocal group The Company. Titled “Happy Together,” this hit-filled first time event will be held on Feb. 13, 2017 at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center on Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
Leading showband of the ’70s era The Minstrels is famous for its pop rendition of Filipino standards like “Buhat” and “Balut” and boasts of members who have gone on to successful solo carrers. Returning for this extraordinary concert are some of those artists who these past few years have starred in blockbuster Valentine shows that delighted fans no end. These are Joey Albert (“Tell Me,” “Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin”), Ding Mercado (“See You There”), Chad Borja (“Ikaw Lang”) and Louie Reyes and Eugene Villaluz (“Nothing I Want More”).
The Company celebrated its 30th year in the music business last year. Initially inspired by groups like the Manhattan Transfer, the Swingle Singers and The New Minstrels, The Company has developed its own distinct, very unmistakable sound over the years. Among their hit singles are “Now That I Have You,” “Muntik Na Kitang Minahal,” “Paki Sabi Na Lang,” “Special Memory,” “Nawawala ang Puso Ko,” “Just a Love Song,” “What Would They Say,” “Afraid for Love to Fade,” “You Changed My Life in a Moment,” and “Manila.”
The Company today is made up of Moy Ortiz, bass and tenor; Sweet Plantado, soprano; Annie Quintos, soprano; Cecile Bautista, alto; and returning for this special show after years spent performing abroad is original member Reuben Llorente, tenor.
Tickets are priced at P4,500 Flat Center; P3,500 Flat Left/Right; P3,500 Level 2 Center, Left/Right; P3,000 Level 3 Center, Left/Right; P2,000 Level 3 Left/Right; P1,000 Balcony; and P400 Gallery.
Call SM Tickets at 470-2222; TicketWorld 891-9999; TicketNet 911-5555; and Viva Live 687-7236.
