It’s four times the great music, laughter, and love when these four individual artists are on stage. Collectively called AngFourgettables—Ang4 for short—they are composed of comedian and the group’s founder Dyords Javier, TV and stage actress and recording artist Pinky Marquez; theater actor and singer Bo Cerrudo; and world-class performer and “Miss Saigon” alumnae Isay Alvarez.

Though each one stands out as accomplished performers, together their uniquely spontaneous brand of live musical performance has audiences clamoring for their superb renditions of ’70s, ’80s, jazz, and Broadway songs—spiked up, of course, by their repartees. For the past 15 years, Ang4 has been mounting several well-applauded concerts in Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the US—proof that their bond as performers and as friends has been made stronger by their commitment to making good music and making their audience feel good with each Ang4 performance.

With a full schedule of concerts already lined up this year, one particular show that the pop quartet is looking forward to is their forthcoming concert entitled “Kantahan, Katatawanan, Kayang-Kaya (KKK)” to be held on April 24. Besides promising some good times, the Ang4 will also be singing for a serious cause: The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI).

DSAPI Chairman Elmer Lapena says that the invitation to be the beneficiary of the much-anticipated concert came at a right time: In February, which is National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. “In spite of several studies and research on Down Syndrome, there are still a lot of people who really don’t know what it is. That’s why there is a real need to constantly come up with public information campaigns about it.”

Lapena explains that Down Syndrome is a common genetic variation (or handicap) that hits 1 in 800 infants in the Philippines. With a population that grew from 26M (1991) to 91M by 2007, there may be around 32,000 children born with DS in the country, though the past 16 years only saw 1,920 cases recorded by the Cytogenetics Lab in PGH.

Just like any other person, those who are afflicted with Down Syndrome need loving homes, early intervention, medical care, education, and positive public attitudes. DSAPI was formed in 1992 by parents and physicians as a support organization that has been helping families gain a deeper understanding of the syndrome and learn how to give the required medical and emotional care. Programs include various intervention seminars and free medical clinics. DSAPI held recently a series of activities including its annual Happy Walk at the SM Megamll grounds.

The show is the first venture of the group with producer Jojo Santos and his company Green Light. Santos explained that the people behind Green Light are fans of Ang4 that’s why they purposely tapped the accomplished pop quartet to join the worthy project. Ang4’s Dyords replies, “We don’t know how else we can help DSAPI other than give our best and let everyone have fun at the concert.”
Tickets to the Ang4’s concert “Kantahan, Katatawanan, Kayang-Kaya (KKK)” on April 24 are available at Greenlight Entertainment & Services Inc., Leslie Fangonin of the GSIS Museum Office.

For more info on Down Syndrome, visit DSAPI’s website: http://www.dsapi.org; or visit its office on the 2nd Floor, Agrifina Building, 6372 Camia corner Meleguas Streets, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City (near Rockwell); or e-mail dsapi@hotmail.com.

Rey Tiangco: Good-looking enough to be a movie actor

This early, John Rey Tiangco is touted to be the next mayor of Navotas City since his brother, the incumbent mayor, Toby Tiangco won’t be running anymore and instead would be seeking a congressional seat in the next national elections (in 2010).

But the first impression that you get from John Rey Tiangco is that he is good-looking enough to be a movie actor. And some movie writers during a recent dinner get-together at Annabel’s in Morato, asked him how come he hasn’t been discovered by Mother Lily?

Well, it’s because John Rey is more into business than anything else. Mayor Toby himself attest to his younger brother’s remarkable business acumen. “When I became mayor of Navotas, he took charge of the family’s business concerns and he really did well managing them,” Mayor Toby said.

A businessman by profession, John Rey, a BS Accounting graduate from the College of St. Benilde, DSLU, has held key posts in several corporations and organization. He is managing and corporate director of the R & LT Shipyard and Realty Dev. Corp. and the Trans-Pacific Journey Fishing Corp., president of the Admiral Aqua Farms, Inc., Admiral Marine Construct, Inc., and Admiral Koi Food Specialties, Inc.

John Rey was also president of the Signal Marine Shipyard, Inc., Pt Sinar Purefoods Int’l (Indonesia) and Trinity Marine Ventures (Vietname) among others.

Also, he is the president of the Metro Manila Shipyard Association, VP of the Inter-Island Deep Sea Fishing Association, director of the Confederation of Tuna Industry and Alliance of Fishing Associations, a number of the Philippine Exporter Association and Philippine Ship Builders Association, among others.

Currently, John Rey is a member of the Navotas Jaycees and Friday Club of Navotas. Aside from his socio-civic endeavors, John is very much into sports. He used to be a Philippine Team member in the World Youth Cup (tennis, 1987), and Philippine Team Captain in the World Youth Cup in 1988, UAAP champion (DLSU UAAP Tennis 2002 and 2005), and a top ranking player in the Philippine Tennis Juniors from 1984-1989.

Only 36, John Rey is married to young socialite Barbara Pardo.

Sisters pays tribute to young achievers

With young star Maja Salvador as its new endorser, Sisters Sanitary Napkin has been soaring to greater heights. Thanks also to their new campaign hypes on the corporate thrust of Mega Soft Hygienic Products, Inc. as announced by the company’s CEO and president Emilio Go.

“Our mission is to provide Filipino women with alternative, affordable feminine hygience products,” Go declared. “And we also want to position the brand as the best personal consumer hygiene product.”

Recently, Sisters paid tribute to young achievers who excelled in academics through a grand recognition day. Dubbed as “Sisters’ Achievement Day,” the event was held at the activity center of Ever Gotesco-Commonwealth. Aside from the awarding ceremonies, the event also formally launched the “Move Up” campaign with Maja taking the ceremonial launch of the brand’s new ad campaign. Spicing up the event were special performances from young celebrities PJ Valerio and Edgar Allan Guzman who also served as host of the program together with showbiz newbie Enz Guazon.

60 female students from selected public high schools in the Greater Manila Area were selected as Sisters achievers for the academic year 2008-2009. Each of them received cash and medals from Sisters. Three of them were also given trophies and laptops aside from the cash prizes.

“Our criteria in choosing our Sisters achievers are based on their academic and extra-curricular achievements,” Mega Soft’s VP for Finance Aileen Go said. “Aside from their outstanding academic achievements and exemplary moral values, they must be sisters or best friends in the school in consistency with the brand name Sisters.” According to her, they’ve been recognizing female student achievers since 2005. But this time, the search will be nationwide.

Maja is happy and proud to be part of the event. “I’m proud that Sisters has a mega soft heart for the underprivileged,” she said. “Imagine, they not only inspire the students but also help public schools in providing them with computers. It may not be as grand as compared to what big companies do, but already this small gesture means a lot to the recipients. Patunay lamang na kasayaw ng mga kabataan ang Sisters sa kanilang tagumpay.”

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 18, go to US-based singer Aileen Papin, Margie Logarta, Tentte Wilwayco, Juan Paolo Mangalino, Analyn Lazaro, Francis Garcia, Abigail Alva, Castrense “Carlos” R. Veloso of Virginia Beach, USA, and Dhorie Geronimo of London…