In conjunction with the worldwide celebration of Earth Day, The Podium, in cooperation with Kamillosan M, the all-natural throat care maintenance formula in a spray, presents soprano Joscephine Gomez with guests mezzo-soprano Maricris Joaquin and baritone Lawrence Jatayna in a concert of opera arias, Broadway, French and Filipino songs that depict nature or use elements of nature for imagery, at the 2nd Floor Atrium on April 25, at 6:30 p.m.

Accompanied by pianist Carlos Perion, Gomez will perform “Stranger in Paradise” by Robert Wright and George Forrest from Kismet, “Depuis le jour” from Gustave Charpentier’s opera Louise, Lucio San Pedro’s “Hayun ang Bituin” and “Sa Umaga,” Jose Estella’s “Ang Maya” and Nicanor Abelardo’s “Mutya ng Pasig,” Marguerite Monnot’s “Hymn a l’amour,” Juan Carlos Calderon’s “Eres tu,” Ervin Drake’s “I Believe” and Stuart K. Hine’s “How Great Thou Art.”

Maricris Joaquin, the mezzo-soprano with the distinctively sonorous, captivating voice, will sing Ernani Cuenco’s “Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa” and, with Gomez, she will do the “Duette des Fleurs” from the French opera “Lakmé” by Leo Delibes.

Lawrence Jatayna, the young baritone with the big voice of enthralling quality, will interpret “I Talk to the Trees” from Frederick Loewe’s “Paint your Wagon,” Burton Lanes’ “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever” and “Ol’Man River” from Jerome Kern’s “Oklahoma.”

Gomez will also sing George Weiss and Bob Thiele’s “What a Wonderful World” and Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers’ “The Sound of Music” medley with her guest singers.

Dubbed “For Dear Earth,” the concert is in line with the soprano’s advocacy for cleaner air, water and against negative thoughts that pollute the environment.

Joscephine Gomez was recognized as the Philippines’ longest cancer survivor in 1999 by the Kapisanan ng may “K” sa Pilipinas after surviving the disease she was afflicted with as a child. An advocate of a healthy lifestyle and care of the environment, she has always had a preference for organic products like Kamillosan M, which she uses as a safeguard against environmental pollutants that can cause mouth and throat inflammation, as well as a breath freshener.

Other sponsors are Galerie Joaquin and Revlon. Admission is free.

‘Sumpa’ doing good at the tills

“Sumpa,” starring young star Joross Gamboa and hot girl Mocha Uson, is reportedly doing very well in the cinemas where it is showing.

With Mocha playing the female lead role, “Sumpa” is indeed a different horror flick. “We have seen a lot of good local horror movies lately, but none of them were sexy. The idea of combining sex and horror is definitely a winner,” explains Eric Ramos (of Maxim and FHM fame), the producer of the movie. “It’s been quite a while since the local audience has seen a sexy movie. And it’s been a long while too since we have seen sexy stars, and we found one of the best in Mocha,” adds Eric. True enough, Mocha represents a different type of sex symbol, with her morena skin tone and very Filipina features. And the public has really accepted her, with her in the cover of Maxim’s current issue that is selling like hotcakes, and the huge buzz her internet videos and pictures have generated.

And in “Sumpa,” Mocha gave her all, she said, to the point that Joross’ new girlfriend reportedly became very jealous. “We were quite shocked at the start of shoot, because Mocha was really very cooperative and had no qualms about going nude,” adds Eric, and from the press preview of the movie, the love scenes between Joross and Mocha were indeed sizzling hot. Mocha admits that Joross is her crush, thus, she really enjoyed doing the movie with him. And how about doing the love scenes? “Hay, as you said, baka may magalit pa, so, just watch it na lang and find out for yourself,” the hot morena giggles. She also has love scenes with her female co-stars, led by Tracy Torres.

“Sumpa” is the first movie venture of Yellow Media, the same group behind the huge video hits “Photoshoot,” “Blindside” and “Miss Taken.” But isn’t there a limit to what can be shown in the cinemas? “Yes, but trust me, we have enough to make the audience just as excited,” assures Eric. Well, to the legions of Eric Ramos fans, his word is enough.

“Sumpa” is about how Joross’ character unwillingly getting involved in a scheme devised by his uncle Mark Gil to break a long-standing evil spell.

Mowelfund cites Ariel Inton

The Mowelfund (Movie Workers’ Welfare Fund, Inc.) recently cited Councilor Ariel Enrile Inton, Jr. for helping the foundation in raising funds. The citation was called a “Service Award.”

The awarding ceremony was done in simple rites at the Mowelfund Plaza, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the foundation that serves as the insurance for small workers in the movie industry like the stuntmen, technicians, make-up artists, scriptwriters, cameramen and other members of the rank and file.

It is remembered that Councilor Inton filed an ordinance in the city council last year increasing ticket sales in all Quezon City cinemas for R1.00 that took effect in the whole month of July.

From this fundraising, the Mowelfund got R600,000, the amount of which will be used for cementing the Mowelfund grounds particularly the parking area leading to the main building and to German Moreno’s “Paradise of the Stars” where large standees of movie stars, both old and new, are its attraction.

With Ms. Boots Anson-Roa, who is the foundation’s executive director, as the master of ceremonies, the hardworking lawmaker received his citation from the National Artist for Movies Director Eddie Romero in the presence of other members of the board Atty. Espiridion Laxa (chairman), Ms. Marichu Maceda, Josefino Cenizal and Boy Vinarao.

Councilor Inton who has a soft spot for the dying industry was responsible for abolishing the amusement tax in the city thus encouraging movie producers to make more films. He also filed an ordinance in the city council that created the GMA Drive where the TV network lies for purposes of tourism.

2009 Entertainers’ Directory set for publication soon

The 2009 Entertainers’ Directory of the Philippines, 2nd Edition, is now being prepared for publication to help promote and book here and abroad live performing and recording artists, singers, bands, comedians, novelty performers, and dancers.

The 2009 Entertainers’ Directory will also serve as a documentary for the artists themselves for purposes of posterity.

To be included in the 2009 Entertainers’ Directory, an artist must send a brief resume, awards received if any, albums recorded, list of at least five live performances, TV and movie appearances, educational attainment and any other relevant information about the artist.

A close-up photo and one full shot must accompany the resume, and e-mail them to filmworkers@yahoo.com or mail them to Towns & Cities Media Services, G/F ALTU Bldg., 77 Scout Tobias St., South Triangle, Quezon City.

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 25, go to David Ussery, Lulu Mendoza, Rea Reyes, Normelita Ocampo, Tessie Arrieta, Vir Mateo, Joey C. Recio III, Naning Tensuan, Erlinda Gamboa, Dr. Mila Jardin Ongoco, Joel Taginhot, Norman C. Albano and Grace Lim Wong of Metrobank Sta. Cruz Branch… Congratulations and best wishes to Olaf and Jessa Torino from Dubai who are getting married tomorrow, April 26, in Calerrega, Batangas...