In a recent meeting with Viva’s big boss Vic del Rosario, he told me that in spite of the insistent clamor for a follow-up to the blockbuster movie of Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz “You Changed My Life” (the Star Cinema/Viva Films collaboration earned no less than P200 million!), Sarah can only do one movie a year. And no teleserye please, although the Pop Princess is slated to do a weekly drama series as soon as her schedule permits.

“Okay lang ang once a week show on TV, but ‘yong daily, hindi puede, it will be so tiring for Sarah, it will take a toll on her voice,” Boss Vic said. “Yong movie naman, na sequel to ‘You Changed My Life,’ next year na. Meron na kaming plano, the story is now being written. I don’t want Sarah to be over-exposed, especially marami siyang shows and product endorsements to fulfill.”

The shows Boss Vic was referring to include Sarah’s national concert tour starting on June 12. The series of shows is aptly billed “Sarah Geronimo – The Next One Philippine Tour 2009,” and will finally allow Sarah to share to her kababayans what her US/Canada concert tour has to offer that made so successful abroad.

On June 12, the Pop Princess turned concert queen and box-office queen and her guest performers will be at the De La Salle Sentrum in Lipa City. The day before (June 11), lucky Jollibee customers will have an exclusive “meet and greet” session with Sarah at the Jollibee Lipa Uptown. Jollibee is one of the big supporters of Sarah’s national concert tour.

After Lipa, Sarah’s concert will be at the Bren Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga on June 20; at the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City on June 26; Limketkai Atrium in Cagayan de Oro on July 3; St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City on July 17; Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City on July 31; University of Mindanao in Tagum City on Aug. 7; San Agustin Gym in Iloilo on Aug. 21; Tacloban City Convention Center on Aug. 28; Naga City on Sept. 11; and Holy Cross Gym in Davao City on Sept. 20.
In all these cities, Jollibee will treat lucky customers to a “meet and greet” session with Sarah a day before the concert.

‘The Next One’ now on DVD

Sarah, whose name definitely has become synonymous with multi-awarded albums, toprating TV shows and box-office films and other recognitions, staged another highly successful and acclaimed concert at the Araneta Coliseum in November 2008. In her latest local concert billed as “The Next One,” Sarah once more showcased the total performer that she has become.

And because of insistent public demand, the “The Next One” concert experience can now be brought home on original quality DVD! Memorable moments in the concert like Sarah playing the piano on the opening number, Sarah singing a duet with Backstreet Boys member Howie D. via video, and many more, can be reminisced over and over again anytime, anywhere.

The DVD also features portions of special guests sharing the limelight with Sarah. Must see performances are those with Billy Crawford, Jed Madela, Rayver Cruz, Shaina Magdayao, Maja Salvador and the romantic duet with John Lloyd Cruz. There are also bonus features included in the jam-packed DVD such as Behind the Scenes, Photo Gallery and Discography.

The tracks in the DVD are “Forever’s Not Enough,” “How Could You Say You Love Me,” Dance Suite: “Le Reve/When I Grow Up;” “That’s Not My Name,” “Ikaw,” “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin,” “Ikaw Ang Pangarap,” “Hurt,” “Please Don’t Stop the Music,” Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ Medley,” “Bright Lights,” “Ngayon, Bukas at Kailanman,” “Where Only Angels Fly,” “I’ll Be There,” “Played,” “Very Special Love,” “Kailan,” “Ngiti,” “Alone,” “I Believe I Can Fly,” “Sa Iyo.”

For those who have not seen the concert, owning the DVD is the perfect way to go back in time and be the next awed and satisfied audience to the Pop Princess’ performance.

“Sarah The Next One” DVD is now available at all record bars nationwide and supported by media partners MYX, 90.7 Love Radio, Yes FM 101.1, Ifm 93.9, 101.9 For Life, Manila Bulletin and BusinessWorld.

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‘Calayan Duets with the Icons’

In celebration of its third anniversary, Bellhaus Entertainment, Inc. released recently its latest album (and first for 2009). Entitled “Calayan Duets with the Icons,” the album showcases the singing talent of Dr. Manny Calayan, one of the country’s famous celebrity doctors. Doc Manny’s singing prowess was discovered via the reality TV show “Celebrity Duets,” shown on GMA-7 in 2007.

“Calayan Duets with the Icons” was launched recently at Hard Rock Café, with Doc Manny doing duets with Brenan Espartinez, Jed Madela, Jay-R, Faith Cuneta and her daughters Andrea and Bernice.

In the album produced by Arnee Mendaros, Doc Manny duets with some of the country’s popular and most established singer/performers: Concert King Martin Nievera, Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales, Asianovela Diva Faith Cuneta, R&B Prince Jay-R, The Voice Jed Madela and Soul Sensation Brenan Espartinez.

Featured in “Calayan Duets with the Icons” are well-loved songs such as “Through the Years” (duet with Martin), “You’ve Got A Friend” (with Pops), “In My Life” (with Pilita), “That’s What Friends Are For” (with Faith), “With A Little Help From My Friends” (with Jay-R), “Lean On Me” (with Jed), and “I’ll Be There” (with Brenan). An added feature is the song “For You I Will,” a duet of Doc Manny and his daughters Andrea and Bernice.

By the way, a bonus treat for buyers of the CD is free body scrub or deep cleansing services at the Calayan clinic. The CD album is now available in leading record bars nationwide.

Bellhouse Entertainment is under the management of TV and movie director Jeff Tan, who is also known as the youngest record producer in the country today. Jeff aims to discover and promote young talents in the music scene.

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Backroom artists join Independence Day rites

Backroom artists display their national pride as they join fellow Filipinos in the celebration of the country’s Independence Day here and abroad.

The Comedy Concert Queen Ms. Ai-Ai delas Alas will fly to Hong Kong for an Independence Day show titled “Sulong Pa Rin Ang Pinoy” to be held on June 14 at the Chater Road. The show is presented by The Philippine Association of Hong Kong under the auspices of The Consulate General. Joining her onstage as co-host is actor TJ Trinidad.

Prince of Pop Erik Santos’ singing brilliance and powerful stage performance always captivate audiences. As one of the most sought-after young male singers in the country, Erik performed last Monday, June 8, for the POEA Independence Day Celebration at the POEA Head Office. On June 12, he will perform at the Central Bank Convention Hall, Davao City and June 13 in Panabo, Davao City.
Expect fun and laughter as Funnyman Pooh takes centerstage with a show for the Filipino community at the Taoyuen Stadium Taiwan on June 13. Pooh is at his best when he exchanges witty banters with audiences and combine them with his riotous performance.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for June 10, go to former Rep. Ranjet R. Shahani, Atty. Tess Nicolas-Cativo, Belen Lizaso, Don Dolina of Tacloban, Norman “Boboy” Marcelo, Nita Burgos of New York, USA; Soledad Santiago-Tiongson of San Francisco, CA; Daisy Tamayo, Judy Banglan, Zaira dela Peña and Valeen Montenegro of Star Magic...