Another big event in the local entertainment scene that every avid music enthusiast would be ecstatic about is the forthcoming return of American singing sensation Boyz II Men, who will perform at a major concert on July 21 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City and another show on July 22 at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.

Acclaimed as the most successful R&B male vocal group of all time, the popular act is expected to wow thousands of Pinoy fans during the gig dubbed as “Boyz II Men Live!” as it performs a collection of its greatest R&B hits of two generation featuring its latest Motown remakes and its million-selling hits of the 1990s.

Among its hit songs that captivated millions throughout the world were “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday,” “Uhh Ahh,” “End Of The Road,” “I’ll Make Love To You,” “On Bended Knee,” and many others.

Now on its 20th year of successful music-making, Boyz II Men started as a quintet in 1988 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that eventually ended up as a three-man vocal group recognized individually as distinctive lead singers and known for their trademark smooth harmonies.

In 1991, after signing up with Motown Records, Boyz II Men released its debut album, “Cooleyhighharmony,” which became a classic of the Nineties’ “new jack swing” or – to use Boyz II Men’s own description – “hip-hop doo-wop.”

Its 1992 single, “End Of The Road,” won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and was added to subsequent pressings of “Cooleyhighharmony.”

Boyz II Men’s 1994 second album, “II,” which also featured the songwriting and production of Babyface, topped the Billboard chart for five weeks, won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and sold over 12 million copies mainly on account of its two Number One pop singles, “I’ll Make Love To You” (also a long-running R&B No. 1) and “On Bended Knee,” both certified platinum.

When it was replaced by “On Bended Knee” at the top of the Hot 100, Boyz II Men became only the third act in chart history – after Elvis Presley and The Beatles – to replace themselves at No. 1.

In 1995, the group collaborated with Mariah Carey on “One Sweet Day,” a track from her best-selling album, “Daydream.” It became another multimillion-selling single, topping the Hot 100 for 16 weeks and earning both artists the 1996 Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

The 2007 launch of “Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville, USA,” Boyz II Men’s first major-label release in five years, stirred renewed interest in the music of the group which displayed a level of vocal artistry and sophistication and faithfulness to the sound and spirit of the originals few have shown in numerous tributes and cover versions for songs of Motown Records artists.

Working with Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Randy Jackson, the Boyz II Men threesome of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris (no relation to Nathan) brought its special brand of musical magic to 12 all-time Motown hits, including Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).” Smokey Robinson and The Miracles’ “The Tracks Of My Tears,” The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me),” Edwin Starr’s “War” and the Stevie Wonder favorite, “I Was Made To Love Her.”

“Boyz II Men Live!” is presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, C/S Origin and RJ 100.3 FM and sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, Edsa Shangri-La, Chrysler, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, ABS-CBN ASAP Live!, Philippine Star and BusinessWorld.

Other supporters include XFM 92.3, Max E, Magic 89.9 , 105.1 FM Crossover, Jam 88.3, 97.9 Manila Home Radio, Wave 89.1, Energy FM 91.5, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Philstar.com, GetzMo! and Focalcast.

(Tickets to the Araneta Coliseum show are available at Ticketnet outlets at SM Department Stores.)

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‘Pitik Bulag’ rated A by CEB

“Pitik Bulag,” the indie film starring Marco Alcaraz, Paloma and Victor Neri, started its regular screening in selected Metro Manila theaters last July 1.

Directed by Gil Portes with screenplay by Eric Ramos, the movie is touted as the official launching movie of the hottest onscreen tandem of Marco and Paloma, whose sexual chemistry and combined acting prowess assure the flick of recognition in forthcoming international film festivals.

Though it sizzles with titillating and controversial love scenes, the erotic thriller also tackles the intricacies involved in a moral dilemma.

The film, about a sexually adventurous couple, is showing without any cuts by the Movie & Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB), in the following theaters: Robinsons Galeria, Robinsons Ermita, Remar, Cinerama,Gotesco Grand Central, Gotesco Ortigas, Ultra-Vista Cebu.

The cast of “Pitik Bulag” will have a “meet and greet” session with fans on Saturday, July 4, at 6 p.m. at Robinsons Galeria.

“Pitik Bulag,” produced by ALV Productions in cooperation with LVD Multi-media, is strictly for adults only.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Friday, July 3, go to Sunshine Dizon, Louie Heredia, Viring S. Ongkeko, Louie Ablaza, Tommy Manotoc, Nora Abat Saba, Jesus Ernesto R. Sibal, Roselle Villanueva, Vicky Veloso-Barrera, Ma. Luz Dominique M. Martel, Crisanta S. Aquino, Rodolfo Baluyut, Rose B. Peña and Reggie Bonoan of Balita…