Merk’s Bar Bistro continues to stage talented Filipino performers this month of August.

Talented group Silk & Steel continues to liven up Monday nights on Aug. 3, 10 and 17 while retro band Acoustic Jive performs on all Tuesdays with Radha and Thursdays with May Bayot.

World-class jazz artists Merk and Friends featuring Romy Posadas and Richard Merk with vocalist Jacqui Magno take center stage on Aug. 5 and 19 while Queen of Jazz Annie Brazil returns and performs with Merk & Friends on Aug. 12 & 26.

Route 70 plays on all Fridays while Hi-Way 54 plays on all Aug. 8, 22 and 29. The best Elvis Presley impersonators are set to perform on Aug. 15, tickets are now available at Merk’s.

Happiest Happy Hour at Merk’s top bills Acoustic artist Romy Jorolan on Mondays, Jive Lite on Tuesdays and Thursdays, International Keyboardist Romy Posadas on Wednesdays. Renowned keyboardist Carding Cruz, Jr. serenades audiences on happy hour Fridays.

Savor Filipino food at its finest at Merk’s for cocktails, dinner and after hours. For reservations and inquiries visit Merk’s website at www.merksbarbistro.com or e-mail Merk’s at mail@merksbarbistro.com. Merk’s Bar Bistro is located at Level 3 Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City.

PAP guests on ‘Secrets of the Masters’ today

A one-of-a-kind gathering of masters is happening this Sunday on Q Channel 11 as “Secrets of the Masters” recognizes the world-class culinary artistry of the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines.

Pastry chef Jackie Ang-Po of “True Confections” pays tribute to her colleagues as she hosts this Sunday’s exhibition of the group’s award-winning creations. Joining her are the country’s renowned practitioners of pastry arts, James Antolin and Masters Buddy Trinidad and Penk Ching, who are returning to the show to share hosting duties with Jackie and honor the medalists of the concluded Hong Kong International Culinary Classic – widely regarded as the most prestigious culinary competition in Asia.

“Secrets of the Masters” (airing Sundays at 7 p.m.) begins with the group of Charlene Ngo, Ria Lingad and Roel Vargas who won the Gold Medal for the Live Baking event.

To cap the evening, Chef Ador Mendoza impresses the audience with his beautiful sugar sculpture. It’s not surprising how he was able to bring home the Bronze Medal in the category.

Young JV launches CD on ‘ASAP’

Young JV, the newest hip-hop R&B/rap sensation in the country, will launch his debut album titled “Ready or Not” in “ASAP 09” today, Aug. 2. He will perform his carrier single “That Girl” with international artist Billy Crawford.

“Ready or Not” is a 15-track collection that includes “Ready or Not,” “That Girl,” “Doin’ It Big,” “I Bet They Can’t Do It Like That,” “Can’t Get Enough,” “Do The Snap,” “The Way I Feel,” “Kapayapaan,” “Can I Kick It,” “Don’t Know You,” “Lipad Noypi,” “Kaibigan Lang,” “Ola Chica,” “Shake Shake” and “Outro.” The single “That Girl” is currently enjoying great airplay on radio. Its music video is directed by Treb Monteras and choreographed by Lenny dela Pena from Toronto, Canada.

“Ready or Not” is now available in all record stores nationwide. It is distributed by PolyEast Records and produced by Doin’ It Big Production.

Gig nights at Conways this August

The best intimate performances happen nightly at Conways Bar this month of August.

Catch the following bands in the flesh on these dates: Side A on Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; The New Minstrels on Aug. 4, 11, 18, and 25; Hi-Way 54 (and ballroom dancing night) on Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26; and Spirit of ’67 on Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27.

On weekends, catch the Big Nite Out on Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28; Rockin Revival on Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29; JC Jazz Quartet and Jam Night on Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.

Shows start at 8:30 p.m.

Flash your age at Edsa Shangri-La’s HEAT

Birthday celebrants commemorating their special days at HEAT will enjoy a dining discount equivalent to their age. A complimentary delectable birthday cake adds cheer to the occasion. Share this privilege with family and friends. After all, what is a birthday without them? Flash It! Flaunt It! Age is no longer meant to be kept a secret at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila.

The “Flash Your Age” promotion is only valid on the exact date of the celebrant, and will run from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30. A total of eight persons will be entitled to the dining discount. The celebrant must present a valid ID (i.e. Driver’s License, Passport, SSS ID only) with the birth date clearly shown to avail of the discount. This promo is not valid on public holidays and in conjunction with other promotions and privileges including Club Edsa, credit card discounts, rewards redemption vouchers, complimentary dining vouchers and special promotions. Prior reservations are required.

New radio program – ‘Bumabati’

There’s a new radio program worth listening to over the weekend. “Bumabati” is a one-hour weekly program that, for a change, focuses only on good and positive news during the week.

This “feel good” program aims to inspire its listeners to keep a positive outlook and see the goodness in our society. As a bonus, it also gives tips and insights regarding education, employment and entrepreneurship, considered the basic foundations of progress and self-sufficiency. “Bumabati” is also an open forum for greetings and congratulations for all occassions including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and for various accomplishments and successful endeavors.

“Bumabati” is hosted by Barbie Atienza, a Human Resources management and Public Relations professional, and airs over DZRJ-AM 810 khz Radyo Bandido every Sunday 3:30-4:30 p.m.