Dionne Warwick with Jay-R (inset)

We asked her what she remembers most about her previous trips to the Philippines and the international musical legend Dionne Warwick said “shopping.” She always enjoyed shopping in the country but too bad this time she didn’t have enough time to do so. She left for Hong Kong last Saturday, the day after her concert at the Araneta Coliseum, to do her second Asian concert this year.

It was a good show, some friends reported to us although understandably because of the inclement weather, the audience was small (only about 300 die-hard fans). Dionne sang most of her hit songs, except “Promises, Promises” and “A House is not a Home,” and she didn’t do a duet with her special guest performer, Prince of R&B Jay-R.

Among her classic hit songs in her repertoire were “Say a Little Prayer for Me,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” “Don’t Make Me Over,” “Walk on By,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Alfie,” “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” “Déjà vu,” “Make It Easy on Your Own,”and “Always Something There to Remind Me.”

Dionne came to her press conference (held at the Crowne Plaza Sapphire Ballroom a few hours after her arrival) dressed casually in jeans, without make-up and wearing a baseball cap. We hardly recognized her.

Ms. Warwick was here for the first time in the 80s, and the last time she came over for a show was a few years ago.

The international legend whose illustrious career spans four decades (she’s now 69 years old) is a cousin of another internationally acclaimed performer, Whitney Houston. Both are hitmakers whose songs established them as musical icons of high caliber.

Ms. Warwick started out with the prolific songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David with whom she racked up no less than 30 hit songs and about 20 bestselling albums during their first decade together, which was a feat indeed.

And then, much later Ms. Warwick came out with other memorable hit singles including “Deja Vu,” “I’ll Never Love This Way Again,” and also reunited with longtime friend Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Elton John to record the classic “That’s What Friends Are For.” She also lent her voice to the popular 1985 global anthem “We Are The World” alongside Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and many others.

Dionne wasn’t only idolized and admired for her musical legacy but is also recognized for her humanitarian efforts. She continues to work tirelessly with various organizations dedicated to empowering and inspiring others. Her East Orange New Jersey Elementary School honored her by renaming it The Dionne Warwick Institute of Economics and Entrepreneurship. Also endowed with business savvy, she reactivated her skin care and fragrance line in 2003.

“A Memorable Evening with Dionne” was produced by H21 Events and SEMAX International Philippines, Inc. in cooperation with ALV International.

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Mark Bautista  continues to do well; now Mang Inasal endorser

Ever since he joined the show “Star for a Night,” where he won second prize, Mark Bautista started leading a new and different life. The guy from Cagayan de Oro was catapulted to fame and popularity and he continues to scale greater heights in the entertainment industry with the guidance of his management, Viva Artists Agency.

It is recalled that when his father Darni could no longer work as a seaman due to poor health, Mark decided to do things his own way to help his family (including his mother Susan and three siblings) financially. That’s why he joined “Star for a Night.”

Today, Mark is a popular showbiz personality, a mainstay of the star-studded and popular Sunday noontime program “ASAP” with a string of musical hits to his name, and even a blooming film career. But Mark confessed never in his entire life did he dream of such successes. All he wanted was to help his family.

Mark remarks, “Today I am overflowing with blessings. I recognize how valuable the opportunities that came my way are and I am making the most of them. I also acknowledge that the fruits of my work are gifts from God and I am thankful and glad to enjoy them.”

At the time Mark started making a name in the entertainment industry was also the time when Iloilo’s Mang Inasal made its Manila debut. “So I think we have some similarities,” Edgar “Injap” Sia II, the man behind the now very famous Mang Inasal, said. “Mark also started in 2004, the same with Mang Inasal. Like Mang Inasal, Mark is very unassuming but he has stayed in the entertainment world for quite some time already and he’s doing well. And we feel that Mark, like Mang Inasal, has very big potentials yet to come.”

For his part, Mark said, “They at Mang Inasal are very hardworking, they give it their all, they are persistent and aggressive. They want to succeed in the industry. And that is also what I see in myself.”

Today, after six years, Mang Inasal has 157 branches. The first in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia was actually the 18th branch of Mang Inasal. “For this year, we hope to have a total of 200 branches and another 100 by 2010,” Injap said.

“We are aiming for 100 branches a year nationwide in the next five years.”

The two gentlemen from the South are more inspired than ever. All their efforts are paying off, giving credence to the principle that hard work, patience, honest and faith in God make the best formula for success.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, Oct. 5, go to Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago, bride-to-be Korina Sanchez, US-based Leila Benitez-Simpson, Nelia Silverio, Mat Ranillo III, Rolly Quizon, Ida Joseph, Segundo “Bobby” Rodrigo, Canada-based Bing Baylon, Corazon G. Dizon, Gio Guiao, Karen Capina, Tita Calalang, Jet Ejercito, Inger Cuenco, Jiana Furagganan, Nanette Edillon, Melody Anne Bonoan, Virgie McAffrey, Marilou Sanchez Catalucci of San Francisco, CA; Elvis Trocio of DSWD Marketing Service, Danny Velasco of Plaza Fair, and Maja Salvador of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Sol and Nards Cansana…