Dingdong Dantes and Rhian Ramos in ‘Stairway to Heaven’

The undying love story of Cholo and Jodi in GMA’s “Stairway to Heaven” comes to its bittersweet finale on Friday.

“Stairway to Heaven,” which became the network’s No. 1 traditional drama on primetime, brought laughter and tears to the televiewers and managed to pull off a victory in the ratings game, consistently registering high in the charts.

Dingdong Dantes and Rhian Ramos along with the rest of the cast and production team gave an exceptional and laudable performance that earned the positive reviews and remarks of Filipino viewers and critics here and abroad.

On Friday, the yearning to be bonded forever with the only woman he ever loved intertwines in the heartbreaking drama and touching conclusion of Cholo and Jodi’s enduring romance. The ending will definitely leave everyone’s heart torn into pieces as Cholo vows to stay with Jodi until the very end.

After weathering all the storms and hurdles in their relationship, can Cholo reverse the fate of his dearest love Jodi through the power of his never-ending love? Will their love story and commitment to be together last till eternity?

The heart-wrenching finale of “Stairway to Heaven’s” unconditional story of endless love should not be missed on Friday, Dec. 11 right after “Full House” on GMA Telebabad.

Aussie singer Lenka at SM Malls

She became known with her hit singles “The Show” and “Trouble Is A Friend” which were used in popular US TV series like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Ugly Betty” and “90210.” This December, SM Malls and Sony Music are bringing sweet-sounding Australian singer Lenka for a series of shows at SM Malls on Dec. 11 to 13.

Co-presented by MYX and 96.3 EasyRock, “The Show with Lenka Live in Manila” will be held on Friday, Dec. 11 at SM Megamall, Dec. 12 at SM Mall of Asia and Dec. 13 at SM North EDSA. She will capture the hearts of Filipinos with her songs that are easy on the ears from her self-titled debut album which also features the new single “Knock Knock.” She thought of her record as a “mood-enhancer.” “I don’t like it when people are depressed. I want to cheer them up,” she said.

Lenka trained under Oscar winner Cate Blanchett when she started as an actress in her native Australia. She also described herself as a “punk-ass art school student” and was a vocalist/keyboardist for acclaimed indie electronic/ambient outfit Decoder Ring before moving to the United States to pursue a solo career as a singer.

Lenka’s self-titled album is still out in CDs under Sony Music. To download Lenka’s songs just text SC957 for “The Show” or SC975 for “Trouble Is A Friend” and send to 2332 (for Globe subscribers only).

Bukas Palad launches 14th studio album

The Bukas Palad Music Ministry, the group behind such liturgical tunes as “Tanging Yaman,” “Sa ‘Yo Lamang,” “Humayo’t Ihayag,” and “Hindi Kita Malilimutan,” will launch its latest album titled “To Love and Serve: Bukas Palad Chants” via a free concert on Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University.

“To Love and Serve” is the first of three albums that the group is producing to celebrate its upcoming 25th anniversary in 2011. It is composed of 10 new original chants of different themes and genres, all of which invite listeners to engage in deep prayer and worship.

Seeking more ways to reinvigorate the Filipino spirit, Bukas Palad writes, records, and performs religious music, releasing albums that help supply the growing need for more meaningful music. The group has also collaborated with such artists as Lea Salonga, Noel Cabangon, Jett Pangan, Cookie Chua, and Regine Velasquez to give their recordings greater mass appeal.

“To Love and Serve,” Bukas Palad’s 14th studio album, is produced by the Jesuit Music Ministry, and is available at Universal Records outlets.

Himig Ariel Scholars concert, a success!

The youths of Quezon City who were trained to be good stage performers through the efforts of Coun. Ariel Inton called “Himig Ariel Scholars” staged its first major concert at the Skydome, SM North EDSA with children inflicted with cancer as its beneficiaries. And it was a great success, attendance-wise. The dome was filled to the rafter.

The three-hour concert titled “Himig ng Kabataan: Pangarap ng Isang Makulay na Buhay” was a joint project of the Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the office the city councilor.

The Himig Ariel Scholars is a group of youngsters recruited by the office of the councilor that started more than a year ago. Most of them are children of poor families but full of talent in singing and dancing.

Alabang Town Center’s ‘A Chance to Share’ this Christmas

Alabang Town Center jumpstarts the season of giving with the recent launch of its Christmas campaign “A Chance to Share.”

While it has been part of the Alabang Town Center’s traditions to hold activities for the holidays, this year’s campaign is a special pioneering event because the Town will turn a center for giving in a community-wide effort involving companies, schools, churches, villages and the shopping center’s merchants and loyal patrons.

Key representatives from companies, like Honda, Isuzu, and Timezone; partner schools like Woodrose and De La Salle Zobel; and the beneficiaries had the chance to meet and get to know each other over a simple, relaxed dinner.

The “A Chance to Share” kicked off a season-long donation drive beginning Nov. 18 in schools, companies, and communities within the area. Donors will be encouraged to give at least two goods from the wish list of the three Muntinlupa-based beneficiaries, The Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation, the SOS Children’s Village, and the Munting Kalinga Foundation. Shoppers can also drop off their donations at the Alabang Town Center Christmas Corner and Concierge located at the Activity Center from Dec. 1 to 31.

“A Chance to Share” will culminate in a special concert featuring Lea Salonga with Gerard Salonga and the FilharmoniKA Orchestra on Dec. 20 at the Activity Center.