Tom Jones

Tom Jones, the international pop sensation who captivated millions with the beauty and charm of his timeless love songs and romantic ditties, will be reunited with his countless Filipino fans when he visits Manila for a concert on March 28 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Titled “Tom Jones Live In Manila!,” the one-night musical event from Ovation Productions is part of the Welsh star’s Asia-Australia tour that also includes New Zealand.

It will showcase a breathtaking array of classic and contemporary hits from one of the most acclaimed and enduring personalities in pop music, such as “It’s Not Unusual,” “Delilah,” “Green Green Grass Of Home,” “Help Yourself,” “Love Me Tonight,” “I Who Have Nothing,” “She’s A Lady,” “Kiss” (You Don’t Have To Be Rich), “Sex Bomb,” “Black Betty” and “Stoned In Love.”

The concert promises an unforgettable treat for music lovers from a singer and entertainer who is endowed with a special appeal and attraction that translate into an indefinable and lasting chemistry with his audience.

With his gorgeous baritone in absolutely perfect form that can reach every corner of the concert hall, Jones turns every performance into an absolutely delightful and entertaining experience.

Known in his native Wales as “Jones the Voice,” he is considered one of the most respected, admired and loved performers in modern popular music because of his unique vocal power, ability and appeal.

Tom Jones started his career in the 1960s and initially acquired a reputation as the front man for a local beat group in his native South Wales, until he was discovered by future manager Gordon Mills, who took him to London and renamed him “Tom Jones.”

Jones became a sensation with the release in early 1965 of “It’s Not Unusual,” which turned into an instant hit, reaching No. 1 in the United Kingdom and the Top 10 in America in March.

In the same year, he sang the theme song to the James Bond spy thriller, “Thunderball,” and received the Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” for 1965.

He maintained his top chart position in the UK and the US, propelled by his most successful single ever, “Green Green Grass Of Home,” plus a string of hit singles and albums, such as “What’s New Pussycat,” “Help Yourself” and “Delilah.”

In 1970, he achieved multiple successes in the UK with “Daughter Of Darkness,” “She’s A Lady,” “Till” and “The New Mexican Puppeteer” and scored a No. 1 country hit in the US with “Say You’ll Stay Until Tomorrow,” which also reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Considered as the biggest hit of Jones’ career was his “Reload” album (2000), a compilation of cover versions recorded as duets with contemporary artists, using their record producers and their recording methods. The album reached No. 1 in the UK and sold over 4 million copies worldwide.

This was followed by his 2002 album, “Mr. Jones,” which included the singles “Tom Jones International” and “Black Betty.”

Throughout 2000, Jones received a number of honors for his achievements, including a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music (2003) and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6608 Hollywood Blvd. He was also tapped as the new voice of Australia’s National Rugby League, singing in an advertisement to market the 2000 season.

Last year, Jones continued with his touring and recording activities, spending a major portion of the year performing at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas and in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He also had appearances in other parts of the US, the UK and Canada.

Of contemporary interest to local fans, Jones sang the national anthem of Great Britain during the boxing match of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 in Las Vegas.

Tickets to the “Tom Jones Live In Manila!” are priced at P7,500, P6,500, P4,500, P2,500, P1,000 and P600 and are available at Ticketnet outlets at all SM Department Stores.

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Museum for the Stars

Quezon City is truly the entertainment capital of the Philippines! Seven TV networks are located in the city while it also hosts the biggest number of movie houses!

But more can still be done to enhance that title of being the country’s “Entertainment Capital.”

Mike Defensor, during a recent informal dialogue with the entertainment media, said that a “Museum for the Stars” should be constructed in the city, like the Universal Studios in Los Angeles. The museum would include a wax section where life-size replicas of the icons and legends of the entertainment industry could be made.

“The Walk of Fame done by Kuya Germs is very commendable, but we can pick up from that,” Mike stressed. “The Museum for the Stars would be the core of the entertainment industry as the various production companies will be provided with office spaces, production facilities and stores where people can buy souvenir items, and other goods related to showbiz.”

The museum will also feature mini preview rooms, movie library stocked with copies of Pinoy movies (in VCD/DVD format), a library on entertainment industries, and coffee shops or mini-restaurants where fans of the entertainment industry can also relax and enjoy their time while within the Museum for the Stars.

Mike Defensor, who is a mayoralty candidate for Quezon City, also said that there are more than enough spaces in Quezon City where to build the Museum for the Stars.

With a P10 billion operational budget of Quezon City, plus maybe another P2 billion supplementary budget, the city government can well afford to build a Museum for the Stars which will greatly promote the city, attract more investments and tourists, and create more employment as well.

“It’s a question of wise spending – especially on projects that earn more for the city and benefit the people as well,” Mike said.

Mike also said that in Makati City, senior citizens enjoy going to the movies for free, at least twice a week. Of course, it is subsidized by the Makati City government.

“In Quezon City, we shall make it every day. Senior citizens can go the movies every day for free, subsidized by the city government. There are enough funds for it,” Mike said. In effect, such a gesture will help boost the local movie industry!

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on March 2 go to Cocoy Laurel, Paquita Revilla, Alice Cuazon, Monette Guevara, Rebecca Guinto, Dr. Hermie M. Isaac, Dick E. Orense, Danny Mangahas, Ferdie Salinas Mary Ann M. Dela Cruz and MB’s Mark Anthony P. Lara.