Tom Jones

Undoubtedly, singing superstar Tom Jones is one musical personality who has left an indelible mark in popular entertainment because of his magical voice that was behind dozens of hits that captivated millions worldwide for more than 40 years.

Who is the avid music fan who has not enjoyed listening to or crooning classic ditties like “It’s Not Unusual,” “Delilah,” and “Green Green Grass of Home,” among many other memorable tunes that formed parts of one’s musical entertainment fare during his growing-up years?

If there is one unique quality that makes Jones stand out head and shoulder over other artists of his generation, it is the combination of his raw vocal power, exceptional ability, and endearing appeal – cementing his stature as one of the most loved, admired, and respected singers and performers of all time.

Jones is expected to exude the same superb talent and marvelous charm and captivate Pinoy fans once more when he returns to Manila to perform at his highly anticipated major concert at the Araneta Coliseum on March 28.

A one-night musical presentation from Ovation Productions, “Tom Jones in Manila!” will reunite the Welsh singing idol with his Filipino fans after almost two decades since his last live performance here.

In the show, which is part of Jones’ Asia-Australia tour that also covers New Zealand, he is expected to perform a rich array of other classic hits and contemporary songs, such as “Help Yourself,” “Love Me Tonight,” “I Who Have Nothing,” “She’s A Lady,” “Kiss,” “Sex Bomb,” “Black Betty,” and “Stoned In Love.”

Jones started his career in the 1960s, initially acquiring a reputation as the frontman for a local beat group in his native South Wales (where he is known as “Jones the Voice”) before he was discovered by future manager Gordon Mills, who took him to London and renamed him Tom Jones.

He became an overnight sensation with the release in early 1965 of “It’s Not Unusual,” which became 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.”

He maintained his top chart position in the UK and the US because of 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.”

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 selected 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.

Filipino fans were thrilled when they saw Jones sang the national anthem of Great Britain during the boxing match of Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao against Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 in Las Vegas.

“Tom Jones in Manila” is presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with ETC Entertainment Channel, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, Mercedes-Benz, RJ 100.3 FM, and PCSO.

It is also supported by Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, BusinessWorld, 105.1 FM Crossover, 90.7 Love Radio, 97.9 Home Radio, 99.5 FT, U 92, OptimaSignsolutions, Focalcast Network, MYX, and ABS-CBN.

Tickets are available at Ticketnet outlets at all SM Department Stores.

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‘Doctor to the Stars’ is happier now in LA

Dr. Pie Calayan, who like her husband Dr. Manny Calayan, is known as “Doctor to the Stars” because of the many movie and TV stars and celebrities (among them Ai Ai delas Alas, Marvin Agustin, Billy Crawford, Vice Ganda, TV hosts Kat de Castro and Jason Gainza, and even the controversial Katrina Halili) who trust her for their beauty needs, is now based in Los Angeles, California, in Beverly Hills no less, and happily so.

When we were in LA last month, we made time to visit Dra. Pie at her medical aesthetics clinic along La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, and we were impressed! Not only it is located in an expensive area, but it boasts of state-of-the-art equipment and other medical paraphernalia.

Of course we were curious to find out if it’s true she and Dr. Manny have separated, and if her face has really been damaged after a procedure she underwent per rumors that had been circulating in Manila.

Well, Dra. Pie’s face looked unblemished, without any sign of any procedure or mutilation. But she got sick, that’s the truth. In fact, the reason she left for the US was to seek medical help when she suffered from adrenal fatigue syndrome. “My sickness was stress-related, katulad ng kay Suzanne Summers. Sa Manila, they were not able to diagnose it, so I decided to go to America para magpagamot. I got well, so I decided to stay, because here, walang stress ang buhay ko,” she said.

As to the rumor saying she and Dr. Manny have separated, it’s only by distance, she said. They are still together as a couple but she’s going to stay in America, and Dr. Manny will stay in Manila to oversee their clinic. But every now and then, he would go to LA especially when he has procedures to do. Dra. Pie proudly showed us Dr. Manny’s brand-new and very modern operating table.

“It’s better for me here in LA. My day begins and ends with my dogs, a Golden Retriever and a Chihuahua, which give me so much happiness."

She herself takes care of the dogs’ needs, walking them around each day, bathing and grooming them herself since she doesn’t have any domestic help. She even brings them to training school.

“Here, I do all the household chores and I like it because if you have a maid, magkakaroon ka lang ng stress.”

What she also likes in America, Dra. Pie said, is “everyone is very professional. They stick to their appointments. And if they can’t make it, they call ahead of time, hindi kagaya sa atin na most of the time our patients come at their own sweet time…hindi nagpapasabi kung late sila darating.”

Before they set up Calayan Medical Aesthetics in Beverly Hills in May 2009 (it became operational in December 2009), Dra. Pie studied and obtained certifications in advanced medical aesthetics at the Biomani Center for Advanced Medical Aesthetics. She is now a Certified Medical Aesthetics Provider (MAP). Her daughter Hanna is now studying at Sta. Monica College in preparation for her pre-Med studies in UCLA. Bernice and Andrea are still in junior high school but both will pursue medical courses, too, Dra. Pie said.

Most of their customers in LA are Filipinos and Fil-Americans. Most of them want treatments for scars, pigmentations, pimples, and other skin problems. Foreigners go to their clinic to buy their products especially Latisse (with Brook Shields as model) which is used for treatment of hypotrichiosis, which is another name for inadequate or not enough eyelashes. “It is used to grow eyelashes and make them longer, thicker, and darker,” Dra. Pie said.

By the way, Dra. Pie is very supportive of her husband who’s seeking a seat in Congress under the Alyansa ng Media at Showbiz (AMS).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on March 27 go to Amb. Ruperto Dizon, Cesar C. Zalamea, Liezl Sumilang-Martinez, Lydia Castillo Shem ap, Geena Zablan, Arlene dela Cruz, Gerry Constantino, Baby Austria, CJ Sarino, New York-based Aurem D. Martinez, Boriphat Phansaithong and Jessica Balatucan, Ruperto Sarmiento, Norma Castro Baja, Maxima Matanguihan of Chicago, Illinois; Nitz Castillo, Linda Bolido and Manny Angeles.