When Tears for Fears mounts the Araneta Coliseum stage on May 2 for its much-awaited concert, it will culminate several weeks of great excitement and anticipation among thousands of music enthusiasts thrilled by the prospect of watching the iconic pop rock band perform live in Manila.

Adding to the ecstatic atmosphere among die-hard fans is the fact that the celebrated duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith will be seen here for the first time only a few years since they got back together as a musical act and subsequently embarked on one of the most successful comebacks in pop music history.

Billed as “Tears For Fears Live In Manila!,” the one-night musical presentation from Ovation Productions is the Philippine leg of the four-city Southeast Asian tour by the celebrated duo that also includes Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

To be featured in the show are the local groups Pupil and Sandwich.

Tears for Fears was formed by teenagers Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith in their home city of Bath, Somerset, England in the early ’80s, where they played as session musicians for the band Neon before making their professional debut with the mod-influenced band Graduate.

Orzabal and Smith were swept into the musical limelight through their 1983 debut album, “The Hurting,” but they achieved greater success with their second album, “Songs From The Big Chair” (released in 1985) which ultimately catapulted Tears for Fears to superstardom.

“Tears For Fears Live In Manila!” is presented by Smart Gold in cooperation with Maldita, Black Sheep by Maldita, Mental, Sandbox and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office with the support of ETC Entertainment Channel, 2nd Avenue, Hallmark Channel, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, RJ 100.3 FM, ABS-CBN and MYX.

It is also supported by Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, Magic 89.9, Monster Radio RX 93.1, U-92, 90.7 Love Radio, 97.9 Home Radio, 95.3 FT, NU 107, 96.3 Easy Rock, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Yes FM 101.5, Mellow 94.7, Underground Radio 105.9 FM, 105.1 FM Crossover, ClickTheCity.com, OptimaSignsolutions and Focalcast Network.

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

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The other side of Mystica

After a four-year hiatus in America, singer-dancer Mystica is back in town and excitedly so because she said she missed the country which she loves so much. More importantly, she has come back to help street kids through her own Mystica Foundation.

Mystica, who is Ruby Rose Villanueva Cassidy in real life, is also set to unveil a new aspect of her persona – that as a Motivational Speaker. We found this interesting since she has always been a controversial figure in local showbiz. But for those who don’t know, while still in school Mystica has always been a good leader, in fact she graduated valedictorian from high school in her hometown Allacapan, Cagayan.

Because of her remarkable song and dance prowess, professionalism and good sense of humor, Mystica always endears herself to her audience every time she performs. And with her debut as a Motivational Speaker, she expects to also inspire her audience with her topic “Passion for Work.”

The Motivational Seminar which she is presenting together with Rino Solberg, said to be the No. 1 Motivator in Norway, will be held on May 30 at the City Garden Suites along Mabini St., Ermita, Manila. Solberg, one of the most dynamic speakers in Norway, has given more than 800 seminars, training over 120,000 people in the area of sales, motivation, body language and communication.

For more details about the seminar, log on to www.mysticastar.com.

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Empress, ABS-CBN’s bet for stardom in 2010

Empress Schuck is ABS-CBN’s bet for stardom this 2010 and soon the young actress will be seen in her first major teleserye entitled “Rosalka.” In the show, Empress will showcase not only her good looks, pleasing personality but most importantly, her “unadulterated” acting skills.

In a recent TV interview, Empress expressed gratitude to her Kapamilya network for giving her her own drama series and she promised to give her all as she portrays “Rosalka.”

She appeared in “Maalaala Mo Kaya” and the TV remake of “Underage,” and at 17, she earned her first acting award in 2003 for her role in the movie “9 Mornings.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on May 2 go to multi-awarded actor Eddie Garcia, Gov. Raul Daza, PR girl Annie Ringor, Aimee Marcos, Louie Cruz Jessica Adevoso, Tacing Nicart, Claudia Boehr, Fely P. Borje, Guillermo Rafael “Gio” Colet Orbos, Dr. Emma Flores, Annabelle Cordon, Johannavi T. Cadungog, Tacing Nicart, Jessica Adevoso, Claudia Boehr, Gov. Raul Daza, Felly P. Bojie, Catherine P. Chan of Cityland-Vito Cruz branch and Harold Ligon Tabora. Happy wedding anniversary to MB’s photog Ramon and Nelda Samson.