Vice Ganda

Stand-up comedian Vice Ganda is out to prove he is now famous (what with the 1.2 million fans and friends he has amassed in his Facebook Fun Page) and that (like Ai Ai delas Alas) he can also fill the Araneta Coliseum to the rafters in his forthcoming first major solo concert entitled “May Nag-Text…Yung Totoo: Vice Ganda sa Araneta!”

Vice Ganda said he is going to do something spectacular and daring that he had to get insurance for it and was also made to sign a waiver by Araneta management just in case something wrong happens. But Vice said he is confident he can do his daring act without any mishap.

In the show, Vice (who is one of the attractions of the daily ABS-CBN talent program “Showtime”) will have as guest performers Pooh, Ethel Booba, Kuya Kim Atienza, Jhong Hilario of Streetboys, Jon Avila, Kean Cipriano of Callalily, the “Showtime” grand finalists, Jaya and Ms. Pops Fernandez.

The show is being presented by Showtime Events/Productions and Mauve Management Entertainment as their opening salvo for year 2010. Producers are Joed Serrano and Robby Tarroza of “Showtime” and Cora Rodrigo and Mae Dolonius of Mauve. Concert director is GB Sampedro while musical direction is by Marvin Querido, and stage design by Rico Ancheta. The production group is headed by Monica Montalbo and Belle Francisco of MHM Global.

The concert is presented in cooperation with ABS-CBN, Joel Cruz Signatures, Aficionado, Metathione and Calayan SurgiCenter.

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Star Cinema tops PMPC Star Awards for Movies

Congratulations to ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema for bagging most of the awards in the recently held 26th Philippine Movie Press Club’s Star Awards for Movies. Star Cinema management is overly grateful for the recognitions bestowed upon them.

Roxy Liquigan, Star Cinema's Advertising and Promotions Director shared in an interview that no words can describe how thankful he is for the overwhelming support of the moviegoers and award-giving bodies.

Seven trophies went to “In My Life” – Best Movie Actress for Vilma Santos, Best Movie Actor for John Lloyd Cruz, Best Movie Supporting Actor for Luis Manzano, Best Movie Director for Olivia Lamasan, Best Movie Cinematography for Charlie Peralta, Best Movie Original Screenplay for Raymond Lee, Olivia Lamasan and Senedy Que. “In My Life” was also hailed as the “Movie of the Year.”

Mica Dela Cruz was declared as the Best Movie Child Performer for her effective portrayal in Star Cinema’s “T2.”

Another significant award-giving body, Gawad Pasado, also gave recognition to Star Cinema’s excellence.

A group of elementary, high school and college teachers, both in public and private schools called Pampelikulang Samahan Ng Mga Dalubguro (PASADO) awarded Star Cinema artists and staff the most number of awards – Pinakapasadong Pelikula for “And I Love You So,” Pinakapasadong Aktres for Bea Alonzo, Pinakapasadong Aktor for John Lloyd Cruz, Pinakapasadong Katuwag na Aktor for Derek Ramsay, Pinakapasadong Katuwang na Aktres for Mica Dela Cruz, Pinakapasadong Sinematograpiya for Gary Gardoze, Pinakapasadong Editing for Manet Dayrit, and Pinakapasadong Tunog for Michael Idioma.

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Filipino music highlights Heritage Festival at SM

This May SM celebrates the Filipino Heritage with performances by some of the country’s most talented Filipino musicians. The Philippine Youth Symphonic Band, which performed last Friday at SM Mall of Asia’s Main Mall Atrium, keeps the symphonic band tradition.

On Tuesday, the Banda Kawayan or Bamboo Orchestra, will perform at the same venue. The band, a unique ensemble from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, was organized in 1973 by Mrs. Gloria Talastas, then principal of the Philippine College of Commerce Laboratory High School, and Prof. Siegfredo Calabig, faculty member.

On May 19, the Sinika (Sining ng mga Katutubo) Band will perform at The Block at SM City North-EDSA. This homegrown cultural group based in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, is composed of family musicians, relatives and friends. The group got its big break when then newly elected Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn named Sinika founder Nonoy Lanzanas as director for the Culture and Arts Program of Puerto Princesa City in 2002. Sinika was invited to perform in almost all events and for various groups that visited the city.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Tuesday, May 11, go to Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, Honorary Consul Helen Ong, Bernadette P. Lomotan, Lucy B. Enriquez, Delia Roqueza, Marcelino Flores, Alfred “Popoy” Mendoza IV, Waldy Carbonell, Miguel P. Ronquillo Jr., and Evelyn de Vega…Happy wedding anniversary to Baby and Ging Cruz…