JADE ECLEO with Dingdong Avanzado and Jay-R

MANILA, Philippines – Politician-entertainer Jade Ecleo finally realized her dream to record an album and she launched it recently in a mini-concert at the Metrobar West Ave. Simply titled “Just Jade,” it contains originals (by Vehnee Saturno, Jade herself and Elmer and Vivian Blancaflor), as well as revivals.

Also at the presscon-mini concert were Dingdong Avanzado and Jay-R, with whom Jade sang duets in the album. After singing solo “Kung Walang Ikaw Walang Ako” (music by Elmer, lyrics by Lyanne Agustin and Vivian Blancaflor), Jade and Dingdong rendered “Just The Way You Are.”

In between songs, Jade said, “I’m not only a singer, but an ethnic dancer too.” Jade was a former Bayanihan dancer. She was also a vocalist with a band in New York when she was studying there. When she came back, she played as vocalist of the band Amadeus. She composes songs too and plays the piano and the guitar.

“Madrama ang buhay ko, and when I wake up in the morning, I usually write my thoughts…”

She’d been singing since she was four years old, when she helped campaign for her politician-parents. That’s why she naturally got into politics herself. Jade believes that being a politician and entertainer are somehow similar in that both involve public service.

For her finale number, Jade, who is currently vice governor of Dinagat Islands (she was the first governor of the place, a position now held by her mother) sang “Lumaban Ka,” her own composition. She’s very proud of the song. “We all have our own problems, but there is always hope – kaya lumaban ka, ipakita mo na kaya mo. You should always be ready to fight, as long as wala kang kasalanan…”

She might as well be talking about her experience in the last elections wherein she didn’t get any support from her own family. In fact, she said, her mother supported her opponent. But Jade won overwhelmingly!

A philanthropist in her own right, Jade has her own foundation which gives assistance to the needy.

Proceeds from her album, which Jade said was a product of “sweat and blood,” and her forthcoming concert-cum-album launch on Oct. 2 at the Surigao Gym in Surigao City, will go to the Jade Ecleo-Villaroman Foundation. “Just Jade the Concert” will also be staged on Oct. 7 at Metrobar.

Sponsors are Cherry Mobile, Oto Body Care, JMC, Tavern, Power Pizza, Starjed Micro Financing Corp., SRBC, Elvie Pineda Skin Care, Metro Bar, Punchline and Laffline.

By the way, the album “Just Jade” also features the songs “Lost Without Your Love,” “Tanging Dahilan” and “Kulang Pa Ba” by Vehnee Saturno, “Come In From the Rain,” “Paano Ba Ang Mag-isa” by Edwin Marollano, and “Home.”

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Sam, Andi topbill SM opening weekend

The grand opening tomorrow, Oct. 1, of SM San Pablo promises to give entertainment galore to shoppers and guests, something SM has been known for.

Six hundred members of drum and lyre bands from 10 public and private schools in the city will welcome guests and shoppers. Participating schools will be Liceo de San Pablo, Canossa College, Laguna, College, San Pablo Colleges, Laguna State Polytechnic University, San Pablo Central School, Magcase Ville, San Cristobal Placido and Guerilla Elementary School. Street dancers from San Pablo Colleges, St. Joseph School, Lakeside, and San Pablo High School will delight shoppers with their hip moves.

Later in the day, Kapamilya stars will make a surprise visit to the mall. On Oct. 2, Andi Eigenmann from the top rating ABS-CBN series “Agua Bendita” will join in the celebrations.

Hearthrob Sam Milby will have a mall show on Sunday, Oct. 3, with a pyromusical show as the finale of the opening weekend.

It’s a Thank God It’s Friday Night (TGIF) on Oct. 8 when Six Part Invention rocks San Pablo with their Album Tour at the mall. On Oct. 9, the Kapuso Network occupies center stage with the GMA “Danz Showdown.”

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An ‘Xtremely Private’ fashion show in Bacolod

Sexy lingerie and underwear will be on focus in “Xtremely Private Underwear Fashion Show Party” which will be held on Oct. 2 at the Pagcor Hotel Ampitheater in Bacolod City.

The event is presented by Manila Beer, JSY Sports, Negros Billiard Stable, PAGCOR, Playboy Philippines and DMC Phils. It will feature top ramp models, and beauty queens with the special guest appearance of the Playboy Philippines Red and Blue Bunnies of Playboy Philippines. Playmate Rhea (August 2010) and Ariane (September 2010) will also be there for a meet-and-greet guests.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 30, go to former Sen. Leticia Ramos Shahani, former Miss International Gemma Cruz, PDI lifestyle editor Thelma Sioson San Juan, Saripaz Villar-Tan, Edwin G. Trompeta and Denise Laurel of Star Magic… Condolence to the family of Elvira C. Armas, Ph.D, who passed away on Sept. 28...

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