MANILA, Philippines – Tonight, in his last concert in the country this year, The Cascades’ original member John Claude Gummoe with guitarist Charles “Chuck” Crews, shares center stage with Terry Sylvester of The Hollies fame. The concert will be held at the Pagcor Grand Theater in Sucat, Parañaque.

Sylvester, a gifted singer and talented musician, succeeded Graham Nash as member of The Hollies. He is said to have played more guitar on The Hollies’ records than Graham did.

Interestingly, Sylvester was born in Liverpool, England and grew up only a few hundred yards from his contemporary, Sir Paul McCartney of The Beatles.

Sylvester’s father, James, was a jazz trombonist who played with big bands and it was he who introduced the young Sylvester to music at an early age. The first record he bought was Dean Martin’s “Volare,” followed by Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” But it was the Everly Brothers who pulled him towards rock n’ roll and in the ’60s Terry co-founded his first group, The Escorts.

The Escorts later signed up with Fontana Records in 1964 and did five singles for the label before joining EMI-Columbia for two final recordings in 1966.

With the Swinging Blue Jeans, Terry toured the United Kingdom and Europe.

Terry also wrote songs for himself. In 1974, he cut his first solo album, a self-titled work that was released by Epic Records in the US. His second album “I Believe” followed in 1976.

This is the first time that Terry is performing in Manila. Producer Danee Samonte thought he would be the perfect guest in The Cascades’ finale concert tonight.

The series of Cascades concerts is presented by GMA-7, QTV 11, Manila Bulletin, RJ100 FM, and Steve O’Neal Productions in collaboration with PCSO, San Miguel Corp., Heritage Hotel, Zest Air, and Hard Rock Café.

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Maricar proves acting mettle

Maricar Reyes is expected to surprise moviegoers with her acting talent in her latest big screen assignment, “White House,” Regal Films’ newest offering. Insiders say it will definitely be a different Maricar that viewers will see in this horror flick directed by Topel Lee.

She is out to make a mark as a versatile actress and even the producers, Mother Lily and Roselle M. Teo were impressed with Maricar’s performance in the movie.

Actually, the pretty actress has proven her mettle in TV dramas like “May Bukas Pa,” “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo” and in her current show, “Imortal.”

In “White House,” Maricar plays the fearless and shrewd executive producer of a horror reality show who pushes through with her plan of shooting inside a haunted mansion despite the warning of a spirit medium. Her main goal is to get good ratings for her program, no matter the cost.

Gabby Concepcion, the male lead star, is all praises for Maricar’s acting and professionalism in “White House.”

Joining Gabby and Maricar in “White House” is awarded actress Iza Calzado who plays the violent black lady out to seek vengeance for the death of her loved ones.

“White House” opens on Oct. 20 in theaters nationwide.

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Aliw Awards set at Manila Hotel

Aliw Awards, the only award-giving body that honors the best in live entertainment, goes onstage on Oct. 18, 7 p.m. at the Fiesta Pavilion of The Manila Hotel.

It will be a suspense-filled evening as everyone awaits the winner of the much-coveted Entertainer of the Year Award where Sarah Geronimo, Charice Pempengco, Sharon Cuneta and Lea Salonga are neck-to-neck in the race.

Performers for the show include La Diva, Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, Jovit Baldovino, Shirley Halili Dance Co., Philippine Stagers, Quezon City Performing Arts Guild and Sarah with Joey Nombres as over-all director.

Now on its 23rd year, it has Ms. Alice H. Reyes as founding president. Its new president is lawyer Jeatte Palabrica.

The TV airing will be on Oct. 31, 10:30 p.m. on QTV 11.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 17, go to Vina Morales, Bea Alonzo, directors Olive Lamasan and Maryo J. delos Reyes, Maria Montelibano, Bert Nievera, Dante Silverio, Ester Barbin, Mariz C. Ricketts, Bienvenido Rodriguez, Alona Alegre, Nards Ocampo, Christine Manalang, Josie Fombuena, Jay Carlos, Mary Grace Cabanizas, Dr. Andy Reyes, Enrique “Quito” Pili, Florence Cruz, Dante E. Gerella, Norma Constantino, Rene Pilande, John Jacaria, MB’s Raul B. Rodriguez, Marge Rogan, Jing Garcia, Cooky Chua, director Adolfo B. Alix Jr. and Sam Concepcion of Star Magic... Happy wedding anniversary to Jun and Pearlie Cabanizas... Nyoy Volante promotes his new album “In You” around Robinsons Malls on the following dates: Oct. 17, Robinsons Place Lipa; Nov. 6, Robinsons Place Iloilo; Nov. 14, Robinsons Sta. Rosa Market; and Nov. 20, Robinsons Place Tacloban. All shows start at 5 pm. The album features original tracks, along with his version of the hit single “Someday,” which he wrote but originally recorded by ex-girlfriend Nina…