Backroom talents lead this year’s nominees at the 24th PMPC Star Awards to be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World (across NAIA Terminal 3) in Pasay City on Nov. 13.

“This is a great year for us. Our artists have done well. This is a big reward for them,” said Rowena Salido, overall head of the Talent Management Department of Backroom Inc.

Leading the nominated talents of Backroom is Boy Abunda who earned the Best Public Affairs Program Host nomination for “The Bottomline,” and Best Male Showbiz Oriented Show Host for “SNN” and “The Buzz.” “Bottomline,” “The Buzz” and “SNN” were nominated as Best Public Affairs Program and Best Showbiz-Oriented Show, respectively.

Other nominees are: Drew Arellano – Best Travel Show Host; “Balikbayan” – Best Travel Show; Mariel Rodriguez – Best Reality Program Host for “PBB Uber;” Hermes Bautista and Tom Rodriguez – Best New Male TV Personality; Bianca Gonzalez – Best Game Show Host for “PBB Double Uplate;” Pooh – Best Comedy Actor for “Banana Split;” Rufa Mae Quinto – Best Comedy Actress for “Bubble Gang;” Gretchen Barretto and Dawn Zulueta – Best Single Performance by an Actress for “Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK)” in the episodes “Larawan” for Gretchen and “Tsinelas” for Dawn Zulueta.

• • •
Gin Blossoms looks forward to Manila concerts

Gin Blossoms’ music has obviously transcended generations and has been appreciated by fans of all ages. Recognizing this, Blue Dream Entertainment has decided to treat the band’s fans to two nights of nostalgia and fun as they bring “Gin Blossoms in Manila and Cebu,” Nov. 18 (Araneta Coliseum) and Nov. 20 (Waterfront Cebu).

With anthemic hits like “Til I Hear It From You,” “Hey Jealousy,” “As Long As It Matters,” “Found Out About You” and “Follow You Down,” among many others, Gin Blossoms is expected to thrill Filipino music lovers from all over the country.
Joining Gin Blossoms in the concert are Australian rock band Farenheit 43, with local artists Cookie Chua, Gloc 9, De Lara and 6Cyclemind.

Tickets to the Araneta Coliseum concert are available at Ticketnet. For tickets to Gin Blossoms in Cebu on Nov. 20, contact the Waterfront Lahug Hotel.

For other inquiries, visit the official event Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GINBLOSSOMSLIVE.

“Gin Blossoms Live” is another world-class production by Blue Dream Entertainment, sponsored by Red Horse and with support from official radio partners, Magic 89.9 and Jam 88.3, official music channel Myx Your Choice, Your Music, official print partners Philippine Star and Business World, TV partners Solar Entertainment (Jack TV, Basketball TV, ETC and Solar Sports), Herword.com, MCA Music, online partners Manila Concert Scene and pinoyexchange.com.

• • •
‘Tarima’ shows in some theaters

The controversial but acclaimed indie film “Tarima,” starring beauty guru Fanny Serrano among others, is now showing in some theaters in Metro Manila. A very excited Fanny said the movie is being shown starting yesterday (Nov. 3) at the Gotesco Grand Central in Caloocan, Commonwealth and Ortigas, Remar in Cubao, QC, Cinerama and Roben-Recto; Marketplace in Kalentong, Starmall Shaw Blvd. and Alabang, Gateway and Robinsons cinemas.

“It’s really hardwork booking an indie movie – because the priority of bookers of course was booking mainstream movies – but I’m glad I have penetrated the world of indielandia and have learned that even if it’s an indie film pero maganda ang pagkagawa, at may moral lesson, surely it will get the support of bookers and moviegoers.”

• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Nov. 4, go to ABS-CBN head Gabby Lopez, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Angelica Panganiban, Michelle Madrigal, Ms. Tessie Cruz, Bobong Velez, Dr. Mike Noche, Mrs. Ching Lopez, singer Roeder, Ningning Ocampo, Dr. Lito Sarao, Lilia Ty, Jennifer “Chiqui” Canlas, Lean Lorenzo Lacap, Nellie Bengzon, Melissa Mercado, Dr. Jun Mendiola, New York-based Joseph Armand “J-Ar” T. Armas, Luz M. Acosta, Modesta Boquiren, and my brother Carlo V. Martinez who turns 50… Belated b-day greetings to singer CM Madrigal… Condolence to the family of Jacinto “Jack” Martinez, who died recently of cancer. Jack is the fourth brother of Leo Martinez who died of cancer…