No, it’s not the first time that matinee idol Piolo Pascual is meeting Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. Because they’ve worked together in several projects already since 2009; in fact they’ve collaborated in four performances in the past, among them two Christmas concerts for the Ayala Malls, and corporate events.

But this time, they’re doing their first major concert, at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) no less and they’ve titled the show “Piolo Meets the Maestro, Ryan Cayabyab.” This will be held on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, with Johnny Manahan as director, and Mr. C as musical director. The guest performers are The Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Sitti and Yeng Constantino. And of course, everybody expects some one very special to Piolo to be there to do a special number with him. Could it be KC Concepcion, his rumored girlfriend?

Anyway, “Piolo Meets the Maestro, Ryan Cayabyab” is the premier singer-actor’s third major solo concert and it will showcase Beatles hits, an array of endearing love songs and romantic ballads and selections from his chart-topping albums “Decades 1” and “Decades 11.” “Decades 1” has gained platinum record, while “Decades 11” is topping the charts at Astro Vision and Astro Plus, It was the Maestro who pushed for Piolo to do this Valentine concert. “People should come to see (and hear) Piolo, he’s a very good singer/performer,” Mr. C said. Those who’ve seen Piolo perform on stage would of course agree to this. “He is ripe for a major concert in a big venue, he has slowly realized that he can do a lot more as a performing artist,” Mr. C added.

Piolo, on his part, said “I’m honored and grateful to know that Mr. C pushed for me to do this concert.” He recalled that his first recording in 2001, a song entitled “The Prophet,” was with Mr. C. As with every singer who’ve worked with the Maestro, Piolo said he felt intimidated at first, “but he made me feel comfortable like a friend; he’s very jolly, always smiling, patient and understanding.”

Mr. C also taught Piolo some tips and techniques “although he already has his own established style which he cannot completely change anymore,” the Maestro hastened to add.

Produced by Xclusive Hits and Events Inc., “Piolo Meets the Maestro, Ryan Cayabyab” is presented by Jewelmer and Smart Communications. It is also brought to you by Petron Corp. and Imprentela. Tickets are available at Ticketnet and SM Tickets.

• • •
3AM band ‘nameless’ no more

They started as close friends – real close friends. Three young boys, all good-looking!

Then they appeared in “Break Mo ‘To,” a segment of Music Update Live, a late evening show of ABS-CBN.

They received an immediate recognition from televiewers who also asked that the three performers be guested again in the show!

Now you see them guest regularly in other shows of ABS-CBN, and they even have come up with their debut album entitled “3AM.” AM for acoustic music!

These three close friends are Mica Caldito, James Torres and Kyle Amor. Their album features the songs “Come Around,” “Mapapansin Mo Ba?,” “Hindi Mo Lang Alam,” “When I Gave It Up Too Soon,” and “Baby.” The album is under the Star Records label.
   
• • •
Take That celebrates reunion with Robbie Williams

The most exciting reunion in British pop history finally happened – Take That releases the much awaited new album “Progress.”

There has been speculation and excitement aplenty since the band reformed as a five piece, fuelled by recent pictures of Gary, Howard, Jason, Mark and Robbie published rowing on the river Thames. This was confirmed and has been made evident in their video for “The Flood” which was filmed on location at Dorney Lake in Eton and along the Thames.

Take That and Robbie Williams have between them sold over 80 million albums, played to over 14.5 million people live, won 19 BRIT Awards, had 13 number one albums, 17 number one singles, eight MTV awards and five Ivor Novello awards; and the list goes on…

To download “The Flood” as a ringback tone text KI879 and send to 2332 for Globe and Touch Mobile subscribers. Text FLOOD and send to 2728 for Smart and Talk N’Text subscribers. Text 5491007 and send to 2300 for Sun subscribers (P15 for 15 days)

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Jan. 25, go to Dr. Vicki Belo, Lolita Rodriguez, Bimbo Cerrudo, Lito Bermundo, Eddie David, Jr., Julio Locsin, Mrs. Anita Cuevas, Merla V. Grupp, Dr. Antonio Talcon, twins Ben and Alfred Ramos, Erly Dungo and Rose Salvania of PCSO, Ricardo Liwanag, Edgar Cruz of Manila Tribune, Tess Gubi of Star Magic, Nyoy Volante and Yasmien Kurdi of GMA Artist Center… Our condolence to the families of Sunjoy publicist Eugene Ramos and novelist Rico Bello Omagap who passed away last week… Condolence to Cris Nicolas, Club Mwah president and director-choreographer, on the death recently of his beloved mother Mrs. Felicitas Nicolas...