MANILA, Philippines - The late ’80s were a time of musical rebellion where teens shrugged-off bubble gum pop in favor of a new brand of rock never before listened to. Borne in band scene of Seattle, known for its gloomy weather, coffee, and up-and-coming artists, this “disconcordant” revolution of sound dubbed “grunge” would quickly spread across the US west coast and then across the world.

The ’90s would see a foray of grunge artists eager to develop this expressive sound of alternative rock and out of the California city of San Diego, Scott Weiland, brothers Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo together with Eric Kretz formed the band the Stone Temple Pilots... And the rest is history!

The band’s sound is considered a blending of modern alternative rock and hard rock of the 1970s, creating a form of arena rock. While mainly an alternative rock band, the Stone Temple Pilots have incorporated a large number of musical styles throughout their career, including hard rock, psychedelic rock, jangle pop, and funk rock. While their initial albums resembled a strong grunge-inspired sound, later albums would include elements of glam and bossa nova. Guitarist Dean DeLeo uses heavily layered and distorted guitar playing and bassist Robert DeLeo continues to draw influences from genres such as rhythm and blues, lounge music, and ragtime. Weiland is the band’s primary lyricist.

Stone Temple Pilots to rock Manila

The past few decades have been a rollercoaster ride of professional successes, personal tribulations, and tragedies that have undoubtedly served as potent inspiration in fueling the band’s musical creativity. Now, as the Stone Temple Pilots go back on tour, Filipino fans will be glad to know that the band has included Manila on its concert roster.

The ’90s gods of rock music Stone Temple Pilots will be performing at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 9 at 8 p.m. This year, Stone Temple Pilots comes to Manila through the efforts of Ovation Products, in cooperation with The Rockwell Club, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, UR 105-9, ETC, 2nd Avenue, Diva Universal, Jack TV, Magic 89.9, 103.5 Wow, Mellow 94.7, and Optima Sign Solutions.

Lovi Poe says Richard Gutierrez is her ‘Ultimate’

In other entertainment news, Lovi Poe has every reason to be happy these days. Her most recent film, “My Valentine Girls,” is a box-office smash, and the reviews and feedback she has been receiving for her portrayal of Ruby, Richard Gutierrez’s new flame, has all been very positive. Indeed, this strengthens Lovi’s credibility as one of today’s youngest fine actors. It also proves that her winning the Best Actress award twice last year was no fluke.

Lovi has even started work in “Captain Barbell,” as one of Richard Gutierrez’s leading ladies. “That’s another thing to look forward to,” says the young singer/actress. “Richard Gutierrez is my ultimate leading man,” confesses Lovi. And Lovi is about to start work on “Temptation Island,” a remake of the 1980s cult film.

This good news excites Lovi as she will work with her closest friends in showbiz, like Marian Rivera, Solenn Heussaff and Heart Evangelista. The stars will be directed by Chris Martinez in this much anticipated Regal Entertainment project.

Last Valentine weekend, Lovi marked another milestone in her young, flourishing career as she celebrated her birthday in “Party Pilipinas” with a surprise production number for the show before dashing off to Enchanted Kingdom to celebrate her big day with the street children of Childhope Asia.

“This is the best gift I could ever receive for my birthday,” said the singer-actress. Fans of Lovi’s can also check her out as she graces the cover of next month’s Cosmopolitan Magazine as well as her various spreads for the current “Back to Temptation” campaign of fashion brand, Bench Body.