MANILA, Philippines – An American rock band from San Diego, California called Stone Temple Pilots (STP) is set to perform at the Araneta Coliseum on March 9, 8 p.m. STP is composed of Scott Weiland (lead vocals), Robert DeLeo (bass guitar, vocals), Dean DeLeo (guitar) and Eric Kretz (drums, percussion).

STP was formed during a Black Flag concert in Long Beach, California in 1986. Weiland met Robert DeLeo and after discussing their girlfriends, they realized they were dating the same woman. For this they developed a bond, broke up with their common girlfriend, after which the girl left town.

Scott and Robert moved into her vacated apartment and then formed the STP, whose original members were Scott’s friends from high school (Corey Hicock) and David Allin. When Allin left, drummer Eric Kretz joined the band and soon after, Robert’s brother Dean also joined them to replace Hicock as drummer. They named their group Mighty Joe Young, but they found out from their lawyer that there was already a group with the same name, so they changed it into Stone Temple Pilots because they liked the initials STP.

STP was an instant success with their hard rock, grunge-reminiscent style of music that was featured in their debut album “Core” released in 1992. “Core” was certified platinum eight times by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and this made them one of the most commercially successful rock bands of the ’90s, selling nearly 40 million records worldwide, including 17.5 million units in the US alone, before their dissolution in 2003.

The band has had 16 Top 10 singles on the Billboard rock charts, eight of which peaked at No. 1, and one No. 1 album for “Purple” in 1994. That same year, the band won a Grammy for “Best Hard Rock Performance” for their song “Plush” from their album “Core.” Stone Temple Pilots was also ranked No. 40 on VHI’s “The Top 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.”

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PMTC recital set on March 6

People’s Music Training Center (PMTC) will present its promising students in the recital concert billed “Paligsahan sa Pag-Awit” on March 6, 2 p.m. at the Activity Center of Ever Gotesco Commonwealth.

Recital students trained under the Voice Development Course (Level 1) are Jhonavel P. Morante, Kathryn Anne G. Canales, Jayla Mei R. Tagata, Mariezane Vitto and Andrea Ruth M. Apo.

PMTC has invited multi-awarded composers and record producer like Mon del Rosario, Snaffu Rigor and entertainment columnist Veronica R. Samio, as special guests.

The “Most Outstanding Student” will receive a three-foot trophy and Recital Certificate. Others will be chosen First, Second, Third Runners-Up and Best in Costume.

Other guests are Moneliza Tuazon, Asia’s Child Pop Star; Piolo Askal, 2003 Outstanding Student; Dennis Tan Chan, Zharmine Anteror, and the 2010 awardees Regine de la Peña, 1st Runner-Up Outstanding Student; Marc Heron Antenor, 2nd Runner-Up Outstanding Student; and Rafael Richard Dar, Most Outstanding Student “Paligsahan sa Pag-Awit;” directed by Rene Reyes, founder and president of PMTC and hosted by Nancy Ruth Calingasan and Gina Laylo.

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’Tween tandem finds perfect fit in Digital DSL

Digital Telecommunications Phils., Inc. (Digitel) has always been at the forefront with innovative products and services, among them the Digitel DSL bundle which carries the power of internet access and the value of a landline phone in one convenient package.

The practicality of this bundle no doubt appeals to the busy lifestyles of young celebrities like GMA-7’s lead ’tween tandem Barbie Forteza and Joshua Dionisio who rely on this service to make their celebrity life easier and more exciting.

With their string of TV shows and film assignments, they are certainly two of the busiest young stars today and they need a perfect match to help them manage their hyper active schedules and stay connected with their friends, families and even their fans – Digitel DSL Bundle.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for March 4 go to Dawn Zulueta, Carol Banawa, Joanne Ramirez, Krystle Yambot, Ella Reyes-Choy, Wilma Redler, David S. Flores, Joan Camille Tisoy, Ruby Co, Sandra Estrella, Hattie H. Pili, Ptra. Perla Lumbao, Gerry Crisostomo, Judith A. Los Baños, filmmaker Auraeus Solito, Star Magic’s Alex Ancelmuccio and MB’s Sharon Sze…