MANILA, Philippines -- Young and promising talents will be presented by Viva Concerts on April 1 at Aliw Theater in a show entitled “P-Pop Explosion.” These are the XLR8, Pop Girls, RPM and expected from them are fresh and invigorating Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) sound.

The three groups will definitely enthrall the audience with powerful vocals backed by high-energy choreography. The audience will groove to the beat of hit singles like “Dance With Mean,” “Crazy Crazy,” “You’re So Hot,” and “Sige Sayaw” and fall in love with the romantic sound of “Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso” and “I Love You Girl.”

The group XLR8, who can sing and dance exceptionally, and whose name combines the words “excel” and “accelerate,” is composed of teenagers Kiko, Aki, Caleb, Twins MM and MJ, Arkin, AJ and Carlo. Their debut album under Viva Music Group showcases their young, modern and upbeat sound.

Pop Girls is also made up of teenagers: Rose, Schai, Nadine, Joanna and Angellie. They have become trendsetters among the youth.

The Pop Girls’ self-titled debut album is produced by Christian de Walden and Marcus Davis, with Civ Fontanilla as local producer. Their sound is youthful, sweet, light, infectious and catchy.

On the other hand, RPM (Real Pinoy Music), Viva Record’s newest P-Pop group, performs songs which connote optimism. RPM is composed of Carl Trazo, Chris Salcedo, Pio Balbuena, Vince Yap, and Anna Luna, Samantha Page and Yanna Garcia.

“P-Pop Explosion” is presented by Beauty and Butter, MyPhone and Mang Inasal in cooperation with Channel V and GMA-7. It is also presented by Pinoy (Your OPM Music Authority).

By the way, tickets to “P-Pop Explosion” are available at SM Tickets and Ticketworld.

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Spotlight conducts summer workshops

Parents can nurture their kids’ creative spirits by channeling their inexhaustible energy through music and dance. Thanks to the widespread popularity of the hit TV series, “Glee,” today’s youth are becoming more passionate about expressing themselves through singing, acting and dancing. Not surprisingly, quite a few have turned overnight superstars in the process!

Spotlight Artists Centre, the performing arts school led by world-class theater veterans Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez-Seña, announces its summer offerings for 2011. The series kicks off with its Musical Theatre workshops from April 14 to May 23.

For starters, did you know that Kathryn Bernardo, who plays Mara in the popular “Mara Clara” TV series, was one of Spotlight’s most diligent graduates? So was Mayumi Morales, who represented the country last year at the 13th World Championships of Performing Arts. These days, 10-year-old Warren Saga and 12-year-old Mica Torre are among the bumper crop of promising upstarts. The two have been tapped to star in the Singapore run of “The Lion King” (The Musical) this year, where they will be playing the roles of young Simba and young Nala, respectively.

Believing in the dictum of starting them young, the school also offers its Spotlight Kids workshop, a program that focuses on Creative Play Through Music and Dance, designed for toddlers to preschoolers.

For the music-minded, there are also Individual and Group classes for voice, guitar, piano and drums.

Aspiring lounge singers can also learn to croon, belt and adapt to various musical styles through the Lounge Singing workshop, from April 16-July 23 (Saturdays 3-5 p.m.). By interacting with a live three-piece band, enrollees develop stage dynamics and audience rapport.

Spotlight Artists Centre is located at 122 Doña Consolacion Bldg., Jupiter St., Bel-Air Village, Makati City. For inquiries, visit 222.spotlightartistscentre.com.

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Club Socialista marks 3rd anniversary today

To coincide with its third anniversary today, Club Socialista along Remedios St. in Malate will launch its VIP Club Card. Owner and manager Joseph “Jong” Garcia said cardholders can avail of great deals at the restaurant.

A thanksgiving mass will be held today at 4 p.m. with clients, family, friends and employees in attendance. Experienced restaurateur Rod de Jesus (formerly with Patio Guernica) was engaged by Club Socialista as operations manager and Roel Calimbo as F&B manager. Chef Louie Batalla has prepared a lunch buffet promo.

March being Club Socialista’s anniversary will be filled with activities, particularly performances by top caliber DJs in Metro Manila: Ace Ramos of Style Entertainment/Republic; Ryan “Slick Jay” Guzman of Tabu/Manor; Mike “Chrismyk” Manlapat of Fiama; Karol JB of Virus Tokyo; and Ghandi Tuazon of The Mansion. Ledge dancers will also perform.