Solenn Heussaff (right) and Guia Manay, marketing manager of TCAT Philippines

MANILA, Philippines -- All roads lead to the Araneta Coliseum tonight for an exciting rock event featuring one of the world’s greatest rock bands that won international acclaim for its unique sound and style.

American alternative rock band Incubus will take center stage during the highly-anticipated gig to showcase selections from its latest album, “If Not Now, When?” as well as an array of hits achieved throughout its career spanning more than 20 years.

Billed as “Incubus Live In Manila,” the one-night gig to be mounted by Ovation Productions is part of the Asian leg of the acclaimed band’s ongoing 18-month world tour for the new CD.

The Big Dome concert shall also feature Franco as opening act.

Among Incubus’ mega-hit albums are “Fungus Amongus,” “S.C.I.E.N.C.E.,” “Make Yourself,” “Morning View,” “A Crow Left Of The Murder” and “Light Grenades,” while its No. 1 singles include “Drive,” “Megalomaniac,” “Anna Molly” and “Love Hurts.”

A surge in popular interest and support for Incubus has been sparked by its re-emergence as a rock powerhouse following the successful launch of “If Not Now, When?” after an extended hiatus.

The new record represents not only the group’s longest gap to-date between studio albums, but also the culmination of a long search for a new sound and direction for the band.

The new album is “definitely not a hard rock record,” he explained. “It’s not some crazy, experimental album. It’s a very straightforward and concise album. And it’s a lot more focused than anything else we’ve ever done before….”

The present line-up of Incubus is composed of Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger, Jose Pasillas, Ben Kenney and Chris Kilmore.

“Incubus Live In Manila!” is presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with Universal Channel, Jack TV, 2nd Avenue, Talk TV, Diva Universal, Basketball TV, Solar Sports and Dodge. It is also supported by The Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, MYX, 97.9 Home Radio, Mellow 94.7, Monster Radio RX 93.1, RJ 100.3 FM, OptimaSignsolutions, Odyssey Live, Sony Music and ABS-CBN.

Solenn saddened by CB’s demise

At the last taping day for Mars Ravelo’s “Captain Barbell” held near One Esplanade at SM Mall of Asia last Saturday, Solenn Heussaff one of the stars of the GMA-7’s action-adventure series expressed sadness that the show is ending tomorrow, July 29, after a five-month run.

In the series, the model-turned-actress plays Janna, a reporter who is always on the look-out for scoop stories about Captain Barbell, portrayed by Richard Gutierrez.

Also in the cast of “Captain Barbell,” directed by Dominic Zapata, are Christopher de Leon, Lovi Poe, Isabel Oli, Jillian Ward, TJ Trinidad, Paolo Paraiso, Ervic Vijandre, Eddie and Elvis Gutierrez, Bianca King, Michelle Madrigal, and Akihiro Sato among others.

“It’s really sad for all of us who worked together in the show for five months,” Solenn said. “But of course, we enjoyed working together. It was fun for all of us.”

Also at the taping were Lovi, Jillian, Akihiro, Eddie and Michelle. As expected, Solenn and Lovi were asked about the controversy between Marian Rivera and Heart Evangelista who were their co-stars in “Temptation Island.” But Solenn and Lovi opted not to comment on the supposed “incidents” that caused the rift between Marian and Heart.

Solenn was launched recently as endorser of TCAT Philippines, an internet marketing company that specializes in creating online promotions for its various establishment partners. TCAT managing manager Guia Manay said Solenn is perfect for the job because she is very active online. “I really spend a lot of time on the Net,” Solenn said. “I actually buy my shoes and bags online. TCAT has an incredibly wide range of products and services.”

TCAT, according to Guia,  sells anything under the sun and offers daily deals ranging from 10-90 percent discounts from their merchant partners around Metro Manila. Consumers interested to try their products and services can visit www.tcat.com.ph.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Thursday, July 28, go to Ms. Susan Roces, Rep. Juliet Cortun, Baby Araneta Fores, Alice Dixson, Vina Mercado, Commissioner Myrna Yao, Jacqui Magno, Cocoy Cordoba, Gen. Rudy Tolentino, Boy del Rosario, Arvie Dyan N. Belarmino, Pinky Sabinosa-Nelson, Gloria Desiderio, Mrs. Lita Forteza, Mrs. Susan Valenciano, Aileen Lustre, Juliet V. Danaytan, Jorge Maniquie and son JM, Celso Santiago, Carol Dimaano, Evelyn V. Lagud, Regina B. Antonio, Charlie V. Estrada of UK, Rosevida Anne Sayo, Sheryl Cardenas and MB’s Noel Tambot...