Lito Camo and Vehnee Saturno

MANILA, Philippines — Two of the country’s movers of the songwriting industry – Vehnee Saturno and Lito Camo – will share the stage for the first time.

Presented by Saturno Music Production, “The Camo & Saturno Show” features novelty songs from Lito and pop hits by Vehnee today, Aug. 31 at Metro Bar in Quezon City.

Vehnee’s career took off in 1982 when he won the Grand Prize in the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (Metropop) with the song “Isang Dakot,” interpreted by Sonia Singson.

He went on to hit it big with “Be My Lady,” recorded by then promising singer, Martin Nievera. The song’s popularity also attracted the interest of famous international performer, Matt Monro, earning Vehnee the honor of being the only Filipino, whose song was recorded by the legendary singer/performer.

He also scored a surprise hit in “Sana Kahit Minsan” that gave birth to a new singing sensation in Ariel Rivera. The song also gave him a songwriter’s contract with BMG Hong Kong in 1993 that made possible for Hong Kong superstar Jacky Cheung to record a Chinese version of the hit song and turned Vehnee into an international hitmaker.

His songs launched the careers of Ella May Saison with “Bakit Ba?” and “Till My Heartaches End;” Allona with “Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye;” Louie Heredia with “Nag-iisang Ikaw;” Donna Cruz with “Only Me And You;” Jessa Zaragoza with “Bakit Pa?;” Jaya with “Dahil Tanging Ikaw” and “Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig;” R&B Prince Jay-R and Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo with “Bakit Pa Ba?” and “Forever’s Not Enough.”

Lito, on the other hand, is the one responsible for novelty hits such as “Bakit Papa,” “Spaghetti Song,” “Bulaklak,” among others.

His debut album entitled “Sino Camo?” (1997) followed by “Ano Camo?” and his latest “Ako Naman,” catapulted Lito to where he is now today.

Lito’s catchy songs turned Sexbomb Dancers, Bayani Agbayani, Viva Hotbabes, Willie Revillame, Masculados, April Boy, Angelika Jones, Ai Ai de las Alas, Sandara Park bankable recording acts.

“The Camo & Saturno Show” will have boxing champ Manny Pacquiao as guest, with the special participation of the Saturno Music Production Artists headed by Ladine Roxas, Music@ts, Cercado Sisters and the Music Dolls.

Proceeds will benefit the youth of Sitio Kinaragan in Limay, Bataan where the producers are helping construct a school library. The one-night show is supported by Mang Inasal, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Boying Eustaquio and Pagcor. Elmer Blancaflor is musical director while Ladine Roxas is concert director.

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Songwriting camp deadline set Wednesday

The deadline for application to the 2nd Elements National Singing and Songwriting Camp has been set today by 7101 Music Nation, led by Ryan Cayabyab, artistic director; Julio D. Sy, Jr., CEO, and Twinky Lagdameo, COO.

Those who wish to join may visit www.7101musicnation.com.ph. 

A total of 30 singers and 30 songwriters will be chosen to join this year’s Camp to be held in Dumaguete City from Nov. 6 to 10. The five-day camp will include workshops and lectures and presentations under the tutelage of top artists like Ryan Cayabyab, Joey Ayala, Gary Valenciano, Jett Pangan, Noel Cabangon, Jim Paredes, Gabby Alipe of Urbandub, Ebe Dance, Jungee Marcelo, Raimund Marasigan, Gary Granada, Jed Madela, Dulce, Jimmy Antiporda, Angeli Valenciano and Jay Durias.

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MBC National  Choral competition 

Manila Broadcasting Company has launched a nationwide search for the best choirs throughout the Philippines to compete in the MBC National Choral Competitions as centerpiece activity for the annual Paskong Pinoy celebrations.

Regional eliminations will be held in Cauayan, Isabela (Sept. 3), Laoag, Ilocos Norte (Sept. 10), Iloilo (Sept. 17), Cebu (Sept. 24), Davao (Oct. 8), and Naga City (Oct. 22). Choirs from Mega-Manila and those who are unable to compete in any of the regional contests are welcome to audition at the Star Theater on either Oct. 15 or 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The top children’s choirs and outstanding vocal ensembles for the open category will take part in the semifinals scheduled on Dec. 5-8 at the Star Theater capped by the grand finals at Aliw Theater on Dec. 9.

The champion will get P100,000 while P150,000 goes to the grand prize winner in the Open Category.

For enquiries, e-mail siouxstar@gmail.com, or log on to http://manilabroadcasting.multiply.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 31, go to Apo’s Jim Paredes, Ms. Ramona Ty, Zenaida Silva, Monching Fernandez, Connie Gonzalez, Timothy A. Yuquimpo, Dr. Inday Morales, Susan A. de Guzman, Erwin Roy, Virginia Malolos, Baby Michelle Naidas Abacan, Cherry Pascual, Monching Tabuldan and Viva artist Rachelle Ann Go...