MANILA, Philippines -- The much-anticipated Toni Gonzaga 10th anniversary concert dubbed “Toni@10,” is happening Friday Sept. 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Toni will have as guest performers Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Vhong Navarro, Pokwang, Alex Gonzaga and Gary V.

“Toni@10” will be directed by “ASAP Live” director Johnny Manahan, with ex-Neocolor’s Jimmy Antiporda as musical director. It is produced by Star Events, Epic Entertainment and Tag Concept.

The concept of the concert is interesting as it is inspiring. It will chronicle her struggles and hardships on her way to stardom. Everyone now knows Toni to be the successful, popular and sought-after star who hosts, acts and sings with equal fervor. But it wasn’t an easy climb.

“This is not only a concert for me, but it’s a journey, my life’s journey, so it’s like a film with a story of course,” Toni said. It’s a way of looking back to where she came from, “mga pinagdaanan ko.”

The highlights of Toni’s singing career as well as her career-defining moments will be told. The girl who rose to fame via the “I Love You Piolo!” commercial, has gone a long way. She has released five chart-topping albums, become a sought-after product endorser, and SM’s Box-Office Queen on the strength of her film “My Amnesia Girl” last year.

To think that she suffered failures and rejections when she was just starting out.

“It’s a good thing my father did not give up on me, at ako rin belie-ving that I could and might make it someday,” Toni said about not getting call-backs in the past.

Muziklaban ends hunt Friday

The deadline for submission of entries to the Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Rock Challenge, the country’s leading amateur rock band competition, has been set for Friday, Sept. 30.

Now on its 13th year, the Red Horse Beer Muziklaban continues to search for the next generation of rock icons ready to claim nationwide fame.

The competition is open to all amateur rock bands. To join, bands must submit an entry form (www.redhorsebeer.com or through Facebook and YouTube), a demo tape containing an original composition, a Red Horse Beer jingle composition, and a cover song by a local or foreign artist, along with pictures of each band member and 10 crowns of Red Horse Beer per member.

The winning band will receive a cash prize of P500,000, and another P500,000 worth of deals from Red Horse Beer.

Drexler headlines NBA Madness Philippines

National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Clyde Drexler and the Orlando Magic Dancers headline NBA Madness Phils. 2011, an interactive basketball fan event jointly organized by the NBA and Solar Entertainment happening until Oct. 2.

The event also features dance team performances, Asia Miles dance clinics, autograph sessions, and a video game corner featuring the newest NBA video game, NBA 2K12. Fans can take part in the excitement of NBA Madness Philippines 2011 on Oct. 1 at the SM Southmall and Oct. 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Official event partners include Asia Miles and Gatorade with media partners Basketball TV, Solar Sports, Studio 23 and NBA Premium TV. Venue partners are SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM City North Edsa, and SM Cinemas.

As part of NBA Cares, the NBA and the SM Foundation will conduct a Read To Achieve session for 100 underprivileged kids from all over Metro Manila today, Sept. 29, at the Skydome at SM City North EDSA.

The NBA legend and dancers will also make a stop at the Finals of the Coors Light NBA Pop-A-Shot Tour 2011, which takes place on today at the Metrowalk in Pasig City.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Thursday, Sept. 29, go to Ms. Eggie Apostol, Mrs. Baby M. Fortuna, Hans Sy, Villa Granada de Guia, Ng Tam Meng, Richard Ching, Boysie Villavicencio, Lally Aldeguer, Melissa Arenas, Philip L. Tan, Magin Onia, Debbie Enriquez, Rosalinda Ramos, Maridel Fernandez, Ginger Hazel Manansala, Michelle Grace Reyes, and Mari Dimapilis and Jenna Rose Salosa of UK...