MANILA, Philippines --  Six of the country’s OPM artists are featured in “80289: 80s to the Max,” a grand musical tribute to the ’80s and which will be staged starting tomorrow night at Music Museum. 

The six OPM artists of the decade are Lou Bonnevie, Gino Padilla, Jamie Rivera, Chad Borja, Ella May Saison, and Juan Miguel Salvador.

Music lovers remember Lou Bonnevie for her rock ballads. She launched her musical career in 1984 via a concert entitled “Next in Line.” Now, Lou swings from live performing to producing music festivals, concerts, albums and rock operas. Working behind the scenes provides the correct pace in her career, giving her room for creativity.

Gino Padilla’s big break was via a softdrink commercial that was shot in Hollywood no less. In the commercial, he had a duet with the legendary Tina Turner in Pepsi’s “Ian The Mood for Movin.’” And after that, he went on to record a toothpaste jingle for Close-Up which earned him two major Awit Awards.” Best in Ballad Recording and Song of the Year. Among his hits was “Let The Love Begin.” 

Jamie Rivera gained worldwide recognition when she played the role of Kim in Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning musicale “Miss Saigon.” She recorded her first full-length studio album under OctoArts International entitled “Hey, It’s Me” in 1986 and did five other albums for the label. Today, Jamie is the country’s undisputed “Inspirational Diva” touching the hearts of millions through songs as “Tanging Yaman” and “Jubilee Song.”

Chad Borja started his career in the ’80s as a vocalist of The New Minstrels, Zee and Counterpoint Band. His first album “All About Love” produced the hit single “Ikaw Lang” which spawned a blockbuster movie starring Vilma Santos, Ronnie Ricketts and Cesar Montano. His self-titled follow-up album, produced by Richard Merk, was a big commercial success. After a bout with cancer in 1998, Chad started singing again! He is now cured of thyroid cancer.

Ella May Saison combines various vocal styles including jazz, gospel and blues. Among her hit songs are “Till My Heartache Ends” and “If The Feeling Is Gone.” Her best-selling albums including “Language of Soul” earned her the title “Manila’s Queen of Soul.”

Juan Miguel Salvador was a finalist in the 4th Metro Pop Festival with his original composition “Magkaisa, Ikaw, Ako, Lahat” sung by Eugene Villaluz. In 1984, he won a Cecil Award for Best Jazz Composition for his song “Why,” sung by Jacqui Magno. In 1983, he became the vocalist, musical director and keyboardist of a band called Rage. 

The three-night concert series (also to be held on Nov. 18 and 19) is the maiden presentation of Artsy Productions & Promotions. It will also feature a 10-piece band with three lovely back-up singers dubbed “Filipinas” and surprise guests who made names also in the ’80s. Music and artistic director is Toto Gentica. 

“80289: 80s to the Max” is brought to you by Dimitri Productions, Pagcor, Crossover 105.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, CR8V Web Solutions, Inc., WDS Design & Photography, Bonnie Vivant Events, Aldrain Advertising and MYX Music Channel.

 

 

 

Ongoing till Nov. 13 at Greenbelt 3 is “Moviemov: Italian Cinema Now,” presented by the Embassy of Italy, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Philippine-Italian Association, in cooperation with Rustan’s, the Peninsula Manila, the CCP and in collaboration with Asiatica Film Mediale, organizers of the most important Asian Film Festival in Italy. 

“Moviemov…” is a travelling festival supported by the General Direction for Cinema of the Italian Ministry of Heritage and Culture. It is co-organized by and in collaboration with the Italian Embassies in Bangkok and Manila, as well as institutional and private partners whose goal is to create a lineup of films and events that will best promote in Asia what present-day Italian cinema is all about.

Promoting contemporary Italian cinema in Manila is a good opportunity for collaborations between Italian and Filipino filmmakers.

The film festival started last night with a red carpet event organized by actor Albert Martinez. In attendance were Italian and Filipino filmmakers and actors including Dario and Asia Argento, Pietra Montecorvino, Camille Nesbitt, Lina Sastri,Gianni Paolucci, Daniele Cipri and Senator Goffredo Bettini and Italo Spinelli of Asiatic Film Mediale.

There are 14 Italian films screened at the filmfest. Brillante Mendoza’s “Serbis,” “Lola” and “Kinatay” will also be shown.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 10, go to Chicago-based singer Merci Molina, William Uy, Ditas Lerma, Ross Ocampo, Ding Zamora, Amadeo R. Dacanay, Joyce Alcantara, Nimfa D. Torres, Nina Salgado, Van June Sapigao, Dahlia Y. Martinez, Dr. Filomena Luna, Corazon Tan Endozo, Norma Lozano, Dionisio de Guzman, Jeremie Antiporda, Vicky San Diego Ortega, Avelina dela Rea, dean of the Graduate School of UE Manila, Tessa Mangahas of Araneta Center, Rafael Rosell, Pauleen Luna…