Hotdog

MANILA, Philippines -- Remember Hotdog, the Pinoy pop rock band that blazed the trail for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with the vibrant tune of the Manila Sound in the 1970s?

Well, Hotdog is mounting another reunion concert on Dec. 1, at the PICC Tent. Billed as “Hotdog: The Reunion,” the show will reunite the original Hotdog members. They include Dennis Garcia (founder and bassist), Rene Garcia (lead guitarist and vocalist), Jess Garcia (drummer) and Gina Montes, Maso Diez, Joy Reyes, Rita Saguin-Trinidad and Nadia Moore, all former vocalists at various times.

The iconic Pinoy pop rock group will treat concert-goers to a repertoire of Manila Sound hits, such as “Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko,” “Bongga Ka, ‘Day,” “Annie Batungbakal,” “Pers Lab,” etc.

Formed by brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia in 1974, Hotdog crashed the music and concert circuit at a time when the industry was dominated by imported acts playing trite disco and funk tunes, while the Pinoy groups – though highly talented – were relegated to doing covers and cheap imitations of foreign hits.

Through Manila Sound, Hotdog revolutionized the formal and stilted music scene that led to the establishment of a new and lasting identity for mainstream Filipino music and blazed the trail for OPM to take root and flourish.

Since then, Hotdog’s songs, all written by Dennis and Rene Garcia, have become huge hits, topping the local charts from the mid-’70s to the mid-’80s and remaining at the forefront of the most recognized and acclaimed tunes in popular Filipino music.

One of its big hits, “Bongga Ka, ‘Day” (1974), reaped greater success when it spawned a motion picture of the same title featuring the band, together with a stellar cast composed of Fernando Poe, Jr., Joseph Estrada, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos and Boots Anson-Roa in cameo roles.

Another hit that was turned into a successful movie starring Nora Aunor was “Annie Batungbakal,” which was about the story of a disco-loving saleslady.

Hotdog disbanded in the mid-’80s when its members decided to pursue individual interests but regrouped in 1988 for a reunion concert at the Rizal Theater in Makati City.

Martin, Side A concert kicks off Viva’s 30th anniversary celebration

Viva’s 30th anniversary celebration starts tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the staging of “All For 1,” featuring “Concert King” Martin Nievera and the country’s No. 1 band Side A. It is recalled that it was on Nov. 11 when Viva Films was inaugurated with the showing of the romantic drama “P.S. I Love You,” starring Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion.

This is another landmark production for Viva Concerts and Events. This is the first time that Martin and Side A are performing in a concert together. Both have just finished stints in shows produced by Viva Concerts and Resorts World Manila. Martin was in “Tribute” last Sept. 2, while Side A made up of Joey Generoso, Naldy Gonzales, Ernie Severino, Lee Von Cailao and Ned Esguerra was with The Company last Sept. 16.

Viva presents “All For 1” in cooperation with Mossimo Music and Erase Placenta with ABS-CBN as official TV partner, MYX as official music channel and media partners, Manila Bulletin, People’s Journal, Business World, Philippine Star, PBO, Viva Cinema, 90.7 Love Radio, 94.7 Mellow, 96.3 Easy Rock, 101.1 Yes FM, Tambayan 101.9 and 105.1 Crossover and special thanks to Gerry’s Grill.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 11, go to Vice President Jejomar Binay, Ai Ai de las Alas, Rowell Santiago, Mrs. Zeny Reyes, Mrs. Aida Ver, author Bing de Cebrero, Rene-An Gomez, Willie Schneider, Nini Go, Alice Lopez Lim, Vaness Bernales, Marilu T. Caballes, Atty. Abet Bernales, Evelyn Taliao, Jojo Baltazar, Steven Fermo of Star Magic, director Al Quinn and Ms. Bing N. Carrion, Seagull Phils. Chairman, publisher and author… Happy wedding anniversary to Domingo and Epifania Fregillana; and Andrew and Sandee Masigan (nee Siytangco)…