Anthony Castelo

MANILA, Philippines — Anthony Castelo was one of our classic musical artists whose songs embody OPM (Original Pilipino Music) in the ’70s era. He was a dashing balladeer who endeared himself to music lovers with his own compositions, among them “Balatkayo,” “Nang Dahil Sa Pag-ibig,” “Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang,” “Kaibigan,” and “Hahanapin Ko.”

For years, Anthony was among Pinoy artists who lorded it on the music scene during his time. But like most everyone who thirst for change and more opportunities even after a bountiful career harvest, he left to try it out in America, where he and family stayed for almost a decade.

Now, Anthony is back to touch base with his roots with his “Mahal Kita” CD.

“This is an updated Anthony Castelo making a comeback and I’d like to thank Boss Vic (Viva) for giving me another opportunity to record my songs,” the singer said during an interview. The last album he did was recorded 10 years ago.

“Mahal Kita” features songs like “Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko,” the title track “Mahal Kita,” homage to the country of his birth; the mid-tempo R&B love song “Let’s Fall In Love Again,” “I Got Love,” a pop-jazz sounding groove which picks up on the music styles of the US, his adopted home; the upbeat “Sumayaw Tayo!” the patriotic songs “Dakilang Lahi” and “Long Live the Philippines.”

Also included in “Mahal Kita” are the inspirational song “A Letter To The Lord;” and “Pambansang Kamao,” dedicated of course to boxing champ and congressman Manny Pacquiao.

Anthony’s girl also with Viva

Anthony’s daughter Carla is also now a Viva artist whose introductory CD entitled “Carla Castelo Hooked On Ur Love” will soon be released.

The CD contains four songs: “Hooked On Ur Love,” a collaboration with Vince of South Border; “I Wanna Know,” “Overload” and “Umawit” which Anthony wrote for Carla when she was just 10.

A big fan of her dad, Carla would sing in Anthony’s concerts in the US and Canada.

Incidentally, Anthony has invited Carla to join him as he topbills the launch of “Funtastik Media Nite” tonight at the Aberdeen Court, Great Eastern Hotel along Quezon Ave. Also performing are Aileen Papin, Raia Quiroz, Grace Catherine Agcaoili Posadas, Every Wilson, Yen Florentine, Christian Jay, Melba Raymundo, Eurika and Lovely Guinto. The show is under the direction of Nardz Belen, with Angel Calso as producer.

Young stars in BUM show

Young stars Bea Binene, Empress Schuck and Dino Imperial will participate in BUM apparel’s big fashion show “Reveal Your Darkside,” slated tonight at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

The three will hit the ramp in “Cosplay” fashion.

Shoppers and mallgoers are invited can play live video games to win prizes from Netopia Internet Café and Ideal Vision. For more info about the show, visit www.bumequipment.com.ph.

Broadway musical to benefit OPM

Resorts World Manila recently signed a sponsorship agreement with the sponsors of the Broadway musical play “The Sound Of Music” to be held on Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. at the Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater. “The Sound of Music” performance on Nov. 30 is presented for the benefit of Child Hope of Asia Philippines and Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit (OPM).

The show is packaged with a dinner at the Passion Restaurant located at Maxim’s Hotel of the Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. in the Resorts World Manila complex, Newport Blvd.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 25, go to Rev. Alex Orbito, Rosario Ablaza-Syquia, Jose F. Lacaba, ambassador Consuelo Puyat-Reyes, Perla So-An, Marcia Rodriguez, Tess A. Coscolluela, Ruth B. Vergara, Sharon K. Fletches-Azanza, Evelyn C.O Silagan, Carrol E. Carreon, Lulu Africa, Virgie Balatico, Reli German, Gen. Jose T. Almonte, Norberto Abril F. Capistrano, Dr. Rosendo Roque of San Juan de Dios Hospital, Boy Carlos, Roane Manabat, Renato Regala, Lina Melendres, Mabel Gan Carag, Ilocos Sur Vice Gov. DV Savellano and Martin del Rosario of Star Magic…