MANILA, Philippines — From the pigeonhole: This year of the Water Dragon, the concert crystal ball shows that the Big Dome will continue as the venue of choice of the biggest names in the global and local music landscape with the following concert schedule from January to April.

Simple Plan

Canadian pop punk band Simple Plan kicks off 2012 when they stop by Manila for their “Get Your Heart On! Tour.” Catch them live at the Big Dome tonight, Jan. 12.

Anne Curtis

Platinum-record artist Anne Curtis stages her first concert, “Annebisyosa” – No Other Concert World Tour on Jan. 28.

Martin & Sharon

The Concert King and the Megastar join forces for their Valentine concert, dubbed “Once in a Lifetime,” filled with their new and classic hits on Feb. 11.

Ogie & Regine

On Valentine’s Day, OPM’s power couple, the Songwriter and the Songbird – Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez – in a special concert dubbed” Mr. & Mrs. A.” This will be their first concert as a married couple.

Engelbert Humperdinck

Perennial favorite Engelbert Humperdinck will serenade fans in a concert on Feb. 15.

Avril Lavigne

Canadian pop-rock singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne arrives for her “The Black Star” tour. Known for her punk rock look and hits such as “Complicated” and “Sk8r Boi,” Avril will shake up Manila on Feb. 16.

James Ingram

American soul singer, songwriter, and record producer known for hits such as “Just Once,” “Baby Come To Me,” and “I Don’t Have The Heart” continues the romantic mood in concert on Feb. 17.

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams brings his stuff Feb. 18. Adams is known for his hits such as “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman” “Cuts Like A Knife” “Summer of ‘69” and “When You’re Gone.”

Evanescence & Bush

American gothic rock band Evanescence and British alternative rocker Bush perform back-to-back on Feb. 19. Evanescence’s biggest hits include “Bring Me To Life” and “My Immortal.” Bush, led by vocalist/guitarist Gavin Rossdale is one of the biggest rock acts in the ’90s.

98 Degrees, A1, & Blue

Relive the boyband era with pop hitmakers 98 Degrees, A1, and Blue, as they perform together in the Manila leg of The Greatest Hits tour on Feb. 25. 98 Degrees, the American contemporary pop vocal group that sang the hits “Invisible Man” “Was it something I didn’t Say” and “I Do (Cherish You);” A1, the British-Norwegian boyband in the late ’90s behind the songs “Same Old Brand New You” and cover version of the ’80s A-ha song “Take On Me;” and Blue, an English pop vocal group from the early 2000s, who sang the hits “All Rise” and “One Love” will surely entertain fans from the ’90s.

Cyndi Lauper

Girls will surely have fun when ’80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper goes onstage on March 17.

Hanson

The brothers behind the 1997 mega hit “MMMBop” comes to Manila for the second time for their “Shout it Out” tour on March 30.

LMFAO

The American hip hop duo behind the chart-topping, LSS-inducing, and dance moves-busting song “Party Rock Anthem” brings the party to the Big Dome on April 11.

Basketball drama subject of new indie movie 

Here’s an interesting indie movie which tackles the bonds between basketball stars and their managers. It is entitled “Bola,” and it will premiere on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at the UP Film Institute’s Adarna Theater.

“Bola” stars newcomer Kenneth Salva as Lester, the star player of their community basketball team who dreams of playing at the country’s premier league, but encounters a problem on the way to PBA.

He meets Pandy (Arnel Ignacio), a couturier who is smitten by Lester’s looks. Pandy becomes the team’s manager and helps him become part of the college’s varsity team.

Pandy is obviously in love with Lester, a straight guy devoted to his childhood sweetheart Denise (Sofia Valdez). Lester is at a loss when Pandy’s love for him turns into an obsession.

Also starring are Jacob Miller, Simon Ibarra, Suzette Ranillo and Geeca Topacio.

Mowelfund film graduate and erstwhile “Mel & Joey” segment producer/director, Lemuel Lorca directs “Bola” from the screenplay by multi-awarded writer Jerry B. Gracio. Producers are R and B Entertainment and Amazing Production.

Premiere tickets (at P200) are available at the UPFI box-office before screening and can be reserved through Jette Madrigal (0916-4876793).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 12, go to Piolo Pascual, Carla Abellana, Kane Choa of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications, Gregorio Araneta II, Ruby Anna, Dr. Reynaldo P. Gabriel, Tina Ursua, Edgar Pajaro, Imelda Cruz, New York-based Remy D. Davila, Mark Lawrence Esguerra, Ned Lawrence Esguerra, Dr. Reynaldo P. Gabriel, OFW Roda B. Josue, Bentong and Fraz Yap of Star Magic... Happy anniversary to Dr. Jorge and May Neri...