David Archuleta

MANILA, Philippines — It’s phenomenal, this rise to fame of David Archuleta. After he announced his plan to temporarily leave the music industry and go on a two-year mission service for the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints, his last stint as an artist has been religiously followed by fans all over the world. Filipinos are as avid as David’s fans worldwide, especially now that David is starring in TV5’s “Nandito Ako” along with two homegrown talents, Jasmine Curtis Smith and Eula Caballero.

And now there’s a clamor for the series to air overseas. They are also excited to hear David’s version of “Nandito Ako” and are requesting to have it on iTunes. Some fans from Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and other Asian countries are even flying in just to watch Archuleta in action.

Too bad David did not have enough time to record the English version of the song, “Forever With You” which greatly disappointed the composer, US-based Aaron Paul del Rosario (who composed “Nandito Ako” for Ogie Alcasid).

“But I am not losing hope, my publishing company, PolyEast, are helping me look for an international singer to record ‘Forever With You.’ I was so excited when I was told David Archuleta could record it but he simply didn’t have enough time for this,” Aaron told us.

David also promoted his TV5 mini-serye at SM Fairview two Saturdays ago. With a crowd estimate of 3,500, the entire mall was rocked by deafening screams of fans.

Catch the stars of “Nandito Ako” on their future mall shows. Get details and updates from www.followarchuleta.ph and by following @TV5manila on Twitter.

“Nandito Ako” airs on TV5 on Feb. 20.

David Returns For Fireworks

Speaking of David, he will return to spend Valentine’s at the “Close Up Pyropalooza” featuring the “Close Up Pyromusical” on Feb. 11 at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia.

Joining David during the event are Zia Quizon, Indios, Never The Strangers, and JAMICH.

The “Close Up Pyromusical” will run every Saturday from Feb. 11 until March 17 to the tune of the “Closer You and I.”

Present P100 proof of purchase of any Close Up products at the SM MOA Booths to get, for free, P100 ticket or a 50 percent discount on the P300 or P500 tickets.

Young, Seasoned Actors Cast In ‘Mundo’

ABS-CBN’s newest Kapamilya Gold drama series “Mundo Man ay Magunaw” features young and seasoned stars including Empress Schuck, Nikki Gil, Ejay Falcon, Sylvia Sanchez, Allan Paule, Pinky Amador, Tessie Tomas and Eula Valdez.

According to Eula, mothers can surely relate to the story. “I play the character of a loving mother who would sacrifice everything just to be reunited with her daughters,” she said.

“Mundo Man ay Magunaw” tackles the entwined lives of Olivia (Valdez), and her daughters Sheryl (Empress) and Jennifer (Nikki). After 20 years of imprisonment, Olivia is off for life reboot. Brought together by circumstances, the three women will realize that no matter how big their differences and conflicts are, they still have to reunite to save each other.

“Mundo Man ay Magunaw” is under the direction of Jeffrey Jeturian and Rechie del Carmen.

Cruz Donates Prize To HDSJ

Joel Cruz, president and chief executive officer of Aficionado Germany Perfume, donated the grand prize he won in the Dusit Thani Manila’s Christmas Tree charity project last December to Hospicio de San Jose. Joel’s sparkling and very modern Christmas Tree entry was made of empty perfume bottles in assorted shapes and sizes.

Hospicio de San Jose (whose administrator Sister Socorro Evidente and other nuns of the congregation went recently to Cagayan de Oro to assist the people affected by typhoon “Sendong”) is just one of the numerous charitable organizations that Joel Cruz is supporting. Annually, he gives his donations to these organizations (plus religious leaders) every time he celebrates his birth anniversary (Feb. 5) and the anniversary of his company.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 10, Tessie Ruiz Daza, Jake Azul, Sid Malhabour. Tessie Salas, Nimfa Fallarme, Ma. Lourdes Tano, Reo Nore Pardilla, Dr. Gemma N. Sahagun, Vanessa Peralta, Edna Floro, Chelsea Nicole Ventura Layos, and former Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando... Belated b-day greetings to Kathy Solis of ABS-CBN Corporate Communication and Danny Santillan (Feb. 9)...