Lisa Macuja-Elizalde (left) and Ms. Pelita P. Uy

MANILA, Philippines — Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, who is also the Artistic Director of her own ballet company, declared her support to Filipino artists and concert producers during a recent luncheon she hosted for the Local Act Producers League. The intimate gathering was held at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

The event was organized with the assistance of Ms. Pelita Peralta-Uy of Beginnings at Twenty Plus Inc.

“I am happy to announce that aside from Congress passing the Zero Amusement Tax Bill and SM Tickets discounting 50 percent from commission rate with ad perks at SM Cinemas, SMX Convention Center, Aliw Theater and Star Theater are now joining the vision as well,” Ms. Uy said.

Star Theater was launched in 2001; Aliw Theater a year later in 2002. The theaters recently underwent renovation and are now geared to host major events.

According to Lisa, Aliw was tailor-fit to stage medium-sized concerts and events. “Not all producers can afford shows in grand venues. Aliw Theater sits 2,700 people while Star Theater can hold 800,” she said.

Aliw and Star Theaters will host exciting events this 2012. Among them are the Ballet Manila 2012-2013 performance season and Lisa’s Swan Song Series 2012 which includes her farewell performances of “Don Quixote,” “Carmen,” and “Giselle.”

For more information on the venues, visit www.aliwtheater.com.ph and www.startheater.com.ph. 

MYX Announces Music Awards Nominees

MYX announced recently the 2012 MYX Music Awards nominees.

At the event, MYX VJs were joined by Yeng Constantino, Somedaydream and Zia Quizon.

In 2011, fresh OPM acts emerged and this is why MYX Channel Head Andre Allan Alvarez wants to continue the channel’s legacy, as he aims to jumpstart OPM’s new Golden Age.

Voting is now officially open and will run till March 9. For more information about the online voting, log on to www.myxph.com and www.facebook.com/MYX.Philippines and follow @myphilippines on Twitter.

The MYX Music Awards 2012 is set on March 13 at the Music Museum and will be streamed live on myxph.com for the very first time.

Jheydie Cabria, A Promising Talent

Jheydie Cabria, a very promising new talent, could hardly wait for the start of “Star Factor” on ABS-CBN. The beauty-and-brains sophomore high school student of South City Homes Academy in Biñan, Laguna has been preparing well for the competition.

Jheydie, who attended Yoshi Production, Trumpets Workshop in Musical Theatre and Total Image Asia, was guest singer at Claire dela Fuente Music Bar where she was well applauded.

Jheydie’s favorite singers are Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Regine Velasquez.

Aisaku Endorses Platinum Karaoke Philippines 

Japanese sensation Aisaku Yokogawa, who’s reviving Ted Ito’s album, is the face of Platinum Karaoke Philippines. Ted Ito’s album was produced by his wife, Janette Ito, under I & I Records Inc. Ted is another Japanese singer of note.

The album was the recipient of a Diamond Record award for the hit songs of the ’90s “Ikaw Pa Rin” and “Maghintay Ka Lamang.” Like Ted, Aisaku is a Japanese who can sing Pinoy songs with ease.

The Platinum Karaoke is now available in the market at Gamextreme in Greenhills Shoppesville, Virra Mall, Glorietta 3, ATC, Cyber and Fashion Mall, Bridgeway, and soon in Metro Manila SM appliances. For more information, visit www.platinumkaraoke.ph.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 21, go to Tony Gloria of Unitel Pictures, Jinky Llamanzares, Mike Alunan, Lilia Duldulao, Clark Arcinas, Raphael Tiongson, Girlie Guillen, Beth Virtucio, Dr. Delia R. Barcelona, Doreen Belen of Hawaii, Paolo Perez, Severiano “Boy” Velasco, Gigi Paras, Jennifer Fong, Rangi Paula G. Mercado, Rochelle “Raki” Vega, and GMA-7’s Love Añover and Don Morales… Congratulations to US-based Princess Dheimee Lagana for winning second place on Science Fair in their school in San Diego, California, USA. They are going to compete again at Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair…