Hansen Nichols

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American talent Hansen Nichols is out to give local showbiz a try. This former PDA “scholar” has the looks (thanks to his Irish-Spanish-Filipino lineage) and the talent to make it.

His name may not ring a bell yet to most, but not to viewers of ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA).”

“It makes me happy and excited to know they somehow remember me from my ‘PDA’ stint,” Hansen said in a recent interview at Sir Boy’s Food Republique in Quezon City.

Hansen also announced he will have a solo concert on March 14 at Metrobar-West Ave.

“Hansen at the Metro” will see the upstart singing “We Found Love,” “Just The Way You Are,” “Kahit Isang Saglit,” “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin,” among others.

Hansen, who was born and raised in California, credits his fluency in Filipino Tagalog to The Filipino Channel (TFC). “Even as a young boy, mahilig na ako manood ng mga teleserye at Tagalog movies. I listen to the dialog of the stars and I learned how to speak Tagalog through them,” he related.

Hansen is a cancer survivor. He had thyroid cancer but he was lucky he has been cured and has been on remission for years now.

“Hansen at the Metro” is presented by Sir Boy’s Food Republique and La Carmela de Boracay.

Annie Brazil, Jacqui At Merk’s

Asia’s Queen of Jazz Annie Brazil continues to enthrall music lovers at Merk’s Place every Wednesday via “Jazz Wednesday Night @ Merk’s.” The show also features former member of Circus Band Jacqui Magno in “Jammin’ with Jacqui” with Atty. Ferdie Topacio, Emcy Corteza and talented session artists.

For reservations, call 5473146. Merk’s Place is located at 2F Colbella Arcade, 910 Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City.

Rock Icons Perform On One Stage

Some of the country’s top rock icons recently joined forces during the Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Rock Challenge Grand Finals. Red Horse endorsers Pepe Smith and Ely Buendia together with Red Horse Beer Bands Slapshock, Greyhoundz, Kjwan, Wilabaliw and Razorback performed.

Hosts Julia Clarete and Francis Brew accompanied by Red Horse Beer’s rocker chick Lovi Poe announced Davao-based metal core band David vs Goliath as the 2011 Red Horse Beer Muziklaban Grand Champion in front of over 16,000 attendees and more than 19,000 viewers via live streaming.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 7, go to Gerald Anderson, Ms. Carmen Patena, Tom Apacible. Leo Martinez, Rica Peralejo, Nora Robles, Francis Choy, Dr. Johnny Labodahon, Karylle Abigail Adao, Tomas B. Medina, Jay Paul Galino, Charlotte Quiambao-Pascual, Macrina Ilustre, Perpetua C. Plastina, Carmen Bautista, Veronica R. Samio, Ella Mae Saison and Tong Payumo, former SMBA chair…