David Archuleta with Jasmine Curtis Smith and Eula Caballero

MANILA, Philippines — He recorded “Be My Lady,” which became one of his signature and most successful songs 30 years ago. Now, Martin Nievera’s big wish is to record the song once more to digitalize the classic.

But he can’t.

“Because my contract then with Vicor stipulated that I cannot do a remake of the song – for life!” bewailed the “Concert King” during a recent mini-presscon for his newest album under Polyeast Records, “Mga Awit ng Damdamin.”

But Martin said he could talk to Boss Vic del Rosario, expressing hope that the Viva Group of Companies’ top honcho would accede to have the stipulation waived.

“Baka naman pumayag,” Martin said.

“Mga Awit ng Damdamin” is a sequel to his Gold Record “Himig ng Damdamin,” released last year. Martin’s new album features songs which he sings with the piano and the acoustic guitar, along with classic pieces selected by the singer and the album producer, Chito Ilagan of Polyeast Records.

Martin takes on some of OPM’s greatest songs from icons of the ’70s to the present like George Canseco, Anthony Castelo, Basil Valdez, Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Wency Cornejo, Ogie Alcadi, Regine Velasquez, Lea Salonga.

The 12-track album, which begins with Ogie’s “Sa Kanya,” also features Martin’s own interpretation of Regine’s “Dadalhin.” Also accompanied with acoustic guitar is a cover of Wency’s hit “Habang May Buhay.”

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Rhian Plays ‘Kontrabida Girl’

GMA Films’ latest offering, “My Kontrabida Girl,” teams up Rhian Ramos and Aljur Abrenica.

Rhian plays the infamous soap opera villain (kontrabida) Isabel Reyes, who is loathed by everyone. But by some twist of fate, Isabel’s life turns upside down when she encounters a near-death accident and experiences a sudden change of heart.

Also in the cast of “My Kontrabida Girl,” which opens on March 14, are Jake Vargas, Bea Binene, Bela Padilla, Chariz Solomon, Moymoy Palaboy, Kewin Santos, Enzo Pineda, Sef Cadayona, Ken Chan, Gwen Zamora, and Sabina Santiago.

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TV5 Achieves International Goal  For ‘Nandito Ako’

By bringing David Archuleta over to star in its primetime series “Nandito Ako,” TV5 tapped a part of the global market. The soap has gained viewership momentum in different countries since it premiered last February 20.

“Nandito Ako” and other “Nandito Ako”-related phrases and Twitter hashtags have been figuring in trending topics in the Philippines and outside the country.

David’s first drama venture also landed on the pages of international newspapers, magazines and online sites.

“Nandito Ako” is seen internationally through TV5’s Pilipinas Global Network (PGN). Jasmine Curtis Smith and Eula Caballero share lead roles with the “American Idol” runner-up.

“Nandito Ako” airs weeknights at 9 p.m. after “Wil Time Bigtime” on TV5.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 12, go to Betsy R. Quisumbing, Mely Paras, Hawaii-based Josie Palma Seson, Antoinette Abella-Dionela, Rebecca Perez-Buccat and Fred Payaman of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Col. and Mrs. Juanito Lagasca and Ray-An and Meiling Fuentes…