MANILA, Philippines  — Few thought it could happen, but it ultimately became a reality, putting together two of the world’s greatest pop groups in one musical event. And on June 3, Pinoy fans would certainly enjoy this special treat when legendary boy bands New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys (collectively initialized as NKOTBSB), two of pop music’s biggest and most successful acts, take their historic joint tour to Manila for a one-night gig.

The boy bands will appear on the same stage on the same night as they bring back their greatest hits that made them household words in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively, during a back-to-back super concert at the new indoor Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Billed as “NKOTBSB Live In Manila!,” the musical presentation from Ovation Productions marks the local debut of two of the biggest pop groups in the world that will showcase the magical sounds of the past generation through an array of their best-loved songs.

New Kids on the Block (also initialized as NKOTB) will perform the chart-topping hits it has popularized since it started as a boy band in Boston, Massachussets in 1984, such as “Hangin’ Tough,” “You’ve Got It (The Right Stuff),” “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),” “Cover Girl,” “Step By Step,” and many more.

In 1991, the group topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid entertainers, beating out the likes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince and Bill Cosby.

The present members of the band are Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Danny Wood and Donnie Wahlberg. Its former members are Jamie Kelly and Mark Wahlberg.

On the other hand, the Backstreet Boys (BSB), is an American vocal group formed in 1993 in Orlando, Florida and which rose to fame on account of its self-titled debut international album (1996), its second international album, “Backstreet’s Back” (1997) and its debut album in the US.

Prior to the landmark joint tour of New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, the newsupergroup now known by the initials NKOTBSB released an album of their greatest hits, including two new songs, “Don’t Turn Out The Lights” and “All In My Head.”

The Backstreet Boys, which was named after Orlando’s flea market, is composed of Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, A.J. McLean and Howie Dorough. Kevin Richardson was a past member.

(“NKOTBSB Live In Manila!” is presented by Ovation Productions in association with RJ 100 FM, The Rockwell Club and Edsa Shangri-La Manila. It is also supported by the Manila Bulletin, BusinessWorld, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, Home Radio 97.9, MYX, ABS-CBN and OptimaSignsolutions. Tickets are available at all SM Tickets outlets. They can also be purchased online by logging on to www.smtickets.com. For more information, visit www.mallofasia-arena.com).

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TV5 International Launched Today

Fans of Willie Revillame in California are definitely excited to see their idol in person once again. Willie, with Mariel Rodriguez and Camille Villar, his “Wil Time Big Time” co-hosts, will topbill a show at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles today (May 26) for the much-awaited official launch of TV5 International.

TV5 International is the global arm of the fast-rising network in the Philippines.

Willie and his group will proceed to San Francisco on June 2 for another show at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

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‘Luna Blanca’ Pilot Week Re-Shown

For those who missed the pilot week of “Luna Blanca,” the newest afternoon show of GMA Network, this will be re-shown today before “Eat Bulaga.”

“Luna Blanca,” featuring Jillian Ward and Mona Louise Rey in the title roles, premiered last May 21 on GMA-7.

Also in the cast of “Luna Blanca” are Raymart Santiago, Camille Prats, Chynna Ortaleza, Dante Rivero, Marissa Delgado, Karen de los Reyes, Mercedes Cabral, Arkin Magalona, Buboy Villar.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 26, go to Comm. Fe Aldava Yap, Lita Torralba Legarta, Brig. Gen. Raul S. Imperial, Evelyn Recio Cruz, John Rex Tiu, Naomi Sandiko, Cely Cabalza, Lumen Villegas, Iking Araneta, Nerissa dela Cruz, Felipa A. Somera, May Savellano Acosta, Dr. Jo Catapang, Liza Rodriguez, Kareen Cabrera and Josephine Elicano… Happy wedding anniversary to Jules and Elizabeth Roaro…