MANILA, Philippines — The World Famous Platters (WFP), said to be the best tribute group to the legendary Platters, is set to do a special performance tonight at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

The group was here last year for a one-night show at the Aliw Theater, after which they proceeded to Singapore, where their show at the Marina Bay Sand’s Hotel was accorded three standing ovations.

This time around, the WFP will have more time to spend in the Philippines. After their concert at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, the group is scheduled to visit some key cities like Cebu, Bacolod and Iloilo.

The group’s 90-minute show at the Edsa Shangri-La will pay tribute to the legacy of the famous Platters. Included in their repertoire are the following: “Only You,” “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “My Prayer,” “Harbour Light,” “Remember When,” etc.

The WFP has been a mainstay performing group at Branson, Missouri, dubbed the “Las Vegas of the East” minus the casinos.

With only 2,000 population, Branson has over 40 theaters featuring at least 70 artists a year. This little city draws at least eight million tourists a year and one of its attractions is the World Famous Platters.

All the original members of The Platters are all gone (the last original member, Herb Reed, passed away last June). The main advantage of the WFP over the other tribute artists is lead singer Eddie Stovall Sr., also known as the “Emperor of Soul” together with Lawrence “Rooster” Lockard, who actually performed with the Platters’ original lead vocalist Tony Williams.

For “The World Famous Platters Live at Edsa Shangri-La” show, special guest performer is the Rockin’ 60s led by Dero “Nonong” Pedero.

The show is presented by Steve O’Neal Productions and Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, official residence, in collaboration with Hard Rock Café, Business Mirror, IBC 13, DWWW FM, Lazer Music, Taye Drums, Istanbul Cymbals, MS Tablet for Men, Star Cruises and RJ100.3 FM.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets, Ticketworld, National Book Store, Ayala Malls, Robinsons Mall and the concierge of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

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Maxene, Brutally Frank About Sex

“You must first know your sexual chemistry with your partner before you make a commitment for a life-long partnership.”

That was how Maxene Magalona, the lead star in GMA-7’s afternoon show, “Faithfully,” expressed her attitude toward sex.

Maxene also revealed that she has been “single” for more than five months since she broke off with her latest boy friend.

“This is the longest ‘singlehood’ I have ever experienced,” she stressed.

“I don’t miss it,” she added however. “I am so focused now with my acting career and no one can make me deviate from it.”

In “Faithfully,” Maxene plays an intricate role. She is paired with Mark Abaya whom she discovers later as unfaithful.

Commenting on the current heated discussion on the RH bill, Maxene said that what is important is the “sexual chemistry” of partners. Or their “compatibility,” or else that relationship will be doomed to fail.

“I believe in pre-marital sex,” Maxene admitted. Commenting on single parents, she said: “I admire their courage.”

In “Faithfully,” Maxene plays a courageous woman who perseveres in her goal though the obstacles are almost insurmountable.

In the same teleserye, Mark Abaya feels very much challenged by his role.

“I did a lot of preparations to fine-tune my acting, he said. What makes him even more focused on his role is the fact that his mother, Direk Malou Abaya does not miss watching the show Monday to Friday.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 27, go to former movie queen Amalia Fuentes, Ogie Alcasid, Mayor Benjie Lim of Dagupan City, Ben Chan of Bench, Dr. Liceria Soriano, Dr. Marilyn Marzan-Olalo, Marilou L. Lao, John Edgar Lara, John Delmer Go, Tessie C. Castro, Andrew Bryan N. Sapigao, Marcelino Banaria, Jillianne M. Mohammad of New York, USA; Marietta Subang (a.k.a. Pokwang), and DOJ Secretary Liela de Lima…