K-POP supergroup BigBang

The K-pop supergroup BigBang will take center stage at the SM MOA Arena in Pasay City on Oct. 24 for its Manila debut, joining the growing list of big pop acts at the forefront of the Korean entertainment and cultural phenomenon that has been sweeping Asia and other parts of the world during the past two decades.

Billed as “BigBang Alive Galaxy Tour 2012,” the one-night-only musical event to be mounted by Ovation Productions as part of BigBang’s first-ever world tour in support of its new mini-album, “Alive,” and which covers 25 cities in 16 countries in five continents.

Considered as one of the most successful Asian acts in the world today, BigBang makes its initial local appearance with a spectacular record of achievements it has notched during its brief but brilliant musical career that began in 2006 when it was formed by G-Dragon, T.O.P., Taeyang, Seungri and Daesung.

It became an overnight sensation when its hit song, “Lies,” the title single of its 2007 first mini-album, “Always,” was released as lead single and stayed at Number 1 on the Korean charts for a record-shattering seven consecutive weeks.

Its first mini-album, “Always,” aside from becoming a big commercial success with sales of 87,000 copies, received numerous awards and citations, including “Best Male Group Award” and “Song of the Year Award” from the 2007 Mnet Asian Music Awards and the “Artist of the Year Award” from the 17th Seoul Music Awards.

Although each of its five members branched out to other styles for solo projects, they reunited as a band after a two-year hiatus and successfully bounced back into the mainstream music and entertainment circuit with the album, “Tonight.”

In November 2011, BigBang, representing the Asia-Pacific region, was proclaimed as the inaugural “Best Worldwide Act” winner at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards.

Last Feb. 29, 2012, BigBang's fifth mini-album, “Alive,” was released to a rousing reception from the music industry. The launch coincided with the group’s annual concert, “Big Show 2012,” staged last March 2-4, 2012 at the Seoul Olympic Park Stadium to a sold-out audience of 40,000 fans. The event also mark the successful kick off of its current first-ever world tour.

(“BigBang Alive Galaxy Tour 2012” is produced by Ovation Productions. Tickets are available at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide. Tickets may also be purchased online through www.smtickets.com. 

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‘I ‚ MLA’ Resumes This October

The fun continues at the Music Museum on Oct. 10, 17, 23 and 24 as Jon Santos, Bo Cerrudo and The Company take you on a delightful ride through the streets of Manila by way of song and laughter.

A travelogue, concert series and stand-up comedy act all rolled into one, “I ‚MLA” (Kasi Nga, It’s More Fun In The Philippines) reminisces the glory days of the country’s premiere capital, amid a backdrop of interesting vignettes of Pinoy pop culture.

Inimitable quick-change artist Jon Santos has always left his audiences in stitches with his rib-tickling impersonations of iconic characters both local and foreign. Whether he’s all dolled up in fur as Lady Gaga or flashing his swashbuckling Erap gait, Jon has definitely mastered the art of repartee. But there’s more to Jon as he showcases his singing talent this time – and that’s no laughing matter!

Bo Cerrudo, who alternates as “King” in Resorts World’s ongoing production of ‘King and I,’ still dazzles with his commanding baritone as he breezes through a medley of Filipino ballads – rekindling his “Cerrudo Classico Series” days. Onstage with The Company, Bo’s robust basso profundo is the perfect counterpoint to the group’s soaring harmonies.

As always, The Company’s refreshing harmonies are always magical and compelling – their synergy of majestic voices reminiscent of such groups as Manhattan Transfer and Take 6. While they can swing from jazz to disco, and everything in between, they still shine best during their poignant renditions of local OPM hits, including their popular hits ‘Pakisabi Na Lang,’ ‘Now That I Have You,’ ‘Muntik Na Kitang Minahal’ and ‘Everlasting Love.’

“I ‚ MLA” also features the Whiplash dance group.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 10, go to Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, PDI columnist Neal Cruz, Keiko Gardiner, Buboy Garovillo, Ms. Yaying Dragon, Malou Maglutac, Vivian Uy, Michelle Puzon, Encarnacion “Lovely” R. Santos, Mrs. Laura del Rosaio Milo, Vic Brita, Ricky Alvaran, Anna Vitta-Lim Galagnara, New York-based Luisa Velasco-Datiles, and Nash Aguas of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Dr. Adrian Buensalido and wife Joy…