BB GANDANGHARI

The last time we talked to BB Gandanghari was in 2012 when we chanced upon him at Greenbelt 3 in the company of his dear friend, Rufa Mae Quinto. He just came from his film studies and modeling stints in New York. He also just joined Viva Artists Agency and was so excited about the company’s future plans for him. Among them are TV shows, movies and a political play titled “Halik ng Tarantula,” slated to be staged next month and will mark his grand comeback in the local performing arts scene.

Upon his return to the country, BB played a significant role in TV5’s highly rated fantasy series “Enchanted Garden.” He also gave a sensitive performance as a sympathetic transgender, who is torn between two rival lovers played by Wendell Ramos and Baron Geisler, in an episode of the controversial “Untold Stories.” This role made it to the long list of potential winners of the PMPC Star Awards for TV 2012, the same body which bestowed on him the New TV Personality Award.

In the recent past, BB played a gay character in the film version of the comic book “Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah,” and also appeared on some teleseryes of GMA-7 (“La Vendetta”) and ABS-CBN (“Eva Fonda”).

Going back to “Halik ng Tarantula,” it is a translation by noted Filipino playwright, Rene Villanueva, of the highly-acclaimed “Kiss of the Spider Woman” which is about two inmates of a Buenos Aires prison in the 1970s. One is a political prisoner, Valentin Arregui, and the other, Luis Molina, is imprisoned because of his homosexuality. BB Gandanghari plays Molina.

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Valentine Shows At Merk’s

Valentine treats at Merk’s Place kicked off with “Poppin’ Jazz,” featuring Emcy Corteza, Tek Faustino and brother Ding yesterday. On Feb. 12, it’s sing your favorite love songs and do a free-wheeling expression of love in a sing-along poetry night. Tomorrow, Feb. 13, “Save Your Heart for Me” features Richard Merk and Friends, with Emcy Corteza, Ferdie Topacio and other top artists.

On Feb. 14, featured are Richard Merk, Jeannie Tiongco and Ferdie Topacio in “My Cherie Amour.” Jeannie is the eldest daughter of Emil Tiongco of the famous Tiongco Brothers. Joining them are Ferdie Topacio, and the ’60s trio, Tiongco Brothers. Also performing on Valentine’s Day is Henry Katindig and his band.

On Feb. 15, talented vocalist Suy performs during Happy Hour after which Forever Young Band takes centerstage. Bloomfields, a young quartet of talented guys namely Dino Pascual, Louie Poco, Lakan Hila and Rocky Collado, will perform on Feb. 19 and every Tuesday thereafter.

Wednesday Jazz Night continues regularly with Richard Merk and Friends. Joining them are Emcy Corteza, Ferdie Topacio and other jazz artists. Pat Castillo is featured solo on Feb. 20, while Jacqui Magno sings on Feb. 27.

Visit Merk’s Place on the 2nd floor of Colbella Arcade at 910 Pasay Road, Makati City.

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Backroom Artists’ Schedule Of Shows

Backroom artists started the year right with various showbiz commitments. Bossa Nova Queen Sitti was one of “Showtime’s” hurados from Jan. 14 to 19. After that, she had a mall tour at Robinsons Magnolia and Robinsons Galleria then she performed at the Bar 360 of Resorts World Manila. On Feb. 14, make it “A Valentine Date with Sitti” at Bellevue Hotel in Alabang. On Feb. 22, Sitti and Hansen Nichols will perform live at Casino Filipino Olongapo.

Also on Feb. 14, K-La Rivera will be Makati Shangri-La’s featured artist in its Valentine show, while K Brosas will have a show with Rico J. Puno titled “Groovy Kind of Love” at Resorts World Manila. On Feb. 15, Pooh will tickle funny bones with his “My Poohny Valentine” at PAGCOR Tagaytay.

On Feb. 16, “Comedy and Box-Office Queen” Ai Ai delas Alas, celebrates laughter and romance as she grooves to the beat of “Gangnam Style” with Korea’s hottest YouTube singing sensation Psy in “Ang Tanging Family Valentine Show” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Other special guest performers are Wally Bayola and Jose Manalo.

On Feb. 22, Kim Idol will give a riotous performance at PAGCOR Angeles. Joining him onstage is Anton Diva.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 12, go to Mrs. Alice Lacson, Mrs. B ing Atienza, Denise Ysmael Lacon, Tessie Sioson Roque, Elizabeth Manlongat-Carino, Joe Recio, Mitos Escalambre, Honey Hazel Lim, Noemi Rivera, Lourdes Calma Bisaya, David Ty, Jr., US-based Lambert Santos, Nervin Bautista Areola, Madelain Salcedo-Tabor, Joey Sermonia, Karvin Grace Gerilla, Baby Eric Slotta, and entertainment writers Marinel Cruz, Ambet Nabus and Nene Riego…