“Barney’s Big Surprise Live in Manila,” produced by Media Source Entertainment, was performed before SRO crowd day after day when it started its run at the Aliw Theater last July 14 until its conclusion on July 18. “All shows, even the matinee shows, were sold out. It was really nice seeing the crowd so happy about the show, the kids and their parents. It was wonderful,” the organizers of the show, Widescope Entertainment said.

For five straight days, kids were treated to a magical journey with songs, music, colorful display of dazzling effects, by Barney and his friends, Baby Bop and BJ, along with Professor Tinkerputt and Mother Goose.

Celebrity parents who brought their celebrity kids to see the great kiddie event were one in saying that the most favorite portion of their kids during the show was the blowing of the birthday cake candle. “All the kids in the audience were asked to help the birthday celebrant blow the candle on the huge cake on stage. At the count of three, all children, regardless of shapes and sizes and regardless of how far or near they were on the stage, blew the candle. And how amazed they were when the candle was put out after they spewed out that air!,” one of them told us.

But the kids went into an encore rampage, they added, when Barney’s car made a proud appearance on the show. “The kids couldn’t get enough of the amazing car that even when it was no longer shown on the stage, they were still clamoring for it,” he added.

No wonder the kids were all so starry-eyed, awed (with their mouths gaping wide open) just watching the purple monster do his thing.

“Barney’s Big Surprise” is a musical that has been touring Asia and the Middle East after receiving tremendous response from its audience in the US and Canada, and now the Philippines.

The 60-minute program which was presented here by Smart Kid, organized by Widescope Entertainment and produced by Media Source Entertainment, received really good reviews because it is not often that the kids get to have a chance to see an educational show that the kids really love.
On opening day, celebrity-audiences were Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and her kids, Dyan Castillejo with her husband Anton and son Matthew, David Bunevacz with wife Jessica Rodriguez and children Hayca, Grant and Breanna, and Lander Vera Perez and wife Regine Tolentino and their kids.

We remember Dyan telling us right after watching the show, “the kids were so mesmerized by Barney. While waiting in line, (and what a long line it was!) I noticed the kids were really excited to see him. And it was nice to see eager parents asking their children if they’re happy to go to the show. I realized that there are no venues where we can bring our kids to have good, valuable and educational activities here in the Philippines. It’s good that the producers thought about bringing Barney here.”

In this connection, we heard that Media Source Entertainment might be bringing in another surefire hit show among the kids. Wondering what could possibly be it?

“Sesame Street” no less. Did I hear hysteria among the kids once again?

Let’s just keep our fingers crossed.

*    *    *

We came to see Will Smith’s new movie “I, Robot” over the weekend and we enjoyed it so much. No wonder this movie made really good at the box office.

Here’s the great news sent to us by 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros.:

“I, Robot,” the high-tech movie for the I-generation starring Will Smith topped Philippine box-office in its first five days of release with a whopping R18.6 million in Metro Manila and amassed R24.1 million nationwide besting other movies playing during the week of July 21-25.

Will Smith is robotophobic Detective Del Spooner in the movie and the death of Dr. Lanning (James Cromwell) involves a robot whom Spooner believed is guilty of the crime. Set in the year 2035 where robots are a common household item and humans have become dependent on them, Spooner is aided by Dr. Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan) in his investigation. Sonny, the robot being charged of murder is characterized by the movements and voice of Alan Tudyk.

“I, Robot” is a 20th Century Fox presentation distributed by Warner Bros. now showing nationwide.

*    *    *

The phenomenal all-female group Sexbomb Girls (who was responsible for this never-ending trend) tours the malls August and September to promote their latest album “Bomb Threat” featuring the singles “Halukay Ube” and “Tong Song” with Joey de Leon once again.

Today, Friday, Sexbomb will be at Robinsons Place Imus at 4 p.m. Their other schedules: July 31, Ever Grand Central; Aug. 6, Ever Ortigas; Aug. 7, Ever Commonwealth. All shows start at 4 p.m. The girls will also be seen in various malls (watch out for announcements in “Eat Bulaga”) on Aug. 20; Aug. 27; Sept. 3; Sept. 11; Sept. 18; Sept. 24; and Sept. 25. Autograph session will also be held during the mall tour. Aside from free posters, the album buyer might also have a chance to win prizes from Petron Rev-X and Smart Talk N Text.

“Bomb Threat” is available in CDs and cassettes from BMG Records (Pilipinas).