He told us that this concept show, called “Simply WONDERful,” will feature only the biggest hits and the most memorable melodies of the legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder. Immediately, we told Ricky that our favorite song “Too Shy To Say” shouldn’t be missing in the repertoire of the concert. He was not sure, but he said he’ll try to look.

Anyway, we believe that once in a while, a truly wonderful concept for a show such as this one should be presented to our concert-going public.

The best part is, the producers (Cecile Santiago Rodgers and her team of music lovers at E-motions Production Specialists) behind the show have made sure that they get only the best talents who could do justice to all those Stevie Wonder classics.

Bituin Escalante is so excited about her participation in this concert. She is the only female singer in the lineup. Bituin shares the stage with the R&B Prince Jay-R, Jimmy Bondoc and  the Akafellas.  Each artist was assigned a set of songs to sing, songs which they have not yet done before in their previous concerts. Thus, a challenge was given to each one to come up with a performance that would do justice to the songs.

To back them up, a 14-member band, complete with a brass section, was put together by the show’s musical director to really capture the genuine ‘Stevie Wonder sound.’ For all music lovers out there, this is not a show you would like to miss.

E-motions Production Specialists was put up just early this year. Ms. Rodgers, obviously a fan of Stevie Wonder, and her team would like to specialize in the production of quality shows and events that will not just provide good entertainment for its audience, but also, enhance the development of the artists which their productions will feature.

In the end, they hope that these projects can contribute positively to the upliftment of the entertainment industry as a whole. And in this “Simply Wonderful” project, they aim to do just that.
Tickets for “Simply Wonderful” are available at all SMTicketnet outlets or at the Araneta Coliseum Box Office. For reservations, please call 0917-5305308.

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Although belatedly, we were very happy to receive this message from reader Ochie Bumanglag a few days back in reaction to what we wrote about our favorite comedian, Michael V.

Ochie’s message was truly an inspiration for us because her kind of reaction was exactly what we wanted to elicit from our readers for coming up with such kind of an article.

Thank you Ochie, from the bottom of my heart, for your appreciation. It means so much to me, and I’m sure for Michael V as well.

Following is Ochie’s letter:

Dear Shirley,

This e-mail of mine has been long overdue. Nevertheless, I just want you to know that I am very thankful that you have written the article, “The Wisdom of Michael V” last July 11.

It was indeed a breath of fresh air to hear some positive news about people from showbiz. Truly, this article of yours is a “rare” find.

I’m glad that despite the many news of showbiz families breaking up and other scandals caused by showbiz personalities, there are people like Michael V who are trying to keep the family intact and who is never afraid to profess that God is an important part of it.

I hope you can get to write more of showbiz personalities that we can really look up to and whose lives we can emulate. Keep it up!

Looking forward to reading more good stuff!

Ochie Bumanglag

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Ogie Alcasid pays tribute to his hometown in Batangas as he obliges to do a fund-raising show there for the Taal Church Historical and Authentic Restoration Movement Foundation, Inc. along with his friend and perennial concert-partner Regine Velasquez.

The show is billed as “Ala Eh Gabi ni Ogie” and it will be the first memorable performance on his birth month. It is slated on Aug. 7 at the Batangas Sports Complex.

Ogie says the City of Batangas is very close to his heart. “My Mom is from Taal and as a kid, I used to spend my summer vacation in my grandmother’s house. It’s really close to me that I even got married in Taal. I really consider it my home, next to Manila,”  he said. The show is being produced by Taal-Church Historical and Authentic Restoration Movement Foundation Inc. (Taal-Charms).

Proceeds of the show will be utilized for the restoration of the 150-year-old Basilica of San Martin de Tours. Located at the heart of Taal, the Basilica was initially built by Fr. Diego Espina in 1575. The Basilica of San Martin de Tours is said to be the biggest church in East Asia, unfortunately the structure is slowly deteriorating thus the need for  a major renovation.

So, the Batangueños can expect a night of pure love songs, romantic ditties and all those mushy stuff only Ogie Alcasid can deliver and deliver well. Remember that it’s only Ogie who could make songs like this reach their heights of popularity.

“Ala Eh Gabi ni Ogie” is sponsored by Nestle, Jollibee P. Burgos, Provin

ial Government of Batangas, Hotel Pontefino and Vitapure. For ticket inquiries please call 633-2095 or 634-6913.