The night before, his supporters had already camped in front of the church (there was even a show to entertain them) and early in the morning, many more came to wish President Erap happy birthday.

After thanking everyone for coming, saying that their presence is to him the best gift he received, President Erap recalled that it’s been five years (on April 25) that he’s been incarcerated, "so long now that I’ve forgotten how old I am," he jested. As he thanked them for their love and continued faith in him, he also said that "he has embraced suffering not as a punishment but as a blessing." His love affair with the people has remained firm and strong, "something that cannot be stolen or destroyed by lies," but he only felt bad, he added, that he was not able to fulfill his promises to the people.

He also felt sad that his bosom friend, the late Fernando Poe, Jr., is no longer around "para palakasin ang loob ko," but in his memory he vowed not to stop fighting for the truth for this is the key to a brighter tomorrow for the people.

His birthday wish is simple, he said: "To be able to clear my name. I also wish our people to be free from poverty and want, from fear and oppression...

He thanked St. Peter’s Fr. Tapiador and the priests who celebrated the mass and prayed over him: Bishop Antonio Tobias who delivered the homily (he thanked the organizers Rez Cortez and Rey David for inviting him, and said among others, that President Erap earned the distinction of bowing out of power to buy peace and avoid bloodshed, and also asked his forgiveness for the Catholic Church, hoping that someday "you will come to terms with us bishops..."); Msgr. Antonio Rodriguez, Frs. Sonny Ramirez, Tomas Naval, Mike Analan, Jose Ramos, Dennis Espejo, and Eduardo Africa; and the Oasis of Love Ministry Choir.

The readers during the mass included San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito, Boy Morales, former Senator Tito Sotto (he prayed for wisdom among politicians); former Senator Loren Legarda (she prayed for people deprived in life and even in death); Cong. Ronnie Zamora (he prayed for reconciliation and magnanimity to correct historical mistakes), former Senator Nikki Coseteng (she prayed for Erap who has dedicated his life to the poor and that his desire for freedom be the collection vision of all people); Luz Valdez (she prayed for good health and wholesome spirituality for the birthday celebrant); Armida Siguion-Reyna (she prayed for the people that they may never waiver in their support for Erap and also prayed for a brighter tomorrow for the country).

The former president acknowledged his well-wishers, in addition to his family, Senators Loi and Jinggoy Estrada; Beaver and Jackie Lopez; Precy Ejercito, among them Ms. Susan Roces, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, former Senator and Mrs. Francisco Tatad, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, and many others.

Also there were Rep. Imee Marcos, former Senator Leticia Shahani, former QC Mayor Mel Mathay, ex-Reps. Chuck Mathay and Sonny Escudero, Eki Cardenas, Rod Reyes, Boots Anson-Roa, Marichu Maceda, National Artist Eddie Romero, Josefino and Olivia Cenizal, Atty. Espiridion Laxa, Eddie Garcia, Robert Arevalo, director Joel Lamangan, Nino Muhlach, Rez Cortez,

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The music of the legendary soul/R&B group The Platters definitely ranks as among the most unforgettable in the world of music. Songs like "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," "Twilight Time" and "Only You (And You Alone)" — along with the other memorable tunes of the 50s and 60s—will long be remembered by lovers of great music.

Recently, Kuh Ledesma brought back the music of The Platters when she staged "The Music of The Platters and More" at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. But Kuh wasn’t just content to perform the songs herself—to give the show an authentic feel, she brought in The Platters’ vocalist Bobby Soul to sing with her.

Originally, they were only supposed to do two shows, but both were so successful that Kuh scheduled a repeat on April 22, again at the Captain’s Bar, to give in to the request of a lot of people.

"The Music of The Platters and More" is a production of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the Music Museum. And as expected, people will get the chance to hear once again the memorable hits of The Platters, along with other romantic ballads.

Among the songs in the repertoire are a selection of solos for both Kuh and Bobby, as well as some much-awaited duets that include "Unforgettable," "Endless Love," "You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine," "What Now My Love" and "The Last Night of The World" from the musical "Miss Saigon."

Of course, Kuh and Bobby will also reprise their hit numbers from their earlier show. Kuh will be performing her much-loved standards: "Too Marvelous" (originally performed by Ella Fitzgerald, with a version by Frank Sinatra), "As Time Goes By" from the movie "Casablanca;" "Moon River" from "Sabrina;" "Can’t Help Fallin’ In Love;" "Unchained Melody;" "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" and "It Must Be You."

Bobby, in turn, will delight the audience with his rendition of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," "Twilight Time," "I’m Sorry," "Remember When" and "Love Boat" from the 70s hit series of the same title.

"The Music of The Platters and More" will be a night of musical nostalgia for both the young and old.

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Merk’s Bar Bistro at Level 3, Greenbelt Makati, hosts the country’s first ever theatre–dinner event today and tomorrow, in celebration of the 53rd year anniversary of the Arena Theatre–Philippine Drama Company’s founding in 1953. Naty Crame-Rogers, 2006 National Artist for Theatre, directs "Sabina," the one-act tragedy considered to be the late National Artist Severino Montano’s finest work. Presented back-to-back with "Sabina" is the hilarious comedy "Why women Wash the Dishes," written by Filomena N. Colendrina, arranged for Chamber Theatre by Nick Agudo and staged as story-drama by Naty Crame-Rogers.

Playing the title role as "Sabina" is Ria Ferro, with Archie Adamos as Mr. George, and June Hebrew as Antero. Playing the lead roles in "Why Women Wash the Dishes" are Teri Tolosa as Ka Maldang; Rico del Rosario as Ka Ugong, and Lala Castillo as the narrator. Naty Crame-Rogers also directs.

Tickets to this limited and exclusive presentation are R850 each and it includes a sumptuous dinner by Bistro Remedios. Theatre-dinner is a unique way of enjoying theatre, presenting theatre first and then dinner after, with the added attraction of the theatre players interacting with the guests after the show. Theatre-dinner is an innovation on the usual theatre form, tried and tested by the Sala Theatre/Philippine Drama Company over many decades of successful practice. Guests are requested to be seated by 6:30 p.m. Curtain rises at 7 p.m.

Versatile actor Jake Roxas is busy these days, enjoying his role as "Bruno" in GMA 7’s top rating afternoon teleserye "Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat," where he plays the treacherous lover of Mylene Dizon. But what excites the public most about Jake these days is his much–talked about pictorial for X–ray magazine.

Yes, for the first time in his career, the actor has agreed to go sexy only for X–ray, thanks to the confidence he has entrusted to ace photographer Ronnie Salvacion. Indeed, after a short absence in showbusiness, the actor returns to the limelight. His penetrating eyes, dark features, and devilish smile is more prominent now than ever.

Even though there may be some pressure on Jake to prove that there is more to him than just his rough handsome looks, this doesn’t faze him. After all, he is no stranger to serious acting roles, proof of this is the good feedback he has been receiving in his current soap, shown weekdays, 3 p.m. at GMA 7.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 21, go to former Pangasinan Governor Rafael Colet, former QC Councilor Wilma A. Sarino, actress Angel Locsin, Marlon Dionela, Kathleen Hermosa, Marivic Rufino, Raffy Rufino, Imelda Bermudez-Livioco, Lillian Lazaro, Katrina "Katkat" Gonzalez, Hermie Hermano, entertainment editor Ricky Lo, Dr. Bon Malvar and Luis Manzano...