ow well do you know the group that popularized the hits "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man?"

The Village People, together with Sister Sledge, will be coming to Manila for a one-night concert on July 1, at the Araneta Coliseum.

French composer–producer Jacques Morali came to the US as the winner of a 20th Century Fox slogan contest. While in New York, he attended a costume ball at Les Mouches, a gay disco in Greenwich Village. As he gazed around the room, he was impressed by all the ‘macho male stereotypes’ portrayed by the party guests. The idea came to him: Why not put together a group of singers and dancers, each one playing a different gay fantasy figure?

Felipe Rose, a professional dancer, came that night as an American Indian. He was cast as the first ‘image.’ Next came singer Alexander Briley, as the uniformed GI/sailor. Victor Willis, who had been in such Broadway musicals as "The Wiz and The River Niger," rounded out the trio as lead singer and lyricist. His role was that of the naval commander and part-time policeman. As all had been recruited from Greenwich Village, Morali decided to call them The Village People.

Their first LP was released in 1977 and aimed directly at the gay market. Soon after it hit, auditions were held for three more members. TV actor Randy Jones was hired as a cowboy. Glen Hughes, a former Brooklyn Battery Tunnel toll collector came in as a leather-clad biker (a role he played in real life as well). And last was David Hodo, the muscular construction worker in mirrored shades. A great lover of bizarre stunts, his passion for roller skating while eating fire had landed him on the TV show "What’s My Line?"

The title cut from their second album, "Macho Man,"was a small hit in the summer of 1978 but the album itself went platinum. Then in the fall, they released their third album, "Cruisin," which spawned their biggest single ever, "YMCA."

The Village People had one other major hit, ‘In The Navy,’ in the spring of the same year. Then, in the fall, lead singer Willis, dissatisfied with their direction, quit the group ‘by mutual agreement.’ This happened days before shooting was to begin on their first motion picture, "Can’t Stop The Music." Ray Simpson was brought in to replace Willis, but somehow things just weren’t the same. Released in June, 1980, the film, which featured YMCA, was a box office disaster.

In 1981, the Village People reorganized and renounced their disco roots. Full page ads in the music trades displayed their new look and futuresound, such as "Bowie-type’"rockers. By this time, the group had been branded as a novelty act and were quickly forgotten by the record paying public. They split up in 1986 to explore solo careers, but reunited in 1988 and continued to tour.

The Village People celebrated their 20th anniversary with a national tour that included New York’s Madison Square Garden and Radio City Musical Hall, and L.A.’s Greek Theatre.

Jacques Morali died on Dec. 15, 1991 of AIDS–related causes and Glenn Hughes, the moustachioed, leatherclad biker, died of lung cancer in March of 2001. Hughes was buried in his biker outfit.

A new incarnation of The Village People continued to perform, touring with Cher for seven months in 2004 and 2005. When she retired, the group set out on their own tour across the US.

Presented by SMART and PLDT in cooperation with Bench and Oishi, "Retro Mania: Village People and Sister Sledge Live in Manila!" is brought to you by ALV Events International and Solar Entertainment.

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Tadition is Miladay. And to further keep the tradition alive on its 40th anniversary with year, Miladay, recently launched "A Gift of Love," a precious little gift card, at its branch in the Podium in Ortigas Center which coincided with the birthday of one of the Dayrit siblings Christine Dayrit, the new chairperson of the Cinema Evaluation Board which is under the aegis of the Film Development Council of the Phils. She was also recently appointed as the chairperson of the International Film Festival commission, formerly chaired by Manay Ichu Maceda.

At the cocktails, FDCP chair Jackie Atienza explained, that out of the 85 million Filipinos, approximately 10 to 15 million watch Filipino films yearly thus the Film Development Council is working to increase the number of quality film each year. Christine added that the FDCP recently commissioned the SWS to come out with a survey on the demographics of Filipino movie goers and find out the movie and star preferences of the industry. "Just as it is my dream for every Filipino to watch local films, it is our Mom’s dream for every Filipino to own a piece of Miladay no matter how small. We are introducing our newest product, "A Gift of Love from Miladay," this gift card would surely put a smile on the faces of your loved ones, explained Christine (Miladay’s PR director) who welcomed her friends and guests from the entertainment, media and business community.

"Oftentimes, husbands wants to give their wives jewelry but they have no idea what kind of jewelry their wives will like. To solve that problem, we came up with "A Gift of Love." All the men have to do is to surprise their sweethearts with this precious little gift card." Added older sister Michelle who is the president of the family–owned business that started in their garage in their home 40 years ago. "I’m the jewel baby because our business flourished when I was born," enthused Christine.

The good news is, the gift card can be loaded with an amount that starts from R3,000 up. "For big things or small things, regardless of the amount, always remember that there is a gift of love for our loved ones," Michelle said. She aded the gift card is also perfect for occasions like Mother’s Day, birthday, baptism, confirmation, graduation, Valentine’s Day, wedding anniversary and Christmas.

At the event, the second generation Dayrits – Mark, Jaqui Boncan, Michelle Soliven, Christine and Yvonne Romualdez – were at their brightest moment when "A Gift of Love" was successfully received by their regular clients and new-found friends. Seen at the scene of revelry were FDCP chairman Jacky Atienza. FDCP Director Lali Suzara, Regal Films’ Roselle Monteverde, Paolo Bediones, Solar Films’ Wilson Tieng, scriptwriter and CEB member Roy Iglesias, Philip Juico, (Dean of De La Salle graduate school) media personality Jojo Alejar, CEB member Paolo Herras (who just directed and produced an excellent digital film "Lambanog," Volvo’s CEO Atty. Albert Arcilla, Atty. Mike Toledo, Pricemart’s Jonathan Cayaon, Shiela Lim, Roi Philips, Tessie Reyes, Nene Leonor, Gilda Salonga, Blims’ Carrie Lim and more.

Guests enjoyed the sumptuous cocktails prepared by Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts. Red and white wines from Ralph’s Wine overflowed; and so did Paradise Mango Rum Liquor.

Fabulous prizes were also raffled off including a four–night stay in Nusa Dua Hotel in Bali with a round trip business class airfare from Royal Brunei. Also given away were gift certicates from Cebu Hilton (via Cebu Pacific), El Nido Resort in Palawan, Buri Beach Resort in Puerto Galera, Fort Ilocandia in Ilocos Norte, PNKY’s Bed and Breakfast in Baguio, Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay (whose recipient will be chauffeured by Volvo Cars to and from Tagaytay), Stresscape in Shangri-La Makati, Stresscape in Shangri-La Edsa and Gold’s Gym.

"A Gift of Love" is also available at Miladay branches at 150 Jupiter St., Bel–Air, Makati; Glorietta 4, Makati; Waltermart in Pasong Tamo, Makati; Alabang Town Center; Robinsons Galleria; and SM Mall of Asia. For inquiries, please call 896–4504 pr 896–4617

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 29, go to Celia Laurel, Robbie Tan, Shirley Uy, Eli Pinto, Virgie Lovely, Raul Piedra, Emma Gutierrez, Pearl Susim, Nestor C. Eucariza, Dr. Luz Esoiritu, Oliver Bundalian, Col. Reynaldo Y. Gopilan, Ruby B. Villaruz, Pacita Aguirre, Barbara Milano, and Dianne Bautista...