However, Vina, whose last major concert was in 2002, via "Vina Revealed" held at the Folk Arts Theater and where people learned everything there was to learn about Vina Morales - from the early beginnings of her career to her becoming showbiz’s so-called "Ultimate Performer" - isn’t confirming or denying the rumor. But of course, Vina has the body to pull off a stunt like that onstage anytime she wants to.

"Kung sasabihin ko kung ano ang mangyayari, hindi magiging bongga ang show ko," Vina said in her husky, sexy bedroom voice. "Basta, there will be a blot of surprises on that night." Her concert, by the way, will be held on Aug. 19.

All she has confirmed is that the audience could expect "scintillating and titillating song and dance numbers in true Showgirl style," especially since this concert will be a celebration of Vina’s 20th year in the business.

"Vina Morales: Showgirl," is a brainchild of Live Artist Productions, the same outfit behind the past Showgirls productions. The people involved in the show are confident that Vina has what it takes to pull off a major concert such as this. "We really wanted her for this show, because Vina is the only artist who can carry the ‘showgirl’ concept," says the team behind Live Artist Productions. "She’s such a great singer and dancer. She really deserves to be called the Ultimate Performer."

Incidentally, is it true that Vina’s sexy billboard (in just her golden bra and matching bikini) wasn’t permitted to be hung along EDSA because the place it was supposed to be placed was very near a seminary? That billboard was replaced by a "tamer" and less sexy billboard of Vina. The singer–actress–dancer was of course disappointed, but she relented saying "puwede na rin, it’s better than nothing."

Vina will be joined in her concert by special guests like Ogie Alcasid, R&B Prince Jay-R, her sister Shaina Magdayao and "Comedy Concert Queen" Ai Ai de las Alas. Vina will be wearing sexy creations by Edwin Uy and David Ocampo.

Stage direction and script is by Floy Quintos, choreography by Georcelle Dapat with photography by Raymund Isaac.

"Vina Morales: Showgirl!" is presented by Pink Soda, Ystilo Salon, PCSO, and Pagcor. Major sponsors include Star Records, APD Air Conditioning Sales and Services, Adworks GRFX Manila, while minor sponsors are Batis Asul Caterers, Phi Bar and Resto, Raymund Isaac, Scarlet Wig, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Love Radio 90.7, Yes FM 101.1, Gold’s Gym, Cast and Crew and Sound Qoncept.

Tickets are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets.

* * *

This year’s URIAN Awards night slated tonight at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater at the Ateneo de Manila University is expected to be another star-studded event, with the megastar Ms. Sharon Cuneta and concert king Gary Valenciano just two of the stars who’ve confirmed their attendance.

The URIAN awards are given out annually by the Manuniri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, the society of film critics, and is considered the most credible barometer of excellence in Philippine filmmaking. Produced by API Productions and sponsored by Unilever, Nestle, Globe and Green Cross, the URIAN ceremonies will be broadcast on RPN 9 on Aug. 9.

Ms. Cuneta will lead the tribute to Eddie Garcia who will receive the Natatanging Gawad for lifetime achievement.

The 85–year–old actor, director and ageless icon is cited for his more than 50-year acting career, his achievements as a director, as well as his support for independent cinema where he has acted in a number of films by young, emerging directors for nearly for free.

Tonight’s performers include Gary V., Nikki Gil, Sitti, harpist Noelle Cassandra, and April and the GForce Dancers.

Hereunder are some of the nominees: For Best Actor: Robin Padilla ("La Visa Loca"), Carlo Aquino ("Sa Aking Pagkagising Mula sa Kamulatan"), Ricky Davao ("Pusang Gala"), Dennis Trillo ("Blue Moon"), Jamie Wilson ("Big Time"), and Rhenuel Ordono ("Kalimugtong").

For Best Actress: Claudine Barretto ("Nasaan Ka Man"), Irma Adlawan ("Sa North Diversion Road"), Ana Capri ("Ala Verde Ala Pobre"), Jaclyn Jose ("Sarungbanggi"), Jaycee Parker ("Ilusyon"), and Analyn Bangsi-il ("Kalimugtong).

For Best Supporting Actor: Soliman C. Cruz and Ping Medina ("Maximo Oliveros"), Johnny Delgado ("La Visa Loca"), Ketchup Eusebio ("Sa Aking Pagkagising..."), and Michael de Mesa ("Big Time").

For Best Supporting Actress: Boots Anson Roa and Jennylyn Mercado ("Blue Moon"), Joy Solerde Castro ("Pepot Artista"), Gloria Diaz and Hilda Koronel ("Nasaan Ka Man"), and Hallen Sumingwa ("Kalimugtong").

For Best Picture: "Ala Verde Ala Pobre," "Big Time," "Blue Moon," "Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong," "La Visa Loca," and "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros."

* * *

There’s a band named Anak and as expected, it’s a band that gives tribute to the legendary composer and singer of the internationally acclaimed song "Anak," Freddie Aguilar. The band members are sons of professional musicians who has the same enthusiasm and angst to perform and entertain a crowd with their unique style and down-to-earth type of music.

Anak is a four-member progressive rock band whose repertoire could cater to any type of audience and yet can maintain its status as a rock band. With members Gian Franco Hipolito (drummer and composer), JC Hipolito (lead guitarist, composer and vocalist), Jeriko Aguilar (lead guitarist, composer and vocalist) and Ramuel Lopez, Jr. (Bass guitarist, composer and vocalist), Anak plays classic and revival songs from the 80s, and even beyond that and up to the present including the latest top of the chart foreign songs.

When they perform live, Anak gives their audience and followers a taste of their own compositions recorded at Pink Noise Studio for their first album. The diverse arrangements and lyrics of their original songs give this group their own distinctive quality and style to their musical genre called "progressive rock."

So, if you wish to try them out and listen to their own kind of music, join Anak Bank every Friday at the Riverbooze and every Saturday at Star Plaza.

And also, watch out for the release of their debut CD album aptly titled "Ang Pagsilang."

* * *

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 3, go to Rep. Butz Aquino, Judge Espie Fabon-Victorino, Alex Lobangco, Alex Javier, Joyce Bautista, Linda M. Venago, Polly Chua, Geraly Japuz, and MB’s editor-in–chief Crispulo Icban, Jr.