Shirley Matias-Pizarro
Last Friday night, Regine Velasquez held a press conference for her new weekly TV show billed "Songbird" which got her so excited for a lot of reasons.
For one, Regine says it warms her heart that GMA 7 (to whom she has just renewed her contract with) has said yes to her idea of this show – a musical genre – which is no longer done on local television.
"This is musical through and through and it is something I really want to do. The possibilities are limitless and I love the fact that we can do so many things in the show, sing so many songs that I wouldn’t normally make part of my repertoire in a concert," she said over a sumptuous dinner cum press conference at Melo’s Restaurant in Quezon City, just across ABSCBN studios.
Regine was also bragging about the spectacular set design they have for the show. "Naiiyak nga ako nung makita ko yung set. Ang ganda. Halatang may budget ang show. Hindi lang napunta lahat sa talent fee ko," she said laughing.
She also doesn’t mind that people will actually hear her sing on TV more every week, something that the public actually just look forward to in her major concerts before. She said, "I did consider the fact that the public may think that they need not watch me anymore in my shows just because of this weekly TV special. But in my concerts, I sing songs that are different naman from what I’ll sing on TV. And I don’t really do so many concerts anyway. Just one major once a year, and a few scattered rackets every now and then. So I really don’t think it will reach that saturation point at all."
In the same press conference, Regine admitted that she went a little crazy a few months back when she actually contemplated on transferring to ABSCBN. "Medyo krung-krung lang ako noon. Ewan ko ba. Siguro dahil naka-focus ako sa lovelife ko. Tapos may sex life ako. But that is over now. I am happy that the relationship I have with GMA-7 stays this way. After all, I know that whatever I think, Tita Wilma Galvante, who I am very close to, is just a phone call away. Exactly that is what happened in the case of ‘Songbird.’"
"Songbird" starts airing on May 15, and every Thursday thereafter at 11 p.m. in a thematic style – meaning, for every episode, songs of the particular music legend will be featured all throughout the 45-minute show. "But I will make it a point that aside from the familiar songs that the public would love to hear, there will be one beautiful song that is not so familiar to their ear," she said explaining that that is a way to make her audience appreciate that song that has earlier captured her heart.
They have already taped two episodes, we were told. In the pipeline of musical legends – singer and composers alike – are songs of Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, Rey Valera, Ogie Alcasid, Ryan Cayabyab, and George Canseco.
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Aga and Lea both want movie together
During her own press conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel last Wednesday for her upcoming 30th anniversary concert "Lea…My Life…Onstage" (on May 2324, 8 p.m. at the PICC Plenary Hall), the country’s pride Ms. Lea Salonga made the pronouncement that she would only do a movie again if Aga Muhlach will be her leading man.
Aga and Lea were together in two movies before ("Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal" and "Sana Maulit Muli") that’s why their reunion on the big screen is something that will truly thrill their fans.
We wasted no time and asked Aga about his reaction when we saw him the following day, during the press conference of his latest endorsement Sun Cellular at the Bar One of Holiday Inn Galleria.
Aga was just smiling and shyly expressed how honored he was with that statement. "Yeah, it will be a project I would love to do. Sana nga magkaroon ng chance to do that. Although I know she is very busy and that her commitments extend to until August of 2009? But really, why not? It’s something that will be good to do," he said.
When we suggested that they could actually shoot the film elsewhere in the world, where Lea will be touring for her "Cinderella" production, Aga agreed. "Yes that is a very good idea. Actually my next movie has been planned to that effect. I mean to be shot abroad. It could work," he said.
Aga, however, was hesitant to confirm to us whether he was actually guesting in Lea’s anniversary show at the PICC on May 23 and 24. "She asked me to guest. I said yes but we agreed that my name will not be mentioned in the promotions so that I can still back out anytime," he said smiling and went on to joke, "but I’d love to sing duet with her. So that people will know that I am a good singer, too. Imagine doing a duet with Lea Salonga? For sure, her voice will carry mine and people will presume Aga Muhlach can actually sing."
The Gokongweiowned companies where in full support of the Sun Cellular press conference for Aga that day. We saw executives of Cebu Pacific there, and even Lisa Gokongwei was there, who looks really pretty being pregnant with her first baby.
Aga says he is very happy Sun Cellular got him for this endorsement. "I believe in practicality. Sun offers value for money. Their call and text unlimited (CTU) promo will be good for everyone. It is very affordable and you can connect to more people in longer period of time. I believe in the brand," he ends.
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Digital photography course
Explore the colorful world of photography and pursue your artistic endeavors. The First Academy of Computer Arts is offering a Digital Photography Course on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 9 pm and on Saturdays from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. together with renowned photographer Sonny Joaquin. The course aims to enable students to develop their creative skills with the use of a digital camera, producing visually effective photographs that can be used either for personal, artistic or business purposes.
For more information, visit the First Academy of Computer Arts located at 2/F Saville Building, 8728 Paseo de Roxas corner Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue, Makati City or log on to www.firstacademy.net
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