Expect beautiful, nostalgic music again tonight and tomorrow night at the Music Museum as three of the country’s greatest balladeers – Jun Polistico, Anthony Castelo and Victor Wood – stage another performance of their “The Great Balladeers” show. Their concert series, presented by Viva Concerts and Events, opened successfully at the Music Museum last Feb. 7, with the three of them captivating the audience with their hit songs which they popularized and recorded during their heydays four decades ago.

The appreciative audience, including the great patroness of the arts, the former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, responded warmly to their songs: “Mahiwaga,” “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas,” “Sana’y Maghintay,” “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay” and many others (Jun Polistico), “Balatkayo,” “Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig,” “Kaibigan,” “Dakilang Lahi,” “Ibig Kong Ibigin Ka,” “Hahanapin Ka,” “Dakilang Lahi” among others (Anthony Castelo), “I’m Sorry My Love,” “Eternally,” “Malupit na Pag-ibig,” “Sweet Caroline,” “One More Chance,” “Portrait of My Love,” “Release Me,” and many more (Victor Wood).

With these songs, the ambiance of the place was that of romance and nostalgia, and though they sang a long list of songs in their solo numbers, the audience did not tire listening because the three also provided loads of fun with their repartees and witty exchanges. Jun titillated the crowd even more with his impersonation of great singers like Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley. In Las Vegas where he was based for a long time (during which he also became vocalist of the famed Society of Seven), he did impersonation of these artists and the audience loved it, they always cheered him.

Anthony recalled that he started out with a combo, and was a balladeer all throughout although he also tried acting. A noted songwriter, too, he dedicated a song he himself composed to Mrs. Marcos, his ninang, and went down the stage to where Mrs. Marcos was seated to sing to her. Victor, on the other hand, got a lady from the audience and serenaded her onstage with songs such as “Inday ng Buhay Ko.”

It was fun. And tonight and tomorrow, expect the same from the “Great Balladeers.”

Radio show celebrates 14th year

The popular radio show, “Echoes of the Heart,” hosted by former Miss International Evangeline Pascual, celebrates its 14th year this month by sponsoring a marriage encounter seminar, with the support of Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur C. Abalos on Feb. 28-March 1 at the Kaban ng Bayan, Maysilo Circle, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City.
“It’s my way of helping promote family solidarity,” Evangeline Pascual said. “Echoes of the Heart” airs every Saturday, 2– 4 p.m. on DWIZ 882 kHz. If you have any heart love problem, then listen to the radio program and you will receive inspiring pieces of advice from Evangeline Pascual.

ACHDB to benefit Filipino artists, beauticians

The coming over of the Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty which will formally start its operations soon at The Podium, will greatly benefit not only talented hairstylists and beauticians who aspire to use their skills abroad, but also the movie industry. Because among others, it will be offering a special course in Special Effects Make-Up (prosthetics).

Ms. Geni Gonzales, director for education of the Australian College of Hair Design and Beauty Philippine Campus, noted after watching local movies and TV shows, that there’s lot to be desired in matters of special effects make-up in the local entertainment industry. “Certainly, we offer what is needed ; we at ACHDB don’t offer something if there’s no demand for it. That’s a cardinal rule for us. We are for the globalization of the beauty industry, but first the beauty artists should be equipped with the knowledge and competence that will enable them to be part of the globalization of the hairdressing and beauty industry. And ACHDB has been the choice of beauty students globally – because we provide the highest professional beauty education,” Geni said during her contract-signing with Ms. Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz for ACHDB to be one of the sponsors of the forthcoming Hair Asia’s 19th National Open Championship for Hairstyling and Make-Up competition to be held on March 9 at the World Trade Center.

“I couldn’t miss Hair Asia,” enthused Geni. “It’s a world-class event and through the years, it’s been proven that joining it is the fastest and easiest way to get results insofar as promotion of products and services is concerned.”

During the whole-day Hair Asia event, ACHDB will have a booth wherein interested parties (especially from the entertainment industry) may learn how to do special effects make-up the right way.

ACHDB is bringing to Filipinos scientific and practical education in make-up artistry, hair design, and beauty therapies mixed with business training that is recognized all over the world. Approved by the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC), the Australian College’s curriculum meets the needs of various groups with intense passion for beauty – from degree-seekers or individuals fresh out of high school, professionals and salon owners.

For the month of March, ACHDB welcomes all who are interested to try their FREE 2-hour session and experience the beauty education at part with the world. Dubbed “Beauty Biz,” invited guests will get a first-hand tour of the local campus facilities, tools, and products which are consistent to the quality provided by the Australian campuses.

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 27, go to veteran character actress Bella Flores who is now based in Las Vegas, Nevada; talent manager Junne Torrejon, Zecel Bregandit, Ms. Annabelle Abaya, Cora Castañeda, Virgie Velasco, Alexis Rae M. Mendoza and Errol Abalayan of ABS-CBN Star Magic…Happy wedding anniversary to Filemon and Virginia Ligon of San Jose, Nueva Ecija…