THE LEGENDS OF OPM: Claire dela Fuente, Rey Valera, Joey Albert, Nonoy Zuñiga, Eva Eugenio and Rico J. Puno at their first successful concert at the PICC.

Because of its immense success when it was first staged in Dec. 30, 2008, the concert “Legends of OPM” will be re-staged anew to give in to insistent clamor from those who missed it. The show will be held tonight, also at the PICC.

Back on the stage are six of the country’s most loved and most acclaimed singers: Rico J. Puno, Rey Valera, Nonoy Zuñiga, Claire dela Fuente, Joey Albert and Eva Eugenio.

The “Legends of OPM” are all singing stars whose recordings have stood the test of time and continue to be heard frequently here and abroad. Rico, Nonoy and Rey, Claire, Eva and Joey were responsible for many of the biggest hits during the 70s and 80s. Their rendition of these classics was that made “Legends of OPM” a resounding success. They will perform all of the songs heard in the first show and have added some new numbers that will surely delight everybody.

There are Rico and his “Kapalaran,” “May Bukas Pa,” “Buhat,” “Macho Guwapito” and his own version of “The Way We Were.” Nonoy with “Kumusta Ka,” “Init,” “Doon Lang” and “Never Ever Say Goodbye,” “ Valera with “Walang Kapalit,” “Naaalala Ka,” and “Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko.”

Claire will sing “Sayang,” “Unang Pag-ibig,” “Something in Your Eyes,” and “Minsan-Minsan.” Eva has“Tukso,” “Kunwari ay Ikaw,” “Ano Ang Gagawin Kapag Wala Ka Na,” “Pag-ibig Na Walang Dangal” and “Mahal Mo Ba Sya.” Joey is set to do “Iisa Pa Lamang,” “Tell Me,” “A Million Miles Away,” and “Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin.”

There are also grand production numbers in the program that includes duets, Pinoy dance hits and a stunning medley of songs discovered in the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival like “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” “Hahanapin Ko,” “Ewan,” “Bulag Pipi Bingi,” “Ako ang Nagwagi,” “Be My Lady,” “Isang Mundo Isang Awit” and “Salamat Musika.”

“Legends of OPM” is a Viva Concerts and Events production directed by Roxanne Lapus with Gerry Mathias a musical director.
Tickets are still available at all SM Ticketnet outlets, the Araneta Coliseum and at Ticketworld outlets.

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Sam Concepcion live in concert

Sam Concepcion is not only a multi-talented young heartthrob; he is also an artist who’s been doing his own share of charity at his young age.  Sam’s latest civic involvement is to help raise funds for the Aim Christian Learning Center (AIMCLC) by holding a concert dubbed “I’ll Find Your Heart 2.”

The show will take place tonight at 8 at the Crossroad 77, Mother Ignacia corner Scout Reyes, QC.
At the moment, Sam has regular TV assignments. He is playing Andrew, the young brother of Bea Alonzo in the comedy soap “I Love Betty La Fea.” He is also part of the all-male Star Magic dance group Gigger Boys in “ASAP ‘09.” But all these do not prevent the young artist in spending some of his time in worthwhile community projects like his occasional speaking engagements with the Department of Education, advocacy works for World Vision Philippines, and now for AIMCLC.

Sam’s young fans will be treated with new song and dance numbers in his concert tonight, which were not included in his first major solo stint held last year. Apart from singing his own hit songs such as “Even If.” “I’ll Find Your Heart,” and “Kung Fu Fighting,” expect Sam to give his fresh takes on Neyo and David Archuleta’s chart-topping singles, among others.

Sam will be joined by “Pinoy Dream Academy’s” Iñaki Ting, Starmovers, Fire Exit Band, The Sison Brothers, Cheska Ortega, The Revelation, and Tippy dos Santos, with Jimboy Calisang of The Revelation as musical director, in the concert. Veteran stage director Audie Gemora will direct. Part of the proceeds will be used to help construct a new school building at the AIMCLC.

Sam Concepcion in “I’ll Find Your Heart 2” is made possible by Stages, The Department of Education, and Karate Kid. Sponsors include Dunkin’ Donuts, Flyryne Travel and Tours, Gatdula Military Supplies and Sporting Goods, FujiAir, GLC Truck and Equipment, Manila Stellar Food Traders, Inc., Trumpets Musicademy, Jade Lawrence Tan, Matus Wedding Boutique, BMJ Printworks, and Ymas Publishing House.

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Dinner-dance for Anti-TB fund drive

A dinner-dance event was held recently at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in Greenhills. This was organized by the indefatigable civic leader, Gov. Leonida “Baby” Bayani Ortiz, chairperson of the Professionals Division, 2008 Anti-TB Educational and Fund Campaign of the Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI). Music was provided by the popular band of Ms. Gloria Gatmaitan.

The dinner-dance project was also supported by Mrs. Nelia T. Gonzalez, UP Regent and general campaign chairperson, and Mrs. Olive Lopez Padilla, prominent civic leader and chairperson, Special Events Division, 2008 Anti-TB Educational and Fund Campaign.

Funds raised will be used in Anti-TB services and prevention through BCG vaccination, X-Ray and sputum microscopy, hospitalization, training, research, health education and information.

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Drama on Dyslexia featured in Cine Adarna

An indie film entitled “Sagip sa Ika-7 Hakbang” will be premiered tonight at 6 at the UP Film Institute (Cine Adarna). The movie focuses on Dyslexia, a neurological learning disability that is often misinterpreted by parents and educators as a simple case of being slow, lazy or stupid.

Written and directed by Jonah Anonuevo Lim, the film was a finalist for the feature film category at the Sabaoth International Film Festival in Milan Italy last November 2008. Lim, a graduate of the UP College of Mass Communication in Film, has also an MFA from Chapman University in California. He has won various film awards abroad including Best Foreign Film at the 2005 WYSIWYG Film Festival in San Francisco, USA for his film “Kaibigan.”

Will Angeles stars as the angry father refusing to accept his son’s disability; his wife is played by Gina Lumauig, and Rocky Arboleda plays Miguel, the son who struggles through Dyslexia.

“Sagip sa Ika-7 Hakbang” hopes to educate people and help them accept and overcome Dyslexia, said to afflict approximately 15% of school children.

The film is co-sponsored by the UP College of Mass Communication Alumni Association.
For more information, email at ginalumauig@yahoo.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 5, go to Councilor Darius Razon, former singer Olive Alvarez, Mrs. Leonor O’Leary, Sonny Melicor, Bertrand Russell Sanchez, Melanie Sison and Maxine Ann R. McAninch…