Filipino talent at it’s best! J. Martin Castro, Ogie Ramos and Gold Castro, more popularly known as The REtroSPECT, is back in Manila from their successful North American Tour from September of 2008 to July of 2009.

The REtroSPECT performed in different parts of Canada with an invitational performance by the mayor of Honolulu held in Hawaii, USA.

The North American Tour elevates The REtroSPECT as one of the most promising Asian pop bands ready to conquer the international live and recording music scene.

A Los Angeles-based dependent record label has offered the retro pop band a two-year recording deal effective 3rd quarter of 2010.

The 2007 and 2008 Aliw Awards’ Best Group Performer is back for the holiday season and come January 2010, the retro pop band is geared up to perform in Guam and different parts of the USA.

The RetroSPECT endorses Skechers, Mossimo, Skechers Time and Gold’s Gym.

Dragon Boating, Zorbing, and Airsoft on ‘Dare Duo’ Saturday

Q Channel 11's “Dare Duo” goes Dragon Boating, Zorbing, and playing Airsoft this Saturday as three ladies bravely take on the challenge of the daring duo, Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez.

A mom and a student, whose lives have become too predictable, get their hands on the sport which has invaded Manila Bay – Dragon Boating. Marc and Rovilson stay on the side to cheer and boost the morale of the mother and daughter tandem.

After all the paddling, they then try out Zorbing – a new leisurely sport which allows one to roll while inside a giant bubble. To cap off the day, they share an elegant lunch with Marc and Rovilson aboard a cruise sailing on Manila Bay.

Meanwhile, another dare sender – a call center agent – gets the chance to meet her idol – heartthrob Matteo Guidecelli. The two spend the day together sampling different cuisines, playing Airsoft, and finally, performing inside a theatre.

“Dare Duo” also features the recently concluded Kenny’s Urbanite Challenge where hosts Marc and Rovilson joined as part of their thrust to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

“Dare Duo” airs every Saturday, 8:10 p.m., only on Q Channel 11.

Merk’s this September

Merk’s Bar Bistro celebrates seven years of blending good food and great live music this anniversary month of September!

Talented group Silk & Steel continues to liven up Monday nights while Acoustic Jive performs on all Tuesdays and Thursdays of September, joining them on Sept.10 and 24 is vocalist Rachel Anne Wolfe.

World class jazz artists Merk and Friends featuring Romy Posadas and Richard Merk with vocalist Isabella take center stage on Sept. 9 and 23 while talented singer Olivia sings on Sept. 16 and 30 in Wednesday Jazz Festival at Merk’s.

Route 70 plays on all Fridays of September while Highway 54 performs on all Saturdays.

Happy hour at Merk’s top bills acoustic artist Romy Jorolan on Mondays, talented trio Jive Lite on Tuesdays and Thursdays, international keyboardist Romy Posadas all Wednesdays. Renowned keyboardist Carding Cruz, Jr. serenades audiences on happy hour Fridays.

Enjoy good food and great entertainment at Merk’s. For reservations and inquiries visit Merk’s website at www.merksbarbistro.com or e-mail Merk’s at mail@merksbarbistro.com. Merk’s Bar Bistro is located at Level 3 Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City.

10-minute Kitchen Wonders is now available on DVD

Your step-by-step guide to delicious everyday meals is now made available anytime by GMA Records and Home Video with the release of “Chef Mom Rosebud’s Quickfire – 10-minute Kitchen Wonders” – a compilation of 12 easy-to-cook dishes straight from Q Channel 11’s Quickfire.

Let Chef Rosebud Benitez be your guide to whipping up delectable gourmet meals such as the Must-Try Pad Thai, Morrocan Chicken Couscous, Hassle-free Cashew Prawns, Asian Noodle Sensation, and Maya-maya with Lemon Butter Sauce in just 10 minutes, tops!

No more missing out on important pointers because the DVD comes with a FREE recipe booklet, which makes it even easier for viewers to jot down the ingredients and follow cooking instructions to the letter.

“Chef Mom Rosebud’s Quickfire – 10-minute Kitchen Wonders” is released by GMA Records and Home Video and is brought to viewers by Ajinomoto, now celebrating 100 years of Umami goodness.

The DVD can be purchased at SM Record Bars, Odyssey, Astroplus and Astrovision outlets nationwide.

Voting for ‘Celebrity Duets’ opens Saturday

The third installment of “Celebrity Duets” opened in a grand, exuberant fashion last Aug. 29.

Its pilot posted an overnight rating of 19.6 percent among Mega Manila households, signaling the start of yet another successful run for the famed celebrity singing search.

Viewers were treated to an hour of fun and non-stop singing when the 9 contenders – Jomari Yllana, Janina San Miguel, Maxie Cinco, Mikaela Bilbao, Joel Cruz, Gina Alajar, Akihiro Sato, Niccolo Cosme, and Nonito Donaire, Jr., – had their chance to make a good first impression on the judges – Danny Tan, Freddie Santos, and Tessa-Prieto Valdez.

But while the judges have their say about their every performance, it is still the viewers who get to pick this season’s grand winner. Details on how to vote for your favorite celebrity contender will be revealed on the next episode.

“Celebrity Duets” Season 3 airs every Saturday after “Pinoy Records” on GMA-7.