The country’s premier vocal trio La Diva, composed of Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos, and Maricris Garcia, holds its very first ever Valentine concert billed “Intimately La Diva” on Feb. 13, 8:30 p.m. at One Esplanade at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

The one-night only musical engagement is being mounted by Sunny Side Up Productions and is guaranteed to once more showcase the powerful voices of Jonalyn (2004 Pinoy Pop Superstar Grand Champion), Aicelle (2005 Pinoy Pop Superstar Runner-Up) and Maricris (2006 Pinoy Pop Superstar Grand Champion). Mentored and trained by Danny Tan, this amazing pop female trio – widely admired for their intricately arranged vocal harmony, contrapuntal melodies, and vocal prowess – is currently Asia’s Power Divas and one of the frontliners of “SOP,” GMA-7’s Sunday Concert TV.

Just recently, rave reviews have been accorded for La Diva for its outstanding, jaw-dropping, and stellar performance at the CCP’s 40th Anniversary Gala Show and its heartfelt and patriotic rendition of the Philippine National Anthem during the Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao / Miguel Cotto Boxing Bout last Nov. 14.

Its first major concert, “Only La Diva” (held last Nov. 28 and Dec. 5) at the Music Museum was highly praised and much-talked about by the press and concertgoers. To quote some of the reviews: “La Diva stuns concertgoers, gets standing ovation. Only La Diva served up a crowd-rousing performance which had the audience on their feet for a standing ovation by the time the last note sounded off…” (Jojo Panaligan, mb.com.ph), “…exciting, exemplary and exceptional… one of the most refreshing concerts this season…” (The Philippine Star), “La Diva concert sets the bar for local vocal groups…” (Crispina Belen, Manila Bulletin).

Under the stage direction of Louie Ignacio, musical direction and arrangements of Danny Tan (international multi-awarded composer, arranger, musical director and respected TV reality show judge) with Pepsi Herrera (well-renowned Filipino designer) as stylist, “Intimately La Diva” promises to be a musical feast served by an outstanding trio of mind-blowing and exceptional singers.

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets in SM Department Stores and the Araneta Coliseum ticket booths.

“Intimately La Diva” is being presented by GMA Network, Aficionado & Joel Cruz Signatures, PLDT Call All with major sponsors Edwin Tan & Pepsi Herrera. It’s also being sponsored by Rebisco and Ricky Reyes and is being mounted for the benefit of Childhaus.

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Frenchesca Farr gets biggest break in ‘EMIR’

GMA Artist Center (GMAAC)’s very own Frenchesca Farr, winner of last year’s “Are You The Next Big Star?” search landed the biggest break of her career when she was casted as the lead character in the original movie-musical “EMIR” created by multi-award winning director, Chito Roño.

“EMIR” is a full-length movie musical produced by The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in association with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

It tells the story of a Filipina who becomes a nanny in a royal household. Frenchesca Farr, the loving Yaya (nanny) forms a powerful bond with her ward, influencing and molding a future crowned-prince. Ultimately, she will sacrifice anything to protect him.

Frenchesca, whose background is really in theater, is mighty proud of this role of a lifetime. When she auditioned for the part in October last year, she easily got the nod of director Chito Roño, who prior to the singer’s turn already heard several artists try their luck to get the role.

From a story by Chito Roño and Jerry Gracio, “EMIR’s” screenplay is written by Gracio with lyrics by himself, Gary Granada, and Rody Vera. Original music by Granada, Vin & Ebe Dancel and Diwa de Leon with Chino Toledo as musical director and arranger. Cinematography is by Neil Daza, Production Design by Digo Ricio and Editing by Jerold Tarog.

“EMIR” is being shot on location in Ilocos Norte, Ifugao Province and 70% in Morocco. Shot with the state-of-the-art RED camera and enhanced by Dolby 5.1 surround sound, “EMIR” will be one of the biggest films of 2010.

While the CCP has already produced the film “Hari sa Hari,” and the TV series “Noli Me Tangere” both by National Artist for Film, Eddie Romero, this is the FDCP’s first film production.

The other cast members of “Emir” are Dulce, Sid Lucero, Jhong Hilario, Kalila Aguilos, Beverly Salviejo, Liesl Batucan, Jenine Desiderio, Melanie Dujunco, Gigi Escalante, Bayang Barrios, Bodjie Pascua, Ali Rasheki, and Valerie Bariou.

“EMIR” hopes to cast the OFW in a new light, employing the musical genre to elevate and transform the current perception of overseas workers, paying tribute to their contributions to the country at large. It will be released first quarter of 2010.