"GREATEST HITMAKERS LIVE AT THE GRAND"

Anticipation is just around the corner. People have been talking about this show since they started touring the US. There is no better time to come up to Reno, Nevada with families and friends and see four "batikan" performers all in one stage.

Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, and Marco Sison, all seasoned veterans have all toured the US with their "Greatest Hitmakers" concept in the past and yet the craving seems to have gotten greater each time. Now, the clamor has begun once more and people are not going to be disappointed.

Never-ending laughter and reminiscing good 'ol days kind of songs await you on August 30, 2008. Join us at the Grand Theater of the Grand Sierra Resort Casino together with special guest Ciamara as they present you with the grandest Labor Day Weekend you'll ever have.

Make Believe na Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika habang namamasyal sa Luneta kasama si Macho Gwapito Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko. Do I need to say more?

The Greatest Hitmakers Live at the Grand is your one stop shop for total entertainment. A Must See show for the whole family. Don't miss it.

The show is brought to you by the Grand Sierra Resort Casino in association with Alas Door to Door Cargo, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Headlines, Philippine Fiesta, ABS CBN Global, and Xoom Money Remittance. Media sponsors of the event are Filipno Insider, Manila Mail, Carousel Pinoy, Local Filipino, and FilaAmNation.

Room and show packages for that weekend are available by calling 1-800-648-3568. Tickets are available at the leading Filipino stores in your area or purchase them online by visiting www.grandsierraresort.com, www.ticketmaster.com or Carousel Pinoy's www.tiketanonline.com. Have your rooms and tickets comp by joining our Incentives for Qualified Players Program. Inquire by calling 510-938-4064 or 510-972-0488.

What better way to spend your Labor Day Weekend but with four of the silliest, wackiest, and hilarious but entertaining guys from the Philippines? That’s right. Remember what they always say…Eat, drink, and be merry – Grandeur celebration ala Hitmakers style.

On August 30 (Saturday) at the Grand Theater of the Grand Sierra Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada, the return to the US of the four veteran performers collectively known as The Greatest Hitmakers awaits you. These group of guys are always more than ready to give you all they’ve got in making sure that you have the grandest time of your lives. Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, and Marco Sison, equally stars in their own right, are coming to Reno for a one-night performance headlining in “THE GREATEST HITMAKERS LIVE AT THE GRAND”. Nothing falls short of total entertainment when you see these four guys together in one stage.

The show is brought to you by the Grand Sierra Resort Casino in association with Atlas Shipping, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Headlines, Philippine Fiesta, ABS CBN Global, and Xoom Money Remittance.

Room and show packages for that weekend are available by calling 1-800-648-3568. Tickets are available at the leading Filipino stores in your area or purchase them online by visiting www.grandsierraresort.com or at www.tiketanonline.com. Have your rooms and tickets comp by joining our Incentives for Qualified Players Program. Inquire by calling 510-938-4064 or 510-972-0488.

Get ready for another joyful ride as these four versatile performers return to the US for a series of shows. Watch them also at The Lakeland Center at 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland, Florida on Sept. 6 at 8 PM when they embark on yet another hilarious and completely entertaining performance. The show is presented to you by MPG Global Productions in association with Atlas Shipping, ABS CBN Global, Xoom Money Remittance, New York Diamond Exchange and Pilipino IHAWAN of Sayreville, NJ

For more info, please call: 732.668.8892 / 732.257.4560 / 702.358.8647 or at www.tiketanonline.com

RICO J. PUNO
Total performer through the years

FOR the past three decades, Rico J. Puno has been fine-tuning a show biz persona that has made him unique on the local entertainment scene. He started out as a dynamic singer with a strikingly textured voice that gave him a "black" toughness and rawness seldom heard in these parts.

In fact, it was a group of visiting black performers who first clued Rico's producer in on the fact that he had an outstanding singer in his stable, whose performances would be appreciated not just by the home crowd, but by international audiences as well.

Acting on that tip, Vic del Rosario built Rico up, and he quickly became the toast of the local music world-especially when he pioneered in Tagalog or Taglish adaptations of English-language hits. Little did Rico know that his "namamasyal pa sa Luneta" adaptations would help usher in the progressive world of Pinoy sound in pop music, but that's exactly what happened. In time, the trend influenced other fields, and even local advertising started to go Pinoy in its copy.

Later, Rico gained even greater popularity as a Total Performer. He earned that title because he didn't just sing, his whole mind, heart and body got involved in his performance, adding further to its already striking vitality.

The third major shift in Rico's signature performing style came when he discovered that he had a flair for street-smart comedy, and he incorporated it into his live club acts.

This added to his uniqueness, because most male singers then simply jokes with his audience. It was like paying for one performer, and getting-five?

Even later, Rico's jokes acquired a sexy coloration, and this was when he really clicked as a "mature" performer. His winking cracks and erotic allusions went over big with married couples, and with bon vibants everywhere.

Most performers Rico's age doesn't get to work much these days, but his unique performing persona and combination of music and naughty humor keep Rico popular with both local and international audiences.

Watch Rico J. on Labor Day Weekend together with Hajii Alejandro, Rey Valera, and Marco Sison at the Grand Theater of the Grand Sierra Resort Casino In Reno, Nevada. The show is scheduled on August 30 at 8pm and is brought to you by the Grand Sierr a Resort Casino in association with Atlas Shipping, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Headlines, Philippine Fiesta, ABS CBN Global, and Xoom Money Remittance.

Room and show packages for that weekend are available by calling 1-800-648-3568. Tickets are available at the leading Filipino stores in your area or purchase them online by visiting www.grandsierraresort.com, www.ticketmaster.com or www.carouselpinoy.com (tiketan online). Have your rooms and tickets comp by joining our Incentives for Qualified Players Program. Inquire by calling 510-938-4064 or 510-972-0488

A SINGER AND A SONGWRITER
PROFILE OF REY VALERA

Reynaldo Valera Guardiano (better known as Rey Valera) (born May 4, 1954 in Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines) is a singer, songwriter, music director and film scorer from the Philippines. He wrote and produced songs that were recorded by various singers, most notably Sharon Cuneta. Reynaldo Valera Guardiano is the second of three siblings, and the surname Valera was derived from his mother's maiden name. He still lives in Meycauayan, Bulacan with his family. He has a son and three daughters.

Rey Valera started his recording career in 1977 after becoming a band member from a group called Electric Hair Band for seven years. He waxed his first single as a solo singer - songwriter with the song Ako si Superman, which he created supposedly for Rico Puno. His former boss at Vicor Records gave him the opportunity to sing his song and at the same time hired him as one of Vicor's in-house producers. Rey also made songs for other artists such as Rico Puno's Sorry Na, Pwede Ba, Daigdig Ng Ala-ala; Geraldine's Pangako; Pol Enriquez' Ayoko na Sa 'Yo and many more. While he made songs for his peers, he made albums for himself such as Naaalala Ka, Rey Valera Vol. 2, Walang Kapalit, Hello, The Rey Valera Christmas Album, Gabay Mo Ako, Rey Valera's Greatest Hits Vol. 1,Rey Valera's Greatest Hits Vol. 2, Pirapirasong Ala-ala, Sa Kabila Ng Lahat, Kung Sakaling Iibig Muli, FM Ka, AM Ako, Home Sweet Home, Ang Mahalaga, etc. Most of these albums made golds and platinums.

In July 2005, Rey Valera released the "Panghabangbuhay" album, with his children's band called "Saling Ket", and they have been performing together ever since.

Recently, Vicor Music Corporation compiled all of Rey Valera's recorded songs in their library in a 4 disc set album entitled, "Walang Kapalit" as part of Vicor's 40 year anniversary.

One of his initial projects was to make a song for a twelve-year-old mayor's daughter named Sharon Cuneta (who later became known as the "Mega Star"). It was a daunting challenge, as Rey initially could not figure out what kind song would be fitting for her; she was too young to be taken seriously to be given a love song, and a bit too old to be given a nursery rhyme.

It dawned upon Rey to write a song about the people who were responsible for playing songs on the radio; the DJs. Wherever radio station the song would be submitted in, it was almost always guaranteed that it would be played and continue to play because it is their song. The song happens to be Mr. DJ, followed by Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko. It made remarkable sales on the chart.

Sharon states in a recent interview by Deborah Kan in Star News Asia, that she has been always thankful for and grateful to Rey, for writing her first hit song. "Mr. DJ". The two have been friends ever since, and in 1992, Sharon paid tribute to her favorite composer when she recorded Sharon Sings Valera.

When Sharon Cuneta and her then husband Gabby Concepcion separated, Rey composed the song, "Kahit Wala Ka Na" (Even When You're Gone). When Sharon and Rey met at Cinema Audio, she asked, why wasn't he writing songs for her anymore. Rey replied that he did write one for her, and submitted the song to VIVA for it to be an inspiration or a battleground for Sharon. Both of them found out that the song has been shelved for two years at VIVA. Sharon immediately recorded the song, and used it in her movie, "Single Mother"(former title). It was retitled to "Kahit Wala Ka Na". Sharon's biggest blockbuster movies were lifted from popular songs of Rey, thus Sharon singing Valera is an always-tested winning chemistry.

In 1983, Rey faced one of the worst challenges of both his career, and personal life; an impostor was using his name and was committing crimes, among them were car-napping and rape. The list even extended to marrying numerous women, and even petty crimes like "borrowing" money and personal items, all under Rey Valera's name. Rey made numerous newspaper statements announcing that there is an imposter posing as him. Rey also wrote and released a song entitled, "My Fans Are in Trouble" to warn his fans through the medium of music, with the lyrics depicting his helplessness to stop this impostor. What Rey feared most wasn't the money, but the physical harm people the impostor had fooled might do to him. Ultimately in 1984, Rey decided to quit show business at the peak of his career to protect his fans and also to make up for the time he lost with his family during his fame. When Rey made a comeback in 1988, he wore his hair long so that his impostor (who had kinky hair), would have a harder time posing as him if the impostor ever resurfaced. The impostor has never been heard from ever since.

The Maging Sino Ka Man soap opera's title was based on its theme song with the same name. Valera 's songs are also favorite titles and theme songs of soap operas like "Ula, Batang Gubat" (Malayo Pa Ang Umaga), "Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man", "Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako", and the two year running soap series, "Pangako Sa'yo", from ABS-CBN. Recently, Rey Valera's song's have been revived as theme songs for soap operas with the same title. They are: Maging Sino Ka Man (which has spawned a second book,Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik) and Walang Kapalit from ABS-CBN, and Sinasamba Kita from GMA Network.

Rey was film scoring movies during his singing career, but after the trouble his impostor has caused, Rey focused on his musical directing career. He particularly liked scoring music for action films, giving fight scenes and chase sequences fast paced, rock-themed music, which reflects his roots as a rock band member.

Rey's songs made marks also as theme songs and movie titles. These includes several Sharon Cuneta movies such as Maging Sino Ka Man, Pangako sa 'Yo, Kahit Wala Ka Na', Tayong Dalawa; Vilma Santos' Sinasamba Kita, Romansa, Hiwalay; Robin Padilla's Carnap King, Barumbado, and Baby Ama; Romnick Sarmenta's Pasong Tirad, The Gregorio del Pilar Story, Aleck Bovick's Tampisaw and most of her earliest films.

There are very few people are aware that Rey wrote music for movies, even fewer are aware that he also wrote music for R-18 "Bold" films. He accepted making music for movies and considered it an opportunity, as these projects usually pitted his songwriting skills to follow fresh and often unusual themes and topics, often deviating from pop love songs which he was usually typecasted into.

The Theme song, "Ambon" (Raindrop) from the filme, "Tampisaw" emphasizes on the singer's hunger and deprivation of love, and that a single "raindrop" of love would be enough for her to live on.

The theme song, "Nagpapanggap" (Pretending/Deceiving) from the film, "Kerida" (The Mistress), depicts a person's awareness that her lover is only pretending to love her, and yet she has this pragmatic acceptance and is even thankful that she was loved, no matter how false that love may be.

The theme song, "Sa Gitna ng Buhay Ko" (In The Middle of My Life), from the film "Naglalayag" (Silent Passage) follows the movie's theme of a middle aged woman falling in love with a man half her age. The song relates to her life as the times of the day, asking questions such as, "why did love arrive at only NOON?"

In 2002, Rey reunited with his contemporaries Rico J. Puno and Hajji Alejandro in a series of concerts called "Greatest Hits", highlighting the music of their own time. They also launched a VCD recording of their concert. Nonoy Zuñiga and Marco Sison joined the group in the following year. The group continues to perform both locally and internationally.

Although they were formerly named "The Greatest Hits", the group felt that using the name "The Greatest Hitmakers" was more proper, as the former referred to the 'songs' and not the group members themselves. The group has successfully performed even with the absence of one or two members, usually concentrating on a core trio group (e.g. Rey, Hajji, Rico / Rey, Hajji, Marco / Rey, Rico, Marco) and varies between concert to concert, depending on each member's availability. This flexibility of the group's roster combined with miscommunication with the each show's promoter and other reasons has often led to various names for the group such as "The Hitmakers", "The Greatest Hits", "The Great Hitmakers" "GH5", "GH4" and such.

Rey Valera at the "Hardin ng Mga Bayani at Sining", Malolos City, Bulacan

In November 9, 2006, Rey was inducted to Bulacan's own "Walk of Fame", in the "Hardin ng Mga Bayani at Sining" (The Garden of the Heroes and Arts/Artists), Malolos City, Bulacan.

Rey was among the few Bulakeños who was given the title of "Alagad ng Sining at Kultura ng Bulacan", loosely translated as "Disciple of the Arts and Culture of Bulacan", or simply put, Great Artist of Bulacan.

An inductee was given a tile with his/her name on it, and a small pile of a then wet cement to leave a hand print. The names on the Walk of Fame embody the Bulakeños who have brought pride to Bulacan in the fields of arts and culture.

Watch Rey Valera together with Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro and Marco Sison as they invade Reno,  the Biggest Little City in the World on August 30, 2008. Dubbed as "The Greatest Hitmakers Live at the Grand", the show promises to bring out the wacky side of everyone. Tapped to be the special guest performer for the evening is an up and coming singer from Los Angeles named Ciamara. The show is brought to you by the Grand Sierra Resort Casino in association with Atlas Shipping, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Headlines, Philippine Fiesta, ABS CBN Global, and Xoom Money Remittance. Other media sponsors of the show are Manila Mail, Filipino Insider, Carousel Pinoy, Local Filipino, and FilAmNation.

Room and show packages for that weekend are available by calling 1-800-648-3568. Tickets are available at the leading Filipino stores in your area or purchase them online by visiting www.tiketanonline.com, www.grandsierraresort.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Have your rooms and tickets comp by joining our Incentives for Qualified Players Program. Inquire by calling 510-938-4064 or 510-972-0488.

Philippines' Pop Princess

Los Angeles-based Filipina singer Ciamara has released her first single "Too Good For U" under a label she formed Bad Girl Entertainment. The single, which is now available in all digital sites like iTunes, offers a wicked mix of sweet melodies and a slamming beat, bound to solidify her as a music mainstay.

"Too Good For U" is part of Ciamara's debut disc which she's co-producing with Andre Nevermind and other L.A producers. She's currently working on new track with producers from both the U.S and Europe.

"I just woke up one morning and decided to start my own label and control my own destiny," said Ciamara, who was a vocalist for a local band in her native Dumaguete City Philippines during her high school days. "If it does not happen, then it's okay. I just put my faith in God and everything will be all right no matter the outcome."

After high school, Ciamara moved to Manila and enrolled at the prestigious Center for Pop music of the Philippines. She supported her studies by singing in major nightspots and hotels until she was discovered by a freelance agent and was signed up by Global; Records LTD, in mid-2000. Her first album was "Kumusta Ka" was born; Ciamara thus then earned the name Philippines Pop Princess.

In 2001, she received the Presidential Award "Who's Who in the Philippines" as a Young Professional Awarded for Entertainment, and the Vice-Presidential National Excellence Award as Outstanding Young Entertainer of the Year.

To further enhance her career, Ciamara went to Miami, and in January 2004 r recorded four songs with legendary producer Lewis Martinee. In January 2005, she recorded another track with UK-based David Hearn as producer.

"Now it's time for the world to know who I am and what I am about," she said in an interview. "I am determined to succeed in this business because I am a Blessed And Determined Girl, I am a BAD Girl."

On August 30 (Saturday) at the Grand Theater of the Grand Sierra Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada, watch Ciamara perform as she joins the four veteran performers collectively known as The Greatest Hitmakers. Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, and Marco Sison, equally stars in their own right, are coming to Reno for a one-night performance headlining in "THE GREATEST HITMAKERS LIVE AT THE GRAND". Nothing falls short of total entertainment when you see these four guys together in one stage.

The show is brought to you by the Grand Sierra Resort Casino in association with Alas Door to Door Cargo, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Headlines, Philippine Fiesta, ABS CBN Global, and Xoom Money Remittance. Media sponsors of the event are Filipno Insider, Manila Mail, Carousel Pinoy, Local Filipino, and FilAmNation.

Room and show packages for that weekend are available by calling 1-800-648-3568. Tickets are available at the leading Filipino stores in your area or purchase them online by visiting www.grandsierraresort.com, www.ticketmaster.com or Carousel Pinoy's www.tiketanonline.com. Have your rooms and tickets comp by joining our Incentives for Qualified Players Program. Inquire by calling 510-938-4064 or 510-972-0488.

Review: GREATEST HITMAKERS' AC SHOW A FUN JOYRIDE
By EDMUND M. SILVESTRE

Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera and Marco Sison, collectively the Greatest Hitmakers, pulled a highly rollicking show with non-stop OPM (Original Pilipino Music) songs of the 70s and 80s, and a tremendous amount of fun.

Much of their antics - including Rico's notorious obscenities - and almost all their song numbers were a rehash of their previous performances that all started in a smash hit concert at Araneta Coliseum in 2003.

But the sizeable crowd that turned up on May 24 at the Atlantic City Convention Center Boardwalk Hall loved every minute of it. The show was produced by Calla Lilly Entertainment, which is also bringing the ABS-CBN noontime show "Wowowee" in Atlantic City on July 12.

The four veteran artists all became big stars during the golden era of Filipino music, catapulting their songs into certified classics. The enthusiastic response never subsided from the moment the four ambled on stage one after another singing refrains from their signature hits - Hajji with "May Minamahal," Rico with "Magkasuyo Buong Gabi," "Rey with "Ako si Superman," and Marco with "Si Aida, Si Lorna o Si Fe."

The show sizzled because of their antics and banter. As in the past, they poked fun at each other to the audience's delight.

For instance, Rey - who surprisingly was the funniest that night - thanked Rico for making ugliness a fad in the Philippines. "When I first saw Rico J. Puno, I told myself, 'kung puwede ang mukha nito na maging singer, puwede na rin ako,'" Rey said to an uproarious laughter.

Another favorite was when Marco had to introduce Rey. After praising Rey as a singer and songwriter, Marco declared, "this singer needs no introduction," then hurriedly exited the stage leaving a dumfounded Rey waiting for his name to be called.

Rico, amazingly, still delivers after all these years. His trademark hoarse voice that made him the "total entertainer" is intact. His "Kapalaran," "Ang Tao'y Marupok" and the Tagalog-infused "The Way We Were" were delightful as ever, as well as his version of Martin Nievera's "Kahit Isang Saglit."

And Rico's jokes? Although some are new ("If Jejomar Binay runs for president and wins, he will be the first black President of the Philippines"), the rest were recycled but still drew guffaws, such as the deceased mother whose casket was stuffed with Spam canned goods when shipped back to the Philippines. And his infamous raunchy jokes are still unprintable.

Hajji, meanwhile, still got the groove as he strutted to the different dance craze of the 70s. Although spirited, he seemed to struggle with high notes of his hits ("Panakip Butas," "Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw," "Nakapagtataka"), or it could just be the poor acoustic. Nonetheless, fans roared in appreciation and sang with him.

Marco, still oozing with sex appeal at 50, proved he's one of the Philippines' best crooners. He sounded sweet and clear as in his "Student Canteen" days, with enamored fans jamming with him with his timeless "My Love Will See You Through," "Make Believe" and "Always."

And Rey? He didn't have to resort to bawdiness. His self-deprecating humor was more than enough to bring the house down. "Hindi ako mabubuhay nang wala ang asawa ko...kasi nasa kanya lahat ng kinita ko," was one of the crowd's favorites. Rey may not have the best vocal chords among the four, but he has the most number of OPM hits that elicited the loudest applause - "Pangako sa 'Yo," "Maging Sino Ka Man," "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako," "Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko," and more.

There's no doubt the Greatest Hitmakers will continue to draw crowds in various Filipino communities outside the Philippines. In the future, however, they can inject a new life to their gigs by adding a duet, more group numbers, or a showdown between Rico & Hajji (to settle their 70s rivalry).

Each one can also interpret a hit song of a fellow hitmaker. It's interesting to hear Rico belt "Pangako Sa 'Yo" or see Marco perform "Macho Guapito." And it wouldn't hurt if the group brings back Nonoy Zuñiga, another big pop star of yesteryear who will help capture the nostalgia of a bygone era.

The Greatest Hitmakers was a fun joyride that sent everyone home smiling and humming..."alaala, nang tayo'y mag-sweetheart pa, namamasyal pa sa Luneta, nang walang pera..."

Get ready for another joyful ride as these four versatile performers return to the US for a series of shows. Watch them on LABOR DAY WEEKEND at the Grand Theater of the Grand Sierra Resort Casino on August 30 when they embark on yet another hilarious and completely entertaining performance. The show is presented to you by The Grand Sierra Resort Casino in association with Atlas Shipping, Manila Bulletin, ABS CBN Global, Xoom Money Remittance, Philippine Headlines, and Philippine Fiesta.

Catch the ride. Don't lose out on a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these group of guys in one big show. For more info, please call 510-972-0488 or 510-938-4064. Room and show packages also available by calling 1-800-501-2651.

* Inquire about our Incentives for Qualified Players Program. See how you can get your tickets and rooms comp that weekend.