Sharon-mania hits Nevada!

The Memorial Weekend saw for Megastar Sharon Cuneta two sold-out shows at Paris Las Vegas and Peppermill Event Center in Reno respectively. Thousands of fans traveled all the way from Anchorage, Alaska; New York, Chicago, Arizona, Utah among other states and trekked the busy roads to Las Vegas for a glimpse of their mega-idol. And they were not disappointed.

The concert aptly billed "MegaThirty, the USA Tour" celebrates 30 years of glorious songs and numbers that put Sharon on top of her league. Even if so many new artists have mushroomed in the biz, Sharon stands out as a pop icon. Her voice, like wine, has become more mature, soothing and deeper through the years. Her charismatic ways, gift of gab and stage presence remain to be her most endearing traits. Sharon, indeed is a class all her own. No one has come close to the mega effects she has on her followers.

Her show this past weekend at Le Theatre des Arts (LV) and Peppermill's Event Center (Reno) proved that Sharon can still command full capacity crowds. She took everyone down memory lane as she opened her show with "Kahapon Lamang" supported by a video montage of all her best loved films. These are movies she starred in with the late Fernando Poe Jr.; Gabby Concepcion, Richard Gomez, Christopher de Leon and Robin Padilla among many others.

Dressed in a simple yet elegant black ensemble accentuated with the most sparkling pavé of diamond watch as the lone accessory, the Megastar belted out songs that she made over the past three decades.

We walked further down memory lane with a "Teens Medley" comprised of popular songs such as "Tawag ng Pag-ibig," "High School Life," "Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin," "Mahal Po Ba Ako," "Mahal Kita, Mahal Mo Siya" to "P.S. I Love You." Fans screamed louder when Sharon sang "Kahit Konting Pagtingin" and "To Love Again."

Then came another highlight of the show when KC Concepcion, Sharon 's 24-year old daughter, came on stage to sing the theme from Dear Heart with her. It was the theme song of Sharon's first movie with former loveteam and ex-husband, Gabby Concepcion. "This movie changed my life forever," she told her teary-eyed audience that night.

KC was stunning in her red gown and her performance that evening was equally impressive. There is more to this lady than her beautiful face. She has the voice that gives justice to her own genre of songs. KC sounded and talked like her mom Sharon while her looks may be attributed to her biological father, Gabby Concepcion.

KC, the Ambassador for the World Food Program offered a song to this cause which was "Isang Hakbang." This is a cause very close to her heart. In spite of her busy schedule, she makes sure she has the time to do all the projects for the World Food Program. Her duets with Sharon were a refreshing respite especially in the number, "I'll Be There."

Another highlight which took the house down included the Most Requested Songs segment where a bevy of hits delighted the crowd. The list started with "Mr DJ," "Maging Sino Ka Man," "Sanay Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan," "Pangako Sa Iyo," "Kahit Wala ka Na," Somewhere Down the Road," and "Kung Ako na Lang Sana."

There is a heavy dosage of OPM hits in this concert which the concertgoers yearn to hear more than listening to America's Top 40. After all, people come and watch the concerts of Filipino artists because of their original hits and not for a repertoire filled with American pop songs. We hear those songs on the radio all the time and watch these mainstream artists on TV as well.

Sharon's MegaThirty concert is truly a must-see! It is one concert directed well by Sandra Chavez while Louie Ocampo put his master touch on every song and arrangement. Louie brought a most refreshing perspective on each song delivered by the Megastar. Sharon carried the entire show by herself, without missing any notes and keeping the beat alive. KC, on the other hand, added a sprinkling of excitement. Rich in memories, harmony, music and melody, it is one concert one hopes will never end!

To catch the show at The Shrine Auditorium, do call KATZ Entertainment (562) 219-7235; Jackie (562) 787-9030; Kaye (562) 881-9712; Brad (310) 972-1178; FLB (310) 816-9371; Tiketanonline.com and Tickemaster.com. Tix prices: $100, 78, 58 and 38.

Produced by KATZ Entertainment in association with FLB Corp and Brad's Entertainment. It is also presented by Seafood City Supermarket and LBC Cargo, ang Hari ng Padala. Media sponsors are Asian Journal, Tribune USA, Balita and The Filipino Channel.

Also sponsored by Joy Silva of Century 21; O'Skin Care; Jimmy Guzman, Xclusive Staffing, K.M. Printing Production, Inc., Flowers by Trisha, Legal Solutions Group and Directo.com.

Not only were the audience reminded of Sharon 's hit songs and award-winning movies, they were also brought back home to the Philippines with these iconic numbers.

While KC stayed on to sing a couple more songs from her own album, fans commented on how she talked like her mom and looked like her dad. Obviously, the sight of KC brought back memories of a young Sharon to most of the audience.

But the concert was not just a reminiscence train for fans, since Sharon also sang songs that showcased her vocal abilities. While the youthful crystal-clear voice - that audiences first heard 30 years ago - was replaced by a deeper, more mature tone, her emotive ability remained spectacular. And her audience was entranced by each song. The tribute she gave to musical director Louie Ocampo did bring the house down.

Produced by Katz Entertainment and sponsored by Seafood City, The Filipino Chanel, and Asian Journal among others, the MegaThirty concert tour in Las Vegas is the first of a series of concerts in the US. Sharon will also have concerts in New Jersey, Texas and Los Angeles. And like the Las Vegas show, the audience will, for sure, be brought back down memory lane. And the like the Las Vegas audience, for sure, Sharonians in other US cities will wish that the concert does not have to end.

Sharon Cuneta: The Showbiz Icon at MegaThirty

And yes, it has gone on and on for the last 30 years. But even after establishing her name as an actress, singer, TV host, and product endorser, Sharon Cuneta admits to having "no more ambitions." "This is all I know and will want to do. I'm happy where I am," she shares. And who wouldn't be? The megastar mom has several acting awards tucked in her belt, countless hit movies, and a long-running TV show. Showbiz aside, she's blessed with a picture-perfect family: three wonderful daughters and a loving husband.

Come May and June, Sharon is set to conquer the US concert stage via Sharon at Megathirty with very special guest, KC Concepcion. It will highlight the best of her 30 years in the concert and music business as well as the movies. She will be performing in Reno, Atlantic City, Toronto, Los Angeles and Houston. On June 12, she will go back to her home stage, the prestigious Shrine Auditorium. She is the first Filipino artist ever to sell out a show at Shrine which prompted the venue to put up her poster alongside pop icon, Michael Jackson. In 2005, Sharon also filled the theater with avid Sharonians cheering her from one song to the next.

Sharon's concert at the Shrine Auditorium is executive produced by the Southland's leading concert professionals, KATZ Entertainment. It is produced in association with FLB Corporation (international sales and installation of TFC on Direct TV) and Brad's Entertainment. It is presented by Seafood City Supermarket, Western Union and LBC Cargo (ang Hari ng Padala). Sponsors are Asian Journal, Joy Silva of Century 21, The Filipino Channel, Weekend Balita and Tribune USA. Also brought to you by Gandi Skin Care, Mabuhay Inc., O'Skin Care, and Jimmy DeGuzman (General Contractor) and Tiketanonline.com.

For concert info, you may call KATZ entertainment at (562) 219-7235; Jackie Regala (562) 787-9030; Kaye Morales (562) 881-9712; Brad Dizon (310) 972-1178, FLB Corp. (310) 816-9371, Jason Arguelles (213) 384-3441. Tickets are priced at $100-78-68-58-38. Also available at Tiketanonline.com and Ticketmaster.com.

Of late, Sharon says that her two younger daughters, Frankie and Miel, are having a blast spending time in their Laguna home. It is there where they get to be regular kids, going camping and flying kites. Away from Manila, where their coolest tambayan is the local drugstore, the little girls get to eat pan de coco at the bakery, and cook vegetables grown in their own backyard. "Simple joys," Sharon describes.

Eldest daughter KC, whose beautiful, all-too-perfect face is splashed on billboards, television ads, and magazines all over the country, is now making the most of her time in showbiz. Besides that, what makes the mega-mom even more proud is that KC has been chosen as an Ambassador Against Hunger by the United Nations.

"Di naman naging guarantee yung pangalan niya; hindi porket sikat ka, ikaw na. She was really being graded by these people, and she was chosen. She's been really taking it to heart," adds Sharon. Feigning a heart attack ("Mamamatay talaga ako"), she mentions that KC went to Sulu recently for a feeding activity for school children. "It's so 'her' to be doing this, but the only reason she likes the public attention is to get other people to be involved."

And then there's husband Kiko. You have to give it to the senator to be able to live with Sharon's megastar-dom without any insecurity. "I love him very much," Sharon sighs, as if talking about a secret crush.

"Sometimes it bowls me over, being married to someone like him," she continues. After so many years of marriage - it seems nothing can shake this relationship. Yes, not even rumors of a third party. "His strength is his family, kaya 'yun ang tinitibag; 'yun ang pilit binubuwag. We've been waiting for evidence - may MMS naman, Internet, e-mail - but they never show us pictures," she laughs. Yet even without any proof, Sharon says, "When you're the wife, you'll know. You'll feel it in your partner."

Of course, Sharon will be the first to admit that her relationship with Kiko is far from being one hundred percent perfect. "Nagkakainisan din kami, pero may flaws naman lahat ng tao, says Sharon. For one, Kiko hates that she's such a packrat. "It's part of being obsessive-compulsive eh! If people can't do it your way, you want to wait when you can. But of course, on a sked like mine, the stuff ends up as kalat," she adds.

"Isa pa naming pinag-aawayan, yung insomnia ko. I just like being up at those hours because everyone's asleep! Nobody bothers me; my phone is off, I'm happy. I can read, I can watch in peace or write," she enumerates. But it's just "babaw things like that" that get between her and Kiko. Otherwise, "it's been years and years of just supporting each other."

"He may be quiet, but he's a real strong fortress. I call him the best in the world, and I'm proud to be married to him," Sharon adds.

As a mother, Sharon is quick to say that she is neither too strict, but not too lenient either. But she also admits that she's more relaxed now, raising Frankie and Miel, because she already has experience in bringing up a daughter.

"My Frankie has so many talents! As KC put it a long time ago, 'I think this is the one that's going to Harvard, mom!" Frankie is smart, to the point of being too advanced for her age. Sometimes, Sharon would have to remind her, "It's not nice to say that, you're only seven eh! Para siyang matanda. She'll make a lot of sense."

But for Sharon, if there's only one thing Frankie and Miel should know, it's this: "It doesn't make you better than other people just because you come out on TV, or people know who your parents are, or not even that you have a nice room, good food, and nice toys," Sharon says seriously. Sharing with others and being thankful for God's blessings are two things that Sharon reminds her daughters of all the time.

Indeed, this Megastar is truly blessed! And to give back that greater glory to God, Sharon Cuneta uses her God-given talents to entertain and keep thousands of people happy and inspire them in whatever they are going through with her music.

KC Concepcion: The Mega Daughter is an Ambassador Against Hunger in the Philippines at the World Food Program

Born with the proverbial spoon in the mouth, KC Concepcion lives almost a perfect life. She is wealthy, famous and one of the most sought-after actress-cum-concert stars in the Philippines today.

Not one to take education for granted, KC graduated with flying colors with a degree in International Communications, Minor in Theatre in Paris. "This is one special request from my mom (Sharon Cuneta). She asked me to make sure I finished school till College because there's nothing permanent in show business. I am glad I listened to her."

While many are wont to take that this glamorous lady is mundane and all vanity, one will be surprised at how kind, accommodating, humble and humanitarian KC is. She has not only extended arms to the needy. She has in fact been assigned the ambassador against hunger in the Philippines. Her mom Sharon is quick to aver that she was personally chosen not by face and popularity alone. The appointment was done through a research on who among the younger set of celebrities are totally involved in projects that benefit the less fortunate ones. Although, not much has been written about it, KC has always given time to those who request her presence among the needy ones. She even donates her own money to buy food and clothing for the poor. Now who would not admire such a beautiful person inside and out?

Recently, KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual shot some scene in Paris for their upcoming soap "Lovers in Paris". Being Vivian, KC admits that she is challenged with her acting skills to be at par with the much seasoned Piolo Pascual who is portraying the role of Carlo. Zanjoe Marudo will play the role of Martin who is Carlo's nephew in the series.

Piolo Pascual even bragged that it was KC who took care of him while in Paris. After having stayed there for her studies, KC was the one more familiar with the place.

Whether it is a statement to thrill the fans about their upcoming team-up or a proof to thwart the rumors that he's gay, the rumor-mongers could not help but raise their eyebrows on this one.

KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual took off to Rome after shooting some scenes. KC needed to be in Rome to attend an official function as an ambassador against hunger in the Philippines at the World Food Program (WFP) headquarters located there.

Piolo Pascual accompanied KC in Rome to support her WFP ambassador duties in asking for funds to help eradicate hunger in Mindanao. Although Piolo did not come with KC to the WFP headquarters, it seems KC is happy that Piolo is "praying" for her.

KC right now is also in the thick of preparation for her forthcoming USA concert tour with Mega Mom, Sharon Cuneta. She will be doing her own production numbers as well as duets with her Mom. The concert aptly billed "The Megathirty USA Concert Tour" highlights 30 years of glorious moments for Sharon. It will be staged on June 12, Friday, 8 pm at The Shrine Auditorium.

The executive producer of the concert is KATZ Entertainment led by Jackie Regala and Gerry Katigbak and associates Kaye Morales and Ellen Sarmiento. It is produced in association with Fernando Bernabe of FLB Corp. and Brad Dizon of Brad's Entertainment.

Presentors include Seafood City Supermarket, LBC Cargo (and Hari ng Padala), the Asian Journal, Tribune USA , The Filipino Channel and Weekend Balita.

Sponsors are Joy Silva of Century 21, Mabuhay Inc Home Care, Clothing and Acessories, Gandi Skin Care, Lou Razon Couture, and KM Printer, Inc.

Also brought to you by O'Skin Care, Jimmy deGuzman (General Contractor) and Xclusive Staffing and Services.

In an interview, KC Concepcion became emotional that reporters were giving a hint that she's already rising above the shadows of being just the daughter of Megastar Sharon Cuneta. Now, she is dubbed as the "Megadaughter". KC lamented that people should learn not to compare her with the Megastar because KC said her mother is already 30 years in this business. KC wanted to have a path of her own so that people will recognize her as her own person.

Tickets are selling like the perennial hotcakes, priced only at $100, 78, 68, 58 and 38. For info, you may call KATZ Entertainment at 562-219-7235; Jackie Regala (562) 787-9030; Kaye Morales at (562) 881-9712; Brad Dizon (310) 972-1178; FLB Corp (310) 816-9371; Inihaw Karaoke and (562) 572-3661; Json Arguelles (323) 599-7865 and Sharon Reyes at (619) 948-3143. Also available at Tiketanonline.com and Ticketmaster.com.

(Ed’s note: Jackie Regala-Katigbak has been writing and doing promotions in the entertainment business since the 1980s. The past two decades saw her columns and articles published in the Philippines via the Manila Bulletin, Panorama, Manila Standard and Philippine Times Journal. Currently her articles are published by www.CarouselPinoy.com, the Asian Journal publications and in various newspapers in Southern California. For correspondence, you may send her an email at JackieRegala@verizon.net Thank you.)