It has been more than a year since we saw them performe before an SRO audience at the Grand Olympic Auditorium back-to-back with another yet popular group, Freestyle.

To this day, there is a huge clamor for both Side A and Freestyle to perform together in a concert. And listening to their concertgoers' requests, KATZ Entertainment and All Access are proud to announce that they will bring both bands together by April of this year. To start the concert ball rolling - both top entertainment companies have also requested a surprise guest, a concert king in the scene to be the show's very special guest. Thus, making this a must-watch-concert this year.

Side A and Freestyle surely equate a night filled with nothing but unforgettable music and performances. Watch out for further announcement as we bring to you more details about the concert.

Having been together for almost two decades, Side A's musical bond continues to grow stronger. Their numerous hits have given them industry accolades that are unmatched by other bands and their string of local and international concerts have drawn loyal audiences that love and support their music.

Side A features - Naldy Gonzales, musical director and keyboardist; Joey Generoso, vocalist and guitarist; Lee Von Cailao, lead guitarist; Joey Benin, bass guitarist and Ernie Severino, drummer.

As a band they have the ability to constantly improve and enhance their style that shows their versatility and dedication to give audiences only their best performance. For their upcoming concert, expect Side A to perform their latest cuts culled from their new album with the same title "Side A Gig…All Hits Live" featuring the most requested songs: "Heart of Mine," "Sailing," "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing," "Whenever I Call You Friend," "You to Me Are Everything," "Just Can't Get Enough," "Stars" and its carrier single, "All I Need." Of course Side A will sing their own original and signature songs.

Throughout its many mutations, Side A's passions for music remains evident in its moving renditions and up-beat live performances. To industry watchers, Side A paved the way for boy bands that followed suit in the 90s, inspiring new-fangled groups as well as setting the benchmarks in terms of creativity and performance. With so many awards tucked under its well-decorated belt, there's no stopping Side A just yet. Apart from from dominating the local club scene, Side A continues to reach out to Filipinos in other parts of the world by performing in different key cites in the US, Canada, Austrailia, Japan, and UK among many others.

The Best of Freestyle

Meanwhile, a lot of their fans and followers are also wondering whatever happened to Freestyle. Just when Top Suzara left, rumors that the band is no longer active are not true. In fact, they continue to record hit songs and their live performances are always something that Manila's discriminating concert enthusiasts are eager to watch all the time.

When Freestyle hit the Manila bar scene in 1998, it was a case of young musicians being at the right place at the right time, with the right sound. Those five guys and a girl had then what Manila was looking for- a new band with vast appeal and the knack for filling venues with their blend of pop, R&B and original hits. After seven years of doing what they do best, Freestyle has grown into an OPM heavyweight with four studio-recorded albums (two of which made platinum), a string of local and international concerts, and industry accolades under their belts, thus making them one of the country's best-loved and most sought-after groups.

This year, a new leaf has turned over for Freestyle. Freestyle has learned that change is vital for any band seeking quality and longevity in the music biz. Ushering a new era for Freestyle are the fresh voices of Mike Luis (former Brand New Funk, Next Level), and Joshua Desiderio (former Kindred Garden, Art & Soul), themselves seasoned musicians. Continuing members are Gerald Banzon (drums), Nikki Cabardo (keyboards), Tat Suzara (guitar), Rommel de la Cruz (bass), former Barbie's Cradle member and Jinky Vidal (vocals).

Seven seems to be a good number for the group who, after only a few rehearsals have blended together seamlessly. The addition of Mike and Joshua (who each play synths on stage) has revitalized Freestyle's sound to a level of funk and soul that builds upon Jinky's solid vocals and the band's tight playing. The result is a powerhouse of rich harmonies and robust music, flavoring their cool mix of old and new school R&B, Hip Hop, funk, neo soul and ballads.

Freestyle is positive of the path they are taking. A new vibe was introduced by the new members. From watching their gigs, it's clear that Freestyle is happy to be where they are now, and is very much here to stay.

Give it Up for South Border

New York City's hip crowd went agog for South Border on its Holiday 2006 gig at Columbia University. The crowd danced with gusto as Vince and Duncan, SB's lead vocalists sang and gyrated on stage. Still the best seller of course is "Rainbow," the song which earned a million hits on the web and most downloaded ringtone in the Philiipines since it was launched as a movie theme song in Sharon Cuneta's "Crying Ladies."

The concert in New York is produced by Apruve Entertainment led by a vibrant, eight-couple group. Leading them is the gregarious Cathy Uy and husband, Satrick.

To date, South Border still wows the crowds (a good mix of Fil-Ams and non-Filipinos alike) at BB King's in Universal Citywalk. This month, they are still set to do some shows there. Do double check with BB King's website before dropping by for the date and time of their performances. You will be surprised to find that "music is such a universal language." The group can easily move the crowd with their soulful RnB's or make them dance with their hip, funky grooves. No less than the owner of the venue, Chandler di Marko is equally impressed with South Border that he agreed to feature the band as a regular at his club.

Well, it seems that we will be hearing more of South Border and their music in America as they soon announce a major recording project this year. So watch out for it and make sure we support one of our very own.

South Border is composed of Jay Durias, musical director, arranger and keyboardist of the band; Tata Balane, bass guitar; Paul Benitez on drums; Butch Victoriano on lead guitars; Ric Junasa on Sax; Vince Alaras and Duncan Ramos on lead vocals.

Bits and Pieces: Congratulations to Rubybeth Paguinto, publisher of Asian American People's Journal whose publication will start coming out as a weekly newspaper starting this month. Ruby, you deserve it. You are one hardworking individual who strives hard to reach out to as many readers as you can…Happy b-day to a dear friend, Gary Cruz (Jan. 1); Happy anniversary to All Access (Jan. 1) who has been a tremendous help to all concert producers; and happy anniversary too to Giovi Zamora of Siklab Magazine on his first year anniversary. Giovi and his special guests celebrated with an all-night partying at Zentro…B-day greetings go to Robert Hizon (Jan. 8) and his son, Alex (Jan.12)…Bon Voyage to Lynette Hizon who is going to London as a trainee in one of that city's leading PR firms in the health and beauty business… Tata…till the next Jackie, Oh! -- take it easy and Have a Blessed 2007!

(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.)