Showbiz Talk by Jackie Regala

Sharon Cuneta, the multi mega holder of so many titles back in the entertainment front in Manila – is set to conquer the hearts of her huge followers once more as she comes back after more than 8 years of absence in the US concert scene. She kicks off the Mega Tour concert on May 8 in Florida; May 14, Chicago; May 22, Atlantic City; May 29, Reno, June 5, San Diego and June 11 in Los Angeles.

In LA, the much-awaited concert will be staged at the prestigious Shrine Auditorium, home of the MTV Awards and Emmy Awards. The June 11 concert also features singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid; Robert Sena (Josh Groban of Manila) and comedienne, Fe delos Reyes gives the added laughs in the show.

Of the many projects for Sharon this year is to wax an album titled “Sharon Sings Alcasid.” She will do her own rendition of “Pangako,” “Kailangan Kita,” “Kung Mawawala Ka,” “Sa Kanya,” plus two songs written for Sharon in this concept album.

Thus expect Sharon to sing beautifully arranged OPM chartbuster, her signature hits, and today’s best loved songs.

For tickets and sponsorship for the Mega Tour concert of Sharon Cuneta, please call Artist House International or KATZ at 562-529-8680.

Lani Misalucha in "Loving You…" A Valentine Treat for All Music Lovers

Celebrate L-O-V-E this Valentine season with Song Goddess, Lani Misalucha on Feb. 11, 2005, Friday at The Events Center of Pala Casino Resort & Spa. Joining her on stage is the incomparable performers known as The Society of Seven. Let them serenade you with today's love songs, pop ditties, classical pieces and even Broadway tunes. This Valentine treat is produced by KATZ Entertainment and Chrysalis Production.

By now, Lani has been hailed as the Newest Diva to watch out for in Las Vegas. The prestigious What's On Magazine has practically endorsed Lani's performance with the Society of Seven as a must-see show in The Strip.

This same quality show is expected to win the hearts of even the most discriminating audiences on Feb. 11 at Pala Events Center. For early ticket reservation, you may call KATZ Entertainment at (562) 529-8680/ (562) 787-9030 and Chrysalis Production at (866) 444-8990 or (760) 580-1891.

During the Holiday season, Lani's fellow showbiz celebs visiting from Manila dropped by to watch her much-talked about gig over at Bally's Casino in Las Vegas.

Seen during those times were The Santiago clan headed by director-cum-actor, Rowell Santiago and siblings ; matinee idol, Piolo Pascual who came back twice for the show; comedian, Bhong Navarro and some members of Viva Hot Babes. Previous visitors included international beauty queen, Melanie Marquez and even Vicky Belo and Concert King and Queen, Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez.

And all those celebs have nothing but praises for Lani. In fact, Lani shed some tears when Rowell Santiago hugged her tight after the show and told her how happy and impressed he was of the entire show. He even intimated that he was proud of Lani hitting the international limelight and felt sad at the same time because whatever US gained, Rowell felt the Philippines lost in Lani.

A briefer on Lani: She never planned to be a professional singer. She simply loves to sing, and boy, can she sing! With the voice of an angel cascading up and down the scales like a roller coaster, a full three octaves of heavenly music, full throated, full chested and fully seasoned, she can sing a song as few others can.

Most people seek the dream of being great singers. But for Lani Misalucha, it is the dream itself that seeks her. Born into a musical family, with parents who are operatic singers, she grew up immersed in song, with siblings similarly endowed with wonderful voices.

Growing up and listening to the radio, she expanded her musical horizons to various genres and styles, and developed a dynamic versatility.

She can easily shift from ballad to pop rock and even jazz. She may even surprise you with a sudden burst of operatic aria in a seasoned soprano voice.

Lani Misalucha has been a professional singer since the late 1980s-as a vocalist in various bands, as a soloist in the lounge and hotel circuits, as singer for commercial jingles and multiplex tapes. In 1996, she recorded an album with the carrier single, "Somebody Warm Like Me," which became an instant hit.Morever, Lani got an International nod of approval when she won the Best Singer Award in the 1998 Asia Song Festival. In 1999, she did the album "Tunay Na Mahal" with the carrier single of the same title and the hit song "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me". The album turned gold and copped top awards for Lani in Katha as Best Female Pop Performer and in Awit Awards as Best Female Recording Performer, lifting her to diva status.

In 1999, Aliw Awards, the Philippines' equivalent of the Grammys gave Lani the 1999 Best Lounge Act.

And Awit awards named her, for the second time in a row, Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist for the song "Can't Stop Loving You" beating other note-worthy recording artists.

With the Society of Seven's original songs, grandiose production numbers and Lani's varied repertoire sprinkled with every topping that a music heart desires - this Valentine show is truly a must-see at Pala Casino.

For many, Lani Misalucha is a tender and soothing voice that caresses your soul -- a dynamic voice in inspiring crescendo to uplift your spirit, a lovely voice that sings of moonlight and roses and love eternal

No wonder, she is truly the Song Goddess!

A "Wave of Hope" for the Less Fortunate Ones

We hope that more celebs in the Philippines would take the cue from Gary Valenciano who unselfishly donated his time, effort and songs for the less fortunate ones in Quezon province and those stricken with recent calamities.

With the devastation wrought by last year's flooding in Quezon and the tidal wave which hit several countries in Southeast Asia still fresh on people's minds, Manila Genesis Entertainment mounts the benefit concert, "Wave of Hope" on Jan. 7 at the Music Museum.

"Wave of Hope" features Gary Valenciano with son Paolo as special guest. A special touch to the event is the inclusion of award-winning actress, Cherie Gil, who was in the tsunami disaster in Phuket, Thailand, with her husband and two children share her personal testimony prior to the concert.

The goal of "Wave of Hope" is to raise 1 million pesos for the benefit of the victims of the flooding in Quezon and the tsunamis in Southeast Asia. All the proceeds will go to UNICEF, of which Gary is the country's National Ambassador. Gary was able to join medical mission to Quezon with his family and friends and experienced first hand speaking to disaster victims and singing for them a capella. Together with his sons, Gary carried sacks of rice and goods to the church where the distribution was. Burdened with the stories he heard and the videos on television and cable, Gary immediately agreed to mount a benefit concert.

Angeli Pangnilinan-Valenciano says she was amazed by how quickly support for the project came pouring in. The Music Museum gave the venue for free. Someone donated one thousand toothbrushes. Other sponsors responded within hour pledging everything form media support to prayer. People were texting pledges from 10,000 pesos to 30 thousand pesos. Others helped by buying tickets or contributing food and water. "We were able to sell P220,000 worth of tickets in two days!" said Valenciano. "The concert was planned in one week so we are drawing some best inspirational numbers from his albums and concerts. Suggestions could be in. Everyone is helping so everyone is given the right to suggest what they would want Gary to sing! Even Kiana and Gabriel may just join in to contribute!"

Mon Faustino is musical director; project director is Jackie Maniquis and production management is handled by Genesis with Teri Tolosa at the helm.

(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.)

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