Jackie, Oh! by Jackie Regala-Katigbak

This just in! Jeff David of C-Kat Productions recently sent us briefer press notes about their company's latest project. This time, Jeff and partners decided to venture into a movie premiere which will soon take place in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas.

We are talking about Star Cinema and Viva Films' much-awaited movie, "Wag Kang Lilingon."

Jeff's PR contains: Two of the brightest stars and undoubtedly two of the most beautiful young actresses today join forces to bring you Star Cinema and Viva Films' most horrifying movie of the season, "Wag Kang Lilingon!"

Kristine Hermosa and Anne Curtis star in two stories that will surely scare the wits out of the movie going public in this movie that took over a year to make! Intense preparation, impressive effects and dynamite acting prowess from the two combines in the perfect barkada movie that will usher in the Christmas season!

In "Uyayi," Anne plays Melissa, a young nurse with a bright future ahead of her. But will the future turn to her favor as strange and violent events occur at the hospital she works for. Together with her boyfriend James, they try to uncover the killer behind the rising number of deaths among the patients in the hospital. But will she be one of the victims? Quark Henares megs the episode.

In "Salamin," Kristine plays Angel, a beautiful young family breadwinner whose only aspiration is to see her family live a better life. When her father left her and her mother and younger sister for another woman, Angel decided to move into a new place. Little did they know the danger that lies ahead. As she discovers an old mirror, she makes a wish at the stroke of midnight by the candlelight-to know her future. Instead she unwittingly opens a portal of spirits! What will be the repercussions of her actions? Jerry Lopez-Sineneng directs "Salamin."

A powerhouse cast supports Anne and Kristine in the movie: Cherry Pie Picache, Baron Geisler, Dimples Romana, Archie Alemania, Celine Lim, Raymond Bagatsing and Marvin Agustin pack a punch with their acting that shouldn't be missed!

Incidentally, Jeff says that there's an added bonus when you watch the movie. Catch Kristine and Anne live in the U.S. premiere of "Wag Kang Lilingon" on November 24 at the Alex Theatre; Nov. 25, at the Bob Hope Theatre (Miramar) in San Diego and on Nov. 26 at Galaxy Theatre in Cannery, Las Vegas, Nevada. The U.S. Theatrical Premiere of "Wag Kang Lilingon" is produced and presented by C-Kat Productions. For more info about the premier, please call 909.282.8925.

SOS to be Honored In LV Walk of Stars Ceremony

We wrote about the Society of Seven recently as they wowed their audiences via a concert at Cerritos Performing Arts. I bring them back to you as this iconic band will soon be honored in Las Vegas Walk of Stars.

Mendrei Leelin, president of Rosy Cheeks Entertainment and producer of SOS-Lani Misalucha in Flamingo Las Vegas shares this info with us and to our dear readers.

The Society of Seven, one of Las Vegas top attractions after being transplanted from Waikiki where they were headliners for more than three decades, will be inaugurated into the Las Vegas Walk of Stars on Tuesday, November 28. The ceremony starts at 2 p.m. at the Flamingo Las Vegas Showroom where the group now appears.

The Society of Seven has been praised for combining "every show on the strip on one stage." Their lavish production numbers range from blues to comedy, impersonations to rock, humor to instrumentals and ballads.

From its historical roots performing on the Ed Sullivan Show after the TV host saw them playing at the Thunderbird to early years as a show band, the Society of Seven has evolved into a stellar group whose secret magic is conveying an instant likeability," said the recent Las Vegas Review Journal. Earlier in their career, the group performed at the Sahara, Flamingo Las Vegas, Golden Nugget, Aladdin and later Bally's , as well as cementing their popularity at the Outrigger Main Showroom in Honolulu.

Founder Tony Ruivivar and original SOS member Bert Sagum have stood the test of time. It's no wonder that Las Vegas has taken to the group, and given its top honor to the Society of Seven.

The Las Vegas Walk of Stars was developed in cooperation with Clark County, which sanctioned four miles of sidewalk to the East and West of Las Vegas Boulevard South between Sahara and Russell. The three-foot square slab of polished granite weighing 180 pounds is inlaid with the SOS name and will be placed in front of the Flamingo Las Vegas during the ceremony, which will be attended by such notables as Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and possibly Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle, as well as Mendrei L. and Cecilia Leelin of Rosy Cheeks Entertainment Group Inc., which produces Society of Seven in Las Vegas and long-time Hawaii producer Fran Kirk of Outrigger Entertainment.

"I've been a big SOS fan for years and I'm proud to be with the group when they receive this great honor from Las Vegas," said Honolulu Mayor Hannemann.

Now appearing at 3 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays at the Flamingo Las Vegas, Society of Seven has been called "fabulous, must see!" by the Las Vegas Sun, "hilarious" by Showbiz Weekly and "A Strip staple!" by the Las Vegas Review Journal. In a recent review, Las Vegas Magazine called the SOS "a powerhouse of eclectic talent, pitch-perfect harmony, solid gold choreography and unabashed merriment."

Who are the SOS?

Founder-director-leader Tony Ruivivar is the creative force behind the group's lively performances, which not only delight sold-out audiences at the Flamingo but also on the Society of Seven's international tours and return visits to the historic Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu. Ruivivar also is known for his guitar artistry and vocals, as well as his introductions of the group's numbers.

In receiving notification of the Star, Ruivivar said, "On behalf of the Society of Seven, I am very proud to learn of this honor. We have our roots in Hawaii and our hearts in Las Vegas, so we are excited to have this special link with our performing home."

Bert Sagum, also in SOS since the start, is the unpredictable comic center of the group, the "a spark plug" who fires them up, and the source of laughs from audience members of all ages.

Hoku Low, who has been in the group almost 30 years, boasts a crystal clear high voice and plays both bass and horns. Newcomers Marc Escueta, multi-talented in voice, instruments and comedy, and impressive vocalists Vince Mendoza who also is on saxophone and drums, add to the appeal of the Society of Seven, which is rounded out by long-time members and musical arrangers Roy Guerzo, keyboardist, and Wayne Wakai on keyboards and horns. When performing at the Flamingo, SOS now is joined by two-time Philippine Entertainer of the Year, Lani Misalucha, who adds a sexy vibe to the group with her sultry voice and natural stage presence. Her comic timing made her an immediate fit into SOS and her imitations of Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and others have complemented the long-time impressions that have made the group a mainstay on the Strip.

The Las Vegas Walk of Stars has honored celebrities such as Wayne Newton, Liberace, Rich Little and TV gaming legend, best selling author Wayne Allyn Root, and most recently the Las Vegas show greats Siegfried & Roy. Others scheduled to be honored in the near future are Sammy Davis, Jr. and Bobby Darin, and with over 700 nominees so far, the list will continue to grow.

Watch Out for A2C!

Recently, it was indeed a pleasurable moment to accidentally bump into a former classmate of mine in Assumption Convent. She is Joy Almario whose family is a well-known political scion back home, specifically Davao. Although she is now busy with her real estate work, Joy shares with me that some relatives of hers is very much into music. And that this brother-sister team is a by-word among Hawaii's concert aficionados. And so I gamely obliged in meeting the two along with their gregarious mom, whom I fondly call Tita Tennie.

The name of the duo is A2C -- a Filipino-American soul duet, consisting of brother and sister team, Troy and Cheesa Laureta.

Of course, I needed to dig deeper how they got into singing professionally. And here goes:

For nearly a decade, they have been entertaining audiences with their soulful vocals, stunning stage presence and impeccable musicianship. Troy brings to the stage his classical piano and singing, along with Cheesa's bluesy voice (which is common set-up for a typical A2C performance).

Known for their remakes and medleys, they have created a name for themselves as Hawaii's own "Filipino Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder," and are regulars at different events and functions. Based on a neo-soul and R&B foundation, A2C has created a style that infuses numerous genres (such as jazz, classical and blues) into a unique style that has made A2C popular among audiences both young and old.

As the years progresses, A2C's fan base has grown in Hawaii, as well as in places in the Philippines and mainstream America. A2C has won many awards and has gained recognition for their many accomplishments in music, including VSA ARTS "Artist of the Year," 2nd Place in the World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, and other competitions. Their song "Memories Of Our Lives" also became the class song for Punahou School and has been featured on ABS-CBN's reality show "Pinagmulan." In addition to this, A2C has already held their own solo concert in 2005 and has created a promotional CD entitled "Through It All."

Not one to easily take on any artist bio, I put the duo into a drive test, so to speak. I requested them to sing in public at the newly-opened Seafood City Supermarket in Eagle Rock. And the result was very successful. Cheeska and Troy of A2C sang a couple of their recorded songs before mix shoppers of young and old alike, not necessarily Filipinos. Cheers and Applause greeted the duo and I must admit I am impressed. A little more coaching and packaging, A2C can surely hold their ground in the concert circuit. By the way, they also wowed the crowd in a recent South Border show headliner in La Trova House in West LA. The show was for the benefit of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Well done, Troy and Cheesa. I am sure Mom and Auntie Joy (including son, Fonzie) are just so proud!

A2C currently resides in Los Angeles, California in the Hollywood area, where they are planning to do projects that will further their musical career. A2C has been seen performing at the Sharon Cuneta Mega Tour with Martin Nievera, The Greatest HitMakers featuring Nonoy Zuniga, Rico Puno, Rey Valera, Marco Sison, and Hajji Alejandro, The Night of the Champions Concert featuring Sheryn Regis, Sarah Geronimo, Frechy Dy, Raymond Manalo, Rachel Anne Go, Mark Bautista, and Christian Bautista, The Aegis Hawaii Tour, Camile Velasco, Jasmine Trias, Jeremiah, and Hot Rain among many others.

Remember folks, you first read about A2C via this column.

Bits 'n' Pieces: Congratulations to Martin Nievera and long time love, Katrina Ojeda for their newborn, Santino Martin. After much media hoopla, Martin sends me a text if they can "have these very precious moments" with the baby as private as possible for now... Happy birthday to my publisher in San Francisco, Elton Lugay (Nov. 12); Belated happy birthday to Clyde Siao-Frankera of Sheraton Hotel in Wilshire Blvd…

(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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