ATLANTIC CITY, NJ: I was there when it happened, Sharon's first U.S. Concert Tour in seven years. My confession is that I have never been to a Sharon Cuneta concert, ever. Though I grew up in Manila, I've not seen any of her TV shows either. I am in awe of this mix of heart, laughs, emotion and beautiful music. The Mark Etess Arena, Trump Taj Mahal, May 22, 2005  3:00 PM, though not filled to a capacity crowd, buzzed with excitement. Fans traveled from all over, even from Boston, Massachusetts.

The Philippines' Sharon Cuneta is recognized all over the world for her recordings, movies, TV shows, quality product endorsements and concerts. Exploring yet another side of her considerable talents including her family life is very Filipino. She indeed brought in a part of herself, her music, her movies, her love and her life. Who could forget "Mr. DJ?" Or "Ikaw" and "Bituing Walang Ningning?" Her performance completely mesmerized the Filipino-American audience, Trump Taj Mahal staff included and this writer, to say the very least. I was completely disarmed by the charm that she brings. I didn't think anyone could be really sweet and coming from the best possible place. She has a quality that goes beyond mere beauty seen by the eyes; she has an ethereal beauty and a luminosity one could feel. She glows when she smiles, looking really happy and in love.

Fresh off having baby Miel December 2004, in a physical challenge, Sharon bravely wages war with the battle of the bulges. Her concert changes were all black but becoming. She jokingly makes references "to get my old figure back!" Adding that she knows the responsibility of being a celebrity, owing it to the people. I doubt that the audience minded the "larger" version of Sharon, for beneath the enlarged size is her enormous cinematic and musical success, and much more, beneath it all, lies a heart, and a character that her fans loyally root for. The audience laughed at her joke of not being a "bomba star," but certainly, every "bomba star" out there would readily trade places to have Sharon's voice.

Sharon's performance zeroed in on the heart, as well as the funny bone. She had a video interactive original number with her movie leading men. She performed a collection of beautiful Filipino love songs! And in good heaping servings, waxing nostalgic about the Philippines, in music. One couldn't help but sing along or dance to the beat. The "Manila, Manila" medley was superb. She performed with The Mega Band, her band in all her concert tours. She did Canseco songs that must have put a smile in Tito George's face in heaven. Her duet with Robert Seña, "The Prayer" gave me goose bumps. Ogie Alcasid had the audience on their feet when he did "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko." He had the audience in stitches as he posed with his different types of smiles. But the laughs in the concert, including what seemed like an impromptu gig for Fanny Serrano (TF) wasn't all it was about. It wasn't even just about the music or reminiscing. It really was all about Sharon, a girl who found her happiness in her true love Kiko and her daughters (KC, Frankie and Miel) and realizing what's truly important. She even did a plug for her firstborn KC's "Beauty and the Beast" in Manila. At some point during the concert, her little Frankie, probably en route to the little girl's room didn't go unnoticed. As the spotlight was on her, she blew the audience a kiss! Sharon commented "how very showbiz!". Sharon's Mom, Elaine sat proud in the front row and must have enjoyed all the applause too.

It was almost too good to be true. Sharon made people smile, laugh and misty eyed. Her persona's strong message is about seeing inner beauty, when everything in today's society is so focused on the superficial. Though not lithe on the outside, she remains gorgeous. The shell didn't really matter. What's important is her heart, very positive, thankful and hopeful. The concert was indeed a celebration of the enduring love and passion between Sharon and her audience.

The Mega Concert, though "It's all in a day's work" for Sharon, inspired her fans, what with her display of patriotism. Her singing praise to Filipinos excelling in their adopted country. All must have walked away from the Mega Concert feeling good. With the Mega concert, Sharon wanted to entertain and give back to her loyal fans. She made people think and go through a range of emotions, as well as laugh. I think she accomplished more than just entertain. She reminded Filipinos not to lose their traditions and with head held high, proclaimed that she is "darn proud to be Filipino." No doubt about it, she did all her "kababayans" proud.

This Mega Concert Tour was made possible by Star Media Entertainment, Group Ole and Planet Philippines.

Catch the Mega Concert Tour 2005 San Diego show, Starlight Theater, Pala Casino Resort & Spa, June 5, 6 pm; and the Los Angeles show, the Shrine Auditorium, June 11, 8 PM.

Click here for more pics from Sharon's Atlantic City Mega Concert!

Tagumpay ang second leg ng MegaConcert Tour 2005 ni Sharon Cuneta na ginanap sa Rosemont Theater sa Chicago. Heto ang eyewitness report ng isang reader natin from Canada na lumipad patungong Chicago upang masaksihan ang kanyang iniiidolo.

Narito ang e-mail ni Glenda Litimco gtlitimco@yahoo. com.

To Mr. Jun Nardo,

I have always been a Sharon Cuneta fan. I have seen every single one of her movies, and actually trying to start a collection of them now. Unfortunately, "Dear Heart" and "My Only Love" are nowhere to be found. Sigh.

Anyway, I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to Canada in 1990. Pero kahit paano, yung mga tsismis tungkol kay Sharon ay nababalitaan ko pa rin at napapanood ko pa rin lahat ng movies niya. Salamat sa mga Filipino stores!

When I heard about the Sharon Cuneta concert tour, I was so excited but then got sad when I found out she wasn’t coming to Canada. Pero I have a cousin in Chicago and she is also a super Sharon fan.

Mr. Nardo, nagbayad pa ako ng flight from Toronto to Chicago para lang manood ng concert niya. Ganon ako kalaking fan! Buti na lang maaga kaming nakabili ng tickets kasi gusto namin yung malapit kami. So ‘yung $150 ang binili namin. Naisip namin mahal, pero it would be all worth it. Bakit naman kami magbabayad ng $50 tapos ang layo namin di ba? We were on the 10th row!

Pareho kaming excited kasi si Sharon Cuneta ang papanoorin namin. Sabi nga namin, dati napapanood lang namin siya sa mga tapes and napapakinggan yung mga CD’s niya. Tapos eto, she will be right in front of us. Nakita namin si Mommy Elaine who’s so pretty pala. And Kiko is good-looking in person. Si Frankie was, of course, very pretty as well. Super ganda ng concert! I don’t know the right words to express how awesome it was! Ang galing-galing ni Sharon! And Mr. Nardo, kahit mataba siya ngayon ang ganda-ganda pa rin niya. I’ve always thought she was pretty pero iba pala talaga sa personal. She’s really got this charm! Kilig na kilig nga kami ng pinsan ko.

Malakas pa rin ang following ng Sharon-Gabby. May clips kasing pinakita during the concert, where Sharon is singing via screen with her leading men. Tapos last yung movie clip nu’ng "P.S. I Love You" and sigawan talaga lahat sa Rosemont Theater.

She performed to a near sold-out crowd. Puno yung baba, pero hindi napuno yung sa itaas, which I don’t think people wanted to be in anyway because ang layo na. Parang wala nang makikita sa taas. Napuno talaga yung mamahaling tickets.

Ang galing ng combination nila ni Robert Sena (he’s really got a powerful voice! I was getting goosebumps listening to him!) and Ogie Alcasid (who was very funny, not to mention outstanding!). For my first time watching Sharon live, I couldn’t have asked for more.

Malamig sa Chicago that night, pero ang daming fans na naghintay kay Sharon nung lumabas na siya papunta ng limo nila. Kami ng pinsan ko, takbo rin pahabol kay Sharon. Nakamayan pa nga ng pinsan ko and sobra excited niya! Tawa kami nang tawa dahil mismong nakapalda pa kami, and yet hindi namin naisip na baka mamaya nalilisan na kami, or what. Muntik pa ngang malaglag yung camera nung pinsan ko dahil sa kahahabol. But Sharon was very generous to her fans. Maski na ilang bodyguards plus Kiko ang nakapaligid sa kanya, humihinto pa rin siya para pagbigyan yung mga gustong kumamay or kumuha ng picture niya. Super talaga si Sharon. I’m so glad na siya yung paborito ko.

Anyway, binabasa ko daily ang Abante online so I thought I’d send you my review of Sharon’s concert. At siyanga pala, manonood din ako ng concert ni Sharon sa San Diego. Magbabakasyon kasi ako sa relatives ko there, and my other cousin is also a fan. 7th row naman yata ‘yung nakuha niyang tickets! Super excited na naman ako.

Maraming salamat po. Sana pakisabi niyo po kay Sharon na wala siyang katulad! She is a rare talent and I hope she sticks around for a long, long time. More power to you! Thank you po. — Glenda.

Sharon's enduring charisma touches the heart and her songs lifts our spirits back home.

By Vic Perez

The plane landed in Los Angeles Airport. I came from Chicago, doing production work for one of the most celebrated artists in the Philippines: Sharon Cuneta. It's been a day past after the wonderful concert of the Megastar but my mind kept wandering back to Rosemont Theater. It was 14th of May and the wind in the city of Chicago was blowing hard even on a bright sunny day. I thought it was a good day for a concert. There were no ominous signs that anything would go wrong. The lights, sounds and the video people were working in clockwork precision inside and as early as 6pm people were already lining up outside the theater for tickets.

My business is concerts. I breathe, live and talk about concerts all day long. I have dealt with practically all concert artists from the Philippines from Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Pops Fernanadez, Zsazsa Padilla, Kuh Ledesma. But I have never encountered an artist that is so radiant with warmth and sincerity, a woman with all heart - I could almost see a halo of love around her and perhaps that is the reason why she has sustained her popularity until now. Sharon Cuneta's energy is so contagious. In the press conference held in Los Angeles, everyone was quite surprised when she came in. She was very much in a motherly figure, a big departure from her slim days but once she started talking about herself, and started answering questions, you forget about the figure. She opens up to you and you become captivated with her intelligence, wit and charm.

In the concert scene, its another thing altogether. Inside the huge Rosemont Theater, people were all waiting with much excitement to see the artist they have adored for so long and waited for almost a decade to watch live in Chicago. The video wall presented a slew of numbers- the numerous platinum records, sold out concerts, the awards she has been conferred with, the box office movie receipts and when the orchestral music from Mel Villena's band started playing, lo and behold the voice of Sharon saunters to the whole auditorium, softly reminding us of the days past, of our loves and lost causes in the days of our youth---she comes in and sings Mr. DJ.

Every body roared and clapped when they saw her. The Megastar is back!

After the song, she thanked everybody and acknowledged Mr. Dan Gawat and Tom for being Chicago's most respected producers and who have raised the bar of concert production to new level. After Mr. DJ, Sharon ventured to a Manila Medley, a mix of songs celebrating the capital of the Philippines, our beloved place we will never forget.

The highlight of the show was an original song written by Ryan Cayabyab sung by Sharon Cuneta in her 25th anniversary in Araneta Colisem. The song was about all her leading men, their characters, their ways and antics. They were all present too, from Christopher De Leon, Richard Gomez, Da King and Rowell Santiago via interactive video. This portion was a big delight; the "kilig" feeling was there when you see Sharon in movie clips as she was paired with all their amorous movie idols. People were rapturous when the reel was focused to Gabby Concepcion.

Sharon continued on with her monster hits songs penned by masters George Canseco, Rey Valero and Willy Cruz from "Sanay Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan" to "Sinasamba Kita". These songs triumphantly breathe sentimental feelings of the stages of our lives back home. Sharon Cuneta's time was my period, it was the time of my young adult days and past time then was watching movies with long titles and listening to OPM love songs dedicated to the "crush ng bayan". Her voice dominated the radio airwaves then with all these songs and I cannot help but reminisce about how life was simpler then.

What makes this concert fantastic other the great charisma of Sharon Cuneta was getting first rate singer Robert Sena and superb composer Ogie Alcasid. If Ogie was very likable and comfortable with OPM pop ballads, Robert Sena was theatrical and booming. The concert became balanced and the repertoire to any show than this one because I have already grown jaded with many production numbers of many forgettable concerts.

I would say that this show makes you feel euphoric, makes you feel good and I think this is what Filipino concerts should fulfill here in the US. The Filipino immigrants here seek for entertainment that promotes good values with excellent Filipino songs. All of these elements are in the Megatour2005 concert. I highly recommend this concert to everyone.

Catch the next show in Atlantic City at 3pm on May 22, May 28 in the Reno Sports Center, June 4 in Pala, Casino and June 11 in the Shrine at Los Angeles.

The Atlantic City show is produced by Starmedia. Click to buy Atlantic city tickets or call
818.547.1456, 818.549.9005, 818.913.5818
Group Ole Inc. 914.793.5351, 91.498.2510
Trump Taj Mahal Box Office 609.449.5150
Ticket Master 1.800.736.1420

When Megastar Sharon Cuneta announced her six cities 2005 Mega US Tour after seven years hiatus, rumormongers' tongues wagged questioning how she can stage a concert tour with the weight she gained after giving birth to Mariel Daniella Sophia or Miel last September 3, 2004, her second child by husband Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan.

Detractors even questioned why have the concert tours now when professionally, there's nothing going on with her career: no movies to promote, no new CD to launch and no new TV show to announce.

Sharon candidly answered all these concerns when she faced the media people last Thursday, May 5, at the Radisson Hotel in West Los Angeles, CA. Shawie proudly announced that she has added another career in the Philippine film industry as movie producer. Sharon is co-producing with Tony Gloria Unitel's La Visa Loca starring Robin Padilla and Rufa Mae Quinto. This is Mark Meily's follow up film after his critically acclaimed and multi-awarded movie Crying Ladies.

Shawie also gleefully announced that she has waxed and completed a CD featuring the works of songwriter Ogie Alcasid aptly titled "Sharon sings Alcasid." Promotion will commence upon her return from her US concert tour. As for her much awaited TV show, she gladly told the press that negotiations are already underway for her to do a part talk show, part game show with ABS-CBN in July.

When asked about what she still prays for now that she is an accomplished artist, mother, endorser and entrepreneur, she jovially and jokingly said, "My old weight back. I have lost 14 pounds since I went on my diet and 500 more to go! The crowd will go there, not for my hourglass figure, but for my music."

When questioned about her sentiments regarding her "face-off" with the Return of The Champions tour headed by Sarah Geronimo since both are simultaneously staging their concerts in Atlantic City on May 22 and Los Angeles on June 11; Sharon proudly said, "There are more than enough rooms for everyone. I love those kids! I hope and pray that people would not pit us up against each other since I truly do care about them."

Rumormongers have tagged the two events as Sharon versus Sarah. Some even called the two concerts as the clash of Mega against the Champions.

We should remember that both events have their supporters. They have their own sets of audience and avid fans. Instead of criticizing the producers of these concerts, we should be approving and grateful to them for taking the risks and investments to give us choices, which what a democratic society is about.

It is disheartening when pundits have incessantly tried to create rift between Mega and Sarah. Have they forgotten that Mega was one of the judges who chose Sarah as the 2003 Star for A Night grand champion? Have they overlooked how Sharon has constantly been vocal about her ceaseless support for Sarah?

Let us stop making innuendoes about the apocryphal rumor on the brewing strife between them! Instead, let us be supportive of our artists who tirelessly share their talents and proudly typify the Filipinos who when given the opportunity to showcase their wares are simply world class! Let us prove again that we are the novel breeds of Filipinos devoid of the crab mentality syndrome where gossips, machinations and unconstructive criticisms are employed to bring others down.

Sharon's Mega US Tour 2005 continues on Sunday, May 22 at Trump Taj Mahal's Mark Etess Arena in Atlantic City; Reno Events Center May 29; Starlight Theater at the Pala Casino and Spa in San Diego June 5; and concludes in Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday June 11. Mega's special guests are songwriter Ogie Alcasid and original Miss Saigon member Robert Seña. She is performing with her Mega Band together with Mel Villena as musical director.

Kasalukuyang umaani ng tagumpay ang Mega Concert ni Sharon dito sa Amerika, ayon sa ilang mga kakilala sa mga pagtatanghalan ng Mega Concert Tour 2005, marami na daw ang nag-aabang sa concert nito sa kani-kanilang lugar.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ang katabaan ni Sharon ang natatak sa isipan ng media sa nakaraang press conference ni Sharon Cuneta sa Radisson Hotel sa Culver City, kundi ang pagiging humble at ang pagka-masayahing kausap nito sa lahat. Bilib ang press people sa pagka-matandain sa pangalan ni Sharon. Ang kabaitan nito at pagiging down-to-earth ang lalong ikina-bilib ng press sa kanya. Napakasaya palang tao ni Shawie at laging nakabungisngis.

Nagtawanan ang mga tao nang tanungin siya kung ano pa ang mahihiling niya, samantalang halos nasa kanya na ang lahat ng bagay na puwedeng mahiling sa buhay --- "to get my old figure back!" ang turing niya, sabay bungisngis. "I know the responsibility of being a celebrity because I owe it to the people. Although, I don't feel miserable at all, I am very happy right now for all the blessings God has given me. I am on a strict diet and I intend to finish my goal to lose more pounds."

Makakasama ni Sharon sina Ogie Alcasid, Robert Seña, at Fe delos Reyes sa tour. Tanong kung ano ang inaasahan sa concert na ito: "When I perform I don't sing only, because it's not about singing only, but I want it to be a great experience to me and for everybody. All my hits will be included as well as songs with Ogie and Robert. We've prepared something you'll enjoy and it will be an experience," Sharon promised.

Kasama ni Sharon sa presscon si Sen. Kiko Pangilinan na enjoy din sa pagpapakuha kasama ng mga imbitadong press at sponsors.

We just got done seeing Sharon's concert in Jacksonville, Florida! We drove over six hours round trip to watch... and it was all worth it. As always, she gave an outstanding performance and for the first time, my wife and I actually got to meet her in person. Even though we only got to meet her for no longer than 3-4 minutes, during those 3-4 minutes, it felt as if she devoted herself only to us and we were the most important things to her at that time. Even though she is the Megastar, she was so easy to speak to and she was so very gracious and accomodating. When it was our turn to get autographs signed, I was able to show her a letter she wrote me when she was still in high school back in 1979, as an example of how loyal true Megafans are... and I think that she was surprised that I had still kept that letter for 26 years. But what surprised me though, was that the last thing she did after signing her autographs... she sincerely thanked me for being a fan all these years. This is what sets her apart from all other celebrities. She is so humble and genuinely appreciative of her fans. For me, as much as I appreciated what she said... the truth is, I want to thank HER for being the Megastar! Thank you Sharon for all the joy and happiness you have given us. Your songs, your movies, your TV shows, all give us something to look forward to, something to enjoy, something to make our lives a little better. My only wish is that it doesn't take another 26 years before I can have the chance to meet you again...

If fate had not decreed that Sharon Cuneta become a hugely successful singer and actress, then I am sure that she would still be part of the local music industry as a songwriter. There is seldom enough time for Sharon to pursue this undertaking but it is obvious from the few instances when she has done so that she is also a gifted songwriter.

As all those who have heard her songs now know, Sharon has a competent command of language. She writes and speaks English and Tagalog very well and has a natural flair for melody, although she plays no musical instrument. What Sharon does when she composes is to sing the song to a recorder then discuss how it should be done with an arranger. Truth to tell though, this was also the way the late George Canseco wrote his classic songs. So I am sure that if Sharon is as dedicated to songwriting as she is to singing and acting, she will also be able to come up with more beautiful songs.

But she is busy with other things so let us be content with what she has so far offered. These are Now That You’re Gone, Maybe Someday, Mahal Pa rin Kita and Starlight, which she was inspired to write for her daughter Kristina. Currently in the forefront is Now That You’re Gone, which was recorded recently by Ella May Saison. Nice work, but there is of course, nothing better than the original, more so when it is by Megastar Sharon.

Sharon’s version is now once more available in the new compilation album also titled Now That You’re Gone. This is made up of some of her best pop recordings in English and also includes one of her other compositions, Maybe Someday. The other cuts are Odette Quesada’s To Love Again, Somewhere, Somehow, a duet with Gary Valenciano, Refrain, by Jose Mari Chan, The Other Side of Me by Mon Faustino, All I Ask of You, from Phantom of the Opera as a duet with Jun Polistico, plus What Loving You Was Like at All, Almost Over You, So Much In Love, Please Don’t Ask Me, Both Sides Now, The Promise and Every Now and Then.

It has been quite a while since Sharon has recorded an album. She has one due for release soon featuring the works of Ogie Alcasid. However, since that is not yet available, I will just recommend that her fans enjoy the pleasure of listening to Sharon with the Now That You’re Gone collection. I am sure they will enjoy this very much.

As for her fans who live in the US who also miss Sharon, you can catch her live in The Mega Tour 2005. She is set to leave tomorrow and will be away for over a month. The last time she toured was in the summer of 1997 while she was living in Boston where her husband, Sen. Francis Pangilinan was studying at the John F. Kennedy School of Government in Harvard. So it has been quite a while and I am sure her fans out there will be glad to see her again.

They can catch Sharon at the Moran Theater in Jacksonville, Florida on May 8; the Rosemont Theater in Chicago, Illinois on May 14; the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on May 22; the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada on May 29; the Pala Casino and Resort in San Diego, California on June 5; and the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, the site of several of her earlier triumphs, on June 11. Guesting in Sharon’s show are Ogie Alcasid and Robert Seña.

Think Sharon Cuneta has nothing more to ask for? That she plans to rest on her laurels while watching the world go by? Wrong. Sharon still has dreams galore all mapped out in the next few years.

These dreams are not just for herself alone. It’s also for the showbiz industry which she is very much a part of.

First, for herself. "I plan to go back to school and become a chef," she reveals. "Ideally, the (culinary) school would be in Paris, but my schedule will not permit it. I also want to take an interior design course."

It’s payback time for the showbiz industry too. As a first step, Sharon is co-producing Unitel’s La Visa Loca with Tony Gloria "to give jobs to industry people in this time of need."

If it succeeds, Sharon wants to produce more movies and keep a dying industry afloat for the many friends she’s made in it through the years.

It won’t stop there. Sharon wants to do her bit for the local TV industry by producing a teleserye based on a good story that will do the country proud. The project will hopefully stem the flow of foreign telenovelas dubbed in English by dubbing Filipino dialogue in a foreign tongue and bringing the show abroad.

Sharon herself will bring her music to foreign shores next month as she performs before US-based Filipinos in the Mega Concert Tour 2005. The tour is presented by Artist House International. Other presenting sponsors are Circus, Circus, El Dorado, Harrah’s, Silver Legacy, ABS-CBN International, Sony & BMG Music Entertainment, Tancinco Law Offices, PALA Hotel and Philippine Airlines, and is also supported by SuperFerry and Alaska Milk.

The reunion with US fans is a long-delayed one, since Sharon’s US-based fans haven’t seen her perform live there for the past seven years.

It kicks off May 8 at the Moran Performing Arts Theater in Jacksonville, Florida, and segues on to Rosemont Theater in Chicago on May 14; the Mark Etess Arena at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on May 22; Reno Events Center in Reno on May 29; Starlight Theater, Pala Casino Resort and Spa in San Diego on June 5, and at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on June 11.

With Sharon as guests are Ogie Alcasid and Robert Seña. US-based Fe de los Reyes (remember her?) will guest in the Reno show.

"I want to visit places where I haven’t performed yet. My soul craves for concerts in the same way as making movies. I just want to know if they still love me. If they still appreciate my music. If I can still make them happy for a couple of hours," says Sharon.

She realizes that physically, things have changed a lot for her. Even after she already lost 14 pounds, Sharon herself knows hers is not exactly an hourglass figure anymore. Coke litro is how she describes it these days.

But it’s the least of her worries. When you’re not at your sexiest, she muses, the crowd will go there, not for your figure, but for the music. You can still make others happy.

So, in the US tour, Sharon plans to do her well-loved classics and wax sentimental all over again.

Daughter KC feels bad she can’t join Sharon this time because her eldest will be in Manila to play Belle in the staging of Beauty and the Beast at Meralco Theater. But Sharon’s other daughters, Frankie and Miel will be there. Sharon’s husband, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan will be traveling back and forth to catch some parts of the tour.

If her past concert tours abroad will be the yardstick, Sharon has reason to expect this one will also bring touching memories for her to bring back home. Stories of entire families driving miles and miles just to see her, of a Pinay giving away her Polaroid after Sharon told her how cute it was, are bound to happen all over again.

Back then, KC was only a child, so Sharon would go home from her tour with boxes of toys.

"That’s why I become a fire hazard each time I came back home from a tour. I give some of the gifts away to charity so those who gave them will be happy we were able to make others happy," says Sharon.

Performing abroad, she adds, is just like serving as ambassador of goodwill. You share what’s happening to your country with our kababayan abroad and you bring stories about them back home.

That’s why, although she would like to limit her movies to at most three a year, Sharon can’t have enough of concerts abroad. There are just so many other Filipino abroad waiting to be entertained, so many places she can’t wait to set her foot on.

Sharon ticks them off like well-memorized items on a precious list: Kuwait, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Japan.

"I’d like to redeem myself in Hawaii, because the last time I was there, we couldn’t tap a Filipino band. They were all tied up. We settled instead for an American band who was trying so hard to sing Bituing Walang Ningning!" says Sharon.

And oh yes, Hong Kong all over again would be great since she adores Andy Lau, Sharon giggles.

There will be hardly any rest for Sharon when she comes home from the tour. ABS-CBN has tapped her to do a part talk show, part game show in July.

That will be just fine for Sharon, whose first priority is — and always has been — her family.

"It will be such a tragedy if I’m successful and my family is in shambles," she declares. The word "Mama" has never been as appealing as it is now.

As a mom, Sharon advises KC to make careful choices, not to believe everything she sees and hears.

"I know my daughter is smart. If she doesn’t like a guy, I’m sorry. He won’t stand a chance with me too, even if he happens to be Prince William," Sharon adds.

Spoken like a doting mom who enjoys the blessings of a flourishing career with the good old joys of hearth and home.

Highly regarded as a multi-awarded and multi-talented singer-actress, Megastar Sharon Cuneta has been excelling in the entertainment world for the pat 26 years.

After becoming one of the youngest Grandslam Best Actress award winners for the 1996 movie Madrasta, she the went on to become one of the youngest honorees in the Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan (for Cinema), given by the City of Manila, in 2002.

Just last year, she was also declared by the PMPC Star Awards for Movies as on of three Dekada Best Actress honorees and by the PASADO film critics as Best Actress for Crying Ladies, which garnered rave reviews in such US publications as the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Village Voice, and the L.A. Weekly, among others.

Also for her crackerjack performance in Crying Ladies, Sharon brought home the Best Actress trophy at the 31st International Festival of Independent Film, held in Brussels, Belgium.

She has also been conferred with Lifetime Achievement awards from both the music/recording industry (the 1998 Golden Tinig Award from Metro Star Search and the 2002 Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Award from Awit and PARI) and the movie industry (Hallmark Women Achievers on TV and in Film 2001 and the Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Medal for Cinema from the City of Manila in 2002).

All in all, according to a report filed on the TV show The Buzz in 2002, Sharon has been bestowed with at least 10 Best Actress awards, 9 Box-Office Queen titles (including 1 Hall of Fame), at least 15 Gold, Platinum, Double Platinum, and Triple Platinum Record Awards, and at least 7 Best TV Host trophies as of 2002.

But more than her career achievements, she considers her twin honors from the Ulirang Ina and the Hallmark Channel (in 2001) as the most special because these awards "honor the person, the mother, the wife, the daughter, the woman" that she is and that she has become.

The Hallmark Channel Award citation captured it succinctly: "Sharon loves, gives, and works from the heart."

Because she exemplifies positive Filipino values (such as faith in God, love for family, and intense nationalism), she is also regarded as one of the country's most admired, respected, and influential celebrities (1999 Pulse Asia Survey).

She was also named as the Most Effective/Credible Celebrity Product Endorser by the AC Nielsen, as on of the Asian region's "Under-50 Movers and Shakers" by Asia Inc. magazine, and as one of the "100 Most Powerful Filipinos" by BizNews Asia Magazine.

She is also generally acknowledged as on of the most generous stars in local showbiz.

She has graciously shared her time, talent, and resources to various charitable institutions, to name a few: Chosen Children Foundation, Bantay Bata, DSWD Reception and Study Center, World Community Church, Home for the Aged, and WWF (World Wildlife Fund).

She also recently set up the Sharon Cuneta Foundation to focus on providing medical assistance and college scholarships to our less-fortunate countrymen.

In a personal capacity, she has chosen to champion the cause of education because she firmly believes that the youth is the future of our nation. In doing all this noble work, Sharon says that she is merely fulfilling her role as steward of God's Blessings.

For all these achievements, for all her successes (both professional and personal), Sharon was recently declared as one of the The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) ---the first movie actor, male or female, to be accorded such an honor.

Be there for a once in a lifetime opportunity to be with your favorite Megastar from the Philippines. The show is produced by STARMEDIA ENTERTAINMENT, in cooperation with GROUP OLE' Incorporated.

For tickets to Sharon Cuneta's Mega Tour concert Atlantic City Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 3 PM CLICK HERE or call 201-641-2726.

What more can a showbiz queen like Sharon Cuneta want? Despite having gazillions of fans, success in every venture, endorsements everywhere, and a blissful family life, Sharon has kept her feet firmly planted on the ground.

Yet, she still has a lot of dreams and she shared much of her plans with us during the presscon (for her upcoming US Tour ) last Thursday on board the Super Ferry 17 at the Manila Port Area.

Dubbed "The Mega Tour," the US concert series will also feature songwriter genius Ogie Alcasid and Broadway veteran actor Robert Seña as Sharon’s special guests.

Sharon, whose last US show was seven years ago, never fails to gather thousands and thousands of her fans—Pinoys and foreigners alike—each time she does a concert out of the country.

The ‘Mega concert record’ precedes Sharon in terms of the breadth of sold-out performances and fans she has reached all over the world. Take this: "Mega Event" in 2002, "Mega Up–Close" series in 1996, "Mega Concert" in 1996, Asian concerts (2001, 2002) in Japan and Hong Kong, and the "Mega World Tour" (1996-98) in Atlantic City, Reno, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco in the US; Vancouver and Winnipeg in Canada; and in London. Sharon’s blockbuster record in concerts abroad paved the way for her poster to be displayed side by side with that of Sheena Easton and Michael Jackson at the LA Shrine Auditorium (which is Sharon’s last stop for the "Mega Tour").

The "Mega Tour" schedule are as follows: Moran Performing Arts Theater in Jacksonville, Florida on May 8; Rosemont Theater in Chicago on May 14; the Mark Etess Arena at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City on May 22; Reno Events Center on May 29; Starlight Theater, Pala Casino Resort and Spa in San Diego on June 5; and the Shrine Auditorium in LA on June 11.

The Mega Tour will also feature the Mega Band with Mel Villena as musical director.

Following are some mega facts we gathered straight from the megastar herself :

We understand you’re trying to lose weight for the tour. How successful are you in dieting so far?

"I already lost 14 pounds… 500 [more] to go! Kung dati Coke in can ang figure ko, ngayon Coke litro!"

What will your fans abroad expect from the tour?

"Of course, I’ll be doing the classics, songs I’ve done ever since. But what’s special about the concerts is that it’ll be a lot more sentimental. It’s going to have as much energy as ‘The Mega Event’ at the Araneta [Coliseum]. I want the audience to be inspired with our repertoire which we still have to finalize."

What’s the best part about being on tour?

"The touching experiences you get to take home with you. There was this time I met a family that drove all the way from...I think it was Washington just to see one of my shows. Then there was this other time I saw a Pinay taking my picture. She has a cute Polaroid camera and I told her so. What she did then was, she took the Polaroid shot, then handed me her camera saying ‘Please, I’ll take the photo but this camera is yours na lang!’ Of course, I said I can’t take it. But she said it would make her happy if I do. Also, I used to take home boxes and boxes of gifts (mostly toys for KC) back then and stuffed toys and a lot of cards. I take all of them home, especially the cards. That’s why I become a fire hazard each time I come back from a tour. Some of the gifts naman, we give to charity so the people who gave them will be happy that their gifts made others happy. You know, going on a concert tour is like serving as our country’s ambassador; you get to share what’s happening here to people out there."

How about while on stage?

"I’ve had teenagers in my audiences there and I always ask them how come they know who I am? They said it’s because they grew up watching videos of my movies and shows—videos that belong to their mothers or grandmothers. They spent their growing years listening to my tapes and CDs. I get emotional because of this whole new generation who still listens to my songs. I’m also touched when I see non-Filipinos in my shows."

How different is the Pinoy audience there compared to our local crowd?

"Pinoys are basically the same everywhere but they’re just more excited there."

Are you coming up with a new album soon?

"Yes, the one with Ogie Alcasid featuring his hit songs and two new ones he composed for me. Most probably we’ll be doing a duet. Even songs he didn’t write but were his hits as a singer like ‘Sa Kanya’ and ‘Nandito Ako’ will be included."

Will your kids join you on tour?

"Yes, except for KC because she’ll be playing Belle in Meralco Theater’s ‘Beauty & the Beast.’ Kiko [Pangilinan] will be traveling back and forth to join us in some parts of the tour because he can’t entirely leave his work here. Actually, what will be more hectic is the travelling and not the shows really. It’s just sad that KC can’t join because we planned for her to fly to the US from Paris. That’s how things are in our family. We support the big happenings in each other’s lives. I’m also sad because I won’t be able to catch KC’s pilot play. But Kiko will be here and the whole clan will look after her."

Whatever happened to KC’s suitor?

"He’s French and I like him. But KC isn’t going out with him anymore. And if my daughter has stopped going out with a guy, then she probably has a good reason for it. I’ve always trusted her sense of judgment because she’s very smart. She’s the type I’ll have to coerce to get married and I hope she stays that way! (laughs) Unlike me, ang pangarap ko lang dati ay magkaasawa at magkaanak pero magiging career ko pala ang showbiz."

What’s Senator Kiko’s stand on your losing weight?

"He always tells me ‘I love you sweetheart and I love you that way but I’m just concerned with your health.’ O di ba, ang plastik! He always adores me, unless na nga lang kung pinaplastic niya ako ‘no! Alam mo naman si Kiko, pag payat ako, nagiging busy!"

What else do you want to achieve in life?

"I’m co-producing this movie from Unitel titled ‘La Visa Loca’ which is a very funny movie because I saw it already. With Robin [Padilla] and Tito Johnny [Delgado] there, it’s so hilarious! If this succeeds, I might want to co–produce more movies. I also plan to go back to school. I want to be a chef and finally finish my degree. I also want to produce a teleserye that’s pre–shot already so you don’t compromise the quality of the story. I’ll have it aired locally and if it does well, get it dubbed in other languages and hopefully sell it to other countries."

What’s the best part about being Sharon now?

"Being a mom. I’m crazy about my daughters. In fact, my most favorite word now is ‘Mama.'

America waits with bated breath as the one and only Megastar, Sharon Cuneta is set to kick off her MegaTour 2005 with concerts in six US cities. The schedule is as follows: Moran Performing Arts Theater in Jacksonville, Florida May 8; Rosemont Theater in Chicago May 14; Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City May 22; Reno Events Center May 29; Starlight Theater, Pala Casino in San Diego June 5; Shrine Auditorium in LA June 11. Special guests are songwriter-OPM hitmaker, Ogie Alcasid and powerful male vocalist, Robert Seña. Adding spice to the L.A. and Reno concerts is comedienne Fe delos Reyes.

What makes the MegaTour 2005 eventful, as opposed to the usual concerts, is it is not only about music and performance, it is also about the celebration of the enduring love and passion between the Megstar and her audience.

Sharon as always brings in a part of herself – her music, her movies, her love and her life. There is so much to tell and share after 7 years, and there is so much to reminisce as well. Sharon will capture the times in between, recapture the past and look forward to what is to come in a story-like manner in her spiels and music . She will sing her immortal hits (“Maging Sino ka Man,” “Ikaw,” and “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas” among other hits) in spot numbers or production numbers.

Songs of love, songs that inspire, song for country are just a few of what is included the Megastar’s repertoire. Likewise, Sharon will have a video interactive original number . She will even have something old (nostalgia) and something new as well as an Inspirational duet with Robert Seña, a medley of hit songs of Ogie Alcasid which will be her newest album release under SonyBMG.

Ogie & Robert will do their signature spot numbers . Fe will provide the spice in the LA show as well as in Reno (she will only join in LA & Reno).

Another highlight during Sharon’s MegaTour concert will be a tribute to great Filipino composers especially associated with her such as George Canseco, Willy Cruz and Rey Valera.

In essence, Sharon will be bringing a ready show including excerpts from the highlights of Mega Event (25th anniversary concert at the Araneta Coliseum), great arrangements and supported by great video materials. Musical Arrangements by Ryan Cayabyab, Mel Villena, Louie Ocampo and Homer Flores.

She is performing with The Mega Band – her band in all her concert tours.

Mel Villena is the musical director.

(Jackie Regala and Gerry Katigbak of KATZ Entertainment are the line producers of Sharon's Shrine Auditorium L.A. concert on June 11. For ticket info or correspondence, you may reach Katz Entertainment at 562-529-8680 or at JackieRegala@Comcast.net. Thank you.)