Bringing back the '80s

Column: A Little Bit
Author: Remy Umerez

INSPIRED by the success of the Hitmakers (namely Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera and Marco Sison)who have taken the Filipino communities almost all over the world by storm,(the fabulous 4 start their US tour 2008 this May) Viva Concerts has formed a junior version of another batch of hitmakers. From the '60s, they will revive the songs that had become popular during the '80s. Hence, their concert is billed as Greatest Hits of the '80s.

The artists involved are Gino Padilla, Louie Heredia, Randy Santiago and Raymond Lauchengco. The two-night stint at the Music Museum (May l6 and l7) ushers their comeback into the concert scene though not as solo performers.

For Gino Padilla whose voice sold a thousand tubes of toothpaste during his time (remember Closer You and I used in a toothpaste commercial?) it is a major comeback for him having devoted more time to a family business than mounting concerts or recording an album. He could have migrated to the USA but Gino preferred to stay here with his family. "I feel I would be a lot useful here than look for a job abroad," he says.

Unlike Rico and company, the junior version of the Hitmakers produced only a handful of hits since at one point in their careers, they devoted their time to other business endeavors.

Raymond (who could forget I Need You Back, Farewell or Saan Darating ang Umaga) was into photography until Viva urged him to record again resulting in the release of Full Circle which fittingly described the former heartthrob. .

"The sound of the '80s continues and it is fun jamming with the rest of the guys. It is nice to remember and we hope our efforts will bring us good results. We welcome the idea of starting on an intimate venue like the Music Museum and let's see where it would lead us later on," Raymond says.

Louie is an iron chef as far as cooking paella is concerned. Still single, he immediately consented when Vincent del Rosario approached him with the idea and he might even surprise us with his own version of Randy Santiago's Babaero. Likewise, Randy might interpret Louie's signature song, Nag-iisang Ikaw.

Randy has successfully conquered television as a host but singing will always be a part of his life. It is his love for singing that made Randy put up Ratsky where he can perform whenever he feels the itch.

Produced by Viva Concerts, Greatest Hits of the 80s is directed by Jun-Jun Santiago, with Noel Cruz of Serenity Band on hand as the musical director. Jake Tordesillas and Kaye Brondial share writing duties while Ratsky, Peoples Journal and DWTM pitch in as sponsors.

It would definitely be a walk down memory lane set to the sounds of the '80s with a lot of highlights and surprises coming from Gino, Louie, Randy and Raymond. Tickets to Greatest Hits of the 80s are: P2,250 (orchestra center) P2,000 (orchestra side) and P1,400 (Balcony).
DISAPPOINTING ATTENDANCE

MEL del Rosario, scriptwriter of countless hit movies, expressed disappointment over the absence of several entertainment writers who saw the rise to fame of Robin Padilla during his Viva days. She says it is unfair that in the first movie team-up of Robin Padilla and AiAi delas Alas, "Ikaw Pa rin, Bongga Ka, Boy," which is a major event some press people whom Robin considered as friends were not around. Two tables were occupied by alalays and not by legit newsmen. Had producer Vic del Rosario or his son Vincent taken a peak at the poor attendance, he too would have felt disappoin-ted.

A suggestion is offered that the task of organizing a Viva movie presscon be coursed through Ms. Baby Gil although her main function now is as corporate PR. Ms. Gil has proven her worth as well as loyalty to Viva in all the years that she has stayed with Viva.

By the way, the forthcoming movie of Robin and Ai Ai was written by Mel del Rosario. What again is the title Mel?
ANNE'S MOM DISAPPROVES OF SAM?
ANNE Curtis has yet to confirm that there is a relationship between her and Sam Milby and with the way she speaks fondly of Sam, you can conclude that she is indeed in love.

"Sam is always there at some of the most important chapters of my life kaya siya talaga ang malapit sa akin compared to other men I was linked with. Name an occasion and he was there," the leading lady of Aga Muhlach in "When Love Begins " admits.

Is it true that her mon doesn't approve of Sam as future-son- law?

"They were together last Christmas. Hindi nga siya nagkaroon ng close bonding with Sam but it doesn't mean that she dislikes him. He is really a very nice and thoughtful guy. "

A cause for celebration for Anne is the fact that her movie with Aga is making money at the box-office. "I am happy that our team-up is accepted and appreciated. By our supporters. I am truly blessed," she confessed.

Anne leaves for Europe this Monday for a well-deserved vacation and she will be traveling alone. "I am never scared of traveling alone as it allows me to be more independent. I will be joined by my bestfriend who is a girl in Paris . "

When she returns, Anne faces the cameras as she starts taping for "Dyosa. " It is a story of a girl who discovers that she is a descendant of the legendary Mariang Sinukuan and Bernardo Carpio. Apart from her origin, she also discovers that she has powers over three elements— land, air and sea.

One of the characters Anne will portray is that of a mermaid and don't look now but her long tresses will not cover her boobs. It will flow freely as she swims underwater. That should be worth waiting for.

Incidentally, Anne's contract with Viva won't expire until next year and already she signed a deal to extend it for an additional three years. That's how much confidence she has in Viva's ability to further shape her career.

Source: People's Journal