by Baby K. Jimenez
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Been busy doing the rounds at a frenetic pace concert after concert the past few weeks. Martin Nievera live on stage quipped: “Local producers please, talk among yourselves on scheduling shows..” I share the same sentiment – it hurts the PInoy/Torontonian pocket to buy tickets to shows only one week apart from each other. How about organizing a meeting to agree on terms and conditions so every financier will get a better take home profit? Martin was here sandwiched between Ann Curtis and Sharon.
We waited almost 2 hours (that was 1:30 am na) for the delayed DELTA arrival of Sharon and her daughter KC. Diehard Sharonians didn’t mind sitting it out with producers Ruth Ronquillo and Marilen Patricio who prepared spring bouquets for the duo.
Imagine the chaos when finally Sharon and KC showed up.
“Your Dad was here,” I told KC whose eyes lit up with love. “Really? How long? When?” Then I managed to pull Sharon before she boarded the long coach to take them to Hyatt Hotel (wow, they’re a party of — hmmm, close to 15? Her musical director Louie Ocampo with the entourage).
“Saw and talked to your ex here,” I whispered to Shawie after a tight hug.
“Who-who-at???!!!”, she rapidly reacted and stopped on the steps. “He’s still HERE? HA? HE’S HERE? GABBY IS HERE????!!!!” I nodded.
“I will tell you all about it at backstage, promise,” I said.
“Please please,” Sharon added. Was that a look of love, hurt or surprise? You better wait for the next issue, ha ha. Honestly though, Gabby had some sweet words to say about SHA when I did an off the record chat with him then.
I forgot to tell KC that I spent some time with her ex Piolo Pascual when he had his gig here weeks ago – but I will definitely mention this to KC when I see her in 2 days…ABANGAN!
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EERIE, said to be a landmark horror film is jampacking them in at the theaters in Manila. I have received countless texts and messages asking about the Toronto playdate of this Mikhail Red film topbilig Charo Santos and Bea Alonzo. To quote my colleague Pablo Tariman, “it is probably the best of Bea as an actress and the most horrifying part for Charo as Sor Alice. You see both piety and depravity in her complex role and indeed she emerged the teacher-nun to avoid after the screening. Charo was so convincing I refused to greet her after the screening lest I hear the voice of the Queen of Corporal Punishment.” Charo wittingly remarked to Pabs “But I do not bite Pablo.”
As I speak, I just got off texting with Charo and here’s her take: “EERIE tackles issues that are very relevant to the world today such as depression and mental health. The mystery which will unravel as the story develops creates the most tension. It is much more than a scarefest.”
But wait a minute, the tv audiences are still talking about the funny guesting of Charo on GGV (Gandang Gabi Vice) where she read a humorous letter to MMK in gay lingo. Now, some are suggesting Charo do a comedy with Vice asap. Why not?
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Is Direk Gina Alajar going to do another LA AUNOR teleserye after the successful ONANAY? “Would gladly do so – am waiting for a good material.” It’s amazing to note that Gina’s former hubby, Michael de Mesa, is now one of the directors of Probinsyano. Talent overload on this excouple.
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I will turn your focus now on our local talents. Hear these 3 topnotch songstresses talk about their recent experience with the maestro and all-time Concert King Martin Nievera. This is so heartwarming and I can truly say MARTIN is the best.
Martha Joy: “When Martin speaks to people, whether it be his fans, production team or fellow musicians, he is really generous with his time, and really listens. In terms of music, he would always tell me, Alyssa and Maria that he wants us to be ourselves-to find our own sound and not feel the need to fit in a certain box.”
Her duet with Martin, ‘Shallow’ is from the movie A Star Is Born
Maria Panaligan: “I’ve never met such a successful artist that’s so incredibly humble and down to earth. He acted as a father figure to us ladies and definitely made sure he was not the only star of the show. I truly commend him as an artist, as well as a genuine person.” She and Martin did The Prayer.
Alyssa Datu: “He genuinely cares about the people around him. He teased and conversed with us, so welcoming and friendly. One of the traits that I really admire about him is his humility. I’ve met so many artists who prefer to be isolated and expect to be treated a certain way, but Sir Martin wanted us to sit together at the table, be next to our dressing room, he sent us audio recordings of the band rehearsals from his own iPad, and he even contacted us personally from the beginning. This all goes to show that he loves what he does and he shares the passion and gratitude with the people who take part in that. There was this piece of advice that he gave us during dinner, and that was to “make your loud soft, and your soft loud.” Those were some of the most valuable words of advice that anyone has given me as a musician. Not everything is about how high you can sing or how loud you can be. He continued to say that if that’s what you’re about, what happens when the day comes where you can’t hit those notes anymore? Then, who are you?” Their duet: Forever
I vividly remember Martin’s reply to me then when I asked him to describe himself. “Martin Nievera is the simplest most complicated man. He is a child in grown up clothes who thinks everyday is Christmas l. He truly is a work in progress.”
What is the ONE thing that he still wants to prove to himself?
Martin: “I think at this point in my career I don’t think I have to prove anything to anyone … But I keep pushing myself to continue entertaining and hopefully inspire the hard working Filipino people all over the world that bless me to this day with their applause. I have to prove to myself that I still can even when I feel like I just can’t anymore.”
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Flashback pic: This photo from 1983 speaks a thosuand words. With NORA AUNOR, SUPERSTAR Numero Uno and family. Ian of course is her son with Christopher de Leon, with her two adopted daughters, LotLot and baby Matet. The last time I spoke with GUY, she’s planning to fly to Boston to undergo a special procedure on her vocal chords. She lost her
“golden voice” after an alleged botched cosmetic procedures in Japan.