Sting cancels Manila leg of 'My Songs' tour over 'scheduling conflict'

MANILA — Rock legend Sting's Manila concert set on Oct. 2 has been cancelled, Ovation Productions announced Saturday, citing a "scheduling conflict."

"We regretfully announce that Sting’s concert scheduled for October 2, 2019 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum is unfortunately canceled due to scheduling conflicts," the company said.

Ovation Productions was one of the producers of the show, along with Cherrytree Music Company and Live Nation.

The October 2 concert was supposed to be part of the Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter's ongoing tour called "Sting: My Songs."

Tickets went on sale last July 3, with prices ranging from P2,640 to P20,595. Ovation Productions said the process for refunds would be posted on its pages "soon."

Sting last performed in Manila in 2012 as part of his “Back to Bass” world tour.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Daniel Padilla fires back on 'music critics'

MANILA, Philippines -- Young actor Daniel Padilla on Thursday lambasted those who have been criticizing his singing, saying his voice is "very unique."

In his official Twitter account, Padilla also said he heard some artists from a rival network who are making fun of the way he sings.

"Okay lang actually kasi wala naman kamukha ang boses ko, very unique ang boses ko. May Araneta ba sila, hindi ba?" Padilla said in a press conference for his upcoming birthday concert at Araneta Coliseum this April 30.

"Sabi ko nga hindi man sa ako ay nagyayabang kasi may kapwa ako artista hindi taga dito sa ABS-CBN na inaasar ang boses ko. Gusto ko sabihin, 'bakit may double platinum (award) ba kayo?' Pero huwag na lang natin pag-usapan 'yon. Pabayaan natin 'yon," he added.

Padilla, who has been receiving negative comments in social media, stressed that he is just thankful that he has many fans, who are supporting him.

"Masaya talaga. Hindi pa din ako makapaniwala. Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng sumusuporta, sa inyong lahat po, salamat," he said.

'I'm no Justin Bieber'

In the interview, Padilla also reacted to those who are comparing him to international pop superstar Justin Bieber.

"Salamat pero hindi ako nakikinig ng ganoon. Kasi talaga old soul ako, ayaw ko ng ganoong music. Mga luma talaga 'yung gusto ko pero hindi dahil sa hindi ko gusto," he said.

"Malayo ako kay Bieber. Hindi ko lang siya gusto. Siyempre may mga tao naman tayo na hindi ini-idolo. Alam niyo naman ako eh lumang tao," Padilla added.

Asked if there's a chance he would perform a Bieber song in his concert, Padilla replied: "Sorry, hindi talaga."

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Daniel promises a rocking birthday concert

MANILA, Philippines - Actor 's birthday concert with have a classic rock theme, which, he said, is his way of introducing the '60s rock n' roll to his young fans.

Padilla's concert is set on April 30 at Araneta Coliseum.

Appearing on "KrisTV" on Tuesday, Padilla revealed that he will be doing songs from his favorite group Beatles.

"Hindi lang ito basta concert, parang babalik kayo sa '60s. Ako nag-isip (ng concept) kasi gusto ko ng ;60s, '70s rock , classic rock tulad ng Beatles at pati 'Grease' pinasok ko din. Favorite ko Beatles talaga," Padilla said.

Padill even gave some musical advice to the young viewers.

"Kasi medyo 'yung kabataan ngayon ay nakikinig na sa olat (talo) na music. Hindi 'yon tama, walang meaning. Dapat ang pakinggan niyo 'yung totoong music, kung saan nanggaling ang music. Bata pa lang ako nakikinig na ako ng Queen, 'yung talagang old rock," he said.

"Parang rare na kasi ang kabataan na nakikinig ng ganoong music (old rock). Para sa akin kasi ang music ay art 'yan. hindi basta pinapakinggan mo lang. Maganda ay 'yung naiintindihan mo kung paano ginagawa ang music," he added.

According to Padilla, he was introduced to rock n' roll by his mother's former partner, Naldy Padilla of the rock band Orient Pearl.

"Actually 'yung dad ng kapatid ko, band 'yon, tapos 'yung music every night kapag dinner 'yung music niya," he shared.

Apart from the concert, Padilla is also promoting his movie "Must Be... Love" with Kathryn Bernardo, which opens in theaters nationwide on Wednesday.

The film directed by Dado Lumibao will hit theaters on Wednesday, March 13.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

NU rallies for Game 1 win over FEU

The National University Bulldogs (NU) rallied from a two-set deficit to beat the defending champions Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 75 men's volleyball finals Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

After dropping the first two sets, the Bulldogs relied on their blocking and defense to pull out a five-set win, 16-25, 18-25, 25-13, 25-17 and 15-8.

Peter Den Mar Torres bucked a slow start and finished with 18 points on 13 attacks, four blocks and one ace to lead the Bulldogs' charge.

The Tamaraws, playing without injured star setter Pitrus de Ocampo, got off to a bright start thanks to veterans Ian Dela Calzada and Arvin Avila.

But the Bulldogs forced an extension after dominating the third set, 25-13.





"Simple lang naman po ginawa namin, kasi down nga po kami ng two sets," said Reyson Fuentes.

"Kailangan lang namin i-motivate ang sarili namin, kasi wala namang tutulong sa amin kundi sarili namin at 'yung mga coaches na nagbigay na payo," he added.

A 25-17 victory in Set 4 allowed NU to force a do-or-die fifth set.

In the fifth set, the Bulldogs took advantage of FEU's unforced errors to take an early 5-2 lead and never looked back.

The Bulldogs can claim the UAAP Season 75 title in Game 2 on March 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

"Mas magpo-focus kami kung saan kami nag-error," said Torres when asked how they can avoid another slow start.

Ben Inaudito added 16 points for National U.

John Depamaylo led the Tamaraws with 19 points, while Avila finished with 17 and Dela Calzada had 12.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Korean Star Lee Min-ho Coming To Manila In November

MANILA, Philippines - Korean superstar Lee Min-ho is bound for the Philippines next month to meet fans as the new endorser of a local clothing brand.

The Benchsetter Fun Meet with Lee Min-ho, to be held on November 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, makes the Korean star the latest celebrity to visit the country as clothing brand endorser.

Last September, Maroon 5's Adam Levine visited the Philippines for his own fan meet aside from his band's concert.

"American Idol" runner-up Jessica Sanchez was also in the country last month for the “American Idol Live!” tour and Bench fan meet.

In August, K-pop stars Donghae and Siwon of Super Junior visited the Philippines for a Bench event.

Lee Min-ho's Bench endorsement was announced last July.

He is currently starring in the Korean drama "Faith," which started airing in August.

This is one of the many product endorsements for Lee Min-ho, who became a favorite endorser among several brands after he starred in the drama "Boys Over Flowers" in 2009.

The drama won him his first acting award and brought him fame. He followed this with dramas such as "Personal Taste" in 2010 and "City Hunter" in 2011.

Last year, he won as best actor at the Korean Drama Awards.

article source: mb.com.ph

Jessica hopes to return to PH after 'Idol' show

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino-Mexican-American singer Jessica Sanchez expressed her desire to return to the Philippines after her "American Idol Season 11" concert at the Araneta Coliseum this Friday.

On her TV guesting on noontime show "Eat Bulaga," Sanchez said she would love to perform for her Filipino fans again.

"Nothing is confirmed yet but I'd love to come back and sing for all of you guys again. I would love that," she said.

The "Idol" runner-up added that she is enjoying her stay in Manila.

"It's been amazing. I haven't been able to go out much because of, like, the craziness that's going on. But everybody is so nice to all of us. So we are definitely excited to perform for you guys. So it's gonna be fun," she said.

"Me and the other Idols are talking already. We believe that this is gonna be, by far, the best show that we are gonna have," she added.

Meanwhile, Sanchez gamely did a duet with comedian Allan K, who has been mimicking her singing style.

The video of the duet was uploaded on YouTube.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

‘Artista Academy’ introduces 16 finalists, battle for P20 million begins

TV5′s “Artista” Academy” on Saturday night named the Top 16 young aspirants who will vie for P20 Million in total prizes and the chance to live the glamorous artista life in possibly the grandest and most intensive talent search on Philippine television.

After a series of screenings, the 16 finalists have emerged as the most deserving of the 13,000 hopefuls who came to the grand auditions held June 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

They are: Akihiro Blanco (Pasig), Alberto Bruno (Marikina), Benjo Leoncio (Cebu), Brent Manzano (Quezon City), Chanel Morales (Bacolod), Chris Leonardo (Laguna), Jon Orlando (Quezon City), Julia Quisumbing (Makati), Malak So Shdifat (Manila), Mark Neumann (Quezon City), Marvelous Alejo (Valenzuela), Nicole Estrada (Pasig), Shaira Mae (Las Piñas City), Sophie Albert (Mandaluyong), Stephanie Rowe (Pampanga), and Vin Abrenica (Pampanga).

As “Artista Academy” scholars, all 16 finalists will be given full scholarship to the Asian Academy of Television Arts (AATA) to undergo a comprehensive curriculum-based training with highly esteemed professionals in the industry, including multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan, music master Louie Ocampo, dance guru Georcelle Dapat of G Force.

All 16 finalists are guaranteed talent contracts with TV5, but only two will win the big prize.

By the end of the competition, “Artista Academy” will announce the Best Actor and Best Actress who will win a total of P20 Million plus lead roles in a forthcoming TV5 teleserye. Not only will they be certified professional actors after they finish their course from AATA, they will also be the richest winners in the history of all talent searches in the country.

“Artista Academy” airs from Monday to Saturday evenings after “Wil Time Bigtime”.

Marvin Agustin is the reality host who shares with viewers the 16 students’ journey every night while Cesar Montano takes charge as the Live Exam Presentor every Saturday.

Sitting in as Live Exam Critics are Lorna Tolentino, Gelli De Belen, and TV5 Talent Center head and renowned TV and film director Mac Alejandre.

source: interaksyon.com

David Cook holds successful concert at Araneta

MANILA, Philippines – “American Idol” season 7 winner David Cook held a successful concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

Thousands of Cook’s fans trooped to the Big Dome in Quezon City to hear the “Idol” winner perform his hits from his second album.

A day before his concert, Cook held a press conference in EDSA Shangri-La where he revealed that he is happy to be back in the country again after he came here with season 7 runner-up David Archuleta in 2009.

“It’s been three years since I’ve been here. This country is incredible and beautiful. In my travels so far, I have yet to find people more inviting and more friendly than [the people] here in the Philippines,” he said.

Cook said he also does not see any reason to stop coming out with good music and concerts for as long as his fans are excited for him to come out.

Aside from this, Cook also talked about the latest season of “Idol,” where Filipino-Mexican-American singer Jessica Sanchez was named as the runner-up.

“The last season of ‘Idol’ I thought was interesting. It’s one of the seasons I ever watched where I couldn’t really get a pulse on what the American public was thinking. It seemed like every week, whoever we thought would go home didn’t go home,” he said.

Cook also shared the moment when he met Sanchez when he performed during one of season 11’s episodes.

“I had a chance to meet Jessica early on. In my experience with the show in the last four years, sometimes we meet contestants who are very sweet and very sincere. Sometimes we meet somebody who’s been through a little bit more so they’re more professional and it’s harder to kinda get to the real person behind it. Jessica is definitely somebody who immediately came off as sincere to me,” he said.

“To hear her sing is ridiculous. She’s so good and what’s scary about it is she’s young. That’s frightening. It’s Archie (David Archulea) territory. Archie was so good at such a young age like how good does that person gonna get? I think of Jessica the same way,” he added.

Cook also believes that Sanchez would be one of the biggest names in the future if given the right projects.

“She’s just really really good. If everything falls in the right place for her, she’s gonna be one of those contestants where years from now and people are talking about Idol’s success stories, I think she’ll be on that list,” he said.

After his Manila concert, Cook is set to perform again at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu on Sunday night.

article source: abs-cbnnews.com

GALLERY: ‘Artista Academy’ pulls off biggest casting call in PH television history

Only 16 will make it to “Artista Academy” but over 10,500 aspirants showed up at the grand audition for TV5’s new reality talent search on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

And why not? With a total of P20 million in prizes, “Artista Academy” is guaranteed to make instant millionaires out of the two grand winners who will emerge from the 16 finalists.

The show’s promise of “fame, fortune, stardom” proved irresistible to the throng of young people with dreams of making it big in showbiz.

Bearing birth certificates that proved they fell within the 16-22 age limit, the auditionees lined up for hours for the chance to make an impression on the panel of judges composed of TV5 creative head for entertainment production Perci Intalan, TV5 artist center head Mac Alejandre, Asian Academy of Television Arts head Wilma Galvante, Regal Films executive Roselle Monteverde-Teo, and “Artista Academy” casting director Gello Jamias.

article source: interaksyon.com

Jessica Sanchez, ‘Idol’ Top 10 to perform at Smart Araneta on Sept. 21

Filipino fans of Jessica Sanchez need only wait three more months to see her perform live in her mother’s native country.

The “American Idol” runner-up, who will perform the US National Anthem at the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley fight in Las Vegas on Saturday night (Sunday, Manila time), will come to Manila in September as part of the “American Idol” tour.

Jessica will be joined by “Idol” winner Philip Phillips and the rest of the Season 11 Top 10 in the show slated for September 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This was confirmed to Philippine Star columnist Ricky Lo by Renen De Guia of Ovation Productions, who also brought the “Idol” tour to Manila last year.

The “Idol” tour kicked off on Wednesday in Detroit and will visit a total of 45 North American cities, with the last stop in Milwaukee on September 11.

source: interaksyon.com

Coming soon: Jose & Wally - The Movie

Naging matagumpay ang first major concert nina Jose Manalo at Wally Bayola, ang "Jose and Wally Show: A Party For Juan And All" na ginanap sa Smart Araneta Coliseum noong nakaraang Biyernes, March 2.

Napuno nina Jose at Wally ang Smart Araneta, dahilan para bigyan sila ng titulong "Certified Concert Artists" nina Vic Sotto at Joey de Leon nang gabi ring iyon.

Touched naman nang husto sina Jose at Wally dahil sa mainit na pagtangkilik sa kanilang show lalo na nang pinagkaloob sa kanila ang titulong "Certified Concert Artists".

Pinigilan lamang daw nilang umiyak nang mga sandaling ‘yon pero obvious pa ring maluha-luha ang dalawang komedyante dahil sa kaligayahan.

"Hindi namin akalain na pagkakatiwalaan kami nang ganun katindi. Kaya sa lahat ng tiwalang ibinigay sa amin, maraming salamat po," naging pahayag ni Jose sa kanyang TV interview.

"Nakaka-overwhelm kasi nandun lahat maski taga ibang istasyon. Mga Kapamilya, Kapuso at Kapatid," ayon naman kay Wally.

Bukod kina Bossing Vic at Joey, special guests din sa concert sina Regine Velasquez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Gary Valenciano, Dingdong Dantes, Janno Gibbs, Aiza Seguerra, Ciara Sotto, Dennis Trillo at Aljur Abrenica.

Samantalang inamin naman nina Jose at Wally na grabe ang kanilang naging kaba before their show sa Smart Araneta.

"Ang iniisip kasi namin, una, mabili kaya ‘yung mga tiket? Pangalawa, matutuwa naman kaya ang mga tao sa gagawin namin na mapapanood nila?

"Pero nang binigay na sa amin 'yung diploma, dun talaga ako natuwa," sabi ni Jose.

Dahil kapag sina Bossing Vic at Joey daw ang nagbigay, alam niyang hindi nagbibiro ang mga iyon na itinuturing nilang "maestro" nila sa industriya.

Sa ngayon, iniisip na raw ng concert producer ng dalawa ang pagkakaroon ng Part 2 ng matagumpay na show nina Jose at Wally. Kaya naman happy ang mga TV host-comedians.

"Kung may repeat, okey lang po lalo na kung magpapasaya pa kami ng mga tao," naging sagot pa ni Jose.

Dahil rin sa success ng kanilang concert, magkakaroon na rin ng pelikula sina Jose at Wally na sila mismo ang bida!

It'll be under APT Films at ipo-produce ni Mr. Tony Tuviera, ang may idea at nagbigay din ng kanilang first big concert sa Smart Araneta.

source: interaksyon.com

Chris Masters vows to give Pinoy fans the best during tour visit

MANILA, Philippines – Coming for a stopover for the first time in the country is wrestling superstar Chris Masters.

Known as “The Masterpiece” during his tenure in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Masters will be among several wrestling champions participating in the World Wrestling Fan Xperience (WWFX) Champions Showcase Tour 2012 to be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 4.

“WWFX Wrestling is all about bringing together all the popular and favorite TV wrestling superstars in regions that WWE or TNA, for example, don't come to that often,” Masters explained in an e-mail interview with Bulletin Entertainment.

“WWE TV is on in the Philippines every week but they haven't come to Manila in three years. That's where we come in,” he added.

According to Masters, WWFX is all about allowing fans a more intimate look at their wrestling idols.

“If you go to the usual wrestling show you won’t be able to meet the wrestlers. At WWFX, we offer a number of contests, give-aways, backstage passes, and post-show autograph signings where the audience can meet the wrestlers in person and 'Xperience' the event. That’s the ‘X’ in World Wrestling Fan ‘X’ -perience,” Masters explained.

But the big thing, of course, is the action and Masters promises to electrify the Filipino crowd at the event with his much lauded wrestling skills.

“I think anyone who comes to SMART Araneta on Feb 4 to see the WWFX show will see that I am one of the bests both in physique and in wrestling talent. M.V.P. (another popular wrestler appearing in the event) is a super popular wrestler, but I'm not just a body. I'm good too. And I'll beat him and prove that,” he crowed.

Among Filipinos he hopes to meet during his visit is boxing hero Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

“I would love for Manny and his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao to come out to crown the WWFX Championship title to the winner of the John Hennigan vs. Shelton Benjamin main event,” he said.

“What better way to be crowned world champion than by the number one fighter in the world,” he added.

Born Christopher Todd Mordetzky, Masters started his wrestling career at the age of 16, finding his way into the WWE a short three years later where he became known as “The Masterpiece” owing to his chiseled body.

Masters went on to become among the popular faces of WWE, facing stars such as John Cena, Rey Mysterio – and even his idol, Shawn Michaels.

“I idolized him as a kid and was able to wrestle him on a pay per view. How many people get to wrestle their child hood hero? It was cool,” Masters said of the experience.

Not surprisingly, his signature moves, "The Polish Hammer" and the “Master Lock,” became popular as well.

“The polish hammer was actually too powerful of a move and I gave it up after I broke another wrestlers’ nose and crushed his orbital bone. As with the Master Lock, it was basically a Full Nelson hold, which I re-dubbed and it became my hold. Even though it had been used years before, in the 2000's it was mine,” he enthused.

Still single at 29, Masters said he is not planning to settle down soon even as he admitted having hit his peak already as far as wrestling goes.

“My plan is to just keep moving forward and keep getting out there. I think it would be a shame to turn away from it now and not continue wrestling. But I'm not opposed to dabbling in acting and seeing what else is out there, while also staying a full time wrestler,” he said.

Joining Masters in the WWFX tour are Carlitos, John Hennigan, Melina and more. Tickets are available at all TicketNet outlets. For more information, log onto www.wwfxperience.com.

source: mb.com.ph

UST extends mastery over UP

Games Thursday (Smart-Araneta Coliseum)

1 p.m. — FEU vs UP

3 p.m. — Adamson vs NU

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas drew another strong game from Cameroonian center Karim Abdul to fend off a stubborn University of the Philippines side, 77-70, in the 74th UAAP basketball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-6 Abdul had 21 points, 11 rebounds and three assists – numbers that helped the Tigers thwart a fierce UP fightback in the fourth to open their second round campaign on a high note.

They likewise extended their winning run over UP to 10 dating back in 2007.

With an even 4-4 record, UST coach Pido Jarencio believes they now have a good chance of making it to the Final Four again after missing the last two seasons.

"Going into the second round, may misyon kami na makakuha ng maraming panalo para makapasok sa Final Four, " said Jarencio. “Dahil sa panalong ito, medyo gumanda ang chance namin.”

"Actually yung momentum nasa amin na ngayon kasi pataas na yung laro namin," Jarencio said. "Yung UP, maganda nilaro siguro breaks of the game lang siguro."

The Tigers are now tied with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws who absorbed a stinging 74-67 overtime defeat to defending champion Ateneo the other day.

With no more distractions – the team was able to submit a certificate from the Philippine Consulate in Nigeria (the nearest from his home country) to the league – Abdul was like a wrecking ball, making big plays offensively despite a double-teamming defense on him.

And for a while, they appeared headed for a breezy win when they posted a 54-38 lead in the third.

But the determined Maroons, who upset the Tamaraws in the first round, rallied and moved within four thrice, the last at 67-71.

But ace guard Jeric Fortuna dashed any hopes of a Maroon comeback after coming through with a tough drive, 73-67, with 36.8 seconds remaining.

Fortuna, who ended up with with 15 points, four rebounds and six assists, earned glowing words from Jarencio.

"Para sa akin, hindi pa ba kayo nagsasawa sa bata?," Jarencio told scribes. "Yun na talaga siya. Given na para sa kanya yun. Matalino yung bata maglaro at kaya nang magdala ng team."

As usual, Jeric Teng was there to help Fortuna and Abdul by also chipping in 15 markers aside from posting six assists and four rebounds.

Mike Silungan paced UP with 19 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and five blocks while Gamboa and Paolo Romero added 18 and 11 markers, respectively, but the Maroons dropped to 2-6.

The scores: First Game

UST 77 — Abdul 21, Fortuna 15, Teng 13, Ferrer 8, Afuang 8, Lo 4, Camus 4, Sheriff 2, Pe 2, Vigil 0, Tan 0.

UP 70 — Silungan 19, Gamboa 18, Romero 11, Manuel 6, Maniego 5, Montecastro 3, Wong 2, Wierzba 2, Mbah 2, Gingerich 2, Fortu 0, Pascual 0, Juruena 0, Gomez 0.

Quarters: 22-18; 38-33; 58-52; 77-70.


Source: mb.com.ph