Gary V, Martin put aside "rivalry" to stage first concert together

1” is the first-ever concert together of Concert King Martin Nievera and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano. The event is happening on September 19 at the Mall of Asia Concert Ground. Although we are a Gary V fanatic (of which Martin is very much aware of), we are looking forward to this collaborative effort of two of the country’s top music icons for what could only be described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” event that should not be missed.

Martin and Gary V started out in similar career paths. Through the years, they have individually pursued successful and colorful careers spanning more than two decades. True, they were considered rivals during their salad years. But amidst all the intrigues and innuendoes, one thing remains constant between the two: a solid respect that’s borne out of friendly competition and brotherly love.

Martin and Gary were both able to outgrow their rivalry by elevating their artistry to a higher level of maturity and professionalism. And it is precisely because of this that they both now enjoy the respect and admiration of their peers as well as of their multitude of loyal fans.

In line with this rare music event, Universal Records will release a special commemorative CD also entitled “AS 1.” Featuring Martin and Gary for the very first time in a full-length studio album, this recording has the two iconic artists singing each other’s hit songs as well as the duet “AS 1”—an original song written by Gina Tabuena-Godinez and Albert Chang Co and arranged by Gary Valenciano. “AS 1” is also the official theme song of the concert.

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Local television viewing has become more exciting since the launching of TV5 last August 9, 2008. It has emerged as a major player that broke the network duopoly and shook Pinoy TV with unique and innovative programs that offer the best in light entertainment. Now celebrating its Happy One Year with top-rating programs like Talentadong Pinoy, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, and Midnight DJ, which are all doing well at the ratings, TV5 has all the fitting reasons to mark its anniversary through a month-long celebration.

TV5 boasts of a full load of events, activities and special offerings this month. These include the recent launch of seven new shows at the Late Night Trip, international programs in the newest entertainment block called Noontime Drama Delight and Laughternoon Break, premiere of its newest fantasy-adventure Moomoo & Me starring John Prats and BJ Forbes, TV5’s Red Carpet Premiere of G.I. Joe and the Disneyland animated movie Up last August 7 and 14. TV 5 has also been presenting back-to-back special episodes of Talentadong Pinoy, Shall We Dance, Wow Mali, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and Lokomoko High, as well as other exciting on-air and online promos.

To cap off the station’s birthday month, your favorite TV5 stars, plus their fans and supporters are coming together for the TV5 Happy One - Anniversary Party to be held today at 6 p.m. at the Glorietta 3 Park Tent, and at TV5 1st Birthday Kiddie Party on August 29, Saturday, 10 a.m. at the Active Fun Play & Party Center at SM North Edsa.

It’s double the fun for the twin celebration loaded with exciting games, prizes, and TV5 celebrities like Lucy Torres-Gomez, Oyo Sotto, Desiree Del Valle, and the whole Midnight DJ Team, Talentadong Pinoy Hall of Famers “Yoyo Tricker” and the “Tribal Dancers,” Bayani Agbayani and the Kiddie Kwela kids, More on Gaming’s Sam YG, the Lipgloss and Lokomoko High barkada to name a few, the Philippine All Stars, plus celebrity couple William Martinez and Yayo Aguila as they do the storytelling on Saturday for the kids who will get to blow the TV5 Happy 1st Birthday candle. Through these celebrations, TV5 shows its appreciation and gratitude for the support that were given to the network since the beginning.

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N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat) will soon turn the Meralco Theater into one colorful zoo! 

This musical comedy, which marks the return of Carlo Orosa to acting onstage, will be staged starting September 4. It was originally conceived and mounted as a puppet show way back in 2003. 

In this modern adaptation of the Biblical story of Noah and the ark, theatergoers will be treated to a musicale laced with wit and humor as it tackles issues on faith and obedience. 

Mr. Noah (Carlo Orosa) and his family live in a polluted world. In a desperate solution to clean the earth, Noah prays for a miracle and God answers: Noah is to build an ark, load it with two of every animal in the world, take his family into the ark—and only God knows what for!

Carlo is joined by Sheila Francisco, another theatre star from London’s West End, as the culinary-challenged Mrs. Noah. Their sons are played by the Sison brothers—Marek, Enzo, and Ruiz—who are alumni of Trumpets in their theater workshops. Sam Concepcion and newcomer Fred Lo alternate in the role of The Narrator.

Truth to tell, Carlo was hesitant to accept the role of Noah as he hasn’t been acting for years. The last musical he did was Honk in 2003.

“I really didn’t want to do this. I haven’t acted onstage for quite a while and it’s really daunting to take on a role, much less a lead role,” said Carlo, who had to beg off from his task as Marketing Manager of Trumpets. That was the only concession he was able to get in exchange for making a return trip to theater.

Carlo said he prepared real hard for his role. “Memorizing the lines and the music were not that easy but I don’t want to get into the role unprepared. I’d wake up early in the morning to study my script and memorize. But it was fun.”

He also added that he’s both excited and nervous in taking on the challenge of breathing life to Noah onstage. That he’s doing it with noted stage actress Sheila Francisco is another reason why he took on the challenge.

“It’s not everyday that you get the opportunity to work with an actress of her caliber. I certainly wouldn’t want to miss that chance,” added Carlo.

N.O.A.H. is staged by Trumpets, the theater company that brought some of the country’s critically-acclaimed, wholesome and family-oriented productions such as Joseph the Dreamer and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. 

N.O.A.H. (No Ordinary Aquatic Habitat) will open on September 4 and will be staged at the Meralco Theater every Friday, Saturday, and Sundays of the month. For tickets and/or more information, call Trumpets at 635-4478, 0917-8842105, 0932-2705639 or email [email protected]. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld (Tel. No. 891-9999).