And now, Glydel the singer

Glydel Mercado is not just a grand slam award-winning actress – she is also a recording artist. She recently released her self-titled debut album under Harmony Music, the OPM label of Alpha Records.

The album showcases Glydel’s talent as a versatile singer. She can shift easily from pop ditties to serious ballads and even torch songs.

Included in the album is a remake of the Julie Vega hit Paano Na, Somewhere in My Past, Pa’no Naman Kaya Ako, Sayang Na Sayang, Langit, Love Me Again, Kulang Pa, Titig Mo, Heart Be Strong This Time and Ritmo dela Noche.

Glydel Mercado, the album is available nationwide in CD and cassette formats.

Earth Rhythm

A couple of months ago, I saw the Bayanihan perform in the launch of the Juan Angara Foundation at the Manila Hotel. They were magnificent.

I immediately called my good friend Suzie Benitez the day after to congratulate her. You see, Suzie is a former Bayanihan star at a time when stars twinkled without having to depend on lights and other magical gadgets. Today, Suzie is executive director of Bayanihan and still looks like the Bayanihan star that she was, only this time wiser and more seasoned.

Now, the Bayanihan Folk Arts Foundation presents the world premiere of Earth Rhythm, a new suite of exciting sounds, dance movements and colors. This is truly a feast for the senses.

The presentation will be held on Aug. 29 to 30, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

For tickets, please call the Bayanihan Business Office at tel. no. 536-8620 or 536-8582.

Azzurro’s blend of flavors

Restaurants in Makati have come and gone but Mediterranean-inspired Azzurro has always had a loyal following, establishing its reputation as a place where diners get more than their money’s worth in the quality of food and attentive service they offer.

Conceptualized and managed by restaurateur Sheila Romero, this comfortable and intimate bistro at Glorietta has attracted discriminating food lovers. And now, Azurro has opened a new branch at the Megastrip where its large seating capacity is ideal for people who want a place to unwind with colleagues after office hours on a weekday in Ortigas or with family on weekends.

Azurro’s their flavors takes their cue from Spanish, Italian, French, Greek and even Indian cuisine. Very few places have their food described enthusiastically by customers as "having character." I mean, why use arugula instead of the lettuce often used by other restaurants, or serve up red mullet or a fillet of sea bass when lapu-lapu is around? Simply because there are so many nuances in flavor and taste that one can explore and discover.

For more information on Azurro, visit their branches at level 1, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati with telephone numbers 729 5800 or at the Megastrip Building B of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong with telephone number 687 3281.

New Jesuit book

What do Elsie Wiesel, Mary Higgins Clark, Jesuit Superior General Peter Hans Kolvenbach and a prison inmate have in common?

They are all contributors to Jesuit Communications’ latest book offering, How Can I Find God?

How Can I Find God? is a collection of essays edited by James Martin SJ, compiled from contributors of various faiths and religious traditions. These famous, and not so famous contributors ranging from theologians, novelists, politicians, activists, parents to prison inmates – seek to offer answers to this perplexing question grounded in Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and the Native American tradition.

How Can I Find God? is published by Jesuit Communications.

Manila Science reunion

Manila Science High School Batch ’89 graduates are invited to their Grand Alumni Homecoming on December 22 at Parkridge Valley Golf, Antipolo Rizal at 8 a.m. It’s a Sunday affair so everyone is encouraged to bring the whole family.

For more details, call Jennifer Lyn Fadrigo at 0917527 2486.