Not an April Fools joke

I was in shock when I confirmed the news that Ate Guy (Nora Aunor) was apprehended at the Los Angeles Airport last week. First, I thought it was an April Fool’s joke. The nastiest thing about text messages is that it can kill anyone as it can bring to life the buried and the dead. I was praying that it was a sick joke of a merciless idiot whose nails are black dead. Unfortunately it was not a joke.

On The Buzz last Sunday, I spoke to Norie Sayo, manager of Ate Guy and she said that Ate Guy was in good health and in high spirits. She also confirmed that she was apprehended at the LAX on suspicion of possession of contraband. She cast doubt on the speculation that Ate Guy would carry eight grams of shabu. "Boy, knowing that you are going to go through thorough security check at the airport especially after 9-11, would you carry a gun or drugs?" Norie said. Filipino fans and friends in the US have showed their overwhelming support for the Superstar. According to some sources, Ate Guy kept on saying "wala akong kasalanan, wala akong kasalanan." "Guy is very trusting and gullible sometimes to a fault," one of her friends told me over the phone.

Ate Guy is represented by Sherwin Edelberg and Claire Espina who happens to be Marni Ocampo’s (yes, of Sari Sari Store) best friend. Claire is a brilliant, accomplished criminal lawyer.

The following is the official statement of Norie Sayo:

Ms. Nora Aunor was apprehended on suspicion of possession of contraband on Wednesday, March 30, 2005 after which she was released for future court appearances. We have retained the services of the Los Angeles law firm of Edelberg & Espina to represent Ms. Aunor in her defense. The lawyers, Sherwin Edelberg and Claire Espina, who is a Filipino, will protect Nora’s interests to ensure she meets with justice and fairness in this process.

May we request that Ms. Aunor be accorded the presumption on innocence to which she is entitled at the present time.

Contrary to published reports, Ms. Aunor is in good health and good spirits, surrounded by her family and friends and has their support and consideration. Plans for Ms. Aunor’s North American concert tour will proceed as planned, in as much as she is free and unencumbered to attend to her previously scheduled activities, which include concerts in Reno on April 30, Los Angeles on May 6, Las Vegas on May 7, New Jersey on May 14 and Virginia Beach on May 15.

Nora Wishes to thank her many loyal fans who have expressed continuing commitment and support for her during these difficult times. She wants all her fans and supporters assured that she remains even more so committed to her well-being at this challenging time in her life.

Cascades Alive! World Tour 2005

The ’60s belonged to a diverse mix of artists whose music has made them immortal. Among them are the pop phenomenon The Cascades, who remain very dear to the Filipinos’ hearts.

No self-respecting music lover’s record collection was complete without a copy of The Cascades’ album.

The Cascades had a song for every romantic milestone. Their songs appealed to the emotions, and the infectious rhythms never failed to get Filipinos hooked. In fact, if Pinoys in the ’60s were to make a soundtrack for their lives, it would be made up of Cascade songs.

To this day, The Cascades’ songs remain recognizable even among young people. Songs like Rhythm of the Rain continue to receive heavy radio airplay.

Years ago, Filipinos were heartbroken to hear that The Cascades had died in a plane crash. But as it turned out, that was just a rumor. Not only are The Cascades alive and well, but they are coming to Manila to serenade their Filipino fans.

This month, Pinoys young and old will get to see The Cascades perform the very songs that made them laugh and cry. Cascade Alive! World Tour 2005 brings to Manila original members John Claude (lead vocals, percussion and keyboard), Gabe (vocals and keyboard), and Tony (vocals and bass).

The band will perform all the songs from their first album–Rhythm of the Rain, Shy Girl, The Last Leaf, Angel on My Shoulder, Let Me Be, Dreamin, Lucky Guy, My First Day Alone, Punch and Judy, There’s A Reason, I Wanna Be Your Lover, and Was I Dreamin–as well as songs from their RCA years and some from their latest release.

Cascades Alive! World Tour 2005 is slated on April 14, 9 p.m. at the Hard Rock Café, and April 15, 8 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum, and at the Waterfront Lahug in Cebu City on April 16.