Rediscovering the Golden Divas

It is logical to think that the description “golden” in the case of the Golden Divas refers to age. But one look at these ladies and that perception changes. As fans from all over are now wont to say, Pilita Corrales, Carmen Pateña and Carmen Soriano are as beautiful, as curvaceous and appealing as they were many years ago.

Then give a listen to the way they sing and more changes happen. These came about after they performed together for the first time at the Music Museum last March and at SMX of SM Mall of Asia a few months later. Those who watched those shows went home thinking that very few among the present day, so-called divas can hold a candle to the way this trio is able to hold an audience enthralled, by the sheer power of their presence.

They are going to do this again tonight at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati where they will perform together again as The Golden Divas. As is usual in situations such as this, the reason given for the repeat is the strong public demand brought about by the previous concerts.

It may be cliché but it is true in this case. A lot of people have expressed their wish to watch them again. And you can also add to that the fact that this stint is actually a farewell show because our favorite divas are leaving for a concert tour of Canada and the US.

Such success at this point in their lives is really no surprise. Long before The Golden Divas was even a germ of an idea, Pilita and the two Carmens were already acknowledged as three of the country’s greatest song artists. They first rose to prominence during the ‘60s, each one very different from the other but sharing the common denominator of singing talent and dropdead good looks. On their own, they sold out concerts, appeared in high rating TV shows and made hit recordings.

Pilita of the distinctive backbend was one of the first superstars of Philippine TV with a career that included a long-running weekly musicale, sitcoms and hosting. She is also a big selling recording artist who has recorded over a hundred albums in Filipino, English, Spanish and Cebuano and made enduring hits like A Million Thanks to You, Kapantay ay Langit and Dahil Sa ‘yo.

Carmen P. is known for her powerful vocals and is often compared to Shirley Bassey. Her showstopping rendition of songs like The Greatest Performance of My Life, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and The World’s Greatest Clown never fail to bring audiences to their feet in a standing ovation.

The demure Carmen S. packed the Bulakeña on Roxas Blvd. night after night during the ‘70s. She is known as much for her softly undulating hips as for her rendition of long time favorites like Dalagang Filipina, Besame Mucho, Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig and Bulung-bulungan.

Some tickets to the Viva Concerts and Events production are available at the Music Museum 721-6726; Ticket World 891-9999; and the Mandarin Oriental, 750-8888 local 2446. Prices are P3,000, P2,500, P2,000 and P1,500.

Unit Asia, the Jazz Concert

Thank the Japan Foundation for bringing in a concert that will not cost music lovers an arm and a leg to watch. The show is Unit Asia, the Jazz Concert 2008 which is on its Southeast Asian Tour. Featured performers are jazz greats from Asian countries. Koh, Mr. Saxman, on the saxophone from Thailand; Isao Miyoshi on guitar from Japan; Tay Cher Siang on the piano from Malaysia; Shigeki Ippon on bass from Japan; and Hiroyuki Noritake on drums also from Japan.

Unit Asia is set to give a special performance at Merk’s Bar Bistro on Oct. 25. Opening the show and providing the Filipino touch will be Tots Tolentino & Friends. This will be followed by the main part of the tour, the show at the Music Museum on Oct. 28, 8 p.m. It will also feature Sitti. Unit Asia is for free but reservations are required and sitting is on a first come, first served basis.

For details, call 811-6155 to 58.