AI finalists ready for Manila concert

On Sept. 20 at 8 p.m., American Idol (AI) Season 10’s Top 11 finalists will take center stage at the Araneta Coliseum to amaze, dazzle and enthrall us with hit after hit song from the hit reality show in a show titled American Idol Live! Tour 2011. For the first time in Asia, catch Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Stefano Langone, Fil-Am Thia Megia, and Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery perform live.

Usually only the Top 10 of the season go on tour but due to a save by judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, Abrams joins the group of Idol finalists on tour. The Top 11 will cover a wide range of musical genres from country, pop, jazz to rock.

American Idol Live! Tour 2011 is presented by etc, Jack TV, Ovation Productions, 2nd Avenue, DIVA Universal, Universal Channel, Talk TV, BTV and Solar Sports.

For reservations and inquiries, call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph.

Carlos strives for perfection

Carlos Agassi, the Amir of Rap, is now working on a movie titled Private Benjamin under Star Cinema and Viva Films. He was last seen in the ABS-CBN vampire-werewolf series Imortal. An avowed health buff, and a non smoker Amir, is spending time for himself — working out in his own gym, sometimes training his friends, and just taking each day as it comes. He works out every day, focusing on cardio and weights at eight hours apart. He follows a three-day low carb and one-day high carb diet mixed with high protein, in six to 10 meals daily.

The 31-year-old hunk also plays basketball with his brothers and friends. He says the secret to stay fit is making a workout routine part of one’s life and changing the routine once in a while to keep it fresh and exciting.

The 5’10,” 185-lb. Amir looks as perfect as he can get, but still strives for “inner and outer perfection both physically and spiritually.” To be a step closer to this perfection, Amir trusts Dr. Manny Calayan, who, like him, puts a high premium on perfection.

“I plan to try Thermo Fat so I can be more lenient and enjoy a million calories,” Amir jokingly says. Seriously, Amir will undergo the procedure anytime soon, under the watchful eye and skilled hands of Doc Manny, the pioneer of Smartlipo and Vaserlipo in the Philippines, two revolutionary fat removal procedures that are safe alternatives to traditional liposuction.

He said he would love to go back to rapping and dancing again and perhaps, reunite with the Hunks. He also thinks of putting up his own restaurant business and a fitness show. And a visit to Europe is also in his future list.

Laarni celebrates B-day at Elsie Gaches Village

Laarni Lozada, Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 grand winner, celebrated her 26th birthday at Elsie Gaches Village, a government center for the mentally-challenged last June 26.

The “Laarnians,” Laaarni’s friends and supporters, organized a get-together for the children and grown-ups with special needs housed at the Elsie Gaches Village.

It was a memorable day filled with fun, entertainment and heartwarming moments.

The children had a blast with parlor games, song and dance numbers, food and drinks and giveaways (toys and clothes). Laarni sang a cut from her album with the kids singing along with her. Some of the kids offered Laarni flowers freshly picked from the garden.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) representatives said it was the first time in a long time that a celebrity held such a program for the kids.

Local Laarnians with the support of the Global Laarnians, coordinated and prepared Laarni’s visit to the Elsie Gaches Village. Laarni who had just come from a show in Dipolog went straight to the institution to celebrate her birthday with the children.