For the first time in the history of Resorts World Manila, it has engaged itself in a project that would bring it outside its comfort zone. It has partnered with a Filipino company! During the press conference held at the Genting Club of Resorts World, we were treated to lunch and the usual array of goodies to go with the meal and performances galore after the meal.
With lunch over and done with, what would follow but the surprise portion composed of excerpts from a musical that would run at the huge 1,500-seater known as the Newport Performing Arts Theatre. Some of these musicals held at Newport Theatre have been based on classic love songs like those featuring Matt Monro Jr. and The Fabulous Sounds of The Platters.
Christian Bautista is a renowned Filipino balladeer and Asian singing sensation, said to be more popular in Asia than he is in his own country. We will never forget the experience involving Christian during our tour of various cities in Asia. Upon registering at the hotels in Asia, and they find out our nationality, the hotel registrant would practically mob us with questions about Christian, even to the point of singing his love songs Colour Everywhere, Hands to Heaven and The Way You Look at Me.
Another artist and band leader to watch out for is Juan Miguel Salvador and The Authority Band. We personally find the time to watch their show at Strumms and bring over friends not only for their ’80s music but for the unique style and delivery of the entire band. Composed of Juan Miguel (lead voice and keyboards), Alvin Soriano (bass), Jay Agustin (second keyboard), Omar Kharim Boquiren and Jun Alicante (guitars) and Chuck Menor (drums), one can expect Juan Miguel and The Authority to perform great ’80s acts from artists like Queen, Billy Joel, Styx, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Police, U2, Tears For Fears, Billy Idol, The Knack, The Romantics, Duran-Duran, Spandau Ballet, A-Ha and a lot more.
And now we have come to the surprise of the evening. After entertaining the public with various foreign songs, the Resorts World Manila management has decided to partner with Pinoy talents and songwriters from Viva Communications headed by Boss Vic del Rosario. The project is Bituing Walang Ningning The Musical. Based on a serialized comic strip by Nerissa Cabral, the material has been around for years, being shown and re-shown, a testimony to its popularity. We predict that the partnership will be welcomed by all parties, Filipinos and foreigners alike.
The Bituing Walang Ningning musical version tells the story of a singer’s efforts and ultimate triumph in going up the ladder to success. It has been made into a successful movie in 1985, starring Sharon Cuneta, Cherie Gil and Christopher de Leon, then was remade into a hit TV series in 2006 with Sarah Geronimo, Angelika de la Cruz and Ryan Agoncillo.
To drum up more interest in the project, Resorts World and Viva thought of holding auditions for the other lead role, by announcing on all media the search for the character named Dorina. The Looking for Dorina search has been announced from Feb. 28 to March 1, for any girls interested from 16 to 20 years old. Chances are success will be quickly within reach.
(E-mail your comments to bibsyfotos@yahoo.com or text them to 0917-8991835.)