Curtain-raisers:
• Glad to know that Willie Nep (photo) is up and about, as good as new, set to return to the concert scene on July 27, 8 p.m. at The Theatre of Solaire, with Nonoy Zuñiga in Music and Laughter produced by Grand Leisure Corporation. An ailment forced Willie to go “on leave” and his fans must be happy to know that he’s back.
• Reminder for young musicians and teachers of music: the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) is now open for applications for the 2018 competitions in piano, voice, strings, guitar, rondalla, choir and traditional music. Deadline for submission is on July 27. Visit www.namcya.com or call NAMCYA office at 836-4928 for more details.
• A letter from reader Simone Hasskew: I really loved your article about Celine Dion and her use of music for healing from her pain. It’s so easy to relate as many Americans turn to music to help deal with their moods and emotions. Your editorial made me think of an original study that we recently conducted on the different types of music Americans turn to depending on their mood. Some findings: 1). Nearly 89 percent of survey participants stated that they use music to improve their mood when they feel depressed; 2). Hip-hop/rap is the least favorite genre among Americans, followed by Country; and 3). More than one in two Americans say that music influences their values and beliefs across all generations.
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…and during the presscon for their Kami ang EXB concert (set for July 14 at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City) with director GB Sampedro (rightmost).
As netizens must know by now, Ai-Ai delas Alas did quit as manager of Ex Battalion to teach the members (Bosxne1, Flow G, Skusta Clee, Brando, Emcee Rhen and King Badger) a lesson. But the “quitting” lasted no longer than 10 minutes.
“I posted a message that I was taking a vacation as EXB manager, that’s true,” admitted Ai-Ai during the recent presscon for the band’s first-anniversary concert titled Kami ang EXB on July 14 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City (not Antipolo). “They were not okay that day so I got mad. You see, I’m like a mother to them and if they misbehave, I as their mother feel bad. But they immediately apologized and sent me flowers, so sino ba namang ina ang hindi lalambot ang puso?” (The presscon was held at Ai-Ai’s new restaurant, Chang Ai Express, located at the same place [#62 Sgt. Esguerra near corner Mother Ignacia, Quezon City] where Aisarap Express used to be.)
The EXB guys better behave because they couldn’t find a manager better than their Nanay Ai-Ai who checks not only on their schedule and earnings but also their over-all behavior since they have become a role model to the 56 million who follow them on YouTube where they created widespread attention with the song Hayaan Mo Sila, and more.
“We are happy that even the kids are singing our songs,” they admitted.
The guys conceded that since they emerged from “underground” into mainstream, their lives changed radically, more so when Ai-Ai became their manager. Their Nanay Ai-Ai sees to it that they are duly compensated for their performances, unlike during their “manager-less” days when they didn’t get paid.
GB Sampedro, director of Kami ang EXB, assured that the guys will offer the audience something new.
“Definitely,” said GB, “they will do much more than what they have been doing on their music videos and gigs. There will be new musical arrangements and full production numbers with their guest stars,” including Julie Anne San Jose, rapper Shanti Dope, the rock band Silent Sanctuary and Ai-Ai herself. The show is produced by Four Lights Productions headed by Marlon Vergara who was behind the concerts of Maja Salvador, MayWard, Kyla and Moira dela Torre. (Ai-Ai announced that EXB will also have concerts abroad including Dubai.)
Next month, Ai-Ai and EXB will start shooting a movie for Viva Films, directed by Dado Lomibao from a screenplay by Mel del Rosario. The movie marks the return of Ai-Ai to Viva Films where she made her early appearances while a struggling actress, and the acting debut of the EXB.
Joe Mari offers tips to beat the traffic
Traffic is, indeed, a great equalizer. It spares no one, not even superstars.
Did you know that Jose Mari Chan (photo) was among those caught in a monstrous traffic jam Thursday night when the metro was submerged in water?
Anyway, here are tips from Joe Mari on how to beat the traffic blues:
Eyes on the road at all times.
Don’t be distracted by your mobile phone.
Constantly check your rear view mirror for motorists and motorcyclists.
Wear your seat belts.
Remember: you are not in a RACE.
You want to get to your destination SAFE and ALIVE.
Observe speed limit.
Respect the highway lanes.
Minimize scooting in and out of the lanes.
Let other aggressive drivers go ahead.
You are not racing against anyone.
Minimize rubber necking.
If you’re late for an appointment, it’s YOUR fault for not giving yourself time allowance.
Yes, it’s bad manners to be late for appointments.
So give time allowance, but don’t risk your personal safety by driving fast to catch your meetings.
Your safety is more important.
Pedestrians have the right of way.
Be courteous to them, especially the commuters. You’re in a comfortable car. The commuters are not and have ways to go.
Again, eyes on the road at all times.
At stop lights, keep a distance to the next car in front of you, half a car’s length.
Be alert.
Don’t go through red lights.
Don’t race against yellow lights.
Be courteous to other drivers.
You don’t know what problems they have in their lives or what bad days they are having. Be considerate.
Remember: this is not a RACE nor a contest. Drive with good will in your heart. Let the aggressive drivers overtake you. It’s not your loss.
Avoid using your car horns.
They contribute to noise pollution and are irritants to all of us.
They antagonize and can incite road rage.
Don’t drive when you’re sleepy.
Don’t drive when you’re drunk or tipsy.
Don’t drive when you’re angry or in a bad mood.
Drive with a smile in your heart.
Drive out to the countryside on weekends for fresh air. Fresh air re-invigorates.
Say a prayer before going on the road.
What else can you add to this, friendly readers?
(E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)