J-Lo, Jessica to sing in Manila?

MANILA, Philippines - If everything goes according to plan, Manila may not only “dance again” with Jennifer Lopez, but sing with “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sanchez as well.

This was revealed by N91 Live productions chief executive officer Jun Lorenz Mamangon during a recent media gathering at Chef Laudico’s Bistro Filipino in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig in anticipation of next month’s Michelle Branch and Jojo concert, which it is presenting together with Torch Productions.

Mamangon said Lopez’s concert on Nov. 24 this year is “practically a go” and that it’s only a matter of deciding whether it will be held at SM Mall of Asia’s The Arena or at the concert grounds.

Mamangon said he’ll recommend staging the concert of Lopez, who was recently named by Forbes magazine as the world’s most powerful celebrity, in an open field where they could sell more tickets but at a lower price compared to holding it at The Arena.

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, Mamangon added that he’ll work on getting Sanchez to be the opening act.

But the “American Idol” connection between the two – aside from Sanchez’s Filipino roots – is not the only reason Mamangon is optimistic about the possibility of bringing in the 16-year-old singer.

“Back in early 2000, we opened our own production company and studio in San Diego,” Mamangon said. “That’s when Jessica Sanchez came to us to be taught. My wife Irene was the vocal coach.”

Mamangon said he is betting on Sanchez to win over Phillip Phillips and if he gets to leave for the US in time for this season’s “Idol” finale live show, he hopes to seal the deal that will result in a grand homecoming for Sanchez.