The wrong telephone number missed the right number by a digit. The correct telephone number to call for tickets to the Araneta and Ynares shows is 911-5555. Thats the number to dial to connect to Ticketnet. Of course, the Zombies are also performing at the Hard Rock Cafe in Glorietta Makati tomorrow night and the number to call for reservations to that show is 893-4661 to 64.
ONeal says Ticketnet telephone operators were called by an individual whose telephone number was inadvertently published in the press release. I understand the individual was swamped by an avalanche of phone calls inquiring about Zombies tickets.
Luckily, the error hasnt dampened public enthusiasm for the shows. Tickets are selling briskly, reports ONeal, and Ticketnet is deluged by callers some of whom initially dialed the wrong number.
As for the individual whose telephone number became an instant Ticketnet line, I hope hes a Zombies fan. If he wasnt before, he should be by now because from the flood of calls he got, it has probably dawned on him that this British Invasion band of the 60s must be worth watching. After all, the Zombies began performing in 1963 and theyre still going strong to this day.
The Zombies arrived Tuesday morning and are billeted at the Manila Hotel.
Lead vocalist Colin Blunstone, acknowledged as one of the finest English singers ever, told ONeal upon arrival that hes definitely adding the hit "Miles Away" in the Zombies set list for the Manila shows. Blunstone recorded "Miles Away" as a solo artist and the song has enjoyed repeated airplay in the Philippines. Its a romantic theme song for a lot of couples and with Valentines Day fast approaching, Blunstone said hes dedicating it to the lovers of the world, particularly in the Philippines.
ONeal says Blunstone and keyboards artist Rod Argent closeted themselves in a London studio rehearsing the song for hours to make sure they get it right on stage. Apparently, Blunstone has never sung it live before. So "Miles Away" will make its historic debut on stage in Manila. For a Zombies diehard like me, the song alone is worth the price of admission. Blunstone recorded many more singles as a solo performer and will be singing his hits during the Zombies tour. Among them are "I Dont Believe in Miracles" "Old and Wise" and "Misty Roses."
But the song list will be loaded with Zombies favorites like "Shes Not There" "Tell Her No" "Time of the Season" "The Way I Feel Inside" "Goin Out of My Head" "I Love You" "Indication" and "I Remember When I Loved Her."
Its the Zombies first Asian tour in nearly 40 years so Blunstone, Argent and the rest of the band are excitedly promising an unforgettable series of shows here.
By the way, Blunstone and Argent will be Cito Beltrans guests on his "Straight Talk" show on TV tonight and the Zombies will perform two songs on TVs "Eat Bulaga" in a special TV appearance tomorrow.
Dont forget. For tickets to Mondays Araneta and Tuesdays Ynares concerts, the right number to call is 911-5555. And for the Hard Rock show tomorrow night, its 893-4661 to 64.
"Our big guys, particularly Enrico (Villanueva) and Mick (Pennisi), were physically and mentally challenged in the Ginebra series and they proved themselves against guys like (Eric) Menk and (Romel) Adducul," said Guiao. "Now theyre up against Kerby (Raymundo), (Jondan) Salvador and (Marc) Pingris. I think theyre confident of what they can do. We expect Purefoods to walk it up like they did against Air21. But well wear them down. Well run and use our depth. Were prepared for any kind of gamefast or slow. Their strengths are their quickness and outside shooting. Their weakness is the lack of a post game."Before Game 1, Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio visited the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 10 in the morning with his wife Jin and prayed for Gods help at the Adoration Chapel in Antipolo where the family relocated only three weeks ago to a new home.
Guiao said he had no special ritual before the series opener. He prayed a decade of the rosary with his wife Jenny and sought St. Josephs guidance in the car on the way to the coliseum yesterday afternoon.