Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber in Philippines Soon

I guess there's enough reason why Filipino performers, such as Ms. Kuh Ledesma, should gripe about this. Previously, I talked about the upcoming one-night concert of Taylor Swift; and you should know, she's not the only one coming over. There's more.

Prior to Swift's concert on February 19, Philippines will be seeing first Michael Jackson's dear sister, Janet Jackson. The concert, dubbed as Janet, Number Ones, Up Close and Personal Tour, Live in Manila, will be on February 4, 2011 at the PICC Plenary Hall.

After Janet, more foreign artists are scheduled to sing Filipinos on their way to the ticket booth. Like I said, Ms. Ledesma, among others, is not at all happy about this. More foreign concerts mean more competition, especially that Ms. Ledesma's concert, The Greatest Love Songs of Our Time Featuring THE DIVA and THE HITMAKERS, is also set in the love-month, on February 13, 2011 at the PICC Plenary Hall.

Many is supposed to be merry, right? But, what bothers Filipino artists is the fact that most, if not all, foreign concerts are very much received in terms of ticket sales compared to local performances. This, I believe, is influenced by the audience's idea that seldom would they see their foreign idols performing live, whereas there are many opportunities for them to see local artists here in the Philippines in other events.

I believe there's something that lawmakers can do about this, say, higher amusement taxes for foreign artists (?). But, for now, let's just try to leave the matter for the government to address. For sure, these foreign engagements can very well hurt the Filipino entertainment industry sooner or later, so, for our part, let's  support our own entertainers.

Other foreign concerts:

Kyu Jong & Young Saeng

And Story in Manila

February 5, 2011

PICC, The Forum 2

Deftones

Diamond Eyes Tour Manila

February 12, 2011

World Trade Center

Fra Lippo Lippi

February 14, 2011

Global City, Taguig

The YellowCard 

February 20, 2011

A-venue Music Hall

Park Mi Kyung

February 26, 2011

Newport Performing Arts Theatre

Anberlin

March 9, 2011

A-Venue Concert Hall

Planetshakers

March 12, 2011

Philippine Sports Arena

Maroon 5 

Live in Manila 2011

May 23, 2011

SMX Convention Center

Justin Bieber

May 10, 2011

SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds

--- Ireen ---

American Idol Audition in New Jersey and New Orleans

The American Idol is up and running again, now, on its tenth season.

Several quarters have expressed a low-tone excitement for this year's season because of various reasons including the non-renewal of famous celeb-judges Paula Abdul, Kara Dio Guardi and the undaunted Simon Cowell, and the seemingly fading interests of fans and followers of the show.

Opinion makers, like myself, believe that, indeed, the disappearance of those judges, who viewers have long been accustomed to, left a profound void quite uneasy for the producers to fill. Good thing, there is still, "The Dawg" Randy Jackson, and Ryan Seacrest, whose face is definitely AI- stamped.

But, as I watched the first two auditions in New Jersey and New Orleans in Louisiana with the new judges, rock star legend Steven Tyler and "Jenny on the Block" Jennifer Lopez, I may say, that it was not bad at all.  

With Tyler and J.Lo at the judging table, I sensed a bit of freshness. Steven Tyler, for me, was all true in the way he graded the performances, throwing in the right comments with proper timing.  I saw J. Lo. as the heart and soul of the panel. But, she can be a heavy gavel who can bring down a verdict without mercy, if the decision calls for it.  

As of the moment, I assume that the neophyte-judges are just taking their time and would soon heat up the contest to reveal something worth watching.  

The judges picked 51 hopefuls in New Jersey and 37 in New Orleans to become part of the pack that will be  sent to Hollywood for further auditioning.  

Home of the Jazz, New Orleans, is special, because the place happens to be the birthplace of resident judge, Randy Jackson. Among the contestants picked for Hollywood was a niece of Randy Jackson's former school coach. 

AI's next stop will be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Until next time.  

--- Ireen ---

Taylor Swift Live in Manila on February 19

Fans of Taylor Swift in the Philippines have surely  prepared for the much-awaited concert of their country music princess this year.

A one-night performance entitled "Taylor Swift Live in Manila" will happen on February 19, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum otherwise known as the Big Dome.  The concert is just one leg of Taylor's promotional tour in Southeast Asia for her latest "Speak Now" album, which was released in October 2010 by Big Machine Records. 

The 14-song "Speak Now"  album is already a third one for Taylor, who first released a self-titled album in 2006.

Her second album, "Fearless", released in 2008, shared to the world the songs "Love Story" and "You Belong with Me."  To recall, the pop icon received at the 52nd Grammy Awards the Album of the Year and the Best Country Album for "Fearless."

Among the highlighted singles in Speak Now are "Mine", and "Dear John", which was rumored to be dedicated to another pop idol, John Mayer.

Tickets for the concert were made available since November last year and were reported to be running out fast. Ticket prices are as follows:

Patron VIP (Reserved Seating)          12680

Lower Box Reg (Reserved Seating)      5810

Upper Box A (Reserved Seating)          3700

Upper Box B                                         1590

General Admission                                 530

Lower Box VIP (Reserved Seating)      7920

Patron Reg (Reserved Seating)          12150

Taylor Swift Live in Manila is organized by Ovation Productions in cooperation with ETC and Jack TV.

For ticket reservations, call 911-5555 or buy online at TicketNet.

Run now before it runs out!

--- Ireen ---

My Golden Globe Bet, Chris Colfer

Finally, people from the Golden Globe Award recognized what big talent this boy has. Chris Colfer is at the top of the list why people, like myself, fell and still in love with Glee, the comedy musical television series on Fox network that follows the high school lives and performances of members of a glee club called New Directions.  

The series was first introduced to me by a gay friend because of his amazement of Kurt Hummel, played by Chris. Well, should I blame him for that? Of course not.  Because, I, too, became a fan of Chris or Kurt.

When I first saw Chris' acts in Glee's first season, I found it very hilarious. My interests for Chris and for Glee grew more when I witnessed the musical talents that each member of the series possesses, and I then became a great follower. I really can't help becoming Gleek myself. 

Chris is definitely unforgettable in my memory especially with his renditions of Mr. Cellophane and Defying Gravity, and of course, his funny slot with Beyonce's Single Ladies.

Not only am I amazed how much talent Chris has in his cap, I'm as well impressed by the kind of personality behind this now tinsel town's figure.

A native of Clovis, California, whose real name is Christopher Paul Colfer, was an excellent student.  Back in his early days, he was a debater and a very good speaker, student leader, writer, editor, church singer, and a campus musical director.

Congratulations, Chris, for being Golden Globe's 2011 Best Supporting Actor for your part in Glee, and kudos to your future projects.  See more of Chris here.

--- Ireen ---

SINULOG 2011: 3rd Sinulog Fireworks Competition

It's the day before the grand fiesta but the rain seems to be relentless since this morning. Despite of the flooded streets and heavy downpour, about two million devotees followed the afternoon solemn procession in downtown Cebu City.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino

Novena Mass at the Basilica's Pilgrim Center

Indeed, not even the heaven's cries can dampen the spirit of Cebuanos and tourists who purposely came over to the Queen City of the South to witness the yearly Sinulog mardi gras. The celebration has to go on . . . rain or no rain!

The celebration, truely all fun and entertainment, can be found everywhere: at Fuente Osmena and Jones Avenue; Ayala Center Cebu, I.T. Park in Apas, Lahug; Park Mall in the North Reclamation Area; and SM City in Cebu.

Hunting for that fun and entertainment, we went to SM City for the mall's 3rd Sinulog Fireworks Competition. The pyrotechnics contest has become an annual event since 2009. Manufacturers and dealers of fireworks and firecrackers are the usual contenders in this show-off.  Now, the competition is considered to be among the highlights of the Sinulog revelry.

  

Eight participants showcased one by one their designed pyrotechnics at SM's Northwing.  They vied for the grand prize of almost $3,000.  

As expected, the flow of traffic is worse at SM's surrounding streets. We almost gave up, until, we decided to try our luck inside Radisson Blu, the hotel that's right beside the SM City.  In Radisson, we found more than just a parking area, we found a very strategic place to watch a live kaleidoscope on Cebu skies.

Radisson Blu Cebu's facade (top);
Feria -- Radisson's dining hall (below)

With the gorgeous fountain, the hotel's facade looks so great at night, and inside it, was very spacious and shiny. We did not know that many of the people inside the hotel were just there for a good view of the pyro spectacle.  

While many wait under the rain for a parking slot to become available, we were there at Radisson's back balcony overlooking Northwing, all too glad for a jackpot place.  It was simply the perfect spot to see the fireworks display!

--- Ireen ---

SINULOG 2011: Cebu City is Ready

January 16, 2011 is marked as the highlight of the Sinulog 2011 festival.  As previously reported in our January 7 blog piece, Viva Pit Señor, the Sinulog Grand Parade and Carousel and dance performances are all set to happen on January 16 along the streets of downtown city enroute to Cebu City Sports Center for the final performance.  

The streets have been beautified and portalets are all lined up -- the organizers have carefully laid all plans that there's nowhere to go but, Viva Pit Senor!

Sinulog fever on the streets

It's total hardwork for the different contingents that will be participating. You should have seen them practiced. With the captivating drum beats, they seem not to bother about being tired.  

The props, the drum and bugle, the performers

Outside the sports center, business is getting good. Covering the frontage of the whole block where the Andres Abellana High School is located, makeshift stores have lined up selling various items, from shoes and women accessories to house wears and "print-on-the-spot" Sinulog tee shirts.

Handmade earrings start at $0.23,
while necklaces at  $0.70

Sinulog shirts here are at $4.65 each

Items from bags and wallet to shoes and slippers
are available here

Shoes from Cebu's shoe capital -- Carcar

What a shame that I was not able to see the fluvial procession this morning (January 15, Philippine time).  It would have been great. Well, there's always the next time around, and on that next time, we promise to give you comprehensive stories and pictures about Sinulog.

Now that everything is set, we can only wish for, at least, a non-rainy day.

--- Ireen ---

SINULOG 2011: The Many Faces of the Holy Child

Various images of the Most Holy Child Jesus or the Sto. Nino are now on display at the Ayala Center Cebu in line with mall's celebration of the Sinulog Festival 2011. 

The exhibition of the Sto. Nino icons is an annual event organized by Ayala Center in cooperation with the various owners of the statues, one of whom is Msgr. Chris Garcia, who also led the blessing and opening of the exhibition on January 7, 2011.  

About 20 different replicas are shown today, but according to the organizers, there are others coming, and the public will be able to see a total of 60 statues.  Most of these icons are already family heirlooms of devotees who generously lent their images for such exhibit.

Apart from the exhibit, the Sinulog fever is very much felt at the Ayala Center: the Christmas decors were immediately replaced with the colorful Sinulog banners and ornaments; shops redesigned their windows to fit for the festivities, and, of course, discounts as high as 50% are the order of the sale day -- all in the name of the Sinulog fiesta. 

//rmism//

Viva Pit Señor 2011

Sinulog comes from the vernacular term, "sulog",
referring to the current of the water that moves
forward and backward, hence the Sinulog dance style 

Sinulog 2011 officially kicks off today with a solemn mass held at the erstwhile home of the Holy Child Jesus in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in downtown Cebu City. 

The mass was followed by a parade to the Cebu City Sports Center and a formal opening and launching program at Fuente Osmeña, which featured the Mandaue City Children's Choir, Cebu's dancesports troupes, and the presentation of the Ms. Cebu 2011, among others.

Preceding Sinulog's official launch was an opening salvo termed as 'Walk with Jesus' held on January 6, 2011. Approximately 20,000 devotees were reported to have attended the procession at 4:00 in the morning that started from Fuente Osmeña en route to the Basilica for the dawn mass and installation of this year's Hermano & Hermana Mayores.

The set of activities had long been geared to its place covering from December 1, with the Sinulog Street Fair, up to January 21, 2011, with the "Hubo Mass" Ritual. 

In this rite, the Sto. Niño is removed of his prince-like vestments and made to wear ordinary clothes.  Priests explain that this symbolic tradition tells people that only when one becomes like a little child can he enter the gates of heaven.   

Highlights of this year's festival include:

January 8     - Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan Dance Competition

                     Venue: Cebu City Sports Center

January 9     - Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan

January 12   - Ms. Cebu 2011 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel

January 15   - Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

January 16   - Sinulog Grand Parade 

The most expensive tickets for the Grand Parade pegged at P600 ($14.00) had been wiped out sold, according to the festival's organizers. Those who have not bought their tickets yet, P500 ($12.00) and P400 ($10.00) worth are still available.  Spectators are advised to bring rain protectors in going to any Sinulog event because of rainy weather predictions for the days ahead, and not to bring any firearm as there is a special gun ban effected solely for the duration of the occasion.

Scroll down for the complete Schedule of Sinulog 2011. Viva Pit Señor!

Dec 01 – Jan 31, 2011	Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.
December 11, 2010	Sinulog Poster Making Contest @ Emall
December 15, 2010	Sinulog Photo Exhibits @SM City
January 2-30, 2011	1st Sinulog Softball Cup
Janaury 2, 2011 (Sunday)	Sinulog Fun Run Sinulog Musicfest (Band Competition) Presentation of contestants and announcement of 6 finalists Sinulog Best Dance Crew announcement and presentation of 6 finalists
January 06, 2011 (Thursday)	Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
4:00 AM	Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM	Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
5:30 AM	Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2011
January 07, 2011 (Friday)	Sinulog 2011 Kick Off
	Sinulog Photo Exhibits through the years @SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, MCIAA
2:00PM	Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño)
3:00 PM	Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)
7:00 PM	Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña featuring Mandaue City Children’s Choir, Dancesports Team Cebu and Dance Troupes from Cebu’s schools and universities
7:30 PM	Ms. Cebu 2011 Presentation, Fuente Osmeña
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Streen Party Bands
January 8, 2011 (Saturday)	Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
8:00 AM	1st Sinulog Football Cup at the USC Talamban Football Field
1:00 PM	Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM	Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM	Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) DepEd, Cebu Province
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:30 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 9, 2011 (Sunday)	Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan
4:00 AM	Cebu City 2011 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com
8:00 AM	1st Sinulog Football Cup at the USC Talamban Football Field
1:00 PM	Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM	Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM	Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Carlos
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O, Street Party Bands
January 10, 2011 (Monday)
6:30 PM	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of Cebu
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 11, 2011 (Tuesday)
6:30 PM	Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Jose-Recoletos and Cebu Institute of Technology
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 12, 2011 (Wednesday)
9:00 AM	Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 PM	Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) University of Southern Philippines-Foundation and Salazar College of Science and Institute of Technology
7:00 PM	Ms. Cebu 2011 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 13, 2011 (Thursday)
9:00 AM	Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
10 AM – 3:00 PM	Photo Shoot Sinulog Festival Queen , SM City Entertainment Plaza
7:00 PM	Sinulog Festival Queen Parade of Costumes @ SM Northwing Lobby
6:30 PM	Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) Cebu City Division
6:00 PM	Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
8:00 PM	Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 14, 2011 (Friday)	Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
4:00 AM	Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña-Sto. Niño
7:00 AM	Misa de Translacion (Motorcade)
9:00 AM	Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent / Floats / Higante / Puppteers) @ Cebu City Sports Center Gym
6:30 PM	Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Carlos
7:30 P.M	Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum
7:30 P.M	Sinulog Festival Queen 2011, Cebu City Sports Center
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 15, 2011 (Saturday)
6:00 AM	Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
8:00 AM	Vibration and Big Bike Rally by Vmax Owners Group
9:00 AM	Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño
2:00 PM	Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
7:00 PM	Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu
7:00 PM	Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
8:00 PM	Gala – Passionata a Cultural Heritage Celebration in Honor of Sto. Niño de Cebu @ SM Cinema I
8:00 PM	Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras @ Ayala Center Cebu
8:00 PM	Handumanan Concert, USP-F Theater for the Performing Arts
January 16, 2011 (Sunday)	SINULOG GRAND PARADE
4:00 AM	Mañanita Mass @Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 AM	Pontifical mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
9:00 AM	Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 PM	Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 PM	Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña
January 17, 2011 (Monday)
1:00 PM	Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center
January 21, 2011 (Friday)	“HUBO”
4:00 AM	“HUBO Mass” Ritual @ Basilica del Sto. Niño
January 29, 2011 (Saturday)
1:00 P.M	Screening of Finaslists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
6:00 P.M	Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest @SM City Cebu 1st Sinulat Awards, Sinulog Literary Awards for Short Story Writing, Poetry, and Essay Writing @ SM City Cebu
January 31 – Feb. 10, 2011	Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ‘10 @SM City Cebu
For more information: Call 253700, 2545010, telefax 4164548

//rmism//