Spice Girls reunite at Victoria Beckham's 50th birthday party

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

April 24, 2024 | 12:13pm

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the British girl group the Spice Girls came together to celebrate the 50th birthday of singer-designer Victoria Beckham, known in the group as Posh Spice.

Victoria celebrated her milestone birthday at Oswald's in London, United Kingdom by inviting a number of close friends, including Melanie Brown (Mel B), Melanie Chrisholm (Melanie C), Emma Bunton, and Geri Haliwell.

A video captured by Victoria's husband David sees the ladies singing and dancing to Spice Girls' hit song "Stop."

"Best night ever! Happy Birthday to me! I love you all so much!" Victoria wrote in the video's caption along with the hashtag #SpiceUpYourLife.

The last time all five members sang together in public was at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony.

Also in attendance at the party other than Victoria and David's children were Tom Cruise, Eva Longoria, Gordon Ramsay, Marc Anthony, and Nadia Ferreira.

The Spice Girls debuted in 1994 and released hits like "Wannabe," "Say You'll Be There," "2 Become 1," "Stop," "Spice Up Your Life," "Too Much," "Viva Forever," and "Goodbye," before splitting in 2000.

The group had a reunion tour in 2019, but Victoria did not take part to focus on her family and fashion company.

Air Supply getting biopic to mark 50th year

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

April 5, 2024 | 9:30am

MANILA, Philippines — Soft rock duo Air Supply will mark its 50th year since its formation with a biopic detailing the years Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock spent together in the industry.

The biopic will carry the title "All Out of Love: The Air Supply Story," aptly borrowing from one of the duo's most popular songs.

The movie will explore "the highs and lows of the band's career and their rise to international fame," from Russell and Hitchcock's early beginnings in Australia to their breakthrough in the United States.

Altit Media Group will serve as producers through Dean Altit with Barry Siegel, Jesse Weiner, and Julia Xu as executive producers.

Shooting is eyed to begin later this year in Australia and the United Kingdom in hopes of a 2025 release.

"What a great occasion to celebrate our 50th Anniversary! And a personal thrill for me to see Graham's songs be the basis for the biopic," Hitchcock said in a statement which Russell reciprocated and added, "The timing is so perfect."

Biopics of musicians have been popular in recent years like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Elvis," "Rocketman," "Respect," "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and most recently "Bob Marley: One Love."

Apart from "All Out of Love," Air Supply is best known for hits such as "Making Love Out of Nothing at All," "Every Woman in the World," "Here I Am," "Two Less Lonely People in the World," "Just As I Am," "Come What May," "The One That You Love," "Lonely Is The Night," "Lost in Love," and "Even the Nights Are Better."

Air Supply have performed in the Philippines several times over the years, the duo's most recent visit was just last December.

4 planets aligning on April 4, how to see — PAGASA

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced there would be a planetary alignment involving four planets during the early hours of April 4 over Philippine skies.

Venus, Neptune, Saturn, and Mars will be aligned on the morning of April 4.

PAGASA describes a planetary alignment as an Astronomy term for when multiple planets gather closely on one side of the sun at the same time.

"This provides a stunning celestial display that can be observed without the need for special astronomical equipment," added PAGASA.

Venus, Saturn, and Mars can all be seen with the naked eye, while a good view of Neptune will require a modest telescope or high-powered binoculars.

"Venus can be seen lying very low in the morning sky. Mars and Saturn will be sitting low on the eastern horizon and will remain visible until the end of the month," the agency said.

The largest planet in the Solar System, Jupiter, can be seen in the western sky after sunset, though it will difficult to observe toward the end of April because of the sun's glare, while the smallest planet Mercury won’t be visible because of its proximity to the sun.

Two years ago, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn aligned in their natural order from the sun for the first time in 18 years.

Other astronomical events PAGASA noted for April are the Lyrid Meteor Shower during the month's second half (peaking on the 22nd), the passage of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, and excellent views of constellations Ursa Major, Leo, Leo Minor, Hydra, Sextans, Crater, and Antlia.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will reach its brightest point and pass perihelion on April 21 and will be visible through the use of a small telescope or 40-50mm aperture binoculars, however, PAGASA noted given its proximity to the sun that the comet might easily disappear into the sunset glow.

The agency also said April is the best time to look at famous deep sky objects such as the Cigar Galaxy, the Pinwheel Galaxy, the Owl Nebula, the Leo Triplet of galaxies, and the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy.

LIST: Concerts, events this April 2024

Clockwise: Abigail Adriano in "Miss Saigon," Boys Like Girls, the cast of "One More Chance the Musical," and the cast and crew of "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical"

Daniel Boud for GMG Productions, Ralph Lubiano, Philstar.com / Jan Milo Severo, Kristofer Purnell

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — April brings on the summer heat and excitement, with no shortage of enjoyable shows and concerts to attend throughout the country.

Musicals dominate the month as one famous international production returns to the Philippines after over two decades, while local theater companies stage original productions sure to capture the hearts of many.

Here are several of the concerts, events and productions happening in April (minor spoiler, Saturday the 13th is a PACKED date):

'Miss Saigon' (whole of April except Mondays)

Boublil and Schönberg's iconic musical set during the Vietnam War where a bargirl has a relationship with an American marine continues its run at the Theater in Solaire nearly the entire month.

'Monet & Friends Alive' (whole of April except Mondays and the 30th)

The multi-sensory experience of French painter Claude Monet and other artists of the Impressionist era ends its run in the BGC Arts Center this April.

'Red-Ol-Mania' (April 6)

Red Ollero headlines a comedy set in the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, featuring rising stars in the local stand-up comedy scene.

'Kaia: Kaiaversity' (April 6)

P-pop girl group Kaia celebrates its second anniversary with a fan concert at the Music Museum in San Juan.

'BaRaptasan' Grand Finals (April 6)

The Cultural Center of the Philippines Kanto Kultura BaRaptasan Grand Finals is going to be held in Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium in Manila to mark the 100th anniversary of Balagtasan, in honor of Filipino poet Francisco Balagtas. The show promises a modern twist on word jousting.

'Ikon: Get Back' (April 7)

Korean boy band Ikon returns to the Philippines with its "Limited Tour" by staging a "Get Back" concert in the Araneta Coliseum.

James Taylor (April 8)

James Taylor is performing in the Philippines after previously canceling his 2017 concert. He will be joined by his All-Star Band in the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

'Umi: Talking to the Wind' (April 11)

American singer-songwriter Umi returns to the Philippines to promote her latest extended play "Talking to the Wind" in Samsung Hall in Taguig.

'Randy Santiago: Eyecon' (April 12)

"Mr. Private Eyes" Randy Santiago will hold a one-night Concert Party in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall with fellow concert veterans Pops Fernandez, Juan Miguel Salvador, Gino Padilla, Nina and Rachel Alejandro as well as a some of Original Pinoy Music (OPM) newcomers.

'One More Chance the Musical' (April 12 to 14, 19 to 21, 26 to 28)

The Philippine Educational Theater Association adapts the 2007 film "One More Chance" into a musical using the songs of local band Ben&Ben.

Kim Seon Ho (April 13)

Korean actor Kim Seon-ho is coming back to the Philippines for a fan meet in Mall of Asia Arena, his fourth time visiting the country in just over a year.

'Neocolours: Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Awit ng OPM' (April 13)

The OPM group behind hits like "Tuloy Pa Rin," "Maybe" and "Say You'll Never Go" joins forces with Gloc-9, Noel Cabangon, Ice Sueguerra and Jinky Vidal in Music Museum.

'Baekhyun: Lonsdaleite' (April 13)

EXO member Baekhyun brings his solo Asia tour "Lonsdaleite" — his first in-person solo concert in over a decade since debuting — to the Araneta Coliseum.

'Whee In' (April 13)

Mamamoo member Whee In brings her first-ever world tour to the SM North EDSA Skydome the same day she releases her mini-album "Redd."

'ZCON' (April 13)

"Asia's Vocal Supreme" Katrina Velarde leads Filipino Gen Z singers Khimo Gumatay, JM Yosures, Reiven Umali and Sam Mangubat in a concert in Makati's Samsung Performing Arts Theater. 

Lola Amour (April 13 and 27)

Local band Lola Amour is holding two album launches, one in Makati's Circuit Event Grounds and another in Cebu's Draft Punk, following the release of its eponymous debut album.

'Janella Salvador: Reimagined' (April 19)

Actress-singer Janella Salvador marks the delayed 10th anniversary of her being in the show business with a concert at the New Frontier Theater that also features her mother Jenine Desiderio, Martin Nievera, Darren Espanto, her "Darna" co-star Jane de Leon, her former love team partner Mario Mortel, and drag queens Arizona Brandy, Brigiding, Lady Morgana and M1ss Jade So.

'Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra: Fete Francaise' (April 19)

The conclusion of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's 39th season under Maestro Grzegorz Nowak in Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

'Jeremy Passion and Gabe Bondoc: Parallels' (April 20)

R&B singers Jeremy Passion and Gabe Bondoc return to the Philippines by bringing their "Paralles" tour to the Music Museum after going around Australia.

JR Richards (April 20)

Dishwalla's original vocalist JR Richards is having a concert in SM North EDSA Skydome.

Boys Like Girls (April 20)

Rock band Boys Like Girls returns to the Philippines just two years after performing in Manila and Cebu. This time, the band is hitting the Araneta Coliseum — the only arena-level show of its 2024 Southeast Asia tour — with special guests We The Kings.

We The Kings (April 20)

Speaking of We The Kings, the rock band will have its own concert in SMX Convention Center Davao, a decade after the band's last Philippine solo concert.

'Awit ng Panahon: Noon at Ngayon' (April 21)

An era-encompassing concert in New Frontier Theater headlined by Hajji Alejandro, Rachel Alejandro, Gino Padilla and Kris Lawrence.

Incubus (April 25)

Incubus has included Manila as one of its stops in its 2024 concert tour, having last visited in February 2018 at the same venue the band will be performing at this year, the Araneta Coliseum.

'Debbie Gibson: Electric Youth' (April 26)

Pop singer-songwriter Debbie Gibson heads to the New Frontier Theater to mark the 35th anniversary of her album "Electric Youth."

'Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical' (April 26 to 28)

"Buruguduystunstugudunstuy," a musical based on the songs by popular Filipino rock band Parokya ni Edgar begins its run in Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. 

FreenBecky (April 27)

Thai "GAP: The Series" stars Freen Sarocha and Rebecca "Becky" Armstrong return to Manila for a fan meeting in New Frontier Theater in what will be the pair's fifth visit to the Philippines.

Kuh Ledesma (April 27)

Singer-actress Kuh Ledesma will stage a concert in Winford Resort & Casino with special guests Nathan Randal and David Young.

Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey collaborating for 'Yes, And?' remix

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Pop singer Ariana Grande tapped fellow artist and "lifelong inspiration" Mariah Carey for a remix of her latest song "Yes, And?"

The track released last January 12 is Ariana's lead single off her upcoming seventh album "Eternal Sunshine," which comes out in full on March 8.

Ariana released a music video for the Madonna-inspired track on the same day featuring choreography that mirrors the song's lyrics about how she deals with the public perception on her personal life, relationships and appearance.

"Yes, And?" was well-received by critics and fans alike, topping global charts, and Ariana is continuing the song's success with a remix featuring Mariah.

The singer confirmed the remix in an Instagram post with a photo of her and Mariah, announcing the track would drop on February 16 and describing Mariah as "the one and only, queen of my heart, and lifelong inspiration."

"There truly are no words that suffice. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this dream come true and for sprinkling your brilliance and magic on my little song," Ariana said. "It means more to me than I could ever possibly articulate and I cannot wait for everyone to hear this! I love you eternally!!!!!!!"

Mariah reflected her gratitude in the comments section, "Darling angel, I am so effing excited to be joining you on the 'Yes, And?" remix!! This is such a magical moment!! Love you."

The two artists previously collaborated with Jennifer Hudson for the 2020 remix of Mariah's Christmas hit "Oh Santa!"; both Grammy winners also joined Mariah for a performance of the song last December.

Ariana's last solo release before "Yes, And?" was for her sixth album "Positions" from 2020, though she had since collaborated with The Weeknd, Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson and Kid Cudi.

'Ganda niyong lahat!': Coldplay takes the Philippines on a cosmic journey

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

January 20, 2024 | 9:37am

MANILA, Philippines — British pop-rock band Coldplay made a grand return to the Philippines, taking audiences on a journey through the cosmos while reminding everyone that a beautiful future lies ahead if we make better decisions for the environment and for each other.

It's been seven years since the band was last in the country for its "A Head Full of Dreams" tour, and this time, the "Music of the Spheres" tour had an even bigger reception as tickets at the Philippine Arena were sold out.

The current tour is not only Coldplay's return to live performances but also one with an environmental approach. The band has been actively seeking to reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to its past concerts and has been looking for other sustainable efforts that would still guarantee an enjoyable time for audiences.

Opening for the band's long-awaited Philippine return was local R&B singer Jikamarie, who performed seven of her original songs like "Hinahanap-hanap," "Balang Araw" and "Lutang."

Half an hour after Jikamarie's set, a short film played to show the tour's sustainable efforts, which include being charged by solar and wind energy, electric bikes and a kinetic floor situated in the venue and the use of lit-up wristbands made from plant-based material.

Proceeds from the tour will go to reforestation, ocean clean-ups, animal conservation, carbon capture, green technology, environmental law, advocacies and re-wilding and soil restoration.

The time finally came: John Williams' "Flying Theme" from "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" played over a video of Coldplay navigating their way below the stage, and one by one, the members stepped out to greet the Philippines once more.

Coldplay began the night with "Higher Power" and "Adventure of a Lifetime," releasing large balloons during the latter for the crowd to pass around. Lead vocalist Chris Martin had some fun with the crowd for the chorus and ending of "Paradise."

The lights from the wristbands were momentarily turned off by this time as the band performed "The Scientist."

"Maraming, maraming salamat. Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. Masayang kaming [bumalik] sa Pilipinas," Chris said. "So happy and grateful, and ang ganda niyong lahat! Okay that's enough Taglish. We're gonna give you the best show!"

The band then moved down a runway to an extended stage to sing "Viva La Vida" and "Hymn for the Weekend," with Chris going around the different areas of the stage.

He remained on the extended stage with a keyboard to read out some signs audience members brought with them.

Some shouted out Coldplay's former collaborator BTS, while another came all the way from Boston. A fan caught Chris' eye and was invited onstage. The fan requested the band perform "Everglow," to which Chris happily obliged, treating it as a tribute to the band's friends who recently passed on. 

After the touching number, Chris joined his colleagues on the main stage just as the wristbands lit up again for "Charlie Brown" and "Yellow," blanketing the Philippine Arena in yellow lights.

Coldplay's performance of "Human Heart" had a few stumbles, as Chris asked to restart the song and still laughed on the second go; additionally, the puppet Angel Moon came out to sing the portions of R&B act We Are King.

The fun times continued when Chris pulled out a pride flag for "People of the Pride," green lights poured into the venue for "Clocks," and each member donned alien headgear for "Something Just Like This," which ended with a video akin to a retro Stargate sequence from "2001: A Space Odyssey."

BTS fans were surely in tears when Coldplay performed "My Universe," the song both groups collaborated on, and each member of the K-pop boyband appeared onscreen.

Early through "A Sky Full of Stars" before the first drop, Chris asked the audience for one song without any cameras or phones.

Most fans obliged with Chris' request and it was a touching moment as blue and white lights flickered throughout the song, which ended in yet another round of confetti.

Coldplay seemingly ended its set, which had fans typically shouting "Isa pa!," and sure enough, red and orange lights lit the Arena again as the band made its way to a makeshift stage in the middle of the crowd.

After a performance of "Sparks," the band offered its thanks to Jikamarie, the concert crew especially stadium workers, and to everyone in attendance for braving the heavy traffic.

"You have the number one [heaviest traffic] in the world. Thank you for going through all that bulls**t to be here!" Chris exclaimed.

Chris stayed on the makeshift stage as he enlisted the crowd's help to record a song for the band's upcoming album, and he had everyone singing "Love Who You Love."

The singer then teased the gloomy Manila weather, which had him thinking of a song on loop, and to the surprise of everyone, Chris sang the chorus of Lola Amour's "Raining In Manila."

Right after, Chris was joined by several members of the Filipino rock band, including vocalist Pio Dumayas, who finished off an acoustic version of their hit song.

Chris returned to the main stage as bigger balloons were brought out for the tearjerker "Fix You," and for the last song "Biutyful," Angel Moon appeared onstage once again.

"Thank you for a beautiful night. You made us feel on top of the world," Chris said, stringing in the song's lyrics.

Coldplay then took its final bow, and the last remaining streamers were scattered, just as the words "believe in love" were flashed onscreen to forever remind everyone in attendance of the beautiful night they shared together. 

Kim Chiu shares BTS of her Sinulog 'ASAP' performance

 

Kim Chiu shares BTS of her Sinulog 'ASAP' performance

MANILA, Philippines — Host-actress Kim Chiu was in a festive mood after taking the "ASAP Natin 'To" stage dressed as the Sinulog Festival Queen.

In the January 14 episode of the weekend musical variety show, Kim performed onstage dressed as the Sinulog Festival Queen, a highlight of the annual fiesta that celebrates the Santo Niño.

Kim's performance and outfit were well-received by viewers, some lauding Kim for honoring her roots in Cebu City.

After her performance, she and actress Vina Morales greeted their fellow Visayans for celebrating this year's Sinulog Festival.

In an Instagram post, Kim shared the behind-the-scenes clips of her practicing the performance with and without the elaborate costume.

The sun design, which Kim wore on her back, fell forward several times but the actress managed to get a hand of it even with the complete dress and crown.

"Maski bug-at kaayo, mas bug-at paman cguro ni nako na sanina cge sayaw gihapon, in anah gyud basta bisdak laban lang, gwapa bitaw!" Kim said in the caption.

In English, Kim said she really enjoyed performing as a Sinulog Festival Queen even with her heavy costume. 

TWICE teases comeback in 'With YOU-th' mood film

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

January 3, 2024 | 1:34pm

MANILA, Philippines — K-pop girl group TWICE is gearing up for the release of its 13th extended play "With YOU-th" next month after a teasing mood film.

The group and its agency JYP Entertainment released the short mood film on social media which sees the members Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu all together in a forest.

The old-school, slow motion filming nature of the video gave the girls dressed in white, gray, and blue a dreamy, ethereal feel, holding hands at several clips. 

"Just like we always do," reads text in the mood film. "It's our golden days."

The mood film ended with the announcement of the pre-release single "I Got You" dropping on February 2 — already available for pre-save and pre-order — ahead of the "With YOU-th" extended play on February 23.

TWICE's last extended play was 2023's "Ready to Be" which it promoted as its third global tour, including a two-night stop at the Philippine Arena. 

It was the group's second time performing in the Philippines having previously brough its "Twicelights" tour to the Mall of Asia Arena last June 2019.

Kim Chiu flaunts bikini body following split from Xian Lim

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com m Chiu via Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya host-actress Kim Chiu appears to be enjoying the single life just mere days after confirming she and longtime boyfriend Xian Lim called it quits.

Kim is celebrating the Christmas holidays with her family in Balesin Island, with her sister Lakam sharing some snippets of their vacation.

The host-actress too posted on her own Instagram account family photos, following them up with sizzling images of herself in the beach. 

"Opacarophile," Kim wrote in the caption, which means one who loves sunsets. "Grateful for small things, big things and everything in between!" she added with the hashtag #Chiurista.

Another photo set had Kim in a patterned bikini ensemble under a denim bottom as she posed by lanterns at dusk.

"3 C's in life. Choice. Chance. Change. Up to you what comes first," Kim wrote for that post's caption alongside emojis of the crescent moon, stars, and a white heart.

Sandwiched between the bikini posts was a photo set of Kim in a white outfit that had a photo of singer Mariah Carey and her iconic holiday song "All I Want For Christmas Is You," though Kim hilariously blurred out the last word so it could read "Chiu" instead.

Kim and Xian confirmed their breakup two days before Christmas, ending a relationship that lasted 12 years.

"We shared more than a decade of love, each other's support system, and many beautiful memories," Kim said at the time. "As we close this chapter, I ask for everyone's kindness and respect. I hope this clears everything as we all move forward with our lives."

Julia Barretto, Anne Curtis, James Reid feature in Opulence Ball 2023 teaser

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Opulence Ball released a star-studded teaser trailer ahead of its return this Halloween at Taguig's Marquis Events Place.

Anne Curtis, Piolo Pascual, Ruffa Gutierez, Pia Wurtzbach, Julia Barretto, James Reid, Solenn Heussaff, Sarah Lahbati, Celeste Cortesi, Chie Filomeno and Kylie Versoza were just a few of the celebrities seen in the teaser.

Each individual wore creations by fashion designers Anthony Ramirez, Rajo Laurel, Bonita Penaranda, Martin Bautista, Jerome Lorico, Patty Ang and Job Dacion that were modern renditions of various folklores and mythologies like Greek and Roman.

Versoza, for example, is adorned with seashells making her appear like "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli. Reid looks like Apollo or Mercury. Heussaff's shimmering outfit is akin to Athena or a Valkyrie, while Curtis wore two outfits — one white, one black with feathers — that presented her as a "Dyosa of Lightness & Darkness."

"Our teaser video is a glimpse into the celestial wonders of an unforgettable night that we’ve curated," said the brains behind the ball, popular events host Mond Gutierrez. "It will be a night where fantasy and reality seamlessly intertwine."

Opulence's co-producer Ash Rye said that the teaser features "a constellation of stars, a promise of a night of enchanting fashion and alluring Filipino creativity" and added that what sets the ball apart is their "passion for crafting fantastical experiences that transcend expectations."

Gutierrez and Rye first staged the Opulence Ball in 2019 with the theme "Let Them Eat Cake," the famous phrase said to have been uttered by Marie Antoinette, queen of France in the 18th century.