Gary V. and Martin As 1

Pasadena, CA - Two of the most respected singer in Philippine Music industry, Concert King - Martin Nievera and Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano performed together as one at the Pasadena Civic Center in front of a sold-out crowd, Saturday night, October 17, 2009. The As 1 concert is the much anticipated concert event of the year in Los Angeles. Gary and Martin brought the house down singing their popular hits all the way to singing songs they interpreted for TV Telenovelas. It was more than a concert but a great and fantastic show as they brought the house down in the very beginning of their concert.

The combination of talent and the chemistry of Gary and Martin really helped in the success of the show. The two even performed a tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Another highlight of show is the presence of Martin's father, Bert Nievera, who travelled all the way from Las Vegas. Incidentally, it was also Bert's birthday and Gary and Martin wished him a Happy Birthday by bringing out a cake for Bert. Gary and Martin took turns in performing singing their songs. Gary's everlasting Christmas song, "Pasko Na Sinta Ko" was appreciated by the fans since Christmas is just around the corner. Martin's classic, "Be My Lady" was the fans most requested of him. They also sang 80's songs from Tears for Fears and Journey. The concert became a fund raising event as they showed clips and collages of the recent typhoon in the Philippines that flooded the capital and displaced thousand of Filipinos leaving their houses underwater. Martin and Gary encouraged the audience to give donations that night that will help the victims get back on their feet. The show was produced by Ms. Anna Puno of StarMedia Entertainment. nicheGrafix would like to thank Ms. Anna Puno for accomodating us at the show and at the press conference. Congratulations for a great show and we look forward for a repeat of As 1 very soon.

The Unity Tour Press Conference

Torrance, CA - The Unity Tour had a press conference in Maegan's Grill yesterday at 11AM headed by Mr. Henry Chen. Four among seven performing artists were present during the press con headed by the Pop Diva - Kuh Ledesma and daughter Isabella. Nanette Inventor and Jograd dela Tore joined them as they await the arrival of Charlie Green, Christian Bautista and Carlo Orosa later this week. The Unity Tour will be in Long Beach this coming October 24, 2009 at the Long Beach Convention Center. The press con was somewhat different from any other: it focused mainly on Christianity and being God-centered. Kuh Ledesma gathered some of her Christian friends to come up with an inspirational concert for the Filipinos. The concert was also turned into a fund raising event for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng that displaced thousands of Filipinos in Manila and nearby provinces placing their homes underwater. People will see a different kind of concert and a different kind of Kuh.

Our friends from press/media/photographers were there to support the show. The producers encouraged the concert goers to donate clothes, food and cash for the victims during their all 4 shows accross the US and Canada. Kuh and Isabella shared their own painful experience ex-husband and father and how they overcame tradgedies in life and how thankful they are because of the strength God has given them. Nanette Inventor shared with the press the new character she will portray in the show. Nanette was known in the Philippines as Dona Buding but Nanette said that the character may not fit the tour so she created another one. Jograd de la Tore, a well known comedian from the 80's was thankful to Kuh that he was chosen to be included with the group. Though Jograd is not visible on television lately, he continues to perform with bands in the Philippines. Isabella, Kuh's daughter is excited to be with The Unity Tour.

The Press Con was held at Maegan's Grill in the City of Torrance. After the interviews, we were treated to a delicious buffet of Filipino cuisine. Our thanks to Henry Chen for inviting us for this spirit filled and inspirational gathering. Despite the October rains pouring in Los Angeles, there was a good turnout during the presscon. See you in October 24!

Handog Sa Bayan Fund Raising Event

Hollywood, CA - Creative Concepts headed by Jet and Edith Montelibano gathered artists around California last Sunday, October 11, 2009 at the Celebrity Centre. Proceeds from the event will go to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng in the Philippines. The concert started at 4PM with Bernardo Bernardo opening the show. Various celebrities were present and performed during the scheduled 5 hour marathon concert. Filipino audiences come and go as the show progress and the truck parked outside started to fill up with clothes and consumable goods. Xoom.com was there to deliver you cash donations directly with its money transfer service. Items were silently auctioned from Ylang Ylang Floral Design courtesy of Ed Rame. Proceeds from the auction will also be given to the victims. Among the performers were Tateng Katindig, Mon David, Miguel Vera, Louie Reyes, Fe de los Reyes, Michael de Mesa, Florante, Ner de Leon, Pinky de Leon, Daryl Ogalino, The Asian Dolls featuring Patricia Javier, Jessica Casas, Joni Feliciano, Ava Johnson and a lot more. Ms. Kevyn Lettau made a special appearance at the concert singing Sana Maulit Muli and Bridges accompanied by Tateng Katindig on piano. The finale featured the all star cast singing together headed by Jet Montelibano. Congratulation to Jet and Edith for a successful fund raising event. I hope the next time we this kind of a show, it's for the celebration of life instead of a tragedy. Thank you to all those who supported and worked diligently to make the show an interesting one.

Lea Salonga in Pechanga

Temecula, CA – Lea Salonga is back on tour here in California and we were privileged to be able to see her in Pechanga Resort and Casino last October 2, 2009.

The concert: From the time Lea stepped up on stage and sang her first song, up until the last encore, there was never a dull moment throughout the hour and a half show. Lea prepared a repertoire of her best hits from Broadway musicals, to popular song revivals, a Disney hits and famous tagalong songs. Lea was very interactive with the audience including fans being on stage singing with Lea towards the end of the show. The voice, the band, the lights and sounds was perfect.

Some of the highlights of the concert were her rendition of songs from Les’ Miserables and Miss Saigon. The wedding song “Two Words” was touching and her version of a Filipino classic, “Hahanapin Ko” was flawless. She also sang the original and long version of Mulan’s Reflection which according to her, Disney recalled her to re-record the song and make it a shorter version which Lea did not took it kindly. So whenever there’s a concert, Lea would pull out the original and longer version of the song. Her popular tagalog song, “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal” was sang beautifully. This song was a theme song from her movie with Aga Mulach back in the Philippines and Leas shared of the possibility of doing a movie again with Aga Mulach. Disney’s “A Whole New World” was performed with her fans up on stage. Three male fans sang the male part of the song and Lea together with 2 young women and 2 kids sang the female part of this Disney classic. Lea finished the night with an encore from Annie’s Tomorrow. Truly it was one of the perfect concerts we’ve seen so far and to see Lea Salonga sing live is simply phenomenal. It was like listening to a CD all throughout the show. But the night with Lea isn’t finish for us. Adobo County Magazine was granted a short interview with Lea Salonga after the show. The opportunity of not just being able to see her perform but to meet and greet with her is the best part of the night. Details of the interview will be posted later in this blog.

Overall, the concert was a success. She will continue touring as she performs live in Cerritos for a benefit dinner and show this coming October 18 and another Southern California show in Cabazon, California on November 1st. Lea also expressed her feelings regarding the typhoon tragedy in the Philippines. nicheGrafix and Adobo County would like to acknowledge David Belenzon, Lea Salonga’s Manager for the opportunity to interview her, Dina and Odie Manignas, Pechanga’s Elroy Best for the warm reception and to all those who worked hard to the show a success. Congratulations for a job well done.

Photos by Ken Tadena of nicheGrafix

Journey with Arnel Pineda in Oprah and Live in Manila DVD

If you truly admire and support the Filipino artists, then you must never miss this DVD of the Journey with Arnel Pineda Live in Manila. It’s so amazing how this young mad, who struggled in streets of Manila, striving band after band, looking for success, has made his journey into stardom. Arnel Pineda now leads Journey back on top, singing their hits from the past and creating new songs for today’s generation.

Last Monday, October 5th in Oprah, Arnel once again opened his story from when he a little boy, sharing his struggles and how Journey discovered him off YouTube and what he has become playing and singing with the band he never dreamed of being a member and a lead vocalist. He even admitted on Oprah that the fact that he is a guest in her show is still unbelievable. Oprah admired Arnel while Journey opened the show with their hit song, “Don’t Stop Believing” and was more than amazed when they ended the show with “Faithfully”. Oprah admitted of having goose bumps while Arnel was singing.

Journey’s Manila concert was packed with 25,000 fans and is now available in DVD at all Walmart stores for a low price of $10.00. I’m pretty sure that those of you wanting to get a pirated copy for free will really look cheap and not being able to afford to purchase one and yet can pay for the internet for those who wants to download a free pirated copy off some file sharing program or have someone rip it and burn it for you instead of buying the real deal for an affordable price.

The concert DVD comes in two CD’s which contains new and classic hits from Journey. Though the concert was held in Manila, very present in the audience are some foreign fans. Arnel mentioned on Oprah that he was really pressured to perform in front of his fellow citizens in the Philippines but pulled it through and all that was expected of him, he was able to give. The concert is long but worth it. Nothing fancy about the concert but it’s simply a rock concert from a well known foreign band with a Filipino lead vocalist.

Last January of this year, Arnel Pineda performed with Lani Misalucha in a US concert tour and nicheGrafix and Adobo County Pinoy Lifestyle Magazine had the opportunity to meet Arnel in his Anaheim concert at the Heritage Forum. He has blossomed more since that time and according to some sources, will have some more solo concert this coming 2010. Arnel has also established his AP Foundation here in Orange County as a way of giving back the blessings he gained to the children in the Philippines.

More power to Journey and Arnel Pineda!