All-star concert is a proud OPM moment

Finale of artists in “’90s Live”

I immensely enjoyed watching the “’90s Live” show at Solaire. Bravo to Medwin Marfil (of True Faith), Wency Cornejo (AfterImage), Jett Pangan (The Dawn), Paco Arespacochaga (Introvoys), Naldy Padilla (Orient Pearl), Cooky Chua (Color It Red), Perf de Castro (Rivermaya), Lei Bautista (Prettier Than Pink) and Dong Abay (Yano) for such an epic concert.

It was almost surreal to watch all of them perform together. It was one proud OPM (Original Pilipino Music) moment. As Paco succinctly puts it: When music calls, we respond accordingly.

They sang the hits of their respective bands, and the audience knew the songs by heart, so it seemed like a huge karaoke sing-along party. Their hits are truly the soundtrack of Pinoys’ lives and are indelible in our pop culture.

The artists then paid tribute to their colleagues who have passed on, like Francis Magalona. They also rendered songs by Parokya ni Edgar and Eraserheads, plus other hits of the ’90s. After all these years, they still have what it takes to keep the crowd clamoring for more.

Due to the show’s success, a provincial tour is already in the works. I won’t be surprised if the show will be mounted abroad, too. The awesome music of “’90s Live” would serve as an antidote to Pinoy OFWs’ homesickness.

Wency was the “mastermind” who conceptualized the show. I teased him that he should be awarded “best dressed,” because he had the most number of wardrobe changes. After the show, I chided Tita Mel (Tiangco) that she’s a stage mom to Wency, and should have sung “Magpakailanman” (the theme song of her TV show), with her son.

At the after-party in Eclipse bar, it was great to see my godson, JC Padilla (21-year-old son of Naldy). He happens to be the half-brother (and also the second cousin) of Daniel Padilla. Strange but true.

Naldy Padilla (left) with son JC

JC and Daniel’s mom is Karla Estrada, while their respective fathers are cousins (Naldy and Rommel). What a bizarre rigodon!

JC is star material, but he is reluctant to join show biz. Isn’t his brother’s popularity enough reason to lure him to try his luck in Tinseltown, too? Their trademark Padilla charm never fails.

Jungle-themed party for MJ Yap

I was delighted to receive an invitation from my good friends, fab couple James Yap and Mic Cazzola, for the birthday bash of their “little prince” MJ, who’s turning 1. The jungle-themed party will be on Aug. 12 at the Blue Leaf Filipinas.

Kids are requested to wear animal costumes so they can win a prize. According to Mic, she chose a jungle theme because MJ is an animal lover just like her.

Since James’ ex, Kris Aquino and Mic are already friends, I wonder if she and her sons, Josh and Bimby (half-brother of MJ), will be at the celebration. If they do attend, their arrival will definitely be the loudest roar in the jungle-like fete.