THIA MEGIA: Planning an Asian tour next. photo credit: thia-megia.blogspot.com
Fil-American singer Thia Megia is excited about her visit to the country with other “American Idol” finalists next month.
She asked followers on Twitter: “With the concert in Manila coming up, what are your recommendations as to [which places] to visit when we’re out there?”
Thia also tweeted, “I’d love to see Manny Pacquiao, Charice Pempengco (if she’s there), Aga Muhlach and lots more.”
She said she was likewise a fan of Regine Velasquez and earlier Filipino AI finalist Jasmine Trias.
Thia said halo-halo is one of her favorite Pinoy desserts. According to online reports, she loves the dishes adobo, sinigang and pancit as well.
She said that she, her mom and her ate (big sister) plan to go on an Asian tour after the Philippines.
Earlier she posted that the “Idols” concert tour had reached the half-way point: “24 shows down, 24 more to go… it’s been such an amazing journey. I love my fellow Idols, tour crew and the awesome fans!”
At 16, Thialorei Lising Megia is the youngest so far to make it in the reality show’s Top 13. Once an early favorite, she was eliminated with Namia Adedap in the show’s fourth week.
Her parents are originally from Angeles, Pampanga and changed their surname from Mejia to Megia when they moved to the United States in 1968. Bayani San Diego Jr.
‘American Idol’ tour hits Manila
“American Idol Live! Tour 2011” comes to Manila on Sept. 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, featuring season 10’s Top 11 finalists: Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Stefano Langone, Filipino-American Thia Megia and grand winner Scotty McCreery. Call 9115555.
CCP Jazzfest
The Cultural Center of the Philippines presents “The Story of Jazz: 1st CCP International Jazz Festival” on Aug. 23-28.
More than 150 musicians from different groups are on the bill: Royal Hartigan and Blood Drum Spirit from the USA; Michael Bourne (USA); Korean Soul and Beat Project; Stelzhamma, Austria; Shun Kikuta, Japan; Neris Gonzalez (Spain); Japan-based Filipino vocalist Charito; guitarist Joric Maglanque; Bleu Rascals, Lowcal; Blue Rats; Faith Gospel Singers; the UP Jazz Ensemble; UST Jazz Ensemble; Cooky Chua and Bluesviminda; Majam; Emy Munji, and the AMP Big Band.
There will also be lectures and workshops; a video documentary on the story of jazz in the Philippines produced by Richie Quirino and Collis Davis Jr.
Performance venues include the CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater), Tanghalang Huseng Batute (Studio Theater) and the Silangan Hall. The MKP Multi-Purpose Hall will serve as venue for all the lectures. Call 8323704; 8919999; and 8321125 loc. 1604-1605.
Martin’s ‘Tribute’
Martin Nievera performs in “Tribute,” his two-part concert series, on September 2 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. The show celebrates the music and songs that have influenced Nievera for the past 29 years of his singing career. Special guest is Robin Nievera. Marvin Querido directs. Call 8919999 or 6877236.