Music lovers will be treated to a wonderful evening of timeless love songs from two of the biggest names in adult contemporary music when Melissa Manchester and David Pomeranz visit Manila to do a back-to-back concert on April 6 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Dubbed Melissa Manchester and David Pomeranz Live, the twin bill from Ovation Productions shall also feature Asia’s Mr. Crooner, balladeer Arthur Manuntag, as special guest in what is considered as one of the biggest concert events in this summer’s musical calendar.
Manchester is one of the most enduring artists in popular American music whose extraordinary career began when she studied songwriting with Paul Simon in her native New York, followed by a stint as a back-up singer for Bette Middler.
Pomeranz, on the other hand, is one of the most successful and prolific songwriters and performing artists on the scene today.
His latest CD, You’re The Inspiration, which contains his versions of some of the most beloved pop songs of all time, was released in February 2015.
Melissa Manchester and David Pomeranz Live is presented by Ovation Productions. are Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets and at www.ticketnet.com.ph
★★★★★
Double the learning, twice the fun
After debuting last year as the first and only all-Filipino cast for the local franchise of the award-winning Australian edutainment show, Hi-5 Philippines’ first season has been a one-of-a-kind ride for the cast and its young viewers. Philippine television witnessed the birth of the edutainment program of this generation, and the new icons of today’s youngsters in its maiden season.
And a new round of catchy songs, exhilarating dances and learning adventures await fans as the show returns for a second season. The vibrant gang of Hi-5 Philippines, composed of Fred, Rissey, Aira, Alex and Gerard, is sure to captivate kids and kids-at-heart once more with their irresistible charm, especially now that they’ve learned the ropes and have more to bring to the table.
The cast took time to reminisce about experiences during the show’s first run, look back at how much they’ve grown, and share their thrill for the new season. The group revealed that they have just as much fun as their viewers when doing the show. “My segments usually involve food and eating. One time, I had to eat bread and jam. It took several takes, that when our director requested for another one, I had to take a break because I ended up finishing the loaf, and was too full already,” Aira fondly recalls. Meanwhile, Rissey reveals what an amusing challenge her Body Move segment is, with her mimicking different animals during storytelling. “I’ve been all kinds of animals already that I feel like I can create a ‘Rissey Zoo’ now,” she said.
However challenging, everyone recognizes how Hi-5 contributed to their growth as performers and as individuals. “It really stretched us as performers. The role requires being childlike, and doing this really helped me get in touch with the child within me,” Rissey said. “The bonding sessions with the group are the best thing about the first season for me. Clinging to each other through all the tapings and shows, and just doing everything else together was definitely unforgettable,” said Fred, adding that that made a huge contribution to them becoming more comfortable with their roles.
“Being part of Hi-5 requires presenting a heightened version of ourselves. And in the course of doing that, we somehow embody our roles that it’s no longer just a character, it becomes us,” Gerard said. They also recognized and acknowledged how amazing it is to be a role model that kids look up to. Although they admitted that being a role model comes with a great deal of responsibility as well.
“It’s a lot of pressure to be a good role model to kids but it also gives you a really good feeling. A kind of warm rushing light fills you especially when you get feedback from the kids on how much impact you’re making in their lives,” Alex shared.
They said that the positive reception that they get from kids and parents during their live shows, in schools and malls, is overwhelming and very fulfilling. “It’s the best feeling when a kid comes up to us and tells us that we are their inspiration, or that they always look forward to watching our show,” Aira said. Gerard added that interacting with the kids in their live shows is when they feel most acknowledged for what they do.
Join Fred, Rissey, Aira, Alex and Gerard for another Hi-5 season of fun, singing, dancing and active learning.
Hi-5 airs Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m., Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m., only on TV5.
