Proud to Be Pinoy
Jojo P. Panaligan
posted:04.29.03


#1: That’ll learn ‘em!


By now you must’ve heard of how Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez scored several coups in the States via their ultra-successful 2003 World Concert Tour produced by MaxiMedia International.

Despite the war and the recession while the tour was on going last month, Regine and Martin sold out venues including the 10,000-seater The Cow Palace and the UCLA Pauley Pavillion (almost as big as the Araneta Coliseum). Their faces, too, were plastered in huge advertising billboards in high traffic areas in San Francisco and Los Angeles — a first for any Pinoy show.

But what makes us especially proud of the two superstars was how they were able to turn around the expected racial discrimination against them.

While in Los Angeles, we heard that one radio station refused to let Martin and Regine promote their show. “We’re not interested in ethnic concerts,” was the reported smug explanation.

Fortunately, some Filipinos working in the staff of that radio station rallied behind our superstars. Management caved in but allowed Martin and Regine “only a couple of minutes.”

Now, the moment these bumbling Americans realized how eloquent and how Martin and Regine can sing live (they did a short, impromptu a cappella during the interview) as compared to their Britney Spears’, guess what? The “couple of minutes” extended to almost 10 minutes! Hah!

We also heard that the Martin and Regine caused traffic jams on the night of their Cow Palace stint. Even Cow Palace management admitted that they have never before seen a Filipino event with such a mammoth turn out.

Well, you can’t blame them. After all, they’re so used to the idea that only the types of Rolling Stones, U2, Elton John and Santana can cram the place full. Regine and Martin certainly gave them something to think about that night, thank you!

Anyway, the two are bringing the concert “home” at the Araneta Coliseum on May 9 and 10. Before that, they will also do the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel on May 2.

On these shows, Martin and Regine promised to render songs that will highlight just how powerful their voices are. You’ve seen them in the past, surely, so we don’t have to hard sell the homecoming concert. The only thing we want you to think about is how fast you can get tickets as it’s moving like the proverbial hotcakes (or lugaw if you’re proud to be Pinoy).

For the Manila show, tickets are available in SM Ticketnet outlets and in Maxi-Media Ticketing Office (551-8999/551-7777).

For those in Cebu, these are on sale at all Dunkin Donuts branches, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and SM Customer Service.

Source:Manila Bulletin