All the world’s a stage
for Pinoy entertainers

One doesn’t really get an idea of the extent of the migration of the Philippines’ overseas labor force until one reads of how the country’s top entertainers casually jet off to such places as Dublin and Marbella to entertain R.P.’s overseas workers.

For a promoter to mount a Philippine show in say, Dublin, it must mean the place has enough or more Filipinos to make the show profitable. We’re speaking of thousands, not hundreds.

In recent years, Philippine entertainers have confined their overseas concertizing mainly in the U.S. and Canada, the Middle East and in Asian cities such as Hong Kong and Tokyo where there is a dense concentration of domestic workers.

Today, however, it is not unusual to read that Gary Valenciano or Martin Nievera hopped over to Paris, Switzerland, Italy and Spain to entertain show-biz-hungry kababayans.

A fortnight ago, Ogie Alcasid and Vina Morales played to a full house at the Carling Apollo Theatre in Hammersmith, London. Next, they proceeded to Malaga and on to Marbella, Spain for more SRO concertizing.

On Aug. 27, Ogie and Vina will cap their European tour with another sold out appearance at The Helix Mahoney Hall in Glasnevin, Dublin.

A local promoter told Vina he cannot imagine there are that many Pinoys in Ireland to warrant a show that is very costly to mount and therefore dicey in terms of investment return.

“You’ll be surprised,” Vina was heard to say.

Will Buble look up Kristine
during Oct. Manila gig?

Singing sensation Michael Buble makes his third appearance in Manila on Oct. 12 in the course of his U.S.-Australia Tour.

When the Canadian singer first came to the Philippines in September 2003, lovely Kristine Hermosa was said to have caught Michael’s eye. When he came back the following year for a show at the Philippine International Convention Center, Michael had known Kristine well enough to dedicate a number, “The Way You Look Tonight,” to the actress, who at the time had just broken off with Jericho Rosales.

Kristine and Michael quickly became cyber pals. They e-mailed each other on a regular basis enough for the press to concoct stories like how Michael would jet to Manila incognito to see Kristine.

Romance rumors quickly spread when Kristine announced she was immigrating to Canada. People speculated Michael was the reason for Kristine’s migration plans.

However, when Kristine started going out with Diether Ocampo, Michael promptly faded from her horizon. Nothing was heard again of her supposed romance with the singing idol.

But with Michael’s forthcoming appearance at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, many are wondering if he and Kristine are going to rekindle their cyber friendship. Will he look her up? Will she make time for him? Does he still like her and vice vera?

All of show business are intrigued and anticipating Oct. 12.

Noli returning to TV roots

Vice President Noli de Castro has been coaxed out of TV retirement by his old network, ABS-CBN.

Soon the masses will be reunited with their beloved kabayan when Noli returns hosting the once ratings-magnet “Magandang Gabi, Bayan.”

Noli left the show in 2003 to run for vice president. His daughter Katherine was picked to take over the program along with Erwin Tulfo. But the two failed to sustain Noli’s formidable ratings until it slid down almost to oblivion.

With the current rehabilitation sweeping at ABS-CBN, it was decided to bring Noli back and save the show from extinction. “Magandang Gabi Bayan” was the crown prince of the network’s lineup of hit shows back in the days when it was Number 1 in viewership.

As it makes a concerted effort to reclaim its Number 1 position, ABS-CBN thought no less of bringing Noli back to the small screen.

To make his presence really heartfelt among his beloved masa, Noli will also tackle radio. Over at the giant network’s radio division, Noli can be heard Saturday mornings dispensing wit and wisdom and everything else at DZMM. Cheryl Cosim is co-hosting.

E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph