Have a bite of hotdog again

Few bands can claim to having influenced contemporary Philippine music as the Hotdog did. Three decades ago, it started dishing out one hit song after another – Manila, Pers Lab, Bongga Ka Day, Ikaw Ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, and Annie Batungbakal, resulting in what is called as the "Manila Sound."

Today, the band may no longer be active in the live entertainment scene but the Hotdog songs are inarguably immortal. The Manila Sound is still almost an obligatory part of any showband’s repertoire. They also continue to be revisited and retooled by younger music artists such as Vina Morales and Donna Cruz, whose recent hits include remakes of Hotdog originals.

"Of course, it’s very encouraging that a new generation of music artists are singing our songs," says Rene Garcia, who remains the moving force behind the Hotdog and its legacy. "Obviously, the attention we invested into the creation of every song before putting it out to the public back then continues to have its rewards in the fact that our work still interests a lot of people."

This is no more apparent than in Bandang Pinoy, Lasang Hotdog, the new album from BMG Records Pilipinas in which some of the hottest bands in the current music landscape cover some of the Hotdog’s seminal classics. The Eraserheads take a shot at Manila while Barbie’s Cradle does Langit Na Naman. There’s Cookie Chua doing Pers Lab, Parokya Ni Edgar covering Beh Buti Nga and True Faith reworking Ikaw Ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko. Aquarella, meanwhile turns coy and flirty in O Lumapit Ka, Ascolto grooves into Annie Batungbakal and Chill cranks up on Dying To Tell You.

According to Rene, he took a hands-off policy upon being told by BMG of its plans to do the retrospect album. "I was excited with the concept, of course, but I don’t want to influence the outcome of the album in any way, I was more interested in seeing what would come out of it, how the new bands would approach and interpret the Hotdog music."

And is he happy with the results? "Yes," Rene beams. "It’s an interesting piece of work. Aquarella, in particular did a fantastic cover of O Lumapit Ka. The Hotdog pus its own contribution to the album, with the original song, Bandang Pinoy.

Interest for the original Hotdog band members to get together for a reunion concert remains a dream, but Rene candidly admits it might be difficult to pull off. "After all, some of them have gone on to become vice-president of top corporations, and I’m sure there would have to be some compelling reason for them to take time off from work to regroup as a band. But of course, it could still happen."

In the meantime, there is Bandang Pinoy, Lasang Hotdog to whet the appetites of the old and new generation of Filipino music lovers. The album is now available in CDs and cassettes at record stores everywhere around the country.

Man of the Year Tourism search

The Search for the Man of the Year Philippines – Tourism 2002 is on! Herald Productions is looking for young men to compete in the first ever Man of the Year Philippines – Tourism.

The contest is open to single Filipino males between 18 to 25, residing in the Philippines or abroad. Candidates must have an athletic physique, good looks and a clear mind. He must also have experienced the beauty of the Philippines to give him credibility in promoting the country’s tourism. The search culminates at the PICC Plenary Hall on Dec. 2 with the awarding of the Man of the Year Philippines – Tourism. The winner will represent the country in the annual ASEAN Man of the Year Search in 2002.

For the preliminaries, 25 candidates will be chosen and they will go to Guimaras Island to compete among themselves in activities like steep road marathon, motor cross, river rafting, rowing, wind surfing, and outdoor wall climbing. They will also join activities that will prepare them for the big night where they will compete categories – athletic wear, swim wear, Filipino formal wear, and in an interview portion.

Herald Productions will also award 11 Filipino achievers in the following fields: Arts, Health, Business and Economics, Sports, Technology and Community Service.

Among the prizes at stake are Slimmer’s World membership, a movie contract, clothing and men’s accessories and a trip to Europe plus pocket money.

For more information visit the Man of the Year Philippines – Tourism Secretariat at Unit 302 CSP Bldg., Quezon Ave., Quezon City. For inquiries, call Arlene Jaime at 3726457, 3726494 and 5341761.