Boyz II Men coming for show

The sad/bad news is that foreign artists have been shying away from the Philippines and cancelling shows at the last minute due to terrorist bombings, including Aaron Carter, Brian McKnight, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Oasis. That’s why we appreciate the pluck – and the guts – of other foreign artists like Kevyn Lettau and The Stylistics who believe that, no matter what, "the show must go on!" and ignored any travel advisory against coming to the Philippines (and other Asian countries) and proceeded with their shows as scheduled (with the Stylistics performing on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Casino Filipino in Parañaque City).

The situation is expected to improve by next year so expect the Valentine Season to sparkle with romantic shows topbilling not only local artists but also foreign ones, with the Boyz II Men leading the pack. Still considered one of the world’s top R&B group (and most-awarded at that), the Boys II Men will star in a concert on Feb. 14 at The Fort Open Field. The group’s repertoire will include its own well-loved hits like I’ll Make Love to You, End of the Road, One Sweet Day, Four Seasons of Loneliness, On Bended Knee, A Song for Mama, Water Runs Dry, Girl in the Life Magazine, Doin’ Just Fine and The Color of Love (the group’s latest single from its new 14-track album Full Circle).

The Boyz II Men is composed of Nathan Morris, Michael McCary, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris. They came together a decade ago while they were students at Philadelphia’s School for the Performing Arts, charting their career backstage at a New Edition concert, singing a cappella with New Edition member Michael Bivins.

The rest is history, with the Boyz II Men chalking up one hit after another, including Cooleyhingharmony; Christmas Interpretations; II; Evolution; Nathan, Michael, Shawn, Wanya and others. They have won awards from the Grammy, American Music Awards, World Music Awards – name any award-giving body and the group has won a trophy from it.

(Note: For ticket inquiries, call he SM Ticketnets at 911-5555.)

Welcome home, Rachel and family

Home for the holidays are Rachel Anne Wolfe (remember her?) and husband John Spitaletta with their three sons Trevor, Luke and Jake, plus Rachel’s son Max Calica by her ex-husband.

"I’m happily settled in New York," said Rachel who seems not to have grown a year older.

John is the president and owner of a top ad agency (Adventure Group) in New York.

Every now and then, according to Rachel, she performs in shows "out there," proving once again that once a showbiz star, always... Rachel was recently featured with the Hotdog, VST & Co. and Boyfriends in a concert called Manila Sound in Atlantic City. She was a Bb. Young-Pilipinas in 1984 before she joined showbiz as a singer-actress. One of her compositions is Kailan. She has performed at the Tokyo Hilton, Calesa Bar and other five-star-hotel venues.

You can catch Rachel all Fridays of December (the 13th, the 20th and the 27th) at Merk’s Bar Bistro (owned by her brother Richard Merk) where she performs with the Soul’d Out Band. Merk’s Bar Bistro is at the third level of Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City.