A tight sked for Backroom artists

Join the fun as Backroom artists continue to sing and jam for fans. A tight schedule awaits Star In A Million winner Erik Santos as he continues to do mall tours: SM Bacoor on Aug. 8, Ever Grand Central on Aug. 15, Ever Ortigas on Aug. 22 and Sta. Lucia East Mall on Aug. 29. These mall tours come in between his chore as co-host of Star In A Million (Saturdays) and ASAP (Sundays) on ABS-CBN.

On July 31, Erik joins Ai Ai de las Alas as special guest in the Recital Concert of the Students of Shining Stars of Guam. The special concert will be held at the University of Guam Fieldhouse.

Erik begins the provincial showcase of the Night of Champions, a concert held at the Araneta Coliseum last July 3. First stop is La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod on Aug. 6, and the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu on Aug. 7. Night of Champions returns to Araneta Coliseum on Aug. 13. Another out of town gig awaits Erik on Sept. 8 as he performs in the anniversary show of the First Quadrant Davao, at the CAP Development Center in Davao. Erik is also set to do campus tours.

Tonight, Ai Ai de las Alas headlines the anniversary show of Klownz Araneta. Ai Ai is one of the owners.

Ai Ai released her third album, Ang Tanging Ina Nyo, her first under Star Records. The album contains the carrier single, Ang Tanging Ina Nyo, among others. It is composed by Lito Camo. Several visits to the malls are scheduled for Ai Ai: SM North Edsa on Aug. 7, SM Bacoor on Aug. 14 and SM Manila on Aug. 28.

Ariel Rivera will start taping a new teleserye on GMA 7 titled Tears In Heaven. He shares stellar billing with Regine Velasquez and Richard Gomez. It is directed by Mark Reyes.

Dessa, who has spent time renovating her house in Antipolo, is back doing the rounds in corporate shows. Dessa’s throaty voice continues to amaze even corporate mavens. Calvin Millado’s quick wit and upbeat hosting style also makes him in-demand in corporate gatherings.

Rufa Mae Quinto plays triple roles in the teleserye Marinara on GMA 7. She is nurse Marie, Dolfina, the mermaid, and Ira, a nitwit socialite. She loves playing Marinara.

"I’m having the time of my life in Marinara. It is exhausting to play three different roles but I am enjoying every bit of it," says Rufa.

Rufa is also seen in Bubble Gang and Idol Ko si Kap. Both shows are on GMA 7.

The CompanY, now on its 19th year, is busy promoting its 13th CD titled Mahal Kong Radyo under Viva Records. Mahal Kong Radyo is a mix of brand new compositions alongside reinterpretations of some of the biggest hits on radio. Contained in the album are the carrier single, Hindi Na and new compositions, Kumusta Siya, Hopeless Romantic, the Eraserheads’, With a Smile, and Ang Huling El Bimbo, Side A’s, Forevermore, Aiza Seguerra’s Pagdating ng Panahon, Louie Ocampo’s and Martin Nievera’s You Are My Song, among others. The top vocal group is also seen at the Hard Rock Café every Thursday of August.

K and the Boxers have regular performances at the Soundstage on Tuesdays, Ratsky Malate on Thursdays, Ratsky Tomas Morato on Fridays and Klownz, Araneta on Wednesdays. Kakai Brosas, the K and only girl in the team is a mainstay of Idol Ko si Kap, Marinara and Kakabaka Ba. All shows are aired on GMA 7.

Aside from his regular teledrama Nginig on ABS CBN, Raymond Bagatsing is busy guesting in drama shows.

Amy Perez found a new avenue to her many talents as she goes dramatic in Ikaw Sa Puso Ko over GMA 7. She also hosts Diretsahan on ABC 5.

Drew Arellano is making waves as host in the TV shows Unang Hirit and All Together Now on GMA 7. He is also in Wazzup Wazzup on Studio 23.

Dominic Ochoa tries his hand at being entrepreneur with Thumbs Up Ice Cream, found in various malls in the city. He is one of the hosts of EK on ABS CBN.

Commercial model turned VJ host Bianca Gonzales is a regular in GCX TV on ABC 5, Y Speak with Ryan Agoncillo and Review Night. Joining Bianca in this generation show is Chase Tinio.

A new album is in the works for Ayen Munji-Laurel who had a successful concert at the FAT months ago. The album, titled Thankful, is under BMG Records and will be released in September. Its carrier single, Kailan Nga Ba is enjoying good airplay in radio stations. It is an all-original composition album with songs written by some of the country’s best-loved composers like Edith Gallardo, Babsie Molina, Moy Oritiz and Andre Castillo (of The CompanY), Arnel de Pano, Marc Lopez, Nini Regalado, Lito Villareal and Jose Villanueva.