• Kris-James wedding moved to Dec. 2006; • Queen coming for concert Feb. 2006

It’s official: The wedding of Kris Aquino and James Yap, originally scheduled Feb. 14 next year, has been moved to Dec. 2006. (The two have been rumored to have gotten married in civil rites last May but they haven’t confirmed it.) Reason given has something to do with Kris’ contracts with certain commercials that stipulate that she stay single during their effectivity.

Meanwhile, Kris and James may continue to enjoy their "single-blessedness."

Kris told Funfare that she might spend Christmas abroad – again. Except last year when she spent Christmas alone watching Love Actually on DVD. She spent the previous three Christmases in Hong Kong with son Joshua who can’t have enough of Hong Kong’s public transport.

"Joshua loves to ride the MTR, the double-deck buses, the taxi and the Star Ferry," said Kris. "And that’s what we usually do when we are in Hong Kong – ride the MTR, the double-deck buses, the taxi and the Star Ferry back and forth."

But this year, mother and son, and possibly James, will spend part of the holidays in Bangkok where Kris is shooting a commercial for a beauty product which she refuses to identify, saying she has long wished to be that product’s endorser. She has delayed her departure to Dec. 20 to give Joshua a chance to watch the Barney show at The Big Dome. A big Barney fan, Joshua plans to watch the show everyday for four days (with complimentary tickets).

"James might join us depending on the outcome of their next game," said Kris. "If their team wins, then he can go with us. If not, he’ll be ‘grounded’ as punishment."

Already, Kris has given her loved ones their Christmas gifts – a van for her mom, former President Cory Aquino (who at first refused to accept it), a 50-inch TV for sister Ballsy, Bench products for Noynoy and more than a dozen Converse shoes (all colors) for James, plus eight pairs of the same shoe brand for Joshua.

(Note: For more on Kris and her plans this Christmas and for next year, tune in to Showbiz Stripped on Saturday, Dec. 17, starting at 11:30 p.m. on GMA. Other guests are Zsa Zsa Padilla and Dolphy, and Albert Martinez and Liezl with their children.)

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One of the greatest rock bands of all time, Queen, continues to define rock sounds and rule over rock stars long after its larger-than-life frontman Freddie Mercury’s demise in 1991. Now, three decades after rocking countless concert stages worldwide, Queen mania burns hotter than ever both in record sales and yes, in sold-out concerts. Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic is the critically-acclaimed theatrical tribute band that has been captivating audiences worldwide with its spectacular take on the original band Queen.

And they’re coming to Manila on Feb. 29, 2006. Filipino music fans can look forward to watching what is dubbed as the closest tribute act to Queen. This news was confirmed by producers Francis Lumen and Concertus International’s Bambi Rivera-Verzo, the same group that brought to the country some of the hottest international performers like Michael Bublé, Russell Watson, Alicia Keys, BOND, Blue, Ja Rule, Ashanti and Maksim.

"The band has been performing to packed houses everywhere. And it will bring to Manila the music and the excitement of a Queen concert. Die-hard Queen fans and music lovers must see this one-of-a-kind tribute," says Verzo.

Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic Live! In Manila is the same musical act that has generated international buzz as it vividly recaptures the overwhelming experience of a Queen live concert – the flamboyant costumes, non-stop energy, outrageous surprises and dramatic play of lights and production design, all unequaled trademarks of Queen.

A production wonder work, the popular concert was based on the 1986 World Tour, Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic, and features 30 of the band’s greatest hits including the classics Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are The Champions, We Will Rock You and Another One Bites the Dust.

Local producers of the show told us that the Manila leg of the concert is expected to be one big entertainment spectacle, following the band’s sold-out concerts in Singapore in 2005. It promises more special effects, more theatrics, and more Queen magic. Indeed, it is the most sensational Queen tribute ever staged.

Here are more information about the band: Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic was formed in England in 1997 after excruciating auditions to find the right musicians to fill in the shoes of Queen legends. The group is composed of Craig Pesco as lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, Travis Hair as guitarist Brian May, Brett Millican as drummer Roger Taylor and Sean Nolan as bassist John Deacon. The band has toured internationally in sold-out concerts in the UK, Europe, Australia and Singapore.

No less than Peter Freestone, Mercury’s biographer, personal assistant and long-time friend, endorses the show as the greatest of all Queen covers. He says, "There are plenty of Queen shows out there but Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic recreated the magic of Freddie – live on stage." Queen’s original member Brian May was deeply impressed by the performance, describing it "brilliant."

The show’s main attraction is of course the highly-charged performance of Craig Pesco, who, as Queen frontman, magically brings to life Mercury’s presence onstage. This is no easy task, but Pesco achieves consistently show after show with an ingenious play on his physical looks, donning eccentric Queen costumes, a natural take on Mercury’s style and showmanship. But more than just reliving Mercury, Pesco’s own vocal power and artistic performance have elevated him as a respected musician in his own right.

Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic serves as a bridge transporting that mercurial euphoria to the present, giving fans everywhere the nearest thing to the bewitching experience of a Queen live concert. For those who were lucky enough to see the original band live, this is a chance to relive old memories. For those who weren’t, this is as close as you’ll get to the real thing.

(For ticket inquiries, reservations and show sponsorship, call Concertus, Int’l at 813-2612 or 813-2617.)

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