An inexpensive way to experience Vegas

There is an inexpensive way to experience Las Vegas clubbing. Down Boni Avenue at a place called the Venue Tower, is Club Mwah where you can see, feel and smell the air of Vegas. The only twist is that Club Mwah is run by Filipino entrepreneurs and the performers are truly Pinoys. As the Pinoy’s answer to Caesar’s Palace, Club Mwah bewitches and bedazzles not only with its performances but with its physical grandeur- relaxing yet energetic, classy yet affordable.

An amazing dance repertoire that is Broadway and Las Vegas inspired opens this year’s Club Mwah entertainment. Called Bedazzled 5, it offers new surprises never before seen in Club Mwah’s previous presentations. Who’s That Girl, Madonna’s hit song is turned into a spectacular production with beautifully gowned damsels wearing colorful masks. I Feel Pretty from the hit Broadway musicale West Side Story is fun as Club Mwah dancers make a spoof of the number. Marilyn Monroe’s Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend, is a full production where dancers actually hold a huge diamond. Little Mermaid and Titanic are made into comedic numbers. A delight to watch is the Samba suite reminiscent of the colorful Mardi Gras Festival in Rio de Janeiro. Queen Nefertiti is resurrected in the Egyptian tableau where a whole phalanx of slaves and soldiers dance against a giant Pyramid and Sphinx as backdrop. Liza Menilli’s Cabaret is given life by dancers who remind us of the glamorous ‘40s and ‘50s.

However, Club Mwah is not limited to "imported" performances. It will also showcase Filipiniana numbers – folk dances with the Vegas twist. "This is in addition to the Bedazzled 5 and Follies de Mwah. It’s like Bayanihan at Caesar’s Palace," says Pocholo Malillin, vice president and administrative officer.

It’s only the beginning of the year and great things are happening at Club Mwah. Recently, it was accredited by the Tourism Department as a Tourism Entertainment Club ( by virtue of Accreditation no. R-001-2006 pursuant to Exec. Order 120) given by DOT Undersecretary Atty. Oscar P. Palabyab. "Every establishment yearns for this," Pocholo explains. "And Club Mwah is the first awardee this year."

The stars of Club Mwah have been getting good reviews for their performances. They have a standing invitation to perform in Agana, Guam. There is also an on-going negotiation for a performance in Beijing, China. "Club Mwah dancers are crowd drawers," adds Pocholo.

Club Mwah opened in 2004 with amiable and enterprising owners Chris Nicolas and Pocholo. The duo dreamed of having a venue that will showcase Filipino talent and artistry. Club Mwah has been a recipient of three awards, all given during the first year of operation. It has also captivated Manila’s bar-going crowd even those whose club meters are exceptionally high.

Club Mwah has something for everyone. Guests who prefer to just relax and keep to themselves can stay at the Quiet Room where they can watch movies, sing-along, talk or listen to music of their choice. Club Mwah also hosts parties, launches, shows, concerts and plays.

Santana Roots in Manila

The classic sound of Santana will be performed before Filipino audiences by former Santana members in a concert billed Santana Roots In Manila at the Araneta Coliseum on April 7 and at the Clark Expo in Clark Field Pampanga on April 8. The concert is led by co-founder and original lead singer Gregg Rolie with former Santana players, Michael Carabello, Alphonso Johnson and Adrian Areas. Santana was the celebrated Latin rock band on the ‘70s led by Carlos Santana. Santana gave us the hit songs Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Evil Ways, Jingo, Soul Sacrifice and many more.

Rolie is recognized as the original voice of the band whose singing will be forever immortalized by his unforgettable lead vocals in the classic Santana hits, Black Magic Woman, Evil Ways, Oye Como Va and Everybody’s Everything. He traces his musical beginnings to the band despite parting ways with Santana some 34 years ago. In his Roots album, Rolie revisits the brew of sounds helped create in the ‘60s. He recalls his days with Santana as "an amazing time."

"We created something no one could fathom. It was about the rhythms and solos more than the songs. It was not Latin music, the blues – not any of the above. It was a combination of all of them," he says.

In his Roots album, Rolie admits he really wanted to go all the way back to his Santana roots. These roots were planted in the late 1960s and flowered in 1969, the year Santana’s self-titled debut album was released just weeks after the band gave an electrifying performance at Woodstock. Santana Roots will showcase the classic Santana of the Woodstock era. Tickets to Santana Roots In Manila are available at all SM Department Stores and Araneta Coliseum ticket office.