The return of Ella and other shows

Ella del Rosario, the original voice of the Hotdog’s Pers Lab and who was also the first Pinoy bossa nova diva with O Lumapit Ka and Disco Baby, Mr. Disco, is coming back to the Philippines. Ella has been living abroad for 22 years. I do not know what kept her away for so long but this sure is welcome news. It would be nice to see her again. Besides people still listen to her songs and would love to hear them again performed by the original artist.

Ella was this colegiala from Assumption Convent who broke the taboo against singing Tagalog songs. It was considered bakya to do so then. Remember that was the ’70s when a colegiala would just die if she was caught singing a Tagalog song or talking in Tagalog, save to the househelp. It was just baduy. But Ella not only sang in Tagalog, she mixed English and Tagalog words that were more colloquial than lyrical. Sales of the single Pers Lab and the album Unang Kagat was phenomenal and marked the beginning of the Manila Sound era in Philippine pop music. But after some hits, Ella decided to leave and make her home in the US.

Ella will have three homecoming concerts produced by Hotdog frontman and her discoverer, Dennis Garcia for the benefit of Bahay Maria. Titled Ella in Manila, these will be held on Dec. 14 at Strumms in Makati and at the Music Museum on Dec. 16 and 17. Ella will perform her hits plus several new songs composed by Dennis. Guesting will be the Dimsun Band. Tickets to the shows are now available at TicketWorld 899-9991 or 897-3047.

The 70s Superband’s show

Also out of the Manila Sound era is The 70s Superband. It is called such because it is made up of members of popular bands from the ’70s, the time considered the golden days of Filipino pop music. They were once part of those groups who came up with some of the most enduring examples of the Manila Sound. This started out as a hobby for friends who just wanted to perform. But because they proved to be so good, this hobby has turned into a fulltime gig.

They are Nonoy Tan and Rey Magtoto of Wadab (Pag Tumatagal Lalong Tumitibay); Monet Gaskell of VST&Company (Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko); Snafu Rigor of Cinderella (Bato Sa Buhangin); Mon Espia of Labuyo (Tuloy Pa Rin); and brothers Jun and Nitoy Mallilin of Abrakadabra (Bote Diyaryo).

Being the veteran performers they have become, the members of the 70s Superband know how to give their audience a good time. So all those who will watch them can count on a lot of rocking and dancing and swooning over all those memories. The next gig is at the Republiq Club at the Newport Mall at Resorts World. Janet Basco will also perform. Call 0917-8049421 for tickets.

Ely Buendia XL-Xtra Live

Former Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia is turning 40. Can you believe that? Time is really passing by and very fast because I still remember the time I first listened to Ligaya and Toyang and all those landmark E-heads tunes. Anyway, Ely is not about to just let this special day pass by without any funfare. That is why he is doing Ely Buendia XL-Xtra Live at 40.

Ely is having a concert party on Nov. 27 at the Republiq. This is by invitation only so start checking out friends who can get you into the venue. No need to despair though if you can’t find anybody with access. The show will air on Dec. 12 on GMA 7’s Sunday Night Box Office. Ely is set to perform his popular songs and unreleased materials and there will be lots of special guests, most especially people that have been part of his career. For all you know there might even be an impromptu E-heads reunion.

Countdown to Ugat

The countdown continues and fans are getting more and more excited as there are now only nine days to go until the big day. I am referring to Ugat the Concert, starring the legends of Pinoy Folk Rock, which will be held at the Araneta Coliseum on Dec. 3.

Set to perform their classic songs are the Juan dela Cruz Band of Pepe Smith, Mike Hanopol and Wally Gonzales; Sampaguita; Lolita Carbon of Asin; Heber Bartolome and Banyuhay; Gary Granada; Noel Cabangon and back from years in the US, Florante. Tickets to Ugat The Legends of Pinoy Folk Rock are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets and at the Araneta Coliseum. Prices are Patron A, P2,500; Patron B, P2,000; Lower Box, P1,500; Upper Box A, P1,000; Upper Box B, P600; and General Admission P300.