May is nostalgic with Hotdog and Air Supply

We have always been suckers for old songs and this is why we like watching the concerts of hitmakers from 30 or 40 or even 50 years ago. We want to hear our favorite songs performed live by the original artists while reliving our memories.

There is nothing like feeling young again and this summer is shaping up into one of the most nostalgic ever. The Manila Sound pioneer, the Hotdog is doing a reunion concert and the Aussie hitmaker Air Supply will be back in town for the umpteenth time to do a series of shows.

These are two instances wherein I can say that the years have only served to enhance the singing, the music and the energy of the performances. Hotdog and Air Supply can still cut the rug in more ways than one and it would be nice for us to be there to watch them do it. 

It was in March of 1980, 30 years ago, when we first heard of Air Supply and the song Lost In Love. Some more hits later, Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell, the guys of Air Supply, came to perform here for the first time. A lot of fans came to watch. They liked the duo’s rock ballads. Russell and Graham also liked it here. And that was how including a Manila stop in their tours became a regular thing.

I do not know how many times Air Supply has performed here. There have been so many. Given how often they go on tour, I do not think Russell and Graham also have any idea of how many times they have been here. There must be fans out there, who keep count of the group’s visits. But even if there isn’t, I do not think it matters to them how many times Air Supply has been here as long as these guys promise to keep singing their hit songs.

Hotdog now: (front row, from left) Joy Reyes, Maso Diez, Gina Montes and Rita Sagun-Trinidad; (back row, from left) Dennis Garcia, Rene Garcia and Jess Garcia.

 These are why their Pinoy fans keep going back to their concerts, year in and year out. Even The Nights Are Better, All Out Of Love, Two Less Lonely People In The World, Every Woman In The World, The One That You Love, Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You), Making Love Out Of Nothing At All, Goodbye, Without You, Stronger Than The Night, and others.

So brace yourselves for this concert series and watch Air Supply in the nearest venue. Steve O’Neal Productions has announced that Air Supply Tour 2011 will be at the following places: University of Baguio on May 11; Aliw Theater in Parañaque on May 12; and Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu and CCC Recreation Gds DAS in Toledo City on May 13 with the Hyatt Hotel & Casino joining sponsors Star TV, Star World, Business Mirror, MS for Men, Hard Rock Café and RJ 100.3 FM. Get your tickets now.

Meanwhile, it will be the grandest Hotdog reunion ever on May 16 at the grand ballroom of the Dusit Thani Manila. Prepare to dance and do lots of reminiscing with Hotdog hit songs like: Pers Lab, Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko, Bongga Ka ‘Day, Annie Batungbakal, Beh Buti Nga, Panaginip, Bitin Sa Iyo, Langit Na Naman, O Lumapit Ka, Manila and lots more.

Pers Lab, the first Hotdog hit, dates back to the early ’70s and is also the very first hit of the Manila Sound era. I can rightly say it not only started a trend, it began a revolution. Hotdog led by Dennis Garcia and with Ella del Rosario on lead vocals, made the inconceivable happen, Tagalog lyrics of the young, colloquial variety fused with a western pop melody. Lots more of the same followed in its wake and Filipino pop music enjoyed its most successful decade.

That time, sadly, is now in the past. We need another Hotdog in these dire times for Filipino music. But there is no need to mope while waiting for that savior when the original is still very much around. And I mean truly original because this one night only event marks the biggest Hotdog reunion yet.

Set to perform are leader and bassist Dennis Garcia; lead guitarist and vocalist Rene Garcia; drummer Jess Garcia; and lead vocalists over the years, Joy Reyes, Maso Diez, Gina Montes and Rita Sagun-Trinidad.

Tickets, which include dinner, drinks and dancing, are now available at the Dusit Thani Manila concierge. For details, call 886-6186; 0915-3598228; or 0921-2931784. Special group rates are offered to those barkadas, association, classes, etc. who will hold their own reunions during the show. This is a project of Diva! Incorporated.