Rock of Ages is back

I must say that Pinoys do bring something special to anywhere and anything they perform. This must be why Rock of Ages is back on stage for the third time. That’s right, the Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group production of the most fun jukebox musical ever created is playing once more and it is in a bigger venue, the Meralco Theater. Remember the first two stagings were at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Plaza. A move to a bigger venue and on the third time at that, means that the show is a huge success and that is good news for Filipino theater. With every successful show comes bigger and better ones.

The Meralco is not the only great thing about this production. Back as fading rock star Stacee Jaxx is MiG Ayesa. May I remind you that he played the same role in Rock of Ages on Broadway and I must say that he was infinitely better than Tom Cruise, who was Stacee in the movie version. He is a true rocker in every sense of the word and although now classified as Australian, MiG was actually born of Filipino parents in the Philippines.

Also back as the aspiring rock star Drew is singer/composer Nyoy Volante, who has become one of theater’s most versatile and dependable performers. He was a riot as Donkey in Shrek and it is nice to see him again in leading-man mode in Rock of Ages. I miss Vina Morales who played the naïve Sherie in the early shows, but it is nice to discover a sexy side to the pretty Kayla Rivera who took over the role.

You can still catch Rock of Ages at the Meralco this weekend. The whole merry cast is back. And so are those memorable rock tunes from the ’80s: I Wanna Know What Love Is, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, I Can’t Hide This Feeling Anymore and so many others. Call Ticketworld 891-9999 for tickets.

Meanwhile, here is good news for all you out there interested in watching the MTV Europe Music Awards but will not be able to stay up until 3 a.m. for the live telecast on Nov. 10. MTV Pinoy has issued the list of replays of the event that you can watch in comfort at the time and date of your convenience. The primetime premiere will be at 8 p.m. on Nov. 10. This will be followed by 11 p.m. on Nov. 11; 3 p.m., Nov. 12; 6:30 p.m., Nov. 13; 1 p.m., Nov. 15; and 6 p.m., Nov. 16.

The EMAs, which celebrates the hottest artists around the world of the moment, is always fun and star-studded. This year is no different starting with hip-hop diva Nicki Minaj as host. The performers include Enrique Iglesias, Calvin Harris, Charli XCX, Kiesza, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Slash, Paolo Nutini, Alicia Keys and others. British rock music legend Ozzy Osbourne, father of TV star Kelly Osbourne, will be honored with the Global Icon Award.

Vying for the ultimate musical honor of being chosen as the 2014 Worldwide Act EMA are Mohammed Assaf from Africa/India/Middle East; 5 Seconds of Summer from Australia/New Zealand; Revolverheld of Europe Central; Dawid Kwiatkowski of Europe East; One Direction of Europe North; Alessandra Amoroso of Europe South; B.A.P. from Japan/Korea; Dulce Maria from Latin America; Fifth Harmony from North America; and Bibi Zhou from Southeast Asia/China and Hong Kong/Taiwan. Our very own Sarah Geronimo was earlier named by the MTV EMAs as the Best Southeast Asian Act.

Now do take note of Thunderbird Rizal’s November line-up of fun and music: Thunderbird Resorts in Rizal offers a full schedule of fun, music and loads of prizes for this month. The rule is “The more you play, the more tickets you have. The more tickets you have, the more chances of winning.” This is because Thunderbird is set to give away one Hyundai Accent as grand prize at the raffle draw on Nov. 29; one cash grand prize in the amount of P700,000 on Nov. 15; and an additional P50,000 worth of cash as minor prizes. Draw time is at 9 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and 12 midnight on Nov. 15 and 29. 

As for the music bit, set to take the stage are The Juans today and on Nov. 21; Top Suzara tomorrow, Nov. 8 and Nov. 15; Filipinas Band on Nov. 10 and 24; Music Network, Nov. 11 and 25; Swerve, Nov. 12 and 26; Jek & Up, Nov. 13, 20 and 27; Sheng Belmonte, Nov. 14 and 28; Maria’s Project, Nov. 17; Chopstix, Nov. 18; and Big Night Out, Nov. 19. You can also catch the Videoke Kings composed of singing contest winners Jovit Baldivino, Marcelito Pomoy and Bugoy Drilon in a special show on Nov. 22.