Make way for Imelda, Il Divo and Monique Lhuillier Anton San Diego Inquirer
November 12, 2006
IL DIVO—LIVE IN Manila. It’s finally happening: Il Divo, the group that has broken all the rules and has taken opera into the global mainstream, is coming to Manila on Jan. 20, 2007. This surely is the best way to greet the new year!
Il Divo is currently on a US tour with no less than legendary diva Barbra Streisand, who handpicked them to be her opening act. In a USA Today interview Streisand said, “It’s like having ‘The Four Tenors’ but the four young, hot tenors. They’re cute and they have beautiful voices. What more could you ask for?”
The group is composed of four handsome and talented men, namely American tenor David Miller, French tenor Sebastien Izambard, Swiss tenor Urs Buhler and Spanish baritone Carlos Marin.
And for those who can’t wait for January, the good news is that their third album, “Siempre,” is scheduled for global release on Nov. 27. The album features Il Divo’s amazing takes on classics including “Somewhere,” which they are currently performing in Streisand’s tour. Also featured are four brand new tracks: “Come Primavera,” “La Vida Sin Amor,” “Una Noche” and “Tell That To My Heart,” as well as an adaptation of John Miles’ “Music,” which he especially rewrote for the guys who have performed it with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Il Divo will perform at the PICC Plenary Hall on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. This one-night-only show is almost sold out, so reserve your seats now. Don’t be a predictable Pinoy and wait for the last minute to get your tickets, because this one will go fast.
And here’s an added treat: If you sign up with Smart Infinity Plan P5,000, you will get a Nokia N73 and two VIP tickets to the concert. Interested parties may call the Smart Infinity Hotline numbers at 8488889/06.
This event is presented by Smart Infinity, in cooperation with Sun Life Financial and Rado Watches of Switzerland. Also brought to you by Philippine Tatler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Tune in to 92.3 Joey for more details on how to get your hands on these exclusive invites. Call Concertus Inc. at 8172431 or 8132617.
Imelda Marcos—the next fashion star? Guess who’s joining the fashion bandwagon. None other than former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who’s all set to launch a fashion jewelry and accessories collection on Nov. 18 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
Spearheading the launch is daughter Rep. Imee Marcos and grandson Borgy Manotoc. There is an interesting shot of Mrs. Marcos lying on a divan being photographed by Borgy’s team; she is wearing the accessories line called the “Imelda Collection.”
The prices, according to the jewelry line spokesperson, will not be “Imeldific,” but will range from P1,000-P5,000. Will shoes be next? According to Imee, “Not yet!”
“Sex and the City” the movie. “Grey’s Anatomy” still ranks high in my books as the best TV series today. There was a time, however, when “Sex and the City” ruled it over the lunch talks, TV and cellphone waves. The ladies (Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis) have since been doing their own thing, but here’s good news for those who miss the series: The foursome are reuniting to do “Sex and the City,” the movie.
The reunion movie has taken a long time to come together, since there were reports that Kim Catrall (Samantha) did not want to do the project. But all kinks have been ironed out and shooting is slated for early next year.
TNT top choices for November: TV series—“Brothers and Sisters.” After “Grey’s Anatomy,” this is my favorite TV series. The show, only on its first season (it’s yet to be shown in Manila), revolves around the Walker family. It’s a take on a 21st century family and how the children deal with their parents as well as their own personal struggles and triumphs. The show is headlined by no less than Sally Field and Calista Flockhart of “Ally Mcbeal” fame.
Magazine—Vogue Living. Out now in newsstands is US Vogue’s latest offering, Vogue Living, which for its first issue has Jennifer Lopez on the cover. The bi-annual magazine edited by Hamish Bowles is about homes, gardening, entertainment, interiors, etc. It also includes international trends, beautiful homes around the world, and has the Vogue imprimatur that makes it a notch above other interior magazines. It’s the perfect addition to the list of reads of every stylish woman who wants only the best!
CD—Josh Groban’s “Awake.” I recently received an advance copy of Josh Groban’s third album courtesy of Warner Music Philippines, and I am mesmerized. Josh ups the bar several notches with beautiful music, lyrics and, of course, that voice that has captivated the world. The album is out in all fine record outlets, so make sure you get it.
Monique Lhuillier gala fashion show tonight. This is surely the most awaited event of the year. The pride of the Philippines, international fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, comes home and presents her acclaimed Spring/Summer 2007 RTW and bridal collection tonight at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
Lhuillier, who arrived last Sunday, has been busy with presscons, fittings and choosing the models for tonight’s event. Last Wednesday, she received a national merit award from President Arroyo, who I hear will be attending the show tonight.
From the first time we featured her in this column about two years ago, to the first interview and photo shoot for the Philippine Tatler in August 2005, we have reported on this woman’s accomplishments which have made the country proud.
Tonight is a culmination of all the expectations, and once again, I am sure we can all be proud of this talented Filipina. To Monique, Tom, Michel and Amparito and the Lhuillier family, congratulations!
E-mail antonsd@philtatler.com
Previous Columns: Monique Lhuillier designs Bride Barbie – 06/25/06 Cartier’s Love Day and Jarlath Lynch’s adieu – 06/17/06
