STAGES talents look forward to an exciting 2008

STAGES-managed talents Christian Bautista, Sam Concepcion, Aria Clemente and Cheska Ortega are looking forward to a hectic 2008 with new recordings, live concerts in the Philippines and abroad, stage musicals and television shows.

Christian Bautista, Consumers Choice Awards' 2007 Top Star Entertainer, ushers into the New Year with a major Valentine concert with fellow singing champions Erik Santos, Sarah Geronimo and Rachelle Ann Go at the Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 13.  Produced by ASAP Live and Viva Records, the concert billed as "Ol 4 Luv" is set to tour the United States and Canada.

Christian is currently selecting materials for his fourth album under Warner Music Philippines.  Christian's live album, "Christian Bautista Live!  Just A Love Song," is closely approaching the Double Platinum mark especially after the release of the repackaged Christmas edition of the album containing his remake of Gary Valenciano-original "Pasko Na Sinta Ko."

"The Christian Bautista Show," a musical talk show set to go on air on Makisig Network, will showcase the hosting abilities of the balladeer and multi-brand endorser.

Christian will also return to his musical theater roots when STAGES' major production of Broadway's beloved musical "West Side Story" raises its curtain at Meralco Theater by the third quarter of 2008.

Sam Concepcion, who is last seen in Regal Films' "Shake, Rattle and Roll 9" at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), continues to wear his new hat as the Department of Education's (DepEd) youth spokesperson. His team will visit more schools in Metro Manila and the provinces including Siena College Quezon City on Jan. 18, Rizal High School and Pinagbuhatan High School on Jan. 21, San Joaquin High School and Eusebio High School on Jan. 23, Sagad High School and Manggahan High School on Jan. 25.

Sam's debut album has been doing really well not only in the Philippines but internationally.  His carrier single, "Even If," made it to No. 1 spot on MegaMixx 101.9 FM, KTKB, in Guam on the week of Jan. 4.  Sam is poised at shooting another music video for this third single from his self-titled debut album under Universal Records.

World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Hollywood Hall of Fame titleholder, 12-year old Aria Clemente is working on her debut album tied up with Star Records.  Her music video, "Climb Every Mountain" from the Platinum awarded Kris Aquino album "Love and Inspiration," will soon premiere on Myx Music Channel.

Aria joins fellow WCOPA winners Raki Vega and Reymond Sajor and directors Carlo Orosa and Oliver Oliveros in touring the Philippines to audition talented Pinoys for 2008 WCOPA Team Philippines.

Aria, whose sweet singing voice was featured as the young Lea Salonga in the new Enfakid television commercial, will also star in afternoon soap operas on ABS CBN.

Sam and Aria will perform as special guests of Christian Bautista in a concert at Albay Astrodome in Legazpi City on Feb. 16. Christian will also hold concerts in Ormoc City on Feb. 15 and Dagupan City on Feb. 23.

Meanwhile, Cheska Ortega, one of the best finds in the local production of Disney's "High School Musical On Stage" will be co-managed by STAGES and Viva Artists Agency.  Eyed to be the next big star in 2008, Cheska is set to wax a studio album and do some acting chores on television and film.

Up and coming rock songwriter and singer, looker Greggy Santos also recently joined STAGES' growing stable of musical talents.

STAGES' talent group has been holding regular VTRs and auditions.  For booking inquiries or more information, you may call 818-1111 loc. 225, 0917-8011565, 0917-8822838 or email [email protected].  STAGES' office is located at Unit 606 Greenbelt Mansion, Perea Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.