Original Side A line-up in online benefit show
Side A is reuniting for an online benefit show titled “Calesa Side A Redux,” tomorrow, slated at 11:30 am and 9:30 pm.
The show will feature the line-up of Side A that recorded their self-titled debut album in 1989 under Ivory Records: brothers Rodel (lead vocals and saxophone) and Naldy Gonzalez (keyboards), Mar Dizon (drums), Joey Benin (bass), Pido Lalimarmo (guitar), and Kelly Badon (guitar).
“It’s amazing how there’s a lot of people that used to watch us at the Hyatt Calesa Bar that are now professionals and have remained loyal to us,” observed Rodel who now lives in Florida, USA. “For example Ateneo Batch ‘88. These were college students back in the day when they were watching us. Now they paved the way for us, and sponsored us for our first ever virtual concert.”
The proceeds will go to charitable institutions that are sponsored by Ateneo de Manila University college Batch ’88.
Side A was formed in 1985 when members of Filipino bands performing in Singapore returned to Manila and found themselves jamming together. By 1987, they were mainstays in the old Hyatt Manila’s popular Calesa Bar and Lounge where they performed seven days a week. It was during one packed show at the Hyatt where the band was spotted by Bert de Leon, the director of “Eat Bulaga,” “Sharon Cuneta Show,” and “Bubble Gang,” to name a few, and became a big fan. He offered to help the band secure a recording contract and that turned out to be with Ivory Records.
Included in that first album were songs like “Di Pa Huli,” “Windows of our Souls,” and “Eva Marie.” When Rodel and Mar left in 1990, Joey Generoso and Benjie Mendez to joined the band and wrote hits like “Hold On” to “Forevermore” that made them a household name in the country.
“Why a Side A reunion online concert?” asked Ateneo Batch ’88 representative JP Cariño. “Because many of us frequented the Calesa Bar to listen to Side A that has since gone on to become one of the premier bands in the Philippines. We are sure that even younger audiences who watch this online benefit will enjoy.”
Tickets are at P1,000 and can be purchased at carlopacific.com or ktx.ph.
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While we still await when cinemas will be allowed to open under the new normal, lawyer Ferdie Topacio, owner of Borracho Film Productions, is still hopeful that “Mamasapano,” the initial offering of the new outfit, will get the chance to be shown in moviehouses.
The movie is directed by Lawrence Fajardo and has an all-star cast that includes Edu Manzano, Claudine Barretto, Aljur Abrenica, Gerard Santos, Rey Abellana, and L.A. Santos, among others.
Atty. Topacio said the film is a commitment to the families of the fallen soldiers. The story was based on the news reports and the result of the Senate inquiry. He said the story was based on facts and deserves to be seen by all. While he is open to the idea of streaming, Atty. Topacio would love to see the film shown in cinemas since it is best seen on the wide screen.
It was only Edu who was present at the movie’s presscon last Monday. Edu said the movie is very factual and is not taking any sides. The film just wants to present what really happened on that fateful day when 44 gallant men died in the line of duty.
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