Powerdance: 16...and dancing!

Douglas Nierras Powerdance celebrates its 16th anniversary with a concert titled Love Powerdance at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Aliw Theater in the Star City Complex on Roxas Boulevard. I do not know what Douglas has in store for dance lovers that evening but it certainly promises to be pretty exciting. That is if we are to go by what the press release says: "DNPD (means Douglas Nierras Powerdance) embarks on a momentous performance triggered by recent national events that proved to be unfortunate for Filipinos, many of whom are disheartened and discouraged."

Wow, recent events in the Philippines interpreted in dance! Knowing how Douglas works with all sorts of ideas and the way he has never allowed anything, that means anything, from aching limbs to shortage of funds, hamper his creativity, this concert will really be something to behold. For ticket inquiries and reservations call 633-6417 or check out the Powerdance office and studio at the 6th Floor of the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in EDSA corner Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong.

MTV Pilipinas Video Awards

The people have spoken and the votes have been counted. So here now are the winners in the 2003 MTV Pilipinas Video Awards, which were announced during a rousing party last Aug. 6 at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio. Viva Records emerged top winner with top contract artists Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid and Rivermaya getting the lion’s share of the awards. Warner Music came next with wins by Nina and Kamikazee.

Congratulations to the winners. As for all those music fans who took the trouble to vote, I hope your choices went home with the trophies. If not, make sure they do better next year. Here is the list:

• Favorite New Artist: Nina for Jealous

• Favorite Group: Rivermaya for Wag Na Init Ulo Baby

• Favorite Male Artist: Ogie Alcasid for Sana

• Favorite Female Artist: Regine Velasquez for Sa Aking Pag-iisa

• Favorite Song: Sa Aking Pag-iisa composed by Janno Gibbs and performed by Regine Velasquez. The video was directed by Louie Ignacio.

• Best Director: Avid Liongoren for Lucky by Kamikazee

• Best Video: Kamikazee, Lucky directed by Avid Liongoren

Ogie Triumphs

Incidentally, Ogie, who is also celebrating his 15th anniversary in show business this year, was also the top winner at the Aliw Awards held last Aug. 8 at ballroom of the Philippine Plaza. He was named Entertainer of the Year and Best Concert Act Male. Regine also won the Best Concert Act Female trophy while South Border was named Best Concert Act Group. Named as the Best New Female Artist was Nina with Nyoy Volante as Best New Male Artist and the Route ’70 as Best New Group.

Gary’s Show

Gary Valenciano’s concert titled Gary V Hits Music Museum which successfully opened last week, continues this weekend with shows tonight, Friday, Aug. 15 and tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 16. Now just in case you missed those, take note that you still have the chance to catch Gary in the other performances scheduled on Aug. 22, 23, 29, 30 and Sept. 5 and 6 in the same venue. Expect a nostagic evening as Gary V takes on the leading pop hits of the past 20 years, including many of his very own in the show which also features Pop Princess Kyla and other special guests.

Showtime is at 9 p.m. Call tel. no. 723-5593 or 722-7850 for tickets or visit the National Bookstore, Robinsons Department Store, Tower Records, Ticketworld outlets and the Music Museum box office.

Raymond’s Concert

Also set tonight, with another performance on Aug. 29 is the very intimate Raymond Lauchengco: The Romantic Lead at the Calesa Bar of the Hyatt on Roxas Boulevard. The actor of Bagets and singer of Saan Darating ang Umaga and just in case you don’t know, successful photographer has not been active in the local concert circuit for quite some time. But because this show is very special, he has agreed to return to performing. As the title says, it will be a most romantic evening. Raymond has lined up a repertoire composed mostly of old favorites, most especially Spanish love songs and songs from stage musicals.

I don’t think you need tickets for this one but just to make sure you get seats during the show, call the Hyatt for reservations or come very early tonight.