The smash-hit two-night concert of Celine Dion at the MOA is another feather in the cap of Renen de Guia’s Ovation Productions which has produced the concerts of several other big international artists in Manila. Renen and wife Celina’s son Bogie handles the company’s production, road management and security.
“I take my hat off to Bogie for being a genius in putting up a show,” said ex-actor Joed Serrano who, unknown to many people (including some of his friends), was a co-producer of Celine’s concert but requested Renen and Celina (Cel) not to put his company’s name (Joed Presents) on the ads and in the press releases for reasons that Joed would rather not disclose.
“Aside from Smart, PLDT and Sunlife, I want to thank Renen and Cel whom I hold in high esteem,” added Joed. “I have other people to thank for saving me, like Tito Boy (Abunda, photo), Ms. Kelly, Bebs, Twinny Gracey, Te Cors, Louie, Ryan and Flor Santos (the mother of singer L.A. Santos). They know what for.”
Joed related that a few days before the finalization of Celine’s contract, his company was faced with a “problem” and it was Boy who came to his rescue. (Ovation met its obligation without delay.)
“Tito Boy saved me,” confessed Joed who related the long story which Funfare cannot detail here. “He referred me to a lady who is his good friend. She’s none other than Flor Santos who trusted me even if we were being introduced for the first time. Flor is behind Dreamwings Entertainment which was also part of the Celine Dion production.”
With the “problem” solved, Celine’s two-night concert proceeded without a hitch despite the nasty weather. Celine came from Taipei and from Manila she flew on her private plane to Bangkok. Her concert covered four other Asian cities.
“I consider Celine’s concert my most challenging so far and I have no regrets,” continued Joed who has also co-produced concerts of such international artists as Katy Perry, James Ingram, The Jonas Brothers, Boyzone, Michael Learns To Rock, Korean singer Psy (Gangnam Style), American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias, Pentatonix, Snow Patrol and Lifehouse.
Joed also produced the concerts of local artists like Vice Ganda, Alden Richards, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Jaya, Pops Fernandez, Jessa Zaragoza, Lani Misalucha, Ogie Alcasid, Ai-Ai delas Alas and Sharon Cuneta (including her forthcoming concert in Davao City with L.A. Santos as featured singer).
An alumnus of German “Kuya Germs” Moreno’s That’s Entertainment, Joed quit showbiz to become a concert producer — and he never looked back.
“Had I continued being an actor,” he said with a big smile, “I would have been a bold star. Tito Robbie (Tan of Seiko Films) wanted to cast me in one of his ST (Sex Trip) movies.”
St. Philomena feast set for August 2 to 11
Reminder for showbiz folks who are St. Philomena devotees: The Universal Living Rosary Association and Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena are reminding them and everybody else to attend the novena in honor of St. Philomena on Aug. 2 to 10 preparatory for her feast on Aug. 11 at the Santuario de Santa Philomena, Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Del Monte Avenue, Malac Street, Masambong, Quezon City. Novena prayers are scheduled at 6 p.m. and Mass at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and at 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Celebrants are Bishops Melrey Uy of Lucena, Renato Mayugba of Laoag, Enrique Macaraeg of Tarlac, Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong, Leopoldo Jaucian of Bangued, Deogracias Iñiguez, Jr. (Emeritus) of Kalookan, Abel Apigo of Mati, Filomeno Bactol (Emeritus) of Naval, and Ernesto Salgado (Emeritus) of Nueva Segovia on Aug. 2 to 10, respectively. There will be a solemn procession at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11, and Masses at 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., then at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Celebrants are Rev. Fr. Alvin Soriano, Rev. Fr. Michell Joe Zerrudo, Rev. Fr. Orlando Aceron and Rev. Fr. Rey Hector Paglinawan, respectively.
The highlight of the special occasion is the 12 o’clock noon Mass by His Excellency, Bishop Florentino Cinense, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Tarlac.
There will be anointing of the Holy Oil and veneration of the Holy Relics of St. Philomena after each Mass.
Fr. Orlando Aceron, O.P. and Fr. Michell Joe Zerrudo are spiritual directors of the Universal Living Rosary Association and Universal Archconfraternity of St. Philomena with address at 430 Mayon Street, Quezon City.
(For details, text 0918-547-0605 or call landline 365-1011.)
(E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)