QUEENS … ON FIRE... FIRST "MUST SEE" CONCERT OF 2005

By Nomar Hernandez

It's March. "Spring is nearly here." Winter is almost gone. The classic 1960's ballad "Spring in New York," composed by the British pop group D' Shadows, signals the start of the Filipino concert season. Beginning the concert series, Miss Lea Salonga, our most famous international star, performed in Atlantic City just a few weeks ago. On Sunday April 17, the two reigning Queens of Philippine entertainment, Miss Pops Fernandez and Miss Regine Velasquez will be performing together at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, in the Mark Etess five thousand seat capacity arena, Atlantic City's most prestigious performing center. Judging by the brisk sale of tickets, their dedicated fans are anxiously anticipating the concert. In three weeks, the VIP section sold out!

Pops and Regine are no strangers to the New York/ New Jersey area, having performed many times since the early 1990s, both in solo concerts and with other artists. Pops, together with concert King Martin Nievera, performed a Valentine show in NYC. The most recent snow storm reminded fans of the Valentine show in 1993 at the legendary Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan, where a major snow storm hit the city just two days before the concert. Yet more than 1500 fans showed up to enjoy and spend their Valentine's Day with the concert King and Queen.

Regine's first appearance in New York is a sentimental Cinderella story. Just twenty years old, she had a standing ovation reception at the prestigious Carnegie Hall produced by the Legarda/Martinez group, Lemar International. Henceforth she became known as the Lemar Baby. This was her first solo concert and her first appearance in the United States. Over the succeeding years, she appeared in several concerts with the same group, the most memorable in 1996 at the Beacon Theater with another great actor/singer Ariel Rivera. Her fans observed that Regine was extremely happy and jovial. She almost gave away the secret when they sang the duet composition of Jose Mari Chan and Regine's first big hit, "Please Be careful With My Heart". When they got back to Manila, the entertainment gossip columnists had a field day- the couple admitted they were indeed an "item." And where did all of this start, you guessed it, "Central Park."

It would not be difficult to entice their die hard fans to attend the show. But with the multitude of concerts, how does one choose which concert to attend if one has limited resources? More important, what should concert goers expect from the Queens concert? Certainly half of them must have seen Pops or Regine perform at some time in the past. Will this be another "Shindig" or "R2K"? Well, we do know what to expect from the Queens Concert, since they already had a preview concert at the Ultra, a two night "sold out" show. Excerpts from the show are documented by concert columnists and their fans' postings over the internet. Certainly each performer will display their vintage personalities, favorite and memorable songs, as well as their latest recordings. But bringing them together is not a simple union of two great performers, but more of a "one plus one equals three" formula. For one, the show is scripted and conceptualized for originality. Rowell Santiago, the stage director has scored another successful production and deserves much of the credit. There will be numerous production numbers, meaning Pops and Regine will be performing plenty of duets. With two queens, you need two musical directors. Homer Flores and Raul Mitra have arranged great numbers that incorporate the present trend of Pop and Hip Hop music. Anticipated songs include medleys by Destiny's Child, Beyonce, Christina Aguillera and Britney Spears to name a few. But they will also be paying tribute to Filipino composers during the OPM segments.

Both Pops and Regine together with the production staff have created a show that is foremost "Entertaining," which should be the main reason to attend a concert. In addition to the great music, all the fans were impressed and thrilled with the costumes, for it is a "de facto" fashion show. Pops, even with two children, still stunning, tall, beautiful, maintains her figure with daily workouts in the gym. Who keeps her in shape? I don't know but Martin's physical fitness instructor, Jackie Lou. And Regine, what a beautiful butterfly she has morphed into, classy, poised and charming, with an angel face of innocence. The public will be delighted to see them in different moods, from formal gowns to hip hop outfits, mini skirts and maybe "revealing clothes". One of Manila's favorite and top couturiers Rajo Laurel, has designed additional costumes for the Queens. This will be our Filipino version of "Full frontal fashion."

But this concert is not just two great voices standing idly on central stage and belting. Rather, as part of the total entertainment concept, concert goers can expect to see both performers do multiple dance routines. A special choreographer is accompanying the group and making adjustments for each individual stage and performance. A minimum of ten dancers will be assisting Pops and Regine in their interpretations. Those that attended Regine's concert last year at the Taj Mahal were treated to some great hip hop dancing by a local group of very talented dancers.

This concert will be an opportunity for the fans to get to know their idols more intimately. In a concert such as this, it is unavoidable for Pops and Regine to delve into their personal life. Questions about their love life will certainly be touched upon. Pops, rumored to have had admirers in the past, is now single. Lately, she has been spending much time with her ex-husband Martin Nievera and their two children. All four were seen together at the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Mahattan last November. And Regine, admits to only one real relationship. But who knows, perhaps she will finally reveal if she is still a v….

Great value? Certainly. Considering that comparable concerts now charge a top price of $200, and the Mega tour rumored to be $250, the Queens on Fire tickets are very moderately priced. Two superstars, the very popular young singer Erik Santos as Special Guest, a prestigious venue with top of the line sound and lighting, really a steal. This in line with StarMedia and Group Ole's philosophy of cost control and passing the savings to the fans.

The Queens …. On Fire is produced by StarMedia, the same group that brought "The Songbird and the Songwriter" last year and headed by Mrs. Ana Co Puno, president. On line producers for Atlantic City, Group Ole. Co-presenters are Express Padala, the Law offices of Michael Gurfinkel and Five Star RP Sea Cargo. Major sponsors are Perlas ng Silangan, Diamond Hut, Planet Philippines (New York edition) published by Carousel Pinoy.