Tower of Power Live in Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The much-awaited Manila performance of Tower Of Power is finally happening September 7, 2018 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to be mounted by Ovation Productions. The triple bill event also features Dennis Lambert and Kalapana.

Tower's musical odyssey actually began in 1968 when Emilio Castillo met Stephen "Doc" Kupka in July of that year. When Doc auditioned during a band rehearsal at Emilio's house, Emilio's father called him into the kitchen and offered the following advice: "Hire that guy, he's got something." This was how Doc and his signature baritone sax came to be a major part of the band’s sound, and on August 13, 1968, Tower of Power, as we know them today, began playing gigs, and soon became very well known in the area.

Many other bands came out of the San Francisco Bay area in the late 60's. Bands like The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Journey, and others all helped to define the "San Francisco Sound." Tower of Power has always claimed Oakland, California as their hometown, playing area venues and making a name for themselves.

Tower of Power was signed to Bill Graham’s San Francisco records and their first album was East Bay Grease. All of the compositions were original tunes written by Castillo and Kupka. Their next album, Bump City, led to a string of hits and memorable albums that include many of the songs that TOP fans come out in force to hear, even to this day. Over the years, the Tower of Power Horns have recorded with hundreds of artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with Tower’s musical DNA.

Since the beginning, Tower of Power has never stopped touring and recording. Always in demand, the band never fails to entertain and amaze their fans. Tower is truly blessed to have a dedicated following that often travels to see the band, and in many cases fans will plan their vacation or work schedule around an appearance of TOP. New generations of fans come to see them perform as their timeless music continues to excite fans of all ages.


DENNIS LAMBERT

Another featured performer in this September 7, 2018 Smart Araneta Coliseum event is songwriter-producer and singer Dennis Lambert. Dennis’ album Bags and Things was very popular in the Philippines in the early 1970s and contained hit songs Of All the Things, Ashes to Ashes, Somebody Found Her Before I Lost Her, and So Little Time. He also either co-wrote and/or produced huge 1970s hits for other singers like Ain't No Woman Like the One I've Got for the Four Tops, Rhinestone Cowboy for Glen Campbell, Hard Core Poetry and She’s Gone for Tavares, Baby Come Back for Player, Love Music for Sergio Mendes & Brazil ’77, Dream On and Rock and Roll Heaven for The Righteous Brothers which revived the duo's recording career in 1974. In the 1980s, Lambert continued to write and produce alone under his Tuneworks banner. Credits include hits Nightshift for The Commodores, We Built This City and Sara for Starship, I Live For Your Love and Pink Cadillac for Natalie Cole, and Moment Of Truth for Survivor. Lambert was the subject of an award-winning feature-length documentary film, Of All the Things, directed by his screenwriter son Jody Lambert, which followed him on a cross-country tour of the Philippines promoted by Ovation Productions.


KALAPANA

As for Kalapana, they emerged as one of the most popular bands on the Hawaiian music scene in the 70s, and is much loved by Filipinos for their songs,Nightbird, The Hurt, You Make it Hard, and When the Morning Comes. They still enjoy frequent airplay in Manila’s top radio stations until today. Kalapana received the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Ovation Productions took them on a Philippine Tour back to back with the band America in 2012.

It will truly be a thrill for Filipino music lovers to see all three of their favorite artists perform together in one evening of retro music at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It certainly cannot get any better than this!

Tower of Power 50th Anniversary Tour featuring Dennis Lambert and Kalapana is produced by Ovation Productions. Media partners are FOX, FOXLife, FOX Filipino, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Wish 107.5, 97.9 Home Radio, DWIZ 882, DWWW 774, DZXL 558, 96.3 Easyrock, iFM 93.9, Philstar.com, Inquirer.net, Mb.com.ph, Manilascope, LionhearTV, Manila Concert Scene, Philippine Concerts, and Soundcheck Manila. Ticket Prices are P5250/ P4750/ P3750/ P2750/ P1750/ P750. Tickets available via www.ticketnet.com.ph and regular TicketNet outlets or call TicketNet +632 911-5555 or Ovation Productions +632 532-8883.

OFFICIAL TVC FOR SHARING:https://www.facebook.com/ovationproductions/videos/1884578951562374/

DOE Taps More Media for Greater Public Understanding of the Energy Sector

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ENERGY 101: Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella delivers the keynote address on behalf of Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi during the E-Power Mo: Energy 101 for Media last July 23 in Tagaytay City.

Creating advocates for energy programs and initiatives, the Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) gathered members of the media in CALABARZON for the E-Power Mo: Energy 101 held at the Hotel Dominique last Monday, 23 July.

Substantial reporting of energy-related issues requires at least a basic understanding of the industry. Thus, the seminar provided an overview of energy concepts, including the Department’s policies and programs.

“The reason we hold these forums is to broaden the awareness on the Department’s role in nation building, if not, to clarify the DOE’s role in the energy sector in order to correct any misconceptions about its capacity as a policy making body,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi in his keynote speech delivered by Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella.

Usec. Fuentebella noted that the DOE values the role of the media as its partner in the dissemination of information about the Department’s policies and programs.

However, he pointed out that there are only a handful of economic writers and even fewer who specialize in energy concerns who could enlighten the public on crucial issues.

With the conduct of such seminars, the DOE hopes to narrow the understanding gap by simplifying energy-related technical terms for better and wider reader appreciation. 

Among the topics discussed were energy efficiency and alternative fuels and technology, introduced by DOE Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy and presented by Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Jesus T. Tamang, the downstream oil industry explained by Director Rino E. Abad, and the power industry simplified by Usec. Fuentebella.

A total of 83 participants from print, radio and TV operating in region IV-A attended the seminar.

This event is part of the E-Power Mo movement, which continues to educate stakeholders and consumers alike for a more advantageous utilization of energy information.

The next Energy 101 for members of the media will be held on 15 August in Iloilo City. A session for the Mindanao media group will likewise be held on 16 October in Cagayan De Oro.

OTHER PHOTOS:

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES: Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy talks about the importance of Energy Efficiency and the use of Alternative Fuels and Energy Technology to help update members of media. Promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles is among the current thrusts of the DOE in relation to energy sustainability.

MEDIA AND THE ENERGY SECTOR: The CALABARZON media group with DOE officials at the successful conclusion of the E-Power Mo: Energy 101 for members of the media on 25 July 2018 in Tagaytay City.

Kevin Belingon Domonates Martin Nguyen to Win One Interim Bantamweight World Championship

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), electrified the packed Mall of Asia Arena with another evening of authentic world-class martial arts action. The state-of-the-art showground played host to ONE: REIGN OF KINGS, featuring the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent. In the main event, hometown hero Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of Baguio City, Philippines overcame a stiff challenge from two-division ONE World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen, winning by unanimous decision to claim the ONE Interim Bantamweight World Championship.

In the main event of ONE: REIGN OF KINGS, Filipino dynamo Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon derailed Martin Nguyen’s goal to become a three-division world champion by outclassing the ONE Featherweight and Lightweight World Champion with his striking superiority. With his hometown crowd cheering behind him, Belingon effortlessly picked Nguyen apart in the stand-up, jolting the two-division titleholder with stunning left hooks and perfectly-executed spinning back kicks. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Belingon to win by unanimous decision after an intense five-round affair, bringing home the ONE Interim Bantamweight World Championship.

Kevin Belingon, ONE Interim Bantamweight World Champion, stated: “I can’t explain this feeling, I’m the happiest athlete tonight. Thank you to all the people who came out to support me, and of course to ONE Championship, my team, my coaches and trainers, and my teammates. To Martin [Nguyen], it was an honor fighting you. You’re such a great athlete and champion. I trained very hard for this fight, just to get this belt. I’m proud to be a champion representing the Philippines. My friend Bibiano [Fernandes], I respect him as a champion, but we’re in the same weight class and I’m the top contender. So there is no escape in facing me. I hope you recover fast and we can make the fight this year.”

In the co-main event of the evening, former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki of Japan smoothly steered to a first-round stoppage victory over Thai martial arts superstar Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai. It quickly became the beginning of the end for Wiratchai just minutes into the first round, as he was effortlessly taken down by Aoki. On the mat, Aoki barely gave Wiratchai room to breathe, raining down a torrent of punishing elbows that compelled the referee to step in and call a halt to the contest. The victory earned Aoki GoDaddy Knockout of the Night honors.

Brazilian legend Renzo Gracie made a triumphant return to mixed martial arts competition after eight long years, having his hand raised in victory at the expense of Japanese martial arts pioneer Yuki Kondo. Following a lengthy feeling-out process between the two grizzled veterans in the first round, Gracie shifted gears in the second frame and immediately drove his foe to the mat. Taking Kondo’s back, Gracie fastened a wrenching rear naked choke with no hesitation, which left his opponent no choice but to tap.

Hometown hero Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of Baguio City, Philippines turned in another complete performance, earning a unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten Aziz Pahrudinov of Russia. Folayang operated behind a relentless stream of leg kicks that left Pahrudinov hampered throughout the three-round contest. Connecting on his combinations with laser-like precision, Folayang dominated the bout as the three judges sitting cageside awarded him the victory.

International grappling superstar Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon of the United States was successful in his second appearance in the ONE Championship cage, defeating Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju of India via submission in round three. After testing his striking abilities for the majority of the first two rounds, Tonon went back to his strengths in the third, taking the action to the canvas where he fastened a deep rear naked choke to seal the deal.

After falling short in his ONE Super Series debut two months ago, two-time Muay Thai World Champion Chris Ngimbi sought the redemption that he desired, edging out Armen Petrosyan via split decision in their three-round catch weight kickboxing showdown. Although Petrosyan kept himself aggressive all throughout the contest, Ngimbi landed the more telling blows from bell to bell, which was enough to persuade two of three cageside judges to score in his favor.

In a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest, former ONE Warrior Series entrant Panicos Yusuf of Cyprus earned a unanimous decision victory over Han Zi Hao of China after a gruelling three-round affair. Operating behind a sound game plan and well-placed strikes, Yusuf countered Han consistently with a myriad of combinations off the back foot. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Yusuf.

Former ONE World Title challenger Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines notched his third-straight victory, authoring a spectacular submission victory over rising Thai superstar Pongsiri Mitsatit in the first round. After an emphatic slam to the canvas, Pacio finished the job with a straining armlock, leaving Mitsatit with no other choice but to tap.

Former Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai of Thailand showcased his world-class striking skills, defeating challenger Brown Pinas of the Netherlands via unanimous decision. Making his ONE Super Series debut, Chamuaktong dazzled, putting his treacherous Muay Thai clinch game on full display, while connecting on a plethora of elbows and knees from close quarters. All three judges scored the bout in favor of Chamuaktong after three rounds.

Filipino martial arts veteran Rene Catalan emerged as an early crowd favorite, bringing the Mall of Asia Arena crowd to their feet with a rousing performance. Over the course of three rounds, Catalan exhibited dynamic striking, feints, sweeping low leg kicks, and a powerful left hook that had highly-regarded opponent Stefer Rahardian of Indonesia in trouble on multiple occasions. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Catalan to win by unanimous decision.

Kicking off ONE: REIGN OF KINGS was Chinese featherweight sensation “The Stalker” Xie Bin. After a brief grappling exchange on the mat, Xie made quick work of Cambodia’s Sor Sey, finishing with a deep guillotine choke that put his opponent to sleep early in the first round.

Official results for ONE: REIGN OF KINGS

ONE Interim Bantamweight World Championship bout: Kevin Belingon defeats Martin Nguyen by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 5 rounds

Lightweight bout: Shinya Aoki defeats Shannon Wiratchai by TKO (Strikes) at 2:16 minutes of round 1

Welterweight bout: Renzo Gracie defeats Yuki Kondo by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:40 minutes of round 2

Lightweight bout: Eduard Folayang defeats Aziz Pahrudinov by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Lightweight bout: Garry Tonon defeats Rahul Raju by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:27 minutes of round 3

ONE Super Series (Muay Thai) Catch Weight (72.5kg) bout: Chris Ngimbi defeats Armen Petrosyan by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds

ONE Super Series (Muay Thai) Bantamweight bout: Panicos Yusuf defeats Han Zi Hao by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Strawweight bout: Joshua Pacio defeats Pongsiri Mitstatit by Submission (Armlock) at 3:37 minutes of round 1

ONE Super Series (Muay Thai) Catch Weight (68.0kg) bout: Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai defeats Brown Pinas by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Strawweight bout: Rene Catalan defeats Stefer Rahardian by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Featherweight bout: Xie Bin defeats Sor Sey by Submission (Guillotine) at 1:55 minutes of round 1

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Visit the official ONE: REIGN OF KINGS photo gallery by clicking: https://bit.ly/onephotos