Major record label enters the concert-producing biz

Proof live concerts are a lucrative undertaking: MCA Music Philippines, one of the few remaining mainstream record labels in the Philippines, has joined the concert promoting bandwagon.

For its first offering, MCA is bringing in British boy band The Wanted for a concert at the NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on September 14.

Ilacad says the company will focus on producing concerts by acts exclusively signed to the company.

Dreams of lower ticket prices

The label has a stellar talent pool. Aside from The Wanted, it also home to Maroon 5, Rihanna, Madonna, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney.

Its local roster includes Richard Poon, Sabrina, Nyoy Volante, Pupil and Domino.

"This should be very challenging for us since it will be the first time for us to do this as a team," said MCA President Ricky Ilacad in an exclusive interview.

Still, Ilacad and his colleagues have had a head start, having promoted shows in the past. Strategic Label Manager Chris Hermosisima was the station manager of the defunct radio station NU 107, while Events and Artist Manager Sammy Samaniego used to be with Third Line Entertainment, the group that handled Eraserheads during its final years.

Of his dreams, Ilacad said, "I'd like to see one day na bumaba ang prices ng concert tickets."

The Wanted: ‘Always wanted to go to Manila’

In the meantime, Max George of The Wanted said in a phone interview, "We've always wanted to go to Manila so we really feel excited about it."

The Wanted is promoting its debut album which contains their hit songs "Chasing The Sun," "Glad You Came," and "All Time Low." The group hopes to release new material in November.

Asked about what he feels about The Wanted being labeled a boy band, George said it “is a lot harder than being a band.” He should know as he plays the bass.

Still the group is pumped. "We'll play instruments and show more our fun side. We're definitely in good mood to go elsewhere these times after the success of the London Olympics which our country hosted. Proud to be British," George said.

Yugel Losorata | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

The secret of Eugene’s success

Eugene Domingo doesn’t rest on her laurels.

This is what the “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” star says is the key to her success in theatre, TV to film.

“Ang susi diyan ay hindi ako nakakampante. Alam kong trabaho ito. Nagsimula ako sa commitment. Nabigyan ka na ng chance, hindi ito laging nangyayari, hindi ko na ito pababayaan,” Eugene said at the press conference of the musical film “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” on Thursday, August 23.

Eugene earned praises from the press for her performances as Rosie Polotan in “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” and the upcoming PETA adaptation of “Bona,” where she plays the title role.

“Hindi porke’t ang galing mo na sa ibang pelikula, akala mo kaya mo nang gawin lahat. Ang lesson ko dito ay huwag na huwag kang magiging kampante, lahat ng papel ay pinagtatrabahuan,” she said.

Eugene bought APO Hiking Society’s CDs to familiarize herself with her role and production numbers involved in the film. She also took voice lessons since she has singing parts in the movie.

“Aaaminin ko, maaga akong nagsimula mag-aral. Ganoon ako ka-hindi kakampante. Nag-enroll ako kaagad. Alam kong kailangan kong mag-aral, ayusin ang disiplina ko. So, dalawa ang teacher ko sa voice. Nagtatanggal ako ng bisyo.”

One project at a time

In a previous interview, Eugene revealed that she focuses on one project at a time. After filming “I Do Bidoo Bidoo,” Eugene focused on “Bona” and did not accept other projects.

“Oo, mahirap, pero kailangan ng focus. I’m just so blessed na maayos ang aking calendar. Nabibigyan ko ng atensyon yung mga gusto kong gawin,” she said.

Eugene revealed that role required her to bare some skin as the wife of Ogie Alcasid’s character in the movie. Does the intimate scene bother her?

“Nagsisimula kasi iyon sa naniniwa kami sa ginagawa namin, kaya buong puso naming binibigay,” she said.

“Hindi ako nababahala, ako’y nagtataka. Ano bang klaseng pangitain ito?" Eugene said in jest.

She also has an intimate scene with Edgar Allan Guzman in “Bona.”

She added, “Siguro dahil safe ako, wala akong kamali-malisya. Duty lang talaga, tawag lang ng sining. Kapag ganoon kailangan talaga.”

Eugene hopes that the movie will surpass the box office success of the “Kimmy Dora” sequel.

“Marami sa inyo ang nagsasabi na ito sa pinakamagandang pelikulang napanood ninyo sa taong ito. Gusto kong bumalik lahat kay Mr. (Tony) Gloria (head of Unitel, producer of the movie), sa mga producers kasi all out sila. Para makapagproduce pa tayo ng pelikulang maganda,” she said.

Praying for Zsa Zsa

Eugene is also praying for co-star Zsa Zsa Padilla, who has stage one kidney cancer. She is scheduled to undergo surgery at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 27.

“Hindi sa natutuwa ako sa kung ano ang resulta, natutuwa ako na alam kong napakalaki ng pag-asa na gagaling siya. Sa palagay ko may mensahe. Makikita pa rin natin ang mensahe ng pag-ibig, ng Panginoon.”

Eugene added that her illness has not dampened Zsa Zsa’s spirits.

“Siya ang nagpapasaya sa akin. Sa totoo lang, binibigyan niya ako ng pag-asa. Lalo na sa aspeto ng pagmamahal, pag-aasikaso sa sarili. She’s my favorite woman.”

“I Do Bidoo Bidoo”, directed by Chris Martinez, also stars Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos.

Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom