Arnel Pineda: Live in San Francisco — A Big Hit!

A force to be reckoned with, Journey’s frontman vocalist and Pinoy rockstar icon, Arnel Pineda arrived in the Bay Area on the AP Album Promo Tour and unveiled the performance of a lifetime. With uncontainable energy and emotion, his personality literally reached out from the stage and into the crowd. He rocked the house in Pittsburg High School along with the local performing artists. With much anticipation for this North American Album Promo Tour, “Arnel Pineda Live in San Francisco” kicked off with the performances of the national anthems, “Star Spangled Banner” rendered by Saferrah Mansfield and “Lupang Hinirang” delivered by Angelica Pebley.

Rica Bernardo, this writer’s kababayan from Cardona, Rizal and a good friend, who now lives in Vallejo, shared her great renditions that night. She has performed in various concert events both in the Philippines and the Bay area. Her last feature was as the front act for the legendary Pinoy rock band, Hotdog. The adorable “Siblings Duo”, Beatrice and Matthew Vale shared their talents onstage in both singing and rocking the drums. Denise Gonzales, this beautiful senior from Royal High School belted out with her Broadway renditions. She has performed at “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in ABSCBN’s Showtime and got into top 7 finalists in the Global Sing Pilipinas Competition. Her musical influence is Lea Salonga.

Multi-talented James Basa also graced the stage. Allison Feraren owned the stage thereafter. She’s a junior from Milpitas High School. Growing up as a child, due to her amazing parents, she’s been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be involved in many activities ranging from karate, track, theatre, dance and voice lessons. Music has always been a part of her and something that is close to her heart and she is thankful that she got to share that part with everyone in the show. Her friends Belinda Li and Kyla Dizon performed with her as backup dancers. The “Dad and Daughter” tandem was one of the crowd’s favorites. Ricky Ramos was delighted to share the spotlight with his daughter, Kayla. Music has always been a big part of their loves, the breadth of their talents and commitment to the craft are not just limited to singing and dancing, but also in playing musical instruments. Just recently, they opened up for Regine and Ogie’s concert and just the same, they were very excited performing that night.

The Bytes Band was thrilled to share that the very first song they’ve learned as a band is Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”. It was right fitting that they’ve rocked the stage with Lucas on keyboards, Gabriel on guitar, Nico as lead guitar, Krystian on bass and Liam on drums. Nina Suarez also joined the band on vocals. I was also honored to share the stage with Arnel Pineda, the rockstar icon of the Philippines who’s making great waves as the frontman/vocalist of the legendary international band, Journey. His life story is an inspiration to many, including myself. I was invited as the Celebrity Emcee and I’ve performed couple of hits from Aegis with music arrangement courtesy of my sister, Jo Ann Calma Alzol.

Arnel Pineda Live in San Francisco was a resounding success! He didn’t disappoint as a showstopper along with his phenomenal band, Butch Victoriano on lead and rhythm guitars, Perf De Castro on lead and rhythm guitars, Wendell Garcia on drums, Raffy Mendoza on keys, and Don Morales on bass. When he emerged onstage, crowd went wild and on their feet, stormed towards the stage and rocked the night away. Arnel launched into an epic set of cover and original tunes that erupted the capacity crowd. Best known as the tireless rockstar of Journey, he demonstrated why he was chosen to front the world’s most iconic bands- and how he has delivered for the almighty Journey with triumph and grace. Arnel also shared some of his original songs from the album, Arnel Pineda. One of my favorites was his latest single, “Owe”, which was launched last September. Although no Journey selections were performed, he infinitely above and beyond interpreted well-known selections, embraced them and sent them all into the rock and roll stratosphere of thrilling experience. They all played over two hours of an extended high energy set that thoroughly rendered the night of one of those events, which inspire the memories of a lifetime.

Congratulations Arnel Pineda and all the exceptional talents on the huge success of the show! My T-Rex size thanks to the producers, most especially to Howell Felix of Barrio Fiesta Filipinas for having me. To my family and friends in the Bay area, thank you for supporting the show. I hope I’ll be able to do another collaboration in your area. Christmas is a time of giving but it points to a deeper meaning. We will not find this deeper meaning under the Christmas tree, it is found in the loving heart. Christmas is a mirror in which we see reflection of the very best life can be and the best gifts of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the PRESENCE of a happy family all wrapped in each other and NOT the presents! Most of all, Jesus is the reason for the season! Have a wonderful preparation for a blessed and magical CHRISTmas! On a personal note, special birthday wishes to Tito Aris Topacio (Dec.1), Tita Haidee Angeles (Dec. 4), James DC (Dec. 13), and Michelle Ola (Dec. 20). To all VIA Times Readers and CPRTV viewers, thank you for your continued support. Until the next issue of Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE! Have a Blessed Christmas and a Blissful 2018! God Bless Us All!

VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma’s photo opportunity with Journey’s frontman, Arnel Pineda at the backstage.

Post-show photo opportunity of the producers/sponsors with Arnel Pineda (L-R: Dr. Prescilla Rufino, Arnel Pineda, Jovie Calma and Howell Felix)

Have a blessed CHRISTmas and Blissful 2018 from my family to yours!

Happy 55th Birthday to Tita Haidee Angeles! We love you!!!

Jovie with her son Rovic, ready for Christmas.

Left to right, at VT/CPRTV Christmas party, Joe Mauricio, Jovie, VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma’s photo opportunity with Journey’s frontman, Arnel Veronica, Elaine Lehman & James DC.

Jovie with Bobby Leighton

Rico Michael Jackson with Jovie Calma, at VT/CPRTV Christmas party.