Aiza Seguerra Staged a Successful Concert for a Great Cause

By: Jovie Calma

 

“HIGH ON LOVE” WITH SPECIAL GUEST, STEPHEN BISHOP!

On Friday, September 12, rain came down but it didn’t put out the musical fire that was lit by the headliner, Filipino actor, singer-songwriter and guitarist, Aiza Seguerra at the “High On Love” concert. Chicagoans and Pinoy fans of all ages trooped to Park West Theater to give their all-out support while helping in the rehabilitation of the devastated areas and victims of the typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines at the same time. Aiza, the former child wonder and Pinoy pride, shared the stage with the Grammy and Oscar-nominated American singer-songwriter, Stephen Bishop, to benefit BEFINC. It has been tagged as the performance of a lifetime and the Chicagoans were stoked about the collaboration. It was a HUGE success! Stephen Bishop is an all-time balladeer who has created music that were huge hits in the Filipino community. Steve made his Pinoy fans from all over the world swoon over to his soothing voice and melancholic charm. Amongst his famous hits were “It Might Be You” (theme song from the movie, “Tootsie”), “On and On”, “Rainy Day” and “Separate Lives,” where he has been nominated for two Grammys and an Oscar nomination. He just recently staged a concert in the Philippines to promote his latest album entitled “Be Here Then.” At the concert, Steve serenaded Chicago with his music and chart-topping hits that soothed the soul. He was thrilled and wowed the Chicago audience once again! This writer is grateful and excited to be able to get an exclusive interview for Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE! Stephen shared that “adobo” is one of his favorite Filipino dishes. It’s fall, the leaves are falling and we all fell in love at the High on Love concert. Love is definitely on the air with Aiza Seguerra as she is high on love! She is engaged to her partner, Liza Dino. The latter is a former beauty queen, film, TV and stage actress who has appeared both in the Philippines and the US. Last month, Aiza came out as a transgender and identified self as a man. The first time Aiza spoke about her sexual preference in public was in 2007. Aiza’s detractors were expecting that it was the end of her career following the huge revelation but she proved them wrong. Given the accolades of a true performer, the former child star evolved and strived to remain true to herself and continued to share her wonderful gift of music to all her fans and people around the globe who truly love her. At the concert, Aiza thrilled the Chicagoans with her hits while sharing her love story. She appeared onstage and had “Separate Lives” as a duet with her special guest, Stephen Bishop! Both artists have touched our lives for many years and this was one of the rare opportunities that happened in Chicago. This collaboration was the first of its kind while giving back to the community. Part of the proceeds of the concert benefits Bernasol Educational Foundation, Inc. (BEFINC), an organization that helps the typhoon Haiyan victims recover and rebuild their communities. BEFINC serves as a catalyst and funnel to bring educational and financial resources to impoverished areas. Local Chicago talents in the likes of Champ, Suyenn Ramos, Chip Payos, Divine Aleonar, Christine Sunogan, Jamie Llenares, Princess Santos and Jerrick Terrano added spices and excitement to the show. One of the highlights of the concert was the surprise number of Liza Dino, who showcased her flawless and superb dance techniques in dramatic flamenco. It was clearly the show-stopper as everyone were asking for more! I can’t help but admire not only her beautiful face but her executions were so fluid. Liza herself created a new pool of followers and fans in Chicago including myself. Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE secured an exclusive post-concert interview with Aiza Seguerra and Liza Dino, the celebrity couple who lovingly shared their gratitude to everyone who came out despite of the cold weather and heavy rains. They personally thanked the world-renowned director and playwright, Dr. Anton Juan who drove all the way from Notre Dame, Indiana and showed them love. Liza Dino shared that she has worked with the notable director and that it was thru Dr. Juan’s production where she learned to dance flamenco. The couple shared that they are planning to tie the knot in January 2015. How exciting! The concert was also supported by the Philippine Consulate of Chicago as this writer spotted the new Consul General Generoso D. Calonge in the audience as well as notable personalities in the Filipino-American community. Congratulations and hats off to everyone who made this concert for a great cause possible, special mention to my theater BFF sister, Nina Mae Vidal and Vicki Sarmiento of Travelfast. There’s no doubt that everyone were High on Love that special night! Before I end my article this month, allow me to extend my special birthday wishes to Tita Toni Angeles and Maricar Pantuhan (Sept 4), Leah Pili (Sept 5), Kuya Butch Zamora (Sept 6), Eurice Calma (Sept 13), Tita Kiss Garcia (Sept. 20), Jessielle Campo (Sep. 20), and Maricris Apoderado (Sept. 27). Happy Wedding Anniversary to my Dad Ricky and Mom Connie Calma (Sept. 20) as well as to Ditche Jennifer and Kuya Butch (Sept. 5). My elephant-size thanks to my crew, Jhun and Chaz Patron for all the beautiful photos and coverage for Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE! I would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone as we salute and recognize our distinguished awardees for the 20th Annual Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 4th to be held at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare, 5440 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL. 60018. For reservation and more information, please call: 773-866- 0811. To all VIA Times Readers and CPRTV viewers, thank you for your continued support. Until the next issue of Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE! God Bless Us All!

VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma’s photo opportunity with Philippine Consul General Generoso Calonge and Mr. Arturo Venecia of Life’s Compass. Photo credits: JC Patron Photography

Wassup?! Jovie Calma Live’s High On Love post-concert interview with the celebrity couple, Aiza Seguerra and Liza Dino! (L-R: Liza Dino, VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma and Aiza Seguerra). Photo credits: JC Patron Photography

 

Grammy and Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter, Stephen Bishop granted Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE an exclusive interview! How exciting! Stephen shared that “adobo” is his favorite Filipino dish! Photo credits: JC Patron Photography

VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma’s photo opportunity with High on Love major sponsors and supporters. (L-R: Jovie, Gary May of Asiana Airlines, Bernie Bernasol of BEFINC and Apple of Asiana Airlines). Photo credits: JC Patron Photography

Migrant Moon Theater group and friends showed major love to Aiza Seguerra and Liza Dino! (L-R: Lovien Joey Flores, Je Nepomuceno, world-renowned director and playwright Dr. Anton Juan, VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma, Liza Dino, Jhun Patron, Aiza Seguerra, Chaz Patron, Vicki Sarmiento of Travelfast and Jerome Castillo). Photo credits: JC Patron Photography

High On Love Supporters in the House! (L-R: Chip Payos (one of the performers that night), VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma, AREAA National VP Vicky Silvano, Dr. Cleo Casambre, Rey Casambre and Divine Aleonar ( who performed that night)). Photo credits: JC Patron Photography