ubla

BICOLANDIA SUMMER SOIREE FEATURES AN EVENING OF SONGS WITH EXEMPLARY VOCALISTS

Summer is the perfect time to an evening of music with friends at the "Bicolandia Summer Soiree" where the United Bicolandia of Los Angeles (UBLA) have set up a Pre-Show Reception to welcome both old friends and new. Guests get to enjoy light refreshments before the entertaining program of popular songs by the engaging Harana Men's Chorus, esteemed vocalists Annie Nepomuceno, Erwin Andaya and Broadway actor Bones Deoso. Tickets are now available for this event to be held on July 23 at 7pm at the Glendale City Library Auditorium.

UBLA’s fundraising efforts have inspired the artists to create a show around the causes and various projects supported by the organization. Aside from beloved Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and Top 40 favorites, the creative talents shall highlight the beauty of Bicol, reverence to Our Lady of Penafrancia, and the achievements of UBLA. The event is proudly sponsored by Kababayan LA, Filamnation, AKRE Tax and Financial Services, Good Shepherd, Atwater Dental Care, M&D Productions, Dr. Paul Cabrera of Biosport and Beverly Hills Sports Medicine, Ylang-Ylang Floral Design, Music Arts Events and Burog’s Barong.

Among the performers is Broadway “Miss Saigon” Actor BONES DEOSO, who has played “Thuy” on in New York and across the USA in Touring and Regional Productions. He recently reprised this role at the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities and the Performing Arts Center. In spite of his theatre success he remained grounded by joining the pop vocal trio Three of a Kind, where Bones began to work with the group’s soprano and Musical Director, ANNIE NEPOMUCENO.

Though primarily known as a vocalist, ANNIE NEPOMUCENO is a renowned vocal coach and professional musical arranger who has won Awit and Katha Awards. She has sung dozens of commercials in the Philippine mainstream music industry and has sung back-up for Martin Nievera, Sharon Cuneta, David Pomeranz and many others. In the US, Annie played Lady Thiang in "The King and I” co-starring with 80's pop star Debbie Gibson, and she and her husband Ed Nepomuceno were featured vocalists in "FASO Goes to the Movies" at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Bones and Annie graduated from the University of the Philippines, getting their start in the touring choirs UP Concert Chorus and The Philippine Madrigal Singers, respectively. This common background they share with performer ERWIN ANDAYA who studied at the University of Santo Tomas, and toured with the UST Singers before joining the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Erwin has shared the stage with UBLA’s own Lara Avengoza in the well-received musical revue “Awit ng Buhay: The Music of Life” featuring the music of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab at the prestigious 1,400-seat Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. Incidentally, Maestro Cayabyab can be seen accompanying these talented performers at the Summer Soiree event website: www.musicartsevents.com/ubla.html.

Among the videos on the website is one with Cayabyab and the HARANA MEN’S CHORUS, led by Ed Nepomuceno. The Harana Men’s Chorus not only upholds the musical traditions of the Philippines but also lends its music to various fundraising events around Los Angeles. The group headlined the sold-out Valentine concert “Songs from the Heart” and the well-received Philippine Independence Day concert celebration “Extraordinary Voices”, wowing the audience with their skilled interpretations of popular selections.

General Admission to the “Bicolandia Summer Soiree” is only $35, and VIP Reserved Seating is $50. Ticket stubs may be used as membership credit for new and renewing UBLA members. Call Gene Leano (818) 439-6896, Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169, Aida Brizuela (323) 373-6757, Nanie Enriquez (818) 645-9550 or Marilyn Avengoza (818) 802-6107. Part of the proceeds shall benefit the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.