Up Close with David Foster & Friends

David Foster, the Canadian musician, record producer, singer, songwriter and arranger noted for discovering talents such as Michael Buble, Josh Groban and Charice Pempengco, and responsible for producing records for the likes of Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, Madonna, Air Supply and Michael Jackson, came to the Philippines in 2010 for a concert titled Hit Man: David Foster & Friends where friends were Peter Cetera, Natalie Cole, Ruben Studdard, the Canadian Tenors and Charice.

Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends

(standing l-r) Philip Bailey, Michael Bolton, David Foster

and Russel Watson; (seated l-r) Ashanti and Charice

The Hit Man returns for the second time in the Philippines, again with Charice, but this time with new friends -- Philip Bailey, American R&B and soul singer, and one of the longtime members of Earth, Wind & Fire; Michael Bolton, American singer and songwriter, best known for his soft rock ballads and the long curly blonde hair he used to sport way back; Ashanti, American R&B, hip-hop and soul singer and actress; and Russel Watson, English tenor who released albums with both operatic-style and pop songs.

Charice

At the press conference for the Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends last October 24 held at the Marriott Hotel Manila, Charice was the very first to arrive. She gamely posed solo and even called her mom to join her when a photographer requested it. Then the rest of the performers arrived with their entourage consisting of road managers and burly bodyguards and at once, the exchange of pleasantries with the press started.

Ashanti and David Foster

Opening the press conference, David Foster expressed that he brought back the tour in the Philippines,"It is only in the Philippines that I've experienced people singing every line of every song in the concert. It's just amazing!" But he also shared the news that he ended his long stint with Warner Bros. and signed up with Universal Records and since Charice stays on with Warner, David Foster will no longer produce songs for his protege and goddaughter. "December 1st will be my first day at Universal Records so come December 1st, I won't be able to produce for Charice anymore because I can't take her with me." However, he assured that he would continue to perform with Charice on stage, "As for touring, I hope for many years that we will always tour together as long as she has the time, " he adds, "I love having her and she loves being with me and that's not going to change."

Philip Bailey and Michael Bolton

Charice echoes the same sentiments, "I always tell David that I'm always here for him. He's always been there for me and if he needs me, I'm in. We're a team."

Charice's self-titled international debut album under Warner Bros has reached the Platinum level in the Philippines and a surprise awarding was done at the end of the press conference.

Platinum Record Awarding

The Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends took the Smart Araneta Coliseum by storm last October 25, even if two other concerts happened on the same night -- Black Eyed Peas in SM MOA open grounds and Libera at PICC.

Filed under SHOWS

A Good Thai Experience

This July, Marriott Manila brings back Flavors of Thailand and I was invited to attend the launch cocktails and go on a gastronomic adventure to Thai's Kingdom.

Thai food galore

When I arrived, the programme already began and there was an enchanting Thai dance performance on stage. The dancers, decked in traditional Thai costumes, were mesmerizing to watch as they moved gracefully to the beat of a Ranad (Thai xylophone). After watching for a few minutes, I started to explore the various food stations to satiate my grumbling stomach.

Thai dance performances

Roaming around the food buffet of "Thai Kingdom Come," I saw that it offered a unique twist on Thai flavors and gave guests the opportunity to explore its five distinct blends of basic tastes -- sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter. Of course, the classic Thai hot and sour lemongrass and shrimp soup Tom Yang Goong was ever present to tickle the palate and appetite. I also tried Som Tam Goong, a refreshing Thai papaya salad with prawns; the deep fried fish cake from one humongous fish; and the famous mango with sticky rice dessert. Also offered were roasted duck with red curry and chicken satay. Red and white wines, Thai singa beer and Thai iced tea were served as refreshments.

Tom Yang Goong, hot and sour lemongrass and shrimp soup

Som Tam Goong, a refreshing Thai papaya salad

Spices for flavor and heat

Giant deep fried fish

Skewered fruits

Mango Sticky Rice

Thai beer

JW Marriott Thanatorn Krobsuay, the certified Thai cuisine expert, led the kitchen team for the second time to make sure guests will have a uniquely crafted food experience through his award-winning Thai cuisines. This year was an extra special recourse of Thai treat as another JW Marriott chef joined in to double up the feast: 27 year old Sutthipong Sirikanchittawon, one of the certified Thai food ambassadors of JW Marriott Bangkok’s Marriott Café.

A toast to Marriott Manila's Thai Kingdom Come

An array of prizes from sponsors were raffled off that night with one lucky guest winning a 3-days/2-nights stay in one of the Marriott properties in Bangkok. Now all I need is to book the flight. Thanks again, Marriott.

Over-all, the event evoked the sentimental feel of Thailand that let the guests delve into its time-honored dishes as a preview of what to expect in Marriott Manila's "Thai Kingdom Come" promotions at the cozy Marriott Café.

Filed under FLAVORS and EVENTS