The expose of colleague and friend Jobert Sucaldito on Cornerstone management outfit is truly alarming.
It said about a lot of things, like staff members’ counter-offering a promoter’s deal when there is an existing deal with an original booker; an alleged item on some artists’ practices to get favors; the reported ‘cornering’ of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” contestants whom they encouraged to sign up with them; and others.
All these allegations were shouted out in papa Jobert’s Facebook account via a blind item though 99 percent of those who had read it, including this writer, have something common in mind and that is Cornerstone.
We tried to get in touch with a friend who is associated with the management outfit, but she just requested us to speak directly to the managers, if not Erickson Raymundo, the company’s head honcho.
We also tried to get in touch with Showtime management to get its side of the story, but until press time, no one has responded.
In this industry where artists and their managers/handlers and press friends are supposed to work hand in hand to achieve the essence of entertainment in its high form, things like this happen.
And we could not blame papa Jobert as we ourselves experienced similar incidents of being ignored, snubbed and being used even by these so-called artist-friends.
Among the artists being handled and managed by Cornerstone included “Tawag ng Tanghalan’s” jury members Kyla, Jaya, Erik Santos, Yeng Constantino and Karla Estrada. Others are Angeline Quinto, KZ Tandingan, Richard Poon, and several singers. Sam Milby is the agency’s prized actor.
★★★★★
In the spirit of fairness, we personally would like to thank Erickson’s company for allowing KZ to replace in the last minute Marion Aunor during our birthday concert on March 10 at the Teatrino in Greenhills.
Although this company has snubbed us for years now (unlike in their infancy stage in the industry when they made us feel we were “their close friend.”), we felt thankful and grateful when Erickson answered our plea for help.
KZ showed us nothing but professionalism and shared her great singing talent to the hilt. No visitor or crowd member in that birthday concert would complain of her being a prima diva or “maarte’’ as she displayed but greatness in all aspects, even if her call time to perform was delayed.
★★★★★
Speaking of the said birthday concert that served as our “kick-off event” for our future projects for the year, we wish to thank those who came and enjoyed.
Our big sponsors, like the Philippine Air Lines (PAL), PLDT Home and San Miguel Beer Corporation, sent their representatives and since they enjoyed the show, promised to support our endeavors on sports, tourism, health, education and other note worthy advocacies.
We also want to say big thanks to artist-friends Michael Pangilinan, Kiel Alo, Ezekiel, Shem Pilapil and Meg Imperial and Marlo Mortel for making the show a night of good songs and music. Wowowin Dancers gyrated as if they were having zumba classes with the audience.
Stand-up comic Boobsie of Wonderland was hilarious and entertained the audience of all ages, while our dear friend Asia’s Diva Dulce literally brought down the house with her very powerful rendition of upbeat numbers.
Although Bayani Fernando who is part of our group QUATRO Kantas was abroad then, the trio of ours who were left was also well received. Former Senator Joey Lina who came all the way from the airport from an out of town engagement proceeded directly to Teatrino and belted out his “This Is The Moment”, while Dr. Carl Balita gave us his heartfelt “I Dream A Dream” number. Yours truly shared “What I Did For Love” followed by our trio number of Beatles’ “The Long and Winding Road.” Of course, my son Neeyong added drama and fun to the show as he sang a duet with me.
The night was also filled with some emotional and funny video messages from our friends since way back like Albert Martinez, TJ Manotoc, Dominic Almelor, directors Maryo J. delos Reyes, Joel Lamangan and Cathy Garcia-Molina, with Kuya Ricky Lee, Sarge Colambo, Joy Buensalido, Prof. Armi Santiago, Columbia Picture’s Doris Torres, former Araneta VP Gogoy Avelino, sports icons Benjie Paras, Allan Caidic, Kieffer Ravena, Wesley Gonzales and our dearest friends from high school and college.
The show was also sponsored by Mr. Atong Ang, Atty. Caroline Cruz and family, the Dimayuga family, Tita Thelma Zuniga Rodriguez, with Congressmen Joey Salceda and Strike Revilla, Faces and Curves, Pervil Magic Cream, Hammerhead, Fernando’s Bakery and Aficionado Germany.
It was hosted by Gretchen Fullido and MJ Felipe.
