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| anton diva with her producer teri onor & director peter serrano |
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| anton diva entertaining the press with a song number |
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| the raging divas |
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| teri onor on why she produces a concert for friend anton diva |
ANTON RAGAZA, better known as Anton Diva, is the best known impersonator of Regine Velasquez. Nora Aunor impersonator Teri Onor now gives her the chance to shine by producing her first big solo concert at the Cuneta Astrodome on June 14, “Shine XXII AD: Anton Diva”. This is the first major production of Teri’s own company called TOES, which stands for Teri Onor Entertainment Services. Teri’s term as Bataan board member is ending and she opted not to run for any public office in this Monday’s election.
“Rest muna ako,” she says. “I want to focus muna on showbiz projects. Na-miss ko, e.”
Both Anton and Teri are thankful that they didn’t have any difficulty to get Regine Velasquez and Vice Ganda as the very special guests in Anton’s concert.
“I’m really thankful kasi very supportive sila,” says Anton. “Noong Valentine concert nina Regine at Vice sa Araneta, tinawag pa nila ako on stage to perform with them in a production number. Akala ng iba, guest talaga ako, pero surprise number po talaga yun. Doon pa lang, na-feel ko na ang suporta nila. Without that, siguro hindi ako magkakalakas ng loob na magsolo concert like this.”
Teri feels it’s really the right time for her friend Anton to do a big concert. “Magaling naman talaga siyang performer,” she adds. “It’s about time na mas ma-recognize ng bigger audiences ang talent niya. Alam naman natin na siya ang kauna-unahang lumitaw na impersonator ni Regine na kaboses talaga. Even Ate Regine acknowledges that. Pinuntahan pa niya si Anton sa Library, kunsaan kami kumakanta noon. Pumikit siya, pinakinggan niya, at akala raw niya, siya ang kumakanta.”
Anton’s other guests in her concert are Michael Pangilinan, Miss Q&A 2019 Mitch Suansane, Jewel Johnson and the Raging Divas.
“Hindi puedeng mawala ang Raging Divas dahil diyan kami nagsimula noon ni Anton,” says Teri. “Hindi lang si Regine ang ini-impersonate namin kundi pati sina Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Cher, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Janet Jacson, Madonna, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. At bukod sa kanila, front act din namin and Rapture Girls and Pepper Divas, kaya fully loaded talaga ang buong concert, so don’t miss it.”
Anton wants to thank her parents for always supporting her. “My dad is a public school teacher and my mom, nagtitinda sa Baclaran. Talagang iginapang nila ang pag-aaral ko sa La Salle para ko makapag-college taking up electronics and communications engineering. Sobrang hirap nila sa akin. And of course, I also want to thank Ate Regine kasi kung wala siya, wala rin ako rito.
"Kundi ko siya nakilala, hindi ko mare-realize that I have a gift, yung singing voice ko, at siya ang naging instrument kaya ko na-realize yun. Kahit saan ako mag-show, here or abroad, laging nire-request na kantahin ko yung songs niya. Kaya itong concert ko, tribute ko rin ito sa kanya. But dito sa concert ko, kakanta rin ako ng variety of songs to show yung range ng mga kantang kaya kong kantahin.”
“Shine XXII: Anton Diva” will be directed by Peter Serrano, with Mark Lopez as musical director, and Lou Oca as choreographer. For tickets ranging from P530 for general admission to P4,030 for VVIP tickets, call ticketnet.com at 911-5555 or access them online.
Incidentally, the presscon of Anton Diva’s concert was held at the new Salu Restaurant of Harlene Bautista at UAP Bldg. at Scout Rallos. She was there with her new partner, Neil Eugenio, and they’re obviously not hiding their romance anymore. Good luck to Salu’s new swanky location which is definitely much better than the previous one at Scout Torillo.
AND just a reminder for all those who’d go out and vote this Monday: Please VOTE WISELY!