MANILA, Philippines - A recent telecast of the ASAP show on Channel 2 offered a number of instructive examples of what makes some people standouts, and others runners-up or also-rans.

In a musical highlight of the noontime show, top balladeer of the moment Richard Poon did a medley of vintage pop standards with?Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby.

Right away, there was an obvious musical disconnect effected by the injudicious pairing of the vocally outstanding and more experienced Richard with Piolo and Sam, who are better known as actors.

Piolo and Sam do sing, but not as well as Richard, so despite their best efforts, they came off as runners-up to Richard?s standout performance in the field he knows best.

When he sang, the vocal brilliance and performing verve were there, but when the solos went to either Piolo or Sam, the effect was decidedly more tentative and muted.

Why did Piolo and Sam venture into daunting musical territory where more judicious performing angels would fear to tread? Beats us, but we wish that, in the future, they take better stock of the more talented competition, so they don?t end up as also-rans.

Fil-mestizos abroad

On the same show, definitely a standout was young Charlie Green, the Fil-Brit boy singer who did so well in Simon Cowell?s talent-discovery show in England. Charlie didn?t win, but he delighted many viewers with his fine singing voice, intelligence and natural performance style.

Quite logically, Charlie has come to the Philippines to try his luck here, and if his ?ASAP? appearance is any indication, he should do well as a young singing star here.

Other Fil-mestizos abroad like ?American Idol? finalists Ramiele Malubay should follow Charlie?s example and establish performing connections here, as well. They?ll certainly do better than if they struggle to make it in the much more competitive international singing scene, as Jasmine Trias is trying to do.

The logic is, performing fees here have gone up so much that visiting artists can make a very good living, even when their earnings are computed in dollars.

In any case, if Charlie Green?s ?ASAP? appearance is any indication, he should charm the socks off music fans here, because he not only sings really well, but also performs with insight and disarming lack of porma and pa-cute?the usual turn-off affectations of local child performers.

Powerbooks sale

Ongoing until Aug. 31, Powerbook?s Power Sale offers up to 70 percent off on the hottest books in print. The big sale is the bookstore chain?s way of celebrating its 12th anniversary.

Ploning screening in Canada

Aug. 22-28 at the Scarborough Town Centre and at the Cineplex Odeon Carlton in downtown Toronto. Aug. 29-Sept. 4 at Empire Theater in Mississauga. Sept. 5-11 at Globe Cinema in Winnipeg. Sept. 5-11 at Globe Cinema in Winnipeg. Sept. 12-18 at the Empire Theater Granville 7 Cinema in Vancouver. And Sept. 19-25 at Cineplex Sunridge Spectrum in Calgary.

Starmall events

Budding entrepreneurs are invited to avail of the free livelihood courses at the Tiyaga Caravan Libreng Pangkabuhayan workshops every Saturday at Starmall Edsa and Alabang.

And, after a long and tiring day, unwind to live band music nightly at Café Libre Bar and Restaurant at Starmall Edsa.

Safrudi anniversary

The Safrudi Foundation marks its 42nd anniversary on Aug. 15 with ?Tulong-tulong sa Pagsulong,? a celebration that starts with Mass at 8 a.m., followed by socials, games and a noontime songfest. Safrudi promotes Fair Trade practices and was the Mano-Mano crafts and arts store at 2611 Lamayan Sta. Ana, Manila.