LOS ANGELES?Just like back home, the Filipino-American community in LA has a variety of entertainment choices on Valentine?s Day. Among the shows happening on Sunday, Feb. 14, ?Songs from the Heart,? which takes place in Hollywood, is the unique one. The Harana Men?s Chorus and pop singer, Lara Avengoza, will sing to?and surprise?patrons and their beloved ones.

Soprano and vocal arranger par excellence, Annie Nepomuceno, who hosts the show, explained the concept to us: ?The most unique thing about this concert is that people are ?sponsoring? songs as Valentine gifts to their loved ones, and most of the folks who will be serenaded are going to be surprised! It was interesting and heartwarming to hear the love stories of the sponsors incorporated into the script, but relayed anonymously at first. Then, I guess someone is going to think, ?Hey, that love story sounds familiar!? I know I would melt if I had a song especially dedicated to me.? Did you read that, Ed Nepomuceno? (Ed, who conducts the Harana Men?s Chorus, is the better half of Annie.)

Perception

Annie added, ?Valentine?s Day is the perfect time for harana (serenade), so we decided to harness the talents of Harana Men?s Chorus, complemented by a female pop singer, Lara. The juxtaposition is intentional to offset the public?s perception that ?harana? and ?chorus? mean heavy, old-style boring music, which, of course, is far from the truth.

?Although Harana upholds the distinctive romantic tradition, it?s composed of versatile young singers. They can put together a varied and entertaining repertoire, much to the surprise of ?newbies.? I?m proud of Lara?s musicianship, because she is quick to learn and can hold her own vocally, and she does so amidst the Chorus? honed masculine tones.?

?Songs from the Heart? also differs from other Valentine?s Day fare, because it is for the benefit of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Santa Monica ave. in LA. Its structures need to be restored. Annie explained, ?Our goal is not only to raise funds for a cause, but to emphasize the ?tulungan? spirit. In these challenging times, we?d like the audience to feel a connection to the event, as well as enjoy a show for a reasonable price.?

Prosy dela Cruz, a Fil-Am community leader, cited the Harana Men?s Chorus: ?They?re full-time working professionals who spend their weeknights and weekends to sing in a choir. They come straight from work, ready to sing. They?re awesome!?

The Harana Men?s Chorus members are Erwin Andaya, Melvir Ausente, Alex Bao, Aris Canlapan, Gelo Francisco, Froilan Fulgencio, Dennis Jardiel, Emmanuel Miranda, Dino Padallan, Jei Romanes, Don Sagarbarria, Jason Tsai and Mike Zuñiga.

In the case of Lara, we?ve had the pleasure of watching her blossom?from child singer to polished entertainer. She and the Chorus will perform popular love songs, standards, and traditional serenades in the concert directed by Bones Deoso. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Garden Pavilion of the Celebrity Centre International, 5930 Franklin ave. in Hollywood (www.musicartsevents.com for details).

What brings out the animal in Del Toro?

?The Wolfman? role brings out the hilarious beast in Benicio del Toro. In a recent press con, a female reporter asked the star of the remake of the classic 1941 horror film, ?The Wolf Man?: ?What brings out the animal in you??

?Food,? quipped the actor, who is shy, ill at ease, and given to pauses at interviews. Sometimes, he resorts to humor to break the awkwardness of being grilled.

?Any particular food?? pressed the writer.

Fast food

?Hamburger, pizza?quesadilla.? So, there you have it, ladies. Feed Benicio fast food?and he becomes an animal.

If plans push through, Benicio, one of the today?s finest actors, goes from being ?The Wolfman? to one of? ?The Three Stooges.? Yes, the man who played Che Guevara may get to play Moe. Sean Penn, who dropped out as Larry, is back in the project again. ?That project is still there,? Benicio clarified. ?If the ideal cast that the Farrelly Brothers (who will direct) want comes to life, I?ll do it. But, there are no dates yet. Originally, they want Jim Carrey, Sean Penn and myself.?

However, Bob Farrelly was recently quoted as saying that Jim is ?the least natural fit of the three.? The comedian is out of place? It makes us wonder: Are the Farrelly Brothers doing ?The Three Angry Stooges??

Aside from all that hair, what do Che and the Wolfman have in common? Benicio replied: ?They both die in the end.?

E-mail rvnepales_5585@yahoo.com.