MANILA, Philippines - Like beacons of light floating in the clear night sky, the Globe balloon balls guided 60,000 fans to the most anticipated Rihanna-Chris Brown Concert at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field. MTV Philippines? latest successful concert was especially impressive, as ours was the only Asian country able to book the dynamite pair on their World Tour.

These two very big R&B artists got everybody dancing the night away with their hit songs. The show ended with Chris Brown and Rihanna singing her super hit, ?Umbrella.? As the fans caught the initial notes, a sea of umbrellas opened, covering the large part of the field.

I?m an 80?s disco baby, so I didn?t recognize many of the songs. But I did recognize ?Don?t Stop the Music,? as Carlene Aguilar sang this on Celebrity Duets. Chris Brown also gave a new twist to several Michael Jackson tunes, which I?m sure the VIP guest, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, enjoyed.

Considering the large volume of the crowd, I?m sure Globe, MTV and Taguig city officials made all necessary precautions to ensure safety and security throughout the concert. The Fort is designed like an open city garden, so many concertgoers mingled around after the show instead of rushing home.

25 years

Last weekend was in fact a concert weekend! I spent both Friday and Saturday nights at the Gary V Live @ 25 Concert at Araneta Coliseum. Nokia CEO William Hamilton-Whyte invited me on the first night, while the Araneta Group of Companies were my Saturday hosts.

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano celebrated his 25 years in the entertainment industry with a cast of thousands that included his very talented kids and his mother, who flew in just for the two-day concert.

Reminiscing with Gary?s songs was totally delightful. This time, I could relate to the whole show! We?re from the same decade, so I grow up with his songs, and he is truly one of my favorite local artists.

Constantly reinventing his music, Gary?s extensive song catalog was performed in different renditions. He collaborated with several artists and bands like Rivermaya, Gloc 9 and Sugarfree. But the artist who sang most passionately seemed to be Karylle, with all the emotional drama in her life right now.

Charmer Jericho Rosales? duet with Gary received a loud cheer from the audience. The percussion super group, Brigada, also featured Gary?s son Gabriel on drums. Paying homage to Gary?s ?80s music, the concert was a blend of the old and the new, mixed with inspirational Christian music.

Gary?s only daughter Kiana is all grown up now, and she performed with her dad while showing off her dancing moves. With the awesome rock singing of Paolo and the sensational dancing of Gabriel, parents Gary and Angeli were beaming with pride.

Gary never fails to credit his wife and manager, Angeli Pangilinan. His difficult battle with diabetes is constantly being fought with Angeli right beside him.

Gary?s hoarse voice at the tailend of the super-long concerts did not stop him from matching Concert King Martin Nievera?s powerful energy. And that was just the encore! Gary V Live @ 25 was truly one of the best concerts ever!

Homecoming

Speaking of silver anniversaries, Batch ?83 of Immaculate Conception Academy Greenhills hosted this year?s homecoming, highlighting the multifaceted lives and personalities of the women from ICA.

Aptly titled ?Everything I Can,? the event began with a Eucharistic celebration officiated by Fr. Jerry Orbos. After dinner, the star-studded program got all the ICA alumnae dancing and enjoying with the all-sexy hunks, The Cowboys!

Host Tim Yap made sure the audience was in high gear. There was also a special number by George Yang, who participated thanks to batch member Cindy Yap-Yang.

Both Batch ?83 of ICA and Assumption College have exceptional women of style and substance. They are stellar examples of ageless beauties who live extraordinary lives. Some of these women, like Nina Garcia and Nanette de Leon, attribute their lean figures and glowing skin to yoga.

Yoga competition

The Bikram Yoga craze has spread throughout the city with new practitioners joining everyday. Bikram Yoga Manila (check out www.bikramyogamanila.com), owned by Tristan Choa, is organizing the first-ever yoga competition to be held in the country. The winners will go on to compete in the world championships in Los Angeles, next year.

There is a global initiative to petition for yoga as a demonstration sport in the Olympic games. This will hopefully be a medal sport just like rhythmic gymnastics or synchronized swimming.

After the NY marathon, my Yin and Yang focus is now on the Bikram Competition set for tomorrow, 7 p.m., at the Francisco Santiago Hall, BDO South Tower, Makati Ave. Tickets are available at the entrance.

Sponsored by Pru Life UK with Inquirer, Metro Magazine and Lifestyle Network, the Philippine Yoga Asana Championship (check out www.philippineyogachampionship.com) will be interesting to watch as competitors display perfect harmony of body, mind and spirit.

My practice is in the middle stages of yoga perfection, so I plan to just ?display? at the event tomorrow. My outfit has been embellished and my glitter tattoo all drawn.

Senior Bikram instructor Ren Soriano, who is here from the States to conduct posture clinic and act as senior judge, will surely be delighted not by my poses but by the vivid colors of my outfit. He is one of only seven authorized Bikram teachers and he is proudly Filipino.

Bargain centers

For those in full swing with Christmas shopping, check out two great bargain centers. The Assumption Alumnae Association has its annual Assumption Bazaar at the Hotel InterCon until 7 p.m. today. The support will benefit the Assumption Mission Schools around the Philippines.

The Big Sale at the Mega Tent at 30 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas, is one event not to be missed. Today is the last day of the event, which offers 30 to 70 percent off brand names. I cut the ribbon last Friday with Hotel Elizabeth owner Beth Fernando and shopped for three hours.

The prices are unbelievable, and with BPI cardholders availing of interest-free installment payments, Christmas shopping is certainly a much happier affair!