NEWSFLASH

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SHARON KICKS OFF CONCERT TOUR IN LA

Manila, May 11, 1998 - The Mega Concert at the Shrine: As If She Never Said Goodbye!

After a series of mega-successful, SRO shows in 1996 and 1997, at the Trump Taj Mahal (Atlantic City), Lawlor Events Center (Reno), MGM Grand Garden Arena (Las Vegas), and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (San Francisco), the 1998 edition of "The Mega Concert Tour" kicks off in, where else, but the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on May 16th.

Judging from the e-mail messages in the guestbook section of the concert's official website (http//www.Mega-Star.com), Sharonians in Southern California are eagerly awaiting the grand homecoming of their beloved megastar set in the same prestigious venue where the annual Oscar Awards are held. Philippine Megastar Sharon Cuneta is, of course, just as excited about the Shrine homecoming.

"It's always a great feeling to perform for Filipinos," Sharon beams. "They are so warm, so welcoming. They embrace you with their energy."

Her LA concerts at the Shrine have always been especially close to her heart. Her 1988 LA concert served as a momentous milestone in her career, a turning point, signaling the beginning of her successful run in the "international" concert circuit. No less than Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley presented the megastar with a plaque naming her as an adopted daughter of the City of Angels. Indeed, such an honor recognizes (and celebrates) the positive effects of Sharon's concerts on the Filipino community -- uniting immigrant Pinoys with the combined magic of movies and music.

Moreover, the unprecedented box-office records set by Sharon's Shrine shows earned for her the distinction of being "enshrined" in the Shrine -- her photograph is now on display in the theater's Hall of Fame, alongside such world-class headliners as Sheena Easton and Michael Jackson.

Memorable and momentous, the Shrine Mega Concert is a two-pronged homecoming event. First, it is Sharon's return engagement to Los Angeles and the Shrine Auditorium in particular since her last concert in the same venue was almost six years ago. Second, it is Sharon's homecoming in the international concert arena one year after the precedent-setting series of concerts in 1996 and 1997.

The Shrine Mega Concert on May 16 would also serve as the international concert debut of Shawie's favorite cousin, Ciara Sotto (the youngest daughter of "Shingaling" singing sensation Helen Gamboa and Philippine Senator Tito Sotto).

"I think this will be one of the most memorable nights in my life," Ciara says of her Shrine debut. "It's so special because my first performance out of the country is in a concert of someone I look up to not only as the 'megastar,' but as my "Ate", my elder sister."

As a bonus, yet another surprise special guest will make an international concert debut at the Shrine. The surprise guest (whose identity shall remain a big secret until the Big Night) will render a heartfelt song number that will surely delight the Sharonians (both the old and newly converted) in the audience. Needless to say, the 1998 Mega Concert at the Shrine is destined to become yet another memorable evening of music and memories.

And once again, the Sharonians will welcome their idol with open arms. It was as if she never left the Shrine concert stage. It was as if she, we mean Sha, never said goodbye.

The Shrine Mega Concert is presented by Philippine Airlines "Asia's Sunniest" and the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel in cooperation with Western Union/Money Transfer "The Fastest Way to Send Money Worldwide", Diyaryo Pilipino and The Filipino Channel "The ABS-CBN of the World". Participating sponsors include Atlas Shippers International, the Dental Offices of Dr. Espie Claudio, Bahay Kubo Natin and the Dental Offices of Dr. Susan Gomez-Baba.

The Mega Concert is a production of Artist House in cooperation with Creative Concepts International. Musical Director is Mel Villena and Lighting Director is Jet Montelibano. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster (213)480-3232, Artist House (562)804-4607, Creative Concepts (310)278-8900, Chelvan's Productions (818)895- 2640, Goldilocks Bakeshop (all branches), Superstar Video (Artesia), Luneta Seafood Market (Glendale), L&B Video (Long Beach) and many other popular Filipino retailers.

After the Shrine concert, the Mega caravan will proceed to Winnipeg, Canada (Winnipeg Convention Center on May 30), Vancouver, Canada (Queen Elizabeth Theater on June 6), London, England (Wembley Arena on June 20), and Reno, Nevada (Lawlor Events Center on July 4). For further inquiries on the Mega Concert tour, send an e-mail to artist-house@usa.net. Also, visit the official concert website at http//www.mega-star.com or reserve tickets via e- mail at MegaShrine@aol.com.