ANTIPOLO BANS PATRICIA JAVIER'S "LEWD" CONCERT

Manila, March 7, 2003 -- Patricia Javier's "Too Hot to Handle" concert at the Folk Arts on February 12 was a big hit, so she hosted a victory party at Little Asia.

"I was really overwhelmed by the warm public response to my concert at ang feeling ko ngayon, concert performer na talaga ako," she says.

Prelude Entertainment producer David Lao says he never doubted that Patricia could bring the crowd in because she sings and dances well. All those who complained because they feared the show is vulgar were surprised to find out that it never went beyond the bounds of decency.

"It's sexy, all right," says Patricia, "pero it was never bastos. In the shower scene, I was wearing a body stocking so they can't accuse me of baring my nude body on stage."

She now wants to stage the concert's repeat on May 1 at the Ynares Gym in Antipolo, where she lives. "I want my kababayans there to see the show for themselves."

But the problem is the mayor of Antipolo will not give her a permit because the self-appointed moralistic guardians there say her show is lewd.

"I really cried when they turned me down," says Patricia. "They haven't even watched the show yet, pero hinusgahan na nila ako. As the Bible says, before you pass judgment on others, look at yourself first. I want the people of Antipolo to see how entertaining the show is so I hope they will relent and give me a permit."