A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Tata, Jules, and Ern invited Ant and me to join them for their Houston’s Restaurant reunion (on the heels of Tata’s, Jules’, Ant’s, and my Houston’s Restaurant reunion from the week prior). Graciously, Ant and I caught wind of it, invited ourselves, and – VOILA! – it was our official “Bon Voyage” party as we knew that we were moments away from our trip to Manila to see Beyonce.

Afterwards, Ern – unbeknownst to him - threw one of his classic, “Bon Voyage” cocktail sets where we sipped rum cocktails while we caught up on the current season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” ( www.hbo.com/larrydavid/ ) and “Ugly Betty” (www.abc.go.com/primetime/uglybetty/index.html ) – this episode of which the Broadway musical “Wicked” is a thread (www.wickedthemusical.com/) coupled with a tease for "Posh" Beckham as one of Vanessa Williams' character Wilhemeina's Maid of Honor (We saw the recent episode upon our return. It's a hoot too). And in preparation for our 20+ hour flight(s), Ern also updated our IPODS with some of the latest music – including our first listen to Britney Spears’ new collection of hot dance tracks. In fact, Anthony and I fell in love with the current single “Piece of Me” in which Britney rocks the line: “… sneak away to the Philippines… “. How fitting given Ant and I were to embark on our oft-mentioned trip to The Philippines in the next couple of days. On the eve of our departure, Ant made sure he got us packed - so we could attend my friend Charles Wallace’s Harlem set which allowed us to see some good friends like Dwayne and Murphy. I know I’ve been buzzing for a few weeks about this big birthday trip my Anthony planned and purchased, but before I get us on the plane, let me remind you how “Manifest Destiny” or “Destination Manila” came to be. You remember that Anthony and I have both done this life-work Momentum Education (www.momentumeducation.com). At a point in the program this past March, Ant declared some new and exciting things for his life – including traveling internationally for the first time. A trip to the Philippines (with me in tow) was on his mind as my friend/Godson’s father/regular car service driver Owen began sharing stories of his hometown Pampanga ( www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pampanga ), about 2 ½ hours outside of Manila. For a year or so now, he’s been telling us of his plans to build a school and how he wanted us to visit it at some point. Ant thought it would be cool to get involved. Well, according to Owen, plans are pending; however, Ant felt strongly we’d still get to the Philippines sooner than later. Fast forward to a moment outside of the Madison Square Garden, where Ant and I ran into Beyonce’s publicist Yvette Noel-Schure, Senior Vice President to SONY Urban Music. She’s a dear friend and I’ve interviewed many of her clients over the years – from Jessica Simpson to Destiny’s Child. Most recently, she’d secured a tik for me to see Beyonce’s sold-out set in New York City. Unfortunately, Ant wasn’t able to see that show and we have a tradition of experiencing our divas together – like Janet (twice), Diana Ross (twice), and Ledisi (many times), etc. So, as we shared that detail with Yvette, she shared with us Beyonce’s plans for a world tour ( www.beyonce.com/ ). With passing words, she said “You guys should pack your bags to see her…” Ant asked “… is she going to the Philippines?” Yvette said “Yes, she is. Around November 7.” Ant said to me “… maybe we should do the Philippines after all [despite the delay in Owen’s school opening]…” He continued “… I’ve got money to give you a big and special birthday. Why don’t I use it to buy us plane tickets…” Well, it took him some convincing me, but after I realized the generous, bold gift that this was, I knew I had to make it happen. Then, all of a sudden, the universe began to reward us. Yvette secured the tix (Reminding us that it was the month of her birthday as well… and given this tour was promoting the BEYONCE BDAY project, there was lots of synergy, wouldn’t you say?). Ant bought the trip and – from there – Owen made sure we met Joseph, his dear friend who lives in Manila and was willing to host us for the week. Fast forward a couple of months, Ant and I were on our way to Manila by way of Hong Kong by way of Chicago by way of Newark.

20 hours later… another screening of “Jackie’s Back” with Jenifer Lewis ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk2qG9jgKpE ), the beginning of reading “Inside The Actors Studio”s creator and host James Lipton’s “Inside Inside” ( www.bravotv.com/Inside_the_Actors_Studio ), we landed on our destination. After making it through customs, we transferred some of our dollars to pesos. We were offered the use of a security guard’s cell phone to call our host and sponsor Joseph, but then the guard asked for a tip. Having not determined which bill is what, Ant and I struggled over which bill to give the guy. In the end, he chose a bigger bill than I initially offered. Though we might have been scammed, Ant and I moved on to meet Joseph and the driver he had in place for us the whole week Abet. We drove to our hotel Pan Pacific Manila ( www.panpacific.com/Manila/Overview.html ), a great choice of hotel in that they have butlers who accommodate your every need. The hotel was relatively new (maybe a decade old) and had large rooms with great bathrooms and views. Ant and I were pleased. Before we got too settled in, Joseph took us to grab a bite and do some karaoke – what would soon become a recurring theme in our week. Our first stop was Music21Plaza in Makati City ( www.music21plaza.com.ph/ ). We picked up Joseph’s friend Bong to join us. Over wings and fries, Ant and I searched for our regular numbers from Diana and Janet’s respective repertoires, but found ourselves drawn to some of the rare fare in their books, including Dianne Reeves’ “Better Days” and Diana Ross’ “Come In From The Rain” (from her 1977 “Baby, It’s Me” project). From there, we segued back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. Before our first night wrapped, we’d already heard Janet on one radio station (“Let’s Wait Awhile”) and Diana on another (“I’m Coming Out”). Our girls are truly international, but most in particular, I want to point out that Anthony and I – at first listen – love THE RADIO in Manila. It’s truly the best “today’s R&B and classic soul” without the limitations of looped rotations. On one station WDAV 89.1 ( www.wave891.fm/ ), we were just enamored of its playlist – all of our favorites from yesterday and today by the originals and some amazing Filipino artists like Thor ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrPYwczGmuE ).

On Wednesday, we were up bright and early for breakfast. From there, Joseph and Abet picked us up – so we could see a bit of the city. We loved watching the various “jitney cabs” go by. They were so colorful and uniquely decorated. We noticed the degree to which Manila is poverty-stricken and yet – in close proximity – you see affluence and extensive commercial development. We went to The Serenda Mall in Fort Bonifacio – right next to the open field where Beyonce was performing. We managed to secure four tickets to the show, which meant we could take Joseph and Bong. For lunch, we went to ZAO Vietnames Bistro where we all had something we liked. Ant had his foh soup. I had some good tenderloin that reminded me of home barbecue.  Afterwards, we did some shopping – including “World of Feng Shui” where Ant and I bought some accents for our space-in-progress (www.wofs.com). We both feel like we need some energy shifts in that area. Then, we walked and waited until it was time for us to connect to the Beyonce tour folks for our tickets and “Meet and Greet” passes. Yes! Arrangements had been made for us to have a photo-op with Miss Knowles before showtime. We met many dignitaries and their families as well as fans who flew in from as far as Australia. Firstly, Beyonce’s people, including our point person Jennette with Matthew Knowles’ management company Music World Entertainment ( www.musicworldentertainment.com/kidsrapradio.php ), were lovely, helpful, and most accommodating in getting Ant, our Manila-based guests Joseph and Bong, and me our tickets and as the added bonus: into the meet and greet. In fact, as we walked into have our moment with MISS BEYONCE, she remembered me immediately. She said “We’ve met before. You’ve interviewed me a few times.” She was right! But I didn’t want to presume she’d remember nor did I want to use one of my other tie-ins (“My nephew really is your biggest fan!”). Instead, I wanted to share with her the synergy of this trip that Anthony envisioned and is sharing with me. So, I hipped her to the BDAY theme of our trip... and she just LOVED that! On the heels of our quick-chat and photo-op, she asked where we were sitting. I alerted her (VIP LEFT - ROW DD). At Ant's prompting, she assured us she'd "snap for the kids" (a la ‘the gays’) after which she did four snaps in a circle as she watched us walk out of the room. (Ironically, though, "Get Me Bodied" was eliminated from the set-list along with "Speechless" and "Flaws and All"). During that brief moment, she was so present and warm. Not only did the superstar electricity come off of her, but her niceness and humility also shined brightly through.

Well, as we went to our seats – awaiting the big start of the show, Ant recognized Extra TV’s John Kelly ( extratv .warnerbros.com/ ). You’ll recall, a family emergency prevented him from joining our other African American talent from entertainment magazine shows for the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention this past August in Vegas (www.nabj.org). Both surprised to see each other, I alerted him of my reason for being there as I introduced him to Anthony. He told us that he was dating one of Beyonce’s dancers and thought Manila was a good stop for him to catch up with her. We truly felt like it was a small world, shrinking – running into one of our stateside TV talent in the audience of this sold-out performance.

And as she did here in New York City and New Jersey, a should-be exhausted Beyonce is still delivering an AMAZING show. After she’d done hit-after-hit-after hit, she was ready to close but not before doing “Irreplaceable” and not before doing what she’s been doing on all of her tours – asking who is celebrating a birthday and – then – singing the “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” song. Here in Manila was no different as she asked the audience “WHO IS CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY OUT THERE…!!!???” Immediately she sees someone who came prepared with home-made poster and she acknowledges them by saying “I SEE YOU… BUT WHERE IS MY BOY FROM AMERICA?????!!!!!!!!”

We enthusiastically raised our hands - shouting and in shock that she was thinking of me. She looked in our direction as she’d been instructed from what I told her earlier at the “MEET-AND-GREET” and she said “… well, this is for you…” Though the moment quickly passed, it felt like suspended animation as those around us rooted us on while Miss Beyonce went on to serenade me (and the rest of the BDAY folks), but I’m the only one who got the pointed shout out. Tears streamed down my face as I found myself in part shock and part elation for this special moment in time that I got to share with Anthony by my side. WHAT A RUSH!!!

After we finished the concert, we went to Greenbelt Shopping Center ( www.angelfire.com/oz/greenbelt3/ ) and had some crepes and coffee at Café Breton. Ant and I stayed up all night – just high from the night we’d just shared together with Beyonce. From Jackie Washington’s “Yield” in “Jackie’s Back” with Jenifer Lewis to Diana’s “Stop! In The Name of Love!” in karaoke to Beyonce’s “Green Light”. The synergies were working… overtime!!!!

On the following day (Thursday), our Owen (from the U-S) had coordinated with Joseph to take us to his hometown of Pamapanga to meet his family. We thought it to be a quick HI and look at the open field on which the proposed school Owen is working on will be built. Well, after our long commute (it’s about two hours outside of Manila), we met some of the kindest, warmest, and most fun people you’d ever want to be around. When our car pulled up, we discovered a big karaoke machine set by itself and waiting for me. I couldn’t believe Owen had delivered such a detail to his family. Well, they got the word loud and clear. This machine had a score. At my highest, I got a 96 and kept pushing for 100. No one else got one, but I wanted that 100. I totally enjoyed performing for the troops - including Owen's father, sisters Lori and Michelle, and a host of others. But enjoyed more when the architect for the school Roger got up and did a song or when our driver Abet performed. Ant got up and did a few songs – including his staple Madonna’s “Borderline” and we ate lots of native cuisine and drank lots of Coca-Cola (I love my bubbles!) as the sun soon set, but not before we shared time with Owen’s family at the fish pond. There will hopefully be more to share with you about Owen’s plans with his school that they intend to build for many of the underprivileged children in his hometown. The architect showed us the plans and they are hoping - with cooperation and as much support as they can muster - to open the first phase of this school on 8/8/08. But there's lots to be done. So, that date may shift. Once I get some more formal information, I'll be sure to forward to you as there may be a way you can help out there.

Upon our return from Pampanga, we revisited Greenbelt Shopping Center with Joseph ( www.angelfire.com/oz/greenbelt3/ ). This time, we went to Kitchen and partook of some contemporary fare from the Filipino platter. It didn’t all agree with me, but I was adventurous and aimed to expand my palate as best I could. I didn’t always succeed. Additionally, we went back to the cafe that we liked so much. On this night, we made it back to our hotel, but decided we wanted to find a spot for drinks and whatever it is that the locals do on Thursday night. “Mr. Valentine” ended up being our spot of choice. There were male models – performing sometimes in hip hop hoodies and baggie pants and other times they were simply covered in leaves and moss. From there, a host whose name escapes me and his female singing guest Jada Ortega began to perform popular songs from instrumental tracks. Anthony felt I should let them hear my talent – so he arranged for me to come up and sing. He told them to give me one of four Diana Ross songs that were on one of the discs that they shared with us. In the end, they asked me to join them for a Chaka Khan number “Though the Fire”. Anthony thought they thought it would be more than I could handle (as they weren’t necessarily open to someone new joining their show and sharing their spotlight). Perhaps they thought my vocals would be a bit limp since Diana was my muse, but where they were mistaken is that I carry a strong baritone/2^nd tenor and a sometimes off-the-charts “falsetto” (when in good form). So, Chaka is perfect fare for this chef. Gagging at my shift from calm baritone into “Chaka incarnate”, my contemporaries bowed down and the audience seemed to enjoy as well. We followed that standing ovation with “Baby, Come To Me” by James Ingram and Patti Austin. It was a great night.

On the following day, I got a lovely call from Loida Nicolas-Lewis Filipino-born, New York-based industrialist, philanthropist, socio-civic leader, motivational speaker, author, and lawyer who I’ve mentioned here in the blog before:

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/4/24/on-the-road-again-and-again-and-again.html
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/3/11/success-is-nothing-without-someone-you-love-to-share-it-with.html
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/10/26/black-folks-don-come-up-ppu.html
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/12/radio-golf.html

She married the late Reginald F. Lewis, who would go on to acquire Beatrice International in December 1987 in a $985 million leveraged buyout, created the largest African American company in the United States . His book “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?….How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion Dollar Business Empire” and she is arguably the richest Filipino in America. As I’ve mentioned before, I met her through my fabulous friend Carl Nelson whose allowed me to accompany him to her multi-million dollar estate in East Hampton as well as her beautiful 5^th Avenue home (overlooking Central Park). Anthony and I got invitations to dinner there as she gathered social troops to support her daughter Leslie Lewis-Sword (also referenced here in “A Day in The Life of Riley”) who wrote and stars in her own one-woman show “Miracle in Rwanda” ( www.miracleinrwanda.com/ ). Her mother tells me Leslie has been nominated for a New York City theater award (for people of color). She’ll find out if she wins next Monday. Congrats, Leslie! Loida, Anthony, and I attempted a breakfast at Rockwell, but she needed to get to her Filipino hometown of Sorsogon (where she has built a school in her late husband’s name) and the window was too tight. But we look forward to more times and synergy. I was thrilled we got to chat.

From that call to a deep one-on-one with Anthony (reflecting honestly on the good, bad, and ugly of our relationship), we lifted ourselves up to join Joseph and Bong for some shopping at Greenhills ( www.greenhills.com.ph/ ), another huge mall in which the look for less is achievable in large order. Like H&M, “bench/” (www.benchTM.com) had cool, new, trendy clothes you’ll see soon enough. Same for “Memo” and “Oxygen” (www.goldenabc.com). We bought jewelry and other goods for our loved ones. We passed a church which set right between the flea market and the mall. We also had some Pho’ (noodles, broth, and meat) from Pho’-Hoa Noodle Soup Restaurant ( www.phohoa.com/ ). I too stumbled into another karaoke situation in which we walked into a CD store which was promoting its karaoke software. Josesph and Bong arranged with the store manager for me to sing a song or two. Little did I know that as I sang “Ben” (by Michael Jackson) and Diana’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” that folks walking in the mall would stop in their tracks for the performance as well as shoppers on levels two, three, and four – above me. And even after the two selections, they were screaming for more. While in the store, we also bought some CDs, including “Live in Concert – Mavin Gaye” – featuring his turn on the Diana/Marvin duet “Love Twins”. I convinced Ant to buy “Kinsey” ( www.imdb.com/title/tt0362269/ ), starring Liam Neeson who portrays the Indiana University professor and author whose research on human sexuality profoundly influenced social and cultural values in the United States and many other countries in the West which went through the sexual revolution starting in the 1960s. (Ant and I enjoyed this one on our way back to the States, but got a bigger kick that it was written and directed by our “Dreamgirls” guru Bill Condon). On this night, Ant and I got ourselves packed. After spending some quality time at our hotel, we decided to get out and stay up all night on this night as our flight would be bright and early on Saturday. We went to a spot called “Man’s Chest” before we did an encore performance at “Mr. Valentine”. From there, it was time for Joseph and Abet to get us to the airport. Our hearts are joyful and filled with gratitude for all that our hosts had to offer. From Owen to Joseph to Bong to Abet to Mrs. Lewis to Owen’s family in Pampanga, we are truly grateful and forever indebted. As Ant and I were having our one-on-one, we got a bit off track as we looked at some things that we both need to work on towards the improvement of our relationship. But we both got a little lovingly teary towards each other as we realized that we were both standing inside something really special – not just the relationship, but the “possibilities” that we both go for together… and how “if we hold on together” (in the words of Diana), “… our dreams will never die…”. This trip to Manila to see Beyonce was a dream that didn’t die because we hung in there together and made it special, purposeful, and fun! But more than “me”, there was Anthony who had the vision to give me a big gift which – from trip to hotel – he sponsored. Moreover, we both got to consult with the early plans around what is going to be an important addition to the Pampanga community, the school for the underpriviliged. The results in this trip are exactly how he shows up at his best. And though I love him however he shows up, I’m enlivened at this romantic one, who still hasn’t stopped. Tonight, he asked that I accompany him to the two spots at which he’s planning my stateside celebration to ensure that all he has prepared – location-wise, food-wise, etc. – is to my liking. Though one would think by now I’d be tired of karaoke, Ant has scheduled a night around this activity, but at our regular two spots: “one 17” and “players II”. He’s so good to me.

As we approach our two-year anniversary, you’ll recall we met the opening night of “The Color Purple”. We’re now looking at seeing my friend Norm Lewis in his latest Broadway turn Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” ( disney.go.com/theatre/thelittlemermaid/index.html ). When he was doing “Les Miz”, he – along with actress Q – hosted Ant and me backstage. Norm, who says he reads the blog religiously, is excited to have us bask in our favorite passtime.

All of that said and duly noted, I couldn’t get to Hong Kong (which got us back to the states – Chicago first. Then, Newark) without receiving some grounding news to off-set the fantasy of our vacation. I got word that the aunt of one of my best friends since 7^th grade, Latecia, had passed away. But “Inez” wasn’t just any aunt. She is the woman who can be credited for raising “Tish” for all the years that I knew her. Though Tish was a DC-based little girl being raised by her mother. At a point, it became in her (and her mother’s) best interest for her to come to Savannah and let “Auntee” (as we called her) take charge. If it weren’t for this destination (and the woman behind it), we (our Savannah posse) may never have known Tish. THANK GOD FOR AUNTEE… and GOD REST HER SOUL!

Ant and I got back Saturday night and spent most of Sunday in bed. But we did get to catch up with Ern a bit. On Sunday, we slept all day (as we were truly jet-lagged), but got to get out for a lovely dinner party Ant’s friend Robert threw at his lovely home in Brooklyn. We enjoyed delicious food as we shared some of our Manila travels with the folks. Ant’s friend Marcos was there, reminding us of his open-mic night at Hacienda which takes place every Monday. Please check it out, if you find yourselves in need of an outlet. ( http://www.myspace.com/onemicnite )

In addition to getting back to work , there too are a number of things happening stateside that I need to get updated on:

1. John Amos, who currently stars in the ABC comedy "Men in Trees" ( abc .go.com/primetime/menintrees/index ) is releasing an album of country music titled "We Were Hippies". Apparently, he’s been bonding with the legendary Cash family and they’ve convinced him that he’s got a voice for the genre. Well, this is an I-LOVE-ALL –THINGS-GOOD-TIMES mention, but I’m not sure how I feel about this. You can determine for yourself: "We Were Hippies" is available for download via iTunes. For more info and to HEAR John's music, visit www.myspace.com/johnamoscountry

2. My friend Dorren Oliver is on the board of a theater company called Page 73 Productions. This month their new show "1001" premieres here in New York and runs until November 17 . An adaptation of "1001 Arabian Nights," with incredible direction by Ethan McSweeny, the show mixes the wordplay of Jorge Luis Borges with the satire of Monty Python -- while underscored by New York-based DJ Arisa's fusion of electronica and Middle Eastern music. Doreen calls the play a unique and thought-provoking multimedia event.

Variety calls it "A single, massive tale...which offers a wild and beautiful glimpse at the yarns that shape our lives." Feel free to check out the cool website: www.1001nyc.com. More details below.

3. My friend Marcia Pendelton (www.blacktheateronline.com) has hipped me to a hot new show that’s running at The Philadelphia Theater Company (www.thephiladelphiatheatercompany.com). It’s a Billy Porter production that he wrote and is directing. (Billy Porter is one of my favorite vocalists of all time). BEING ALIVE is a groundbreaking musical fusion which blends four decades of Stephen Sondheim's inventive music and lyrics with the passion and style of jazz, blues, soul, R & B, hip-hop and gospel. It is billed as a joyous celebration that features such songs as "Send In The Clowns," "Pretty Women," "Children Will Listen," and "Being Alive."

4. My friend Greg Dunmore from Detroit sent me this note: “You know how much I appreciate your God Blessed opinion! Please take a serious look at Ziam's live performance video and let me know your honest gut reaction...”. I say “DIFFERENT! EXCITING! SEXY! CUTTING EDGE!” What do you think? It’s Ziam's Liquid Silver at Detroit 's Dally in the Alley.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1274025918/bclid1285255956/bctid1291944065
Watch more great videos at Brightcove.tv

5. An editor Kerry Soloway with whom I’ve worked on several pieces for television is recommending two new projects which will premiere in November. "Rolling Stone: Voice of Our Generation" in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Rolling Stone Magazine, has debuted on WLIW, channel 21.
( www.wliw.org/ ) as well as "Bowfire", which is described as “Riverdance” of fiddleplayers. It will debut on Saturday, November 24, at 7:30 PM on WLIW, channel 21. ( www.wliw.org/ ) They will both be broadcast nationally in December on Public Television. Please check your local PBS stations for the schedule. For more information about the productions, visit:
http://www.wliw.org/productions/RollingStoneVoice.html
and
http://www.wliw.org/productions/bowfire.html

6. And when I didn’t think there was anymore news to tell, I ran into my good girlfriend in the name of the New York Association of Black Journalists Kimberly Allers and she is now making things happen via her “Mocha” brand (www.mochamanual.com). It started out with her “The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy” and now she’s working on a follow-up book and a new line of onesies and sexy “ TEES ” for pregnant women. We both had a late-night bite in mind and “The Waverly” ( 6^th Avenue and Waverly) fit our respective bills. It’s always good to see Kimberly! I wish her and her two babies Kayla and Michael the best!

Next update will look at the birthday celebration and the week as it develops! I know this was a long read, if you made it to the end. But in the words of my Beyonce, “… a little sweat ain’t never hurt nobody…”! SMILE!