Olivia Newton John dazzled audiences last, March 31, 2012 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Photo by CHRIS LUCAS.

(The full review of the concert will follow in this blog with more pics.)

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Stepping off the plane coming from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Olivia Newton John was fresh and all smiles. She may be the best looking and sweetest foreign artist to land in such a great mood. Considering the fact that she has come from a brutal Asian tour, she came from Bangkok and Singapore before KL and landing here at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila last March 30, 2012.

Olivia Newton John is cheery and bright fresh from the flight! She's interviewed by Cata Inocecnio of GMA Network. Photo by Jude Bautista

She gamely answered the questions of the press upon her arrival one of which is namely Cata Inocencio of GMA Network news. When asked her impression of Filipinos she responded, “What I know is that you are very good singers and very beautiful like you.” (Referring to Cata Inocencio) She also shortened the name of the venue leaving out Araneta,“I’d like to invite all of you to my concert at SMART coliseum.” Her song list includes her biggest hits: “Sam”, “Magic” and “Xanadu” among others. Songs from her latest film soundtrack “Few Best Men” were also performed.

Olivia Newton John poses with the media From left ABS CBN camera man Dionisio Pelayo, GMA reporter Cata Inocecnio, Wilbros Live Managing director Winston Llamas and GMA camera man Jun Gomez. Photo taken by Jude Bautista.

Olivia Newton John receives a framed prayer from Pope Benedict XVI given by WILBROS Managing Dir Winston Llamas and COO Glenn Llamas. Photo by Jude Bautista.

She sang a total of 29 songs during her concert at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Olivia was presented with 2 very important mementos to commemorate the occasion. One was an official framed prayer and blessing from Pope Benedict XVI presented by WILBROS Managing Dir Winston Llamas and WILBROS COO Glenn Llamas. The second was a crystal replica of the famous venue by SMART Araneta Coliseum Sales & Mktg Mgr Gines Enriquez.

SMART Araneta Coliseum Sales & Mktg Mgr Gines Enriquez presented Olivia Newton John with a replica of the historic venue.

Olivia Newton John (center) with (from left) Diamond Hotel GM Vanessa Suatengco and Diamond Hotel Bus. Devt. Mgr. Edgar Berin. Photo was taken last March 31, 2012 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Photo by Jude Bautista.

VIP fans from left: Indonesian Amb Kristiarto Legowo with wife Caecilia, South African Amb Agnes Nyamande-Pitso and Chilean Amb. Roberto Mayorga Lorca. Photo was taken during the Olivia Newton John Concert at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 31, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

The audience members were composed of a lot of VIPs. Among them were 3 diplomats: Indonesian Amb Kristiarto Legowo with wife Caecilia, South African Amb Agnes Nyamande-Pitso and Chilean Amb. Roberto Mayorga Lorca.  SMDC CEO Henry Sy Jr. was also there with his wife and kids. GMA Special Assistant to the Pres. Rod Cornejo enjoyed the show with wife Vangie.

SMDC CEO Henry Sy Jr. was also there with his wife and kids.

from left: GMA Special Assistant to the Pres. Rod Cornejo, wife Vangie and Wilbros Live Managing director Winston Llamas. Photo was taken during the Olivia Newton John Concert at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last March 31, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista

Olivia Newton John (center) with (from left) Myx Channel Mgr Mila Labendia and Myx Channel Head Andre Alvarez. Photo was taken last March 31, 2012 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Myx channel Head André Alvarez watched the show along with Myx Channel Manager Mila Labendia. Alavarez said that he has a soft spot for 80’s music. “Even now I haven’t really heard of musicians replicate the fun mood of that era. The 70’s and 60’s also had a very distinct sound too.” Olivia Newton John started her musical career in the 70’s with top hits on the UK, Australian and US charts. But she is most popularly known for her role in the movie musical “Grease” with John Travolta. To this day “Grease” is one of the most successful film soundtracks of all time.

Olivia Newton John with musician and pianist Marr Llamas. Photo by Jude Bautista

Olivia Newton John (center) with WILBROS Family Len Mateo, Alma Navarro and Malou. Photo was taken last March 31, 2012 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Olivia Newton John dazzled audiences last, March 31, 2012 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Photo by CHRIS LUCAS.