JC Buendia sounded excited when he posted on his Facebook page last June 30: “It’s confirmed! Madonna in Manila Feb. 2016.”

The fashion designer’s post actually preceded Inquirer Lifestyle’s report (“Madonna in Manila confirmed: 2 days at MOA Arena,” July 1, Inquirer.net) on the Queen of Pop’s coming gig, her first in the country since releasing her debut album in 1982. The concert—which will be formally announced in August, according to sources—will be part of her current tour in support of her 2015 “Rebel Heart” album.

“We’re planning to watch… in Madonna costumes from different eras,” Buendia texted a friend, Wing Inductivo. “Siyempre ako Like A Virgin, hahaha!”

Another notable personality looking forward to Madonna in Manila is celebrity makeup artist Bambbi Fuentes. “Madonna ’yan ’no,” he said while having drinks with friends.

Fuentes was referring to Madonna’s stature as an influential figure, an icon in fact, to the worldwide gay community.

Bambbi Fuentes with Marian Rivera; — Bambbi Fuentes with Marian Rivera

Dance club setup

Meanwhile, other sources have informed Inquirer Lifestyle that Chris Brown is expected to arrive ahead of his own gig on July 21 at MOA Arena.

The R&B/hip-hop star’s Manila concert will have a dance club setup, complete with provisions for drinks inside the venue, the sources added.

The organizers are said to be even planning a pre-concert party for early-bird ticket holders, sponsors and media, to be held July 17 either at Valkyrie or The Palace Pool Club in Bonifacio Global City.

Tickets to the concert are moving well, the same sources added.

SM Tickets, tel. 4702222; or log on to smtickets.com.

CHRIS Brown FACEBOOK.COM/CHRISBROWN — Chris Brown FACEBOOK.COM/CHRISBROWN

Live gig at The Smoking Joint

There’s a new place to spend the nightlife in Parañaque and it’s ingeniously called The Smoking Joint. It serves barbecued ribs, pulled pork and brisket—cooked by flame “low and slow”—along with local and imported beers.

It is owned and operated by Tony Fernando, a cool dude whom we first met in grade school at Colegio San Agustin, and later spent lots of good times in college at La Salle Taft. He’s known to play the drums as a hobby.

In fact, he’s holding a gig at The Smoking Joint’s grand opening on July 25 featuring Mon Espia on guitar and vocals; Wowee Posadas, keyboards; Janno Queyquep, guitar; Bobby Taylo, bass; and Fernando himself, drums. DJ Abdel Aziz will spin records.

That sounds like one great smoking gig.

The Smoking Joint, 308 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque; tel. 8342970