The Pagoda Hotel and Restaurant has added a Valentine’s Day dinner-show to its growing roster of holiday specials — with comedian Frank De Lima as the driving force.
De Lima is pleased with the Valentine’s bid, set for Feb. 14 at the Pagoda’s C’est Si Bon. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with buffet service from 5:45 p.m. preceding the 7:30 show.
He’s become a staple at the Pagoda, with previous performances and buffets on Mother’s Day, Grandparents’ Day and during the Christmas season. Ah, if only other hotels would partner with other headliners.
The Pagoda is accepting reservations for the Valentine’s date, with a buffet featuring the usual fare: salad, poke, sushi and entrees of chicken, prime rib and seafood, along with veggies, starches and desserts. Tickets: $50 for adults, $25 children ages 5 to 8. Reservations: 948-8370.
"I was traveling a lot the past few months," said De Lima, who visited family in Ohio, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas. Now it’s back to work.
"I’m still creating," he said of his comedic material, on which he collaborates with Patrick Downes to produce. "Not as easy at my age, but still happening."
De Lima is still on his tour of schools, most recently on the Big Island, where he visited campuses from Laupahoehoe to Hookena. "Fun times with the students," he said. "All the students know 422-2222 (from De Lima’s TheCab’s TV commercials). After I introduce myself, I say, ‘What’s the number?’ and I get it loud and clear."
A visit to Punahou in April concludes this year’s tours, but he’s already planning to visit 150 campuses next year. …
HEART LINES: Grammy winner Toni Braxton shares her soulful artistry — and her big hits, "Unbreak My Heart" and "Breathe Again" — in another Valentine’s option at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Blaisdell Arena. Comic Jonell Rawlings hosts; Jon B guest-stars. Tickets available at the Blaisdell box office or at Ticketmaster (800- 745-3000, ticketmaster.com) for $55 to $125. …
And a note from Loveland, Colo., from ex-islander Julie Honda, who’s been struggling with heart problems recently, sends encouraging updates: "We are doing fine though age is taking its toll on the body. I now walk with a cane, and when at a large grocery or retailer like Wal-Mart, I use their electric cart and getting good at it." She no longer drives, so hubby, veteran hotel GM Fred, is her chauffeur — she likely is doing her "Driving Miss Daisy" thing. The couple plan to return to Honolulu in May for son Kyle‘s graduation from the University of Hawaii. They will celebrate another milestone this year: a 50th wedding anniversary. …
AROUND TOWN: William Daquioag, the former singer-musician from The Krush and Society of Seven LV, is an established vocal instructor-coach, too, at The Performing Artist Academy in Ewa Beach. He’s planning a singing workshop from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Oahu Veterans Center, open to all wannabe singers. Go to www.tpaacademy.com to register.
One of Daquioag’s students, Katrina Lopez, was a musical hurricane recently in "Global Pinoy Singing Idol" in the Philippines, beating contestants from Hawaii, the mainland and other countries. Congrats! …
MARS TRIVIA: Bruno Mars, who is everywhere on the show biz map these days, made his national TV debut in 1990 when he appeared at the Aloha Bowl during the Christmas season, singing "It’s Christmas (All Over the World)." Michael W. Perry and Larry Price aired the audio of the then-5-year-old superstar-to-be. Global viewers get to experience the updated Mars when he headlines the Super Bowl halftime show today at MetLife stadium in New Jersey. Tune in on Fox. Or order tickets Monday for Mars’ April 18 and 19 concerts at Blaisdell Arena. …
And that’s "Show Biz." …
———
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist; reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com; read his Show and Tell Hawaii blog at www.staradvertiser.com.
