ISHA PONTI Takes Emotional Journey with New Album LIKAS

Her smile and infectious charm was felt across the room. She began holding the mic and immediately grabbed our attention, like any other talented Filipino would do. She's ISHA PONTI, and yes, we felt right away how she wanted us to listen to her songs. 

Albeit quite familiar with her previous songs, she's taken a little different path than usual. She's launching a new album called LIKAS which she dubs as a more emotional and personal album. She sang her heart out in between conversations , and she began mustering the courage to let it all out, feel her songs made of love, her growth as an artist and undoubtedly raw self discovery. LIKAS for her was an authentic outlet, so she gives her time to be her truthful self, both as a songwriter and a storyteller. She also worked with several producers such as Adonis Tabanda,whom she worked with for her artistry and sensibility. She also garnered the nod of the 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music, a feat for a very talented person of her age in the industry. 

A few of the songs she sang resonated with me, particularly KABANATA which was about hope, love and longing. There's also NUMERO which was a bit catchy, and HINGA which was a bit of an emotional journey. If you're a bit more involved in OPM, she's got more singles like Darating, Halika, Warmth, Gulong, Bakas, Riversky and Mismo.

You may listen to her songs now on all streaming platforms, or listen to radio stations nationwide by requesting for it. In each single she plans to release, you'll see her vulnerability, and hopeful beginnings. 

If you want to see her perform live, she's having an album launch this coming June 20th at the Viva Cafe in Quezon City. Show starts 7pm and she will be with other special guests to join in on the fun too. LIKAS is her vehicle to make sure you're going to hear more of her songs, and if you're up to it, she's on social media via Ponti Entertainment Productions. Follow Isha's and their account for more information. 

ISHA PONTI Releases Christmas Single and Prepares for THE NEXT ONES Concert with ANDREA GUTIERREZ

Isha Ponti is taking her music to new heights by releasing a Christmas single called "Kung Wala Ka Sa Pasko". 

At the launch, they had PPOP girl group DIV9 and Andrea Gutierrez perform as part of their efforts to promote their upcoming concert "The Next Ones" on December 13th at the Music Museum, produced by Ponti Entertainment Productions. They will be with Aquila Packing, Nathan Randal, Maurice, PPOP group by Azter, Graciel Hizon, Raymond Gorospe, The Boxers, Roshe Performing Group and the iconic Rey Valera. 

Isha is a very talented songwriter, and this song she just released is a bit of an emotional plea because the one she loves was not there during a special occasion such as Christmas. Done all in Filipino, she hopes it reaches those who feel a little lonely during this season. The lyrics give off a bit of a woman wanting to be with her loved one. She says "When we were trying to make a song, this was done on the spot and took us only 40 minutes just last November. I love Sarah Geronimo since I was a kid. If ever I'd get to do acting work, I would definitely grab the opportunity. I haven't made a song for Ate Andrea, or a PPOP group so I'd like to do that. I also want to compose a song for Sarah Geronimo and Arthur Nery. I've been writing songs since I was 7, but had problems with a recording company. It was a surprise for my Dad but it just continued. He was the one who encouraged me to write. I heard of contests for songwriting, but never had the opportunity to do so. Now I have 24 songs written but had about 19 recorded. I haven't released it yet but we'll see. I haven't done collabs yet but I'd like to do that soon."

Andrea loves the music of Lani Misalucha and want the concert to be a bit more modern plus a few classic songs in the mix. She says "Isha and I met in a competition called Asia's Best where she was Season 1 champ and I got Season 3. We already had the final rehearsal and we got good feedback even if we have different genres. I will be singing a lot of songs including 3 for the holidays. This includes an original song, which I'm excited to do on that night."

Isha and Andrea were commended by the Director Calvin Niera and said they actually over delivered. They didn't box the repertoire and expect something off their comfort zones because they have other songs to perform in the show. This is something that they are working on til things happen on the 13th. It's also going to talk about their personal journey, their feelings, just said through songs. It's fun and dance will also be a huge part of it towards the end.

Obviously they are excited, and if you want to watch something fun before the holidays, get tickets via TicketWorld now! Here's lots of luck for you two and the other performers, cheers!

ISHA PONTI and ANDREA GUTIERREZ Takes First Step with THE NEXT ONES Concert

The Philippines has certainly gotten the nod of the world when it comes to singing, and what Ms. Lea Salonga wished for recently made so much sense when she said "I hope I won't be the last!" to achieve something that could mirror her career, rightfully so, I agree with her 100%!

There ought to be "THE NEXT ONES", a new generation of artists that not only could replicate her success but hopefully surpass it. Ponti Entertainment Production is staging a concert of the same name showcasing Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez at the Music Museum on December 13th, 8pm. They will also be performing with OPM icon Rey Valera.

Asia's Pop Sweetheart Isha Ponti says "The concert is collaborative and they didn't force us in a certain genre, they wanted us to shine with what is comfortable for us. We base it also with what people want, I'm into Nina and Kyla. I'll be performing Walang Kapalit which wasn't revived yet by anyone. We also did a music video for it. It's also a tribute for Sir Rey Valera, also add our advocacy for the youth to hopefully pave the way for the next generation. This concert was a request from our producers, when they told us this was happening I felt unsure. We're not in the mainstream yet as we don't have hit songs, but the reason why we agreed is to break out of our cage. We wanted to go there, our start, our beginning."

She added "We picked artists that are current, but fits our genre. We will have older artists too but that's going to be a surprise! Recently, we watched the Filipino Music Awards and I was so impressed with Maki. I'm trying to write songs and sing it, if I get to be like him that's amazing! This is a major show, so as early as now we're already memorizing and practicing on top of school work. I prioritize it on Sundays and also try to dance a bit. I love it and I hope to integrate it on the show."

Bossa Nova Princess Andrea Gutierrez "I ventured into Bossa Nova because people who heard me sing compare me with Sitti and other Bossa artists. Maybe we can announce, Sir Rey Valera gave us songs to perform and we're excited to do that in this concert. Yes, we get pressured because we're headlining. We're practicing practically everyday and we hope the audience would appreciate that. I hope I get to have hit songs after this step. Ms. Lani Misalucha is my idol, I hope I get to sing songs like what she's done in the past years."

Other guests include Graciel Hizon, Raymond Gorospe, Aquila Paquing, Nathan Randal, including their front acts PPOP acts DIV9, AZTER, wonder kid Maurice, The Boxers, and the Roshe Performing Group. Tickets are available via TICKETWORLD and at the Music Museum Box Office.

It's time to support the next generation of artists, take a chance on seeing and hearing them live!