He's one of the most down to earth guys in GMA Records' stable and without a doubt, James Wright has been doing the legwork for his career going to different parts of the country and introducing himself and his brand of music. He's done so well that it calls for a second album under GMA Records and from the looks of it, this is bound to be another successful one.
The 12 tracks are handpicked by him and the people over at GMA Records and it is composed of a pretty good mix of original OPM songs which can be bought on digital stores world wide. Genre? Well James said this is a little more varied than the usual. So if you want to hear him do other stuff aside from ballads that he has been known for, this is the opportune time to do it. You will also be hearing most of these songs in his gigs nationwide once he commences doing his tours plus some guestings in GMA and radio stations nationwide. The tracks include Ibig Bang Sabihin, Lahat Ng Aking Pag-Ibig, , Open Up, My Destiny My Love (The Star theme), Mahal Na Nga Kita, Please Come Back, Ibig Bang Sabihin (Backing Track), Lahat Ng Aking Pag-Ibig (Backing Track), Open Up, My Destiny My Love (The Star theme), Mahal Na Nga Kita and Please Come Back.
We also got to talk to him through a simple luncheon arranged by the good people of GMA Records and GMA Social Media. Listen in.
So if you like what you're seeing, hearing and everything else from James Wright, please make sure you grab a copy in record bars, digital stores world wide! He sounds so good, you can bet your alien love story! James Wright is even more than Just Wright.
Today marks the release of the ONE LOVE album. It's the charity project that's got a stellar cast plus some of GMA's most promising singers who all joined up for the benefit of GMA's Kapuso Foundation. It's actually the first of its kind and judging from the talent we've seen during the blog conference, they've really been able to make this a thing to watch out for. They did some of the songs and the carrier single called "Sa Puso Mo" (In Your Heart) stood out as it was sang by a couple of people from the label and the ensemble cast who participated in the album.
These ladies (Kath Castillo, Hannah Precillas, Kai Atienza) performed the song "Broken" which is more on the emotional side of things. They're the finalists and winners of Bet ng Bayan which is a show on the same network. They find this as an opportunity not just to showcase their talent but to also help in a cause that would help a LOT of people whether they're sick, in an emergency or just in need. They're also optimistic that this could spark plans for their individual careers.
I've seen Ralf King sing with us during the Christmas Party for bloggers last December, he's one of the unquestionable people who can sing a phonebook and still sound amazing. He's also good looking too and very down to earth. I didn't get to talk with him that much but I'm vouching for this guy. He's singing one of the singles "Para Lang Sayo" (Only for You) which I find quite nice, more of a ballad/rnb type of thing when he executes it.
Nar Cabico half hosted the event. I think he's being groomed to be in that post aside from singing. He's a good chap and promises the digital album will impress critics as the songs were tailor made for Valentines day.
Julian Trono as usualy was looking so good. He's doing a duet with Lindsay De Vera and I got so naughty that I had to tease them during the interview. I think I know Julian's not single but when brought with the idea Lindsay went ahead and Friendzoned the KPOP/PPOP singer.
Don't they look sweet? I know, but Lindsay says even though she would fall in love with someone like Julian she knows she treats him like a brother and friend. They've been together since Jollitown days and since they kinda grew up together Lindsay finds him in that category. Anyway I saw her smile as she was being teased, nothing wrong with that.
Lovely Yasmien Kurdi also sang super nice one of the songs. I missed her singing. Her last album was in 2007 and it was a hit so I was wondering why there wasn't a follow up after that. She quips she had to finish her studies and had to have time with family when she left the industry a few years back. We're not alone, but hopefully after this great showing on the charity album GMA Records would be able to make her another one since she's a very spirited singer. I can tell how impressed people were when she sang one of the songs in the ONE LOVE album. She hasn't lost that touch.
A good friend, James Wright implied how much he's so eager to help co GMA Record artists in this album. He say's "they're like family and I would do the same if I were in their position". He gave us a sample of his hit song "Sana'y Ikaw" which is part of the OST of Marian Rivera's show Carmela. He's one of the nicest people I've ever encountered in show business and hope that translates how people would perceive him and his songs. He still also has his self titled album out but hopes this charity album would make people unite, love one another, important for a great country like ours.
Other artists that are also in this album include Glaiza de Castro, Derrick Monasterio, Kristoffer Martin, Kylie Padilla, Ruru Madrid, Betong Sumaya, Gabbi Garcia, Maricris Garcia, Rita Daniela (whom I talked to in the elevator) and Denise Barbacena. If you love them, you'll love this project made by JU Entertainment of Korea and GMA Records. Here's some of the videos we took during the blog conference, enjoy their performances!
Two good looking guys just had their birthdays celebrated at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo High School in Quezon City. It was a hot afternoon but Kenneth Paul Cruz and James Wright didn't mind because they're doing something worthy today. Instead of getting gifts, these two prefer to give back to the community by donating a mini library for the school. Aside from that, they promised an afternoon of fun and entertainment as these two talented gentlemen danced and sang their hearts out to the teen highschool students of CGEAHS.
Here are some excerpts of the event, just take a look at how much the students went wild when Kenneth and James went down the stage too!
Kenneth is going to have more projects with GMA, he says he'a going to surprise everyone when he appears in Healing Hearts later in the show. Healing Hearts is still showing on GMA so he's excited to see how people would react when he goes into the story. James Wright on the other hand is still doing singing engagements here and there, he's also still promoting his self titled album under GMA Records and it's still available in all major record bars and shops too.
To end the event, they had the teachers and the principal of the school on stage as symbolic recipients of the mini library. They thanked everyone who made it possible especially Aquabest, Zagu, Happy Haus Donuts, Erase Placenta, Ace Paint and GMA Artist Center who all chipped in so they could give the kids prizes, and some food and beverages for the teachers. They also had spa services for the teachers after the show.
Happy happy birthday Kenneth and James! Stay blessed!
Took the evening off from the busy streets of Manila and decided to go to an event in CaliBurger in Timog Avenue for the Kapuso Music Quiz Night. I didn't know what to expect but I guess they'll be asking questions in the lines of music, or some trivia about it. I was a bit late and apologized, but good looking crooner James Wright was already there talking to the other bloggers. Of course I've already interviewed this guy when he launched his album a couple of months ago here and when they got launched here. James sings like you wanna sit down, have a glass of champagne and have a date with someone. It's like you want to fall in love and get hurt and say it's okay just as long as you are loving someone... sometimes, you feel like he's got it all.
Don't let his looks deceive you. He's a mean spirited singer I'm telling yah. That's what got him to do Carmela's theme in the first place. As of now, he's busy with Strawberry Lane and tours to promote his album here and in other regions. He's doing the legwork I'm sure and with the acting stints here and there, he's bound to be one of GMA's bankable artists. I think they're pairing him up with Kim Rodriguez who's an equally sexy lass. I hope he gets noticed more and sought to be in projects in the future, after all, he's a good chap.
Aside from James, good looking Mikoy Morales was there too. Last time I've seen him was during Thea Tolentino's debut where he sang a very amusing, but quite endearing composition he made for her. They look good together and how I wish they do end up in church some day. Anyway, Mikoy is busy with his new show together with Elmo Magalona and Janine Gutierrez called More Than Words. He plays the role of Chester Balboa, a geek who's life is also going to be intertwined with Ikay and Hiro. The show is already faring well and he's pretty happy about it. Aside from that, Mikoy Morales regularly appears in Sunday All Stars. He's not just a good singer but a pretty good musician and composer too. Who wouldn't fall in love with a guy like him right?
Plus what I like about James and Mikoy is, they don't have qualms having fun with us during the quiz night. They're not the type of stars that think so highly of themselves, they're so humble and appreciate small things. They even lead both of our teams answering questions and singing some of it. They don't make you feel like a stranger because they're naturally warm people. They probably know that people would be shy to approach them on a regular basis but this one, they felt right at home... I really appreciate people like that because as I see it, they're genuine. In show business, you can only tell a handful of them have that trait. Oh and before I end this, please watch Julie Ann San Jose's concert on the 13th of December at 8PM. It''ll be big because it will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena, tall order but I hope you get to see it!
Please do not hesitate to support these two young gentlemen who's working hard to make their dreams happen. They're one of the few who are triple threats, might as well idolize someone who has talent in the first place. I had so much fun, thank you so much to GMA Social Media peeps who invited us... hope this wouldn't be the last! :)
We spent the day with talented actors and their fans in the Lazer Max Tag Arena in Centris off Quezon Avenue. It was my first time to meet Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Phytos Ramirez and Zandra Summer but I've featured Kenneth Paul Cruz and James Wright in previous posts. The premise is, we're going to have fun in this joint... and that we did!
It was also a good time for these artists to connect with their fan clubs so they get to talk to their idols while we were there. It was intimate, especially when they sat down and ate with them during lunch. They got to know them more over pizza and pasta. The questions revolved around their projects and what other things they need to look out for with Kenneth Paul, Zandra, James, Rafa and Phytos. They also had games designed for them to interact with each other. They also gave the fans prizes from GMA Artist Center, RRJ, Active White, Sundance and Toblerone. It was also a sweet sight when they all asked the them to sign some pillows as they'd want to keep the memories of this day.
Rafa Siguion Reyna and Phytos Ramirez
Rafa went ahead and promoted his stint in "Hari ng Tondo" (King of Tondo) which is an entry to Cinemalaya. It's also directed by his Dad the famous Carlos Siguion Reyna. He has much respect for the craft and he saw how hard it is. He also lauds Direk Maryo J. Delos Reyes which he works with in Nino. He says the thing common with them is that they know what they want and they never settle with mediocre acting. "They will make you work for what's needed in the scenes and that's a good thing" he adds.
I think Phytos Ramirez is one of the less seen (but not under appreciated) actors in this station. Don't get me wrong, I think it's not just the projects but his looks. He's 19 and he is aware that this is much of an awkward stage of pressing for cutie teeny bopper roles or go for mature ones. My shot here doesn't do justice because I think he's way more good looking in person. His Grecian looks is just something I haven't seen in Philippine TV and I think that can be something of an advantage. He now wishes to be seen in more mature roles and he's really working hard at it by bulking up. I guess it comes with the territory of being a matinee idol, which I think he's gonna be a perfect fit at. We only can wish him well; and I hope to see him in tons of projects soon.
James Wright still has his self titled album out on stores nationwide. He's concentrating on performing and he's been touring a couple of cities to perform in. The one in Nuvali with Ogie Alcasid yesterday was fun it seems and he's also gone to Hong Kong coz he misses his family. I hope you get his album produced also by GMA Records. For more information about that, check my previous article here.
After Kenneth Paul Cruz's stint in Carmela (Marian Rivera's series), he's going to be in the Cinemalaya entry Mariquina (Marikina) together with Barbie Forteza, Mylene Dizon, Ricky Davao, Bing Pimentel, Dennis Padilla, Che Ramos, Mel Kimura, Erlinda Villalobos and Ruby Ruiz. It's Directed by Milo Sugueco. The movie talks about the city of Marikina, their history, the people who are in the shoe industry and how she (Mylene Dizon's character) begins to find her self in the process. Kenneth will be playing one of the pivotal roles in this film as the love interest of Barbie Forteza. He hopes everyone would be able to watch it during Cinemalaya preview dates as he's very proud of this project. I think he deserves it, rightfully do.
Zandra Summer who hailed from the Protege reality show was also there since her birthday falls in July like the rest of these guys. She's currently also in Dading playing one of the nurses in the show since Glaiza De Castro's character works in the hospital there. She didn't hold back and joined everyone in the Laser tag games, really a good gal. I hope she continue to get more projects from GMA because I think she's doing a good job in this support role. She's got character, and she looked pretty good when made up too. Good luck in your future shows Zandra and hope to talk more with you soon!
Overall, you guys have given your most precious fans a fun day that they would not forget. Thank you so much for being so nice too. Happy birthday!
Thanks GMA Artist Center for letting us tag along!