ISHA PONTI Launches "LIKAS" Album

Super talented singer songwriter Isha Ponti gave us goosebumps last night at the VIVA CAFE where she celebrated her birthday and launched her new album "LIKAS". 

Isha says "If there's someone who acts like an anchor in my life, I would like to say thanks to my Mom and Dad, happy father's day! I always do this every year but this is special because being 20 means I've already experienced things and applied it to my songs. Some good, some that hurt, but it's okay. I'm good!"

She sang her singles "Darating" (an upbeat hopeful love song),  "Hinga" (a call for pause before loving again), "Proud to Say" (not part of the LIKAS album but she made this song when she was 13), "Raining In Manila" (her cover), "Kabanata" (where she proudly showed her heartwarming music video too), Man I Need & So Easy (both an Olivia Dean original- her cover), and a few more to the delight of the crowd. She also did "Warmth", "Gulong" (about a hurtful relationship), "Halika" (a ballad about asking to admit love), "Bakas" (she cried on this bit), "Kung Di Rin Tayo sa Huli" (her cover of the December Avenue song),  "Numero" (about self worth), "Riversky" (about believing in  yourself), and the finale song the danceable "Mismo" (where everyone stood up!). Isha reminds us that her new album "Likas" is all about loving, learning, and experiencing her truth and I totally agree. 

In the audience, she also had her relatives, friends from school, and press who have been helping her get her music out there. She thanked them all! 

Isha acknowledged a few artists from VIVA, a PPOP girl group and of course, one of GMA's prime actors Kelvin Miranda (who did a duet with her btw!). 

OPM is so blessed to have to someone like you Isha! Here's hoping you get to even more places. Seeing how passionate you are in your craft and how hard you've worked for it, please keep on writing and singing more songs!

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. 

See ANNE HATHAWAY Differently in MOTHER MARY

Just had the opportunity to watch MOTHER MARY, the Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel artsy psycho drama thriller made for the cinema by David Lowery. This will be out in Philippine cinemas on April 22, but I'd love to tell you more about it before you'd dive in on the movie.

Anne plays the role of MOTHER MARY, an artist that's like a cross between Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, who went bonkers and stopped in the middle of her success, and tried to find out what's making her lose track of her life. The film is like a hodgepodge of poetry lines + a visual feast of music, fashion, boldness, curses, artistry, confusion, weirdness, on being lost, style, fantasy and gore. Michaela Coel plays top fashion designer Sam, also MOTHER MARY's best friend and go to person for everything she wears on tour. The movie concentrates on their relationship, on finding out why she couldn't see that former spark that made her who she is as the pop star. This film is very cerebral, might scare some of how deep it is. You'll be a little uncomfortable on some scenes but I think it is essential on how it is presented. You'll hear some music from this generation's pop stars, intertwined with the story. My favorite line was when Anne's character said "I'm being dressed by everyone but it doesn't feel like me" and then Michaela replied "Tell me what you are feeling and I'll make that into a dress!"

It's a fashion spectacle, like fitting in a whole day of the Met Gala into the screen. It may take a while to get digested, but you'd be glad they took time to do it. I love Anne Hathaway in her previous roles, but this persona is certainly different even compared to her other dramatic roles. 

After seeing it, I get it. You'll also get to question your understanding after a few minutes which I think is the whole point of this movie. You won't be sticking to your realities, and might ask yourself very often (OMG WT* DID I JUST WATCH!). 

This is produced by A24 and released in the country by Creazion Studios International. I'd give a strong 4/5, and might suggest this for more mature fans of Anne Hathaway. It ain't Princess Diaries alright. It's like a living long form fashion editorial which I love. Go watch it!

VIBE PH Showcases OPM Artists, 70's-80's Music on LIVE Performances

Spent the afternoon and evening over at VIBE and watched their weekend show at the Meralco Theater. The lineup was just something I couldn't pass on because they promised a couple artists to be there. Particularly OPM Icons Top Suzara of popular band FREESTYLE, alternative pop rock bands SHAMROCK and NEXXUS. There's also the young, good looking and talented lad Kenaniah, promising OPM act Hezekiah, 25 year old Yael Yuzon and his band Spongecola, plus the very lovely Gigi de Lana (who's doing a number on the same stage!). 

They call this the OG Night which is done live on TV5 Saturdays at 6:15 PM. It's unbelievable to see the work they put out from this place because it took a whole town to set it up. Hosts we saw (or rather called Vibe Jocks) include Ana Ramsey, Dylan Menor, Ryle Santiago, Paulo Angeles (who was also nursing an injured foot), Kych Minemoto, Queenay Mercado and a few more millennial jocks later on in the evening. They came out guns blazing singing OPM numbers from late 70's to early 80's. It was absolutely fun!

 

We got to talk to them behind the scenes, after their photoshoot, they got me hooked up to talk to the artist before they went on stage. Let me tell you about Kenaniah. 

 

 

The boy called KENANIAH

Been following Kenaniah for a while now. I've seen him do shows left and right, create his own music and sing them with so much gusto, and definitely see how passionate he is with his craft. It's no surprise to see him on the Vibe PH stage as he gets on the 9th spot of the Main Vibe Leaderboard. The lyrics embody a guy who doesn't see the value of his efforts and end up questioning if it is enough. It is pretty sad, but he made the misery music quite catchy. The man is a genius, and I can't wait to see him be in bigger stages soon. Check out how he did it on the Vibe stage:

 

 

After doing it LIVE, I got a hint that he's a bit sick (it was the reason why he wasn't able to perform the previous week. He's got new music and plans for more gigs soon, follow him on socials @imkenaniah on IG since he updates regularly there. Thank you Kenaniah for ALWAYS being so nice! 

 

 

Also got to talk to 25 year old Yael Yuzon, Spongecola and the very beautiful Gigi de Lana. The VIBE stage is the actual second time they are performing their new song "NAGHIHILOM". Yael describes it as heavy, as it is about healing. They were very nervous about it, but knows people will LOVE this song. Gigi described it as a difficult process, even told the audience that healing is never easy process. All I can say is, I hope this isn't the last time they'd make songs. It's amazing!

SHAMROCK has got a new vocalist named Bradley Holmes (of The Voice fame), and he's being loved the same. With the plethora of songs they've got being immortalized on GMA dramas, the audience got to sing along with it when they performed on the Vibe stage. They've got a new single called PASAKIT, and it's a bit different from their previous songs because it's a bit catchy, pop rock ish, something you'd play on a drive and jam with. Here's a short chat we had with them:

 

 

If you have time, there's a couple more videos I uploaded on my YouTube channel (YouTube.com/kumagcow) These are just some of the things that you can expect with Vibe. Make sure you watch their prime time show on TV5 or their social channels because they also post performances there. I enjoyed my time covering the show and I can't wait to see more Filipino artists on the Vibe stage. They're now LIVE on Saturdays at 6:15 PM so don't miss it!

JOJO MENDREZ Wish to Cease Airing of DIREKwentuhan Interview by Director Ronald Carballo

Filipino "Revival King" Jojo Mendrez recently expressed his wish to not have his recent interview with Direk Ronald Carballo be published on platforms on his show DIREKwentuhan (on YouTube). He feels this would affect him and his artistry negatively as some parts of the interview might have onlookers feel offensive and or uncomfortable.  

He mentions how talk around his sexuality, how he got his title as Revival King, might have felt too personal to get published. He initially agreed to do the show expecting they'd talk more about his music but felt parts were a bit inappropriate, and didn't seem to align with his purpose to promote his music. He hopes this episode won't be aired, and issues be solved amicably. 

Director Ronald Carballo as of publishing has not expressed what will happen to the episode, but his show DIREKwentuhan has always been about conversations with personalities in the entertainment industry. Mendrez for now will be concentrating about his music and upcoming projects, more revival hits which he hopes people would continue to enjoy. 

Fire and Ice Entertainment Signs New Artists, Unleashes Exciting Acts This 2026

There's really no stopping Fire and Ice Entertainment this 2026 as they launch more talents, concerts, shows and several movies this 2026. 

This is the handy work of their people from Fire and Ice Live!, Fire and Ice Music, Fire and Ice Studios, Fire and Ice Media, and their brand Fire and Ice Consultancy. They've been working hard to put up live events, theater productions, films, TV series, and cultural consultancy services for a lot of people. It's a haven for artists that is sustainable, built on making sure authorship and collaboration happens when needed. CEO Liza Diño Seguerra always believes in long term support for projects and with these 5 new brands, they would be able to ensure audiences get their money's worth, and they're excited for you to know what they've got up their sleeves.

This is the handy work of their people from Fire and Ice Live!, Fire and Ice Music, Fire and Ice Studios, Fire and Ice Media, and their brand Fire and Ice Consultancy. They've been working hard to put up live events, theater productions, films, TV series, and cultural consultancy services for a lot of people. It's a haven for artists that is sustainable, built on making sure authorship and collaboration happens when needed. CEO Liza Diño Seguerra always believes in long term support for projects and with these 5 new brands, they would be able to ensure audiences get their money's worth, and they're excited for you to know what they've got up their sleeves.

Their shows:

Being Ice LIVE! at the New Frontier Theater this February 27 

Artist: Ice Seguerra, planned tour in Australia and Europe 

Love, Sessionistas on April 18 at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel in Cebu City

Sittiscape: The City of Bossa on May 17th at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City

Artist: Sitti Navarro

 

 

Divine Divas : Divine Rules the World on May 31st at the Newport Performing Arts Theater 

Artist: Divine Divas 

Fire and Ice LIVE! and Fire and Ice Studios will also mount Still Alice on September 27 to October 5

Night, Mother on November 26 to December 5

Fire and Ice Music: Building Artist Centric Careers

They also announced the release of several EP's like Tamang Panahon of Ice Seguerra, Always You of Louise, Divine Rules the World of the Divine Divas, and Still Here of Princess Velasco.

The Films:

Aid by Brillante Mendoza

Karaoke News by John Paul Su

Becoming Ice documentary by Tey Claymore

Funeral Flowers by Liza Diño and Ice Seguerra

Island Girl by Fire and Ice Media and Ice Seguerra

The Series (currently in development)

Never The Bride by Liza Diño

Behind the Line by Liza Diño

Talk Sheets by Ice and Liza (their second podcast season)

They also have signed their new talents, which includes super talented acoustic singer and musician Princess Velasco, new belting powerhouse Louise, drag superstars Brigiding winner of Slaysian Royale, first RPDR Ph Winner Precious Paula Nicole, and National Mouth Queen and Shoot record holder Vinas Deluxe. This also of course includes Ice Seguerra as a talent too. Here's what happened at the media conference a few days ago: 

Ice says "I never imagined that it would become as big as this. I learned a lot throughout the years and it's not just work, but being ethical, and if you are doing it with Fire and Ice artists, they wouldn't be a headache. This is just the beginning. The struggles will always be there, but I'd like to think we're both insatiable. It's just going to be different each time, we welcome that because it gives us experience to deal with it. When Liza ended her time with FDCP, the papers for Fire and Ice was on our table, all approved and done. If we didn't see that as a sign, we would be crazy. Now we've grown big, and I can say we were given what we could do. We won't be happy if one of us would be hungry, we'd do it with everyone would be happy."

Liza added "Ice is an authority in the room, her ideas, it comes naturally because of her experience. He knows everyone, from utility to crew by first name. He knows what longevity is, shares values, very generous with our artists. He's a pillar in Fire and Ice. Our company was needs based, we were working with 8 people, and woke up one day that we were having a lot of projects, initiatives, and so we had to hire more people. It was organic, not planned, Ice met Louise because she was a judge in a Taiwan show. We didn't plan, it was just the natural thing to do to maximize their visibility, to help their music career, we had to create content, and later on now have about 30 people creating music, production, and we have standards... where we are now is a response to what we needed at this time. We connect people, and it came naturally to partner, and trusting people is difficult. People see our struggles, one time we had 10 thousand in one of our accounts, because we are self funded but we believe the universe gives us the things we CAN handle. Even if it's a struggle, we do it as long as we are creating executions not just for us, but for our audiences, they won't tell us they've been shortchanged about experiences we put out there."

This is just the tip of the iceberg, there's plenty more plans for their artists and we've seen a small portion of it during the event. You should equally be excited about what they will be doing this 2026, and the shows they have beyond that. They will take good care of them, their careers, and their passions. 

VIBEPH Powers 38th Awit Awards

The recent 38th Awit Awards was one for the books. It's the most excellently produced awards show I've ever seen in recent years. This was powered by the same folks who produced VIBEPH which is under MQuest, an entertainment subsidiary of the MVP Group. When they announced their partnership with Awit Awards and PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) a few weeks ago, that was when we knew they'll be working with them for the Awit Awards. This is also presented by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Awit Awards remains as the premier award giving body to honor OPM artists, songwriters, Producers, industry pros and music professionals. Ours is a rich and diverse one, so with a multitude genres, it's just apt to recognize them during this evening. 

Hosts of VIBEPH or Vibe Jocks also hosted the event, with their fun banters and fun chat in between, it made the long hours bearable. But the Purple Carpet started getting full with OPM artists, they were so generous in posing for photos. I had so much fun being their in the afternoon!

As expected the internationally acclaimed PPOP groups SB19 and BINI got much of the awards, including individual awards for the boys since they have other singles made, my bias FELIP included! SB19 copped Best Global Collaboration Recording (with Gloc9), Best Rap Hip Hop Recording, Best Cover Art and Best Music Video. BINI got People's Voice Favorite Album and Group Artist, and Best Dance/Electronic for the single Salamin Salamin. 

Usual suspects Ben & Ben, Lola Amour, Cup of Joe, Dionela also won awards, plus special ones for rock god Ely Buendia and Viva head Vic Del Rosario. Congratulations to PARI, MQuest Ventures, VibePH, PCSO who all helped make this happen. It was so nice to see Regine Velasquez and that tribute to Ely Buendia, can't wait to see your next partnership!

38th AWIT AWARDS Gets Powered by VIBE PH at MERALCO Theater

The 38th Awit Awards is very near and this year is going to be a LOT different as it is going to be powered by the folks from VIBE, the awesome OPM lovin online and TV show on TV5, Cignal and their partner platforms. 

I've been watching them almost everyday and the fans of not just the artists actually follow their antics especially on weekends where they obviously prepare a whole lot of performances indie or mainstream fans would enjoy. Doing the Awit Awards would be something really fun as the organization partner up with MQuest Ventures, and poke a little youthful energy in the 38 year old body. 

It's going to be a huge celebration for OPM and PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) which holds this show every year. With the mission to push OPM forward, they'll be preparing to showcase some of the country's hottest acts, including some of the year's awardees and generations of performers the country has produced. 

The show will also be directed by newly joined legendary star maker Johnny Manahan, and Vibe jocks Dylan, Elijah, Joao, Ana, Maxie, Paulo, Kych, Queenay and favorite boy Ryle Santiago. Telling folks about side quests, red carpet and backstage happenings will be the Vibe Gen V guys and gals who have in recent episodes have gotten a huge following too. This will all happen on November 16th at the newly renovated Meralco Theater. It'll be streamed live on Vibe PH, TV5, MQuest Ventures and Awit Awards Facebook pages and their affiliates. This is going to be heck of a lot of fun!

ZELLE Sets Ablaze Her Comeback with New Single MARTIR

After a grueling 13 years in Sweden, OPM artist Zelle is back in the country for new music, a new perspective with empowerment, her truth and the process of healing. Her single "Martir" talks about the trials and tribulations of love and the complexities of relationships.  

This resurgence didn't come easy as it stemmed from her own life experiences which happened recently, a matter that compelled her to go back to the country. 

She admits experiencing depression, but realized how she could use music as an expression. It was something that she knew was important, to use it to heal. Her gift is now being used with intention and fervor, which is why her music feels more genuine than ever. A way to show her truth, and strength which she hopes to also inspire other women. 

Love certainly is still part of her songs creative process, but says she uses a more psychological aspect in writing about it. She shares how one shouldn't lose their identity while experiencing love. That's a pretty strong statement!

She now is doing gigs and tours with a dependable band. With John Abiathar De Leon on drums, Archie Salvador on guitar, Chester Ventura on violin, and Jing Gonzales on bass plus a few more people in charge of production, she's ready to perform in different stages, here or elsewhere. She's also preparing a release for another single "Liberate Me" which she's doing soon. In the meantime, listen download and stream "Martir" on all streaming platforms and take that awesome healing and feisty journey with Zelle.

Majestic Views, Art and More at the Santa Maria MUSIC and FILM Festivall

The Sierra Madre mountain range has once again been the talk of the town as it played a part in slowing the track of the recent Super Typhoon. This starts from the province of Cagayan to the south in Quezon, but did you know that the Santa Maria Music and Film Festival (SMMFF) is also happening here? I distinctly remember the 2023 run when they featured various films, musical acts while nestled in the great outdoors! With the  theme "See What Others Can't" they've managed to celebrate year after year with the 2025 edition happening at the founder Jennifer Maliwanag's family mountain property in Santa Maria, Laguna (which is also part of the range). 

It's pretty remote and atop clouds in the morning, but this didn't stop them from featuring even more participants this year. Imagine, having 39 films from 17 different countries Australia , EU, Canada, South America, the US and a few from Southeast Asia) all to be showcased in this year's SMMFF. All of which are being celebrated, and to make this platform be their voice, and allow us to experience their different stories (and See What Others Can't). 

Quarter Finalists include Cotton Candy by Jesse Klick of USA, To Be Anders Widmark by Peter Östlund of Sweden, Image Dance by John Dawson also from the USA, First Refusal by Courtney Sanello from the USA, American Pot Story: Oaksterdam by Ravit Markus & Dan Katzir from the USA, Reborn by Ken Izumisawa of Japan, Castle in the Air by Jess D'Aguanno of Australia, Clout Chaser by Lubomir Atan of the USA, The World of UConn Stamford’s Campus Library by Dorian Robinson of the USA, Inspire Me by Geoffrey Fighiera of France, Chance Encounters by Hasi Eldib of Canada, Guiding Light by India Anne Mitchell of the USA, Life in Tandem by Joseph Litzinge & Mia Grimes who are also from the USA.

This will happen on my birthday December 6th from 4-8:30PM at the Santa Maria Open Air Cinema located at 143 Summit Barangay Pao-o in Santa Maria Laguna. If you want to experience it, visit their official website santamariafestival.com and register for a seat. It'll be one awesome day to see and feel music, film under the sky and stars!

This is organized by Jennifer Maliwanag (Festival Director), Rex Lopez the Producer and Creative Lead, and Jerico Maliwanag a Film Creator and Communications Lead for this year's SMMFF.

Queen of Soul JAYA To Stage "JAYA ALL HITS" Concert, Introduces Daughter SABRIYA

She's been out of the scene for a while but here she comes with a concert called JAYA ALL HITS to be held at the New Frontier Theater this September 14. Taking on her most popular songs that have been heavily missed, she's going to give one memorable night that only an icon could do. The Queen of Soul's show will be directed by John Prats with Musical Direction by Jem Florendo.

She will be joined by guests Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos and Jason Dy. This is going to be one exciting night of vocal supremacy, reminiscing, and fun!

Ms. Jaya says "God is so good because when I went to the US, we had the pandemic. After that, producers wanted to do shows so from 2021 til now the concerts didn't stop. There are a lot of Filipinos there and they have supported artists, they want to go back to listen to artists like me for nostalgia too. I had work, even do wakes singing beside coffins. I wanted to sing for any reason. My son is Sophomore, want to also take college courses, God has his plans for me. I'm currently doing businesses here, have a laundromat in Dasmariñas, cook too, and they wanted to do have someone who will fall in love with the business."

She also adds "We were worrying about a lot of things during that time but we sold the house, we assessed things, and it was because my family which is why we left. Back in Folk Arts, I had my Mom and Ms. Pilita to be with me on stage and that was super good. Now I'm going to introduce my daughter SABRIYA. I'm a little frazzled because of the time because the concert will be this Sunday."

Here's more of what we talked about this evening:

 

SABRIYA is a 19yo singer, composer and music producer. She was supposed to do college but had the courage to do music in the Philippines and bought tickets last minute. She's also very talented because she can play a lot of instruments. She also admits to have a different kind of genre compared to her mom Jaya, and grandma Ms. Elizabeth, and plans to do everything she can. You'll see her perform in the concert too, so there's a lot to look forward to.

This is produced by Cornerstone Concerts, L-Squared Production and CAL Studios. Tickets are available through Ticketnet.com.ph so get them before they run out fast!