While folks were excited at the thought of MRLD (Meriel de Jesus) performing at SM SKYDOME last Sunday, she was a bit nervous, but that didn't really show on stage. It was a time to showcase what she's got to the public. So when it started, MRLD showcased how different she could do her music. The released tracks felt fresh and new with the different arrangement when she sang it on stage.
The show opened with Healy After Dark, with the band dishing out several romantic songs, quite severely popular on Spotify. MRLD also did several collabs with singer songwriter Ryannah Julia (they had super smooth delivery, felt young and hip to hear, loved her). Guest girl group G22 showed powerful pipes, you would wish to have them for your birthday. And as needed, MRLD also did songs with super cool artist Adie (a surprise for the crowd) who came in and sang "IKAW PA RIN". Gawd the fans went crazy with it. That combination is stuff for legends. MRLD did it relaxed while Adie's rifts was just crazy, it begged to have them immortalized on a single (please make one soon!).
Fans had so much fun, I was actually surprised how she really put things to heart and even danced on stage. I'm a new fan, this shows her range and depth as an artist and songwriter. I saw her perform with great gusto, eager to give her all for her adoring fans. It just shows her range, and I'm so glad to have witnessed it. Here's a clip of the finale, make sure you'll be there when she does another concert soon!
Congratulations MRLD and to OC RECORDS! You're amazing! You've barely scratched the surface of your potential and I can't wait to see how you'll turn out to be soon. "Sandali" is is certainly my current favorite. So happy to see you having fun out there!
If you guys don't know who MRLD is, you should. She's a singer songwriter who hails from Cebu and is making waves on streaming platforms with her hit songs "An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You", "Ikaw Pa Rin" and "Ligaya". She was also featured by Spotify in New York's Times Square as one of the most streamed female artists in the country.
She says "I was planning to release a full English album but I didn't feel a spark, this album is about my feelings , for things that I could not explain. It's mine and it is very simple. I already released 4, and the others will be done later this evening. Much of these were written 2 years ago, and it felt right, I had to make an album now. The track list was mixed initially, but I want it to open up minds, that I can carry different genres. Though there are lots of revisions, I had a lot of help from friends to make this happen."
The lead single is Hanggang Magsawa Ka, the longest single she wrote, a little painful, and she hopes you also cry when listening to it. Initially Malayo was supposed to be the carrier single, they just had to listen to everything and it was something they thought of while starting over, it's raw and 6 minutes long.
Listening to it earlier, it felt like an ode, very emotional and soft, all acoustic, hopeful and beautiful.
She wrote it during 12th grade, puppy love, where she gave a person 2 chances, but thing is, she wasn't the one chosen, she wasn't the only one.. the song was made to have her overcome the hurt from it. She's also so glad about her earlier single "An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You" which has gained traction in Indonesia, one which they even made a Bahasa version too to cater to audiences there.
Her single SAGOT was the one she's super excited to perform because it's the one that she made with her fans in mind. It was for them and it's a bit upbeat, dancing and enjoying it is highly encouraged especially during the concert.
Her concert will happen on April 27th at the SM North Edsa SKYDOME, tickets are still available and she's rehearsing soon for the whole concept. It's going to be a special night with 2 guests being confirmed already.
This is just the start of big things for her, follow OC Records socials to know more about her!
A couple years ago, I was scrolling on fandom Twitter posts when I suddenly found one that seemed to be a story. I went on opened the consecutive Tweets and saw how people have been reading it, getting obsessed, but no one knew back then that it was a 12 year old girl who wrote these things. Now, we finally got to meet the person who started it all. She's Gwy Saludes, a very talented writer and artist under OC Records.
Clad in a preppy shirt, this young lady is now 22 and taking up Legal Management at Ateneo de Manila University. Gwy says "It's about campus life, starting from a Twitter series which I likened to big 4 universities. When "Along Espana" became popular, I wanted to do a longer version of it hence the University series. Even then, there were a lot of people who took interest in it and wanted to know about the culture being in these schools. "The Rain in España" was made when I was already in college. It was all about my experiences, my friends and people around me during that time. It was in Wattpad when I started these all, but really blew up when I wrote book 3. I have 6 books in this series which includes "The Rain in España", "Safe Skies, Archer", then "Chasing in the Wild!", "Avenues of the Diamond", "Golden Scenery of Tomorrow", and "Our Yesterday's Escape".
When asked about having her work become a series on television, she says "I'm very happy but at the same time, there is pressure because I know, there's a lot of people who are waiting for it especially the ones who read the books. I know they have a lot of expectations, I need to surpass this one when it gets shown when it gets adapted for TV. I act as a consultant for the show, I'm also very involved with the casting. I need to read and check the script, they listen to me if I wanted things to be changed since this is very collaborative."
"The adaptation though does not include everybody else's thought bubble. We are a team and we need to meet in the middle for any decision. From auditions, to script reading, we really saw Marco and Heaven fit the role. The plot is very close to the book, you need to look at the value of friendship, love, academics, balancing it. Even if you don't read the book, you'll get to understand the story. It's up to you if you get hooked in the books, I've went twice while they were making the film."
Here's the rest of our chat with her over lunch a few days ago:
You may now stream "The Rain in España" on Viva One or watch it every Sundays on TV5 at 4PM. She also said that the next book might be coming real soon so if you haven't subscribed yet, you better do! Download the app on Google Play today!
It was fun, full of music and fantastic performers at the Acer Day 2022. Tickets for this concert were given to individuals who buy from their sustainable line the Acer Vero or donating to Heritatge foundation and recyclables dropped of The Plaf which is a social enterprise who recycles plastic stuff.
It was certainly a good cause and fans went through the lines like clockwork, filling the Mall of Asia Arena to the brim. Acer also did several promos at the venue with their laptops and home products. Then the concert started.
Performers include SB19, OC Records' Adie, girl group KAIA, Janina Vela, SUD, Team Payaman, and my personal favorite Parokya ni Edgar. Chito Miranda started his set by telling the audience that they were not there to be just seen on stage to perform, told everyone to come near it and told us to enjoy the occasion with them. We did!
SB19
KAIA
ADIE
Parokya Ni Edgar's Chito Miranda
They also had several of their brand ambassadors in the venue, all of whom had lots of fun in the concert just like us. Congratulations to Acer for holding this #MakeYourGreenMark Concert, for the love of environment and making Filipinos part of the movement. If you want to see their performances, follow @kumagcow on TikTok as I've posted videos there!
Blessed beyond his wildest dreams, that's what Gold Aceron describes his year. He's already done several indie films in the past that has landed him with acting awards, and trust from the producers, patrons who have noticed his work and acting prowess. This afternoon, we got to talk to him about his new movie Scorpio Nights 3. It's hailed from the classic 1985 movie created by Director Peque Gallaga written by T.E. Pagaspas which starred Daniel Fernando (now the Governor of Bulacan).
Gold Aceron used to work independently without a manager, but when he was booked to act in a music video, he was noticed by Kean and Chynna Ortaleza Cipriano who owns OC Records. He became their first managed actor after that. All he wanted to have was something simple, a slew of projects that would be able to alleviate his financial woes, so he could provide for himself and his family. He's practically done the legwork already, and he deserves the success he's having.
In the film he's playing the role of Matt, a young man discovering his potential in the "makin love" department. He fancies Pinay, a married woman played by Christine Bernas. Things will get complicated as Mark Anthony Fernandez' role as Drake (her husband) would find out later on about the illicit affair they're having which all started from a simple peephole.
Here's what happened earlier during the press conference:
Gold says "I was extremely happy when this project was mentioned to me. This is a classic movie, my parents knew it and I wasn't really informed first about who was going to comprise the role of the lead guy. They told me that I was going to be part of it, I was overwhelmed, even if I was a little nervous because my body wasn't as big as Daniel Fernando's back then, I was thankful this was really given to me. I watched the first one, I didn't have qualms about it being a little risky. OC Records really changed my career path, I feel lucky being in this management, they are a huge blessing for me because they really guide where I would go. They also mentioned I'd be singing soon, I'd like to explore that someday, why not, that's additional talent for me. I want to show people that this happens in real life, you'll learn something from Matt and how he explores this life. I'd love to do different roles, I also am doing a May-December affair movie soon, it's going to be this year too."
He adds "If I'd be able to choose, I want to be rich rather than famous so I can still go out whenever I want to and not be limited to stay at home. I want to go to malls without people recognizing me, just enough so I could provide for myself and my family."
If you would like to see the film Scorpio Nights 3, it's already available at the VIVAMAX platform which you can download in the App Store or Google Play. Thank you to OC Records for the opportunity to interview Gold earlier today!
Got myself in the midst of artists a few nights ago as OC Records celebrated their 4th Anniversary in Quezon City. I've seen them grow quite fast in the last few years, but knew they had struggles much like anyone in the entertainment industry as it got crippled with the COVID-19 situation and various protocols that prevent live events from happening.
Times were hard, and for a label who's just starting to get a groove on the business it really wasn't a good time to just stay at home and watch as they've got talented men and women in their roster grow. During the small chat we had with them after the show, I got a sense of how they (the artists) all had full trust and confidence with OC Records (now a subsidiary of Viva Records) and founders Kean Cipriano and Chyns Ortaleza on what they could do. Then, their artistry reached the intended audience... got appreciated and hit after hit, broke barriers in their respective genres - and made them who they are now.
During the performances, it felt a lot like I was being schooled on how each artist carried themselves on their differences. I remember Kean mentioning he was just lucky how he had an eye to spot talent and admit they're weird bunch on stage. It's that "weird" factor that makes them special, and as a fellow weirdo, I give credence to that statement wholeheartedly.
Adie's "Paraluman", "Tahanan", and collaboration piece "Mahika" has been doing well on radio and streaming platforms. Yes, he's even more good looking in person but you can sense why people adore his songs. It becomes something that they get to connect, how in one way or another becomes a bridge on how the artist would want to make you feel when you listen to it. The good thing is, it's not based on Adie's relationships, and I've got the impression he'll do good in that department. You'll be impressed when you see him perform live, he's very charming, and won't be surprised if women get taken hostage with his eyes. He's going to a lot of events these coming months, you better snatch that chance to see him in person as he's really an awesome musician, artist and performer.
If you're a bit of a mess, listening to artist Unique would make you welcome love and painful memories even more. He attacks vocals differently, like a wolf howling under the moon, when he's merely just introducing himself. I'd figure he's the silent introvert type, who once starts expressing himself in songs becomes a monster filled with emotions. That's his gift, and a lot of people who listened to his songs, see it.
Another discovery was a young guy named Kenaniah. He's Kean's latest discovery and I now know why. He's a bit of a mix of a very young Brandon Boyd and Bieber, that's if they had a child. He carries that star factor but once he sings, you won't be disappointed with what you'll hear. He's even blessed in the looks department, and I'm sure in a short time, he'll be hounded by girls, boys, all, for both reasons.
Eugene Layug on the other hand had me at engaged just by the title of his songs. He's a busker, a very funny one at that... but I bet he's swooning the ladies with his humor. From songs he's made like "Maghihiwalay Din Kayo", "Landiin Niyo Na Ako", albeit severely underrated right now, he's bound to take the spotlight soon. Kean likened him to that guy who always figured out songs in a drinking session, and it's time to make his brand of music normal so even more people could enjoy it. He was a ball of energy, dropping jokes at every occasion while most of us were in a serious fit. It's his identity, whilst it was literally the first time I've seen him, I already like the guy. The most daunting part of listening to him is trying not to poke fun at the stories he's telling.. because as funny as it might sound, it might be him LOL. If you want an entertaining evening, he's the man for that. He provides that humor people don't put in music, and people will surely love him for that.
Chelsea Ronquillo can sing. She's looks like a princess... one that's behind a guitar, singing pop songs of her liking and killing it. I've listened to a couple covers she's made on YouTube but again. it's quite different if you see and hear it live. Though sorry boys, I think she's with someone already :) ha!
Artist Pappel had me think of Sugar Hiccup and Bayang Barrios when she did her number. A little eerie yes, but I like how it's different from the rest of the talented individuals in OC Records roster. It felt like a scene off Phantom of the Opera, theatrical at most. In a generation where it's mostly commercialized songs, I feel she's a breather.... the dark kind and I love how that sounds weird.
I've had the pleasure of interviewing actor Gold Aceron in the past since he's made a lot of movies. OC Records is expanding and not just concentrating on music. They plan to have more actors, actresses, artists under their wing so they would be able to manage and represent them. Gold has several awards under his belt including Best Actor in Cinema One Originals last 2019. He has also announced a few movies he's going to star in the coming months, pretty big ones at that. There are more things in the pipeline and it'll be showcasing his versatility. Chyns and Kean noticed him in a recent show and took a chance if he'd join OC, and now they're raring to make his dreams come true. Perhaps in a few months, several actors would be part of their crew and it'll be nice to see how this plays in TV shows, movies and digital streaming platforms if they get sourced through them.
In a nutshell, I'm quite excited about what OC Records have planned for their artists. They know from experience how it's done and with these talented artists at their helm, I wouldn't be surprised if one if not all would become superstars of the next generation. They're already showing why being different is good. Stay odd guys!
Congratulations on your 4th year OC Records!
/*Note: If you want to watch their performances, I have several videos on my TikTok account just search @kumagcow and it's there!
It was a little over a year ago when OC Records placed their bets on an artist ADIE GARCIA. He's a singer songwriter that's done remarkable work on pop covers which he did during the early months of the pandemic. Just a few months ago, he struck the mine with a heavy heartfelt single called "PARALUMAN" that had stellar reaction from critics and social media... and his story is about to get even more interesting.
Today, they just released his new song called TAHANAN whom he dedicates to people that have other people they call home. He's a little shy, but was excited to tell us about the story of his songs and how unknowingly, he got to where he is right now.
Adie says "This journey has been really surreal for me, the pandemic was tough, and I didn't expect this. When artists start, there's a process, but I had a really blessed path and experience, Paraluman was a game changer for me and it has changed my life. Doing the HRNA concert early in my career, it was just an honor to be there with Unique, Arthur and Rob. Being featured there was happiness, just to be in their midst, it wasn't just work, but friendships that formed, that's what matter to me in that project. Working with Ms Ivana was really cool, I didn't feel intimidated, she was so charming, she really made me feel like she was a friend right from the start, it's so early to work with big names like her and Ms. Bella. It really hits the heart. I really had dreams to be with Angelina, and finally being there with her was a dream. I really also appreciate about her feedback, and also her whole family. I really just dreamt about that song, she was flattered and happy too. We didn't know each other even before, but she knew she was the inspiration for that song. We talk now, and text, and I'm happy that happened.It's been a roller coaster ride with OC Records, it wasn't super all rainbows at the start, I had to introduce my sound, my music. When I released the single, it was okay, then I had another, I experimented, a different genre, and Tahanan is doing good now. It was a nice journey so far. All these things are unexpected, it wasn't in my mind to be in this situation especially because of the pandemic, I was supposed to go to school and do architecture, my plans didn't push through. Last year when I started, I just wanted to share my covers, this is all so new to me and my career, I am truly blessed.I'm not thinking this would surpass Paraluman, just getting good feedback from people who listen to it, I'm just not expecting so I don't get disappointed."
He adds "TAHANAN started when I watched Piolo and Alessandra's movie, that's where I got part of the lyrics that says "Dito Ka Lang, Dito Ka Lang", it was the perspective of Alessandra's character in that film. I listened to it and I found a song, I put it out there and the snippet went wild with people. They waited for this full version, I was a little hyped because of that and I tried to finish it sooner. The day after I did, and the inspiration for that was my family, the couples that already found their home, the ones that they feel they wouldn't leave their side. It was on the second day when I got to finish it. I had to finish it because the first verse and chorus was a little repetitive, when France finished the instrumental, it took a week to finish the draft. This mic was the same thing I used to record it, I got OC to release it this year even if it wasn't the season for sad songs. They believed me and did it, the process took a month and they got to mix and master the song, TAHANAN was born!"
Here's the interview we had with him today!
The joy of talking to someone hungry for artistry and the excitement of having him tell us about how the writing process of how these songs came about was certainly something I did look forward to. I liked how Adie was a little humble, us subtly uncovering that shell and seeing how the poetry in his songs were figured out straight from they guy. He's only 20, very single, anyone would've mistaken him for a TV star, but he's choosing to concentrate in music. When he released a sample of it on Twitter around October, who know it would blow up like this right? He deserves every second of fame he's getting now, and who knows, maybe accolades soon. Since he's just starting, maybe it's time you try and stream his songs, watch the YouTube videos over at OC Records about Adie's new single TAHANAN. You might just get to be inspired, be romantically surprised how this will match your story if you're in love.
You may eventually find your own home, a person meant for you. I just had to say that after listening to this song.
Last night was one for the books (actually two nights ago!). I took a break from press conferences and writing because a very talented guy was launching his own album, Kean Cipriano. I wouldn't miss it for the world!
This was sort of a listening party, over the internet, over wine, food and awesome conversations in between. The front man and vocalist of Callalily finally had a chance to showcase what he's been doing in the past few years, so in a way I'm witnessing history, art, taking its form.
Kean says "This album has been 3 years in the making. Suppressing what I
felt was already hard - and waiting for the others to release their
albums first was equally daunting (he kids) . The album is just something so good,
quite surreal. This is like saying your age without saying your age, my
era when a CD was medium in making albums. I had to use one of course even if
processes meant I had to be fully digital. It was a long time. It's been 6
years when I last released an album with Callalily, so in a way, I feel like I'm a kid
again, like I'm starting... hence the title of the album Childlike."
The album includes several singles which has been written and kept in notes he's been holding onto for several years. Some of it has been reworked and masterfully done with other artist friends. He also included a few new ones with wife Chynna which I liked as it had a bit of storytelling. When I listened to Childlike., it felt more of how fatherhood had changed him as the lyrics delved more on his love and will to sacrifice for his kids which I think was so endearing. It kinda served what I felt with the bits of photos they share on social media (and how I got to know them over the years).
The album includes songs like
Childlike. Took Me Out Eye Contact Make Me Fly Sa Ibang Mundo 2021 Tonight I Break Some Promises Sulyap Later When I'm Drunk Tangina Walk on Water
The single Took Me Out on the other hand felt like an ode to someone who saved you from a bad kind of life... the one with "no sense of direction" and swept him off his feet kind of relationship. I'd be afraid if all these songs are personal experiences because some of it are extremely mellon collie inducing like T@ngin@ which screams of a heartfelt confession of a man struggling to make his partner
fall in love with him. That song tore me into pieces as it tells how he realized his shortcomings, how disappointed he feels as he's
not able to become the man she wants him to be. He's also sad that he
sees how distraught and tired she is and where their relationship is heading, which I felt was a bit like me a couple years ago (scratch that lol). Though honestly, I really dig that track and it is my personal favorite.
The single Eye Contact had artists Liezel Lopez and Jon Lucas on its music video. Both the song and the vid had an 80's vibe on it as Kean says "We played a lot with that. It's like a reveal, a
twisted imagination, and we just played with visuals. The concept is about a
guy stalking the lady. This was written a long time ago, I think it was around 2012, but it was just stored in my notebooks. I just released it
in the solo project, I did a demo at home and Chynna figured that it would be good to release
it with the other songs. The feeling is surreal as the the directors for this music video are my
mentors, I know I'm in a safe place doing these concepts because Direk
Oddy and Direk Jay, they collaborate with me. I'm not the director, I am
not acting or singing in the video. I took the producers hat, I want
people to get the message, that it's not just about love, it has a
deeper meaning, our existence in the world where we have lots of people
to interact with, and disguised it into a love form. This is under OC
Records (their label)."
During the listening party, Kean also had some of his friends perform and share their music. I couldn't believe the amount of talent in that room especially the powerful songs that William Elvin did and the cool numbers that Martin Riggs added. For aspiring artists, Kean had one advise. He says "Go all in like this guy Mark Thompson of Project Moonman (with his lovely wife too in the conference). In the eve of pandemic, creative people can survive, I can't wait to see Project Moonman live. "
Make Me Fly is another single that got me really interested. The music video for it was done with really good and impact driven animation which I'm sure most would enjoy. Tonight I Break Some Promises was all about breaking hearts, killing memories, things that you shouldn't say to a person you're leaving but worded straight forward. It'll ruffle feathers especially if you're a bit emotional, Filipinos do love hurtful songs no matter how that sounds weird. Sulyap on the other hand was more like a profession of love. It tells a story of a man ready to sweep a woman he loves off her feet. It's also for a person she prayed for, and the guy assures her that she's in good hands. The single "Later when I'm drunk" are for those awkward opportunities of going up to introducing yourself to someone (like in clubs), more like a hookup, and the music feels has a bit of country/western vibe and the chances of getting drunk - and refused. Lastly, Walk on Water was another track with wife Chynna. It felt like an anthem of two starstruck lovers who would want to make the impossible possible because you are with the one you love.
Seeing these songs made me realize how powerful songs are as a medium in
relaying emotions. Kean's songs might have been a hodgepodge of
experiences in different times, with different people, but one things
for sure, it shows a part of him. Too bad I didn't get to catch the man perform a number during the last sequences because of writing deadlines, but surely, I enjoyed every bit of it. If you want to see and hear what Kean Cipriano has up his sleeves, go stream his music over at Spotify and other digital streaming platforms. He also has several of the audio uploaded recently on YouTube, go take a short break and listen to him sing. This is his solo album, and it's mental!
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