It's been a while since MAGIC VOYZ was launched in this same venue, the Viva Cafe. This time, the event is quite different, because they're holding a concert with several performers. They did it with a bang!
From several dance numbers, to song covers and provocative chair exhibitions, these guys didn't hold back including their guest performers Ayah Alfonso, Krista Miller, Marianne Saint, Meggan Marie and Yda Manzano. It was both exciting and fun because they made sure to connect with the audience, not to mention them being pretty too.
When the boys came out, they did several dance numbers with their guests first before taking over the venue. We also got to meet their newest member Asher, who was very young looking and fresh, he's only 18 but eager to perform for the public. He joined Marcia, Juan, Rave, Jace, Johan, Mhack and Ian to sing their original songs including the latest one called "BINTANA" to woo the girls and not so girls in the audience.
They also did covers of OPM songs, so the crowd was able to sing along especially when they did Michael Pangilinan's "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako", which they dedicated to gay fans in the audience that night. In the end, they enjoyed every bit of their performances and said they're raring to do more in other places within the year. They also told us that they will be releasing another single (their 3rd one) very soon.
This is just the start for the boys, and they've been very thankful so far about their journey. They thanked not just the fans, but the people who have been making this concert and the other events possible. There will be more, so if you would like them to perform in your town, go like their Facebook page and talk to them about how to make it possible. They are managed by Lito De Guzman and VIVA. They're goal is to make you happy!
We've been on our toes (even more recently) as Filipinos when it comes to the obvious bullying and tyrannical try of other countries to own what properly belongs to us at the West Philippine sea. No surprise, a non-profit org called Pinoy Aksyon (Pilipino Aksyon for Governance and the Environment) together with KM64 (a writers collective) just recently came out with #SanaOil (a performance event) to better inform us about what's happening out there through songs, dance, spoken poetry showcasing their different talents while giving focus to the cause.
One of the activities include Spoken Word Slam Competition which talks about how we have sole proprietorship of not just the body of water, but the riches of the sea and everything underneath it #TubigatLangis. It was a time to hone speech for showcasing patriotism and a sensible call for action. KM64 artists also did "sabayang bigkas" with groups like Kalipaya Theater Group, YT famous Jong Madaliday, Fifty Per Hour, the Tanghalang Bagong Sibol (theater and dance company), Chiang Lion and Dragon Dancers, Hype, Justine Taller and the one and only Dalaygon Queen Lady Morgana of RPDRPH.
PinoyAksyon wants #SanaOil to become just the start in order to make Filipinos become part of more efforts through innate freedom of expression, environmental care, and the importance of the country's sovereignty.
We need to have active participation now because we can't just stand around and do nothing while they continue to bully us.
I've seen Shira Tweg a couple of times from her previous movie "Sugat Sa Dugo" back in 2021 (we interviewed her) and MMFF Summer entry "Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko" (she portrayed a young Sharon Cuneta) which talked about the life of Singer-Songwriter and hit maker Rey Valera. She's a Filipina-Israeli actress who I think looked like a mix between Salma Hayek and Catherine Zeta Jones. She's also a singer and this time, she just released a new single called "Pag-ibig" under Star Music
Here's our interview with her during the launch:
I like the song and its premise, of where a hopeful young girl still believes there's someone out there for her even though she already got hurt in past relationships. She's not a belter per se, but she sure has a unique voice and tone that's pleasing to the ears and an ability to tell a story. She gave us a show during the launch, albeit sick, she went ahead and performed for us. It was nice to hear her rendition of Sharon Cuneta's Mr. DJ and her new song "Pag-ibig". Her new single was also written by Direk Joven Tan who's also done a lot to help her in her music career.
Shira also plans to have her own business soon, and she's preparing a lot for that. She's an actress and she's raring to grab the opportunities presented to her, to hopefully also release more songs in the near future. About pageants, she's not that interested in doing it, but rather do modeling.
She's had suitors, but prioritizing her career and education comes first. Love isn't perfect she says, but the song "Pag-ibig" gives you reasons to still believe in it no matter how many times you fail in relationships. It also tells a story of your struggles, on how you would take the courage in professing love for another person. She hopes you find this song to be about you in one stage of your life, and yes, you can stream this now on all digital platforms and YouTube for the music video.
She's got a long way to go, but she's talented and we hope they get to create even more songs for her so people would be able to listen to Shira Tweg and believe in love again. Congratulations on your new single dear!
If you're watching things online this weekend, chances are, you've already seen the new TNT commercial. The one and only Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo Guidicelli and the roar induced YouTube phenom Mimiyuuuh appeared in a new music video to enjoin Filipinos to find their happiness amidst these challenging times.
They call it "Tuloy ang Saya!" (Continue the Fun!) and in it, they collaborate in a fun song and dance number that showcases how one can be happy and finish work in very simple ways. Like for example, talking to loved ones on messaging apps, or spending countless hours perfecting that dance number on TikTok, playing lots of games online, even learning crafty stuff on YouTube or getting online stores up and start a business, the possibilities are endless!
According to Sarah, she says "I'm extremely happy that I got to come back with a project together with Mimiyuuuh. The importance of this lies on the message on how much we've managed to weather through hardships, continue to grow."
Mimiyuuh has expressed joy about this collaboration and says "I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with Sarah G. especially about how it celebrates the good traits of Filipinos, because at the end of the day, TNT, Tuloy ang Saya! (Continue the Happiness!)." If you want to join the fun, go post your own dance videos at TikTok and use the hashtags #TNTuloyAngSaya.
Here's some of the behind the scenes photos from the shoot:
If you're with TNT, they have a new promo called Sulit Affordaloads. You can choose between Pantawid 10, SurfSaya 20 and All Star Data 50 that also has a Free TikTok for All with it. So go dial *123# and choose the best data, call or text promos from the options there. TNT is also covered by Smart, so you've got the widest coverage in the country.
Versatile actress, singer and Starstruck alumnus Arra San Agustin just released a new single under GMA Playlist called "Hanggang Dito Na Lang". It's a very emotional song that discusses how to deal with a heartbreak, not just from love and relationships, but also friendships. She wants to delve into this genre a little bit more than usual as she just got off from a long term relationship, it was apt, sort of perfect timing. She's in a different place now, very much in love. She tells us a little bit more about it during a blogcon this morning.
Arra says "The genre and emotions of the song was talked between us and the team, I wanted something that was a little hurtful, emotional, I've sung several songs for The Lost Recipe and Madrasta. I thought about sad songs, I want it melancholic, not just romantic relationships, but friendships. If things doesn't go the way we planned, this song personifies that. I personally don't just look at words or music, I want something that I can feel, something that can make us feel alive. I've been in relationships, this was apt for that. But now, I'm happily in love. I was doing voice lessons when I was a kid, it was really something I wanted to do since then. I think I've been influenced by Avril Lavigne, a lot of early 2000 artists, and indie too."
She adds "I would want to learn more, to enhance and improve myself more in creating music, I have more room for improvement and I'm willing to commit for that. I want to explore this genre I'm doing, I want to also do more emotional ones, but focus on this one so we can master it. The GMA Playlist team was very open to suggestions, I'm grateful because singers get pushed from their boundaries, they really get us involved a lot with that. They want us to do that. I really didn't expect to sing teleserye songs, when I was starting it really wasn't in the bucket list, but anything I do was because I had a lot of people who believe in me. They put us into that milestone, I used to freak out knowing that I'd be doing it here, or if I deserve it, and get it published on streaming platforms, but it is so worth it. The difference now with this single is that I'm more confident, I am also supported by my team, who want to listen, help me achieve more. Singing is something I love, I have to practice more so I plan to have voice lessons still. GMA offers that, and I'm glad they do that in preparation for other things we can do. For now I want to perform live, in an intimate setting. I want to feel how it is to do that in a small gathering."
If you're in love and want something that pulls heartstrings, go stream her song on streaming platforms. You can pre-order now and stream it on Friday, see why she's doing great in teleseryes and now, a whole new singing career in front of her. Congratulations Arra!
Psalms David is like a breath of fresh air. He's like a good guy, someone who doesn't have to be a baddie to get liked and I've noticed that since I've interviewed him a couple years back during the pandemic. He's launching a new single called "Kaulayaw" which he made at that time.
Psalms say "This was done a couple years ago, I slaved on it every night. I think I still have a lot of things to work on with my voice, I believe practice is best. I also need to improve with my tone, I'll do my best to keep getting better. I have been my own best bud during times that I had mental health issues. Music was something that helped me a lot and when I produce music, it makes me feel a lot better. I also have worked with some of the best people in the industry, Kaulayaw wasn't like this at the start. I had help with GMA Music in order to make it what it is today. They helped me do the music, the instrumental part, they're really great at that. I didn't really go through love and relationships to come out with the lyrics, it can be anything really, like your parents, your friends, even yourself. It was tough for me at times because I was the breadwinner, my career just started and the pandemic restrictions was not letting us perform on stage which was a huge bummer. Of course I love acting too, it's been three years since I've done workshops, hopefully it would be great to show everyone what I've done in that department. I'm excited to show that to everyone!"
The new song comes out on June 30, make sure you download it off Spotify and other streaming platforms. He hopes to help people get over their issues with it, so give it a stream okay? This is under GMA Music.
Got the chance to be in the press conference of EZ MIL, a phenomenal Filipino rapper who broke the internet with his strong rap skills and very nationalistic lyrics to the delight of Filipinos around the world. The good looking guy is only 22 years old, very talented, and is currently based in Las Vegas.
Ezequiel Miller now known as EZ MIL says "I would like to thank God, for the opportunity to do this and FFPP management. My Dad is Ilokano. Today, let's get it started. 19 Million views in 6 days is just crazy. You know, I'm very happy that the work I put in bore fruit, I am thankful for those who tuned in and I'm excited to go forward. I would just like to continue putting out content and more music projects. It won't be all the time that I'll explore, but I will find the way to get patriotism involved in my songs.I want to explore a lot of things, this is my way, my personality, music and rap is my way of going up. It differentiated because each way I tackled, it had my passion. It's also me trying out different things, it has my love of music in general and I'm willing to take a risk entering the game with as much genres I can pull off. I'm based in Vegas, I am here for family reasons. I hope to take it elsewhere as much as I can. I think it's an honor to be compared with Francis M and Gloc 9, heavy names who impacted the industry but I want to be put in my lane and I will continue to forge my way in music. I don't want to have a corrected version of the song, it blew up because it made people talk, I would like to have it stay that way. Yes I would like to penetrate the Hollywood scene, but it will be out when I come out with songs. I'm trying out different things and I want to push forward with different types of songs I put out. There could be something that happens out there, but I draw inspiration from Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, my personalities are different in songs, in terms of mixing that up into something, I might do it, it has crossed my mind, so let's see. Yes definitely I will have plans to go to the Philippines too but we don't know yet about the pandemic, we're going to see soon, that is in the plan of the team. I used Carinosa, it was dear to my heart since highschool. It's not in my plan, but an all Tagalog song is on my mind but we don't know when, maybe we can reshape what Filipino rap is around the world and hope people listen. Anyone who wants to be an artist, don't be afraid to be different. You begin like that, but if you start mixing, just keep going and don't give up on it, get angry! That would be an interesting idea to re-do my father's song, it is something you can expect, we don't know yet, but let's do it."
He adds "The Ilokano lines was just the most savage lines, it was angst, all or nothing, the abrasiveness of my voice that time, that was what it was. I was watching anime with my sister and I was trying to calm down, I didn't want to freak out really. So many factors came into that song, the recipe I think is I'm a proud Filipino and it shows on that song, it is because of that reason. There is this actual joke in my camp, if I fall down, I already have 2 songs written. I'm just a regular guy, who just writes music, I do recordings on my phone and sometimes I wake up an idea, sometimes I don't. The direction I wanna go was already there, this song Panalo didn't take that long because I just had to adjust. I don't see myself in the battle arena. Kultura was a music video which I did with HBOMB, it will come out on February 21. That video was just so hard to do, it was like a movie. Wether they do come out, just keep an eye for it, I hope everyone takes a listen. On my first concert, I would want my favorites to be there. I want to work alongside them, I want to still be me, breathe the same air as them. I would say it's the form of respect each other receive in the platform. The scene of the OG's deserved to be respected, but competition is us against the world, not us against us. I'm interested in acting on TV or movies, I don't have any leading ladies in mind. I am thankful to God for the success and being able to provide for my family, that's my priority. It's more than I can imagine or dream of, I will explore what I love doing the most and that's music."
His song "Panalo" is still on the Wish 107.5 YouTube Channel exclusive, so if you haven't seen it yet, make sure you do.
This guy has awesome talent, and he's definitely going places.
This isn’t he first time that I’ve covered ASOP, in fact, this is their 7th year! Dishing out the newest OPM Christian Songs in the country, thousands of Filipinos are already enjoying the fruits of their labor now. The A Song Of Praise Music Festival will be having their Grand Finals Night this November 11, Sunday 7PM at the New Frontier Theater (formerly Kia Theater) in Araneta Center Cubao, Quezon City. There are only 12 song writers that will compete this year (they started November 2017 and screened them monthly). Among them are Rommel Gojo, Oliver Narag, Emmanuel Lipio Jr. and Joyner Dizon who joined in previous years.
Here is our VLOG from this morning’s press conference:
The entries include “Isang Milyong Pasasalamat” by Edward Salde and to be interpreted by Leah Patricio, “Binago Mo Ako” by Jett Villareal and interpreted by Daryl Ong, “Magpatuloy Sa Mabuting Paggawa” by Febs Colibao and will be performed by Gian Magdangal, “Wag Kang Bibitiw” by Oliver Narag and interpreted by Jessa Mae Gabon, “God is with Us” by Emmanuel Lipio Jr. and interpreted by Cello Nunez, “Salamat Panginoon” by Elmar Jan Abolano and Rex Torremoro interpreted by Mark Carpio, “Pagbabalik” by Joel Cabosa interpreted by Marcelito Pomoy, “Hiling” by Jeffrey Lim interpreted by Plethora, “Makikita Kita” by Joyner Dizon interpreted by Dan Billano, “BanalMong Salita” by LJ Manzano interpreted by Mark Michael Garcia, “Tugtog”by John Paul Salazar interpreted by Bradz and “Di Nako Aawit” by Rommel Gojo interpreted by Hans Dimayuga.
Winners will get the chance to win Php 500,000 in cash tax free, while finalists will get Php 20,000. There will be special prizes too like the Best Interpreter Award and People’s Choice who will both win Php 50,000. If you want to vote for it just go to asoptv.com/poll so you can vote once per day using your FB/Twitter accounts to login. Judges will be announced and divulged on the day itself. They didn’t tell us about it because it is a surprise!
I've covered last year's ASOP finals where people from the industry, professionals and amateur song writers pitted against each other to vie for a championship of a different kind, because only songs of praise are allowed and dedicated to the one above! The competition was made and founded by the same people behind UHF Channel UNTV particularly Brother Eli Soriano and everybody's Kuya Daniel Razon. They did it with good reasons and it's thrust is to dedicate these songs for the glory of God. The finalist have gone through grueling eliminations and the last 12 performed live at the Araneta Coliseum. I arrived a bit late but was shocked to have heard their guest performer, no less than world renowned girl group and Filipino pride 4th Impact!
Here are the performances, make sure you watch it til the end!
In the end they declared for the People's Choice Award Jonathan Sta Rita who composed Ikaw Lamang interpreted by Tim Pavino. They also awarded Best Interpreters : Jason Fernandez and had it tied with Bugoy Drilon whilst 3rd Runner Up went to Mula Sa Aking Puso tied with You Stood By Me. They also got 2nd Runner Up for my personal favorite Araw at Ulan and the 1st Runner Up to God Will Always Make A Way. The crowd favorite got placed Grand Champion with the song Kumapit Ka Lang.
Congratulations to all the winners! The one above will bless you more with what yoh have dedicated for him!
We're currently in Mikoy Morales' single launch at The Music Hall in Metrowalk in Pasig. He's a buddy and I have pretty much seen how he has matured as a singer, songwriter and lately a musical director. He's been writing for GMA and the artists on his stable like Julie Ann San Jose, Rita de Guzman and a lot more. He's also done jingles for different companies, lauded by his peers and took the hard route of working for his craft.
Mikoy now takes the stage to release a self produced introductory single called "Pusong Hindi Makatulog!" (A Heart That Couldn't Sleep!) which he wanted to dedicate to fellow insomniacs that suffer those small unforgettable heartaches, broken hearts, or if you suddenly just miss someone. He takes pride in sharing this generic hurt, that if in cases he's not alone, you could well relate to in one way or another.
Mikoy wants you to listen to his brand of music, more of pop ballad songs which comprise most of his repertoire.
Now he wants you to go feel this personally by downloading it off digital stores like iTunes, Deezer and others. Take this journey with him, open your eyes to emotions and take that jump to deep emotions. He's going to take you there!
Here's his single which he sang live a few nights ago:
We found a very happy Patricia Javier earlier as she released an independently produced single called "Ngayong Paskong Ito" (This Christmas) held at the President's Tower in Quezon City. Patricia is now happily married with famed San Diego based Chiropractor Dr. Rob Walcher. They're also campaigning for the Lifestyle and Beauty work they're doing now as they've completely brought their whole family to the Philippines and plan to start their business here. They've already helped countless people; some celebrities like Claudine Baretto, EA Guzman, Lyn Ching, and PBA's Calvin Abueva among others. They believe in a healthy lifestlye, a good spine and working on how to maintain good looks by using low cost products and a few beauty secrets. In spite of the years working in front of the camera, Patricia has donned several magazine covers even at her age. Even Dr. Rob agrees that it's not an excuse for Moms to not take care of themselves after giving birth to kids because it helps build confidence, a better outlook in life.
Patricia Javier is also excited about her new single. She purposely put this out on digital release so that people would start listening to it during the Christmas Season. The single "Ngayong Paskong Ito" (This Christmas) talks about the struggle of people who have their loved ones abroad or in the military. This is also for the OFW's who feel lonely, to give them hope that it'll be better soon.
Here's her music video for "Ngayong Paskong Ito":
Here's also our interview with Patricia and her husband Dr. Rob during the event this morning.
They were also thankful about Marc Nelson being in this video. He didn't hesitate to actually be in this video given their history as exes. They're still good friends and joked about next time doing it with her husband. In all honesty, I find her song nice. It'll really be good to listen to especially because it's the holidays. You might get a little sad but it's going to be better, I think that's the general message. That is good. It's also written and composed by Larry Hermoso.
Today is the last day of the Grand Fairview Sale of SM Fairview, the lovely mall that we went to last Friday. We were there because aside from the huge discounts they gave people, it was time to actually get them surprised by bringing in one of the most good looking actors this country has every produced, and half of that lovely AlDub loveteam that you love. Yes, it's Alden Richards and he's the surprise of SM Fairview to their shoppers. This also doubles as Alden's album mall tour since he's got Wish I May, the now platinum album from GMA Records. The album is also available in digital downloads on iTunes and it's already number 1 in the Philippine charts.
This is his way of giving back to the fans for supporting him all these years. When he was about to come up the stage, he stopped and prayed before he performed. If you didn't know, his fans lined up as early as 4am in the morning just so they could be the first 30 who would be able to meet and greet Alden on stage. They went wild of course. We were already in front but once Alden went up on stage, almost everyone rushed to the front and took videos as you can see on mine. After this event, I got several shorts and shoes (again) because some of the stuff were really cheap! It's only a few hours before it ends so if you have time please go to SM City Fairview today and make that Grand Fairview Sale experience a reality. Save a lot before the Christmas rush, hurry!
Oh and just so you know, when we went out of the Cinema there were still a ton of people outside chanting "Ilabas si Alden, Ilabas si Alden" because they don't believe he already left the venue and they were pushing the barriers outside wildly. That's how they wanted him so bad. Anyway, I hope this video would at least get you there if you didn't get to catch the show. Now who loves Alden? Raise your right hand!
Thanks to the awesome people of SM Fairview for having us! It was an awesome day!
During the successful event of Cherry Mobile, one of the most applauded performers were of course the pair of James Reid and Nadine Lustre. I only have interviewed these two for blogcons and seen them perform during events from Smart. They are one of the most trusted endorsers out there and I think I know why they worked, there's something genuine between these two.
Just like Cherry Mobile, Nadine Lustre and James Reid wasn't as popular as before they made the movie - that boosted them to stardom. Their fans have seen their value, both talented, can sing like recording stars, made blockbuster movies, and can act as lovers with their eyes closed. Add to that, they are good looking too.
After doing a solo number, James Reid came in to sing with her. I might not have gotten photos from that part, but hey, here's the video! My apologies for some ruined view because there were a LOT of people in front of me. Enjoy!
Oh and if you've been seeing their ads lately, they are endorsing pretty neat phones like the Cherry Mobile ME which have custom cases. They do that while you wait. If you want to know more about the phones, I'll try and make a review of that soon.