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!

San Pedro Calungsod the Musical Album Set to be Released This Month

Do you remember the staging of San Pedro Calungsod the Musical back in 2014/2016/2020? Brings back memories right? Well you'll be surprised as I am because they're finally coming out with a cast album this month and will be available worldwide. 

For those who don't know, it's a very emotional story of his faith, the things he had to sacrifice, and his devotion to God and Jesus Christ. Calungsod was a Filipino catechist who lived in Guam back in the 17th century. The staging won several awards from different bodies. The songs primarily were performed by the very talented Gerald Santos. A world class actor who did the title role and composed some of the songs for the musical. This includes "Offer My Life", "The Journey" which folks have loved. There's 18 tracks, mostly made by Antonio Rommel Ramilo who did the libretoo and stage direction. It was an emotional rollercoaster to see and hear for those who have seen the show. 

In the album, Gerald is joined by Kuya Manzano (who did the role of Father Diego Luis de zsan Vitores), Hutch Perales (who did Matapang), and several other actors from the 2020 production. They gave life to him and the whole story. 

For those who want it, the album is out on May 16 at all digital platforms. Make sure you listen to it and see why it's one of the most critically acclaimed musicals of that time. 

Viral Star MADAM INUTZ Outs Debut Single "INUTIL"

Oh yes, looks like life is getting better for Daisy Lopez. Known for her crazy antics as the ultra viral online seller "Madam Inutz", she's taking the newly found fame and success even further by pursuing one of her passions... which is music. She just released the official music video of her single "Inutil", something that she and her management has been working on for a while now. It's now up on her official YouTube channel and was published last September 23, that's last Thursday.   

Madam Inutz has impressed, to say the least, the netizens who have been eagerly waiting for this to happen. I could liken it to something that Korean rap star Jessi would do. The production value of this video, is absolutely nuts!

Albeit the song is a bit of on the novelty side, her raspy voice fits it perfectly. She's in tune, she's got that angst, I might even say she fits this like a glove. Definitely gives me that rock vibe that Aegis does, quite explosive, fun, with frank lyrics, dang she's good! Madam Inutz says she's inspired with the music of Miley Cyrus. She's wearing the recording artist hat like a champ, they prepared for this, and it turned out great. As you can also see, whoever is styling her must be given a raise because they didn't make her look alien from usual things she wears. They just prepared well, made more of her personality come out... as if she even needs that, right?

The song "Inutil" was composed by Ryan Soto. Think of it as a song that was made exactly for her. He included all the things that Madam Inutz would always mention in her livestreams. Terms like "Inutil, gunggong, oh jiiieva!" were something that they made sure to be included in the lyrics. Aside from that, this tells the story of her struggles, how she ended up making a living selling clothes, things online. Add to that, her experiences living in communities like Tondo and Cavite. She just like the rest of us is trying to earn a living, and in her case, she's also paying for the care of her Mom as she's still ill and needs support for her medical treatment. It inspired her to work hard which she hopes would also be something that other people could relate to. She also wishes that they learn from her life story, because no matter what it would look like to her detractors, she's triumphed over a lot of challenges. She's one tough cookie.

She's over the moon about the things she's enjoying today. She's very THANKFUL for the help she's had especially to her manager, Mr. Wilbert Tolentino who took her under his wings during one of the toughest times of her life. The kind philanthropist, businessman and entertainment mogul still has a lot of plans for Madam Inutz and hopes they continue their partnership and friendship. Under his tutelage, he's planning to have Madam Inutz take entrepreneurship lessons so she would be armed with the right knowledge in order to continue and grow her business. Aside from that, he's going to guide her with her career choices and show her the ropes in growing her YouTube channel, and other social media accounts. Isn't it wonderful to have an angel by your side to help you? Madam Inutz is certainly going places!

Her single "Inutil"by the way is now available for download and streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Youtube Music and other digital stores/streaming platforms. Make sure you also watch the video above and subscriber to her YouTube channel because they plan to upload more out there soon.