Love, Sessionistas: A pre-Valentine Concert

If you're looking for the perfect concert this Valentine's season, Fire and Ice productions and Fire and Ice Live! is bringing you "Love, Sessionistas: A pre-Valentines Concert" at The Theatre at Solaire this coming February 8th at 8pm and you'll love who's in it! Of course there's Ice Seguerra, Juris Fernandez, Nyoy Volante, Sitti Navarro, Kean Cipriano, Princess Velasco, and Duncan Ramos. It's going to be nostalgic, a thing that's been in the works since pre-pandemic will now be realized.

The last time that these guys were together was way back March of 2015. Although they didn't really get to meet during those days, they've been connected online through chat. Though if you look at it, it's been almost 10 years since they've done music together, a little overdue. 

Ice says "There was a time in 2019 when we thought about doing something like this, I messaged everybody if they're game to do it. I really miss them, they all agreed, but the pandemic really got in the way. We had a venue ready, stage design, production, everything. It was supposed to be Fire and Ice's first show. But it didn't happen because of the pandemic. It was moved, and things happened with our careers individually, life in general. We started talking about it after the videoke series I did, which was a successful concert. Whether it's Valentine's day or not, we have universal love that we celebrate. We have the romantic love covered, but we have other kinds of love that we also want to celebrate on that day. And also our friendship that stood the test of time. Wohoo!"

Nyoy adds "During those 10 years, we often perform in each other's shows, but not as a complete group, usually benefit concerts. We often become guests with each others concerts or gigs, it was easy because aside from being artists in the same group, we're friends in real life. We did theater, and we supported each other. We're so used being with each other back in the day, and now our lives are intertwined. We're so used to answering each other's songs, lines, but it's going to be more organized since it is a show. We have several surprises for you, and seeing from our studies, it's going to be one fun night!"

Kean adds "This is going to be a treat for everyone. You'll see our camaraderie, but what we will sing is going to be heartfelt, more meaningful. This is also a concert where anyone, of all ages, could actually go and have fun! As you know, we are from different genres, it will surely be a good time to see that on stage."

Juris agrees and said "Yes it's going to be a treat for everyone and also a treat for myself because singing is more of an escape for me now, not work, and I'm glad that we're doing this."

Producer Liza Dino Seguerra says "It's been a while since people have seen them together. It's going to be so good to see them perform together on stage, their careers didn't end on that portion of the show. Sessionistas went on and did things individually, they lived out their careers, had family, it will be a time for the fans so they could see where these guys are now. It's a concert of their journey as friends and as individual artists. You will not only see them as Sessionistas but as Ice, Juris, Nyoy, Sitti , Kean , Princess, and Duncan. It's super exciting because their chemistry is different. The photoshoot we had in November was already crazy, what more the actual show in February."

Here's the full press conference on video, make sure you subscribe and check out their performances on our channel. Sub to KUMAGCOW on YouTube!

 

Fire and Ice and the Sessionistas would like to thank Profero Ageless Aesthetics, Solaire Resort, Ticketworld, Katinko, The Platinum Experience Real Karaoke, HGStudio, Nova Wellness Store, JB Music, Magic 89.9, Philippine concerts.cim, TrueFM, and WhenInManila. You can get tickets to the show via TicketWorld.com.ph, plus they plan to have a second day run on April 4th, because this one is almost sold out!

We also heard that they plan to take this either on a local tour or an international one. Just make sure you show interest in their social channels to let them know!

Princess Velasco Signs with GMA Records

Sat down with Acoustic Princess Princess Velasco who just signed up with an exclusive contract with GMA Records. She used to be from the other channel appearing in their noontime weekend show but concentrated more in gigs and appearances elsewhere after they got reformatted. Princess Velasco now has a family, but the singing bug bit her for a long time and as they say, her voice just gets better with age. We asked how she is now and she gamely answered questions for us.

Princess says “I see them in shows and appear in GMA, I envied them and hope I would be visible in GMA programs soon. It was 6 years in ASAP Sessionisras, but we have always been part of each other’s lives. I thought initially they were showbiz friends but they are now lifelong ones because we are each other’s kids ninongs and ninangs. I choose songs that I go through with, not just love but everyday struggles. My official music video will be up at 3pm and you’ll see Norman, the Aeta who graduated in UP. I am sure there will be a lot of people who will relate with it. I am planning to have a very intimate show for my birthday this year, perhaps for charity. Of course acoustic, something fun. Konti Na Lang is for those who are tired, a song of hope, to take your journey one day at a time. To wake up, do your thing, do your job. Maybe soon I will be able to work with Julie Anne San Jose, hopefully I will meet her and work with her soon. I want to also work with Christian Bautista, Ruru Madrid, Rita and Ken, I like the and how hey use their voice. I want the song to also be part of a series, maybe for news and public affairs, it fits the ofw audience. When I gave birth, my voice became more round, my range became higher. My singing career wasn’t really something I was looking for, I was just fortunate things fell into place. I went through issues in the past, push your self and get up, do whatever you want with your life. What you think of others might not be as worse as you may think it is. You have to also be careful these days, even if it is hard, I would want to mentor people rather than judge them. For noe it is a single but probably, we will completing a compilation of more songs, hopefully soon!”

Princess has her single Konti Na Lang out in digital stores, so go stream or download them off Spotify if you love her type of music. I used to play her CD’s nonstop in our family car because she’s soothing, gets less stressed when driving. Happy to see she’s doing more music, hope to see her on stage very soon!

Ice Seguerra and Nyoy Volante at Palacio De Maynila

It has been a while since I’ve watched an acoustic concert but it has always been a staple for Filipinos especially as it patterns on our love for “harana” in ways to woo those who we love and perhaps get that special YES we always looked forward to. Ice Seguerra has had a number of hits and has always had that voice unique to her, you would want to get her songs played over and over again. Nyoy Volante on the other hand may have been super good on musicals lately but even before that, he’s always taken us on acoustic trips in gigs here and around the country, so seeing them together in one occasion may be the perfect pre valentines gift to get your romance going. It is called Acoustic Love Journey which is to be held at Palacio De Maynila in Roxas Boulevard, a good jump off point to anything romantic in the charming historic city of Manila.

Ice Seguerra says “My style has always been fit for Valentines shows and it gives me joy when you see people enjoy the music. I don’t like what ifs, I want to always try things and in politics and show business you learn to be immune, but I always miss my wife and I have to take care of my relationship, my family. I like it in Palacio De Maynila because it is very intimate, there are no bad seats, although Lisa couldn’t go to some of my shows, she will be here."

She reveals “I really am planning to have a child and on January we started doing injections because we need the quality of the eggs to be really good, we had to go through the process and after harvesting and freezing, I had to choose profiles of Dads and when we Lisa and I have to talk about it all. It’s really nature taking its course, it is from me, we just got help. I didn’t have to pay myself, or have surrogates, we have a chance and I hope we get lucky. In his profile he says he looks like Liam Hemsworth, 6ft (we need to compensate), blue eyes, and his profile was almost the same traits as Lisa, I hope he is.”

Make sure you get tickets via SM TICKETS or via Palacio 5247606 / 5273239. Their concert starts promptly at 8pm, so let your special someone enjoy the evening of acoustic love with Ice and Nyoy. You will definitely enjoy this!

The SOMA Bistro Sessions

Today was a fun day to be in the south. So we headed to Green Sun in Chino Roces Extension to have dinner with friends at the The SOMA Bistro, the restaurant at the ground floor of the hotel. They've got a happy hour which includes an Open Mic session from 6-10PM every Thursday, and you know what happens when booze and I mix LOL. We all sing! 

They've got Pinoy Food and a couple more comfort giving grub to satisfy you, nearby offices, hotel guests as well. You can walk in if it's traffic in Makati (like it's not a regular thing lol!) or if you want to wait it out and drink a few bottles before you go home.

Aside from that lovely and soft Liempo up top, I had this Roast Beef Sandwich with fries on the side. It's quite soft, and very generous with the meat. I'd be really interested amping this up with blue cheese or something, or spike it up with something hot. If you haven't had dinner yet, this would be fine.

If you want to match something with beer, the Truffle Fries is good. It looks less here because Earthlingorgeous already had touched the darn bowl before I took a photo LOL. Truffle is my favorite in any dish, you gotta have it too!

They've got Buffalo Wings too for those who love it spicy. The regular serving is already moderately spiced so just ask for extras if you need to.

For those who love meat and seafood, they've got Surf and Turf on a plate. The standard size though, not quite that big but it does the job.

We also had the Four Cheese Pizza to go along with the wine and booze we had this night. I'd recommend this for groups 4 or more. Oh and yes, Green Sun is known for events, as they've got a room with 360 degree HD projector. It's perfect for launches and fashion shows too. 

Green Sun also has cruise ship like hotel rooms. Three types in very affordable prices. It's actually one of the favorite hangouts of celebrities which we'll never divulge haha. They rent DJ's and stuff for in the Executive rooms but sleep mostly in the Standard Twin and Queen Rooms too. They also package Function/Holding rooms for artists when you do have an event there. 

I also heard they've got a promo now where you can book two nights for the price of one. Stay period should be from December 22 - January 2, 2016. So if you're looking for a place to stay these holidays, this might just be it.

For reservations, visit www.thehotelatgreensun.com at 2285 Chino Roced Avenue Extension in Makati City. Call them today at (+632)5489200. I'm staying there soon too, and I do hope to get to bump in with Georgina Wilson and her whole crew on weekends. Wishful thinking? Nope! It's Green Sun!

Ciao!

KUMAGCOW

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Myk Perez: My Acoustic

Myk Perez from famed Voice of the Philippines' first batch just recently launched his album entitled Myk Perez: My Acoustic under MCA Music Inc. Honestly, he wasn't my favorite finalist because I was rooting for Klarisse all the time and even voted for her during the show. I was swayed by my taste of vocals I guess and spent the whole season hating the other contestants because I wanted my bet to win. Myk Perez always had his votes high during the competition and I must say it's with something really worth that attention because 1) He had a solid following being the only guy behind the guitar kind of performer 2) He had Bamboo as the coach and 3) He had this Bamboo-Jason Mraz kind of feel on him that makes the girls go gaga over his performances. It was evident back then that he was going to be a force to be reckoned with and now he's showing us why on this album.

He's got covers on this album including Easy originally performed by Lionel Richie, Two is Better Than One, Why, Runaway originally performed by The Corrs, Clarity, Honey Under The Moon, Fix You, Chasing Pavements, Give Me Love, Baby I Love Your Way and a bonus track Fix You as an unplugged version. He performed live that evening when we interviewed him at the MCA Universal office and I must say, he definitely has it.

You must give him a chance to show you why he's one of the finalists in The Voice of the Philippines and I did just that. I was impressed by what I've heard on the CD and even better when I heard him sing live. I felt I sounded like him on most occasions but I must be dreaming. He's gone way better than when he did his stints in The Voice and with these covers that are quite familiar already with Filipinos, he's surely going a long way. I hope radio stations and TV appearances can give this guy a boost. He's a humble chap and he deserves all the blessings he's getting. 

Congratulations on your first album Myk Perez! I'm looking forward to the next one with original compositions soon!

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Acoustic Essentials: Angela Sings James Taylor, Michael Learns To Rock!

I've been listening to her CD these past few days and honestly I haven't seen this particular artist yet nor have I interviewed her. The album itself didn't contain her photos so I was wondering if this was really meant to be this way. I got her "Acoustic Essentials: Angela Sings James Taylor" and the other one "Acoustic Essentials: Angela Sings Michael Learns To Rock". Both of these artists are classics and I am very familiar of their songs; I wonder how she'll be able to do this since the songs are pretty good even without re-interpreting the original. 

I was surprised to hear this for the first time. She's got spunk and the voice is so angelic. No wonder the monicker! My current favorite on this first one is "If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight". Although she didn't veer away that much from the way James Taylor sings this, it makes a refreshing and more dreamy way of doing this.You kinda get caught in the middle of just enjoying it and keeping your eyes closed setting the mood to relax and off to a good slumber. Here's some of the other songs in the album:

1 How Sweet It Is
2 You've Got A Friend
3 Fire and Rain
4 Wondering
5 Shower The People
6 Your Smiling Face
7 Sweet Baby James
8 Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
9 Handyman
10 If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight
11 Something in The Way She Moves
12 Carolina On My Mind

The other album which contains "Michael Learns To Rock" covers is sublime! For those who loved their songs from a couple of years ago, this is definitely a "Must Buy". It really feels different to hear these songs come from a female because as you know the male take on this was kinda romantic. Since she sounds so angelic the difference just makes this a tad better. Not to undermine the original it just sounds clean and crisp when you do this on an unplugged state. 

If there's something to take note of on this album, it's the single "I'm Gonna Be Around". You can really feel that she's going to be there. The emotions were evidently showing on each track but I loved this one better. I guess to each his own. You kinda get the favorite songs you connect with. Believe me, it's quite easy to do that with her voice. She's done this so good. You have the choice to love more on this album's 12 tracks. Do you find anything that you fancy?!

1 25 Minutes
2 Out of the Blue
3 That's Why You Go Away
4 Paint My Love
5 The Actor
6 Sleeping Child
7 Breaking My Heart
8 How Many Hours
9 I'm Gonna Be Around
10 Nothing To Lose
11 You Took My Heart Away
12 Someday

For those who would like me to choose the better one between the two, I'd go for the James Taylor. Though it would really be a more moving experience if you got both CD's on your car. You'll feel definitely better because its worth collecting. On a Sunday afternoon, where you just want to chill and lie down on a hammock whilst sipping on your tropical punch laced with an umbrella on the side this is the perfect accompaniment for that. I wish I could meet the artist behind this album and ask her about the song choices because I feel her.

You can get these albums on your favorite record bars. This is also released in the Philippines by Polyeast Records. 

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A Breath Of Fresh Air: Sabrina in her latest album "I Love Acoustic 4"

Sabrina. She's a breath of fresh air.

I was in a room full of media people when I got to meet her in person. As always I put my personal taste in music aside and had to have my senses open to new ones. I'm so glad I did because I couldn't imagine what would it be like without me knowing her closely like that.

I'm a skeptic to artists who do covers but I have a friend who I frequently go out with; and I saw his CD collection ~ all in his car. There were only a couple of them but three definitely stood out; it was the name Sabrina in all of them; so I immediately asked my friend about her. Laughed about his song choices too. What makes her so special?! Why acoustic?! What does she sound like?!... he immediately grabbed the CD's out of my hand and inserted it in the car's player. That's when that "Oh, so that's why!" moment happened.

Listening to her was one thing; then I actually saw her during the Greyson Chance concert in Eastwood City. If you saw the multitude of people screaming for Greyson I'm sure you'll be nervous, but she went right through her set and opened for the International artist. This is the first official time I listened to her live!

She was well received by the throng of people that were there. Remarkable voice and the song choices was another story. Then I said "She's good!"... it takes a whole lotta time before I do say that. To say the least, I was impressed.

In her first bloggers night, she was just sitting and doing interviews for media. Her presence was really not condescending. She waved and made sure we were a little comfortable above anything else. She made us feel right at home. I adore stars who do that to me, (ie Rocco Nacino, Kris Bernal, Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales)... she gets me this time too. Now that I like her, she gave us a very nice chat. We felt so nice talking to her that way. It was so comforting that an artist who racked in multiple PLATINUM awards in Indonesia had her feet on the ground. She never alienated anyone while we were there. Plus the fact that she obliged to sing a couple of songs... now that takes a lot and she did it to the delight of online people I was with at that time.


She has got a lot of things planned for this year, now that she's also broken through the South East Asian market it'll be a lot busy this time. She's got a couple of originals also planned. Her versions of new songs in her NEW fourth album is just as impressive. Make sure you get your own copies of "Sabrina: I Love Acoustic 4" nationwide. I adore her "Last Friday Night", "Rolling in the Deep", "That should be me" and "Moves Like Jagger" version and if you get to listen to it, pat yourself in the back because you did a good thing. She's got 17 tracks and a bonus one so if you purchase it from record bars, it's totally worth it! I promise to buy another one for myself since my friend's going to get this one which she happily signed.

Thank you Sabrina! Stay nice and genuine; and you'll go a lot of places! I believe you'll start change the Philippine singing landscape that only knows belting and equate it to the greatness of their music. You totally deserve the title of Asia's Acoustic Princess! You are way better than that! xoxo

Thank you so much to MCA MUSIC INC., PinoyMag and OrangemagazineTV.com for organizing this event. Thank you also to Red Box, we had a grand time in Eastwood!

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