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. 

The Day I Made GIGI DE LANA Cry

Her viral performance of "Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita" got 13.5 Million views and now, getting thousands of viewers every night they perform, people certainly can't get enough of her... she's Gigi Delana and her band Gigi Vibes. Recently, they released their first original song called SAKALAM, and true enough, they've landed on Spotify's #1 Fresh Picks and garnering still, a growing number of streams in the platform.

They're also releasing a music video for it and a teaser was shown during the presscon, and by the looks of it, you'll love that too. It will premiere today October 11, at 6PM ono all of ABSCBN's socials and broadcast channels. Gigi says "My heart is full because we've gone through a lot. We're very thankful for that, I would like to thank everyone in my band, the management, the people that believe in us, we are so grateful to become your kapamilya. Thank you Lord for giving us this blessing. There were a lot of things happening during the shoot of the video, I couldn't show the right emotions initially, I was strong because I didn't want to cry, I don't want to feel the hurt, so I kinda shut down, but I have to feel it again, the feeling of being human. Thank you to GG Vibes, to Marcus Patterson, to our Director thank you so much. What made me strong was my experiences, the people that inspired me especially now, my bandmates, my Mom, the people I get to grow with. I take that in because it will make me better, they know I will grow." Here's a bit of the presscon on video, enjoy!

I made Gigi De Lana Cry with my question about love and learning from her heartbreak. But as always, I am so thankful that we got to talke to them and see a different side to the band and Gigi De Lana. Thank you to ABSCBN PR for having us! Their music video will premiere tonight at GG Vibes YouTube channel so watch it at 6PM!

RICO BLANCO Reimagines PBB's "Pinoy Tayo!"

Looks like Pinoy Big Brother is going to be extra entertaining as music will be good with Rico Blanco's "Pinoy Tayo!". Some of PBB's very own alumnus performed it with him during the KUMU Season 10 launch a few days ago. Maymay Entrata, Kim Chiu, Edward Barber, Robi Domingo, Maris Racal, and a whole lot more enjoyed the song on stage and its new flavor. Slower, more melodic, a new version, pretty good to see it that way. It's going to be part of Jonathan Manalo's new album compilation for his 20th year.

Rico Blanco says "I was really excited when I was asked to be with Jonathan's anniversary project. He's very prolific, I supported him right there, I studied it because it was a very revered composition. I had to make it sound like me when I'm performing it. Being a part of that story, I'm excited about the happiness it gives, I wanted that part to be the same and how people react to it. I remember hearing it during a football match and everyone danced to it. It made memories, and we as artists would like to make it that effective. I was already game when we started, I paused when he told me the song, what it stands for, it's well loved and I had to check what I could give to it, it's an honor for me. It just fell into place."

Jonathan Manalo adds "It's nice to see this song uplift spirits. When we made this song and we were planning to promote this song, it was meant to inspire us. Our morale was down, our energies too, and we needed a newer version. It's our way to lightening up the mood, to give hope, to celebrate even if we are under the pandemic. We hoped it could give good vibes, more reasons to celebrate being a Filipino. I took my chances when I talked to Rico, when we were talking I was already thinking about this anniversary project. I always had him in the lineup and was really timing when I would ask him. He was part of that dream. We were moving in different paces, his music was different than mine. I was pop and he was rock, so in a phonecall I asked him about it. We always were together in other activities but never worked together. It was the perfect time to ask him."

Here's part of the presscon on video

 

The album will be part of several singles that will come out digitally. They will be doing it in 25 tracks, 25 different artists and will be completed by next year. Congrats PBB and Sir Jonathan Manalo!