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!

38th AWIT AWARDS Gets Powered by VIBE PH at MERALCO Theater

The 38th Awit Awards is very near and this year is going to be a LOT different as it is going to be powered by the folks from VIBE, the awesome OPM lovin online and TV show on TV5, Cignal and their partner platforms. 

I've been watching them almost everyday and the fans of not just the artists actually follow their antics especially on weekends where they obviously prepare a whole lot of performances indie or mainstream fans would enjoy. Doing the Awit Awards would be something really fun as the organization partner up with MQuest Ventures, and poke a little youthful energy in the 38 year old body. 

It's going to be a huge celebration for OPM and PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) which holds this show every year. With the mission to push OPM forward, they'll be preparing to showcase some of the country's hottest acts, including some of the year's awardees and generations of performers the country has produced. 

The show will also be directed by newly joined legendary star maker Johnny Manahan, and Vibe jocks Dylan, Elijah, Joao, Ana, Maxie, Paulo, Kych, Queenay and favorite boy Ryle Santiago. Telling folks about side quests, red carpet and backstage happenings will be the Vibe Gen V guys and gals who have in recent episodes have gotten a huge following too. This will all happen on November 16th at the newly renovated Meralco Theater. It'll be streamed live on Vibe PH, TV5, MQuest Ventures and Awit Awards Facebook pages and their affiliates. This is going to be heck of a lot of fun!

ZELLE Sets Ablaze Her Comeback with New Single MARTIR

After a grueling 13 years in Sweden, OPM artist Zelle is back in the country for new music, a new perspective with empowerment, her truth and the process of healing. Her single "Martir" talks about the trials and tribulations of love and the complexities of relationships.  

This resurgence didn't come easy as it stemmed from her own life experiences which happened recently, a matter that compelled her to go back to the country. 

She admits experiencing depression, but realized how she could use music as an expression. It was something that she knew was important, to use it to heal. Her gift is now being used with intention and fervor, which is why her music feels more genuine than ever. A way to show her truth, and strength which she hopes to also inspire other women. 

Love certainly is still part of her songs creative process, but says she uses a more psychological aspect in writing about it. She shares how one shouldn't lose their identity while experiencing love. That's a pretty strong statement!

She now is doing gigs and tours with a dependable band. With John Abiathar De Leon on drums, Archie Salvador on guitar, Chester Ventura on violin, and Jing Gonzales on bass plus a few more people in charge of production, she's ready to perform in different stages, here or elsewhere. She's also preparing a release for another single "Liberate Me" which she's doing soon. In the meantime, listen download and stream "Martir" on all streaming platforms and take that awesome healing and feisty journey with Zelle.