ELIJAH CANLAS Outs "JosephK" Music Video

This evening was so much fun as we got to spend some time off our regular coverage and see what actor Elijah Canlas is up to. Apparently, the good looking man is wearing another hat as he is given the opportunity to pursue singing and songwriting. He began indulging himself with his type of hip-hop music, and after hearing some of it earlier, we loved every bit of it. The single is called "JosephK", and it's been in his coffers for a while now because of creative reasons. 

Elijah says "I love how they (recording corps) are giving value to the song, it's the least pop single with those that I have, but it is very personal. Thank you to Cornerstone, Project8, Island Records. This is black and white and it's cinematic, really cool."

He adds "JosephK is actually something I didn't want to explain, but for trivia, it's based on the novel called The Trial. It was when he was woken up on his birthday and sent to court, accused of something but never told what it is. Now it's a little grimey (the treatment for the video), I am JosephK. This is just a huge flex, I didn't expect this to happen but thanks to UMG and Island records for pursuing it. I hope it would be listened to by folks around the world and here in the PH. This is special because there's a lot of cameos with my friends. I feel how they love and support me. Direk Dan also conceptualized it, these are people I have worked before, and I am very grateful."

He also mentions "I wrote this in 2021, but it felt like a Christian song, I shelved it because I didn't like how it sounded. I told myself that maybe the right time will come, a better version. I asked other musicians and they said sometimes it takes years to finish a song. It took me 4 days to do this song. Sometimes you just have to listen to it again and change the melody. It's personal and based on the book I mentioned earlier. You can compare that with the lead, and I just changed it into Filipino. I want to have more gigs, to perform more of my songs, take out songs, wrote and make more of it to everyone. I hope to also join UP Fair."

To date, he's got 4 out of 10 tracks that he plans to release. He told us "I think I can do an album. It has a story, collaboration with other artists, then hopefully a concert in the near future. I don't put myself on a pedestal, if you want to know me, listen to my music because it's deeper."

Here's the event as he talks about his music:

The single "JOSEPHK" is now out on digital streaming platforms. If you loved his new songs, you'll love this even more. It also has similarities to Brandy's Full Moon which is a genre they called reverse RnB in the 2000s. I also loved how he kinda mixed Manila sound to his first few songs. I like what I see so far and from the looks of it, Elijah is not done. You're about to see him get even better. He's just starting.

Congratulations Elijah! Happy for you! 

ZELA Releases "LOCKHART" Album Under AQ Prime Music

The hunger for PPOP is certainly evident and with the Philippines answering with great artists, it's fun to know we've got a lot of them coming in the following months. Today is pretty special as we begin to get to know ZELA. She's a triple threat, one who can write songs, sing and dance. She is also based in the US but knows how this is an opportune time to do PPOP through her label AQ Prime Music. This was something she's been dreaming of since she was a kid, and now she has the chance to inspire more people through her genre of music!

Zela says "I want people to be empowered when they hear my music. I make them inspired with my experience, I'm a soloist and friends suggested I do it. Performing during the Waterbomb Festival last February was memorable because I met Jessie, a very popular artist in Korea. She told me I was very skinny, it was surreal because it was a chance to meet someone I idolized, and they asked who I wanted to meet, I always mention her name. The name Lockhart came from my last name, and it describes how I am with my goals (as I am locked in(, and women empowerment is very important for me. I want to use my platform to become the voice for those who don't have it. People mention how we kinda look like Sandara and I take it as a complement. I just think she's way prettier, and who wouldn't like that. My music video is also out on AQ Prime Music. The creatives also helped me make the concept a reality."

She adds "What sets me apart is the fact that I do everything on my own. I don't share my lines, I wrote most of the songs in the album. Specifically the 6 tracks, the other 4 I've worked with another composer too. I can do any genre, and don't have to consult. It gets super lonely sometimes but I just focus on goals so I don't have to think about it. We are here to lift each other, and there's always space on top."

She already debuted in 2023, and has been rewarded with a PPOP Top New Artist of the Year award. She's released her first single called "KARMA" during that time and has gotten really good traction with it. She also followed up with "POGI BOY" later in the year and gave her third one called "01/01" during her birthday. She deem this a great gift to her fans as she has wished for. 

She also had the opportunity to do the 1st Waterbomb Festival last February and was the only PPOP Soloist act during the event. She is also releasing her new album "LOCKHART" that's got 10 tracks which she also wrote. The songs include ACE, Arangkada, ZL, GOAT, Paraiso, Chaos, Bababa, Hanap Ka Na Lang Ng Iba, and Leave Me. 

She's raring to release these songs and make it known worldwide, she's absolutely ready to go! She sends her thanks to Atty. Aldwin Alegre and Atty. Honey Quiño for supporting her goals all these years. She credits them for the successes she's had and says she's excited for what plans they've got for her in the near future. Go stream it today on popular streaming platforms, I particularly like "Bababa" so make sure you listen to it!

MAKI Hints Full Album Release at BUGHAW Single and MV Launch

One of the nicest songs of this generation I heard was from this artist named Maki. He's gotten a huge following, not surprised because of the quality of the song, but it did have a notion of it being a one hit wonder, til I head the rest of the songs he came out with.

Speaking of which, he just recently released a song called BUGHAW. He also directed the music video, sort of his directorial debut too. This is under Tarsier Records which is under Star Music. They had a launch a few days ago at Matrix in Quezon City. It was quite intimate, with not just his fans in tow because his fellow artists and his whole family went there to support the very talented boy. Angela Ken, his brother Haro and ethereal sounding Dani Zam also performed before him, it was quite a revelation of songs that I haven't heard yet. I felt music in the Philippines had a very bright future after seeing that, no joke.

Here's the part where he got to talk to his fans that evening:

The Zushis, his fan group, all went in throngs to support him. All I heard from them and his family is how he remained humble, down to earth despite the remarkable success he's had for quite a while. He also hinted a full blown album which he plans to release soon, so stay tuned for that. He also wants to create his own short film, preferably Anime themed because he's quite fond of doing the art form. Here's why people adore him, check out the performances that evening on this video:

 

 

Make sure you stream his new single, and wait for the full album he plans to release this year.

PUREGOLD Releases Ultimate Collab with SB19, BINI, SunKissed Lola, Flow G in “Nasa Atin ang Panalo"

I can't wrap my head around the idea of this huge Collab between Puregold, and artists SB19, BINI, SunKissed Lola and Flow G. These guys are world renowned Filipino acts, and it's unbelievable that they are working together for pushing the retail giant's brand message. 

Puregold is raring to celebrate their 500th store, and this song brings in their core values which will be cemented as one of the greatest music collabs in the country's history, that only Puregold could do. These are 4 acts, where they will sing and dance inside a Puregold store with different moments for SB19, BINI (those awesome dance and pipes!), the rap mastery that Flow G could do, and the relatable lyrics of SunKissed Lola. They are definitely uplifting Filipino artists, and not shortchanging you, consumers and fans of these artists when it comes to talent.

This music video has already been made public, so head on to their YouTube channel (Puregold Channel) to watch them all today! This single is also available on Spotify for streaming, and if you wait long enough, separate tracks will be also done by the different groups and artists, so there's really something to look forward to in the coming weeks! This is just awesome!

Here's the video, please enjoy!

That was good!

KYLE ECHARRI Releases Own Music, Stages Concert This Sunday on KUMU

He's definitely not a kid anymore and after several successful shows, Kyle Echarri is now making his own music and releasing an album called NEW VIEWS. You can now stream it on digital stores but before that, he's going to have a full blown concert this Sunday (his birthday) which you should watch. It's only on KUMU, so download the app and see him there. 

During the press conference this afternoon, Kyle says "I really produced it and made sure nobody touches it because I want people to know the real Kyle. My first album, I enjoyed it but it wasn't Kyle. I wanted to do it, not to follow a sound, but create Filipino music. I have plans to do music videos, but one so far, so I wish you would wait for that. I want to fit one more in soon, it's a dream come true."

He adds "This is also about my past relationships, I'm finally able to share who I am. In my concert, I'm excited to get my fans see something good, I'm happy to see them happy. It's not just the music, but the concert is a part of me. It's also on my 18th birthday, I want to be able to show you a new Kyle. I'll be with my closest friends in this concert, I want the whole Gold Squad to be there because they are part of my life. I will try to get Francine to sing, but I know she's not much into that. Hopefully they will all be there despite protocols, even if Zoom I'll appreciate that. I want to also travel alone, things that I couldn't do before. I love traveling with my family, friends, hopefully I could have time to do that soon."

If you haven't had the chance to listen to his music, I've done that during the event this afternoon. Man, I'm telling you, it's like we've got our own rnb artist, that's young, fresh and should be released in an international stage. He's pretty good at what he's doing and he deserves something big.

 Here's part of our interview with him earlier

Again, do listen to him on KUMU this Sunday and I think he's going to also have his closest friends too. Unbelievable talent, he deserves more! Happy birthday Kyle!

MMFF Entry CULION Launches OST and Music Video

This movie feels so special for me because in a way, I got involved in it so personally after visiting Culion a few months ago. I was able to talk to its residents; and see for myself what the place looks like, how the people feel now that the island is getting attention now that an entry to the Metro Manila film festival is named and being told for the world to see. It is now becoming evident that people look at it now at differently, to hopefully give the former Hansen’s disease colony a new light, as it deserves to be the new destination for tourism, for business to flourish and perhaps get the spotlight it deserves; because it is just so beautiful. 

The film just recently launched it’s official soundtrack and music video sung by Ms. Joanna Ampil, a heavily awarded Filipino singer who has performed in Broadway and London’s West End in different musicals. It’s called “Kundimang Mahal”, which music was done and composed by Felipe M. De Leon Jr., Lyrics by Michael Coroza and produced by Francis Salazar specifically for the film. The music video also includes some of the participation of its cast members Yam Mercado, Denise Nayve and Mike Liwag. They also included some of the scenes of Culion the movie in it so you kinda get a glimpse of what you’ll be expecting come December 25.

Ms. Gillie Sing the Executive Producer says “This afternoon this reminded me that this is the first presscon after we got accepted in MMFF. This is also going to be the launch of our MTV which includes our much awaited theme song, thank you so much for your support.”

Broadway star Joanna Ampil says “I am very honored to have been able to sing this song entitled “Kundimang Mahal” composed by Felipe De Leon with lyrics by Michael Coroza. They gave me the story behind this song and the lyrics. They also have me insight about the movie, that’s where I saw the connection too.”

Meryll Soriano says “We treat each other as sisters, we do what we can and we are blessed as actors that we could do something of this magnitude, to be there early, we had time to bond before the shoot. We got used to prosthetics after the third day, but the shoot had challenges because we had a typhoon during the filming. Our mindset changed when we got accepted in MMFF.

Joem says “I am overwhelmed that I got to do a lot of films with high caliber actors. It was all casted, I did my best and I have a flexible schedule to do films. It just went in sync for Judy Anne, for Iza as well. We are in the stage of being happy, the pressure is off and we are celebrating for people to see this. We want them to see the story of the island and its people."

The Producer Madame Shandi Bacolod says "We gave them the possibilities, the pros and cons. It’s been a tradition (to have more family friendly movies do well at first then the heavily awarded ones second), but there is a market for people who don’t know about it. There is a story, we are tapping even government agencies like DepEd to have their students learn about it. To approve and get permits in the local government took a long time and we presented the script with the church, the mayor, the people, we will do the world premiere in Culion on December 14. That is what we promised them.”

Mike Liwag says “Honestly I am so grateful and thankful to be part of this. I have seen their work and I look up to them, this is my biggest film project and I have had advise doing these scenes. I am excited to see this.”

This song feels so painful, but it still exudes love, passion, quite nationalistic. It's an apt representation of how these all happened during war, how they remained triumphant despite what was happening that era. All the more, Culion is something you should watch this Christmas day during the Metro Manila Film Festival. Stay tuned for updates during the world premiere on December 14 as I will be there. 

Hopefully, you won't see me crying while I'm there.

Rita Daniela Spreads Her Wings in New "Flying High" Music Video

Rita Daniela has been one of the most promising artists in GMA's stable. I think people are actually missing a lot when they haven't heard her sing live or perform on stage. I have seen her do things that other singers could only try. Well she's not about to just let that dream fly, she's grabbing it by the tail and taking it head on today as she launches her newest video called "Flying High"!

Make sure you watch the music video on HD or the highest video setting possible. The danceable tune, the choreography, the little details of this shoot took her a whole day to finish as it was deemed impossible to do because of their tight schedules. With the help of her industry friends, Ms. Geleen Eugenio, Addlib Dancers and a ton of people behind the scenes, she has sought to make this a worthwhile thing to watch for those who love her music, and those of which are still discovering who she is as an artist. I must say, I was a little shocked that after the preview of this music video because instead of me asking questions, Rita went ahead and asked us what we thought of it and what we generally felt after seeing it. I told her one honest remark and I think she was actually glad to hear it from me. I told her the video didn't look cheap, while the rest of us agreed that it also had certain parts that you could compare with international artists like J.Lo or Rihanna. The choreography also seemed to have been designed to make it easy for everybody else to follow, something that has promise to be viral in the next coming weeks. 

To show their support for Rita Daniela, Glaiza De Castro sang songs from her album Synthesis plus a couple more on stage to the delight of Rita's fans. Glaiza was awesome, she wished Rita to continue doing what she's doing and said she's happy for what she's accomplished after launching her self titled album.

Rita was jeering on the sidelines and asked best friend Joyce Ching to sing on stage plus do a couple of her antics. She's funny, a very charming girl and wishes her best friend all the best in launching her newest video. Here's her performance that evening.

Rita says "The reason why we took Tita Geleen as a choreographer is because people can catch up with the steps. The sound is a little classy, and she took the choreography to an achievable state that can be easily done by a lot of people. This is my style, and I want this to be a start of something revolutionary. Even if we've a lot of people would fancy tunes that are loved by the masses, I want my music to start a new tune here in the Philippines. My stylist is JP Dizon, he also dressed me today. He's the same person who dresses Marian and the pieces in the video are really good. I hope you liked them. I talked to him and asked to be sexy, class but light... I wanted something fun and people might not enjoy it that much, so I really asked specifically for that. When I was a kid, the only thing I wanted to do is dance, I grew up with my Mom who's also a Wea dancer. So every bonding time we had at home includes dancing, and I did dream of one day if I get the chance to sing, I get to dance as well. I wanted to share that same talent to others. I already know the second single but it's going to be a secret, but we've got a director and we're just finishing a few details. I'm still excited about this new video though. I know, some of the songs in album are somehow a little hurtful - but it means a lot, and it comes from different angles." 

She adds "I thought of certain things in the music video that also highlighted some of the dancers, I didn't want it to become just me, me and me on the shots. People thought that this is somehow a little KPOP but I think it's just my features, we didn't intend to have it look that way. This was supposed to be done a long time ago, but it's all worth the wait. Shooting music videos usually take 2-3 days but we did it in 1 and we were dead tired, yet we finished it all. I'm so proud about the people who worked with us during the shoot, and the end product was worth it. I am not yet sure if this is going to be a series of shows, and I hope GMA would be able to help me do this elsewhere like mall shows and other GMA programs."

Here's Rita singing Flying High live on Off The Grill in Timog Avenue, Quezon City who hosted our dinner. Thank you so much for the awesome food Off the Grill!

Please don't forget to get a copy of her self titled album "Rita Daniela" available at all major record bars and stores. This is also produced by GMA Records. Congratulations Rita! Hope this goes all the way up the charts real soon! Vote for it on MYX by the way, she's already getting there!

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

60th Anniversary of Pioneer: Stories of Friendship Video Competition

A few days ago, I was invited to a gathering in Makati by buddy Gian Viterbo of www.gadgetpilipinas.net indicating "Pioneer" on the invite. I didn't pay attention too much because I knew these guys were friends... so I figured whatever it was, I'm good with it! Since he's a tech blogger, I was under the impression that we were going to a tech event so we could check out electronic devices with the same brand name. Finding a whole lot indicating "Pioneer House" on the building we went to, I was a little dumbfounded when our other friends told me it's an insurance company. I was afraid of these things precisely of their "functions" because I feared they were always going to wait for my untimely demise. I went up their office and did the best thing any civilized guy of my stature would do, I sat down and listened.

They introduced themselves nicely and we all got comfy. They catered to different levels of clientele including huge Hollywood productions to that street vendor who had so little. That last part, of which I found really noble. Micro insurance is a really something they went serious with; and they delved explaining the difference of their company compared to others. Therein lies I guess a more meticulous way of explaining standards, plus rules, plus why they've got to stay in the industry for 60 years and survive as a business. I got more of the answers when their President and CEO Lorenzo Chan Jr. did his part. 

At Pioneer Life Inc. he mentioned that aside from their quest to bringing in business, their main difference is having a "heart". 

Then I said to myself, Heart?! Wait a minute... Where am I?! Care bear land?! 

He shared one of their client's stories; and in a nutshell, they probably would on a normal circumstance only give the benefits when they're in dire straits - medically tested and proven that the person's health is at risk or if they already passed away just like any insurance company. They learned that the claim was for a man who was in the brink of having aneurysm; a condition that would worsen as days go by; and an operation was needed to get him out of harms way. They probably didn't have any responsibility legally if you talk about what's written on paper. He convened the people involved and talked about what would ""humanely" happen if they didn't act fast. Pioneer Life knew that they had to do something for the guy in this situation and got the good man a few days later the money expeditiously. They got so touched when the wife got back to them with a letter saying "Thank you!" in so many ways. He recovered from that ordeal and is still living a few more years with his family. That alone is a priceless thing for Pioneer Life Inc. to see and said that's what they mean by having a heart. Isn't that amazing?

   

Vice President for Marketing Services and Communications Ms. Len Pozon agrees with their Chaiman and CEO. The reason why they've built so much dreams in the years that Pioneer Insurance has been in this country is because they've made it a point that all their claims are made fairly within the limits of the various coverage programs that they have issued. They also have times when they've got to stop, listen and act not just to fulfill what is legally correct and rightfully "within the bounds" of what you have signed up and worked hard for. They have been here helping Filipinos build their lifetime dreams and all we have to do now is ask what they can also do for you.  

Aside from that, they're holding a contest named "Stories of Friendship Video Competition" to university or college students ages 15 to 24 years old. They know how much Filipinos value relationships and this time, they're asking how you would produce a 3 minute or less video showing the value of FRIENDSHIP. It can be a narrative/music video or would be up to the student how to interpret it. Students can submit their entries on a brown envelope  with a filled out submission form (found in www.storiesoffriendship.com) together with a photocopy of their current Student ID, 3 DVD copies of the entry (max resolution 1280/720p MPEG-4/H264) and saved in MP4 video format. Make sure you label it "Pioneer Stories of Friendship Video Competition by (Name of Participant - School) and send it to Marketing and Services Communications at the 4th Floor Pioneer House Makati 108 Paseo de Roxas Legaspi Village, Makati City. This will run until April 21, 2014. Film and Advertising industry experts will judge and pick 8 entries and invite them to an awarding ceremony. Winners could win up to Php 120,000 in cash plus insurance coverage. There's also an Online Favorite Award to be chosen on May 23, 2014. Lucky voters for that part would win Php 5,000 and insurance coverage by the one and only PIONEER. If that isn't great news, I don't know what would!

For criteria and other information regarding the competition, please visit their channels below.

Ciao!

For more information about their contest and company:

Pioneer Is Your Insurance

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.storiesoffriendship.com

LOKAL RHYTHM: The Search for the next Filipino Online Sensation!

www.dreamcatchersvision.com

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! All music enthusiasts and artists are invited to join this awesome search for the next big Filipino online sensation! Yes you heard that right! If you've got something to show as your own music video just upload it on Youtube and submit it to their website, it's that easy!

This is only open to Filipinos aged 16 and above. If they like you and you get the votes from your supporters (you can ask your friends and family!) you'll get the chance to win 200 US Dollars if you get Third Place, 300 US Dollars for the Second Place and a whopping 500 Dollars for the First Place!

Entries will only be accepted until  December 15th 2012. Oh and maybe, just maybe you would end up representing the country too! =) It's about time we conquer the Asian market!

For questions about the contest

Just email DreamCatchersVision 

contactus@dreamcatchersvision.com 

Or Visit their website

www.dreamcatchersvision.com

Follow them on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/dreamcatchersvision  

Follow them on Twitter 

@dreamcatchersv