ISHA PONTI and ANDREA GUTIERREZ Takes First Step with THE NEXT ONES Concert

The Philippines has certainly gotten the nod of the world when it comes to singing, and what Ms. Lea Salonga wished for recently made so much sense when she said "I hope I won't be the last!" to achieve something that could mirror her career, rightfully so, I agree with her 100%!

There ought to be "THE NEXT ONES", a new generation of artists that not only could replicate her success but hopefully surpass it. Ponti Entertainment Production is staging a concert of the same name showcasing Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez at the Music Museum on December 13th, 8pm. They will also be performing with OPM icon Rey Valera.

Asia's Pop Sweetheart Isha Ponti says "The concert is collaborative and they didn't force us in a certain genre, they wanted us to shine with what is comfortable for us. We base it also with what people want, I'm into Nina and Kyla. I'll be performing Walang Kapalit which wasn't revived yet by anyone. We also did a music video for it. It's also a tribute for Sir Rey Valera, also add our advocacy for the youth to hopefully pave the way for the next generation. This concert was a request from our producers, when they told us this was happening I felt unsure. We're not in the mainstream yet as we don't have hit songs, but the reason why we agreed is to break out of our cage. We wanted to go there, our start, our beginning."

She added "We picked artists that are current, but fits our genre. We will have older artists too but that's going to be a surprise! Recently, we watched the Filipino Music Awards and I was so impressed with Maki. I'm trying to write songs and sing it, if I get to be like him that's amazing! This is a major show, so as early as now we're already memorizing and practicing on top of school work. I prioritize it on Sundays and also try to dance a bit. I love it and I hope to integrate it on the show."

Bossa Nova Princess Andrea Gutierrez "I ventured into Bossa Nova because people who heard me sing compare me with Sitti and other Bossa artists. Maybe we can announce, Sir Rey Valera gave us songs to perform and we're excited to do that in this concert. Yes, we get pressured because we're headlining. We're practicing practically everyday and we hope the audience would appreciate that. I hope I get to have hit songs after this step. Ms. Lani Misalucha is my idol, I hope I get to sing songs like what she's done in the past years."

Other guests include Graciel Hizon, Raymond Gorospe, Aquila Paquing, Nathan Randal, including their front acts PPOP acts DIV9, AZTER, wonder kid Maurice, The Boxers, and the Roshe Performing Group. Tickets are available via TICKETWORLD and at the Music Museum Box Office.

It's time to support the next generation of artists, take a chance on seeing and hearing them live!

A Few Reasons To Watch GARY VALENCIANO's "Gary V Back at the Museum"

Had a really fun time at the Music Museum attending the concert of Gary Valenciano called "Gary V: Back at the Museum". It was officially his 93rd time to perform there and the show was pretty much a huge time travel, of things he's done at the Music Museum and even have video synced in almost every number he did at that venue.

It was fun to see how several big stars of today were in the audience, and much of his fans in those years still attend the show. As Mr. Gary Valenciano puts it, he says "Music Museum is the most intimate venue, and this is why it's important for me because much of my songs and it's messages are meant to be done that way."

Sure enough, we got that treat. Music Museum has the audience placed very close to the stage and Gary could actually see much of our face unlike other venues which is why he prefers it. It's like he could talk to people, sing his songs while you are actually there. It felt very personal, but he's not even shortchanging anything even the dance moves.

Gary V performed with Kianna Vee for a little Father Daughter number

Mind you, the Manouvers that are dancing with him are actually 4th generation (Manouvers Ignite). They all retired (I think) and he's still dancing? What?!

These are just a few of the reasons why you should watch the show. Gary Valenciano is also helping a few charities that cater to kids, those affected by health conditions (those with diabetes) and the poor. Even though I barely did catch what they did in the 80's and early 90's, his music transcends all these and have really good lyrics. It's like poems come alive, and I couldn't keep up with the crowd that evening even if I was extra energetic. If you're a Tita/Tito, Mom/Dad, Lola/Lolo, millennials or Gen XYZ, you'll enjoy his music and the memories that come with it. There are still a few dates left this August 12, 19 and 26, so get them tickets at ticketworld.com.ph and celebrate his birthday too!

Btw, make sure to watch out for the "request" part of the show and get heard by Mr. Pure Energy himself and sing your favorite Gary V song. (It was my favorite part of the show!)

Congratulations Sir Gary!

Filipina-Israeli Shira Tweg Releases "Pag-ibig" Under Star Music

I've seen Shira Tweg a couple of times from her previous movie "Sugat Sa Dugo" back in 2021 (we interviewed her) and MMFF Summer entry "Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko" (she portrayed a young Sharon Cuneta) which talked about the life of Singer-Songwriter and hit maker Rey Valera. She's a Filipina-Israeli actress who I think looked like a mix between Salma Hayek and Catherine Zeta Jones. She's also a singer and this time, she just released a new single called "Pag-ibig" under Star Music

Here's our interview with her during the launch:

I like the song and its premise, of where a hopeful young girl still believes there's someone out there for her even though she already got hurt in past relationships. She's not a belter per se, but she sure has a unique voice and tone that's pleasing to the ears and an ability to tell a story. She gave us a show during the launch, albeit sick, she went ahead and performed for us. It was nice to hear her rendition of Sharon Cuneta's Mr. DJ and her new song "Pag-ibig". Her new single was also written by Direk Joven Tan who's also done a lot to help her in her music career.

Shira also plans to have her own business soon, and she's preparing a lot for that. She's an actress and she's raring to grab the opportunities presented to her, to hopefully also release more songs in the near future. About pageants, she's not that interested in doing it, but rather do modeling.  

She's had suitors, but prioritizing her career and education comes first. Love isn't perfect she says, but the song "Pag-ibig" gives you reasons to still believe in it no matter how many times you fail in relationships. It also tells a story of your struggles, on how you would take the courage in professing love for another person. She hopes you find this song to be about you in one stage of your life, and yes, you can stream this now on all digital platforms and YouTube for the music video.

She's got a long way to go, but she's talented and we hope they get to create even more songs for her so people would be able to listen to Shira Tweg and believe in love again. Congratulations on your new single dear!