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.
Got the chance to see the Sing GalingSinglebrity Edition 2025 folks yesterday and what good things they've got on sleeve as they prepare their first episode this coming September 27 on TV5 and their other assets. Veteran judges Rey Valera, Randy Santiago and several celebrities told us about their experience and what to expect on the show.
Of course, different people means different personalities. Aside from being serious about the contest part of the show, Sir Rey Valera told us "You'll get to see the good side of the contestants (that we also are with in the industry) when we talk about their individual charities. They are doing this to help folks that are in need. They will do everything for them, that's what is fun in this show because of that different angle. Doing this is like not turning away from your promises in helping others. This is also a way to give back for the years they've been supporting us as artists. People who watch our show sometimes go on wheelchairs, when you get to age and still sing, you are relevant, if you want to pass it to the next generation, this is how you should do it."
Singer Ariel Rivera says "I can say, expect the unexpected. I know some of the contestants are good actors, but when I heard them sing, they're really really talented. People think we only act on screen but we're happy to be part of this and share our talent to help others. We appreciate those that appreciate us. We're friends for years (talking about other artists on the show), being kind goes a long way."
Nina added "I love my fans, they're not all perfect but they are the reason where we are right now. We shouldn't forget that."
K Brosas told us "We're not at the top but we're not going away, we love our craft and the people that work with us. We are thankful and remember our roots."
Here's more of our interviews after the event:
Oh by the way, Rey Valera and a couple of his friends are establishing a way to support up and coming artists on their new YouTube channel. If you want to be part of it, just visit youtube.com/@Sigma54music to get in touch with them. This is his way to leave a legacy.
And again, make sure you watch SING GALING SINGLEBRITY EDITION because it will premiere this September 27 at 7PM and 8PM on Sunday on TV5, Buko Channel and Sari-Sari Channel too. It's going to be super fun!
Mark Michael Garcia is turning a new leaf in his career. The very talented man who won "Tawag ng Tanghalan" as the Ultimate Resbaker a few years ago literally got stuck in limbo when the pandemic happened just when he was about to lay plans for his career and music. This year, he's sporting a new moniker as "MMG", which makes sense as it feels more catchy and current. Aside from that, he just got the nod of composer songwriter Allan Rich who did Whitney Houston's "Run To You" single for the movie "The Bodyguard". Together with Jud Friedman, they gifted him the rights to release the actual original song this 4th of July in streaming platforms worldwide. They caught him performing his James Ingram medley on the internet and was impressed, they got in touch and yes, the rest is history!
We heard him a few days ago and by any standards, he's magnificent! Together with the single release, he's going to have a concert entitled CODE NAME: MMG which will happen on August 2 at the Samsung Music Hall in SM Aura BGC. He promises to perform new songs and covers that you might not have heard before. This is produced by Chef Jeng Sy Flores who also owns Heavenly Desserts by Chef Jeng and District One Gastrolounge in BGC.
Here's what happened at the press conference
Tomorrow, please tune in to Cornerstone Entertainment's channels as this heavily awaited single will be shown there.
I'll update this post with the actual RUN TO YOU (alternative version) so you could witness his great work. By the way, he won a Best Male Vocalist award in the US, and some talk of him joining THE VOICE USA is also in the works. I'm sure he's going to blow the competition away!
Our love for Asia's Nightingale Ms. Lani Misalucha will become even stronger as Backstage Entertainment stages a concert at The Theatre at SOLAIRE on August 21st this year.
This concert is directed by Calvin Neria with Musical Direction by Toma Cayabyab (son of National Artist Ryan). Backstage Entertainment is under Backstage Manila that had done a lot of events and is creative agency.
Atty. Nate Quijano of Backstage Manila says "Our company is in the events industry and now we are venturing into production and entertainment. We want to set trends, a different kind of creativity, to show support to up and coming and already established artists. I'm excited with this new venture, and this is our jumping point, our first concert STILL LANI."
Chris Mananquil the producer adds "I am lead creative for this show and this is a very important activity, we are excited for the new combination, but we hope to give something new for the fans of Ms. Lani Misalucha. We have Toma Cayabyab to be our Musical Director, something new, an inter generational combination. We may play hits, but most of it is something new. We don't want to spoil things, thank you!"
Ms. Lani says "I really like life in the US because it's simple, but a little hard. We are empty nesters, they have their own life and family. I still do shows in America but not like when I had a residency in Las Vegas. I just choose the kind of shows that I want to do. Between shows, I do laundry, clean my home, work never stops. You can't call people to fix because it's expensive, my husband is a handyman which I am so lucky about. I eat a lot, I am the backbone of his operations. I know all the tools, that's aside from playing with my grandchildren. In the Philippines we don't have help, we do the same."
She adds "When we got sick in 2020, we had bacterial meningitis. The effect was deafness, you get dizzy, vision was blurry, a ton of things. It was a really difficult time for me, especially when I'm hard of hearing. I got depressed, I didn't want to move. I also didn't want to socialize, it was painful because I could only hear if they are high pitched. It got better around to decipher voice but the hearing really didn't go back. It affected my singing because I struggled in 2021 and I had to train myself again like a child. My kids are not kids anymore, I have 6 grandkids now. They are doing good, thankfully. About the concert, it will be beautiful, but one surprise is I have a special guest, you will know by June or July because it's too early. I now have international released songs, but this time I'd be able to sing them in the concert. I admire singers who sing my song, they have to be creative to do it again and compose songs, they're really great. Having a hit song is power, people will remember you for the rest of their lives."
Here's the full media conference on video:
Again, STILL, LANI will be at the Theatre at Solaire. Make sure you get tickets to the show before August 21st. She is world class and she is STILL LANI. The one and only Asia's Nightingale. There's no comparison!
Only 2 days left before the big show as Gerald Santos takes the stage in his concert entitled "COURAGE" which takes place at the SM North Edsa SKYDOME this coming January 24th.
The profound singer, actor and theater phenom will also perform with greats such as Erik Santos, Sheryn Regis, Elish, PPOP group ASTER, and lovely Aicelle Santos. He's going to give this his all and include a very good cause called "COURAGE MOVEMENT' aimed to help victims of abuse. As you may understand, this is very personal for him and ultimately, wants to help give a platform for those who have been silenced of this crime. He will also be launching his newest single "HUBAD'", and perform it live.
This is produced and conceptualized by Antonino Rommel Ramilo and Echo Jam and Visionary Entertainment. You can still get tickets via smtickets.com. Come see him perform on Friday!
This afternoon, we've had the chance to interview one of the hottest idol singers from South Korea. They're called 10CM, and he's set to perform in Manila this coming August 31st at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City, Cubao QC. The event is produced by Cornerstone Concerts (a subsidiary of Cornerstone Entertainment) and South Korea based Magic Strawberry Sound.
For those who don't know, 10cm is an indie pop project that is being led by Kwon Jung-yeol. They were initially debuted as a duo (with Yoon Cheol-jong), but split in 2017. His songs are now part of various KDrama shows like Queen of Tears, Crash Landing On You, Start Up, Hotel de Luna, Lovely Runner and a whole lot more. He still carries the same name 10cm which they got from the difference in their height. His idea of fun is still staying in the studio and creating music, so if he's tasked to make one for a drama, he just needs to know the plot and put it all in the lyrics (pretty good process). This makes it custom fit the feel and actual story, which makes it easier to connect with... and his fans.
Here's our exclusive interview with him yesterday
He wants to be able to connect with you especially with his music, so the content of his upcoming concert will be more of your favorites. He teased some of it during TJ Monterde's sold out concert a few days ago where he performed a medley of his KDrama hits, much of which will be done in full versions in August 31st.
While TJ Monterde loves 10cm's music, Yoon also fancies his too. It was mutual admiration and seeing them perform in TJ's concert was like a dream for all.
10CM has also won various awards from Melon Music, for Best Collab and Best Folk and Blues in different years. This tour is also going to be done in SEA countries such as SG, Malaysia and Thailand. In East Asia, there will be Taiwan, hopefully more countries soon.
Tickets are being sold in Ticketnet, so make sure you get them while it's still available. This would be perfect for those who love his music, the KDramas it's in, so you could get all the feels all over again!
The world class power belter Katrina
Velarde is going to make your April days even more awesome as she does
"KATRINA The Z-CON: The Gen Z Icons Concert" to be held on April 13, 8pm at the Samsung Performing
Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.
For
those asking why it's ZCon, it's because they want to cater to Gen Z's
who's supporting her today. She's been very hands on, using her own team to
do arrangements, covers, even on YouTube. Although they cater to any music genre,
everyone will certainly relate to the music of the 90's and 2000's. She's going to do it with her own spin on things.
Talking to her a few days ago, Katrina feels the pressure
(mounting this concert) because it's been 4 years since she last had one. Though she admits, she likes
this pressure and anxiety. She asserts these are challenges that could further improve her skills.
Katrina says "I'm so happy that we're doing this to promote my concert, I've had the chance to do this in ASAP and Showtime, and it's been a while since I've had one. It's like my body is looking for it, this is a big production and I'm happy to work with JM Yosures, Reiven Umali, Khimo Gumatay and Sam Mangubat. My reach has always been with Gen Z's and I've prepared a lot for this one."
She adds "It's not just going to be with Gen Z's though because I want people to relate with music from the 90's and 2000's, but we're doing it with a different flavor. I'm eager to do this all, coming from the pandemic days, we wanted to have more mediums of entertainment. I realized when the pandemic happened people still wanted to see us for entertainment, and now that we're back, I'm happy."
Imagine if she wasn't around during the pandemic, we all would have been in a rut. A lot of people
listened to her songs during her live streams. Truly, it was a place to be
thankful during those times because as singers, they rose to the occasion and gave
us the needed entertainment we craved for at home.
Like so many singers, she's inspired by the one and only Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez. When they performed in previous shows, she froze and just looks at her. It's so nice to see that her dreams did come true. To be able to work with her inspiration, she must have been ecstatic. Here's more of what happened at the press conference for the "KATRINA The Z-CON: The Gen Z Icons Concert"
On this part 2, she had our jaws drop with a few songs she sang a capella
She's very down to earth, and has already impressed a lot of people with her covers, original songs and this concert would definitely be a nice avenue to see how she's come a long way. Tickets are sold via Ticketworld so secure them now. This is produced by AQUEOUS ENTERTAINMENT and ABBA Productions.
Just got off the press conference with new artists Plume and SALA (the band) over zoom this afternoon. They're a pretty fun bunch to talk to and yes, you kinda feel like you're in the presence of very talented people.
Plume says "I usually write music when its nighttime because it's way quiet. I start with chord progression, then lyrics, if it fits I'll make the chorus and complete it. I listen to other artists, I find good things in it and put my own style. I try to make it comforting and relaxing as possible. Since my work is dedicated to music now, I focus on myself and my hobbies while studying. It's still music in the background so there's still input. I love music like that. It's unusual to do jazzy songs available to everyone, I usually follow that genre, it's what I do to stand out. I also utilize social media to make my work known. I think I'll be doing singles from AltG records. I want people to feel relaxed, hear pop, but learn the words and vibes are different. I feel Baguio's busking music scene is still starting. Manila has a lot of bar tours, I think it's more organized here but I hope Baguio will follow suit soon."
Plume adds "I often seen albums released then sometimes they lose track of it the whole year. I think releasing content in different times would fit me. I listen to a lot of genres, but I prefer metal, the beauty of it is when you removed the angst, the noisy lines, you'll see the nice lyrics on it. I also love classical music, they do inspire me!"
Beautiful is my Plume's first single, and still testing what people would go to after they listened to it. His inspiration is from a personal experience. Right now, he's still trying to feel what happened after signing with AltG Records. He didn't believe it til they started recording.
Sala's frontman says "We do it differently, I could write songs wherever I am, but I finish my songs in my Sala hence our name. I throw it to my peers and do the other parts of the songs afterwards. That's how we do it. Our songs are borrowed experiences and I think it stems from the things that are not often talked about."
"If we have new ideas, we put it in a group chat and contribute there. Since we have different work, different jams and gigs, we try to stay healthy by eating, exercising, if we wanted to do this for a long time we try to do that as much as possible. It is art, and we love it! For us, we're glad to have YT, Spotify, platforms that we can listen to. As a band, arrangements are still a group effort. If it evolves, I don't have to follow that because we have our own message, it's not a problem to do that but we already have 4 pov's in the band and I think that's enough. Things are changing, I think people are releasing songs when there's something consistent to give. People want new things, albums kind of put it in one basket but people have different tastes. This would give artists freedom to test what's good. We want to return to not just making love stories, it should be different topics, even taboo ones, songwriting for the sense of telling them not just invoke feeling, something that people could relate to."
SALA felt that signing with AltG was surreal. The opportunity came at a very shocking moment, and feels they can't think about collaborating with other artists yet as they're not established rock stars. Though they want to do that in the near future. Their single will be out mid March. Plume on the other hand already has his single out, plus a lyric video on YouTube. He also has plans to have a music video out soon, and he's so ready!
Good luck and I hope you all continue to record more! We would certainly love to listen to it with great gusto!
Looks like the heavens are conspiring when it comes to Kat Agarrado as she attempts another shot with her music. This is still with Sinosikat, a rebuilding, a new start, stemmed by her love for music. She still never thinks about her looks (though she's quite blessed with it), and puts her efforts now in making more songs so a new generation would be able to listen to it. Sinosikat doesn't have permanent band members, it's her instincts that kick in and choose them to play with her, a different setup but works.
Kat says "My goal is to make people listen to timeless pieces, that even when we're old, there's substance, and they can still listen to it. Before I was doing rock elements, but now it's more polished, matured, the arrangements now will have horn sections. My dream is to make Sinosikat a wider audience, a younger one, to put our music in other countries. I want to do that especially when I get to network with bands and producers there, because they appreciate it but just lack exposure. Our music is world class, just like Filipinos."
She adds "I hope to also join more international festivals, and become global. I think the youth now has lots of venues to listen to music, that's good and I would like to do collaborations with artists like Lola Amour, a indie artist named Isla, there's a ton that I see on YouTube. I'm sure they have a lot to offer, fresh ideas to contribute especially for the next singles."
Here's part of the interview we did with her during the launch
Kat continued to write songs about love, about family, a bit slow but she admits just doing it at her own pace. She also does standard songs and do Filipino versions so she wouldn't get rusty. She also writes about her friends, or things she experienced during the pandemic. Though this time, she finds it divine for everything that seemed to fall into place. From Pinoy Soul Records, to Warner Music Philippines, to her own studio, this is her way to help other artists too. This is a new beginning for her, her re-introduction of Sinosikat.
PS Heard the single just now, and I like how groovy it sounded. It's like her being hungry to do more, I would liken it to the music of international girl group "All Saints", but it's only her on vocals. Amazing!
Go stream her new single "Heart Calling" on digital platforms and get smitten with Pinoy Soul all over again. Be part of her fresh start!
When Ms. Flor Santos (7K Entertainment producer) held the mic during the media conference, I was a little uncomfy - and feel her pain while she lengthily talked about not getting this in the Metro Manila Film Festival. I felt the same because I've been able to see some parts of the movie, early on, the trailers give little clues at how this would have been perfect for the occasion... but I guess fate had other plans. This film called "In His Mothers Eyes" would have been a nice addition to the stellar artists lined up for the festival. Imagine a Vilma, Nora, Sharon and Maricel fight in the box office, that would have been one heck of a lineup no? So now that it didn't happen, they're going to show this film earlier on November 29. You would expect this to be a little funny at times, but the story touches a little bit close to home with the life of one of its lead stars LA Santos, and it was a story so many in the same predicament, and Filipinos needed to see on the silver screen.
Maricel Soriano and Roderick Paulate have not been together in a film for a little over 11 years. When this was pitched to them, the script certainly was one of the factors why they said YES to the project. Add to that, the genius writing of Gina Marissa Tagasa (done various TV, Movie and ABSCBN projects) and Jerry Gracio (a Palanca multi-awardee), and Director FM Reyes taking charge, we got the impression from the cast that it would have been a mistake not to be in this film. LA Santos, plays Tim, a special kid who's mom Lucy (played by Ms. Maricel) had to leave to work abroad. His Guncle Bibs (Roderick Paulate) had to take care of him in her absence, which proved quite a difficult task because of the special needed care he had to do because of his condition. Seeing several trailers, their lines were things you would have to endure and try not to cry about as it was intense in several scenes, it was heartbreaking!
Maricel says "That part in the trailer where he pushed me, it was something I learned was caused by me changing his patterns. It was essential to tell the story. I think it also helped us that we are both orphans now in real life. We talk about being siblings and we already have something to start on. We have been with Regal Films in the past, fundamentally we are connected."
Roderick says "The pain of my character is certainly deep. The questions I asked here needs to be heard by siblings, and loved ones especially if you are going through the same situation. The relationship is there, but if you don't talk about it, nothing will get explained, nor will you get answers. The mere question of arriving, he didn't even ask Lucy. I guess it stems from the way our Director does things, he's not that nice (he kids). During the makeup test, he initiated to talk to me and Maricel. He told us how he adores us, our tandem, but he wants a different way to do it this time. He knows how to twist emotions of people especially because he's worked in TV for quite a long time. We have different personalities once we go out of our tents, it's about a family and we need to take that story and love across. He has his requirements and we do it on set. I remember getting called by a Director asking about LA Santos because the trailer alone already impressed him, that he promised to watch it when it comes out in theaters."
LA says "I respected the role, it's a ton of research, I also talked to the parents from Best Buddies Foundation whom we all had a lot of help from during filming. I also talked to Clarence who is a special kid, I went with him, listened to his stories, and I'm so amazed about the heart they give in everything they do. He's got immeasurable empathy with people. I am amazed about him being in this spectrum, it's a wide one and kids are special in different ways. I want people to see this especially Filipinos. To hopefully, have them understand their plight because it's so difficult to see what they've been going through."
Direk FM Reyes adds "I distinctly remember when I was a little guy, they were small then, and they are still small now (he kids about Roderick and Maricel). I'm a fan of their work, I am a friend, a lot of their films when you watch them, you get nervous, but since I knew them a bit I get to forget getting starstruck."
Here's our video coverage of the event, please enjoy!
In His Mother's Eyes hits theaters this November 29th. Cast also includes Ruby Ruiz, Rochelle Pangilinan, Elyson De Dios, Ogie Diaz, Maila Gumila, Bong Gonzales (of Sparks Camp), the lovely Vivoree (go watch our interview with her on our YouTube channel @kumagcow), Nolo Lopez, Skylee Alcalde and Inah Evans. Make sure to watch this Maricel Soriano, Roderick Paulate and LA Santos starrer because it's a great time to laugh and cry, learn things in one movie. This is produced by 7K Entertainment.
Spent a few hours at the grand Merlion Entertainment Trade Launch held at The Podium Hall in Ortigas, Pasig City. For those in the entertainment industry, they've been quite known for churning out and managing talents which they source across the country.
The event was graced by Carren Eistrup the Dabarkads host and Bida Next winner, Nicole Borromeo the Binibining Pilipinas International 2022, the Spirited Singer TERA, Luna the Sing E.A.T. Finalist, PPOP (international) girl group CALISTA (comprised of Olive, Anne, Elle, Dain and Denise), plus a throng of new talents with the likes of Caitlyn Stave (which we interviewed a few months ago), Sparkle artists Nicole De Guzman, Monique Vazquez, Kayelah Gomez, good looking Chef Miguel David, model and singer Jimsen Jison, power belter Jean Drilon, the pretty ladies Dana Alexa, Angelgrace America, Laiza Comia and popular KUMU influencer Jessica Dungo.
Here's our video coverage of the short program
Merlion Entertainment CEO Gener Dungo welcomed us at the event and said "Our
friends from the media, thank you for coming here. The advertising and
marketing community, and the various brands who came here tonight, thank
you. Our vision is to develop and manage new talents, we went all
around the country and brought them here. We are game changers which is
why we produce shows, digital content, even do music production. When we
did that our vision has expanded, and now we are working with the best
in the industry. We are excited to work with you, thank you for your
support, we hope all our creative pursuits become part of your
campaigns. Thank you to all our artists, their parents who entrusted us
with their career. Thank you and welcome to Merlion Entertainment!"
For those looking for requirements for their commercials, TV castings, Movies or Events, you may send them an email via inquiry@merlionmanagement.com.ph or call them through mobile at 0917-156-7485.
Intense scenes from Roderick Paulate and Maricel Soriano won't be shortchanged.
The Metro Manila Film Festival is near and I'm sure there must have been tons of films submitted in hopes to become part of it. This is special especially these holidays because being part of it isn't just economically rewarding, but has that certain prestige to be chosen amongst some of the best in the industry.
There's a Maricel Soriano, Roderick Paulate and LA Santos project called "In His Mother's Eyes" that wasn't included in the first four films, but I'd reckon it could break expectations if it does become part of the list (eventually) especially with the caliber of acting involved in it. Seeing Maricel Soriano almost stripped down and dependent on her capability to deliver emotions like no other gave me goosebumps during a special screening (of short clips to get a gist of the film).
Family Love
Multi awarded actor Roderick Paulate takes on a challenging drama, gives funny when it is needed in the film.
LA Santos got hospitalized in one scene, it was that intense. Boy has acting chops people should see. And his Mom said, much of the story is what he experienced in real life.
The film also discusses a few social issues. To answer a few questions like how you would measure Motherhood, the sacrifices people have to endure as OFW's and how it ultimately affects the family. There's also the point of LGBTQIA+ and the challenges to raise a child with special needs. All these in one movie that will make you laugh (the scenes with Ruby Ruiz must be seen!), cry and change your outlook on people.
7K Production head honcho Ms. Flor Santos told us the story of how Ms. Maricel Soriano got the role and says "When they did Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, I was in China and they were locked in during the pandemic. He was a Mama's boy (LA Santos), he was crying and panicked a lot during different instances in the shoot, Maricel was there to calm him down. It was then agreed to continue this film, and just thinking about back then, I thought it was impossible. This is also the reunion of Roderick and Maricel, which is why we also had the best people at the back and front of the camera. To get this to foreign festivals, streaming platforms, I'd love that to happen. I know choosing Roderick Paulate had a lot of naysayers, but I wanted him to do this especially since I know he will do justice in the role. He exceeded expectations. I think it's God's way of telling us, we're good people, we are blessed."
I'd be disappointed if this doesn't get included in the MMFF 2023 lineup, as "In His Mother's Eyes" could very well cop acting awards based on what I've seen so far. The framing, photography, is also equally amazing. Here's hoping we don't have a let down.
Ever wondered what happened to the bubble gum pop, iconic Timmy Cruz? It's been years since we've all last heard from her, with good reason. She took a long deserved vacation, a break from all the stress, to concentrate on healing, inner peace and deeper self care.
She was working on a series set in a hospital, where she got the idea to have herself checked. She did it quite regularly, but this time, it was different. Doctors brought news about her condition, here's her story:
While she was on her path to doing deeper self care, she practiced meditation and concentrated on their family business. While in one of her sessions, she shared her songs among those who attended it and people asked if songs she sang (during meditation sessions) was already out there. She said no but didn't know she was talking to someone from FlipMusic Records. Aside from that, her whole family was always egging her to go back to show business and singing. After getting healed, and years of waiting during the pandemic, she felt it was but right to share her gift to even more people. She also hoped that people learn something about her story, then decided to go back to the industry she loves. She needed a little help on the management side and sought the help of Artist Circle under Rams David.
Ms. Timmy says "The title of the song is ALL I WANT IS YOU. I wrote this song together with a couple of others I sang earlier. It is my first try in composing songs, as I couldn't call myself a real artist if I only interpret other people's songs. I felt something was lacking, so I asked the Lord to help me. During a teleserye shoot, I was with Ogie Alcasid, so I bluntly asked him to help me how to write songs. He just said.. you can do it! You just have to emote, then try several times. I took his advice and now have FlipMusic to release it on digital. Now I have over 28 on Spotify and other platforms. All I Want Is You is my 29th. I also came up to Jose Mari Chan, he didn't recognize me because I now have gray hair. I told him I'm following his footsteps of writing Christmas songs. He just told me to keep on composing. I always send it to him and ask about it. I learned a lot during this process, I really learned to listen."
She added "I am here to do good things. If it's not, then I'm not going to be part of that. When I had a long break, I didn't really use make up. That's a 7 year break from it sans the mascara that I use every once in a while. This is how I look like naturally, so I enjoy and accept it. I cut my hair so as to not use much energy. I'd rather have it be used by my body to heal. I used to always keep watch my hair color and even go to salons at night for continuity sake. It took me a year to get used to it."
And by any standards, her new look would probably land her roles. You could liken it to Miranda Priestly or put it down so she could portray a Mom (a little too young to be a Grandma) so imagine the things she can do now that she's back in showbiz. This is just the start, and if you're already feeling the Christmas season, you can pre order her single that's coming out on the 6th of December. We all heard it and it's like standards, think Michael Buble but her version. It's on all digital platforms, and yes, we could make it into a playlist for that special day.
I'm quite happy to see where she's going. I've got her performance on my TikTok account @kumagcow so head on there if you want to see more of Ms. Timmy Cruz. Thank you to her management Artist Circle for letting us interview Ms. Timmy. Hope to see her in new shows soon!
She's the Dental Diva, a very well known talented singer, comedienne and actress at that, she's Kakai Bautista. Her interesting story will be featured in Ms. Kornina Sanchez-Roxas' show "Korina Interviews" which will be shown Sundays 5PM on NET25.
Kakai says "I've been bullied because I was poor, and grew up as an ugly duckling. I learned to know the things I could and couldn't change. I wouldn't be able to change the shape of my teeth, but I know how gorgeous my eyes are. I didn't have toys when I was a kid, so I got plants, wood and thread to make one. I had to make my own, and ended up being envied by other kids because of it. I always made ways to survive and it has been my motto in life."
She was an ordinary woman who did Lea Salonga's wardrobe in theatre and Korina Sanchez handpicked her story among others because of how interesting her story is. Being bullied and poverty stricken in the past, a lot of people would learn about her story. In it, she's going to tell more about bullying, and controversial things she's encounterred on social media. Something you shouldn't miss!
Again, make sure you watch Korina Interviews on NET25 right after Goodwill. It starts at 5PM.
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!
He's known as the "Pinakamataray na Tindera sa Balat ng Lupa" on social media and has gone viral for a lot of reasons. His content is a bit of a "slice of life", much of which we could relate to especially when we're fond of buying stuff from a "Sari-Sari Store". He is Bernie Batin, and he's out with a new single called "UTANG MO" under ABSCBN's Star Music.
Here's our interview with Bernie a few days ago at Music Box when they were launched with artist Christi and Shira Tweg:
This was surprising as he appeared in full drag during the launch, it was his first time to do so. It was very fun to talk to him especially when he's talking about his skits on Berniecular Vlogs. Bernie Batin has his own brand of comedy, and he's very happy he gets to put a smile on peoples faces especially during the pandemic. His single is already out on streaming platforms like Spotify etc. so if you have a chance to listen to it, go ahead and indulge!
Yes, it is what you call "NOVELTY" which you can liken to Yoyoy Villame and other artists. "UTANG MO" talks about that certain person who borrowed money from you and just lived their lives without thinking of paying you back. It's kinda nice somebody said it, and yes, if there's a chance to do that, I'm all for it. I am happy about how Bernie Batin has changed his life. During our interview, he shared how he experienced to be dirt poor and vowed to make his and his family's life change for the better. For what it's worth, he deserves it. He's successful because he remained very humble even after all the success he's amassed in the short few years he's gain his following. I hope you continue to support artists like him because from where I was seeing him, he certainly deserved it. Make sure you follow his social channels for a dose of fun life in the Philippines by searching Bernie Batin on all platforms. You'll love what he has up his sleeves!
We met a very bubbly and confident Christi Fider a few days ago in Music Box Timog Avenue, Quezon City. She's not new in the industry, having released several singles like Teka, Teka, Teka!, Heto Na Naman in 2021, plus a Most Promising Singer Award at the PMPC Star Awards for Music in the same year.
She is currently under Manic Media, and has released a few tracks signifying her raring urge to go back to the grind. And currently, her EP album called "Sorry Not Sorry, I took my Time" became her call and the songs include "Breakthrough", "3rd Street", "Fake" and "Reyna" (which she also has a music video of). Honestly, her vibe reminds me of Lizzo, who carries herself confident and unapologetic-ally is just being her.
She also sang a few songs and kept us entertained about what she's been doing in the past few months. Including staying away from fake friends, loving herself more and wanting to embrace her curves. She also told us about her bout with PCOS and its effects on her weight loss, and glad she found inspiration from it and create music that she loves. It was where her music was based on.
Aside from that, she's been blessed with several acting projects, including one that will involve Superstar Nora Aunor. She was so nervous about it, but this was an opportunity that she couldn't just allow to pass. Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo will also be part of it, which in hindsight adds even more pressure. For those who are fond of Netflix, she's also doing a series under Chris Pablo (who's done several romance, queer films). Stay tuned for that!
Meanwhile, here's a bit of our interview with Christi
She's just starting, and as she starts doing what she loves as an artist and singer, to become that powerful independent woman, she's going to love herself... and hope you get in the groove of her music and artistry. You can stream her EP album on Spotify and other streaming platforms today. Get ready for Christi!
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