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!

Meet The Newest PPOP Girl Group in Town: VVINK

After covering one of the biggest PPOP collabs just a few days ago, here we go drowning ourselves in PPOP content with the arrival of a new female group called VVINK through their debut showcase held today at the HYPE club in Quezon City.

While they've already released songs in the past, that was their pre-debut which mostly showcased their individual talents. This time, they will be taking a huge leap with their new single TULALA under their label FlipMusic.

They took the risk to do this so their listeners would be able to get to know them at their best. The group is composed of their leader Angelika, main vocalist Jean, main rapper Ayaka, main dancer Odri and the all rounder Mariel. This new song has a very dreamy vibe, quite upbeat, while trying to express the feeling of one's first love. This is just the first of a plethora of songs they plan to release in the next few months which will be included in the album expected to be done til the 2nd quarter of 2026.

These ladies come from different places, but were all hand picked by their COO Jumbo Belen and CEO Jeli Mateo to become a part of this group. Unconventional as it may have seem to be launched like this, they were able to showcase their individual voices and genre. They also feel that with the training they went through, that it was all worth it. Here's the press conference in full on video:

Later in the day, they gave us a glimpse of their upcoming singles (to be launched this year til the 2nd quarter) and by the looks of it, they absolutely killed it on stage. The titles include "Tatlong Hiling", "Baduy", "Kailan Aamin", "Ikaw Lang Ang Kulang", and "Tulog Pa Si Ganda". Aside from being singers, some of them are talented songwriters and are pro choreographers. They contribute what they can for VVINK.

I think I loved what I saw today, and if you're raring to support these girls, make sure to follow their social channels by looking of VVINK PH on FB, IG and others, become VVINKies as they start their journey to conquer the world!

TAIWAN EXCELLENCE "Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy" Bares Winners

Taiwan certainly has a lot of things that Filipinos could connect to. One of it is the love for music. TAITRA aka Taiwan External Trade Development Council recently held the Taiwan Excellence "Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy" at the Market!Market! mall in Taguig City. 

Out of thousands who sent their entries, they got the judges choose 3 finalists to battle it out on this one day at the mall's activity center. This isn't a walk in the park as we talked to the judges Kean Cipriano, Ice Seguerra, Yeng Constantino and Paulo Zarate. They also had to choose a winner based off a themed composition about Taiwan Excellence and an original song. Taiwan is known for their various quality products and seeing the Taiwan Excellence seal on them just assures you of their high standards. Aside from the economic standpoint, it's the connections we share in culture that makes it a worthwhile event.

We also got to talk to the executives of TAITRA and asked about what they were looking for as far as winners go. It's a combination of talent, x factor and the ability to showcase the Filipino talent. Because just like Taiwan, we find excellence in these things. Makes sense?

 Various Taiwanese brands also joined the event in support of the Taiwan Excellence program and this songwriting and singing competition:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

 

In the end, they announced The Unexpected Duo's Vench Larenas and Renz Salazar as Second Runner Up, Haranajeeb Duo's Khen Aldovino and Nephtali Fajardo as the First Runner Up. The grand winner is Mandarhyme Duo's Rusty and Janine Loayon, they won Php 300,000 for it. The event was witnessed by TAITRA's Brian Lee, Alex Lai, and people from Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office. Also in the event was Ambassador Wallace Chow and Ms. Josephine Shun of TECO Philippines.

Lara Maigue and Gian Magdangal for "The Greatest Duets goes BROADWAY"

Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue have been certainly turning heads with their various covers on YouTube. My personal favorite is their version of "Last Night of the World" from popular musical Miss Saigon (which will be staged in Manila soon btw). Before they turned into lovers, they've been good friends and just went over that line with good intentions.

Lara is a very talented classical singer (a Soprano) educated from UP College of Music, and has gone in different places across the globe to promote Filipino talent and music. Gian on the other hand has been seen in the musical theater arena, always takes lead roles for obvious reasons. Both are actors, performers in live and on television shows too.  On November 10, they'll be performing at the Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City. They properly call the show "The Greatest Duets goes BROADWAY" which is produced by GL Productions (their own production company). The premise is to take you to best Broadway musicals through the songs they personally hand picked to do duets with. I wouldn't want to pre-empt, but as far as skills go, these two are practically the most equipped to do that on stage and this intimate venue. As Gian states in previous interviews, one reason he got hooked with Lara is her natural ability to mesmerize anyone who would hear her sing. He on the other hand has exceptional singing and acting prowess, which he puts to good use.

According to Lara "It's the first time we are working on something together and it is a way to showcase our love for Broadway. My dream used to be with a full orchestra in Carnegie Hall, while he wanted to do it in The Sphere in Las Vegas. The new generation should know how relevant music is now. The magic of collaborating, we love seeing that. We are fans of Broadway musicals, it was a natural idea to come up with and we want people to enjoy it with us."

Gian adds "The first challenge is to do both hats as producer and performer. The team, the business, it's just the start and we plan to do something big next year. We want to make work happen, a lot of give and take, it's a part of learning together. "

"Our goal is to package this as two individuals doing shows, and perhaps, just showcase all duets. There are going to be few solos but it's seamlessly going to be a duet too so you are not going to be umay from it."

Tickets are sold at Teatrino Promenade via 09175130909 or GL Productions via 09663890156 or Ticketworld.com.ph. Go get them now as I'm sure it'll run out fast!

NCCA To Hold SUDI Awards This August

The SUDI Awards will be happening soon. This is NCCA's way of recognizing Filipinos who have outstanding contributions in musical works, creators and artistic exellence.

Noel Ferrer says "The SUDI Awards started back in 2018, later adapted by today's chairman and comittee. The SUDI Technical working group was formed to further push its cause which includes Bayang Barrios, Twinky Lagdameo, Mr. C., Dr. Felipe De Leon Jr. and more. This is multi sectoral. Everyone is part of the creative aspect, this is part of the Filipino music that we enjoy today. The NCCA Awards is a product of creative interaction with other stakeholders. The SUDI Technical working group was formed for this, mabuhay ang musikang Filipino."

Dr. Felipe De Leon Jr. says "We had the technical working group and the NCCA to select from a roster of nominees. It's not just Manila but regional personalities, educators, groups, made dossier for them and then given to the jury. The contribution should be huge, something that moved a lot of artists. We based everything on research, we see how they contributed, their being as an institution, from different genre and chose who have influenced. If they have a huge understanding of their music and given inspiration to others. It should be long term impact."

Ryan Cayabyab says "Choosing awardees are easy, they do standout. The idea is to have one per year, but because of the multitude of people who contribute to the music industry, we see how huge their impact is. The jury will choose in the end, it's going to be difficult in the future years."

Mark Carpio of the Philippine Madrigal Singers says "When the pandemic started, we took a break. People are expecting from us and Filipinos need something that uplifts things, then we received this award during this time. NCCA told us then, we are honored and felt happy that we are being recognized. Maraming salamat po!"

Award winning pianist and PPO's Raul Sunico says "Thank you to the Jury. When I was informed about this, I asked about SUDI awards, and learning about it I have come to appreciate the recognition. We don't perform for awards really, to make music, to make people happy and to make an impact for others. Thank you for recognizing us and our efforts."

Professor Carmencita Arambulo says "I have been teaching music for a few decades now. When I got the notice, I was surprised about NCCA's SUDI awards. I haven't been working for awards really, I have been teaching musical greats, teachers, performers, when I hear how they have done well, I already am happy. They are my affirmation. I will continue to do this, thank you NCCA and jurors. I will still teach the youth so they become excellent in their craft, their character become great, so they become better citizens. These days I have done it online, I have found it actually effective. We need to have great teachers so we get really good youngsters. When they get recognized here and abroad, my heart is full because that is my mission as a teacher. Thank you!"

Tiffany Gabuya of DZFE says "I should begin by saying that, we thought it wasn't really for us. When we read it, we couldn't bellieve it. We have luminaries that received this and getting it, we were just so grateful. Our contribution to music, usually are from Broadcasting. If I'm going to run this station, we are not going to change things, we didn't join any awards since I took over the station. I think, I'm happy to be part of the first batch. The people of heritage, for several decades, we're special and we're going to treasure that. We are thankful for the NCCA for the award, even if we don't get one in the next years, you have acknowledged us today."

Noel Cabangon says "Getting this gives me comfort. I am happy to give what we have for the industry and other artists, I am thankful for receiving this."

Chino Toledo says "Getting the email I got a little surprised. I saw the other awardees, and it wasn't a joke. The head of comittee was Ryan Cayabyab and saw the list seeing everyone I knew. This shows focus on years of making music, we're not stopping there. We don't make them for awards but being recognized made us feel someone is looking at it, someone is hearing it."

Gloc 9 says "When I see email, I don't usually read it. When they told me, I was super happy that it came from NCCA. I know how meticulous they are in choosing people, this just proves how we can make our own waves to be able for other people to see our work. This trophy will be really memorable for me."

By the way, Leo Abaya made and designed the awards for SUDI Awards, but he passed a few months ago. I'm so glad artistic excellence is being recongnized especially in a country that has been known for talent like us. Make sure you see the actual awards night in two parts on August 21 and 28 at 7PM on the NCCA Official YouTube channel. It'll be something good for the soul.

McJim's Dreams Get Real Season 2

It was powerful, surprising, ultimately amazing to see the finalists of Dreams Get Real Season 2. It's the second installment of the successful Dreams Get Real campaign that popular leather products company McJim has launched since last year in the aims of discovering a new breed of talents and making their dreams of performing come true. The prize include Php 100,000, a talent managment contract, a full album and even a whole production of their music video.

Here's what happened during the event:

McJim Classic Leather presents Dreams Get Real... by kumagcow

In the end it was the vocal prowess and experience of Apple Deleva that got her to win the contest. She's already got several contests locally and won an international competition too. We saw her crying on stage while she was getting hounded by the press because she says "I don't want to join contests anymore because it's really hard for me and my family. It's not a joke, I hope winning this competition will now make my professional career as a singer take flight and hopefully make my dreams come true."

She's got a lot on her plate now and perhaps the prize money, the management contract, the video grant and the album she won from this particular contest will get her places just like the previous ones who also won in this competition. She might just be your next OPM star, and think about it... she's just starting!

Congratulations to the finalists and thanks to Mc Jim who has always supported the talented Filipinos and the OPM industry since the very beginning!

For more information about their products:

Official McJIM

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.mcjimleather.com/

Oppa Gangnam Style's PSY - Live in Manila!

Yes you heard that right! PSY the artist who popularized the dance craze Oppa Gangnam Style will be performing live here in Manila, the Philippines. He's also going to have this concert at the Mall of Asia grounds. They just confirmed this a few weeks ago, just a little before the holidays. That's Ntertainment and Ovation Productions has been preparing since then because they know this will be the biggest one this country has ever seen!

Producer Joed Serrano says they are so lucky to have been able to book him for the Philippines and adds we deserve to see world class performances in our country. He also told us that there will be several artists slated to perform with PSY on December 20, 2012. The show is going to be long, all star cast, mashups would be expected. There will be 500 peso Gen Ad tickets so masses can afford it. They are expecting around 40-50 thousand people. 

There will be no emcees and it will be a full concert and a perfect gift for Christmas. This season, we need to enjoy and come together with our family. Filipino artists such as Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Wally and Jose, Pokwang, Chocolate, Pooh, K Brosas, Ate Gay and Ms. Aiai delas alas will be there to represent the Philippines. PSY will be arriving here on the 18th and they will try to arrange several TV guestings. This is Directed by JV Sampedro. Make sure you don't miss seeing this on Thursday and dance with PSY GANGNAM STYLE. Part of the proceeds will go to charity and it was PSY who wanted this to happen. Recepients will be Ciara Marie Foundation and Typhoon Pablo Victims. Tickets will be available at WWW.SMTICKETS.COM outlets nationwide!

Section             Type                     Price
VIP               Reserved Seats        Php 5,810
GOLD           Free Seating            Php 3,700
SILVER         Standing                  Php 1,590
BRONZE      Standing                   Php 530

For more information

Like them on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/thatsNtertainmentproductions