Philippine Music bits on Pinoy bands and singers

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Many Filipino artists doing well in the international scene serve as encouragement and good example for many aspiring Pinoy performers. One of them is the former child star Billy Crawford.

His fame and fortune in Europe did not, of course, happened in a blink of an eye. The ex “That’s Entertainment’s member worked hard to break through in his chosen field.

“We’re not the most popular race in the world pero when you penetrate it, it’s a relief and it adds that you have to work harder.”

Billy shared that he didn’t initially plan to enter in overseas’ entertainment industry. He left his promising career in the Philippines just to be with his family when he was 11 years old.

“Umalis ako to see my Dad kasama si Mommy, hindi ko naisip na papasok ulit ako sa showbiz kasi nung nawala ako nahirapan din ako. Maiiwan ko ang mga kaibigan ko sa showbiz and I’ll miss performing.”

Boredom was what pushed the young performer to join in a big competition held in Dallas, Texas. Battling with various individuals ranging from six to 40 years old, Billy didn’t only win the overall champion title but also the heart of a judge who was actually a talent manager in New York.

“I joined to be on stage not to have a record deal, hindi naman ako naghahanap ng manager or anything.”

Since then the 25 year-old-lad’s singing career was reactivated. He had many famous singles but his key hit in Europe was the song “Trackin.” It sold 750,000 copies and was certified platinum. The song was a chart-topper in France, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany. His other popular danceable ditties are “Bright Lights” and “Steamy Nights”.

“It (Trackin) was surprising because it wasn’t my favorite. The first time kong narinig sa Europe na nasa radio, wow! Okay I’m performing, it was a great experience.”

In 2003, Billy hailed as International Male Artist of the Year of NRJ Music Awards in Cannes France, beating Robbie Williams, Eminem and Will Smith.

Currently, Billy is back in the country to stage his concert at the Big dome on October 6. He is also hosting M.O.V.E, a reality based dancers search show on GMA 7.

“Ginagawa naming iyong TV Show para isama naming iyong six na mananalo sa concert.”

On the other hand, the singer who starred in “Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist” doesn’t want to give details yet of his upcoming concert as the things is still in progress and to surprise his fans as well.

“I hope you’ll enjoy it. It’s gonna be a lot of fun, that’s one thing.”

Billy is concentrating on his next album “STATUS,” where he collaborated with a new promising artist in America, R&B musician INOJ and Philippines R&B prince Jay-R.

“The album has new songs, more urban with R & B feel and there’s also pop and funk. It’s a high energy album pa rin na full of danceable songs.”

Billy humbly impart that the best trainings he learned came from the Philippines, meaning his excellent dance prowess and singing style.

“If you’re really smart to pursue a career, you’ll take it from the best. Growing up seeing Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, Pops Fernandez, Regine (Velasquez), Jaya and all other performers, you’ll start to learn from them and doon ka matututo.”

“Everybody is on their own in this business so you have to work hard.”

Ecstatic to the his countrymen’s continuous support, Billy feels that despite his long absence the reception of his local audience is getting better and better.

“Every time na bumabalik ako dito, there’s still energy na hindi ko talaga maintindihan pero they’re always there to support me and I really thank God for that.”

With all his success, Billy Crawform never fails to fondly look back at his first home. The former child star who became an international artist is really proud being a Filipino and wants to inspire his kababayan to dream big.

Tags: Billy Crawford, Philippine Music News

By Excel V. Dyquiangco

Not many people are aware of her name but think Moonstar88 and you come up with the name of Acel Bisa Van Ommen, who, together with her band, immortalized the sounds of “Panalangin”, “Sulat,” “Sa Langit,” and of course, “Torete.”

These times, Moonstar88 had ceased to be in the music scene but Acel’s comeback is just getting off the ground. After a long hiatus from the sound stage, Acel is back with a different tune, a different sound and a different melody to her music.

From the edgy and rock music of Moonstar88, Acel has evolved to the type of songs which would soothe and comfort anyone’s heart, owing it to her angelic and soothing voice.

And this time the package is entirely different. The songs, available through Star Records, are individually available in digital format within the year and this is a first for any artist of any kind. Each song is also downloadable and is available for 12 pesos each! Among Acel’s favorite songs in the album are “Pakiusap” and “Laugh and Cry.”

The journey to this stage of her life hasn’t been rosy for Acel. After stepping off the limelight in 2004, Acel has been anxious about several things in her life such as her impending marriage. She was also trying to seek for direction and guidance in her life.

After working temporarily as an administrator at LMP Music, a production company headed by a close friend, the passion in music still fires up within her. She was still able to make songs in those six months she had worked there and whenever she had the time, she would perform for special occasions in front of a live audience.

The heart of music, she claims, is in her audience that cheers for her, and she truly misses performing in front of them. When she realized that she wanted to continue the dream that she left behind, she resigned as administrator and concentrated again on her music.

It was in 2006 when the same recording company brought her back, and immediately placed her on the public interest’s eye again. But this time, her sense and style in music became different. She became keen on giving her crowd the music of her life – the mellow and soothing sounds that was a far cry from the Acel everyone used to know.

After everything that has happened to her life, Acel devotes her music to something close to her heart. The lyrics talk about hope, love and the inner fire that keeps on burning despite certain obstacles and fears.

For more information on Acel Bisa Van Ommen and her music, you can check out her website. You can also check out her songs and download them for free via her built-in player to the website, dutifully designed by her husband Danny van Ommen.

Tags: Moonstar 88, Acel Bisa

By Love Dela Cruz

For all you rock aficionados out there, you very well know that rock has no limits, boundaries or social class. Brace yourself and meet the band that’s been unifying the rich and the poor with their tasteful music and original style– Subscapular.

This Indie band has been together since 2001. “We started way back in high school,” lead guitarist Randy Gatbontonshares. This former Christian band got their name from the scapular, which is a religious necklace. “Pag sinuot mo kasi yung scapular nire-represent mo yung paniniwala mo, ganoon din yung gusto naming mangyari.”

Like other bands, the guys of Subscapular wanted to share their amazing music to the rest of the world and like any other band they weren’t able to retain their original lineup, “Nawalan kami ng drummer kinuha namin si Sam,” who also happens to be the brother of their bassist Elias Saludsong.

The band started out in the underground scene, playing in Saguijo, Mayricks and Freedom Bar. According to their band manager Aspen Sanez, the band’s turning point was when they performed in a gig at Music Museum two years ago, “That was the point where we realized that we could make something out of this, period!”

It was also that same night the band met their manager, “Nung nandoon na si Aspen, doon naming naisip na magseryoso na talaga, saka nagging tight kami dahil kay Aspen,” adds Elias who plays bass.

The Subscapular Sound

Their musical style is defined as experimental but their lyrics is emo, and their manager affirms this, “When you listen to their music it’s not really emo. The lyrics is emo pero yung music is experimental.” With influences like pop, metal and progressive rock Rod Tolentino, the bands vocalist, injects they also admire–“Sa guitar, Lenny Kravitz.”

Despite their diverse influences the band managed to cook up a musical style they all agree on. Randy explains that they value each other and tries to help one another, whether it is the technical or lyrical aspect of a song, “Parang anung bang maganda dito (lyrics), tapos mag add na kaming lahat.”

On a different perspective Aspen notes that, “They have their influences and it really shows how these influences all adds up to the rhythm and the credibility of the band.”

The band is releasing their first album called Telefiction under Kerplunk records, “Ok lahat ng kanta namin, magiging ok sila makaka relate sila sa buhay namin.” Elias also adds that through this album, their fans can really see who they really are, no inhibitions or pretensions just pure raw emotions served with great music.

Be sure to watch out for these guys, for more information about Subscapular visit their my space account.

Tags: Subscapular, Filipino Bands, Philippine Music Industry, Philippine Music News

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

A significant event will happen to the Philippines’ favorite pop star Sarah Geronimo as she stages her second major concert. According to Viva Entertainment big boss Vic del Rosario this serves as the defining moment of the premier young artist.

In “Sarah Geronimo in Motion” the singer –actress will perform with Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, Sam Milby, Jericho Rosales, Mark Bautista, John Prats, and Comedy Concert Queen Ai Ai delas Alas. A concert series will also run in United States particularly in California, New York, Alaska, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas in August and September.

Sarah’s Music

Four years ago, the Celine Dion original “To Love You More” captured the heart of the nation. The song was popularized by the “Star For a Night’s” grand winner Sarah Geronimo in 2003 who used it as her winning piece.

Sarah was 14 years old when she garnered the glory. At such age, she wowed everyone with her powerful voice. It seemed impossible that such vocal prowess would come from a girl her age.

Her debut album, “Popstar, A Dream Come True” brought her sextuple platinum award. Incidentally, her single “Sa’ Yo” was use as campaign jingle by senatoriable and a computer school that Sarah endorsed.

Sarah’s another track “Twin Heart” was the theme song of a GMA soap opera with the same titl, top billed by Dingdong Dantes, Tanya Garcia and Dennis Trillo.

Her sophomore album “Sweet Sixteen” was a gold record in one week. “How Could You Say You Love Me,” “Lumingon Ka Lang” and the revival, “I Want to Know What Love Is” were the pop tracks that helped Sarah to gain the Most Popular Female Recording Artist by Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Award in 2005.

While performing as mainstay of ASAP, Sarah was officially lauched trhough her first major concert, “Sarah: The Other Side.”

That same year Sarah recorded songs for several consumer products including “Tunay Talaga” for top sanitary napkin ad, and“Ang Bango ng Pasko,” the yuletide season ad for a detergent powder. Sarah was slowly becoming hot property.

Also in 2005, Sarah sang the official theme for “Can Be This Love,” the launching flick of Star Circle Quest winners Hero Angeles and Sandara Park. The song attained gold record sales in only one month.

This year, Sarah will release her new album entitled, “Taking Flight.”

Sought After Singer-Actress

Sarah not only conquered the recording industry, she’s also one of the most sought after star on TV and the big screen. It started when she joined the 90s youth oriented show “Click.” When she transferred from GMA to ABS-CBN she starred in her solo program “Sarah: The Teen Princess” where she had three leading men.

Last year, she conquered the primetime with her singing and acting in the TV adaptation of “Bituing Walang Ningning” where she revived the character that Sharon Cuneta immortalized.

After her one month engagement in “Love Spell: Sweet Sixty”, Sarah is set to do one more primetime assignment this time with Jericho Rosales, “Pangarap Na Bituin.”

In movies, Sarah did “Lastikman”, where she played leading lady to Mark Bautista, “Captain Barbell,” “Filipinas,” and “Annie Batungbakal.” Currently, her mother studio is working out to remake “Dear Heart” that will be her major movie opposite John Lloyd Cruz.

Before being known as teen icon, Sarah already had past projects when she was a kid. She was part of “Pen Pen de Sarapen” and “Ang TV” while her first film would be “Sarah, Ang Munting Prinsesa,” where she’s one of the classmates of the lead actress – Camille Prats.

A Major Transformation

“My fans will be seeing a different me. I’ll be dancing. And my costumes will be – how would I describe it – daring and sexy,” Sarah described her July 14 concert that will start 8pm at the Araneta Coliseum.

The show promises an intense, spunky, and buoyant Popstar that will be directed by GB San Pedro with Mark Lopez as musical director. While, the music man Louie Ocampo will have a special participation.

The Anak TV Seal nominee for “Most Popular Household on Philippine Television” has become an inspiration for many aspiring singers. Sarah Geronimo has gone a long way, indeed. And there are more to conquer in Philippine showbiz, no doubt about that.

Tags: Sarah Geronimo, Philippine Music News, Pinoy Albums

by Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

After two years of absence in from the music scene, reigning Pop Sweetheart Yasmien Kurdi comes back with her latest album under GMA Records. Titled Love Is All I Need, Yasmien not only showcased her powerful vocals but her songwriting skills as well.

Her composition, “Love Is All I Need” is the carrier single of the album. She shared that inspiration for the song came during the taping of her fantasy series “Encantadia”, where she spent her free time mostly daydreaming under the trees.

Yasmien is very proud of her new album because she was really involved in the production.

“Ipinagmamalaki ko po talaga ang album na ito. ‘Di ba may demo song pa iyan, doon pa lang humihirit na ako na, “Kuya hindi iyan.”

The young singer-actress said that she even debated for the songs that would be included in the album. There were even spilled over tracks meant for her debut album but because of her age at that time, the songs didn’t fit to her image.

“Iyong ibang songs ko ngayon ay mga tracks sa first album na hindi ko makanta noong time na iyon. Kasi hindi ko pa kaya at hindi pa ako maka-relate.”

The track “Hayaan Mo Na” is a creation of Sandwich band members – Mong Alcaraz and Mike Dizon. The two men also joined Alwyn Cruz and Rene Salta in producing the album.

Yasmien revived “Kisapmata” of Rivermaya, which is already penetrating the airwaves. Her version is not so far from Bamboo’s interpretation except of course, she has own singing style. Her another remake is the song “Goodbye.”

“Medyo naiiba siya, I mean ibang sound naman for Yasmien, it’s technologically advanced,” Yasmien now describing her song, “Candlelight Romance.”

The song is a danceable tune powered by electronical tricks that made the song more enchanting, just like what foreign artists like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguillera like to dish out.

“Give Me A Sign,” “Wishing Well”, and “One Day” are songs that revealed this star’s deepest thoughts and aspirations.

The sweet and youthful Yasmien is noticeable in the two cuts “Even If” and “Take Or Leave It.” The latter is similar to her signature ditty, “I Know.” “I Know” was the theme song of Korean series “Sweet 18” aired by GMA 7 before.

“Gusto kong ma-spread out iyong music ko. Sana iyong essence noong mga songs sa album ay ma-enjoy ng mga listeners.”

Yasmien is the lead star of afternoon soap opera, “Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso,” opposite new actor JC de Vera. Apart from it, she’s a regular performer on the Sunday musical program SOP. She was able to record her album in between these regular gigs and other TV guestings.

“Kunwari kapag taping pull –out. Kapag break time, aalis muna ako to record. Alis-balik ganoon.”

“Love Is All I Need ”, Yasmien Kurdi’s second album is released by GMA Records and distributed by Paragon Music Corporation and Universal Records.

Tags: Yasmien Kurdi, Starstruck, GMA Artists, Philippine Entertainment News

By Valerie Tort

From a hopeful musician to a successful recording artist—stepping out of the Pinoy Dream Academy opened a new door for Chad Peralta in the Philippine music industry.

After several weeks of romping each day and night inside the academy, Nugen Music decided to record and release an album for Chad Peralta.

Pop alternative and pop rock patrons will surely enjoy Chad Peralta’s new songs that will touch your heart while feeling a little bit reflective and at the same time reminiscent of their “puppy love” or “one true love.” The 21-year-old singer and songwriter brought back our memories of romantic love songs that touched even our soul with an upbeat rhythm of the pop alternative genre full of emotions.

Chad Peralta graduated from the reality-based music academy armed with the cultivated talent and the enhanced voice brought by the training and the experience inside the televised school. Pinoy Dream Academy trained numerous scholars from around the globe to fulfill their dream of becoming one of the most sought-after singers in the Philippine music scene. Chad is one of the dreamers who finally made it to the top six scholars with Panky Trinidad, Irish Fullerton, Jay-R Siaboc, Ronnie Liang, and the Grand Star Dreamer Yeng Constantino.

Chad’s self-titled debut album was released this month under Nugen Music. His inclination for pop alternative genre helped him to release this debut album featuring 11 songs: Promise, Song For You, Time Machine, My Eyes Adored You, Kasalanan, Where Do I Begin?, Realist, I’ll Do Anything For You, Kung Pwede Lang Sana, I Don’t Know, and the acoustic version of Song For You.

The Australian-born Chad was able to showcase his pop rock and pop alternative genre while preserving the mood of the songs. Hearing his songs made me remind of Evanescence—the gothic rock style that kept haunting your emotions each time and the beat and the sorrow, nostalgic feeling in every word sung.

Fans of Chad can hear his unexpected performance and outstanding talent that can compete with other established and long-time performers. The energetic and powerful voice will drown devout fans with emotions.

The carrier single “Song For You” is dedicated for heartbroken people who still loved his special someone even if they ended up separated. The love will still remain just like before, with the longing and sadness endured through time.

“My Eyes Adored You” reminisced the times he spent with his special someone. The kindergarten romance continued to creep in his mind even if the endless years passed. No matter what their distance is, his only love will remain in his heart—so near yet so far.

His tremendous efforts and hard work inside the academy paid off when his debut album was released. A true blue romantic Pinoy at heart, Chad Peralta is a world-class performer that will serenade us in a peculiar way as the contemporary pop music sets in his songs.

Tags: Chad Peralta, Pinoy Dream Academy, Philippine Music News

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

The Star Dreamer 2nd runner up of Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) Ronnie Liang, didn’t get this far that easy. Before his big break from the 24/7 reality talent search, he was once disqualified from a prestigious singing contest on television.

Ronnie was one of the strong contenders in the second season of GMA’s “Pinoy Pop Superstar.” His followers was surprised when the show’s host, Regine Velasquez, suddenly announced that he was being kicked off the show because the management found out he violated a vital rule of the contest — having his own manager.

Many were dismayed but the event served as motivation for the now “Prince of Balladeers.” Ronnie was able to move on and focus on his singing career.

“May plano si God sa lahat ng nangyayar. Things woked out for the better,” Ronnie shared.

Fresh from his triumph at PDA, the young singer beams with the debut of his 13-track album, “Ang Aking Awitin” under Universal records.

“Hindi ako makapaniwala na nag-recording ako para sa solo album ko. Nagpa-flash lagi sa mind ko iyong pinagawa sa amin ni headmaster (Jim Paredes) about sa collage of dreams. Isa sa dinikit ko doon ay iyong picture ng album at si Christian Bautista. Sabi ko, dream ko na maging katulad ni Christian na maging ‘Asian Heartthrob’ at magkaroon ng solo album,” the balladeer remembered.

The album’s carrier single, “Ngiti” is one of the most requested songs today. Its catchy lyrics and melody topped numerous music charts. It seems he brings a different spice into the genre popularized by Ric Segreto, Ariel Rivera, Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera.

Ryan Cayabyab’s composition, “Nais Ko” is also a cut in his debut album. The song happened to be his winning piece in PDA’s Grand Dream Night held at Araneta Coliseum last December 16.

“Ang message ng song ay talagang nangungusap sa akin, Nais Kong matupad ang mga pangarap ko. May isang line sa kanta na gusting-gusto ko ito ay ang: “Nais Kong Malibot Ang Mundo sa kanyang Kasuluksulukan.” Pangarap ko makapunta sa iba’t - ibang lugar at makapag-perform,” he said “

Natupad iyon at nakapunta ako sa Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Oriental, Mindoro, Coronadal and Boracay. Higit sa lahat nakapunta ako sa Japan, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas para mag-concert and pasayahin ang mga kababayan natin. Hindi ko akalain na makakarating ako sa mga lugar na iyon. Nag-umpisa lang talaga ang lahat sa pangarap na ngayon ay natupad na.”

In preparation for his album, he maintained his usual discipline and applied the lessons he learned from PDA. He vocalized, exercised, slept early and avoided cold and sweet foods.

“Dumadating ang mga time na kapag pagod ang boses ko and kakanta or magre-recording ako, hindi talaga ako nagsasalita. Pinagpapahinga ko ang boses ko. Iyon din ang advice ng mga voice teacher namin noong nasa academy pa ako.”

The mainstay of ASAP ’07 had the privilege to collaborate with respected individuals in music industry. RnB man Keith Martin penned the song “Ikaw”, Ito Rapadas for the track inspired by OFWs, “Kung Ako’y Uuwi,” and Vehnee Saturno who created and produced the track, “Nag-iisang Ikaw.”

Other songs in the album are “Kaibigan Mo” penned by Pett Del Rosario, “Sa ‘Yo Lang” and “Walang Iba” composed by John Barnard Borja, “Saan Darating ang Umaga” by George Canseco, and “Gusto Kita” popularized by Gino Padilla.

Ronnie performed “Ang Aking Awitin” with Nikki Gil. The guy from Angeles, Pampanga personally requested the singer and MYX VJ to be his singing partner for the said song.

“It’s an honor talaga na makatrabaho ko sila and makanta ko ang mga kanta nila. Advice nila sa akin na kumanta ako using my own style. Kahit ‘di na raw ako birit ng birit sa pagkanta Kumanta lang daw ako ng suave.”

Ronnie is a neophyte in music industry and yet he already went through many challenges in his singing career. He values what he has learned from his experiences and the people he met, and he never stopped dreaming.

Ronnie Liang’s “Ang Aking Awitin” album is exclusively marketed & distributed by Universal Records Inc.

Special thanks to Universal Records and Mr. George Roca

Tags: Ronnie Liang, Pinoy Dream Academy, Pinoy Pop Superstar

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

What’s it like to be on critically acclaimed and awarded theatre musicals, where you have be sound good and be the best actress that you should be? For most artists confidence, skills and passion are tools for success and our very own top-notch performer Lea Salonga is the walking example of these traits.

And in spite of her international celebrity, Lea never forgets het roots — the Philippines. The only true Filipina diva is once again back with a powerful new album, Inspired, which will no doubt capture the heart of local music fans.

One hundred percent is what she gives to everything she does. Remember her shampoo commercial where it showed her requesting for another take just to get it right? Many would say that it was just press release but, indeed, her drive for perfection is very real.

The applause and fame that she received when she did the Broadway hit, Miss Saigon, has kept her in the limelight. She is the only Filipino actor who garnered citations from teh Tony, Drama Desk, Laurence Olivier, Theatre World and Outer Critics Circle, highly-respected award giving bodies in the field of theatre productions.

“This (trophy) is also goes too for everybody back home who dreams of winning Tony awards. Wake up, a dream will come true for someone else too,” Lea’s speech when she won her 1991 Tony Awards for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.

Her success playing Kim was followed by numerous offers that opened doors not only for her but to other Filipino performers as well. After Miss Saigon, she was tapped to play Eponine in the long-running musical, Les Miserables, on Broadway, she was the first Asian to play the character.

She also top billed another musical play “Flower Drum Song” and appeared on the CBS-TV daytime show “As the World Turns.” Her debut in U.S television came with the Hallmark TV movie, Redwood Curtain, where she worked with Jeff Daniels and John Lithgow.

She recently returned to Les Miserables at the Broadhurst Theatre that started March 6. This time she plays the factory worker, Fantine, who was pushed to be a prostitute.

Apart from Broadway and Philippines, the award-winning singer and stage actress also gained popularity in Singapore because of the plays she did — “In to the Woods,” “They’re Playing Our Song” and “Baby”.

In the concert scene, her first international concert was held at the Isaac Stern Hall at the famous Carnegie Hall in November 7, 2005. She was only the third Fipino to perform in the said venue. In support of the Filipino athletes during the 2006 DOHA Asian Games in Qatar, Lea graced Khalifa Stadium with an estimated 50,000 audience to perform “Triumph of the One” during the closing ceremony.

Known for having supreme singing style, she also did recordings for Disney’s animated films like “Aladdin” as the singing voice of Jasmine and Fa Mulan in “Mulan.” Back home she has has consistently topped OPM record sales from her first album “Small Voice” to her latest “Inspired.” In fact, she is one the Philippines’ Best Selling Female Artist of All Time with sales of 19 million.

“Inspired” was Lea’s most recent project before going to Broadway. The album is comprised of easy-to-listen ballads like the Jim Brickman composition “To Hear You Say” fand “Two Words,” her official wedding song written by Louie Ocampo.

“I guess it’s a word that describes our collective state of being. We were inspired by various things: my new baby, different artists’ albums and/or vocal stylings, experiences, people, just going about our individual days. There wasn’t any one thing I can pin down or point out, but whatever these things were, it brought out our best. I hope you all enjoy what you’ll hear,” Lea’s said of her album under Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

Lea gave birth to her baby girl named Nicole Beverly, May 16 last year. She has been married to businessman Robert Chien for three years now.

Pehaps, all her accomplishments can be summed up in her latest Hapee toothpaste commercial.

“Nakasakay na ako sa flying carpet, naging sundalo at bayani. Nakatira na sa palasyo mula Thailand hanggang London. Naging refugee at ulila. Lumaban sa rebulusyon, naging Kim sa Saigon, hanggang sa naging Mrs. Chen at mommy ni Nicole. Lahat ito nagawa ko ng nakangiti, hindi ako natakot, hindi umurong, hindi nawalan ng boses. Kahit ano pa, kahit saan pa.

Lea is not only a dreamer but an enabler, her reputation as a singer, actress, and as an artist is really an inspiration to every proud Filipino.

Tags: Lea Salonga, Philippine Music News, OPM Albums

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Sessionroad, that spunky quintet from the City of Pines, Baguio, is one of the better and enduring original bands to invade the Filipino music scene in recent years.

Composed of Hannah Romawac (vocalist/rhythm guitarist), Chavi Romawac (drummer) and JV Romawac (percussionist/back up vocalist) plus their friends Richard Carandang (bassist) and Coy Placido (lead guitarist), the group inevitably made wave in the music industry by just being genuine music lovers.

New Album

Sessionroad’s new album, “Bakit Hindi?”, is the compilation of tracks that dwell in various themes and genre. Its carrier single, “Blanko,” enjoys vast media exposure nowadays. This latest outing is the band’s second album under Alpha Music.

All the tracks in the album are created by the band members themselves. “Fly” and “Outer space” are not intended for UFOs but for the individuals who find happiness in loving someone. Hannah’s execution of “Song for you” is simply startling, the track can very well compete with any foreign rock tune.

Your barkada sound trips would be more pleasurable with “Landian”, “Preno,” “Uuwi na,” and “Ok Naman tayo.” These songs are like blogs in audio format tackling views on love and life.

Nasa Isip Ka, Never Give Up, Hiram, Beautiful Day, and Steady completes the album lineup.

Sessionroad Roots

It’s easy to recognize where and how the band came up with their name. Tourist spot, Session Road in Baguio is very special to them since it was their barkada’s hub back when they were still dreaming of making it big.

Influenced by many great artists such as Beatles, Santana, the Smashing Pumpkins, Foo fighters, Sting, and Sheryl Crow the band once noted that their sounds cannot be classified to one type of music since they can come up with a lot of musical arrangements whether in reggae, rock or pop. They’re never afraid to experiment and very comfortable with keeping up with the current trends as well.

The songs they produce are reflections of how they perceive things. Hannah, JV and Coy are the main composers of the group but certainly all of the members contribute in the songwriting process.

Romawac broods, Chavi and Hannah, are the pioneers of the band. At first they worked separately as solo artists but later on found themselves collaborating with each other and with their younger brother and friends.

Hannah is also into theater arts and visual arts while Chavi is a graduate of Asian Institute of Management. Richard, on the other hand is busy with his other career as a preschool instructor.

Grace Nono and Bob Aves helped the band on their first and self titled album in 2000 under Star Records. “Gusto Na Kitang Makita” was one of the hit songs from the said recording project that acquired recognitions from Awit Awards. They won the Best Alternative Recording and Best Performance By A New Group in 2000.

Not to wait for another lunar eclipse, the band got even high grades with their second album, “Suntok sa Buwan” under Alpha Music in 2004. Suntok sa Buwan, the single struck numerous charts including MTV. They were hailed as MTV’s Rising Star of The Month in November 2004.

“Bakit Hindi?” the new Sessonroad album is now available in CD format at All Alpha Music outlets nationwide. Why not grab a copy today?

Tags: Sessionroad, Filipino Bands, Philippine Music Industry, Philippine Music News

By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

One solid teamwork and sure-fire aspiration geared Zamboanga’s pride, Frio band. From small campus gigs to joining various competitions, the league of eight men (and a gal) enters Pinoy mainstream music with their self-titled album under Alpha Music.

Band members Alain Echem (vocals), Christopher Sison (vocals), Sheila Taup (vocals), Archie Lim (lead guitar), Christian Quiambao (rhythm guitar), Tristan Climaco (keyboards), Raz Itum (bass) and Marvin Salazar (drums) disclosed to Tugtog.com all about their band and album in this exclusive interview.

What’s the story behind the name, Frio?

FRIO is a Chavacano word, which means “cold”. Though the band is never cold in its approach, the word FRIO is easy to recall and tells the people where the band came from.

What is the advantage of having three vocalists?

Alain renders more ballad and love songs; Shiela can do the high pitch; and Christopher is more on alternative and rock music. We fuse these three talents into a single rendition, thereby having a unique approach in our repertoire. Having three vocalists means having more opportunity to “play” different songs and the repertoire. We even released a duet-single entitled “Hiling”, which is included in ABS CBN’s “Sana Maulit Muli” Soundtrack Compilation.

What do you think was the turning point of your career?

Aside from the warm welcome by the people, we were also nominated as a breakthrough artist for 2006 in SOP Music Awards, and (our song) “Alive” landed on top spots of radio and TV countdowns. This means a lot to us, not just for taking it to a higher level, but by realizing that we’re beginning to have significant responsibilities as artists. This is what motivates us to become better artists, as well as individuals.

Any singing regimen, principles or rules you follow as a band?

We follow a “Band First Policy”, in which all matters that concern the band must be prioritized. The vocalists, as well as the rhythm section must always be fit to perform, thus, always having vocalization exercises and three times a week rehearsals No one smokes in the band and drinking, too, is occasional.

We live together in a condo unit and each one is assigned with specific roles. All itineraries must be reported to the band leader. We don’t believe in sheer luck. We always pray as a group before every performance. We perform for the people more than for ourselves.

Tell us about your debut album. What were your expectations while recording the album?

It is our first time to record an album, and also a “first” from a Zamboangueño band. It is just overwhelming for us because we received a very warm reaction from the listeners and those who believe in our music. We have always created a working atmosphere on-and-off studio, and we didn’t expect a lot, we just made sure that we give out our best during recording sessions.

“Alive” is a hit in numerous charts, why do you think it did very well? .

In our opinion, Alive was a hit song because it was really done by the heart, and it struck those who believe in its message.

Any other song special to you from you album?

Other songs in the album that are special to us are Breathe (our first-ever composed single), Himig (composed in just 30 minutes) and E (a melancholic alternative song with a very unusual arrangement – and title).

Who are your most admired artists and why?

We have always admired Filipino artists more than the foreign ones. Bands like Eraserheads, Rivermaya and a whole lot more. Single artists like Gary V, Mike Hanopol and those who endured and made a mark in the music industry also motivated us to aim the same. In the international scene, we admire The Beatles for their sheer creativity, and U2 for their lasting friendship.

What do you think is the status of the Philippine Music Industry?

In our opinion, the Philippine Music Industry is not as “rich and prominent” as it was before, mainly because of piracy. But we’re very much happy to be part of the music scene not because of gold and glory, but because we are able to contribute music to the industry.

What is your message to all your supporters?

We are now about to release more singles, and also produce songs for the second album. We hope and pray for them to always keep the faith. We would like to thank our supporters for believing in us and our music - without them, it would have been very hard to be where we are right now.

Listen and be enthralled with the music of Frio as they sing songs from the album such as “Nasan Ka Na,” “E,” “Himig,” “Breathe,” “Parapa,” “Baby,” “Could Have Been,” “Let Him Go” and “Why.”

Photo courtesy of Ms. Dearly S. Ganaden of Alpha Music

Tags: Frio Band, Filipino Pinoy Bands, Philippine Music Industry, Philippine Music News