Eastwood City New Year Countdown with Jessica Sanchez

Earlier this month, American Idol Jessica Sanchez tweeted that she is excited about performing in the Philippines for the New Year Countdown. It will be held in Eastwood Mall Open Park starting 6PM. Joining her for the countdown are Bamboo, South Border, The Voice Phils. winner Mitoy Yonting & the Draybers, UP Dharma Down  and DJ Ace Ramos. Proceeds of the New Year Countdown merchandise proceeds to the victims of Yolanda. For more concert updates and events, follow Mark_Templar on Twitter.

Christian Bautista Performance in the ASEAN-Japan Music Festival airs today

I was caught off-guard when I got an e-mail today about this on short notice. It will air today on NBN 4 if you can tune in.

American Idol Star Jessica Sanchez Releases New Charity Single “Lead Me Home”

Online release

Proceeds From Single Sales to Be Donated to the Red Cross

Benefiting Victims of Typhoon Yolanda inthe Philippines

“Lead Me Home” First Single from the Forthcoming Original Cast Recording, Heartbeat of Home, A New Music And Dance Spectacular With Music By Brian Byrne

To Be Released February 2014 on Decca/Universal Music Classics

American Idol star Jessica Sanchez lends her soaring vocals to the inspiring single, “Lead Me Home,” the first track available from the forthcoming Original Cast Recording, Heartbeat of Home. The full length album will be released under Decca/Universal Music Classics (MCA Music / Universal Music Philippines) in February 2014.

As a young singer of Philippine decent, Sanchez and the Decca label have partnered to donate $0.90 from each single sold of “Lead Me Home” to the Red Cross to support those affected by Typhoon Yolanda in the region.

On the heels of the new single, Sanchez was also able to perform both the Philippine National Anthem and the U.S. National Anthem last November 24th during the Pacquiao-Rios fight in Macao where Pacquiaodedicated his fight for all the victims of Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda. As part of her ongoing charitable work, Sanchez will also visit the Philippines in December on a mission with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to assist residents with hearing loss who have no resources to acquire hearing aids. 

Hearbeat of Home, the new music and dance spectacular from the producers of Riverdance, lovingly encompasses a diverse array of multi-cultural influences, blending the thunder and drama of Irish dance with the sultriness and attitude of Latin American salsa, and the glorious rhythms of Africa.  Three years in the making, Hearbeat of Home features original music by Golden Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne and lyrics by award-winning writer Joseph O’Connor, and will be featured on PBS stations across the country in the month of March (check local listings).  A documentary on the making of the show will also air on select PBS stations this December.  In early 2014, the stage show will also make its North American debut at Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre January 21st through March 2nd, with a series of shows to follow at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre March 4th through 16th, Detroit’s Fisher Theatre March 18th through 23rd and Boston’s Wang Theatre March 25th through April 6th.  More U.S. live dates will be announced soon.

To watch a sizzle reel on Heartbeat of Home click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqykEzDwRCo&feature=youtube_gdata

Listen and download JESSICA SANCHEZ’ newest single“LEAD ME HOME” online via SPINNR(The One-Stop Music Portal for All Your Music Needs!) - http://www.spinnr.ph/or iTunes - http://smarturl.it/JS-LeadMeHome.For more information and to start downloading your favorite songs, just log on to www.spinnr.ph via web or download the SPINNR Google Play app.  For updates on SPINNRS latest promos that can let you meet your favorite music artists, join facebook.com/SpinnrPhilippines or follow @SpinnrPH on Twitter and Instagram.

For more updates about the latest albums, concerts, interviews, follow Mark_Templar on Twitter.

Sitti Concert moved to January 18

Parokya Ni Edgar Launches It's 20th Anniversary Album

Album Release

This November 29 at the Eastwood City Central Plaza, Parokya Ni Edgar will launch their latest release Bente, which celebrates the band’s 20^th anniversary as a group. Bente has two editions – 1 DVD/2 CD and 2 CD. The DVD includes 28 music videos of the band plus two documentaries. The 2 CD has a total of 29 tracks (27 of the band’s biggest hits plus 2 brand new tracks).

Bente also includes their newest single Ang Parokya, which talks about the beginnings of the band. It also features Gloc-9 and Frank Magalona. Ang Parokya is the second time that Parokya Ni Edgar, Frank and Gloc-9 collaborated in a song. The music video of the song is also included in the DVD.

For avid fans, two documentaries are included in the DVD– Ang Kuwento ng Parokya and Ang First Gig ng Parokya.

Those who will buy Bente on the launch date will get free T-shirt and a poster, on a first come, first served basis.

Part of the proceeds of Bente will be donated to the Philippine Red Cross – Quezon City Chapter.

CD
1. Ang Parokya
2. Buloy
3. Maniwala Ka Sana
4. Silvertoes
5. Harana
6. Picha Pie
7. Halaga
8. Inuman Na
9. Swimming Beach
10. Sorry Na
11. This Guy’s In Love With You Pare
12. Mr. Suave
13. The Yes Yes Show
14. Chikinini
15. Your Song (My One And Only You)

CD2
1. Mang Jose
2. Para Sayo
3. Papa Cologne
4. The Ordertaker
5. Gitara
6. Bagsakan
7. First Day Funk
8. Macho
9. Akala
10. Boys Do Falling Love
11. Pakiusap Lang (Lasingin Nyo Ako)
12. Pangarap Lang Kita
13. One Hit Combo
Bonus Track
14. Salamat Po

DVD
Ang Mga Music Videos Ng Parokya:
1. Ang Parokya
2. Buloy
3. Maniwala Ka Sana
4. Silvertoes
5. Harana
6. Picha Pie
7. Halaga
8. Inuman Na
9. Swimming Beach
10. Sorry Na
11. Mr. Suave
12. The Yes Yes Show
13. Chikinini
14. Mang Jose
15. Para Sa’yo
16. Papa Cologne
17. The Ordertaker
18. Gitara
19. Bagsakan
20. First Day Funk
21. Macho (Version 1)
22. Macho (Version 2)
23. Akala
24. Pakiusap Lang (Lasingin Nyo Ako)
25. Pangarap Lang Kita (Version 1)
26. Pangarap Lang Kita (Version 2)
27. Pangarap Lang Kita (Version 3)
28. One Hit Combo

Espesyal Features
• Ang Kwento Ng Parokya
• Ang First Gig Ng Parokya

For more updates in the local music scene, follow Mark_Templar on Twitter.

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid provides inspiration in Hulog Ka Ng Langit

Online release

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez has recently launched a number of special projects for the benefit of the Typhoon Yolanda victims like the auction of her personal items. Aside from this, Universal Records and the Songbird recently released the album Hulog Ka Ng Langit, part of its proceed goes to Philippine Red Cross. 

The album, composed of songs that give inspiration to wives and mothers, has the beautifully-penned Hulog Ka Ng Langit as debut single and title track of the album. The song truly embodies what the album is all about – unconditional love between husbands and wives, and mothers to children.

 “I am a mommy and I thought it’ll be nice to dedicate a whole album for my son. I waited him for so long,” says Regine, but she quickly clarified that, “Hulong Ka Ng Langit is actually just not for him. The album also has a lot of love songs, which you can dedicate to your loved ones.”

Regine recounts that when work has started for the album, the whole team was leaning towards making a baby album. The songbird, however, felt that love songs that have more general messages to be included in the album.

“The challenge really was to have a special, not-so-typical baby album,” shares Regine. “An album that can be appreciated by everyone – kids, parents, lovers, and family.”

With Regine’s gift of amazing vocals, she has given new life to songs like Hele Ni Inay, Someone’s Waiting For You, Happiness, You, God Gave Me You and Just The Way You Are, a duet with husband Ogie Alcasid. The songs included in the album also feature some of the best arrangers, musicians in the country.

Hulog Ka Ng Langit promises to give the public an inspiration to continuously hope for their own happiness with people they truly love and care for.

“I don’t usually say this, pero ang ganda-ganda ng album,” closes Regine. “It is very memorable because, when I was doing the album, I was also going through some stuff. This album is special and memorable because I dedicate this to my son, husband, family, and loved ones.”

The Hulog Ka Ng Langit album tour goes to Robinson’s Manila (Nov. 20, Wednesday), SM Marilao (November 28, Thursday), SM Pampanga (December 1, Sunday), and SM Sta. Rosa (December 11, Wednesday). All shows start at 5:00 p.m.

Regine Velasquez’s Hulog Ka Ng Album Press Conference is being supported by Livestock Restaurant and Bar, Jardin de Zenaida Compound, 34 Sgt, Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City.

Hulog Ka Ng Langit Tracklist:

1. HULOG KA NG LANGIT
2. RAINBOW CONNECTION
3. AMAZING
4. MY CHILD
5. PAG-IBIG
6. TOMORROW
7. SOMEONE’S WAITING FOR YOU
8. ARAW, ULAP, LANGIT
9. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE
10. NATHANIEL (GIFT OF GOD)
11. THE ONE REAL THING
12. HAPPINESS
13. HELE NI INAY
14. YOU
15. SA‘YO NA LANG AKO
16. YOU GOT IT
17. GOD GAVE ME YOU

Matchbox Twenty Concert Got Cancelled

Due to the threat of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the management of Matchbox 20 has decided to cancel their scheduled show at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, November 8.


The band is very disappointed not to appear, but weather conditions have made their travel to Manila no longer feasible.

For refunds, please call SM Tickets at 02-4702222 or proceed to the outlets where the tickets were purchased.

SAVE ME HOLLYWOOD

Save Me Hollywood is a Filipino rock/alternative band based in Quezon City, Philippines. Formed only in 2011, the band is a collaboration between members of influential rock acts Chicosci and Typecast. Bassist Carlos Calderon of Chicosci and drummer Melvin Macatiag of Typecast are joined by April Morning Skies guitarists Aaron Corvera and Kenneth Aranza. Former MYX VJ and model Julz Savard is the lead singer of the group.

Having been friends in the local music scene, the members of Chicosci, Typecast, and April Morning Skies have always discussed the prospect of forming a new band together. Calderon, Macatiag, Corvera and Aranza who have, at one point, jammed together and entertained the idea of working on a new project with each other. Savard was the missing piece the boys were looking for.

Despite only being together for a couple of years, the band has already achieved modest success in both the local and international music scene. Save Me Hollywood has been featured in several publications such as Pulp, Chalk and Meg Magazine. Apart from the usual gigs in Manila’s rock dives and schools, Save Me Hollywood has already performed for various events and concerts by ABS-CBN, MYX and Channel V and several international clothing companies such as Vans and Dr. Martens. Most notably, the band was part of Bazooka Rocks festival last August 2013. They performed alongside popular American acts like All Time Low, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Anberlin. In June 2013, Save Me Hollywood was given the chance to share the stage with Southeast Asia’s biggest artists as part of the Baybeats festival in Singapore.

Behind The Curtain

Bassist Calde Calderon is among the founding members of local rock group, Chicosci. Formed back in 2000 as an after-school get-together, the band has enjoyed continued success in the music scene - releasing 6 studio albums, garnering several music awards and ceaselessly touring the Philippines and the Southeast Asia. His successes with Chicosci include 2 NU 107 Rock Awards Bassist of the Year nominations, several MYX Music Awards for Best Video and Best Rock Videos as well as NU Rock Awards for Song of the Year and Listener’s Choice. Perhaps his biggest accolade is winning the Favorite Artist - Philippines award with Chicosci in the 2008 MTV Asia Awards in Malaysia. Calde was also part of another supergroup, Project One, which spawned the hit single and Coke anthem “Ang Sarap Dito”.

Drummer Melvin Macatiag is another seasoned veteran in the local rock scene. As part of the Laguna-bred Typecast, he is among the country’s premiere drummers with 3 NU Rock Awards Drummer of the Year Nominations. As MySpace’s Top Artist in Southeast Asia, Typecast has toured countries like Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. After releasing their second studio album, Every Moss and Cobweb in 2007, the band broke into the local mainstream with the single, "Will You Ever Learn". Winning Best Song of the Year at the 2007 NU Rock Awards, their success eventually led to the opportunity to open for American bands such as Thursday, Good Charlotte, Saosin, Anberlin, All Time Low, Dashboard Confessional, The Used, Cobra Starship and Taking Back Sunday. Fresh from their 2012 US Tour, the band is still touring and promoting their latest release, “How Your Influence Betrays You”.

Guitarist (and chief songwriter) Aaron Corvera and Kenneth Aranza are part of underground heavyweights, April Morning Skies. Among the country’s top up-and-coming rock bands, AMS is a product of metal, punk, melodic-post hardcore music. Their debut release, “In Darker Days Ahead”, has impressed critics and earned them Best New Artist nomination in the 2009 MYX Music Awards. AMS has consistently wowed crowds all over the country, as well as those from Singapore and Malaysia. Recently making a comeback after a year-long hiatus, the band has begun touring again and has also returned to their roots as pioneers of the revered Moshpit Sundays production.

Singer (and lyricist) Julz Savard is the youngest, not just of actual age, but of experience in the music industry. Working as a model at a very young age, she has only the heart of a musician and is dead-set on making a mark in the local music industry. Previously trying out her luck with local bands in her hometown of Mabalacat, Pampanga, Julz has always wanted to sing and perform. When she won the 2010 MYX VJ Search, Savard met Calderon during his work at the music channel. That’s when Save Me Hollywood found its final piece:  the doe-eyed 21-year-old with a powerful voice and a commanding stage presence. She still continues with her modeling career, having been named the MEG Magazine Style Ambassador in 2012. She briefly had a stint on a radio as DJ at JAM 88.3 and host of the daily morning show, “The Morning Breath”.

Now                  

The band released their debut record, Your Story To Tell, under 12 Stone Records in June 2013 at Eastwood Central Plaza. The latest single, “High”, broken into the Top 10 of both radio and music channel charts, peaking at number 7 of the MYX Countdown. The earlier single, “Reckless”, also reached the music channel’s Top 20 countdown. The band is currently on tour, promoting their latest single, “Changes”.

An Evening Of Bel Canto

A rare treat awaits music lovers as the Manila Chamber Orchestra Foundation presents a special concert, "An Evening of Bel Canto" on October 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m., at the Ayala Museum, Makati Ave. cor. de la Rosa St., Makati City. 

Bel Canto which literally means "The Art of Beautiful Singing" is a vocal fad made popular during the late 17th century that requires singers to possess incredible virtuosic vocal technique and impeccable musicality. Composers such as Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti wrote music with limpid melodic lines that would encompass a singer's whole vocal range with a lot of ornate embellishments. Operas like I Puritani, La Sonnambula, Norma, Lucia di Lammermoor are some of the well-known bel canto opera.

Promising a spectacular vocal evening, "An Evening of Bel Canto" will feature some of the country's finest young singers today headed by the internationally-acclaimed Filipino tenor - Arthur Espiritu, considered as the country's premiere tenor today, the sole and first Filipino to win the Belvedere Vocal Competition in Vienna, and the only Filipino to have sung in many major opera houses in the world including the prestigious Teatro alla Scala, St. Gallen Opera in Switzerland, Paris Opera, Pittsburgh Opera to name a few. Performing with him are soprano Elainne Vibal, a Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition winner; soprano Myramae Meneses, the 2012 Aliw Awardee for Best Actress in a Musical and the top winner of the National Competition for Young Artists; and soprano Stephanie Aguilar, last year's third prize winner of the Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition. Performing with them will be most a sought-after collaborating artist -- pianist Najib Ismail. The concert will also have Supertitles, an English translation projected on the sides of the concert venue for the audience's better appreciation of the words and music.

Highlight of the program includes some of the most challenging arias and rarely performed scenes from great operas including the duet from Bellini's "I Puritani" with its three high D's (high notes), the exquisite duet from Rossini's "Semiramide", and the fiendish Donizetti's "La Fille du Regiment".

This concert is for the benefit of foundations that support medical treatment for children afflicted with Cancer. For tickets, please call TICKETWORLD at (891-9999), COEA at (782-7164 or 0918-3473027) and MCO Secretariat at 750-0768 or 0920-9540053.  This concert is made possible in partnership with Ayala Museum, BusinessWorld, HighLife, DZFE.FM The Master’s Touch and Lyric Piano.