Kyle Echarri shows growth as songwriter, music producer in “New Views” album

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A major shift from his debut album in 2016, the young artist personally wrote and composed all seven original tracks included in the album.

Featuring 7 original songs written and composed by the Star Pop artist

 

Kyle Echarri is welcoming a fresh era in his music journey with the release of his second full-length album “New Views,” out now on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and other digital music platforms.

"'New Views' because I'm turning 18 and I think it's time for people to see my new views on life, who I am as a person, and new views on my love life, stuff like that," he shared.

A major shift from his debut album in 2016, the young artist personally wrote and composed all seven original tracks included in the album from ABS-CBN’s Star Pop label, and was also heavily involved in the production of most of the songs. Label head Rox Santos served as the album's supervising producer.

"I can say mismong puso ko na siya, it's part of my heart kasi I was able to write the whole thing and produce the whole thing. Sinadya ko talaga kasi I really wanted the fans to feel my heart," Kyle said.

Its key track “Liligawan Na Kita” is a writing collaboration between Kyle and his “Huwag Kang Mangamba” co-stars Seth Fedelin and Andrea Brillantes. The song, produced by Kyle and co-performed by Seth, talks about one’s willingness to wait and court someone very special.

Kyle’s 2020 single “I’m Serious” is also included in the album’s track list along with “Dyosa” which was produced by JayR. Other tracks such as “Mahal Nga Kita” featuring rapper Arvey, “Panaginip,” which is currently featured in the original soundtrack (OST) of anthology series “Click, Like, Share,” “As Long As You’re Mine,” and “Fuego,” which he co-wrote with close friend Darren Espanto—were all self-produced by Kyle.

Meanwhile, in time for his 18th birthday and as a show of gratitude to his fans who have supported him throughout his six years in the entertainment industry, Kyle is set to hold a digital birthday fan con on Sunday (June 20), 7 pm via his kumu account (@echarripapi). Fans can also expect live performances of the “New Views” tracks during the virtual event.

Join Kyle as he reaches new grounds by streaming his latest album “New Views,” now available on various digital music streaming services.

For more details, follow Star Pop on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starpopph) and on Twitter and Instagram (@starpopph).

Insight Music gambles on teacher-composer Jayson Dedal, releases his debut single “Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin”

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Of the billions of dreams cast into the void every day, few make it with the certainty—and confidence—that gifted singer-songwriter Jayson Dedal felt when he did.

The 28-year-old Dedal, who is a real-life MAPEH teacher in a public school in Quezon City, recently signed up with the maverick record label Insight Music, which has just produced and released his debut single “Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin”.

“Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” marks Jayson Dedal’s first break as a recording artist under Insight Music, making his first professional affiliation an exceptionally propitious one.

The song also served as one of the official movie soundtracks of the label’s movie production and marketing arm Insight 360 Films’ “Miss Q&A: Para Sa Maganda Lang Ba Ang Love Life?” starring Kakai Bautista and Zoren Legaspi and directed by Lemuel Lorca. The first is expected to be released this summer.

“The movie is about lost dreams and trying to redeem them,” says Cahilig. “So having a song like ‘Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin’ is—pun intended—a dream match.”

Apart from his day job as a public school teacher, Dedal has been writing songs since college and is an active member of the Filipino Society of Composers, Artists, and Publishers (FILSCAP). However, the opportunity to be a solo artist seemed to elude Dedal until Insight Music recognized his potential.

Indeed, Insight Music President and Chief Creative Director Chris Cahilig took notice of this fresh new talent early on. It was Dedal, after all, who wrote boy band 1:43’s hit songs such as “Pasensya Na” and “Ikaw Lang Talaga,” as well as “Sa Iba Na Lang” by BOU, which eventually became the official movie soundtrack of “Mia” (2020).  

Public school teacher Jayson Dedal is
Insight Music's newest signed artist

“I have always been incredibly drawn towards Jayson as an artist,” says Cahilig. “His body of work speaks volumes of his gift. And when you listen to what he has to say in ‘Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin’, you’ll understand why we simply had to make sure that his talent is heard.”

Set against lush instrumentation and fueled by Dedal’s buttery vocals, “Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” conveys Dedal’s deep anxieties about an ambiguous future. Does God hear the songwriter's prayers’ for a better future?

“It’s a personal track, to be sure,” says Dedal. “I wrote it during the lockdown, and it’s the collective result of everything I’ve been worried about—my love life, the future, and my relationship with God.”

Having made peace with his vulnerabilities, Jayson Dedal is even more grateful to Cahilig and Insight Music for giving him the chance to express his creativity, and vent his anxieties, the only way he knows how—through his music.

Cahilig is likewise buoyant about Dedal’s journey in the music industry. “Some people might give a public school teacher one look and put them in a box,” he says. “But if anything, teachers are some of the best storytellers out there, and we’re lucky to have found one as talented and as enthusiastic as Jayson Dedal.”

“Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” by Jayson Dedal will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and all other streaming platforms on March 5, 2021.

 

Pioneer Insurance announces #MoveOnLang Songwriting Competition finalists, Vote now for your fave song!

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After a rigorous selection process, ten talented student songwriters have been chosen as the finalists of Pioneer Insurance’s #MoveOnLang Songwriting Competition.

Play and listen to these beautiful songs and vote for your favorite #MoveOnLang song.

1. “Aking Mundo” by Benjamin Quijano of University of the Philippines Los Baños

2. “Alive” by Kenneth Roquid of University of the Philippines Diliman

3. “Chronosphere” by CK Sabillo of University of Santo Tomas

4. “From Now On” by Julien Cloma of STI College Novaliches

5. “Hand in Hand” by Julia Dichoso of Sorsogon State College 

6. “Invincible” by Yosef Escoto of San Beda College Alabang

7. “Make It Through” by Luigi Balazo of University of San Carlos 

8. “Martsa ni Martha” by Marie Maureen Salvaleon of Southwestern University PHINMA 

9. “The Biggest Leap” by Marie Bernadette Tayag of De La Salle University Manila

10. “Time” by Patricia Monsod of University of the Philippines Diliman 

Visit https://www.facebook.com/PioneerIsYourInsurance and www.moveonlang.ph to vote for your favorite entry. Voting will end on January 23, 2017 at 12 NN.

Pioneer Insurance launched the #MoveOnLang Songwriting Competition in partnership with the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP) to encourage the youth to pursue artistic endeavors and to celebrate the Filipino trait of resiliency.

(From left) Pioneer Insurance Marketing FVP Len Pozon, Pioneer Retail Organization Head Lorenzo Chan, Jr., FILSCAP President Rico Blanco and FILSCAP Chairman Arturo Lui Pio at the launch of the #MoveOnLang Songwriting Competition last September 2016.

Applicants were challenged to write a song expressing their own unique take on Filipino resiliency. After screening hundreds of submissions from students all over the country, the board of judges, composed of practitioners from the music industry, selected entries to move on to the final round of judging.

The songs cover a wide range of genres from straightforward pop to alternative pop, acoustic, and even electronic ballads. 

“We’re happy to have received such a variety of song submissions. It just goes to show that the next generation of Filipino musicians have much to offer,” said Pioneer’s Marketing Head Len Pozon.

The public can listen and vote for their favorite songs at www.moveonlang.ph from January 4 to 23, 2017. The finalist with the most online votes will be crowned the Online Favorite and awarded a cash prize of PHP 10,000.

The top ten entries will also be interpreted by performers during the Finals Night on February 2, 2017, at Hard Rock Café in Glorietta 3, Makati City, with live coverage on Pioneer Insurance’s Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/PioneerIsYourInsurance. A panel of judges will then decide the top three winners of the competition.

The Grand Winner of Pioneer Insurance’s #MoveOnLang Songwriting Competition will bring home PHP 100,000, while the second and third placers will win PHP 50,000 and PHP 30,000 respectively. The remaining seven non-winning participants will receive a consolation prize of PHP 10,000. All finalists will be awarded PHP 100,000 worth of insurance coverage courtesy of Pioneer.

Rico Blanco, Yael Yuzon and Aristotle “Gloc 9” Pollisco give tips to aspiring songwriters at the San Beda College Alabang leg of the Pioneer and FILSCAP Campus Caravan.

A staunch supporter of the arts, Pioneer shares their message of hope through yearly competitions in various creative fields like filmmaking, playwriting, and this time, songwriting.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to promote local music through our partnership with FILSCAP, the sole and official music copyright society in the Philippines and One Music PH, ABS-CBN's online music portal,” said Pozon. “We hope that #MoveOnLang will inspire not only the youth, but our entire nation to keep moving forward despite setbacks and difficulties.”

To learn more about Pioneer Insurance’s #MoveOnLang Songwriting Competition, visit www.moveonlang.ph and www.facebook.com/PioneerIsYourInsurance.

TOP 14 Finalists of PhilPOP Music Festival Revealed

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OPM is alive and kicking as locals and foreign-based Pinoys join PhilPOP to become the next big Filipino songwriter.

A record-breaking 3,000 song entries, not just from the Philippines but Filipinos based in other parts of the world including the United Kingdom, France, Canada and neighboring Asian countries such as  Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, beat the deadline to submit their entries for the first ever Philippine Popular Music Festival’s (PhilPOP) search for the next, big Filipino songwriter.

The overwhelming local and global response to send entries for the competition is a clear indication that Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is indeed still very much alive – all that is really needed is the right vehicle to showcase their talents.


PhilPOP is composed of respected local artists and prominent personalities from various industries brought together by a shared vision—to spark renewed pride and enthusiasm in OPM and bring about another golden age in Philippine music.


With the entries screened, reviewed and segregated, the million peso question now is who will make it to the coveted top 14?

The Top 14 are: Himig ng Panahon by Timothy Anjello Alfaro, Bigtime by Trina Belamide,Dulo ng Dila by Noah Zuñiga Cabalquinto, Slowdancing by John Kennard Eleazar Faraon,Minsa’y Isang Bansa by Gary Granada, Brown by James B. Leyte and Jezreel S. De Oca, Kesa by Edwin B. Marollano, Piso by Kristofferson B. Melecio, 3:00 AM by Keiko Necesario, Takusa by Byron Ricamara, Tayo Tayo Lang by Ronaldo Sorioso, Kontrabidaby Soc Villanueva, Negastar by Michael Angelo Santos Villegas, and Bawat Hakbang by Karl Vincent Villuga.

Song Title	Music	Lyrics
Himig Ng Panahon	Timothy Anjello Alfaro	Timothy Anjello Alfaro
Bigtime	Trina Belamide	Trina Belamide
Dulo ng Dila	Noah Zuniga Cabalquinto	Noel Zuniga Cabalquinto
Slowdancing	John Kennard Eleazar Faraon	John Kennard Eleazar Faraon
Minsa'y Isang Bansa	Gary Granada	Gary Granada
Brown	James B. Leyte & Jezreel S. De Oca	James B. Leyte
Kesa	Edwin B. Marollano	Edwin B. Marollano
Piso	Kristofferson B. Melecio	Kristofferson B. Melecio
3:00am	Keiko Necesario	Keiko Necesario
Takusa	Byron Ricamara	Byron Ricamara
Tayo Tayo Lang	Ronaldo M. Sorioso	Ronaldo M. Sorioso
Kontrabida	Soc Villanueva	Soc Villanueva
Negastar	Michael Angelo Santos Villegas	Michael Angelo Santos Villegas
Bawat Hakbang	Karl Vincent H. Villuga	Karl Vincent H. Villuga

At the press conference held recently, the 14 finalists were finally announced to the general public.  Come July 14, 2012, these top 14 will showcase their compositions through the final performance and competition to be held at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Mr. Ryan Cayabyab,Music Maestro and PhilPOP Executive Director

Music maestro and PhilPOP executive director Ryan Cayabyab said, “We want to thank all our kababayans who shared their compositions with us. The mere fact that we received this overwhelming response for the very first Philippine Popular Music Festival is a victory not only for OPM (Original Pilipino Music) but more so, for the Filipino people.”

Cayabyab, whose music career, starting out as an amateur songwriter, was propelled by a song writing competition, added, “This is an exciting time for the local music industry. With PhilPOP, we are helping shape the future landscape of OPM. The talent and the potential of the Filipino songwriter have always been there. We have proven it many times over. Now, the next step is to shine the spotlight on the best of the best.”

The country has indeed profited from other renowned songwriters whose significant compositions were borne out of song writing competitions including Jose Mari Chan ("Can we Just Stop and Talk Awhile", which incidentally was also entered in the World Popular Music Festival in Tokyo, “Hahanapin Ko”, “Minsan Pa”) Nonong Pedero (“Narito Ako”, “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit”), George Canseco (“Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi”), Louie Ocampo (“Ewan”), Snaffu Rigor (Bulag, Pipi at Bingi”) and Freddie Aguilar whose seminal hit “Anak” went on to become one of the country’s most popular and well-loved songs.

The top winning entry will receive P1 million in cash and two runners-up will each receive P500,000 and P250,000 respectively.  A People’s Choice award will also be given to the most popular entry as decided by text votes.

The Philippine Popular Music Festival is jointly presented by Maynilad, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), and Smart.  Major sponsors are Meralco, Resorts World Manila and TV5.  Other sponsors are Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Sun Cellular, First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA), Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), and Philex Mining Corporation.  Media partners are KBP, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star and Radio High.  

PhilPop recently released an official statement regarding some concerns.

For updates on the results, visit PhilPop.com.ph

Here's the PhilPOP Top 14 Compilation.

Noli Me Tangere: The Musical - Great Theater Production

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Excitedly  I watched  Noli Me Tangere: The Musical
,  premiere night  August 5 at 8:00 evening at the 
Little Theater, Cultural Center 
of the Philippines. Pop chanteuse Cris Villonco plays the role of the sweet Maria Clara. She's amazingly acting and singing with a very powerful voice ! As Crisostomo Ibarra, Gian Magdangal is really great!  Their voice and rendition of the scenes were stunning! The cast  really did a great job!  The fantastic production earned a standing ovation ! 


This is super produced , artistically made and great directed.  Noli Me Tangere: The Musical is adapted for the stage by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera and well known composer / arranger  Ryan Cayabyab.    This is restaged under the direction of theater luminary Audie Gemora. Glad to remember that Director Audie been played as Crisostomo Ibarra in that Noli Me Tangere version in year 1994. 


Costume design is by National Artist Salvador Bernal. Agnes Locsin , for choreography, and Rody Vera , the dramaturgy. TP artisitic director is known tv actor Fernando Josef.


The powerhouse cast of Noli Me Tangere: The Musical are talented singers and stage actors and actresses. 

Maria Clara  play by sweet Cris Villonco. As Crisostomo Ibarra, playing alternately are Mark Bautista and Gian Magdangal.  Theater veteran and well-renowned actor, Bodjie Pascua, plays the ill-famed cura paroko , Padre Damaso. Versatile thespian Al Gatmaitan stands equally apt as Padre Salvi.

Riki Benedicto of the TP Actors Company plays the feisty Elias, alternated by the likewise vigorous Jerald Napoles. Jonathan Tadioan and Garry Lim ,both distinguished members of the TP Actors Company share the role of Don Tiburcio. Red Nuestro ardently takes on Maria Clara’s father, Kapitan Tiago.  Highly-versatile stage actress, Ring Antonio plays the boisterous, animated Donya Victorina; as the very talented Jenny Villegas plays Tia Isabel. And who else could play the role of Sisa better than multi-awarded and intense performer, Angeli Bayani! AC veteran member  Paolo Rodriguez  plays as the Leproso. The powerful chorus is composed of  talented  singers-actors: Jenny Garcia, Janine Santos, Sherine Coa, Rayna Reyes, Hazel Maranan, Diana Sison, Martha Comia, Kathlyn Castillo, Erick Arsenas, Gino Ramirez, Chesko Rodriguez, Jelson Bay, Berl Angeles, Baron Barbers, and Honorio Magat.

Show Dates:  This August

5 (Friday) 8:00 PM

6 (Saturday) 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM

7 (Sunday) 3:30 PM

12 (Friday) 8:00 PM

13 (Saturday) 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM

14 (Sunday) 3:30 PM

19 (Friday) 8:00 PM

20 (Saturday) 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM

21 (Sunday) 3:30 PM

26 (Friday) 8:00 PM

27 (Saturday) 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM

28 (Sunday) 3:30 PM

Noli Me Tangere The Musical finale cast and production people bows 

One of the scenes

One of the sweet love scenes, Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara

Noli Me Tangere the Musical scenes shots

Noli Me Tangere the Musical scenes shots

Noli Me Tangere the Musical scenes shots

Noli Me Tangere the Musical scenes shots

Fun Picture Takings with the cast after the show 

with the sweet and beautiful Cris Villonco, Maria Clara

with the great composer / arranger Ryan Cayabyab

with the TP artistic director Nanding Josef

Crisostomo Ibarra , Gian Magdangal


Ms. Tessa Valdez

Mark Bautista, Cris Villonco, Gian Magdangal

Noli Me Tangere: The Musical

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In honor of Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday, "Noli Me Tangere: The Musical" will officially open Tanghalang Pilipino’s 25th theater season.

The critically acclaimed musical, adapted by Ryan Cayabyab from Rizal’s most famous work with libretto by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, will be restaged under the direction of theater luminary Audie Gemora. Costume design is by National Artist Salvador Bernal.

Leading the cast as Crisostomo Ibarra are singer/TV host Mark Bautista (alternating with Arnold Reyes) and Cris Villonco as Maria Clara (understudied by Tasy Garucha). Joining them are Jerald Napoles and Riki Benedicto (Elias), Al Gatmaitan and Reyes (Padre Salvi), Ring Antonio (Don Victorina), Garry Lim (Don Tiburcio) alternating with Jonathan Tadioan, Red Nuestro (Kapitan Tiago), Jenny Villegas (Tia Isabel), Angeli Bayani (Sisa) and Paolo Rodriguez (leproso).

The ensemble includes Jenny Garcia, Pamela Imperial, Janine Santos, Sherine Ann Koa, Hazel Maranan, Diana Sison, Kat Castillo, Martha Comia, Erick Arenas, Gino Ramirez, Chesko Rodriguez, Jejie Esguerra, Von Ryan Yu, Berl William Angeles, Paolo Rodriguez, Baron Barbers and Greg de Leon.

Comprising the artistic staff are Audie Gemora (director), Rody Vera (dramaturg), Ryan Cayabyab (composer and arranger), Bienvenido Lumbera (librettist), Jed Balsamo (musical director), Mio Infante (set designer), Salvador Bernal (costume designer), Eric Cruz (costume consultant) Katsch Catoy (lighting designer), Agnes Locsin (choreographer) and Christine Crame (dance master.

"Noli Me Tangere: The Musical" runs August 5-28, 2011 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). Interested sponsors, show-buyers and block buyers may call Tanghalang Pilipino (632) 8323661 or 8321125 local 1620/1621, or CCP box-office 8323704.

Ryan Cayabyab, Composer and Musical Arranger

Audie Gemora, Director

Cris Villonco , Maria Clara

Marck Bautista , Crisostomo Ibarra

Gian Magdangal, Crisostomo Ibarra

Bodjie Pascua, Padre Damaso