PhilPop Announces Top 30 Semifinalists

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PhilPop Foundation announce the Top 30 Semifinalists to this year’s music festival. A non-profit organization led by Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, PhilPop Foundation reinvents itself this 2018. With the theme “Music. Powered by Pinoys,” and coming from a year-long and nationwide songwriting boot camps in 2017, the foundation adopted a grassroots approach to discover and develop the most talented songwriters in the country, and prepared them for the 2018 songwriting festival. 

Numerous aspiring composers across the country submitted song entries to join PhilPop. Over 100 judges – established figures in the music industry, music educators, youth groups, college students, religious communities and advertising executives – screened the songs, narrowing them from a thousand down to 30 entries.

This year’s semifinalists are as diverse as their origins and music genres. PhilPop strongly advocates for song entries written in the vernacular. Some of the entries in the Top 30 were written in Hiligaynon, Bisaya, and other local language. According to PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio, the “foundation’s pivot to change the format and competition timing was imperative to encourage more songwriters outside Luzon and the greater Metro Manila to join the festival. Embracing the biennial campaign by starting with the songwriting boot camps and then the festival proper was implemented to arm songwriters with knowledge and songwriting essentials that will push them to be confident to showcase their masterpieces, even those written in local language.”

All semifinalists’ entries will be produced by Viva Records, PhilPop 2018’s official record label-partner. 

They are also required to undergo an intensive coaching camp on July 23- 24 in Tagaytay City, spearheaded by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, PhilPop Coaching Camp Master and foundation board member.  He firmly believes that education is the key for the country’s music industry to move forward. According to Mr. C., “The next generation should be better than us hence, the best way to do this is to teach them everything we know at every instance possible.” Having been involved with PhilPop since its inception due to his desire to develop songwriters, he now works together with other music industry stalwarts such as Jazz Nicolas, Ebe Dancel, Trina Belamide, Jonathan Manalo, Wally Acolola, Thyro Alfaro, Yumi Lacsamana and Jungee Marcelo to guide the semifinalists in refining their creations.

From the Top 30 compositions, only ten will make it to the final round. These ten entries will be showcased to the public on November 30 in the PhilPop Festival Finals Night that will be held at Capitol Commons in Pasig City.

The 30 Semifinalists are:

• AEIOU - Kenneth John Pores (General Trias, Cavite)
• Ako, Ako - Jeriko Buenafe (Taguig, NCR)
• Away Wa’y Buwagay - Eamarie Gilayo and Jovit Leonerio (Davao City, Davao Del Sur)
• Bumbero - Michael Llave (Quezon City, NCR)
• Di Ko Man - Ferdinand Aragon (Cebu City, Cebu)
• Ikaw Ang Aking Pag-ibig - Mark Jay Felipe (Guimba, Nueva Ecija)
• Isang Gabing Pagibig - Carlo Angelo David (Quezon City, NCR)
• Kariton - Philip Arvin Jarilla (Antipolo, Rizal)
• Kelan Kaya? - Sarah Bulahan (Mandaluyong City, NCR)
• KilabI - Karlo Frederico Zabala (Valenzuela City, NCR)
• Korde Kodigo - Jeremy Sarmiento (Davao City, Davao Del Sur)
• Laon Ako - Elmar Jan Bolano and Donel Transporto (Tigbauan, Iloilo)
• LDR (Layong ‘Di Ramdam) - Russ Narcies Cabico (Quezon City, NCR)
• LGBT (Laging Ganito Ba Tayo?) - Kyle Pulido (Davao City, Davao Del Sur)
• Lilipad - Agatha Morallos and Melvin Joseph Morallos (Baguio City, Benguet)
• Loco De Amor! - Edgardo Miraflor, Jr. (Bacolod City, Negros Occidental)
• Mahirap Magselos - Paul Hildawa (Makati City, NCR)
• Makisabay - Carlo Angelo David (Quezon City, NCR)
• Malilimutan Din Kita - Marvin Blue Corpuz (Koronadal, South Cotabato)
• MMRA - Oliver Narag (Valenzuela City, NCR)
• Nanay Tatay - Teodoro Festejo III (Davao City, Davao Del Sur)
• Oka - Michael Angelo Aplacador (Pateros, NCR)
• Perfectly Imperfect Human - Barry Villacarillo (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu)
• Pilipit (Paano Sasabihing Mahal Kita) - Sean Gabriel Cedro and John Ray Reodique (Antipolo City, Rizal)
• Promise Sorry Note - Michael Angelo Aplacador (Pateros, NCR)
• Pwede - Agatha Morallos and Melvin Joseph Morallos (Baguio City, Benguet)
• Tama Na - Michael Rodriguez and Jeanne Columbine Rodriguez (Makati City, NCR)
• Unang Adlaw Nga Wala Ka - Therese Marie Villarante and Henrick James Pestano (Talisay City, Cebu)
• Utang - Ignacio Dennis Roxas (Malolos, Bulacan)
• Yun Tayo - Donnalyn Onilongo (Angono, Rizal)

The reveal is just in time as the local music industry is celebrating the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP). As a kickoff event of LMP2018, PhilPop stays true to its mission—to discover original songs and foster appreciation for these original compositions that truly reflect Filipino culture and identity.

PhilPop is an initiative of the MVP Group of Companies, Mid Atlantic foundation for Asian Artists, Inc. (MAFFAA, Inc.), and NYXSYS Philippines. PhilPop’s President, Ricky Vargas believes in the significance of strengthening our culture thru music. And as the foundation continues to expand and respond to today’s music scene challenges, Maynilad’s SVP and PhilPop VP Patrick Gregorio says, “Maynilad champions Filipino creativity, that’s why we invest in them. This is more than a corporate social responsibility. This is calling and we are honored to be in the position to help shape our future thru music.”

        

Let''s #LoveThrowback the second time around and fall in love the OPM way this Valentine’s

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Many people around the world celebrate Valentine's Day by sharing sweet moments with the people they love.

Lovers will swoon this Valentine’s Day with serenades from some of the country’s top OPM singers.

At the PICC Plenary Hall this February 14, 8:30PM, a concert titled #LoveThrowback2 will bring together Ariel Rivera, Joey Generoso, Jinky Vidal, Nina, Christian Bautista, and Hajji Alejandro to send hearts aflutter with timeless OPM love songs.

#LoveThrowback’s second run celebrates the season once again with OPM songs that stir the heart. Nothing invokes passion and heartache more than Filipino ballads that tell of love, loss, acceptance, and taking another chance.

Leading the star-studded lineup is the ‘90s’ Kilabot ng Kolehiyala Ariel Rivera whose hit singles “Sana Kahit Minsan,” “Ayoko Na Sana,” and “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” are sure to resonate with sweethearts and hopeless romantics alike this year.

Band Royalties Joey G. and Jinky Vidal will also tug on heartstrings with bittersweet melodies.

Former frontman Joey G. is set to perform Side A classics including “So Many Questions,” “Tell Me,” and “Forevermore.” As for Jinky, the crowd is in for a treat with “If I Believe” as well as “One Hello” and “So Slow” from her days with Freestyle.

Joining #LoveThrowback for a second time, Diamond Soul Siren Nina will deliver another stunning performance with her rendition of “Through the Fire,” “I Love You Goodbye,” and “Love Moves in Mysterious Ways.”

Reality show Star in a Million finalist Christian Bautista has gone a long way and has captivated many hearts both here and abroad. The Asian Pop Superstar’s chart-toppers “Colour Everywhere,” “The Way You Look at Me,” and his rendition of “Hands to Heaven” will grace audiences this year with sweet musical caresses.

Finally to cap off the night, the original Kilabot ng Kolehiyala Hajji Alejandro will take OPM back to its founding years with “May Minamahal,” “Nakapagtataka,” and “Panakip Butas.”

Celebrate the passion of OPM at #LoveThrowback2. 

For tickets, call TicketWorld at 891.9999, TicketNet at 911.5555, or SM Tickets at 470.2222. For more details, find us on Facebook and Instagram @RoyaleChimesConcerts and Twitter @RoyaleChimes.

The Country’s Biggest, Loudest, And Most Exciting All-OPM Festival Is Back! : “Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival”

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Rakrakan, arguably the Philippines’ biggest, loudest, and most exciting all-OPM festival brand, is set to shake the local music scene once again on January 14, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Aptly rebranded as “Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival” to raise awareness on drug abuse and addiction through music and the arts, Rakrakan has grown from a small-scale production to a huge5-stage concert featuring 100 OPM bands, a skateboarding exhibition and competition, street art contest, merch exhibit, and many other activities.

“Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival” boasts a wide range of genres from a diverse mix of independent and mainstream artists which include Ebe Dancel, SUD, Jensen & The Flips, BP Valenzuela, Autotelic, Pedicab, Taken By Cars, and Bullet Dumas on the Indie stage;CharicePempengco, KZ Tandingan, Sponge Cola, December Avenue, Barbie Almalbis, Mayonnaise, Drive Me To Juliet, and Gracenoteon the Move stage; Slapshock, Wilabaliw, Kjwan, Rocksteddy, Chicosci, Typecast, Philia, and Francoon the Mosh stage; Valley of Chrome, Mr. Bones and the Boneyard Circus, WUDS, Philippine Violators, Skychurch, The Late Isabel, Days of January, and Lost threadson the Slam stage; and Brownman Revival, Grin Department, The Chongkeys, Kartel at Lion and the Scouts, KokoiBaldo and Juan Gapang, On The Spot, Chocolate Factory, and Collie Herb on the Groove stage. Performances will run simultaneously on all stages – as it has always been since 2013 – which promises yet another wild and breathtaking experience for every OPM fan in attendance.

Aside from music, “Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival” offers these pocket events guaranteed to maximize the Rakrakan experience:

Skateboarding Exhibition and Competition –a staple since 2013, the skateboarding exhibition and competition features a free-for-all skateboarding area for attendees, with freebies and prizes at stake for contest participants in several categories including Best Run and Best Trick.

Street Art Contest– five street art teams will endeavor to bring their creativity to life in this activity; winning teams will be judged based on their originality, style, and design. In addition, a “freedom wall” will be setup for all guests who wish to express their creativeness and leave their impression for future generations of OPM supporters.

Merch Exhibit– currently thelargest congregation of indiemerchandisers in Metro Manila, with over 50 brandsparticipating annually. Festival-goerswill find everything here from tees and tank tops to shorts and jeans, jackets, socks, jewelry, footwear, artworks, sunglasses, pins, caps, toys, and plenty of other goods at very affordable prices!

“OPM Against Drugs” efforts shall also be undertaken in cooperation with the Pasay City Anti-Drug Abuse Council and Dangerous Drugs Board in order to educate the youth on the dangers of substance abuse and addiction.

Side activities such as face painting and henna tattooing,brand-sponsored games, information drives, and artist meet-and-greet (for VIP ticket holders) will be there to complement the whole festival experience.

Early-bird tickets are now available at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide for only Php 500 and VIPs at Php 1,500 (excluding SM Tickets charges) for limited slots only; door prices are at Php 600 and Php 2,000, respectively.

Don’t miss it!

“Rakrakan: OPM Against Drugs Festival” is presented by Rakista Radio; co-presented by Red Horse Beer, Draven Shoes, and Dickies; and sponsored by D&D Custom Guitars; with Official Venue Partner, SM Mall of Asia.

Visit www.rakrakanfestival.com for more details.

Apple Deleva, the Grand Champion of Season 2 McJim Classic Leather's "Dreams Get Real: The Search For The Next OPM Star"

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Apple Deleva of Cabuyao, Laguna emerge as the champion during the concert-like finals night of the second season of McJim Classic Leather's "Dreams Get Real: The Search For The Next OPM Star."

Deleva receives a full album and music video grant; P100,000 in cash prize from McJim Classic Leather; artist marketing support; and a talent management contract.

With their aspirations for stardom at stake, McJim Dreams Get Real Talent Search’s Top Six gave the search their best shot—and their best performance ever—during the epic grand finals nights on Monday, Nov. 9, at the Music Museum in San Juan City.

From ten strong contenders, only six standout acts moved to the final round of the competition. Three of the six finalists were chosen by producers based on their overall performance and star quality, while the other three were people’s choices.

Deleva, a 19-year-old Communications student of University of Perpetual Help in Las Piñas, is a power belter who usually sings ballad and pop songs—and names Whitney Houston, Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez, and her mom as her musical influences. Deleva quite expectedly aspires to be a professional and famous singer someday—a lofty goal that surely within reach. Her array of awards, after all, come from numerous singing competitions here and abroad. One that stands out was the Karaoke World Championships 2014 in Stockholm, Sweden. Deleva was also a semi-finalist at GMA 7’s popular show, “Bet Sa Kantahan”.

The producer’s picks include Laguna native Apple Deleva, and both Rizal natives Zsarina Concepcion and Carmela Ravanilla, while the people’s choices were Erickson Malabanan from Batangas, Micah Llona from Taguig, and Trix Casauay from Caloocan.

What makes this season even more exciting is that five of the six finalists are outstanding female vocalists who inspire each other to shine. But Malabanan, the lone male contestant, vows that he will go into the competition with his strongest performance ever. 

Through the Dreams Get Real Talent Search, gentlemen’s brand McJim Classic Leather affirmed its image as an advocate for fresh new Filipino talents and Original Pilipino Music (OPM). 

After launching the careers of some of the most in-demand acts today, like vocal trio JBK, pop-rock band Fifth Dynamics, and Neo Domingo, McJim continues to enliven the local music by giving aspiring artists the opportunity to kick-start their own musical journeys.

“The six last acts gave us an extraordinary show! Each one of them has something distinct to offer, which result in an epic finale,” says Chris Cahilig, Dreams Get Real project head. “It wouldn’t surprise me if all of them attained success after this competition because their talents are mind blowing.”

With each having different reasons for joining the competition, the finalists would rather let their performances on stage decide who the best really is come finals night. However, the contestants, who had found a new family during the talent search, say that no matter what happens, they will always be grateful to McJim for the wonderful opportunities given them.

Considered as the biggest threat in the competition, Deleva is humbled by the recognition but still feels nervous about performing on a big stage. The19-year-old Communications student of University of Perpetual Help in Las Piñas declares with confidence: “They can look forward to getting more from me as a performer.”

Like the official McJim classic leather facebook page at www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM to be updated on all the happenings in the competition. 

The Elements Music Camp: Building a homebase of talent

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This year’s Elements Music Camp is ready to unleash a new batch of talent when it opens this November.

Set for November 15-16 in Hacienda Isabella, Indang, Cavite, this will be the Camp’s sixth year of discovering and mentoring promising musical talent.

Ryan Cayabyab, Twinky Lagdameo and Julio D. Sy Jr.

The Elements Music Camp is a project of 7101 Music Nation, an organization under the Tao Corporation community of companies. It was formed by Tao Corp.’s president, Julio D. Sy Jr., and music industry veterans Ryan Cayabyab and Twinky Lagdameo in 2010.

The aim of the Camp—which has trained some of the music business’ best and brightest in recent years—is to gather aspiring and professional singers and songwriters from all of the country and provide them with a venue to learn, collaborate, interact and create music in a natural setting.

For five days, more than two dozen respected and renowned artists and practitioners from the Philippine music industry will be on hand to mentor and guide the campers through the different activities.

According to Twinky Lagdameo, this year’s Elements Music Camp will consist of plenary talks, breakout sessions, music and team-building challenges, individual consultations, performances and critiquing, modules and case studies.

“Our topics range from OPM history to Basic Music Theory, (pointers on) how to create a song and lyrics, arranging, making a demo, recording, teamwork and collaboration, jingle writing, and a number of other topics, all related to the craft of creating songs.”

They also cover the business aspect of music, with speakers on music publishing, and licensing, artist management, social and digital media, and some inspirational talks that focus on topics like “creativity and fear.”

Among the new scheduled speakers this year will be Jonathan Serbin, head of Billboard Music Asia, who will talk about “Crossing Over: How to Break Into International Markets,” James Koo of Maker Studios, owned by Walt Disney Company, is the number one producer and distributor of online content) while Terry Waterhouse, a brand specialist from the UK, will teach about how individual artists can be brands in themselves.

“We always try to level up the content and experience for both campers and mentors to stay relevant and effective,” points out Lagdameo.

Past mentors include Gary Valenciano, Raimund Marasigan, Jay Durias, Ogie Alcasid, Joey Ayala, Noel Cabangon, Gary Granada, Ebe Dancel, Chito Miranda, Armi Millare of Up Dharma Down, Abra, Gloc-9, Aiza Seguerra, Nyoy Volante, ABS-CBN Philharmonic conductor Gerard Salonga, Jim Paredes, Rey Valera, Louie Ocampo, Trina Belamide, Jungee Marcelo, Jonathan Manalo and Jimmy Antiporda. Most are returnees every year.

Trina Belamide said being a camp mentor is extremely rewarding. 

“It’s a way of giving back to an industry that has made me so happy and fulfilled. I’ve had my share of people helping me succeed and giving me opportunities and tips, and I remember and appreciate these people. It would be great if I can do the same for this new generation and be remembered the same way,” said Trina.

On the other hand, graduates of Elements Music Camp who have been making a name for themselves in the music industry are renowned fashion designer Kate Torralba, Cebu-based composer Jude Gitamondoc (who has written songs for Gary Valenciano, among others), Philpop finalists Ramiru Mataro, Q-York, Keiko Necesario, Lara Maigue and winners Thyro and Yumi, Davey Langit and Toto Sorioso.

Bullet Dumas and his unique songwriting style is also getting much attention nowadays in the industry.

Zsaris Mendioro, grand champion of this year’s Mossimo Music Summit, is a former camper. A few of them have been finalists of “The Voice of the Philippines:” Kai Honasan, Hans Dimayuga, Talia Reyes and Emmanuelle Vera.

They make no distinction between amateurs and professionals.

“Some established names in the industry have auditioned and joined the camp like SinoSikat’s Kat Agarrado, Nino Avenido of Greyhoundz, Paolo Valenciano, Boogie Romero of Kjwan, Sitti and Princess Velasco, to name a few,” says Lagdameo.

“Our camp alumni have moved on and thrived in so many ways, as songwriters for TV and for other artists, as individual composers and performers here and abroad, as winners of songwriting competitions like Philpop, as music teachers, as builders of music studios and music schools (in Dumaguete and Davao), to name a few. Many have released albums and Eps. Some have gone into teaching or further studies, like Jireh Calo from Batch 5, who is now at the Berklee School of Music in Boston and she is doing extremely well.”

For Ryan Cayabyab, known as the “Mad Maestro” of 7101 Music Nation and is the organization’s artistic director, the goal of the camp is simple.

A professor at the UP College of Music for two decades, he considers it an important part of nation-building to keep passing on and sharing his knowledge with the younger generation of songwriters and musicians.

To him, that is what the Camp is meant for. 

“I view the Elements Music Camp as a platform for educating our songwriters, giving them enough courage to explore and create ideas that are musical or non-musical,” he says.

Mentors Jam 

Elements Music Camp mentor Ebe Dancel agrees there is much for Elements Campers to benefit from. It gives them basic tips while sharing the experience of songwriting among fellow musicians. More important, the Camp encourages kids to keep exploring, keep learning, keep writing.

Cayabyab clarifies that the Camp is not just intended for professional songwriters, or those with previous songwriting or performing experience. Even if you’ve never been part of the Camp before, and whether you feel your talent is at par or not, you are always welcome. They are not necessarily looking for polished talent.

Ryan Cayabyab

“Talent is most important, but I think character is also what we are looking for. We are always in the lookout for possible trailblazers, untapped geniuses or those with great musicality in the way they perform their songs.”

Lagdameo qualifies that admission to the camp is based on only two things: talent and a real willingness to create and contribute to the Philippine music industry and Philippine culture.

This was precisely the reason why she became an active participant in the Elements Music Camp.

“My personal interest in helping Ryan and Jun set up the Elements Music Camp was to help find and grow the next generation of Filipino musical talent through the mentoring and support of our respected and successful artists, to allow them to share their experiences and gifts. 7101 Music Nation was created by Ryan Cayabyab, Jun Sy and myself with a common vision and this has been studiously followed all these years,” she says.

Lagdameo sees that in the future, the Elements Music Camp will continue in its goal of discovering and mentoring new talent.

“We now will have 360 alumni nationwide after this year, an army of great singer-songwriters who are creating original material for their generation. It’s exciting to see what more they can become because they’re so talented,” she says.

Future plans include making the Camp even more responsive to the needs of promising singer-songwriters out there.

The Elements Music Camp has found the talent, discovered and nurtured it, but will not just leave it there. There are more important things yet to be done.

Building a massive talent base, like they have done with past Camps, is just the beginning.

“Our next steps now are to level up what we can do to continue their development and promotion. We are thinking of a number of activities to help them and their music get out, from considering setting up a music publishing service for them to building tours or festivals, or working with brands, online platforms or creative agencies. We are still planning and studying things with help from music industry key players. Nothing is set yet for now but the talent is certainly on hand.”

Jun Sy

Jun Sy, CEO of 7101 Music Nation said "building a talent base in a natural offshoot of Camp—and this talent will become available to whoever needs it in whatever way."

“This just happened naturally and organically without intention. Because of the networking and camaraderie that happens during camp, the graduates organize themselves and do shows together and they collaborate for songwriting projects. 

Furthermore, they organize reunions among themselves. It has created a large community of Elements Music Camp artists who have a shared passion to make Philippine music flourish,” says Sy.

For more information and details on the Elements Music Camp, visit :

Wbsite:  http://elementsmusiccamp.com.ph

Facebook : Elements Music Camp 

Youtube: Elements Music camp

Twitter: @elementscamp

Hashtag #elementsmusiccamp

https://www.instagram.com/msmyrnz/

Aiza Seguerra with “Araw Gabi: Mga Awit ni Maestro Ryan”

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Aiza Seguerra pays tribute to Maestro Ryan Cayabyab in new album entitled “Araw Gabi: Mga Awit ni Maestry Ryan.”

Sometime years ago, Universal Records has gathered the biggest rock acts to pay tribute to the APO Hiking Society in the album “Kami NApo Muna.” 

This was followed by Ogie Alcasid’s tribute to George Canseco (“Ngayon At Kailanman”) and Christian Bautista’s tribute to Jose Mari Chan (“Romance Revisited”).

And now, her first album under Universal Records, Aiza Seguerra pays tribute to Maestro Ryan Cayabyab in the album “Araw Gabi: Mga Awit ni Maesto Ryan.”

The album, composed of some of the most-loved Ryan Cayabyab compositions, also features Mr. C playing the piano for the first single “Tuwing Umuulan At Kapiling Ka.”

“Napaka-special ng album nito kasi binigyan ko ng sarili kong take ang pinakasikat na compositions ni Mr. Ryan Cayabyab,” says Aiza. “Ang sarap ka-trabaho niya kasi maski Maestro na siya, he listens to my inputs.”

Aiza also shares that the people working on the album prefer the execution to be very “organic.”

When asked about some of the realizations the singer had during the recording of the album, Aiza shared, “his songs are very familiar, but if you get technical about it, like when you are already recording, ang hirap pala kasi komplikado ang mga notes niya.”

The album also includes “Araw Gabi,” “Minsan Ang Minahal Ay Ako,” “Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” “Kahit Ika’y Isang Panaginip Lamang,” “Paano Na Kaya,” “Tunay Na Ligaya,” “Iduyan Mo,” among others.

1."Araw Gabi”
2.”Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka”
3.”How Can I”
4.”Kahit Ika’y Panaginip Lang”
5.”Paano na Kaya”
6.”Can This be Love”
7.”Kailan”
8.”Limang Dipang Tao”
9.”Iduyan Mo”
10.”Mama”
11.”Minsan Ang Minahal ay Ako”
12.”Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika”

McJim Dreams Get Real champions are rocking the OPM scene

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BARELY a year after they were declared the champions of the first McJim Classic Leather “Dreams Get Real: The Search for the Next OPM Star,” three emerging recording artists have stamped a mark in the local music industry already.

With chart-topping and viral hits; malls, bars and corporate gigs across the country; and radio and television guest appearances, last year’s triple-tie winners—Fifth Dynamics, JBK, and Neo Domingo—are already rocking the music scene after McJim took a chance on them and helped them with the direction of their careers.

JBK

Much sought-after boy band JBK, composed of Joshua Bulot, Bryan Del Rosario, and Kim Lawrenz Ordonio, is making everyone’s heart melt. The group’s R&B-infused ballad,“Anong Meron Ka,” gets major airtime on popular radio stations nationwide and in music channels.

The group readily acknowledges how McJim has been instrumental in chasing their dreams. “Because of the McJim Dreams Get Real talent search, doors of opportunities were opened, helping us land different shows,” says Bryan Del Rosario of JBK. “We also released our single with the help of McJim, which is a huge deal for us. Plus, seeing people recognize and support us is priceless.”

On the other hand, Fifth Dynamics, led by former The Voice of the Philippines contestant Mark Cordovales and members John Peterson Leyva, Wence Escabas, Aldrin Condat, and Jhay Santos, has released two chart-topping singles titled “Anyare” and “Pogi Kame”. 

Fifth Dynamics

“Before, we just listen to our favorite bands in the radio, but now we hear our own songs being requested. That’s crazy!” said Cordovales.

Cordovales added that McJim supported them and other winners in a number of ways that resulted in a stable career for all three of them. McJim’s support includes series of shows across the country, music video sponsorships, bus advertisements, posters, and the over-all creative direction of the band.

The third winner, Neo Domingo, also topped national and local charts with his debut single “Pagbigyan Mo Na”. It was likewise named as the Most Wanted Song of 97.1 Barangay LS FM. 

The rising pop balladeer is also expanding his horizons by reviving the late ’90s and early 2000s novelty genre. His follow-up novelty single “Kaching-Kaching,” featuring his fellow McJim dreamer Fifth Dynamics, is now heavily played on different stations and is currently one of the soundtracks of GMA’s hit sitcom, “Ismol Family”.

Neo Domingo

“McJim Dreams Get Real has been a huge help in launching my career. Seeing my name and my singles on different top charts together with those of big names in the music industry is a dream come true,” Domingo avers.

“My newest single is very different from my genre but I’m thankful that fans still like to listen to my music. I grew up in a generation where novelty songs are like a national anthem and I want this generation to experience that kind of music,” says Domingo.

The talents are likewise in the process of completing their debut albums produced by award-winning arranger and composer Jonathan Ong of SonicState Studio.

But there is no stopping what McJim has set out to do, which is to open more doors of opportunity for aspiring artists and to give them a platform from which they can showcase their talents.

Banking on the success of last year’s competition, McJim is renewing “Dreams Get Real: The Search for the Next OPM Star” for a second season, which is open to all unsigned male and female solo artists, aged 15 to 35 years old, with Filipino lineage.

To all aspiring artists who want to follow in the footsteps of the three McJim Dreamers, McJim Classic Leather extends this invitation: send your video recording or a Youtube link of your performance/s (you may opt to submit a cover or an original song of any genre of your choice) together with the filled-out application form on or before May 15.

“We aim to make Dreams Get Real talent search even bigger, brighter, and better this year. We now offer a full album and music video grant; P100,000 in cash prize; artist marketing support; and a talent management contract to the sole winner!” Chris Cahilig, Dreams Get Real project head, proudly declares.

Like the official McJim classic leather facebook page at www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM and get more information on how you can be the next OPM star.