Million Views Club

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Gone are the days when word on what’s hot in entertainment springs only from what critics have to say. Bankability, after all, roots from the appreciation of the public, and the public has long blasted towards a world where a single “like”, “thumbs up” or “star” can tip the scale. 

With YouTube re-establishing the very purpose of music videos, the artists of Ivory Music & Video gain the champagne life by garnering millions of views, giving a bird’s eye perspective of OPM’s finest today. It’s a highly exquisite circle of new-breed talents.

Leading the pack is rapper Abra with a whopping 40 million+ views on official YouTube channels carrying his name. Possessing unparalleled lyrical flair in early years of age and career, the music video for “Gayuma”, featuring Thyro and Jeriko Aguilar, has steadily surpassed the 30-million mark. “Ilusyon” managed to front on critical and commercial reception as, apart from amassing more than 4 million views, the music video gained recognition at the 27th Awit Awards, winning Best Music Video on top of fully-established contenders such as Yeng Constantino, Sandwich and Gloc-9. And since in the camp of young tongue-twisters he’s tagged as “the wordsmith”, Abra’s lyric videos embraced its fandom views with 5 million for “Abrakadabra” and 3 million for the Chito Miranda-assisted “Diwata”. The rest from Abra’s video catalogue are looking at following suit, too, as only a few months upon YouTube publishing, videos for “Cerebrus”, “Deadma”, and “Midas” are still running on replay. 

Charisma also plays a big part in crunching up the numbers, proven by Maja Salvador on her first recording venture, “Believe”, pieced together by Ivory Music & Video. More than a triple threat (a signed actress, dubbed as the Dance Princess, and vaulted her image on magazine covers), Maja gained bigger following when she stepped into the music limelight: non-fans loved her and fans loved her even more, and when “going for gold” wasn’t enough, the album sky-rocketed to Platinum certification. Be that as it may, it wasn’t much of a surprise, really–to begin with, Maja’s pilot music video “Dahan-dahan” tallied 5,973,100 views as this is being written, and is currently the most popular video on Ivory Music’s channel. Quite impressive for a track that’s only getting its feet wet. Follow-up “Halika Na”, with Abra lending his rapping power, is already checking beyond half a million.

JM De Guzman

JM De Guzman, too, needs no introduction. A pre-established appeal is a card on his stack, but unknown to many is a real vocal talent behind the pretty-boy face which he chose to play. Music is career 2.0 for JM, faring well on YouTube introspection: his cover of John Legend’s “All Of Me” and Itchyworm’s “Akin Ka Na Lang” are beyond 2,000,000 views. The remainder in his video archive never have less than a hundred thousand hits.

Besides these soloists, Silent Sanctuary’s also been making the million cut. The rockestra’s premiere record deal with Ivory Music & Video pitched them to be front-liners for the label. The album “Monodramatic” enjoyed continuous success with a huge part of thanks goes to the reverberation of their online presence. The original version of the music video for “Sa’Yo” garnered more than 2,300,000 views, and “Meron Nang Iba” yielded more than 1,100,000. Even the lyric video for “Bumalik Ka Na Sa Akin” is Ivory Music & Video’s 5th most popular video at 1,134, 011 views and the official clip for the same song is following suit at a close 800,000.

The same goes for Moonstar88 who has perfected the slice-of-Pinoy-life songwriting method. Going for alternative tunes friendly to the airwaves, the band’s accompanying music videos have been easy on the eyes that it’s no different from sneaking a peek on someone’s diary. This vivid retelling of very specific life moments is, perhaps, the reason for “Gilid” and “Ligaw” earning not less than 1,100,000 music video views on YouTube.

If view count is the trend, then Ivory Music & Video’s doing a pretty good job creating trendsetters. Online content reveals real-time bearing on commercial relevance, and at a time when fanhood is crucially a musician’s wealth, it’s safe to lay claim that the label is benefitting from the rich rewards of its knack for developing talent on both sides of the camera, and meeting the wants of the audience, if not redefining it. With the goal of keeping every release perfectly in tune with our times, soul is practically breathed into production.

Critical accolades are still a driving force for success, yes, but the sweeter nod still rests on real audience feedback.

A click (or a tap) will, as they say, make or break.

See the numbers rise higher by subscribing to Ivory Music & Video’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/IvoryMusicVideoPH, and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ivorymusicandvideophilippines for updates on your favourite OPM and international artists!

By: Riley Bardos

In The Lonely Hour Tour: Sam Smith Live in Manila

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Sam Smith Live in Manila on May 10, 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Sam Smith In The Lonely Hour Tour 2015 in Manila is brought to you by MMI Live.

English singer, Sam Smith, is coming to Manila for the very first time. He's one of the fastest rising superstars today. He rose to fame in October 2012 when he was featured on Disclosure's breakthrough single "Latch", which peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart. His subsequent feature on Naughty Boy's "La La La" earned him his first number 1 single in May 2013.

In August 2014, Smith's single "Stay with Me" was named Variance Magazine's Song of Summer.

Ticket Prices:

Patron – 6,830

Lower Box – 4,730

Upper Box – 2,100

Gen Ad – 1,050

Tickets available starting December 16 at SM Ticket Outlets or visit smtickets.com

Stay With Me – Sam Smith

Charice Pempengco and fashion designer Josie Natori to join June 15 Yolanda concert "After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines"

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Internationally acclaimed singer Charice Pempengco and fashion designer Josie Natori are the latest additions to the list of participants in a June 15 concert in Washington D.C. to raise funds for victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Charice Pempengco

After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines will be staged at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, 15 June 2014, according to Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.

Cuisia reiterated his appeal to Filipino-Americans to buy tickets for the concert, saying this would help Yolanda victims rebuild their lives.

"We are delighted that the concert will be graced by such big talents. I am encouraging everyone to buy their tickets as soon as possible, as the first and second tier tickets are already sold out. By purchasing a ticket, you will be helping rebuild the devastation that occurred in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan," Cuisia said. (Read: Philippine Embassy website.)

Dubbed as "the most talented girl in the world" by Oprah Winfrey, Pempengco's star rose after she was discovered on YouTube. 

Josie Natori (Photo: AD/images)

Filipina-American philanthropist Natori is a multi-awarded designer and founder of The Natori Company, will be among the concert's special presenters.

The concert, dubbed "After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines," will be held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on June 15.

Other talents slated to perform include:

- singer Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas

- actor Lou Diamond Phillips

- ballet dancer Christine Rocas

- tenor Rodell Rosel

- Tony award-winning Broadway artist Lea Salonga

- Glee star Darren Criss

- violinist Joshua Bell.

Also to be featured are the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra conducted by Luke Frazier and the Broadway Community Chorus founded by Baayork Lee, as well as video messages of hope from celebrities and other personalities from around the world.

The benefit concert is made possible with the cooperation of Philippine Embassy, US-Philippine Society and Philippine Humanitarian Coalition.

“After the Storm” will be directed by Bayork Lee, a Broadway Legend and it will be produced by Robert Pullen, an Emmy-nominated producer.

People who would like to purchase tickets online may log-in to www.kennedy-center.org.

Six promising OPM acts battle it out in “Dreams Get Real” talent search finals

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Getting a crack on being the next Original Pilipino Music (OPM) star are the Top 6 of “Dreams Get Real,” a music talent search organized by McJIM Classic Leather. Battling it out in the decisive grand finals slated on June 30 are Archetype, CK Arca, Dream of Pearl, Fifth Dynamics, JBK and Neo Domingo.

Would it be a band, a boy band, or a solo act? 

In the run up for the grand finals, the Top 6 have recorded and released their debut singles in radio stations nationwide and be featured in MTV Pinoy for the month of June. A jury composed of music industry stalwarts led by project head and public relations executive Chris Cahilig and multi-awarded arranger Jonathan Ong of Sonic State Studio will take into consideration radio airplay, radio chart and Youtube views as well as overall potential in selecting the grand winner.

“McJim Classic Leather initiated the competition to give undiscovered Filipino talents a chance to be heard while expanding the library of OPM with fresh melodies and lyrics that resonate the national sentiment,” says Cahilig.

“We applied McJim’s principle of quality and originality in choosing the six singles recorded by the finalists. We are optimistic and confident that these songs will help advance our agenda of enlivening the local music industry,” he adds.

In the Top 6 is Archetype from Tondo, Manila who recorded “Di Na Biro,” which is the group’s own composition. Composed of Alvin Traqueña (rhythm guitar), Ar John Patalay (lead guitar), Nikko Martin Francisco (bass guitar), Tricia May Casauay (vocals) and Zejemiah Gonzaga (drums), the band plays alternative and rock music and considers Hillsong, Paramore, Up Dharma Down and Kamikazee as their musical influences.

Archetype

“At first I thought we join into this competition just for experience, because honestly, we lack outside exposure,” says bass guitarist Nikko Martin. “But as I think of it deeper, ‘Dreams Get Real’ is a venue for us to showcase our talent, to prove that we can do more.”

CK Arca

CK Arca, on the other hand, is Calvin Khaye from Caloocan City who interpreted “Certified Good Vibes,” an inspirational song composed by Raffy Calicdan, a PhilPop finalist and a member of The X-Factor finalist Take Off. CK usually sings and plays pop, R&B, classic rock and standard music and looks up to Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, Steve Perry and Aerosmith as his musical idols. He joined the competition to “gain more experience as a singer and to work with one of the best management companies here in this industry.”

Dream of Pearl

Another Top 6 entrant is Dream of Pearl, whose debut single “Panalo” is composed by Oli Agustin of Letter Day Story. The amateur band, which hails from Caloocan City, is composed of Alfonso Abrenzosa (vocals), Mark Jayson Dizon (guitar), Von Christian Vizmanos (bass) and Evan Briones (drums). Playing alternative, rock and acoustic music, the band considers Eraserheads, Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar and Silent Sanctuary as their musical influences. 

Being a part of Top 6 has been a big boost for the band’s confidence and considers the competition as a door opening to a myriad of opportunities. “We believe that ‘Dreams Get Real’ is a big break for us,” says vocalist Alfonso. “This is a chance to show our talent and our own music.”

Fifth Dynamics

Another group taking a shot for the grand prize is Fifth Dynamics, from Antipolo City, meanwhile recorded “Anyare” a self-composed piece written with the help of Cahilig, the discovered and manager of hitmaker boy band 1:43. Composed of Mark Cordovales (vocals), John Peterson Leyva (rhythm guitar), Eljon Nono (lead guitar), Daryl Jay Santos (bass guitar) and Aldrin Condat (drums), the group plays mainly pop rock and alternative rock and follows the musical lead of Rivermaya, Bamboo, Kris Allen and Boyce Avenue.

Dreaming one day of representing the Philippines in an international competition, Fifth Dynamics hopes to kickstart that goal by becoming a recording artist. The competition has proved to be an eye-opener in more ways than one. “So far our experience with ‘Dreams Get Real’ is beyond our expectations.”

JBK 

Also part of the Top 6 is JBK who released the love song “Anong Meron Ka,” composed by Urie Tesorio who is behind the hits “Hayop sa Ganda” and “Ikaw at Ako” of 1:43. Hailing from Mandaluyong City, the trio is composed of Joshua Bulot, Bryan del Rosario and Kim Ordonio. They have a variety of influences that include The Wanted, One Direction, All4one, Boys2Men, Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz and Emblem3, among others.

It was the competition that prompted the three friends to create a group and show their musical skills. “The tagline itself, ‘Dreams Get Real,’ prompted us to join the competition,” says Joshua. “We want that dream to get real. And knowing McJIM is there to back us up, we are very lucky be given an opportunity to represent an undeniably great brand.”

Neo Domingo

Last but not the least is Neo Domingo whose impressive vocals gave life to “Pagbigyan Mo Na,” also penned by Tesorio. Neo is Epifanio Domingo III from Quezon City who plays acoustic pop rock and R&B music and admires John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Bruno Mars and Gary Valenciano. The competition is a way for him to showcase his own composition and hopefully achieve success in the industry and “promote OPM” to a large audience.

The grand champion of the Dreams Get Real talent search will receive cash prize worth P50,000 from McJim Classic Leather, a recording and management contract, and a grant to record a single and release a music video. The Grand Winner will receive P50,000 in cash, a recording and management contract, and a grant to have the official music video of a single. The second placer will win P25,000 in cash and a trophy, while the third place winner will receive P15,000 in cash and a trophy.

“McJim Classic Leather is pulling all the stops in creating a memorable show during the Finals Night,” says Cahilig. “Having gone through an extensive, rigorous search, the Top 6 are poised to have the biggest performance in their budding musical careers. Only one will emerge as winner but I’m confident that, with the right attitude and motivation, all of them will stake their claims in the music industry.”

Like the Official McJIM Classic Leather Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM) and find out how you can support the Top 6 of Dreams Get Real talent search.

Noel Cabangon, Gloc-9 receive Platinum Record Awards

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Platinum Singer-Songwriter Noel Cabangon and OPM Rap Genius Gloc-9 are undeniably two of the biggest OPM acts of today.

Last Sunday, May 4, during “ASAP 19,” Universal Records Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go awarded NoelCabangon with three record awards – Double Platinum for “Byahe,” Platinum for “Tuloy Ang Byahe,” Gold for “Acoustic Noel,” his latest release.

These albums, consistently top the music charts, contain Noel’s rendition of some of the most loved OPM classics.

On the other hand, Gloc-9 was also awarded a Platinum Record Award for his latest album “Liham at Lihim,” which included the hits “Magda,” “Takipsilim,” and “KMT.”

Recently, Gloc-9 spawned numerous awards at the 2014 MYX Music Awards.

Super Amazing Bruno Mars Superbowl Halftime Show 2014

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Bruno Mars gives an amazing and high-energy performance during the 2014 Super Bowl Halftime Show held on Sunday, February 2 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Bruno Mars Super Bowl 2014 Halftime Show Full Performance 

Best moments with Bruno Mars - drummed, danced and crooned his way into America's heart, while the Red Hot Chili Peppers rocked out in tandem.With the Seahawks ahead of the Broncos 22-0 entering the half, fans across the nation were desperately in need of a boost. The halftime show delivered.

The 28-year-old singer started the show by having a children’s chorus sing his verse from the song “Billionaire” before he hopped on stage for a drum solo.

The 28-year-old pop star opened the show on the drums for "Billionaire," a Travie McCoy song on which he was featured in 2009, before launching into his doo-wop swagger with a hip-swinging performance of "Locked Out of Heaven."

Mars, who was named Billboard's 2013 Artist of the Year , followed those songs up with a rambunctious rendition of "Runaway Baby."

He closed the set with "Just The Way You Are," which began with an emotional video of troops addressing their loved ones.

Bruno then went into his songs “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Treasure,” “Runaway Baby,” “Give it Away” with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and finally his song which began with a tribute to army families. “Just the Way You Are.”

A Benefit Concert Titled “Heal Our Land” with International Jazz Artists

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The jazz scene’s brightest stars will be coming together in a night filled with the finest music, which will also be a benefit concert titled “Heal Our Land,” set to be mounted at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 31, 2014, produced by All That Jazz Promotions, Inc., with the support of ABS-CBN, Lifestyle Network, and other partners.

The benefit concert is set to be the most star-studded Jazzfest yet, unique in that it will be led by pianist David Benoit and singers David Pack and Kevyn Lettau, with keyboardist Brian Simpson, American saxophonist and singer Jessy J, percussionist Richie “Gajate” Garcia, and guitarist-singers Ray Parker, Jr. and Jonathan Butler, whose song has inspired this concert’s title.

“Heal Our Land” with Filipino-American saxophonist Michael Paulo, pianist-singer-songwriter Spencer Day, pianist Gregg Karukas—and Freddie Schreuders, Eric Valentine, and Nate Phillips of the LA All-Star Band.

Some of today’s local talents will also be joining the Jazzfest, including host Billy Crawford, Sitti, Side A, South Border, Free Style, Mulatto, Bituin Escalante, Zoo, True Faith, Chad Borja, and recent “voice of the Philippines” contender Thor Dulay. The concert will be directed by the Philippines’ own Bert de Leon.

All the participating artists in “Heal Our Land” chose to generously wave their fees for this concert, directing proceeds to the relief efforts of ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya and Gawad Kalinga projects.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets. For more information, please contact 470-2222 or visit www.smtickets .net.

Christian Bautista wins The 2013 Élan Awards Search for Modern Filipino Gentleman

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International singer and matinee idol Christian Bautista has been proclaimed as the winner of The 2013 Elan Awards, the epitome of the Modern Filipino Gentleman.

As the 2013 Élan Man, Christian Bautista will be awarded the prestigious Élan trophy, designed by acclaimed contemporary Filipino artist Igan D’Bayan; 100,000 pesos; and a year’s supply of McJIM Classic Leather products. The Élan Awards will also donate 100,000 pesos to Bautista’s favorite charity, World Vision.This Elan Awards was held at 55 Events Place in Scout Rallos, Quezon City, August 15, 2013.

In the first ever online competition established by McJIM Classic Leather, the 2013 Elan Award's purpose to inspire all Filipino men to become true gentlemen of our modern times.

The award has been established by popular leather brand McJIM to find and honor the best role models for style and elegance among today’s Filipino gentlemen. The finalists were chosen from a lengthy list of entertainment, fashion, sports, music, and public service personalities. The winner was chosen by popular vote; the votes were cast on the Official Facebook Fan Page of McJIM Classic Leather.

Bautista was picked from among twelve stellar finalists. His co-finalists included Senator-elect Sonny Angara; actor and director Dingdong Dantes; celebrity food blogger Erwan Heussaff; actor Xian Lim; acclaimed actor Coco Martin; actor and producer Piolo Pascual; singer and businessman Richard Poon; actor and fitness enthusiast Derek Ramsay; actor and singer Jericho Rosales; professional basketball athlete, businessman, and TV host Chris Tiu; and AZKALS member Phil Younghusband.

The finalists were chosen by a celebrity panel of judges that included society columnist Tim Yap; actor and top male model Victor Basa; and radio and TV personality Sam YG based on three criteria:
    a. Elegance of Style; 
    b. Refinement; and
    c. Accomplishment

In an official statement, McJIM Classic Leather said it was very pleased over Bautista’s victory. It said that Bautista is a perfect choice as winner because the award highlights the fact that Filipino talent is respected in the world and is capable of great accomplishment—qualities that Bautista possesses as an international performer and recording artist.

“We are glad that Mr. Christian Bautista has been judged to represent the best in what is truly Filipino. As a singer, Mr. Bautista has an international fan base, proving that Filipino talent and passion has no bounds. He shows us that the Filipino stands proud and can hold his own with any other race or nationality. Mr. Bautista is an inspiration to us all for his sense of style, his Filipino values and manners, and his drive to succeed,” said 2013 Élan Awards Project Head Chris Cahilig.

The 2013 Élan Awards trophy was designed by Filipino visual artist and writer Igan D’Bayan. D’Bayan has held several sold out exhibitions that gained critical and popular acclaim. He is also an art columnist and illustrator for a major Philippine broadsheet.

Cahilig added that the overriding purpose of the award is to inspire Filipino men “to live the life and apply the values of a true gentleman of the Philippines” and that Christian Bautista exemplifies this gentlemanly lifestyle. He also said that they were overwhelmed by the response of Filipinos to the online search for the 2013 Elan Awards winner. “Filipinos from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and even across the globe, all responded by Liking our page, nominating, and voting for their candidates.”

The criteria for the 2013 Elan Awards, which include elegance in style, refinement, and accomplishment, are also represented in the prizes that the winner receives. The supply of McJIM Classic Leather represents stylish elegance in their manufacture and design while the cash prize represents the success and accomplishment that the winner has achieved.

“We note in particular the trophy that we had especially designed for the awards. The trophy was designed by a person of notable accomplishment, in this case it’s Igan D’Bayan. We wanted Mr. D’Bayan to create a trophy that is, by itself, a work of Art: it represents refinement in manners, values, and etiquette—the true Filipino gentleman.

“Through this competition, even we at McJIM Classic Leather learned a valuable lesson: our Filipino youth’s ideals are alive and well. Their participation in this competition signals that they are at one with, and are ready to uphold, the ideals that make us true Filipino gentlemen.

“The Elan Award is a celebration and a challenge: it reminds us of our calling to be Filipino gentlemen wherever we are—to be proud of being Filipino, to be stylish, refined, and to accomplish great things for ourselves and our nation,” said Cahilig.

The eleven other Élan Awards finalists will receive certificate of recognition and a six-month supply of McJIM products.

For more updates visit https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM and check out for more
Photos. 

Yahoo! Philippines OMG! with Media Magnet Charice Pempengco

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The Yahoo! OMG! Awards 2013 honors the Philippines' most promising celebrities and breakthrough artists who have been the most searched on Yahoo!

With more support from dedicated fans, the first OMG!Media Magnet who went to international singing sensation Charice Pempengco. 

The highlights of the evening was the announcement of the first OMG! Media Magnet who went to international singing sensation Charice Pempengco. After the annoucement, she really honestly and humbly answer the questions from the media. She thanks all supports her and she performed great songs. 

As we have seen nationwide, the third edition of Yahoo! OMG! Awards has been living up to its theme, Stars Rock, Fans Rule, wherein it received over four million votes from fans in just three weeks. Filipinos have been actively voting for their favorite stars on the Yahoo! OMG! Philippines’ popular entertainment news site since nominees were announced last night. June 4, 2013.

The launch was held at URBN Bar & Kitchen and was attended by celebrities and nominees such as Jasmine Curtis Smith, Eula Caballero, Tim Yap, Karylle, Jane Oineza, Arci Munoz, Eleven O One, Philia, Sassy Girls and Abra. 

Congratulations Charice! 

A Magical Night with LAURA FYGI on June 24!

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Enjoy the wonderful world, a magical night with someone with instantly recognisable voice which has won her hearts all over the globe - Laura Fygi.

Laura Fygi is a great singer with a unique voice. Capable of delivering the great tunes of our time in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, even in Chinese. She combines easily and with great enthusiasm the different genres and styles of today’s’ beautiful songs.

Come and experience a night of jazz and magical performance as Laura Fygi visits Manila for the first time on June 24, 2013, 8pm at Fairmont Raffles Hotel in Makati City.

The woman who was raised in Uruguay as the daughter of an Egyptian belly dancer, in the Far East Laura Fygi is the emancipated Western lady who many others aspire to be. But wherever she may be, there’s one common factor in all of those locations. Everywhere that she visits, she is a veritable vision of exotica.

Her travel-packed lifestyle has provided her with the most amazing experiences, as Laura has been a welcome return visitor to Asia for years. As a Dutch singer, being loved most by Asian countries, especially in China, has already been one great achievement for her.

“During the press conference, they remarked that the Chinese audience decided which foreign artist was to be invited, and that they had chosen me. It made me go very quiet for a moment,” she said as included in her profile.  

 

Surprises are typical for a performer who has re-invented herself many times. Since her dance hits with the girl group Centerfold in the early 1980s, Laura has travelled down numerous musical pathways, such as jazz, Latin, and chansons: not shying away from any genre or style. 

“I really dislike pigeon holes”, says the multi-faceted diva. “I’m always on the lookout for something new, because I don’t think you should repeat yourself. I can’t stand to be in a rut.”

Laura has also been presented with various gold and platinum discs and awards, as well as playing the lead role in Singapore of her favourite musical Victor/Victoria.

Laura has released 12 albums since her debut in 1991 including the 2011’s “The Best Is Yet To Come”. The album highlights Laura’s 20th anniversary as a solo artist and was recorded with a big band. It was followed by an extensive tour in both the Netherlands and Asia where Laura performed with local big bands.

Being well-loved by the Asians, Laura released her 13th album which was made specially for the Asian market. New album called “Flower” boasts four songs which were actually sung in Chinese and other titles were translated in English and French.

Spend "A Magical Night with Laura Fygi", and presented by Laurel Media on June 24 at the Fairmont Raffles Hotel with special guests and our countries very own talents inlcuding Jacqui Magno, Richard Merq and Jeannie Tiongco.

Call 891-9999 for your ticket inquiries.

"Barbie Forteza", self-titled album that fits her personality perfectly- bubbly, fun and wholesome!

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Enjoying the wonderful world of young pretty lady - Barbie Forteza.  Just last Saturday, May 25, I really enjoyed an intimate, fun meeting with her, she's really bubbly, fun and simple young lady. As what used to be tween queen, now turned teen queen Barbie adds another facet to her young entertainment career—singing. She finally released her debut album under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines). It is simply self-titled, the album fits Barbie’s personality perfectly- bubbly, fun and wholesome!

Barbie Forteza, GMA Network tween star and now known as one of the Philippines’ top teen stars whose popularity started with lead roles in highly rated GMA Network soap operas like “First Time”, “Pilyang Kerubin”, “Nita Negrita” and recently, “Paroa: Ang Kuwento ni Mariposa”. She has also appeared in top grossing movies such as “Ang Darling Kong Aswang”, “Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote”, “Tween Academy: Class of 2012”, “The Road”, “Ang Panday 2” and “Sossy Problems”. She is also one of today’s most in-demand young endorsers.

Her first single “Meron Ba” composed by Freddie Saturno, fits Barbie to a T as it is about young love and having a crush on someone- something that teens like her are experiencing. A lot will surely to relate to the song especially when watching the Korean series “Big”.

“I am so thankful to MCA Music for trusting me and giving me a chance to share my talents. I can’t wait to share it to my fans who supports me all the way,” Barbie said.

As special treat to her fans, Barbie will hold an album launch and fans day on June 2, 5pm at 3rd Floor of SM North EDSA The Block. Grab a copy of her album which will be sold by Astroplus to get a free poster and have it signed by Barbie herself after the show.

It includes the carrier single “Meron Ba” about having a crush on someone but could not tell anyone including the person she admires. Its music video is now out on MYX directed by J Pacena and also stars fellow GMA artist Jeric Gonzales as Barbie’s love interest. The album, produced by Francis Guevarra, also features her version of Jolina Magdangal’s “Laging Tapat”- another song about young love, the bouncy track “Upside Down” (originally from the A-Teens) and an original song “Wala Lang”- written by Jude Gitamondoc. “Wala Lang” also comes with a dance version for those who want to groove to Barbie’s music. All tracks have minus one versions for those who want to sing-along to Barbie’s songs.

Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso

Meron Ba

Laging Tapat

Upside Down

Wala Lang

Wala Lang (Dance Version)

Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso (Minus One)

Meron Ba (Minus One)

Laging Tapat (Minus One)

Upside Down (Minus One)

Wala Lang (Minus One)

Wala Lang (Dance Version) (Minus One) 

Also catch Barbie Forteza on June 9 at SM Marikina and on June 30 at Pavilion Mall, Binan, Laguna. All shows start at 5pm.

Enjoying the wonderful world of Barbie. From being a good young actress, she's definitely now a certified recording artist. 

Barbie Forteza, the debut album, is now out on record stores nationwide under 

MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).

It is also available via iTunes via this link-

https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/barbie-forteza/id634521122. 

It features the iTunes exclusive track “Wala Lang” (Pop Version). 

Watch her music video via this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7NmTyrTLYg.

To download Barbie’s song “Meron Ba” as your ringback tone,

 just text MERONBA to 2728 (free for 5 days).

A fun afternoon with Barbie Forteza is brought to you by MCA Music, Pinoy Magazine, LionHearTV and GMA Artist Center.

Singer/Songwriter Richard Poon joins Universal Records

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Shown in the picture are album producer Ito Rapadas, UR General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go, Richard Poon, and Erickson Raymundo, talent manager of Richard.

Filipino-Chinese singer/songwriter Richard Poon has released multi-platinum albums over the years, making him the country’s premiere Big Band Crooner. This 2013, Richard has decided to make a bold move – to return to pop and join Universal Records, the country’s largest independent record label.

Poon is an accomplished musician whose deep knowledge of music allows him to delve into a wide variety of other musical genres. He has gone on a successful career and is a well-known jazz singer. Richard sings regularly every Sunday at Philippines’ variety show ASAP 2013 with the powerhouse cast of ASAP Sessionistas 

In the elite roster of Universal Records of prime male singers, Richard joins Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Billy Crawford, JayR .

Watch out for Richard’s first album with Universal Records to be out in a few weeks.

Singer/Songwriter Ogie Alcasid scores Gold for The Songwriter and The Hitmakers

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Singer/Songwriter Ogie Alcasid's latest album "The Songwriter and The Hitmakers" does not only celebrate his 25^th anniversary in showbiz, but also the achievements of OPM in recent years.

Ogie Alcasid's album  The Songwriter and The Hitmakers, released last October and recently was presented a Gold Record Award for outstanding sales of the album.

Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go presented the award to Ogie during the GMA Variety Show Party Pilipinas last January 13.

The album gathers all the biggest singing and recording artists in the country to breathe life to Ogie’s compositions, including both his biggest hits and new songs. Joining him are Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Piolo Pascual, Christian Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Arnel Pineda, Noel Cabangon, Richard Poon, Jed Madela, Kuh Ledesma, Rachelle Ann Go, Kyla, JayR and Jaya are part of the album.

Ogie's 25 years as a singer/songwriter, he has won various recognitions through his past albums. Among his top recognitions were the "Entertainer of the Year" trophy and a Hall of Fame title in the Aliw Awards.

Congratulations Ogie for all your achievements and awards! 

 "The Songwriter and the Hitmakers" has an 18-track & original compositions.

Here are the songs in the album now available for download at itunes  www.mymusicstore.com.ph and in all record stores nationwide.

1.       Ikaw Ang Aking Pangarap – Ogie Alcasid

2.       Sino Ako – Regine Velasquez

3.       Kailangan Kita – Gary Valenciano

4.       Pangako – Martin Nievera

5.       Walang Iba – Kuh Ledesma

6.       Tanging Ikaw Lamang – Sarah Geronimo

7.       Ikaw Lamang – Christian Bautista

8.       Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka – Angeline Quinto

9.       Mula Ngayon – Rachelle Ann Go

10.    Tayong Dalawa – Ogie Alcasid & Regine Velasquez

11.    Ikaw Ang Pag-ibig Ko – Noel Cabangon

12.    To You – Richard Poon

13.    Tanging Ikaw – Jed Madela

14.    Kung Mawawala Ka – Piolo Pascual

15.    Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw – Arnel Pineda

16.    Mga Nakaw na Sandali – Jay R & Jaya

17.    Why  Don’t We Give In – Kyla

18.    Ang Puso Ko – Ogie Alcasid