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. 

Baskin-Robbins ice cream cakes for exceptional moms

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In celebration of Mother’s Day, Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is introducing an attractive lineup of ice cream cakes for that special woman in our lives. 

Baskin-Robbins offers a wide range of stylish and eye-catching ice cream cake designs made from premium ice cream and a layer of delicious moist cake. From the Delectable Designer Bag and Lady Bug cakes to the Pearls and Petals, Swirling Rose, and Mini Gift cakes, Baskin-Robbins’ ice cream cakes are designed with every mother’s special qualities in mind. 

Whether your mother is a fashionista at heart, fun and playful or simple yet elegant, Baskin-Robbins has a cake for her. Guests can also choose to have their ice cream cakes customized with any ice cream flavor of their choice. Or a personalized message could be added on top to show how much you love your mom. 

In line with the special treat for moms, Baskin-Robbins is also highlighting one of its all-time best sellers, Pralines N’ Cream as the flavor of the month for May. This classic ice cream flavor is made with vanilla flavored ice cream with praline-coated pecan pieces and a caramel ribbon. Pralines N’ Cream can be enjoyed in a cup, cone, milkshake or two-scoop sundae. 

To know more about Baskin-Robbins’ range of ice cream flavors and frozen desserts, visit Baskin-Robbins shops at the Central Square, Bonifacio Global City; Greenbelt 5, Makati; Fairview Terraces and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.

For more information about Baskin-Robbins; visit www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their Facebook (facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph), Twitter and Instagram (baskinrobbinsph) accounts.

New Foton ambulance bolsters Rescue5's emergency response service

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Rescue5, TV5’s well-acclaimed and multi-awarded emergency response unit, takes its renowned cause journalism efforts and public service campaign to even greater heights, now with its special partnership with top commercial vehicle brand, Foton Philippines, who has generously donated a brand-new Foton ambulance.

The fully-equipped and full-frontline ambulance from Foton will ultimately allow the entire Rescue5 team to further its cause and service in giving Filipinos from all walks of life the proper aid and immediate assistance needed in times of emergencies and other related situations.

Leading the ceremonial turnover of the Rescue5 ambulance from Foton Philippines were no less than News5 Head Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Rescue5’s Paolo Bediones, TV5 President and CEO Noel Lorenzana, Foton Philippines President and CEO Rommel Sytin, and Foton International Executive GM for PV Operations Robert Zhang.

TV5 President and CEO Noel Lorenzana shares this about the partnership between the Kapatid Network and Foton Philippines, “The partnership between TV5 and Foton actually started even long before, with their support in the PBA tournaments. In fact, it is a very pleasant surprise that they donated this ambulance to Rescue5, which is really a recognition and sign of respect they have for Rescue5 – on how it has become a really big force in helping people, especially in times of emergencies. This partnership only further strengthens News5 and Rescue5’s motto, “Higit sa Balita, Aksyon”, because in the end, this is really in the service for everybody, especially for people in need.”

Rescue5 can be reached via its hotline (02) 922-51-55, Twitter account: @RESCUE5PH, and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RESCUE5PH.

Pangasinan's ping-pong girl is Palaro's youngest athlete

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J-An A. Sanchez is just like any other Palaro player. She has good grades in school, has won district, division and regional meets, and has collected numerous gold medals and awards. 

This Table Tennis player from Rosales, Pangasinan has done it all, and she’s just 7 years old.

J-An A. Sanchez 

Dubbed as 2015 Palarong Pambansa’s youngest athlete, it’s no surprise that J-An made it this far. She hailed from a family of Table Tennis players, led by her father and Coach, Allan B. Sanchez.

“Natuto siyang pumalo sa pagsingitsingit niya habang naglalaro yung mga kapatid niya. Nung na-discover nga na mayroon siyang talent, ang ginawa nung trainer niya ay binigyan siya ng piso sa bawat bola na maibalik niya.” 

Her father said that being a kid, J-An delighted in such an incentive and was able to make as much as 20 pesos in one sitting.

Originally it was her brother and sister, AJ and Aljhay Sanchez, who were intended to train and compete in the Palarong Pambansa. J-An joined the District meet for the purpose of exposure and for her to have fun. Instead, this Grade 1 pupil beat all the Grade 6 students who entered the match– all of whom are much taller and much experienced than her.

“Siya na yung nagrepresent ng Division namin sa Regional Meet. Hindi namin ineexpect na mananalo siya kasi ayaw namin siyang ma-pressure. Pinapabayaan lang namin siya kasi kitang-kita na masaya siya pag naglalaro. Ang nangyari,tinalo niya yung mga malalakas na players ng Region 1 at ito n anga kami, andito ngayon sa Palarong Pambansa.” added Sanchez, saying that it is J-An and Aljhay who made it to the nation’s renowned sporting event.

When asked what J-An wants to do in life, the little darling of the crowd said “Gusto ko lang pong maglaro ng Table Tennis.Masayang masaya po kasi ako pag naglalaro ako.” 

With her advanced skills and the youthful bliss she gets from playing, surely we’ll be seeing a lot of her in the next Palaro meets to come.

#Palaro2015: A special moments with Lina, long-jumper student athlete

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There are many interesting situations you can see in a national event like the 2015 Palarong Pambansa where more than 12,000 participants, compete and do their best to win. 

Here's about an amazing story.

Lina Abando

Lina Abando, the 9-year-old athlete participant in the long-jump competition in the Palarong Pambansa 2015, being held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

A short conversation with Lina, she showed us that a little girl in the Kalinga mountain is happy and honest while sharing her life.

She became an student athlete and made it to the 2015 Palarong Pambansa for the first time. Gladly to be in. She told us and thankful that her mother gave her P20 as her "pocket money" so she have to use in the entire event from May 3 - 9.  

The Deped and sponsors provide the student athletes their food, accomodation and all things they need. 

In an interview, one asked her what would she do to the cash prize when she wins. "Isasauli ko sa nanay ko ang 20 pesos na bigay nya," she replied. 

With laughs and one asked her "walang interes?" First she said, "wala po." When asked her why she’d only give back 20 pesos only. She said she will use the money to buy school supplies. 

But after in a while she told us "ibibigay ko po 40 pesos." We smiled and love her because of her being candid and her inspiring moments she shared.

What do she wants to be when she grows up ? An adorable and charmed Lina said "gusto ko po maging doktor ng mga aso.” She wants to be a vet doctor.

What makes her special? I'm in tears actually. 

Having a disability can make life so difficult, especially when you’re a little kid who just wants to play and do all the other things that your classmates get to do.

Very special, happy and inspiring young girl. 

Lina is partially blind.

That’s why it’s so wonderful when we see a child overcome their disability and get a shot at a better life.

Athletes with intellectual disability, visual impairment and those who are orthopedically handicapped will have a chance to be scouted to compete in international events. 

“Ang Palarong Pambansa, kagaya ng edukasyon, ay inclusive o bukas sa lahat. Wala itong pinipili, wala itong itinatangi. Ito ay para sa lahat na may pusong handang magpunyagi upang sa dulo ay magwagi.” -  Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC presents Palaro as a means to support the Department’s commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for all learners. (Sports, Education, Oportunities)

Photo: Arts Travel Magazine