OPM Artists Record "THE PRAYER" for Yolanda Victims

On October 15, 2013, an earthquake with the energy equivalent to "32 Hiroshima bombs" devastated the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao and southern Luzon.

Two days later, the Loboc Children's Choir sang, "The Prayer," with the rubble of the hundred year old Loboc Church as their backdrop.

Their performance moved so many people here and abroad. Then, tragedy struck again.

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26th Awit Awards Winners Announced..

The Philippines Association of the Record Industry (PARI) has officially announced and awarded the OPM artists during a simple gathering held in Quezon City, today, December 11, 2013.

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FEATURED: Lea Salonga Records New Song "Wished That I Could Call You"

It was surprising and flattering to find out that someone from the other side of the world followed me on Twitter. They tapped me because our very own, the Broadway legend Lea Salonga sang one of their songs - Wished That I Could Call You..

photo credit: Dan and Laura Curtis website

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UP CLOSE: Songwriting with the Maestro

With the continuing success of Philippine Popular Music Festival's songwriting competition, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab introduced SONGWRITING WITH THE MAESTRO a year ago. It include lectures on song writing and Filipino music history. The tour is a program of the PhilPop Music Fest Foundation, an organization that aims to enrich Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and educate Pinoys about its importance.

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PH Red Cross Benefit Concert for the Victims of Yolanda

Bashed with Yolanda's wrath, several areas in the Visayas are now in help of that much need help and assistance. The Philippine National Red Cross together with Radio Republic will be having a benefit concert this coming November 13 at 19 East.

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Yapak Mo Yakap Ko Benefit Concert

CSR World, a department of Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation (BCYF) launches Yapak Mo Yakap Ko Benefit Concert on November 22, 2013 at 5:30pm until 9:30pm and will be held at the Plaza V of De La Salle- College of St. Benilde featuring Up Dharma Down and other uprising OPM bands such as Clover Street, Dagsin, Pathway and Unica, to help build a library in the slum area, particularly in Smokey Mountain, Tondo Manila. 

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Gloc-9 Reinvented Himself in Liham at Lihim

Last year, Gloc-9 scored big when he released his single Sirena (featuring Ebe Dancel) became a

phenomenal hit and a critics’ favorite. Sirena, which tackles the life of gays in a different and inspiring light, also became the favorite collaboration song among the biggest live concert artists like Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Noel Cabangon, among others.

The album Mga Kuwento Ng Makata, which scored a Gold Record award for its outstanding sales, also included the hits Bakit Hindi (with Billy Crawford), Hindi Mo Nadinig (with Jay Durias), among others. The said album was named Album of the Year in the recently-concluded Star Awards for Music.

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Concert Line-ups this November..

Lots of concerts happening this month of November from amazing performers..

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AcapellaGO Won #AkapelaOpen Competition

Nine amazing groups from different parts of the archipelago competed during the first ever contemporary a capella competition last Wednesday, October 30 held at the Meralco Theater. Among the 9, the group from Bulacan emerged as champions - AcapellaGO.

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FEATURED: Akapela Open's 9 Finalists..

From the 100 who made it to the live auditions, only nine made it to the final stage. And each one will perform at their best to be the FIRST Akapela Open grand champion.

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Martin Nievera One More Time in #3D2 (The Repeat)

Missed the first one? Not to worry coz the Concert King, Martin Nievera will be back on stage for another round of his recently successful anniversary concert, 3D - Tatlong Dekada on November 22, 2013; still at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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Jed Madela Celebrates 10th Year in a Concert

Photo credit: from Jed Madela's Instagram..

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Richard Poon’s Legends Turns Gold

Richard Poon’s first album under Universal Records Legends was recently awarded a Gold Record Award for its outstanding sales. Legends, which includes the hits Truly and Crazy, continues to top music sales charts since it was released four months ago.

In Legends, Richard traces his pop roots by singing some of the biggest pop artists in the international music industry - classics by Lionel Richie (Truly), Whitney Houston (All At Once), Barbra Streisand (Evergreen), Madonna (Borderline), Barry Manilow (Ready To Take A Chance Again), Kenny Rogers (Crazy), among others.

Photo credit: FROM RICHARD'S FACEBOOK FANPAGE

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'KPub' Party with The CompanY

The country’s premiere vocal group The CompanY has a lot to celebrate these days – a sold-out Rewind. Play. Fast Forward show at the Music Museum last month, various nominations and wins at various award giving bodies, a soon-to-be-released album and a forthcoming US tour.

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Bands across the Philippines “Get Loud”

After an exhaustive nationwide search that involved scouring hundreds of performance venues, visiting thousands of band sites and YouTube channels and immersing into the alternative music scene, five bands have been chosen from key regions of the country to battle it out for Converse Philippines’ “Get Loud.”

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Winning Moments of #VoicePHFinale

Since people are still in hype of the recent The Voice of the Philippines Finale, I've gathered photos online of some of the memorable moments of the final showdown.

First, let me give credit to YahooPH and Resorts World for these photos..

Arnel Pineda and Jed Madela

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Powerful Performances on the #VoicePHFinale

After a breathtaking flashback video of the four finalists, #VoicePHFinale opened the show with a "BANG" with a performance with Arnel Pineda and Jed Madela together with the previous TVOP artirts..

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The Road to the #VoicePH Grand Finals..

From 123 aspiring artists that auditioned during the blinds.. To the exciting battles.. Then the nerve wracking live shows.. It is now down to 4 artists, one from each team; vying to be the FIRST VOICE OF THE PHILIPPINES GRAND WINNER..

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Patti Austin and Lea Salonga in One Stage at the #VoicePH

It was an exciting day for #TeamPatti last Sunday, September 8.. Patti Austin will be performing live with Lea Salonga and some of the #VoicePH artists. This was a once in a lifetime experience for everyone.

one of my teaser photos..

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My #VoicePH Rehearsal Photo Went Viral..

It was September 8 during the live broadcast of #VoicePHLive. I was currently preparing to have a good spot in the audience, waiting for Patti Austin and Lea Salonga's performance.

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#VoicePH Live Shows Opened with Great Performances..

After the heart-pounding Battle Rounds, here comes the Live Shows; and it's definitely live!

Held at the Newport Performing Art Theater, Resorts World Manila, VoicePH Live Shows started with an awesome opening number from the coaches together with the 24 VoicePH artists.

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Team Lea: Saving the Best for Last..

A much awaited Voice PH battle happened last Saturday as Marissa Saroca and Radha Cuadrado gave a standing ovation performance. I must say, it was really a battle.. With R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

If you're looking for a battle royale, this is the one. Both of them gave it all on stage. Marissa sang it clean and nice while Radha still has that soulful vocal quality I once heard during the Kulay days. Love it!

Bravo to both of them. As Coach Sarah said, my highest respect! 

Congratulations to Radha and to Marissa, keep that music coming..

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Philpop 2013 Concert Series..

After the announcement of winners during the finals night, PHILPOP celebration doesn't end there..

PhilPop organizers together with Universal Records, recently held its Concert Series tour held at the Eastwood Plaza. The purpose of the event is not only to promote the album but to have the artists (interpreters) perform the songs included in the album.

I was there not as a blogger but as an avid supporter for OPM. I sang along with the songs performed. It's as simple as jamming with your favorite music..

Maestro Ryan Cayabyab giving some remarks before the show started..

Performances that night include by Kean Cipriano and Banda ni Kleggy (SPACE), Ace Libre (SOMETIMES THAT HAPPENS), Six Part Invention (TIME MACHINE), Tippy dos Santos, Quest and Sam Concepcion (DATI), Ney Dimaculangan (KUNG DI MAN)..

Kean Cipriano with Banda ni Kleggy

Six Part Invention

Ace Libre

Ney Dimaculangan

Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos with Quest

MORE PHOTOS..

Jam with the artists and songwriters of PhilPop 2013 at the following venues this weekend --

LUCKY CHINATOWN (August 17)
VENICE PIAZZA (August 18)

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Anne Curtis and Martin Nievera Collaboration Went Viral on YouTube..

We all know that the Concert King Martin Nievera will definitely have the voice to owe us. But with this YouTube video shared by one of the best musical directors, Marvin Querido; hear a different and improved Anne Curtis. And she definitely really sounded well singing 'Without You'. Anne did that rap part impressively..

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Madz in a Once in a Lifetime Reunion Concert

As a tribute to the late Andrea O. Veneracion, the Philippine Madrigal Singers will have a reunion concert on August 3 and 4 at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium, U.P. Diliman.

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1st VoicePH Battle Rounds Turned Controversial

"Let the battle begin!"

These are the words you'll be hearing for the upcoming weeks as The Voice of the Philippines Battle Rounds initially started last Sunday.

Coaches, together with their respective guest advisers are ready to see what has become of those hours and days of coaching..

Battle rounds initiated with the following pairs --

#TeamApl

#TeamBamboo #KampKawayan

#TeamSarah

#TeamLea

They all performed well and gave their respective coaches quite a challenge choosing who has to go and who has to stay..

I was "wowed" by Tristhan's stage performance. You can really see that he was enjoying his parts and those hitting the high notes, "Whew! Ang sarap pakinggan.." As for the Lorenzana siblings, I would agree with Coach Apl's comment that there was indeed a transformation with Grace's performance. Remember during the blind auditions, she's a bit hesitant singing some parts of the song.

Smooth intro of the intro and then it builds up which makes exciting.. With this pair, I could hear Morisette stand out especially during the duet parts. But if I am going to watch her, I can still see the influence of Coach Sarah performing on stage.

This duet/battle turned out to be controversial. Why? It was because Coach Bamboo's decision of choosing Lee over Dan. Not just a few but it was quite a lot of viewers reacted to it. My own Facebook and Twitter feed was filled with reaction's like "Dan should be the to move on to the next coz he sang the very well.." At some point, I may agree to that kind of comment. Dan's voice fits well to the song but I'm pretty sure Lee gave her best to give justice to her performance that night. With all these reactions ongoing after that, I really did waited for Coach Bamboo's statement. And he posted a statement the next day, answering to those reactions..

Hello guys,
I’ve been reading the comments from last nights battle, Lee vs Dan …1st thing no favoritism…I don’t play that…I go for who I think I can help..who I can develop…who I think has something to say…I’ve spent many hours with my team (off camera)..i try my best to know them as best I can…as singers, songwriters, performers and people. I know the weight of my responsibility… I take what I do very seriously…so to make decisions on one performance….on a “battle”…I think my guys deserve better than that..I believe in Dan…if I remember correctly I was the only one who turned …I heard something special in Dan...and last nights performance…he proved me right…he shined..i was so happy for him…and hated …HATED to make that decision…But Lee…Lee has a story to tell…I just feel that I have to give her that chance…she has an artists soul…she was lost an all she needed was to find a bit of light…I know lee ..her strengths and weaknesses…I pushed Lee…put her in a situation where I knew was difficult…but I’m always a believer of adversity…to be tested…GROWTH over prize…and in defeats we grow stronger…Lee lost that “battle” but she deserves to move on..be heard…i could have easily changed the key for Lee to make it easier on her but I didn’t…I wanted to hear Lee…this battle wasn’t about Lee vs Dan..it was Lee vs Lee…Dan Vs Dan…i will continue to sit on my chair…and continue to make these hard decisions...but know this..i am commited to my artists..my team a 100% …the lights go off…and I’m still there..i’m no longer dans “coach”…but if he’ll have me as a friend and mentor to guide him…I will try my best to get Dans story told…it just wasn’t his time…I know Dan…and all he needs is a guide ..let me be that guide…be positive ..lets support both artists..‪#‎RESPECT‬ ‪#‎KAMPKAWAYAN‬ ‪#‎VOICEPH

With this, let's just respect Coach Bamboo's decision and move forward..

Now here's the "Battle Royale" as Coach Lea said.. It was a battle of voices indeed. All those emotions and high notes.. What else can I say? There's bit of holding back on the part of Chien especially at the start of the high notes part.. Yet she did very well. There were minimal parts that she tend to sound like 'Aegis', very minimal but she definitely pulled it off. As for Mitoy, WOW! Voice range that high.. "Grabe!" I salute him for not overpowering his vocal prowess against Chien instead he remained at a point that he has to 'blend' in the duet parts. "Walang sapawan.."
DISCLAIMER: I may have come from the industry before but that doesn't mean I am an expert of such. These are my own opinions based on what I saw during the broadcast. 

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"Let the Battles Begin!" - Voice PH Battle Rounds

Competition is getting tighter.. Judges are even more aggressive.. Each team are almost complete..

photo credits: The Voice PH website

And this coming weekend, the real battle will begin - THE BATTLE ROUNDS!

Here's how it goes?

Each coach will pair the members of their respective teams and will compete one another, performing one song, in a boxing ring (literally!). Take note that it will be the coach to choose which song to perform.

After each performance, the other coaches will then provide feedback as well as the guest adviser of that team. Final verdict will still come from the team's coach - who stays, who goes!

BUT! Here's a hanging question.. With the turnaround of the blind auditions, it seems that each team is coming up with not only 12 but 13 members. What will happen to the 13th member? To whom will he/she compete to during the Battle Rounds?

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The Voice of the Philippines Gets Even More Exciting..

The recent blind auditions are getting more exciting with those amazing talents and coaches really battling it out with other to convince an artist (this is in the case of multiple chair turns).

Lea Salonga even came up with an idea of her Twitter follows to ask questions during commercial breaks with the hashtag #AskCoachLea.. Other coaches are also

Here are some of the highlights for the past 2 weeks of blind auditions --

The 16-yr old with a powerful voice - JESSICA REYNOSO


Part of the Pangilinan clan who wants to make it in his own way - RJ DELA FUENTE


Will this be her time - KLARISSE DE GUZMAN


Total performer - JANICE JAVIER


Soulful acoustic singer - MJ PODOLIG


All the way from Australia - MARISSA SAROCA


Certified Kundiman singer - JUVIE PELOS


Grooving to the beat - DIDAY GARCELLANO


Another unique voice - ANGELICA PRADO


As he just mentioned, it's all about the Voice! - YUKI ITO

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July 21st is Lea Salonga Day

Fans of Broadway diva Lea Salonga indeed went gaga when she confirmed of the several guest appearances happening tomorrow.

Lea Salonga will be performing with international singing sensation Charice and rockstar Bamboo in ASAP 2013. Next to that is another guesting on The Buzz. And let's end the day full of laughter as she is guesting on Gandang Gabi Vice.

In line with this awesome day, new-found twitter friends came with an idea of an hash tag for tomorrow.

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Invitation to Join the 1st Akapela Open

With all the songwriting and vocal competitions ongoing. Vocal groups will now get the chance to show their talent as the first ever contemporary a cappella ensemble singing competition is about to open.

Akapela Open is a project spearheaded by The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab. 

Akapela Open aims (1) to promote the love for contemporary a cappella singing and appreciation for vocal harmony performance; (2) to provide a venue for new arrangements of Philippine and International contemporary vocal music; (3) to provide growth experiences for singers and arrangers; (4) to cultivate a community of contemporary a cappella singers.

Starting August 1, online registrations and submissions of entries will begin until September 7 at exactly 11:59pm. The competition is then divided into four levels --

Level 1 - Auditions via video and sent online

Level 2 - Live auditions for those who pass level 1

Level 3 - Semi-finals

Level 4 - Finals night

Last July 6, a few were chosen to take part of a troubleshooting vocal workshop conducted by the Maestro, himself. Three a cappella groups were invited to perform a song or two. The audience will then provide feedback on what they think of the performance. It was a worthwhile event. I've learned something new and heard a couple of terminologies I haven't encountered when I was still in the music industry.

MORE PHOTOS..

There will be another Troubleshooting for A cappella Arranging and Performance on 10 August (Saturday) 2-5pm at the Meralco Little Theater. It's for free and slots are limited. Register PERSONALLY before August 10 at The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab.

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HIGHLIGHTS: The Voice of the Philippines Week 2 and 3 Blind Auditions

Week 2 and 3 of the blind auditions just got even more exciting. The coaches are now aggressive in convincing talents to choose their respective team. Among the coaches, I really like the way Lea Salonga gives out her own thoughts -- techniques such as breathing, vibrato etc -- now that's Music 101.

Here are some of the talents that made me say "WOW" --

An amazing acoustic performer - LEE GRANE..

"Hello Sarah! I'm gonna fight for this one.."  - Coach Bamboo

"That would have made me turn.. " - Coach Lea

"Parang ung unang kanta, Anak.. Ako'y nagsisisi ngayon.." - Coach Apl

"I need prime seats for this fight.. I need popcorn for this.. (while watching Sarah & Bamboo convince Lee Grane to be her coach) - Coach Lea

"Kailangan kita.. Ngayon at kailan man.. (singing)" - Coach Sarah

"Thank you.. (teary eyed)" - Coach Bamboo

Ex-Kulay member RADHA..

"I'm glad that my chair was the first one to turn for you.." - Coach Lea

"I don't have to sell myself too much.. You however (pertaining to Sarah)" - Coach Lea

Draybers' vocalist - MITOY..

"You're in for a fight.. (saying it to Bamboo)" - Coach Lea "Mr. M sorry ha.. This is a bleepable, @#*!%&!!!" - Coach Lea Another 4-chair turn - MYK PEREZ..
"Just like the song.. I'm yours!" - Coach Apl
"Parang lumalabas lahat ng saya sa buong katawan mo na nararamdaman namin.." - Coach Lea
"Match made in heaven.." - Coach Bamboo Pretty sure, more talents with amazing voices will come out in the upcoming blind auditions.. Find out.. Watch The Voice of the Philippines every weekends, Saturdays at 9pm and Sundays at 8:15pm on ABS-CBN..

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Silent Sanctuary's 'MONODRAMATIC' Album Out Now!

“Gusto namin maramdaman ng listeners yung kung ano din ang mga naramdaman namin sa mga kanta.”

Composed of Sarkie Sarangay on vocals and guitars, Chino David on violin, Anjo Inacay on cello, Jason Rondero on bass and Allen Calixto on drums, Silent Sanctuary spices up their signature “classical music meets rock music” sound with the release of their new album called “Monodramatic”.

The group’s previous studio albums, Fuschiang Pag-ibig and Mistaken for Granted, proved to be a success as it both spawned hits, which dominated radio, TV, online and various music charts. For this album, Silent Sanctuary delivers a more flavorful spice without deviating much from the distinct, classic sound which was loved by many, “Marami kaming ginamit na instruments sound, and elements na di pa namin ginagamit sa mga dating album,” explains vocalist Sarkie Sarangay.

The current hit single “Bumalik Ka Na Sa ‘Kin” gives us a sneak peak of what’s in-store for everyone who’ll get a copy of album. This upbeat pop-rock song with a captivating chorus will surely occupy your mind incessantly and leave you subconsciously humming which gives a perfect balance as the lyrics express an earnest desire to get back together with a significant other. The album also features an interesting collaboration with Ashley Gosiengfiao of Midnight Meetings entitled “Meron Nang Iba”. 

Violinist Chino David has pointed out that they’ve worked extensively on the songwriting and production to deliver a worthwhile listening experience to their fans, “Iba yung treatment namin sa album nato. Maraming dinaanang revisions at pagpili sa material.” With strong melodic hooks as well as harmonic surprises, listeners will surely be glued to their speakers. “Yung vision, mag-enjoy yung mga listeners tulad ng pagka-enjoy namin habang ginagawa yung album,” shares cellist Anjo Inacay. 

‘Monodramatic’ pushes the boundaries of what Silent Sanctuary has done previously and will surely transcend emotions of love, loss and everything in between.

TRACKLISTING:

1. Bumalik Ka Na Sa’kin 

2. Meron Nang Iba

3. Abot Langit

4. Sama-Sama

5. Masanay Ka Muna

6. Sa’yo

7. Sa’yo (Orchestral Version) *Bonus Track

8. Meron Nang Iba *Bonus Track

Silent Sanctuary’s “MONODRAMATIC” is now available in music stores nationwide! Also available for download on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/monodramatic/id658673200 and MyMusicStore.com.ph at http://www.mymusicstore.com.ph/album/silent-sanctuary/1174227/Monodramatic.html

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HIGHLIGHTS: The Voice of the Philippines Day 1 and 2 Blind Auditions

The Voice of the Philippines blind auditions has officially started last Saturday, June 15 and I must say Filipinos have that amazing singing talent.

And while watching the blind auditions, there were some I must say have exceptional talent.. I also liked the comments given by the 4 coaches..

Here are some of the clips that made it passed the blind auditions and have made a certain mark to the coaches and viewers --

The very first 4-chair turn - THOR DULAY..


Talk about original filipino music - CORAZON DELA CRUZ..

"may libog ang boses mo.." - Coach Lea

The hot-looking 31-year old CHIEN BERBANA,,

"i've been waiting for somebody to blow me away.. you blew me away.." - Coach Lea

"i gotta say, ca-ching! ca-ching! ca-hing!" - Coach Apl

"i love when the voice matches everything else too.." - Coach Lea

"didn't have to massage her.. didn't have to give her water.." - Coach Lea

Rock star relives Bon Jovi - JUNJI ARIAS..

"parang nabuhay si bon jovi.." - Coach Sarah

"i was blown away by that.." - Coach Bamboo

"you put the oh.. and OH MY GOD!" - Coach Lea

Watch next week's another set of blind auditions. Will there be another 4-chair turn from the coaches? 

Like The Voice of the Philippines on Facebook and follow on Twitter..

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OPM Reigns Again as Awit Awards 2013 Nominees were Announced

Pinoy music artists are again recognized with their craft as PARI (Philippines Association of the Recording Industry, Inc.) released the official list of nominees for the upcoming 26th Awit Awards.

One of Awit Awards objective is to promotes the Philippine music industry, artistry and legacy as well as showcase talents in an vent dedicated to music.

The nominees are as follows --

Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist
I’ll Be There – Julie Anne San Jose
On My Own – Lea Salonga
With A Smile – Aiza Seguerra
Saan Darating Ang Umaga – Angeline Quinto
Tao – Sarah Geronimo

Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist
Piso – Joey Ayala
Kontrabida – Sam Concepcion
Ipadarama – Martin Nievera
Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan – Gary Valenciano
Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka – Noel Cabangon
In Your Eyes – Gary Valenciano

Best Collaboration
Himig Ng Panahon – Duncan Ramos, Luke Mejares, Loonie, Thyro & Yumi
Lipad Ng Pangarap – Angeline Quinto and Regine Velasquez
Sirena – Gloc 9 featuring Ebe Dancel
XGF – Sponge Cola featuring Chito Miranda & Los Magno
With A Little Help From My Friends - Tria Bascon with The Company

Best Performance by a Group Recording Artists
Love You Like A Love Song - Stephanie & Kim
12:51 – Krissy & Ericka
Minsan    - Callalily
Pick Your Poison - Sponge Cola
Buksan – Where’s the Sheep?

Best Performance by a New Female Recording Artist
I’ll Be There – Julie Anne San Jose
Ayaw Na Kung Ayaw – Cathy Go
That Time of Year – Shiela Valderrama
Wag Ka Nang Umiyak – KZ Tandingan
Inseparable – K-La

Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist
Kesa – Daniel Grospe
Maria – Jason Fernandez
Biglang Liko – Ron Henley
Grow Old With You – Daniel Padilla
Kung Ako Ba Siya – Khalil Ramos

Best Performance by a New Group Recording Artists
Bigtime    - Baihana
KPL – The Oktaves
Got to Be Real – Aka Jam
Dying To Meet You – She’s Only Sixteen
Alive – Never The Strangers

Album of the Year
Julie Anne San Jose – Julie Anne San Jose
Find My Way To You – Cathy Go
Tuloy Ang Biyahe – Noel Cabangon
MKNM Mga Kwento Ng Makata – Gloc 9
Pure OPM Classics – Sarah Geronimo

Song of the Year
Ayaw Na Kung Ayaw – Mike Villegas
12:51 – Krissy Villongco
Paboritong Tag-ulan – Jonathan Manalo and Jericho Rosales
Sirena – Aristotle Pollisco
Magkikita Pa Rin Naman Tayo – Moy Ortiz

Best Ballad
I’ll Be There – Julie Anne San Jose
12:51 – Krissy & Ericka
Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan – Gary Valenciano
Tuwing Umuulan At Kapiling Ka – Noel Cabangon
Tao – Sarah Geronimo

Best Rock/Alternative
Tayo-Tayo Lang – Ebe Dancel
Maria – Jason Fernandez
KPL – The Oktaves
Better Days – Franco
Halik – Kamikazee

Best World
Muli – RJ featuring Sitti
Pinoy Na Krismas – The Company

Best Novelty
Pusong Bato – Alon
Brown – James Leyte
Kesa – Daniel Grospe with No Problems
Mahal Kita Kasi – Kedebon Colim
Kape Ka Ba? – Boy Pick-Up (Ogie Alcasid)

Best Dance
Kasayaw – Luke Mejares
Your Name – Young JV
Pinoy Ako 2012 – Toni Gonzaga
Matinik – Matinik
Sayaw – Rico Blanco

Best Inspirational/Religious
Bawa’t Hakbang – Mark Bautista & The Akafellas
Liliwanag – Acel Van Ommen
Lipad Ng Pangarap – Angeline Quinto & Regine Velasquez
‘Wag Ka Nang Umiyak – KZ Tandingan
Buksan – Where’s The Sheep?

Best Christmas
This Christmas – The Morning Episodes
The Morning Episodes – Chan-Parpan & Franco Chan
Paskong Puno Ng Kasiyahan – Juris
Pasko Na Sinta Ko – Basil Valdez
Kumukutikutitap – Rachelle Ann Go

Best Rap
Biglang Liko – Pow Chavez
Tao Lang – Loonie featuring Quest
Rock This Town – Young JV featuring Laze & Yumi
Sirena – Gloc 9 featuring Ebe Dancel
Bagsakan – Parokya Ni Edgar featuring Gloc 9 & Frank Magalona

Best Jazz Recording
Big Time – Baihana

Best R & B
Enough – Julie Anne San Jose
Himig Ng Panahon – Duncan Ramos, Luke Mejares, Loonie, Thyro & Yumi
Dota O Ako – Aikee featuring Sabrina
Dance With Me – Liezel Garcia

Best Regional Recording
Basi Pa Lang – 3BU
Usahay – Noel Cabangon

Best Song Written for Movie/TV/Stage Play
Nag-iisang Bituin from the teleserye “Princess and I” – Angeline Quinto
Growing Up from the teleserye “Growing Up” – Yeng Constantino
Dahil Sa’Yo from the teleserye “E-Boy” – Juris

Best Musical Arrangement
Piso – Krist Melecio
Makita Kang Muli – Jimmy Antiporda
Send In The Clowns - Homer Flores
Tonight – Bobby Velasco
With A Little Help From My Friend - JD Villanueva

Best Vocal Arrangement
Bawat Hakbang – Karl Villuga
December 25 – Robert Delgado
Got To Be Real – Cezar Aguas & Jimmy Antiporda
Overjoyed – Mon Faustino
With A Little Help From My Friend - Moy Ortiz

Best Engineered Recording
Alipin Ako – Dante Taňedo, Bellhaus Recording Studio
Roll The Dice – Pat Tirano, Pocket Universe Studios
Send In The Clowns - Willy Villa, U.R. Recording Studio
I’m Old Fashioned – Dominic Benedicto, Asiatec Pink Noise
Amats – Rico Blanco

Best Album Package
Moonstar 88 – This Year
3D Tatlong Dekada
Piolo Pascual, Decades III
Doin’ It Big, Young JV
First Class: Outbound Expanded Edition (Book Bound)

Music Video of the Year
Ligaw – Moonstar 88
Sirena – Gloc 9 featuring Ebe Dancel
Halik – Kamikaze
La Belle Vie – Tria Bascon
Amats – Rico Blanco

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Philpop 2013 Star Studded Interpreters Revealed

After Philpop announced the 12 finalists last April 30th, recording of each song began. And finally, the interpreters were revealed today in front of sponsors, media and bloggers.

The interpreters were chosen hand in hand with Universal Records and the finalists. What's cool about this year's album production is that not only Universal Records who had some of their artists be part of it but also other record labels like MCA, PolyEast and Warner Music also lend their own line-up of artists. Talk about unifying for one cause -- and that is to uplift and strengthen our own music.

Starting June 5, Philpop has open its text voting to the public for the Smart People's Choice Award. It's open to all Smart, Talk and Text and Sun subscribers (P1 per text).

Here are the artists who interpreted each song --

Marion Barnuevo with interpreter Christian Bautista
(Text P1 and send to 5656)

Ganny Brown; interpreters - Jose and Wally
(Text P2 and send to 5656)

Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana; interpreters - Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos feat. Quest
(Text P3 and send to 5656)

Johnoy Danao with interpreter Ney Dimaculangan
(Text P4 and send to 5656)

Jungee Marcelo; interpreters - Sitti Navarro and Julianne Taroja
(Text P5 and send to 5656)

Joey Ayala; interpreters - Joey Ayala and Gloc-9 feat. Denise Barbacena
(Text P6 and send to 5656)

Myrus Apacible with interpreter Kimpoy Feliciano
(Text P7 and send to 5656)

Lara Maigue with interpreter Karylle
(Text P8 and send to 5656)

Paul Armesin with interpreter Yael Yuzon
(Text P9 and send to 5656)

Adrienne Sarmiento-Buenaventura with interpreter Ace Libre of Never the Strangers
(Text P10 and send to 5656)

Raffy Calicdan with interpreters Banda ni Kleggy and Kean Cipriano of Callalily
(Text P11 and send to 5656)

Kennard Faraon with interpreter Six Part Invention
(Text P12 and send to 5656)

The winner of this special award will receive P100,000 pesos while the grand winner will take home 1 million pesos. All trophys are created by national artist Ramon Orlina.

Philpop 2013 finalists and interpreters with Ryan Cayabyab and Cathy Go of Universal Records

Philippine Popular Music Festival Finals Night will be held on July 20, 2013 at the Meralco Theater.

But wait! There's more..

Philpop will be promoting the top 12 entries in radio stations. And watch out for the music videos with the help Sony, providing their top of the line full frame camera (Sony NEX VG900) to well-respected music video directors. Sony Ambassador and film maker Pepe Diokno will be part of the process.

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