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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