Protégé Grand Winner, Krizza Neri Launches 1st Self-titled Album

The protégé and the mentor finally released the highly-anticipated self-titled album, Krizza. “Krizza” features most requested songs from Protégé and OPM originals composed by the music icons of today. The carrier single, “Ba’t Di Ko Ba Nasabi” is the original soundtrack from GMA-7’s The Good Daughter. The album has 10 tracks with 2 OPM remakes showing the soulful, edgy and RnB distinct voice of Krizza Neri at her best.

Grand Winner Mentor, Actress and Singer-Songwriter Aiza Seguerra produced the album under her own label Blackbird Music and contributed two original tracks, “Kung Malalaman Mo” and “Look My Way”. “I am extremely happy also that some of the songs from Protégé most requested by viewers are included in the album”, says Aiza.

The mentor shares a song of longing with guitar-accompaniment with “Look My Way” with lyrics from Joel Trinidad creating a beautiful romantic pop-soulful tune. Singer-Composer Nyoy Volante (“No More You and Me”) and Laarni Matta Macaraeg (“Dahil Sa ‘Yo”) completes the romance and inspiration with songs that move and uplift any mood of any day. Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc contributed preppy youthful songs “French Fries and Coke”and “Don’t Be Too Much” that suits the 16-year old protégé Krizza Neri many of the teens anticipate to relate and sing-along with.  

The sweet and soulful Cagayan de Oro native will be celebrating her birthday on June 28 and find its fitting that her 1st showbiz birthday celebration is the release of her debut album. Still in disbelief, Krizza finds herself humbled and extremely excited to have been given an original composition of Mentor Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab (“Kung Malalaman Mo”) who shared the Protégé winning experience. A song that most people would like to express,“Kung Malalaman Mo” is a song of hidden and unconditional love with varying tempo and melody to lift your spirits.

Memorable songs from Protégé are also included; “Narda” (originally sung by Kamikaze band) and the powerful medley of standard pop birit we’ve seen Krizza Neri sung, “If I Could/Wind Beneath My Wings” and “Could Have Been”. Finally, the Mentor, Singer-Songwriter, Music Icon Ogie Alcasid shares his original song, “Bakit Ka Lumayo” completing the powerful melody of love in the album. Krizza is distributed under Universal records.

Under GMA Artists Center, Krizza Neri appears regularly on Party P every Sunday. She will also be on other GMA shows, bars and several radio stations to promote the album. Watch Krizza sing the remarkable songs from the album in Startalk, Eat Bulaga, Showbiz Central, Bubble Gang, Idol sa Kusina, Master Showman, Wish Ko Lang, Follow That Star, Unang Hirit and Pare & Pare. Krizza will also be on tour with mentor Aiza Seguerra for "TheProtégé and the Mentor" tour in the following show schedules:

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OPM Artists United in Icons at the MOA Arena Concert

Once more OPM artists join forces to perform on one stage, in one language -- that is Pinoy Music.

This one time concert event is in connection to the grand launch of MOA Arena. I seldom watch concerts and very seldom to see artists like Gary V., Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Basil Valdez, Jose Mari Chan and Lea Salonga to be performing in one day, in such rare moments. This is my MAIN reason why I really want to watch this concert.

Amongst the artists line up, I am a HUGE fan of Lea Salonga. I remember years back, I would really prepare in every concert she had. Most of her album tracks are in my playlist. It was a dream come true to see her up close when I was working in the music industry.

If you also want to watch the Icons at the Mall of Asia Arena -- the Mall of Asia Arena Grand Launch, please visit www.smtickets.com or call (02) 470-2222 for the purchase of tickets.

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Noel Cabangon’s Musical Journey Continues in Tuloy Ang Byahe

Singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon’s hit Byahe album spawned numerous awards, including the elusive Double Platinum Record Award and a sweep during the 2010 Awit Awards. The album also topped the music charts for 20 weeks.

Now, after two years, the highly-anticipated follow-up album Tuloy Ang Byahe is all set to be released in a few weeks.

The new collection of OPM’s finest tunes includes songs from icons Smokey Mountain, Leah Navarro, VST and Company, Dulce, APO, Freddie Aguilar, Florante, Rey Valera, Hotdog, Zsa Zsa Padilla, among others.

The album also includes some interesting tracks, personally handpicked by Noel himself.

Before being the multi-platinum recording artist that he is right now, Noel started of as part of the group Buklod (Bukluran Ng Mapagpalayang Musiko) more than two decades ago. His music speak of the many artistic, social and political advocacies he carries as a member of PETA, Dakila, Akbayan, Amnesty International and Greenpeace.

Noel doesn't just sing purely for entertainment. He believes that his talent is a tool to generate awareness on just about any issue, may it be political, environmental or social. Respected by his peers and revered by the new generation of rock musicians. Noel Cabangon is recognized as one of the most influential figures in the Pinoy music scene, in fact one of his past hits with Buklod, Tatsulok was covered by Bamboo.

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A Once and a Lifetime Experience at Viva's Anniversary Concert: All for One

I don't usually join online contest either on Facebook or Twitter. But if case I join, it's out of interest. And luckily, I was the one who got to win 4 concert tickets for the All for One - Martin Nievera and Side A held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum (formerly Araneta Coliseum).

The concert is part of Viva's Anniversary.

It was the first time Martin Nievera and Side A to perform together. They sang classic OPM hits and movie theme songs. The crowd sang along and even dance in upbeat songs like Party Rock Anthem. Guest performers were Anne Curtis and Sarah Geronimo.

I forgot to mention that I was able to meet and greet both Martin Nievera and Side A after the concert. It was a memorable night indeed.

more concert photos..

Thanks to Skechers Philippines for the lucky draw..

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The 1st PhilPop Music Festival Top 14 Finalists

A record-breaking 3,000 song entries, not just from the Philippines but Filipinos based in other parts of the world including the United Kingdom, France, Canada and neighboring Asian countries such as  Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, beat the deadline to submit their entries for the first ever Philippine Popular Music Festival’s (PhilPOP) search for the next, big Filipino songwriter.

The overwhelming local and global response to send entries for the competition is a clear indication that Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is indeed still very much alive – all that is really needed is the right vehicle to showcase their talents.

PhilPOP is composed of respected local artists and prominent personalities from various industries brought together by a shared vision—to spark renewed pride and enthusiasm in OPM and bring about another golden age in Philippine music.

 The 14 finalists were revealed and presented before the press held last May 28, 2012. These top 14 will showcase their compositions through the final performance and competition to be held at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on July 14, 2012.

The top winning entry will receive P1 million in cash and two runners-up will each receive P500,000 and P250,000 respectively.  A People’s Choice award will also be given to the most popular entry as decided by text votes.

The Philippine Popular Music Festival is jointly presented by Maynilad, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), and Smart.  Major sponsors are Meralco, Resorts World Manila and TV5.  Other sponsors are Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Sun Cellular, First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA), Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), and Philex Mining Corporation.  Media partners are KBP, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star and Radio High. 

Controversy in the results...

Few hours after the 14 finalists were announced, several have already questioned how the entries were screened / judged? Did the organizers verified if the entries aren't published based on the contest rules.. to mention a few..

PhilPop recently released an official statement addressing these concerns..

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