PhilPop 2013 Finalists Announced

3,383 entries submitted by aspiring composers and songwriters nationwide and abroad, trimmed all the way to 12 finalists.

On my second year supporting the Philippine Popular Music Festival, I must say the entries are getting better. These entries went through a 4-stage of screening process from people respected and renowned in their speciality - record label executives, musicians, composers, singers, artists, radio personalities and the academe.

Last April 30th, Philpop finally revealed the 12 finalists held at Napa Restaurant in front of the media, bloggers and adjudicators.

Check out how the finalists react when they heard the good news.. ^_^

Another announcement made during the presscon, Universal Records Philippines will now act as the music festival's record distributor  which is definitely good news. To be honest, I'm pretty disappointed on the outcome of last year's promotion both the finalists and the album. Moving forward, I got a chance to ask Ito Rapadas. He mentioned that UR will be very aggressive in the album production and promotion. 
Here's a preview of the 12 finalists entries -- Finals night will be held on July 6, 2013 at Resorts World Manila. Don't forget to LIKE Philpop's Official Facebook Page and FOLLOW them on Twitter for updates..

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PhilPop Levels Up in 2013

After a successful debut earlier this year, the illustrious Philippine Popular Music Festival songwriting competition is gearing up for its 2^nd run this 2013.  As early as January 1, entries will be accepted on www.philpop.com.ph, with the deadline running until February 28.

The group behind this this endeavor is the PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Inc, which involves itself in nation building through music.  It seeks to identify deserving songwriters who can inspire and spark positive change through their songs and are given the opportunity to shine. 

Expecting to break the record of 3,000 participants in the initial run, Philpop, under the baton of its Executive Director Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, laid out a more comprehensive and arduous screening process to find the top 14 finalists. 

The competition is open to amateurs and professionals, participant must be of Filipino descent so even those residing abroad can join, the song entry may be written in a popular or new song genre, or a fusion thereof, in any form or structure, as lyrics may be in Filipino, a Philippine regional language, a Philippine dialect, English, or any combination thereof.

The song entry must be entirely original. It must not be licensed to any publisher; has not been printed and distributed as hard copy; or through the internet; has never been previously recorded and must not infringe on any existing copyright or any other rights. It must not have been performed live in any venue, on traditional radio and television, or internet, or pre-recorded and uploaded on the internet, or recorded on video or other format for future broadcast.

The million-peso champion of the first ever Philippine Popular Music Festival is former Akafellas member Karl Villuga with his song “Bawat Hakbang”.  The composition, which was about overcoming a personal crisis, was interpreted by Villuga along with his former groupmates and crooner Mark Bautista. First runner-up award went to Australia-based  Soc Villanueva with his R&B song “Kontrabida” sung by Sam Concepcion.  Young composer Toto Sorioso won the second runner-up prize for his composition “Tayo Tayo Lang” performed by former Sugarfree frontman Ebe Dancel while first timer James Leyte, who works in an IT department, won the Smart People’s Choice Award for his reggae-influenced song entitled “Brown” co-interpreted by Brownman Revival.  Maestro Cayabyab clarifies that even the past winners can still join the competition.

“We are continuing to promote the songs from the Philpop and the album while drawing up strategies to further thrust these songwriters and songs into the spotlight” shares Maestro Cayabyab.  “We are looking forward to again stage the biggest and most illustrious song writing competition in Philippine history with an even more songwriters vying for the 1 million pesos grand prize this 2013”.

PhilPOP is supported by Maynilad, Smart, Meralco, PLDT, Resorts World Manila, TV5, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, NLEX, Sun Cellular, the First Pacific Leadership Academy, KBP, and Philex.

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Ate Gay Live at MOA Arena

Ako Naman…Ate Gay sa Arena is on November 30, 2012 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Produced by That’s Ntertainment Productions. Directed by Philip Lazaro and Andrew de Real with special performers of The CompanY, Aiza Seguerra, Aegis, Anton Diva, Allan K and the Talentadings, X-Factor, John “Sweet” Lapus, SexBomb; and our one and only Superstar, Ms. Nora Aunor.

VIP A (FIRST 10 ROWS) Reserved Seats - P2,120

VIP B Reserved Seats                                 - P1,590

PATRON Reserved Seats                            - P1,590

LOWER BOX A Reserved Seats                - P1,060

(201-202/221-222 & FIRST 5 ROWS OF 203-208/215-220)

LOWER BOX B Reserved Seats                - P800

(ROW F ONWARDS OF 203-208/215-220)

UPPER BOX Reserved Seats                     - P530

GENERAL ADMISSION Free Seating      - P270

Tickets are available thru www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222 for your ticket reservations.

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Malay Signs with Universal Records; Joins Orion Entertainment

Since three years ago, rock trio Malay, composed of Pochoy Labog on guitars and lead vocals, Alden Abaca on drums, and Miguel Dayanghirang on bass and vocals, has been hailed as one of the independent music circuit’s most promising acts with their distinct sound that is reminiscent of the 90’s grunge and alternative fused with hints of pop, rap, blues, hip-hop and soul.

“For three years, we have been jamming, making music and performing as an independent band – taking care of both the artistic and business side of music,” says Pochoy, who started his career as frontman of the now-disbanded Dicta License. “We have learned so much from those times, and we feel that we’re now ready to take things to the next level.”

Malay has just inked a recording deal with the country’s number one record label Universal Records, joining the ranks of famed bands Parokya Ni Edgar, Sponge Cola, Kamikazee, Callalily and solo acts like Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Christian Bautista, Jaya, Kuh Ledesma, Noel Cabangon, JayR, Sam Concepcion, Emmanuelle, Richard Poon, and Gloc-9.

“With the help of Universal Records, we can focus on just making music, finally,” quips the host of ABS-CBN current affairs Ako Ang Simula Pochoy. “We also expect to reach a bigger audience with the machinery they have. All together, we’re pumped and excited for the next release.”

Malay’s first mainstream album is set to be released in early 2013.

Malay also joined the roster of artists of Orion Entertainment, headlined by Noel Cabangon and ably supported by the most promising acts in local entertainment industry Kimpoy Feliciano, Jordan Bautista, Jensen Gomez, Jason Fernandez and bands She’s Only Sixteen, Runmanila, and Aspen Way. Orion Entertainment is also the international agent of Sam Concepcion, Karylle, Sponge Cola and JayR.

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Acoustic-pop Sisters, The Dans Releases Debut Album under Galaxy Records and Polyeast Records

A sister act in the truest sense of the term-- creating and performing memorable music together--Stephanie and Kim Dan’s harmonies and lush arrangements now come in sleek package released by Galaxy Records and distributed by Polyeast Records.  

‘An Acoustic Journey,’ their debut release is a 13-song album that recreates some of most famous pop songs made by familiar artists and inspired by their own interpretation.  However, the album is more than just a collection of covers, it is a spectrum of songs created and reinvented by their own distinct musical backgrounds. 

The Dans’ debut album features an array of catchy and mostly covers songs which relish a distinctive blend of harmonies between the sisters.  The debut album’s kick-off single is a cover of a Selena Gomez’ pop hit “I Love You Like A Love Song” into their own acoustic take.  

Kim shared, “The new album is about how it is being young and in-love. These are the popular songs which we always love listening on the radios, so we would like to offer our own interpretation of each song.”  

Inspired by girls’ sweet harmony vocals with polished pop production, the album include acoustic covers of Jason Mraz’s I Won’t Give Up, Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe, Adele’s Set Fire To The Rain and others. Also, THE DANS did a remake of a classic OPM favorite called “Why Can’t it Be” popularized by Rannie Raymundo in the 90’s.

 

However, an original song included is called “The Way I Remember” which Steph co-wrote with American singer/songwriter David Dimuzio.  

“Making this album has really been quite a wonderful journey. After our albums, we’re finally doing it together. You know how it is like doing things with your family— full of love and inspiration.  Now, I can’t wait for them and everyone else to hear it,” said Steph.

All throughout the album, there are the girls' harmonies which are flawless and beautifully matched. Overall, ‘An Acoustic Journey,’ is a solid effort from The Dans, a quality effort from two sisters making their own musical journey – offering their own brand to a new generation of acoustic pop listeners.

‘An Acoustic Journey’ is now available in stores nationwide released by Galaxy Records and distributed by Polyeast Records. You can also download the single “I Love You Like A Love Song” as revived by The Dans on www.mymusicstore.com.ph  and iTunes Philippines. For more info, you may visit or ‘Like’ our Facebook fanpage- www.facebook/PolyEastRecords or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter/PolyeastRecords. 

Steph and Kim Dan, also known as The Dans are now being managed by the Polyeast Entertainment Group (PEG)—a newly organized talent management outfit under the umbrella of Polyeast Records, Inc. 

In addition to the release of the debut album, upcoming mall shows will be announced soon.

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Callalily Releases New Album "Pasasalamat"

After seven fruitful years in the recording industry, rock band Callalily remains to be one of the country’s foremost acts, and the band has all the reason to be thankful. The band’s gratitude is lovingly expressed in their newest single Pasasalamat, which will be part of their soon-to-be-released first album under Universal Records.

The band is composed of Kean Cipriano, Tatsi Jamnague, Aaron Ricafrente and Lemuel Belaro.

“We have all the reasons to be thankful,” says frontman Kean Cipriano. “Seven years into the business and we are still here. We are grateful. Plus, we are with a new label Universal Records.”

Pasasalamat is a tribute to their fans, who have selflessly and tirelessly supported the band.

 Download Pasasalamat FULL SONG here: http://www.mymusicstore.com.ph/music/465333/Pasasalamat.html

FOLLOW CALLALILY: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerifiedCallalily 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CALLALILYband

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