Album Review : Wave 89.1 Soul Obsessions, Duets with Thor

I’ll tell you a secret. I have a new addiction or should I say OBSESSION.

I get this secret obsession back when I was in college. Of a music whore like me, I spent my daily extra time listening to music. It feels like more than ecstasy when music filed my ears. I heard this one song from an OPM artist via WAVE 89.1. His voice tickles my withered soul and plant a romantic melody in my heart. The song is – What About Love by Thor. Since then I’ve been an instant fan of this romantic balladeer.

Our second encounter happened last week January 11, 2012. I was passing by the mall in Taguig when I suddenly entered a music record store. I felt like I’m hallucinating when I heard a familiar voice playing inside the store.  As I entered the music store, I can see stars everywhere I go. I suddenly felt sugar rushing my system. I felt in love to that soothing voice. I asked the clerk, what album are they playing. They give me a familiar face that left me speechless. SOUL OBSESSIONS Duets – by Thor. Without thinking twice, I bought the CD.

Upon listening to the album, every song has a majestic approach perfectly fit to Thor’s voice. Every covered song was ground breaking versions. Most of the songs in the album are the soundtrack of my teenage life. It quickly reminded me of my romantic struggles and booboos. Thor’s voice was so addictive that I’ve never skip any of his song.

The album has 12 tracks; all are covered song featuring Thor and other OPM singers. With the like of MYMP – Juris and Chin, Jay Durias, Amber Davis, Nina, Jinky Vidal, Luke Mijares, and many more.

Cut 1 - The first song is a Joe Jackson original – Be My Number Two performed by Thor feat. MYMP. The song was melodramatic approach accompanied by guitar. This version is one of the best cut for the album.

Cut 2 - Second track is What About Love originally performed by Lemar. In this song, he was with former South Border member Luke Mijares. This is my all time favorite song for this album, actually I have all the song as my favorites but this is my most favorite among all. This song was the soundtrack of my heartaches and I’ve shed tons of tears with this song.

Cut 3 -  Spend My Life With You with Amber Davis is the third track. A perfect rendition of Tamia and Eric Bennet with OPM twist. Just as perfect as I expected.

Cut 4 - Fourth covered song was Mariah Carey and Brian McKnight original – Whenever You Call. Soul Siren Nina fits to Thor’s romantic voice. Their harmony perfectly blend for the song. Knowing Mariah’s singing style and Brian’s vocal acrobats – the two indeed is powerful combination.

Cut 5 – Suddenly – duet with Freestyle’s female vocal Jinky Vidal is beyond soulful. This brings me chills and made my night romantically blooming. This old favorite song has a new taste and new sound with Thor’s deep soulful version and Jinky’s sweet and soft voice.

Cut 6 – A Babyface original Everytime I close My Heart is perfect, promise, crossed my heart, Thor (If not beat) at least nailed his version featuring Natural High. The song’s romantically sensual approach has renewed in this version with Natural High’s smooth vocal acrobats.

Cut 7 – The Girl Is Mine with Luke Mijares is one of the feel good songs in the album.  Luke’s vocal techniques blended well with Thor’s. Mind you the end part of the song seems vocal battle between two RNB heart throbs.

Cut 8 – Bozza sweetheart Sofia and Thor’s RNB combination in the song You Don’t Know Me is astonishing, sweet and sensual. This song is perfect for romantic and intimate moments.

Cut 9 – Im Ready with Mr. Cesar Aguas is one of the hard to sing song. Thor’s curly high notes accompanied by Mr. Cesar Aguas’ beautiful guitar strum are so attaching. If Mr. Ramon Jacinto is Philippines’ answer to Elvis Presley, Mr. Cesar Aguas is our very own Santana. His guitar strum sounds identically to the later. In this song, Mr. Cesar’s guitar execution sounds latin – romantically uplifting.

 Cut 10 – Just One Dance with Jerome Nunez on violin sounds very relaxing. A very nice song with very good lyrics, Just One Dance is so relaxing. Jerome’s violin strums made Thor’s vocal rendition very really romantic.

Cut 11 – Home by Brian Mcknight is this album’s finale song. This is the surprise for the listeners, after bunch of romantic and senti tracks, Thor will tour you to his heart of music – RNB royalty. I bet you, you close your eyes .. you are as if listening to Brian Mcknight. The curls, the depth and vocal acrobats are identically the same. Trully, Thor is the Philippines’ answer to Brian Mcknight, R Kelly and Eric Bennet in one name!

To you who want to be in loved over and over again, then be in your favorite record bars and get the copy of Thor’s Wave 89.1 Soul Obsessions Duets with Thor. This is another worth the listen album. No amount of cents is wasted in every song. Serenaded by Philippines’ RNB royalty is worth the while. This one of a kind album can make your girlfriend melt in a second and your boyfriend dance you in a moonlit night. 5 Stars for this album!

Channel V's Red Revolution Music Festival 2012

CHANNEL V Philippines has teamed up with the Red Whistle and other sponsors to organize a concert aimed at raising public awareness on the rising number of AIDS and HIV cases in the country

Channel V Head Romel V. Singson said more than fifty (50) bands and performers will entertain the audience at the all-night musical event dubbed as “RED REVOLUTION Music Festival 2012” which will be held at the Metrowalk Parking Lot on February 9. Singson said the concert will be held for a worthy cause, which is to help raise public awareness on the deadly Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. “Channel V has long been supporting and promoting local talents. For this show, we are showcasing the talents of more than fifty bands,” Singson said.

“For this event, we are not just promoting our local bands but we are also doing public service. Aside from helping raise public awareness on the growing AIDS/HIV menace, the Red Whistle will also be the beneficiary of ticket sales,” he added.

Performers will include the Pepe Smith, Sandwich, Pupil, Callalily, Imago, Franco, Hilera, Moonstar 88, Typecast, Chicosci, Brownman Revival, River Maya, Grin Department, General Luna, Ebe Dancel, Kiss Jane, Mayonnaise, Stonefree, Slapshock, Tanya Markova, Razorback, Someday Dream, Siakol, 6cycle mind, Radioactive Sago Project, Pedicab, Markus Highway, Ney, Silent Sanctuary, Paraluman, Top Junk, Blue Boy Bites Back, Peryodiko, Hijo, Salamin, Humanfolk, Eevee, Kalayo, Gracenote, Ernville, Never the Strangers, Letterday Story, Kaligta, Frio, Duster, Banda ni Kleggy, Ajka, and many more.

          

There will be three stages in the concert area and each stage will have a band set-up. Big screens will be placed on the three stages and there will be more than six satellite screens within the concert area. In between performances, Red White Ambassadors will present audio visual presentations that will provide helpful information about the fight against AIDS/HIV.

After a countdown, all attendees will blow the whistle to symbolize putting a halt to the ballooning number of cases. For his part, Niccolo Cosme founder of the Red Whistle said there is a need to bolster the AIDS/HIV awareness campaign in order to prevent more people from dying of the disease.

“More and more Filipinos are getting AIDS or HIV. The government alone cannot stop the deadly disease from spreading, that’s why we also have to do our part. The musical event will be a big help in raising public awareness,” Cosme said.

“What better way to spread love this February? The audience will not only enjoy music and party all night long but they will also learn more about AIDS/HIV and its prevention,” he added.

The Red Whistle campaign was organized by a group of young individuals in response to the growing number of new HIV cases and AIDS related deaths in the country. Through the campaign, the group empowers and inspires people to come together and be one in helping one another against AIDS and HIV. In November last year, the Department of Health’s National Epidemiology Center has reported that there were 212 new HIV-positive individuals. This was 89 percent higher compared to the same period in 2010.

Most of the cases, or 94 percent, were males and their ages ranged from 17-73. The NEC surveillance reports showed that fifty-eight percent (58%) of the reported cases were from the National Capital Region. The reported mode of transmission was all sexual contact with males having intercourse with other males being the dominant type of sexual transmission.

The data also showed that of the 212 HIV positive cases, three were reported as AIDS cases, one female and two males. Of the AIDS cases, there was one reported death, a 26-year old female.   

Concert tickets are sold at P50. Buy them at these ticket outlets: Astroplus/Astrovision, Odyssey and Metrowalk Pasig.   ###

The AJ Rafael Concert in Music Museum

Dream come true – that is how I could express the feeling I have today. I would like to begin this post thanking the amazing people who are behind this overflowing bliss, Kuya Carlo Camilo Moselina Valenzona and Madam Christian Melanie Lee and to Mr. Chuck Gomez for this ostentatious surprise that that had for me. I woke up having an inbox message to watch AJ Rafael live! It isn’t obvious that I am a huge fan of AJ for in less than a month, I have 3 blog posts for him.

AJ has been an inspiration for many especially for me. He was the soundtrack of my college life alongside with Andrew Garcia and JR Aquino, Gabe Bondoc and bunch full of YouTube sensations. Right then the first time I heard him, I said that he will make it big. But he didn’t – He was even bigger than I expected! Up to this very day ilajil (AJ’s youtube channel) has more than 8 million followers in YouTube alone and I am not yet counting his Facebook, Twitter, MySpace etc.

AJ’s story has never been a secret to everyone. Then, a neophyte singer born to be a star, posted videos in his myspace account, then comes hit after hit after hit, Aj became who he is now. But in spite of his huge success and fame in World Wide Web, he never failed to look back to where his roots are. Born from Filipino parents, he inherited his passion and cravings for music to his mother and father. And now that he is in his root country, he is proud to be Filipino – proving to the world that we are extra talented.

His South East Asian concert was started in Indonesia and routed to some neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore and ended in Manila. He is joined by two pretty 

acoustic sensations Krissy and Ericka. And his Manila leg was a super successful concert. Mind you, the line in music museum was as much as any big star could have. 

At any sort, no doubt that AJ is a big star. The venue was so full of young audiences that are mostly teens and teen at hearts. A funny thought came to my mind that today’s young generations are not just hooked with Kpops and all that. 98 percent of the audiences are teens and the other 2 percent could have been parents and guardians.

Krissy and Ericka was the front act when they performed mash ups of Superbass and California King Bed and followed by two of their original compositions and another pop mash up. AJ entered the stage with his opening song Heart of Worship by Hillsong. The crowd goes gaga over him when he first entered the stage. And after the opening/doxology song, the concert has officially started. AJ and his band went to the stage and the audiences are getting exciter, screaming AJ’s name. Wearing a white top and black vest plus his trade mark glasses, AJ and his band started the show. It was roughly an hour and a half of musical extravagant, singing along AJ’s hits over the years. Most of the songs sung were part of AJ Raf’s latest album Red Roses – released worldwide. Songs performed from the album are Emma Watson, Red Roses, We Could Happen, Without You, 500 Days, She Was Mine, Here All Alone and When We Say (JuiceBox). Keana Panganiban Valenciano had a special participation when they had a duet for the song Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang. Before the curtain has rolled down, AJ performed couple of songs more to ignite the cravings of his Filipino fans. The concert ended up with AJ’s encore songs – Showstopper.

I would never forget what he said that when you have a dream, never fail to grasp for opportunity to make them come true. He is living evidence that talent and perseverance plus faith to God and passion for his craft can lead you to where you want to be. He has been an inspiration and will always be. Tonight has been a make dream come true for me. You may find it simple but this simple dream rejoices my soul and ignites my spirit.

I got home with an autograph signed album of AJ and much more important is the memory that I will cherish all my life.

Congratulations to AJ Raf and I will say this .. see you soon.

2012 Spring Film Festival

The Spring Festival is one of the most celebrated festivals in the Chinese-Filipino community. This is a fitting time to celebrate Chinese. This coming Dragon year is considered the luckiest year by Chinese experts. In line with this, the Ateneo de Manila University Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies together with Ateneo-Celadon will stage its 6th Spring Film Festival featuring films that showcase the artistic prowess and the cultural heritage of Mandarin language movies.

For the past 6 years, it aims to share the richness of Chinese culture through the use of films and use this as a medium to bridge the gaps of society. Do not worry if you do not know the Mandarin language; there would be English subtitles for all movies.

Included in the 2012 movie list are: Ocean Heaven, Confucius, Bodyguards and Assassins, Lost on Journey, Country Wedding and King of Mi-lu Deer. The screening will happen on January 20-29,2012 at the Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

Ocean Heaven

Description: Drama

Length: 100 minutes

Origin: Hongkong China, 2010 Release Date

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

Cast: Jet Li, Wen Zhang

It has been said that the hardest job is to be a parent. Parenting becomes even more challenging if you’re raising a special child. Ocean Heaven features a father- Sam Wang, who solely took care of his autistic child. Faced with illness, Wang searched for institutions that would accept his son. But no institution was apt for his son’s condition. Thus, Wang needed to train his son by himself and patiently taught him how to be independent for his own survival. As the days went by, Wang and his son got closer to each other which their friends had witnessed. This heart-warming film shows how parents, even on their last days, would do anything just to ensure the safety and happiness of their children. (This movie is also the first to cast Jet Li in a non-kung-fu film where he won the 2010 Wen Zhang Best Actor Award; The movie was also recognized by the Shanghai Media Awards, CCTV Movie Channel Media Awards 2010 and Golden Goblet Award)

Confucius

Description: Biographical Drama

Length: 120 minutes

Origin: China, January 2010 Release Date

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Zhou Xun,Chen Jianbin

Directed by: Hu Mei

He is the Chinese Philosopher who has been regarded as the “The Great Sage.” Confucius lived during the time when China’s dynasties were in chaos and engulfed by corruption and greed. He strongly believed that ethics and education will put all things to order. His wisdom was sought by different dynasty leaders but only to be abandoned after he dutifully served his purpose. The world knows so much of his teachings, but little is known of his hardships. This biographical drama shows the sufferings and pain Confucius endured and the principles he fervently kept that became the foundation of China’s ethics, morality and law. (Stars Chow Yun-Fat as Confucius, Nominated for Best Actor at the 30th Hong Kong Film Awards. Other nominations include Best Cinematography,Art Design,Costume Design and Original Song).

Bodyguards and Assassins

Description: Action Historical Film

Length: 135 minutes

Origin: Hongkong China, 2009 Release Date

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

Cast: Wang Xueqi, Hu Jun, Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse, Tony Leung

Directed by: Teddy Chan

In 1905,Hongkong was under the British rule and revolution was on the rise. One man was set to land in Hong Kong to meet and to unify faction leaders to finally take down the corrupt and crumbling Qing Dynasty. Because of this, Dowager Cixi wanted this man assassinated. For the Chinese people who had been clamouring for freedom, they understood that keeping this man alive would mean keeping China’s hope to be liberated. Li Yutang, a businessman, gathered a tofu vendor, rickshaw pullers, a beggar and an orphan to serve as bodyguards. These bodyguards displayed their superb fighting skills as they battle it out with the assassins to protect this man they haven’t even met. Find out who this man was and why did these commoners sacrifice their personal dreams and lives for him.
(This action-historical movie garnered numerous awards from the 4th Asian Film Awards,29th Hongkong Film Awards,16th Hongkong Film Critics Society Awards and 47th Golden Horse Awards.)

Lost on Journey

Description: Comedy, Drama

Length: 95 minutes

Origin: China, 2010 Release Date

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

Cast: Wang Baoqiang,Xu Zheng, Li Man

The Chinese New Year is the most important event for every Chinese Family. During this time, everyone goes back to his hometown to celebrate and to greet the New Year in the company of his family. This time also means that all modes of transportation is busy and fully booked. One passenger, Li Chenggong hopped from a plane, to a train, to a bus, and to a boat in the desire to be with his family. And along the way, he met a stranger Niu Geng who helped him discover something important about himself and the goodness of other people. This movie is a funny presentation of how bad luck brought two different worlds together. Find out if Niu Geng and Li Chenggong made it home on the eve of the New Year. 

Country Wedding

Description: Comedy

Length: 90 minutes

Origin: China 

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

Cast: Zhi Jun, Ding Jiali, Yang Lixin, Xie Yuan

Yuanfeng and Mengyan are getting married. As soon as they’ve announced their wedding to their families, excitement filled their respective households. So much the excitement, that their parents started to meddle with the wedding plans. Mengyan’s mother, who is living in Beijing, insists of holding the wedding at the Tiandu Hotel. On the other hand, Yuanfeng’s father, being the director of the cooperative in Kangjiazhuang village, feels indebted to the community, therefore, he wants to share the wedding to the whole village. This film is a funny portrayal of the clash of cultures between the city and country side. Who will convince who? Where will Yuanfeng and Mengyan celebrate their wedding? 

 King of Milu Deer

Description: 3D Animation, Fantasy

Length: 90 minutes

Origin: China, 2009 Release Date

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

King of Milu Deer is the first 3D animation attempt of China aimed to promote environment protection. It is a story of a white deer,Yoyo, who turned into a lady and made friends with Tzan-the prince of Kingdom of Clouds and Dreams. Tzan was ordered by the minister to search the Labyrinth Mountain to hunt for the Milu Deer to use it as a sacrifice to bring rains in the kingdom. But Tzan discovered the beauty of the Labyrinth Mountain and got closer to Yoyo. Together, they fought sea lizard monsters, fire,soldiers, and the evil Minister to save the wildlife and natural resources of the Labyrinth Mountain. (This movie became the highest grossing Chinese Animated film of all time and received the Best Animated Film of the 13th Huabiao Awards).

OPM Pride - Thor

I found a new hobby – listening to Thor’s music. I fell in love to this balladeer for his unique and sweet voice that almost reminded me of Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder and Brian Mc Knight. He feed my need for good and quality music. Let’s get to know more about this guy. He is Philippine pride – Thor.

Thor was born in Panabo City, Davao del Norte; he was a choirboy who began singing professionally at the age of nineteen. He graduated from Ateneo de Davao University before trying his luck in Manila with his band, Extreme Mix, now known as Myxtreme. He has also provided backing vocals for artists such as Luke Mijares and JayR.  

At the age of 19, he started getting into professional singing together with his band Myxtreme, which also meant doing backup vocals for various artists, singing jingles and sessioning for other bands. At the age of 24, Thor released his self titled album THOR under Evolution Music distributed by Warner Music Philippines. On 2007, Thor released his second studio album entitled " Soul Obsessions" Duets with Thor, under Ivory Music Philippines, conceptualized from his radio segment on Wave 89.1.

The album was Thor's collaboration with the Philippines greatest artists like Jay Durias of South Border, Luke Mejares, MYMP, Nina, Amber Davis, Jinky Vidal of Freestyle, and a lot more... All of these led Thor to various awards including, Most Promising Male RnB Performer ( Awards and Recogniton Association of the Philippines), Awit Awardee ( Best Performance by a Duet on the song "The Closer I Get to you" with Nina) and the 2007 Metro manila Film Festival Best Theme song "Kasalanan Nga Ba" from the movie KUTOB.

While Gigging at a bar here in the Phillipines, international Soul Jazz musicians Marcos Sainz and Juan Galiardo was impressed and approached Thor after his set. The two asked him to sing some tracks in their album. After two months, Thor flew to Spain for recording sessions and was then asked to become a part of the band. Their album was released in some parts of Europe last 2008 entitled, SHINE A LIGHT. Now, Thor is one of the lead vocalists of the international Soul Jazz Funk band SATYA PROJECT while still pursuing his solo career here in the Philippines.

On the last concert of David Foster and Friends, Thor get the chance to share the stage with world's renowned musician. 

Thor’s Awards and Recognitions:

Philippine Excellence Awards (June 28, 2005)
2005, Most Promising R&B Performer

19th Awit Awards (June 15, 2006)
2006, Best Performance By A Duet: "The Closer I Get To You" by Nina & Thor

Metro Manila Film Festival Awards (January 6, 2006)
2005, Best Movie Theme Song - "KUTOB" Kasalanan Nga Ba? by Thor

Philippine Builders Excellence Awards (April 28, 2005)
2005, Most Promising Male R&B Performer

Wave 891 Urban Music Awards: 
2010, Best Remake: Thor with Amber (“Spend My Life With You”)

My next project for the whole month is to collect all Thor’s CDs. I wish one day I could get a chance to meet him in person :D


Thor's Official FB page: https://www.facebook.com/thor.mightythor
Official Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/thor_dmighty

AJ RAFAEL KICKS OFF RED ROSES TOUR

AJ RAFAEL kicks off his Red Roses Tour in Southeast Asia produced by Monsoon Productions. The tour kicks off on January 13 and will be visiting Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. The tour includes the AJ Rafael Band consisting of AJ Rafael, Noah Bartfield, Danny Morledge, Andrew Rhim, and guest artists Krissy and Ericka Villongco from the Philippines. The second leg of the tour, produced by Nojon Entertainment happens in Australia visiting Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

It should be noted that one of AJ’s major musical influences is Gary Valenciano whom he recently performed with live on ASAP 2012 when he was formally introduced to the mainstream Filipino music-loving market. AJ also took notice of Gabriel Valenciano’s and Kiana Valenciano’s cover version of Chris Brown’s “Yeah Yeah Yeah.” AJ saw their performance on YouTube and liked it and corresponded with Kiana via Twitter. Today, AJ finished collaborating with Kiana as they recorded a song with Gab as the producer.

AJ's ASAP 2012 guesting

Alongside the tour and through a partnership with PhilDev, AJ has adopted the CRIBS Foundation, a welfare institution committed to the care and recovery of abandoned and abused children in the Philippines. Proceeds from red roses at the Manila concert will go to CRIBS. AJ, during his trip is exploring additional ways to give back to the Philippines. AJ and his team are in discussions with the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation on how to partner for future advocacy and campaigns.

“We are excited to have AJ Rafael perform for the first time for his fans in the Philippines, Southeast Asia and return once again to Australia, where they have been long time supporters of AJ. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring AJ’s music here. More importantly we are fortunate to have great partners to help us introduce non-profit organizations who need assistance in the Philippines. This first visit marks beginnings and new opportunities for many,” says Christina Luna, AJ Rafael’s manager.

AJ’s show in Manila happens at the Music Museum on Jan. 18.


To know more of AJ Rafael read this article:
http://kokakthefroglet.blogspot.com/2012/01/aj-rafael-on-asap-2012.html

"Glory" - Jay Z featuring his new born daughter Blue Ivy Carter

King Jay Z released a new song last Tuesday, January 10, (Manila Time) and immediately became viral on the web. The song has the title ‘Glory’ featuring his new born daughter Blue Ivy Carter. Queen Beyonce Knowles gave birth to their new angel Sunday, Jan. 8 (Manila Time).

Although Blue isn’t a week old, she has already made a mark in the music industry. She becomes the youngest person to ever appear on Billboard chart. The song ‘Glory’ will enter the Billboard chart at no. 74 next week.

The song has a refrain “The most amazing feeling I feel/Words can't describe what I'm feeling for real/ Maybe I paint the sky blue/My greatest creation was you. You. Glory.” In the song, which credits B.I.C., features the sound of Blue's cries at the end.


Listen to the song here:

M.D.N.A - Madonna's Upcoming Album

The Queen of Pop is so back with her new record!

Madonna has revealed her upcoming released of her newest album called ‘M.D.N.A.’ in her filmed interview for BBC1’s The Graham Norton Show. The album will feature her forthcoming single ‘Gimme All Your Luvin’ – a collab with sexy Nicki Minaj and M.I.A.

Based on the twitter reports, the album will be completed and due for released late March on Interscope Records. Madonna will be performing her single ‘Give Me All Your Luvin’ at Super Bowl XLVI on February 5 in Indianapolis.  According to news, the set list for the Super Bowl Show will contain "Luvin" as well as Madonna classics like "Ray of Light," Vogue" and "Music."

Meanwhile, a tapd version of “Luvin” hit the internet world last November and received optimistic reaction from critics and bloggers. With the leak and Madonna’s camp went to Twitter to say that even as they were "very happy with the positive reaction to the demo," they were "very upset with whoever leaked the song." And next thing happened was that disappointment is translated into legal action in late December, when a 31-year-old man in Zaragoza, Spain, was arrested for leaking the song.

Meanwhile, her directorial debut for movie ‘W.E’ is due to open on January 20 in UK cinemas. For sure, this will be another hit for the Queen of Pop and another fabulous year for her career.