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

AJ Rafael on ASAP 2012

“I was born to play music. I grew up to live for music. I have learned to breathe music. I already feel successful in a sense that I have touched someone else's heart with my music. I only hope to inspire more people to have music in their lives: that's all it's about. Popularity, money, attention, I mean all of that's nice (not that I get much of it), but that's all temporary... music is FOREVER.” –AJ Rafael. 

American-Filipino Youtube Sensation AJ Rafael, invites his fellow Filipinos and fans all over the world as he will take the center stage in ASAP 2012 this Sunday January 8, 2012. This will be a dream come true for all AJ Rafael’s fans (including me) to see him perform live. This appearance is part of his South East Asian tour with his band. On January 1, Aj posted in his official facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/ajrafaelmusic?sk=wall about his dream come true performance with Philippine pride Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano.

Aj, for all you know, is from California who dreamt to conquer the world with his passion for music. Slowly but surely, he misses no high notes and sing his heart to the world. His journey started when he is 4 years old when he learned how to play piano. He began his singing career in the summer of 2004 when he wrote his first song, “How’s San Diego Pauli”.  The following year in 2005, he had his first show where he gained the respect of local bands in Moreno Valley, his hometown. He began to play in local cities in which he had the opportunity to discover and learn more about the music industry. Later that year, AJ produced and recorded his first own album in his garage and was released by the end of 2005.

 (my supermega favorite AJ Raf song )

With the help of MySpace.com, AJ showcased his new songs to his friends and fans. In 2006, AJ was proud to start the MoVal Concert Chorale (MVCC), a choir which he founded and is currently directing. Through MVCC, AJ created the movement: Music Speaks. Music Speaks is a benefit show that supports families with Autism and contributes to the world renowned organization Autism Speaks. AJ began to perform in places out of Southern California starting in 2008, nationally and internationally. 

Within the past four years, AJ has performed throughout the United States at school venues and major theatre venues. AJ has had the opportunity to perform in other countries such as Australia, Canada, Austria and the Philippines. Wherever he goes AJ thoroughly enjoys indulging and expressing the art of music to people all throughout the world. 

check out his youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ilajil

AJ Rafael has become one of the top musicians with the largest social networks online. AJ became a partner with YouTube.com with over 360,000 subscribers, has reached 40 million views on YouTube, over 200,000 Facebook fans, 11 million plays on MySpace, and 79,000 followers on Twitter. AJ is recognized consistently in the Top 20 on Billboard’s “Uncharted” Chart, since January 2011. His fans have shown their true influence when AJ’s “Red Roses” album was released in June 2011 in US stores nationwide and digitally on iTunes, charting in the Top 10 Pop albums and #13 on Billboard’s “Heatseeker” chart.

This only leaves one thing in my mind, never give up for your dreams. It can come true. With positive attitude, perseverance, and prayers - it can and it WILL come true .. its a matter of WILLINGNESS !

A new life for KC Concepcion

After the ups and downs of KC Concepcion this year 2011, she is set to take higher heights for her career. She wrapped up the drama and rediscovered her self with new look, KC renewed her contract with ABSCBN under the management of VIVA.  Lots of exciting projects are set for this lovely lady. She is part of the much anticipated primetime drama ‘Alta’ with Angelica Panganiban and Gretchen Barreto. She also shared via Bandila that she will be doing a new talk show and hosting stints. She is eager to pursue her hosting career and she will be regularly seen on ASAP every Sunday.

But aside from these exciting new projects, KC will be also hosting the newest talent show of ABSCBN. She will be hosting the Philippines’ grandest and newest reality show “The X Factor Philippines”. The show is set to be aired in the first half of 2012 and joined by four judges and mentors. Kc will be visiting various cities in the Philippines for the preliminary auditions.

So with the success of America’s X Factor where Melanie Amaro was hailed as the first grand champion, it’s time that Philippines have to show the world our talent. With a very lovely and witty host, I am pretty sure that this will be a big hit. Congratulations Kc and we will see more of you this 2012.

Credit:

Mr. Jeman Bunyi Villanueva of http://blog.orangemagazinetv.com/

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3 Grand Winner - Maasinhon Trio

Season 3 of Pilipinas Got Talent grand finals result received mixed reaction from viewers. 
At 11:00 PM , Sunday, October 23, 2011, has tag (#) PGT trend worldwide with mixed comments from its audience all around the world. Maasinhon Trio from Southern Leyte emerged as PGT 3^rd grand winner. They received 2 Million Pesos and follow the steps of Jovit Baldivino and Marcelito Pomoy.

Meanwhile, Bringas Brothers of Davao del Sur and Heartthrob Khalil Joseph Ramos from Paranaque were given One Hundred Thousand Pesos and other finalist received Fifty Thousand Pesos each.

Celebrities and stars share their luminous shine in the stage of PGT rendering performances top billed by Gary Valenciano and son Paolo, Christian Bautista, Jed Madela, Nina and Kamikazee. Hosts Billy Crawford and Luis Manzano joined the finalist for a special number. And Season 2 grand winner Marcelito sang his winning piece.

The season 3 results doomed with combined responses from audiences. On Twitter.com, many tweted their dislike with the result of the grand finals. Audiences watching PGT from all over the world voiced out their disappointment  Even on my Facebook account, I was flooded with many dislike with the result. Even I myself couldn’t believe that my personal bets weren’t able to make it to the top 3.

Not to be a know-it-all person, but I have an eye for a potential talent and I trust my own instinct that this keen skill is true. I started to eye for a potential star quality and marketable artists back in 2002 when Sarah Geronimo won the Star for A Night in IBC 13. Since then, I can sense who’s hot and not.

The Pilipinas Got Talent is a reality contest that requires people’s choice of who among their finalist will emerge as grand winner. And people will have to text to cast their vote, and as many text it would be, the greater chance of that finalist can win.

This means that Maasinhon Trio has the most number of text votes throughout the period of voting. Analyzing it, this could be possible for this trio is from Visayas. Visayas and Mindanao is a large population compared to NCR. And many people could have inspired with their back story. This could be the reason why Philippines choose this trio balladeer as grand winners. They may not be as young as others, but they have the guts - same scenario as to British Got Talent’s Susan Boyle.

Congratulations to the winners. I am pretty sure that non winners will have a brighter career in showbiz like Khalil to be a future singing heartthrob, Muriel – the Philippines’ answer to Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald and Jennifer Hudson in one package and to El Gamma Penumbra who has a unique and royal talent.

Album Review : Piolo Pascual - Timeless

Take it from the title itself – “Timeless”. This OPM album is very truthful to its objective to render everlasting music. The album contains 16 timeless tracks sung in Filipino and English. This was released on August 12, 2007 for Philippine Ultimate Heartthrob – Piolo Pascual. This is under Star Records, a recording company owned and managed by ABSCBN. The album reached the Gold status on September 16, 2007.

In this album, you can feel Piolo’s sincerity to give quality and outstanding album for his listeners. What I really like about this album is - it showcases combination of original and revival songs. Piolo serenades his listeners with his timeless renditions of popular songs.

The album starts with the songs ‘One More Chance’. This is the theme song for the box office movie of Star Cinema featuring bankable stars; Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz. The songs exposes how a man wanting for another chance to love. Defeating the odds of time just to win back the love he once own. A very good song to be positioned in the beginning of the album. It is followed by a Tagalog song ‘Ikaw Na Nga’. Piolo sang very fluent and clearly in each of his song. I almost forgot that Piolo was a product of theater arts. The third track is ‘If Only Love’ with Toni Gonzaga. I’d like to take note of the beautiful arrangement for this song. 

The fourth to sixth songs are ‘Why Can’t Be Together’; ‘Nagmamahal ng Tunay’ and ‘There For Me’ respectively. Tagalog songs ‘Wagas’ and ‘Turuan Mo Ako’are two of my favorite track for this album. The next track is ‘To Hear You Say You Love Me’ featuring Jim Brickman. This song has a very beautiful lyrics and very addictive melody. Next song is ‘Ikaw Pa Rin’. As I listen to the song, I noticed that Piolo has a resemblance to Gary Valenciano’s voice. Especially when he stressed on the high notes. The next track is a cover of True Faith’s ‘Ikaw Pa Rin’. Piolo gave a very excellent rendition for this song with a twist of romantic ballad.

Followed by song ‘Ikaw Lamang’ – a theme song for his television series ‘Sa Piling Mo’ with Judy Ann Santos. Another track is ‘Walang Kapalit’ also a theme song for his TV series with the same title with Claudine Barreto this time. The last track is ‘Complete’ – a theme song for multivitamins Centrum which is endorsed by Piolo Pascual.

No doubt that Piolo Pascual is tagged as the Philippine Ultimate Heartthrob. Box Office films, Top Rated TV shows, Bankable Concerts and Multi Platinum Album. No doubt he remains to be successful for past years and to come. He maintains his star in the limelight despite the coming of young stars. The secret of his success is his humility and sincerity to his craft. Also, he never ending grateful to our almighty God.  

photo courtesy of Pep.ph and Google.com