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 !

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

David DiMuzio - The Man on the Viral Youtube Video

A young American singer caught my attention as I was going through the net the other day.  His name is David DiMuzio  , from Charlotte, North Carolina. What I like about this man is he is an American – by look and appeal, but he sings Tagalog songs very well. He has posted several videos of him singing tagalong songs in Youtube. He performs Pop, Rock and Alternative Music.

David started to write songs when he was 11 years old when he has a huge crush to a girl he met on a camp. Unlike any other child, he looks up to musicians as his heroes. His favorite singer is Billy Joel and favorite band is Bon Jovi. When he was 16, he won the International Jugglers Association 'World Championships. He said that juggling and competing in the World Championships gave him something tangible that he could hold on to throughout a really rough childhood. He also added that gravity is always there andhe liked the fact that with enough work he could "defy" it.

 photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/daviddimuzio?ref=ts

David writes his own lyrics and arranges and produces all of his own music. He has also worked and wrote songs for Filipino talents; Nyoy Volante, Mark Bautista, Top Suzara, Jayzon Fernandez of Rivermaya, Geneva Cruz, Arnee Hidalgo and Yassi Pressman of Party Pilipinas.

What I personally like about this guy is he has a great sense of humor. Seeing his biography, I found interesting about him.  He said that he is a ‘Selectatarian’ (It’s like a vegetarian, but he eats things other than vegetables – SELECTIVELY.) He likes the idea of sleeping in his car and he has actually done that for 2 years. He thinks that there’s a certain amount of freedom that comes with knowing that he can sleep in his car and everything will be alright. And guess what – he has never owned a Television in his entire life.


Please follow him at : https://www.facebook.com/daviddimuzio?ref=ts and visit his youtube videos: http://www.youtube.com/DavidDiMuzio

Here is David DiMuzio’s viral video:

Enjoy the Music !

Philippines Next Big Thing on Local Showbiz

Philippine Television today is bombarded with lots of artist and new faces.  Variety of faces is fronting our local television and only few of them will shine the brightest. I have read Inside Showbiz magazine issued January 2011, and I re read the issue again. They featured today’s biggest artist in the local showbiz and tagged them with Philippine’s greatest celebrities. I gathered the next generation’s biggest name in showbiz and summed up in my list.

Melai Cantiveros – The Next Pokwang

This funny chick emerged from reality TV show Pinoy Big Brother on 2010 won not just the show’s prize but the hearts of Filipinos. With her funny looks and gestures she was compared to popular Comedienne/Host Pokwang. Their similarities give them opportunity to work together. Now Melai is busy promoting her movie with Jason Francisco, The Adventures of Pureza, Queen of the Riles. Melai is visibly seen on ABSCBN shows including Happy Yipee Yehey, Banana Split and ASAP Rocks.

Iza Calzado – The Next Maricel Soriano

I compare this caliber actress to Philippines’ Diamond Star Maricel Soriano for her versatility with it comes to acting whether it be in drama, action, fantasy, comedy and horror. Iza Calzado gained big attention in show business in May 2002. Her biggest breaks in Philippine showbiz include teaming-up with Argentine actor Segundo Cernadas in GMA Network’s Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man and taking the role as Amihan in Encantadia. Iza ventured first as a commercial model, appearing in a Pantene advertisement.

Her first acting stint was via the television show Kung Mawawala Ka wherein she plays the bitter antagonist Phoebe. In the following years she appeared in several movies and television shows including Milan, Sabel, Te Amo: Maging Sino Ka Man, and Sigaw. In 2005, she was cast in the most expensive television show in Philippine history, Encantadia wherein she plays one of the five main characters, Amihan.

Sam Concepcion – The Next Gary Valenciano

Born on October 17, 1992, Sam Concepcion emerged on local show business when he won Little Big Star on 2005 competing over equally talented now International Singer Charice. At age of 9 Sam had various of play under STAGES and Trumpets Playshop and this included the role of Edmund Pevensie in the local stage adaptation of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

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Prior to joining Little Big Star, Concepcion had appeared on television as well. This included a commercial with his real-life dad as the rapping kid in Maggi Sinigang sa Miso. Concepcion’s musical influences include Gary Valenciano, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Billy Crawford and Christian Bautista. In fact, Concepcion was even invited to guest in two of Christian Bautista’s concerts namely, Dunkin Donuts: ‘Color Everywhere’ on March 2005 and ‘Heartfelt’ on November 2005.

Gerald Anderson – The Next Christopher De Leon

Why? – WHY NOT !! He is one of the hottest matinee and young actors of today’s generation. Gerald Anderson has the potential of future award winning top drama actor like Christopher De Leon with good film and TV roles. It seems he has to soon rise above the love team with Kim Chui, in the same way the once young tall and thin Boyet was able established his own identity beyond the shadows of his ex-wife Nora Aunor.

Gerald emerged from reality show PBB teen edition with Kim Chui as the big winner. This Fil-Am boy rose to fame through teleseryes ‘Sana’y Maulit Muli’, ‘My Girl’, ‘Tayong Dalawa’ and ‘Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo’.

Aicelle Santos – The Next Jaya

Born in GMA7’s singing competition hosted by Regine Velasquez ‘Pinoy Pop Superstar 2’ and bagged home the first runner up spot. Although she didn’t get the top slot, blessings keep on showering this young diva. Aicelle became one of the mainstays of then SOP now Party Pilipinas and became one of the infamous female vocal ‘La Diva’. She also released her debut album entitled “Aicelle Santos, Make Me Believe”.

Aicelle won one of the major awards in Astana Music Festival in Kazakhstan for the category of Best of Own Country Song. She also won the Awit Awards 2007 “People Choice Award for Best New Female Artist” for the song “ALL THE MAN THAT I NEED”. Jaya and Aicelle both have a deep and wide vocal range and they are equally talented performer. Now both singers are seen on Sunday variety show on GMA7.

Enchong Dee – The Next Piolo Pascual

If there is one actor who is considered as hunk at young age, no doubt it would be Enchong Dee. This young actor from Bicol is mobbed by fans wherever he may go. His athletic appeal and Chinese cutie charm makes the girls scream his name! The same as to Piolo Pascual who was tagged as ‘Papa ng Bayan’ in the height of his popular TV ad for ‘Sprite’. He was born and raised in Naga City and he was part of Philippine national swimming team and has participated in the SEA Games and 2006 Asian Games.

Enchong’s first TV appearance in television came in 2006 when he appeared in a Philippine talk show Home Boy as one of the guests. He caught the eye of a modeling agency and advertisers and soon he appeared in several advertising campaigns including Bench, KFC and Timex. Now, Enchong is busy left and right for his showbiz career and lining up for TV series and movie projects.

John Lloyd Cruz – The Next Aga Muhlach

Aga Muhlach and John Lloyd Cruz share three things in common. They are both ‘Leading Man to the Stars’, ‘Box Office Kings’ and ‘Commercial/Ad Kings’. Aga was paired to various leading lady in his era and the most popular team up he been to are with Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez and former Miss Universe 1994 Dayanara Torres. And same as to John Lloyd, he was paired with various female celebs includes Toni Gonzaga, Sarah Geronimo and his most celebrated pair up – Bea Alonzo.

John Lloyd received multitudes of awards and credits include Best Actor awards and Box Office recognitions for more than one movie. Today, John Lloyd is one of the Philippine celeb who has various endorsements like Aga who has numerous popular ads. John Lloyd continues to be an endorser of such properties as NamNam Lucky Me, 555, Sun Cellular, Magic Flakes, Biogesic, Biogesic for Kids, Adidas, Greenwich, 555 Corned Tuna, Swatch, Direct TV, Purefoods, Smart, Choco Lava, Urban bags, Knorr cubes, Lucky Me, Cherry Mobile, Joel Cruz' Signature 'John Lloyd Cruz Like Him and Likes Her', LaBreza Tower, Skinwhite, Belo, Faces and Curves, Charms and Crystals, and GAOC.

Angel Locsin – The Next Vilma Santos

These both actresses are exceptional when it comes to acting. Angel Locsin and Vilma Santos once played the infamous Filipina Heroine ‘Darna’ for TV and movie respectively. Apart from their sexy aura, they are excellent actress not just for drama but also for action-fantasy themed flicks. Angel was discovered by a talent scout when she was shopping at SM City North EDSA in Quezon City. She then auditioned for several commercials. She was supposed to be a part of ABS-CBN's Star Circle Batch 9, but failed to sign a contract because her father opposed the idea. In 2001, she became a contract star of GMA Artist Center, first appearing on the second season of teen-oriented series, Click.

Angel and Ate V have soft heart for the less fortunate. Ate V, serves as Governor for Batangas and Angel is actively supports GABRIELA Foundation and conducted gift-giving to the less fortunate children in Payatas, Quezon City and gave poor children food, clothing and other basic needs.

Sarah Geronimo – The Next Regine Velasquez

Both Sarah Geronimo and Regine Velasquez are inspiring ‘rags to riches’ stories of Philippine Entertainment. These two outstanding divas emerged in talent search that paid their way to stardom. Their authentic ‘Cinderella’ stories gave them break and launch their popularity. Both divas received recognition in and out of the country. Their careers are much too much alike. Bagging home Platinum awards for their albums left and right, Box Office recognitions for their movies and multitudes of endorsements.

They are both dedicated to their chosen crafts and excel in their own ways. These two hardworking divas continue to lead their way to more things. They continue to give inspiration to the anonymous talents who dreamed to be famous someday.

Toni Gonzaga – The Next Kris Aquino

Toni Gonzaga is no doubt the Kris Aquino of the young generation. Both are witty, beautiful and talkative. Their persuasions can move mountains and inspires people. Toni is very influential to this young generations and Kris is undeniably influential. These two smart and fluent hosts are popular on the local TV today. I have a deep admiration on how Toni manages to stand her poise while hosting several of shows and events and like Kris who manages to scrutinize her guest.

Only Toni has to get matured and attune her popularity on masses. As to Kris who has ever been popular yet controversial. Both ladies are excellent actress though Toni excels in comedy and Kris has established herself as ‘Queen of Horror Movies’.

photo curtesy of google.com & pep.ph

Ryan Cayabyab and Friends Concert !

If the America has David Foster, the Philippines have Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. I am not comparing these two musical masters, but they have something in common. And that is the intellect and the power to manipulate the notes in their hands. Maestro Ryan Cayabyab has been in this industry for a very long time now. Mr. C as he is known in this industry has been performed with leading Philippine Musical Personalities like Lani Misalucha, Regine Velasquez, Dulce, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano and many more. He has also performed outside the country – New York, USA; Las Vegas, Nevada; Vancouver, Canada; Japan, Netherlands and many more.

Did you know that Mr. C composed the themes of TV Patrol and ABSCBN late night news The World Tonight in 1992 and used until 1996. Mr. C also composed ‘Mabuhay’ song, the opening song of Miss Universe 1994 when it was held here in Manila.

Sir Ryan Cayabyab was last seen on primetime television thru ABSCBN’s Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 as Head Master. To those who haven’t remembered this season, it was Laarni Losada who was hailed the Big Winner in this contest. This was the season where we were introduced to extremely talented singers like Bugoy, Miguel Mendoza, and Liezel Garcia. But earlier than PDA2 days, Mr. C judged a rival singing contest in TV5 – Philippine Idol along with Pilita Corrales and the late Francis Magalona.

Now, on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 8PM, along with The Ryan Cayabyab Singer (I am proud that a friend of mine is one of them. My bigger brother and Amang Volter) Mr. Ryan Cayabyab and Friends will perform at the NEWPORT PERFORMING ARTS THEATER. This concert will have Bituin Escalante, Dulce and Jed Pangan singing outstanding hits and OPM classics. The concept and stage direction will be managed by Mr. Floy Quintos and this is a joint project by The Ultimate Entertainment, Inc.; Ticketworld; www.rwmanila.com, NEWPORT PERFORMING ARTS THEATER and ABSCBN as the Official TV Partner.

For ticket inquiries contact TICKETWORLD: (02) 891-9999