Ryan Cayabyab 'Sang Libo't 'Sang Tinig Ng Pasko: The Araneta Center Christmas Special

Saturday, November 19, 2011 was one spectacular night in Araneta Center. Brightest stars of Music industry are gathered in one magestic night together with 1001 voices with no other than Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. World renowned chorale all over the Phillipines are put together for the one dream come true event.


It all started in one simple wish. Maestro Ryan Cayabyab was asked "Of all the success you've been enjoying, is there still one thing that you want to do?". He answered, that he wants to gather 1000 voices in one christmas concert. Incidentally, Madame Judy Araneta is watching his interview and called ABSCBN to make his wish come true and the rest are history.

I was so lucky to be sitted in Araneta to witness this spectacular event. The moment the chorale started to sing, I felt that I am in heaven, serenated by thousand of angels. It was very overwhelming to hear christmas songs being sung with wonderful voices.I cannot utter a perfect word to describe what exactly I felt. Along with the chorale, famous names of local music joined them and to give support to Mr. C. The ABSCBN's premiere performers like KC Concepcion, Ariel Rivera, Nyoy Volante, RJ Rodriguez, Marcelito Pomoy, Angeline Quinto, Opera singer Rachel Gerodias, Jed Madela, Piolo Pascual, and Ms. Lea Salonga. They performed famous and classic christmas songs for the audience.


I really enjoyed this concert and I hope you do too. This will be telecast via ABCBN's Sunday's Best. One remarkable number was with Jed Madela when he sung the 'Gloria El Exelsis Deo'. With Jed's powerful voice enchanted with 1001 voices and with great accompanionment of Phillippines pride - Manila Symphony Orchestra. I had a goosebumps during the entire performance. Also, Piolo was really heart warming with his number. And Miss Lea Salonga was incomparable! Very astonishing and her number was beyond excellent.

I am very proud to this event. And this is once in a lifetime experience. To be serenated by 1001 voices and famous singers are overwhelming. So proud that our country have these world class talents. So this christmas, let the music binds us together as one big family.

Catch Ryan Cayabyab At 'Sang Libo't 'Sang Tinig Ng Pasko: The Araneta Center Christmas Special on ABSCBN. Hosted by 2010 Miss Universe 4th Runner up Venus Raj and 2011 Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up Shamcey Supsup. 










credits to Mr. Alwin Aguirre for the photos and Ricky Castillo for the invites :D

ABSCBN's Padre De Pamilya

Christopher De Leon accepted the offer of ABSCBN but will still be seen on TV5’s miniseries with Superstar Nora Aunor. The senior actor accepted a drama series in ABSCBN with Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales.  Mr. De Leon supposed to have a fantasy theme ala Narnia series with TV5 but he and his manager Lolit Solis accepted the drama with ABS.

The working title of his drama series with ABSCBN is ‘Padre De Pamilya’. Piolo Pascual uttered his excitement to work with Christopher De Leon. Jericho Rosales also expressed his own share of excitement over this long awaited opportunity. “I’m excited kasi kasama ko si Piolo and Boyet,” he exclaimed. Other notable showbiz personalities who will be taking part in the series “Padre de Pamilya” are Maricar Reyes, Denise Laurel and Rafael Rosell. 




photo courtesy of piolopascual facebook page

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

Piolo Pascual, Anne Curtis and Sarah Geronimo for My Phone

My Phone is the first and lone Filipino mobile phone product that offers dual SIM mobility. It grew from a support for friends to try out a local mobile phone brand in an effort to join the field of established international giants. Started three years ago, My|Phone has proven to be a definitive contender in the Philippine mobile phone landscape, consistently averaging significant sales figures. The response has driven My|Phone to continuously strive to develop better phones at much affordable prices.

Top Celebrity endorser of this local phone products are Philippine Heartthrob Piolo Pascual, Pop Princess and Box Office Queen Sarah Geronimo and Goddess Anne Curtis. I love their new advertisement where these celebs post as super heroes. In the real poster, they are joined by Viva Talent XLR8.   

My Phone is everywhere – used by everyone around me now. Aside from the affordability of this product it has features unique to competing brands. No doubt a revolutionary mobile handset provider, My|Phone is the first and leading Filipino mobile phone manufacturer in the Philippines and My|Phone is the first mobile phone provider with customized applications and content tagged as "Pinoy Phone", a software exclusively created for My|Phone with a gamut of data such as recipes, jokes, and even prayers.

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

The 2011 'First Ever' OMG Philippines Awards Winners

Today, June 21^st is the awarding of the first ever Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Award. Yes you read it as it was written. Late last month, many has been blogging about this Yahoo! OMG Philippine Awards 2011, and winners were determined by an online poll from June 14 to 18 and awarded today at the Republiq Bar in Resorts World in Pasay City.

Yahoo! OMG Philippines posted that the winners for each categories will be chosen using trends on Yahoo!, wherein the most searched celebrities or personalities have been listed. It means that a user can vote by searching these celebrities on the site. 

Congratulations to the winners !!

Big names from GMA7, ABSCBN2 and TV5 were announced as winners and here are as follows:

Celebrity of the Year: Shalani Soledad

Major Impact Personality of the Year: Shamcey Supsup

Hottest Actor: Piolo Pascual 

Hottest Actress: Jennylyn Mercado

Breakthrough Male Artist: Coco Martin

Breakthrough Female Artist: Cristine Reyes

Funniest Comedian (Male ): Vice Ganda

Funniest Comedienne (Female ): Eugene Domingo

Awesome Young Actor: Albie Casino

Awesome Young Actress: Kathryn Bernardo 

Amazing Male Newcomer: Alden Richards

Amazing Female Newcomer: Ritz Azul

Favorite Male TV Host: Luis Manzano

Favorite Female TV Host: Toni Gonzaga

Coolest Male Singer: Christian Bautista

Coolest Female Singer: Charice 

Coolest Band: Parokya ni Edgar

Fashion Designer of the Year: Joey Samson

ABSCBN's New Lupang Hinirang Video Ad

In line with the 113th Independence Day celebration, ABSCBN launched their new National Anthem Video Ad featuring big names from their league of stars. The video started with Piolo Pascual running a torch carrying a flag along with other male celebrities with the like of Rafael Roselle, Luis Manzano, Diether Ocampo and Jericho Rosales. The following sequence seen was a native Pahiyas Festival featuring female Kapamilya stars - Maja Salvador, Shaina Magdayao, Empress Shuck, and Andi Eigenman. The video shows different Philippine landmarks including Manila, Bicol, Bohol, Intramuros, Cavite and many more.

ABSCBN President Charo Santos-Concio introduced the video with the network's building behind her. Judy Ann Santos was shoot in an old church in Guadalupe and the following sequence was Bea Alonzo and Angel Locsin was shoot in Kawit, Cavite. The female stars was stunningly beautiful with their Filipiniana Dress. The next sequence was with Gary Valenciano in beautiful Manila Bay. Along with other big names in showbiz industry, the video was shoot in various places in the Philippines.

The video also features national costumes and other festivals around the country. To see the video I am talking about, please click this link :