Adventures of a Diva Princess: Entertainment

Filipina rock icon Barbie Almalbis hopes to encourage and inspire listeners to rise above extraordinary times.

With the official release of “Umagang Kay Ganda,” the third single of her upcoming new album under Sony Music Philippines, the Dahilan singer-songwriter uses her platform to pay tribute to the courage and optimism of the Filipino people.

“The current situation has made so many of us experience such a profound sense of loss, and it has also given us a rare chance to stop and reassess our lives and consider the things that we really value,” the acclaimed pop-rock artist shares. “I hope Umagang Kay Ganda will be a blessing, especially to our frontliners. It is our little way to say thank you for the selflessness that they have continually shown and the sacrifices that they have made to help us get through this together.”

With the help of constant collaborators, Barbie and her bandmates put a creative stamp in reimagining “Umagang Kay Ganda,” while making sure that its empowering message shines through the intricate arrangement. “Karel and I initially jammed it and he wrote lines for the instrumental section, then we arranged the rest with Nikko on keyboard and Jonard on drums. We were able to record the rhythm section just a few weeks before the lockdown.” As a result, the new version conveys the timeless appeal of the original, while exuding a warmer approach in terms of production details.

Inspiring music video

The official release of Barbie Almalbis’ latest single comes with an accompanying music video that brings to light everyday stories of hope and love for the country amidst the global health crisis.

Interspersed with scenes of the new normal, the visuals for “Umagang Kay Ganda” also showcase the heroic deeds of our frontliners and several acts of compassion and resilience from ordinary Filipino folks.

Barbie adds, “Although some people consider music and visual arts as non-essentials these days, I’ve found that many are actually turning to the arts as a way of coping and feeling connected to others. We want to remind people of the real hope that we have and can hold on to, even as we confront the invisible enemy on a day to day basis. We’ll be able to stand above difficult situations and hurdle these atrocities with the gift of love and compassion.”

The music video is also part of Magnolia Dari Creme’s campaign reminding us that in extraordinary times as in the normal times, tomorrow always brings us new chances for a brighter day as long as we are with the ones we love.

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Every year, tens of thousands of people in various parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gather to witness Ginebra San Miguel’s Ginumanfests – local live music festivals showcasing local talent and popular bands and celebrities. Ginumanfest has been championing the best in OPM talent since 2011, bringing Filipinos together for an epic celebration of music, food, and the world’s largest selling gin.

This year, restricted by measures that prohibit large public activities, GSMI was forced to put it’s highly attended Ginumanfest events on hold. But never one to give up and facing the challenge, GSMI found a way. On June 20, 2020, as an act of unity faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, Ginebra San Miguel’s Ginumanfest presented its first-ever live online concert headlined by popular bands Banda Ni Kleggy, Silent Sanctuary, and December Avenue. The heritage brand urged all Filipinos to digitally get together via Ginebra San Miguel’s Official Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BarangayGinebra/) as ONE GINEBRA NATION to support and salute our frontliners, our freedom to enjoy life, and the never-say-die Filipino spirit. It was indeed a well-timed concert. Held just eight days after Independence Day, and riding on the high of celebrating the Filipino freedom, the event also ushered in a month-long celebration of World Gin Month kicked off by World Gin Day last June 13.

Honoring Heroes

Now more than ever, the message of unity and togetherness of Ginebra San Miguel’s “One Ginebra Nation” campaign could not be more timely.

Early on in the crisis, Ginebra San Miguel found a way to do its part to help as well as to honor the modern heroes in the frontlines.

Aside from donating millions of liters of ethyl alcohol to hospitals and the frontlines, Ginebra San Miguel came out with a reimagination of its iconic label by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. The image of St. Michael the Archangel vanquishing evil that has been on the Kuwatro Kantos and Bilog bottles for over 100 years inspired a new label artwork honoring the brave doctors, nurses, security guards, factory workers, delivery and grocery personnel. These artworks were posted on Ginebra San Miguel’s Facebook Page and netizens were inspired to react and share.

Ginebra San Miguel responded to the clamor to place the label art as actual bottles, thus, limited edition Kuwatro Kantos bottles were released with the commemorative label featuring the healthcare workers. Ginebra San Miguel also gave more reasons to toast the freedom to enjoy life when it launched its newest products – GSM Blue Flavors Tamarind Punch and the Ginebra San Miguel Hari one-liter bottle at the live online concert. Aside from this, viewers were all given a bigger chance to win motorcycles, electric scooters smartphones, tablets, and cash through the One Ginebra Nation Instanalo Summer Promo which was extended up until September 15. Interested participants just need to look under the caps or seals of participating Ginebra San Miguel products.

A Night of Hope

The live online concert featured three of the Philippines’ most followed bands namely Banda ni Kleggy, Silent Sanctuary, and December Avenue. Each band kept netizens entertained with their best hits, and sent out messages of hope and encouragement.

Hosted by Magic 89.9’s DJ Suzy Gamboa and DJ CJ Rivera, viewers were encouraged to prepare their favorite Ginebra San Miguel drinks as they were also treated to the special participation of industry idols such as Sue Ramirez, 2020 Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl Sanya Lopez, top favorite candidates from Miss Universe Philippines pageant, and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings.

The night had many highlights including two surprise collaborations as Sanya Lopez sang together with Banda ni Kleggy while Sue Ramirez sang with Silent Sanctuary. The live comments on Facebook went wild as they gushed their love for their idols.

As the event carried on and before festivities came to a close, guests and viewers gathered in a virtual toast as heroes celebrating heroes and gave thanks to everyone who made the unforgettable night possible.

The concert reached over 3 million people with more than 335,000 views that night. The live comments bursting with happiness, and exclamations of admiration for the artists, stirred up by feelings and memories with each song performed. A lot of netizens shared how they truly missed being in a big concert venue, but given today’s situation, they were so grateful that Ginebra San Miguel gave them this opportunity to attend a Ginumanfest again.

For those interested to know where to get their own Limited Edition Ginebra San Miguel bottles for frontliners and the new GSM Blue Tamarind Punch, just visit LazMart where you can get 20% off on all participating Ginebra San Miguel products until June 30, 2020.

You can still catch the first Ginumanfest live online concert event via Ginebra San Miguel’s Official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BarangayGinebra/

Join ONE GINEBRA NATION Viber Community

https://invite.viber.com/?g2=AQAsQBUzAlFy3EuJpSRWk4C9aKNs5BRM1MpH0%2BN8WKY 6zrZhHrw5NxOuBwrFD569

This event was brought to us by Ginebra San Miguel, GSM Blue, and GSM Premium Gin and was powered by Magic 89.9.

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Far from rehashing the hugot formula for her own gains, syd hartha sets a blueprint for young singer-songwriters to explore deeply personal and socially relevant themes in the face of troubling times. Her work threads a road less traveled by peers and contemporaries in the local music scene, navigating on narratives that are pulled straight from the headlines.

“It got to the point where I realized it’s time for me to step outside my comfort zone and make music with more power, something that speaks to a wider audience and can make an impact,” the eighteen-year-old folk artist takes a stand. “I’m given the opportunity to share my music and help raise awareness on important issues affecting the country. Since then, when something isn’t right or needs to be addressed, I knew I had to do the best I could about it, and I do it mostly through my music.”

syd continues to take charge of her own musical and lyrical direction with the release of her new single “paruparo” under Sony Music Philippines. With earthy, stripped-down arrangements that soar toward a climatic plane, syd sings about how the power of words or even the absence of it can change situations and affect lives.

“If everyone is aware of how we could use the freedom of expression that we all have correctly, conflicts would lessen and understanding each other would be easier,” says the outspoken singer-songwriter. “paruparo is a song to remind everyone to practice being responsible with our words and considerate of how others could take it. I am a strong believer that there is always a right time to speak and that some words are better left unsaid.”

Recorded and produced by Brian Lotho and Not Vinzons in Sonic State Audio, “paruparo” features syd hartha on vocals and guitars, Raisa Racelis on bass, Pat Sarabia on drums, Bea Fabros on guitars, and Jason Gildore on percussions.

syd hartha’s brand new single is now available on all streaming and download platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and Deezer.

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Fresh from reaping prominent spots on international music festivals such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Austin’s SXSW Festival, Ben&Ben is ready to smash their way to global domination with their accessible but compelling brand of folk, world music, alternative, blues, and indie rock. To date, the nine-piece supergroup has accumulated nearly 500 million streams on all online and digital platforms worldwide, making them one of the most streamed Filipino acts of all time.

Their debut album, Limasawa Street was released a few months ago to positive acclaim, earning astonishing praises from publications such as Business Mirror, which called the latest release “an instant classic” and Status Magazine, which went to greater lengths to rave about the album for being “a musical masterpiece and a visual experience.” As of the moment, the full-length record has produced two well-received singles under its belt: the groovy smash “Pagtingin,” which topped the Spotify and Youtube streaming charts for several months since its debut and the radio hit “Araw-Araw.”

With 2019 propelling the folk-pop band to A-list status, it’s remarkable to witness Ben&Ben churn out a new era outside of Limasawa Street with the surprise release of the latest single “Masyado Pang Maaga.” Dropping on the first day of November, the fresh new track is a glorious return to form: a restrained but intricately conceived beauty that arrives with the same effortlessness as all their best songs.

What sets it apart from anything that they have done before is the inspiration behind the ornate displays, the relatable story that points to previously unexplored direction. “When I was writing the song, I was inspired by a very personal experience and frustration of why people struggle so much to communicate and understand each other these days,” guitarist and vocalist Miguel Guico shares. “Why do people decide to be silent and walk away instead of confront each other and talk about things? Hopefully the song can accompany people who go through the same thing, whether it be in their own personal experience or in their family and friends' experiences.”

Produced by Paolo Guico and the band together with Jean-Paul Verona, and written by the Benjamin brothers, “Masyado Pang Maaga” might be included in the deluxe version of Limasawa Street, a move that is currently being discussed by Ben&Ben’s team. With the song being thematically different from the ones in the latest record, Ben&Ben decided to put it on hold instead of including it in the 13-track album. “Writing-wise, Limasawa Street is full of songs filled with messaging of hope, of looking up towards the fact that things will be better,” guitarist and vocalist Paolo Guico adds. “However we felt that there was a need for a song that accompanies the listener in frustration.”

With its lush arrangements leaning toward something more intimate and less overpowering, the latest song is a proof of their staying power as musicians who continue to evolve and make music that soars beyond expectations.

Ben&Ben’s “Masyado Pang Maaga” is now available on all streaming and download platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and Deezer via Sony Music Philippines.

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After reaching the number one spot in one of the most prominent FM radio charts in the Philippines and peaking at number two on Spotify Philippines Viral 50 with “Selos,” the vowels they orbit returns with a brand new single under Sony Music Philippines.

An easy listening number that showcases the band’s more relaxed and technically adept side, their second single “Kiliti” is a song about finding the perfect someone in an imperfect situation. It tackles a kind of love that is capable of surmounting the greatest odds under any circumstances.

“The song was written by Nikka back in college a few years ago with just her guitar,” says Darwin Hernandez, the band’s manager and Soupstar Entertainment’s head honcho. “The full band arrangements were done by all the members and was produced by Rye Sarmiento, who is also the guitarist of 6cyclemind and Banda Ni Kleggy.”

Deceptively simple sound

Certainly at peace with their deceptively simple but lush sound, the vowels they orbit takes pride with their collaborative effort in recording a worthy follow-up to their hit single. “At first, we can’t help but feel a bit nervous about the release of Kiliti given the success of Selos,” bassist Patch Javier points out. “But going back and remembering how Kiliti is such a different song makes us feel excited, rather than pressured. What’s important to us is that people get to listen to the song.”

“It’s always also a great feeling when listeners interpret the song in their own ways and find a connection to the song somehow,” vocalist and guitarist Nikka Melchor shares the same sentiment. “Knowing that we love this song and that we put a lot of work into it is enough to not feel worried.”

What's next for the vowels they orbit

Now signed to Sony Music Philippines, the vowels they orbit are set to release an EP soon. The band, composed of Nikka Melchor (Vocals), Jeremy Sayas (Drums), Hannah Dela Cruz (Keyboard), Gene Santiago (Guitars) and Patch Javier (Bass), is managed by Soupstar Entertainment, which takes pride of its star-studded roster such as Sandwich, Pedicab, Moonstar88, 6cyclemind, Gracenote, Imago and more.

"Kiliti" is now available on streaming and download platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes store, and Deezer.

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Back with a special new release under Sony Music Philippines, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid teams up with Australian singer-songwriter and producer Rick Price on “Nothing Can Stop Us Now.”

Dropped on the same day as the first run of her Iconic concert with the Megastar Sharon Cuneta, the collaboration is part of the Asia’s Songbird’s long running streak of high-profile duets with international artists such as Canadian-American balladeer Paul Anka on “It’s Hard To Say Goodbye,” Hong Kong-based singer-actor Jacky Cheung on "In Love With You,” Cantopop icon Remus Choy on “I Can’t Help It,” and TV sensation/recording artist David Hasselhoff on "More Than Words Can Say.”

“It’s a privilege for me to have been asked to collaborate with Rick Price,” the ABS-CBN star said. “I was very excited knowing that I’ll be working with a well-respected singer-songwriter and producer whose talent I truly admire.”

The brand new release serves as Regine’s latest headlining single since 2017’s “Hugot,” from the platinum-certified album, R3.0.

This time, both artists have put a new spin on Rick Price’s classic single, which made a huge impact on Philippine adult contemporary and pop radio in 1995. The song was also part of Rick’s Tamborine Mountain—his second studio album which peaked at #11 on Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)’s music sales chart.

The Story behind the duet

“When I heard that Regine was known as the Songbird of the Philippines, I was very excited to meet her and hear her sing,” Rick Price explained. “She is so lovely and her voice is exquisite. I was so delighted when she agreed to record with me.”

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid shared the same admiration for Rick Price. Without thinking twice, the Filipina pop icon agreed to record her parts from the newly arranged track that the Heaven Knows singer recorded in his Nashville studio. “Rick gave me creative freedom in terms of how I’ll interpret the song. But he also suggested some cool ideas on how I’ll be able to give new life to the material. I’m deeply honored that this collaboration happened.”

The completely new recording has an expanded arrangement and production with a full band and string section. It also features a more delicate vocal performance from Regine, whose delivery showcased a different side of the Filipina singer-actress.

Nothing Can Stop Us Now is available now on Spotify and all music streaming and download platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

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Heavy rains and traffic failed to halt Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) for staging a record-breaking 70+ music showcases in various venues across the country.

Presented by Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the multi-platform celebration succeeded in its commitment to offering a broad spectrum of Filipino music talents to a diverse audience, transforming public spaces such as malls and train stations into music performance spectacles and curating top-notch performances in bars, concert halls, theatres, and multimedia outlets.

Railway Jams and busking activities

LMP kicked off its campaign with Railway Jams, a series of live music activities in select LRT stations that run from July 4 to 27. Several artist-members from Organisasyon Ng Musikang Pilipino ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) performed original material and familiar covers to entertain commuters from different walks of life. The partnership also attracted positive reception from the riding public, allowing them to discover the city’s wealth of music talents and ongoing support for cultural awareness.

As precursor to LMP’s week-long celebration, several music venues in Metro Manila also held open mic and busking sessions that promote upcoming homegrown acts and underrated music finds. It’s also worth noting that Powerplant Mall and Lucky Chinatown Mall offered their space to mount music shows aimed to serenade guests while they dine or shop. One performance in particular proved to be a standout with its world-class musicality: alt-rock and jazz songstress Cooky Chua collaborated with The Manila String Machine for a soothing but elegantly produced number that instantly wowed both the crowd and the curious bystanders in the mall.

Notable showcases

People braved the rainy season to catch some of the finest performances at the Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino, resulting into packed venues and much-buzzed highlights on social media.

Veteran alternative rock icon Rizal Underground reunited for a one-night only concert at the ‘70s Bistro on the opening week of the LMP. The ‘90s hitmakers churned out their signature anthems “Bilanggo,” “Diskaril,” “Sabado Nights,” to name a few, and was joined by Eddie Siojo on Betrayed’s punk classic “Never Meant To Be This Way.”

More music fans joined the music soiree at the Batang ‘90s showcase in Historia Bar on July 31. They were in for a treat as perennial favorites Barbie Almalbis, Dong Abay, Wency Cornejo, and Color It Red delivered engaging performances that include their past hits and new material.

Rak of Aegis, the acclaimed Pinoy musical also made a glorious comeback with a sold-out, two-day run at the Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino. With Rappler praising the latest iteration for its “abundance of exuberance and joy in the delivery,” and for remaining truthful to its source material, the Barangay Venezia gang took the Aegis back catalog to roof-raising highs with yet another round of awesome song numbers and top-caliber acting.

Launch Parade

Aside from ringing the nostalgia dial, the Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino hosted several single, music video and album launches of established and independent local music acts from different parts of the country. The special showcase includes Bulacan indie-pop outfit Blind Stereo Moon, which premiered the music video of their single “Bulalakaw” at the ‘70s Bistro; husband-and-wide tandem A Couple of Notes, which launched their latest single “Sa Piling Mo” at Jess and Pats; and singer-songwriter Benedict Sy and alt-pop collective Approaching Zero, which held their single release party at World’s End and Upperhouse BGC, respectively.

PhilPop 2018 Grand Winner Chud Festejo from Davao City also debuted his newest EP, Laro Laro at Route 196, while PhilPop 2018 runner-up Ferdinand Aragan debuted his latest independently released single” Dinamalayan” on the same venue and date. Both artists raised the bar in terms of live performance and output, coming to terms with their newfound success and evolving as musicians with a more honed perspective in career and songwriting style.

A Memorable Closer

Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino capped off this year’s run with a well-applauded ensemble performance at ABS-CBN’s longest running Sunday variety show, ASAP Natin ‘To. OPM members Bea Lorenzo, Ferdinand Aragon, and Bayang Barrios, were joined by mainstays Regine Velasquez, Inigo Pascual and JM de Guzman on putting a contemporary spin on smash Pinoy hits from the previous decades.

With a well-curated music program and a bigger fifth year run, Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino is poised to become a staple multi-genre festival with longer staying power and undeniable impact. Here’s hoping for more years of support and love.

LMP is also brought to you by Light Rail Manila Corporation, Ikot MNL, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Power Plant Mall, PhilPop, and other digital, bars and other production partners.

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Any play can, practically, be “based on true story” but “The Insanity of Mary Girard” is one of the few that took real-life events into a haunting and highly theatrical piece. Mary Girard (1758–1815) was committed to an asylum in 1790 where her husband declared her legally insane. During her confinement, she gave birth to a baby girl – unsure who the father was – who died five months later. After residing in the insanity ward for 25 years, she was laid to rest somewhere on hospital grounds, her grave unmarked.

Be Our Guest Theatricals’ “13^th of September” is a reimagination of Lanie Robertson’s “The Insanity of Mary Girard” chosen to represent the Philippines and be a part of the 9th Festival international de Théâtre de Mont-Laurier at Quebec, Canada on 5 – 11 September 2019. Only 25 companies from over 20 countries are selected to join and present their plays during the said biennial theater festival. The Philippines is the only country from Southeast Asia who was selected to join the festival since its launch in 2003.

Be Our Guest Theatricals is a team of professional theater and film practitioners based in Manila, Philippines. The group’s major goal is to create and produce shows for different international theater festivals and this year, a door was opened to them to start achieving it. They want to boost the presence of the Philippine theater in the international realm and at the same time, bring home and share their learnings to Filipino professional and school-based theater companies.

“13^TH OF SEPTEMBER” SYNOPSIS

Sunday Evening, Mary Girard is preparing for her last performance in Pennsylvania Asylum. Now, 56, her age is visible after more than two decades re-living the moments of her life inside the asylum. While doing her daily routine and preparation with other patients, her past is dawning inside her, the memories of her mother, husband and her dear daughter are right in front of her and it seem like she’s “sane” once again. As for her last night with the tranquilizing chair, she will fight and re-live the moments of lies and betrayal that has never been proven.

THE PLAYWRIGHT

After the launch of one of his notable pieces, “Lukot-Lukot, Bilog-Bilog” with Tanghalang Pilipino, Eljay Castro Deldoc makes his debut in the international scene with “13^th of September” together with his dramaturg, Drew Espenocilla. In this piece, they illustrate the “present-time Mary Girards” as victims of a harsh society whose leaders are oblivious to the horrendous truth – that the Philippines is living within a culture that emphasizes resilience and humor amid suffering and pain making it difficult to talk about mental illness where you have no other choice but to be strong – both mentally and emotionally. They regard that, as people, we put so much importance in being able to roll with the punches, almost to the point that it’s a requisite to master how to laugh in the face of misfortune. This is why, despite the growing call to recognize mental health as a legitimate public health concern, initiatives to resolve this remain limited.

Eljay has been a part of The Virgin Labfest for six consecutive years since 2013. His most notable plays are first staged in this festival: “Owel”, “Ang Goldfish ni Prof. Dimaandal”, “Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala”, and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award-winning “Pilipinas Kong Mahal With All the Overcoat”. In 2016, “Si Maria Isabella…” was mounted by Bindlestiff Studio in San Francisco, California. Recently, he ventured in producing teleplays as a part-time writer for GMA 7. He’s part of the writing team of “Juan Tamad”, “Naku Boss Ko”, “Conan My Beautician”, and “I Heart Davao”.

THE DIRECTOR

Director Riki Benedicto has headed several productions with Tanghalang Pilipino, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Virgin Labfest and Dulaang Filipino. True to BOGT’s primary objective, he has been consistently elevating the presence of Philippine theater globally with his directorial works in Dulaang Filipino’s Out at Sea (7th Montreal International Theatre festival) and Oedipus (7th Festival international de Théâtre de Mont-Laurier). The latter was awarded Best International Performance and special Jury prize in Teatralny Koufar in Belarus, SETKANI/ENCOUNTER International Theater Festival’s SWAG Award in Brno Czech Republic and Best International Performance in Escenamateur Spain. Solomon also won as Best International Performance in Escenamateur Spain.

He received Best Director for a Musical and Best director for non-musical Nominations from ALIW awards in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Riki is, once again, putting forward another universal concern in Eljay Castro Deldoc’s “13^th of September” where he aspires to “challenge society’s restrictive definition of sanity, gender and sexuality or even your perception of truth - truth is relative.”

The Manila run of “13th of SEPTEMBER” will be from August 31 to September 1, 2019 (4pm and 8pm) at Zobel De Ayala Recital Hall, Maybank Performing Arts Theater. Proceeds of these fundraising shows will go to the actors' and production staff's travel expenses to the 9th Festival international de Théâtre de Mont-Laurier in Quebec, Canada on 5-11 September 2019 where they will be performing as the country's official delegation.

Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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