Showing posts with label Songwriter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Songwriter. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Emotions soar, and champions emerge at Your Song of Excellence's Finals Night

7:00:00 AM



Excellence gave way to a night filled with heightened emotions and gripping drama. What started as a showcase of powerful performances evolved into a poignant scene, as contestants and judges alike found themselves overwhelmed by the depth of their emotions. It wasn't merely a display of dramatic flair; instead, it unfolded as an emotional roller coaster ride, impacting not only the contestants but also the judges who doubled as mentors.











 

Your Song of Excellence 2023, Taiwan Excellence's quest for the Philippines' best singers and songwriters, co-presented by Aromase, Derma Angel, and Johnson Fitness & Wellness, concluded its third-year run this Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Taguig.



 

The live Grand Finals Event witnessed a celebration of outstanding Filipino talent, with the top 3 Grand Finalists from both the Singer and Songwriter categories persevering to the end. Before the intense stage battles, the Finale began with an invigorating performance of the Your Song of Excellence 2023 jingle by celebrity judges Yeng Constantino, Arthur Nery, Ice Seguerra, and Paulo Zarate.







The Grand Finals performance round for the Singer Category was nothing short of amazing, featuring three powerhouse performers shaped by their respective singing journeys, each road leading to the Grand Finals stage. Ultimately, Julius Cawaling emerged triumphant with two equally captivating performances, narrowly defeating 1st Runner Louise Alivio and 2nd Runner Up Alyssa Erasquin in a closely contested race. Another tight competition unfolded in the battle for Grand Champion in the Songwriter Category. The final three songwriters presented their fully realized Grand Finals songs to a large crowd. Through their partner singers, these talented composers skillfully navigated their creative storytelling and melodies, with every lyric pulling at the heartstrings of the audience. Lyndon Nagar emerged on top among the songwriters, surpassing 1st Runner Up Juls Burce and 2nd Runner Up Popa Elorde.


 

Helping to present the awards to the winning contestants were VIPs, Mr. Dustin Yang, Minister of Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, Mr. Alex Lai, Director of Taiwan Trade Center Manila, Ms. Christine Kuo, Manager of Taiwan Trade Center Manila, Ms. Janine Tan, Senior Project Manager of Taiwan Trade Center Manila, Ms. Yvonne Hsiao, Project Manager of Taiwan External Trade Development Council, and Ms. Valerie Lin, Project Manager of Taiwan External Trade Development Council, making the event even more special with their esteemed presence.



  

The Grand Champions received a P50,000 cash prize and P50,000 worth of products each. The 1st Runners Up won P30,000 cash prize each while the 2nd Runners Up won P20,000 cash each, as well as P50,000 worth of products each runner up. The Live Grand Finals Event was also streamed live on the Taiwan Excellence (PH) Facebook page. View it here: https://bit.ly/YSOE3GrandFinals Your Song of Excellence 2023 is also in partnership with Acer Philippines, Annie’s Way, ASUS Philippines, FECA PH, ible Tech, MSI Philippines, PC Express, Predator Gaming, Republic of Gamers, and Tatung.

 

Don’t forget to like and follow Taiwan Excellence’s Social Media pages:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph
IG: @taiwanexcellence_ph


Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Just Music Night, A Soothing Sound on a Friday Night

11:15:00 PM

 

After more than two years, it was my first Friday night experience again. It feels like the first time I spent a fun Friday night listening to a band. It sure brings back memories of my younger years in this JUST MUSIC NIGHT, a night filled with beats and emotions where TJ Monterde released his latest single, "Walong Bilyon," together with the other singer-songwriters, Kenji, Patrick Quirros, and NKD.

Just Music is a sub-label of CS Music that caters to different talented singer-songwriters. And these four performers are just a few of the many talents of Just Music.


 
If you're one of those fans, who enjoy hearing different kinds of masterpieces, especially those with full of emotions and sincerity. The releases from Just Music are what will soothe your ears, and mine too.

Fans, friends, and relatives of these singer-songwriters are present during the event, showing their love and support to their favorite artists. Imagine seeing them perform face to face and live, put the entire crowd into cheer and roar.



Among the four performers, I and other bloggers got a chance to hear three of them sing and present their latest release. Two of them were interviewed. So, better catch the interview on my Youtube. And ironically, Kenji and TJ's releases are somewhat opposite or ying and yang. For Kenji, his songs are more of heart aches like the Liham, while TJ Monterde's "Walong Bilyon" is about his unending appreciation of the impossibility that came true, his love for his wife, KZ Tandingan.

Well, the night ends well with a smile on my face and the rhythm on my ear. I just hope that it is the start of more concerts and performances of different artists in the industry. 

To know more about the latest releases, catch the news on CornerStone Music and Just Music's FB pages.

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Kyle Echarri, A New Perspective in Life as a Producer, Songwriter, and Singer in this New Album "New Views"

1:01:00 PM

 


Kyle Echarri is welcoming a fresh era in his music journey with the release of his second full-length album “New Views,” out now on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and other digital music platforms.

"'New Views' because I'm turning 18 and I think it's time for people to see my new views on life, who I am as a person, and new views on my love life, stuff like that," he shared.

A major shift from his debut album in 2016, the young artist personally wrote and composed all seven original tracks included in the album from ABS-CBN’s Star Pop label, and was also heavily involved in the production of most of the songs. Label head Rox Santos served as the album's supervising producer.

"I can say mismong puso ko na siya, it's part of my heart kasi I was able to write the whole thing and produce the whole thing. Sinadya ko talaga kasi I really wanted the fans to feel my heart," Kyle said.

Its key track “Liligawan Na Kita” is a writing collaboration between Kyle and his “Huwag Kang Mangamba” co-stars Seth Fedelin and Andrea Brillantes. The song, produced by Kyle and co-performed by Seth, talks about one’s willingness to wait and court someone very special.

Kyle’s 2020 single “I’m Serious” is also included in the album’s track list along with “Dyosa” which was produced by JayR. Other tracks such as “Mahal Nga Kita” featuring rapper Arvey, “Panaginip,” which is currently featured in the original soundtrack (OST) of anthology series “Click, Like, Share,” “As Long As You’re Mine,” and “Fuego,” which he co-wrote with close friend Darren Espanto—were all self-produced by Kyle.

Meanwhile, in time for his 18th birthday and as a show of gratitude to his fans who have supported him throughout his six years in the entertainment industry, Kyle is set to hold a digital birthday fan con on Sunday (June 20), 7 pm via his kumu account (@echarripapi). Fans can also expect live performances of the “New Views” tracks during the virtual event.

Join Kyle as he reaches new grounds by streaming his latest album “New Views,” now available on various digital music streaming services. For more details, follow Star Pop on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starpopph) and on Twitter and Instagram (@starpopph).

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Johnoy Danao, Ebe Dancel, and Bullet Dumas Co-Headline a Kumu Digital Concert Entitled ‘ALPAS’

12:58:00 AM

 

When was the last time I heard a live concert? Well, I think it has been two years already. I missed the sound, I missed the noise and most of all I missed attending live events. 

Thankfully, technology is friendly enough to get through us right before the pandemic that is why after realizing that we won't be having physical concerts and events for a time being, technology pave way for a new norm of enjoying music. 

Get ready for a night of soaring anthems and classic sing-alongs as kumu live and GNN hold a virtual concert featuring some of the finest Filipino singer-songwriters of all time.

Dubbed ALPAS, the digital show not only aims to bring live performances for the streaming public, but also promises music fans to experience a semblance of ‘concert’ normalcy in an intimate, stripped-down setting.

Renowned alternative/pop-rock/folk icons Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Ebe Dancel, Johnoy Danao and Bullet Dumas mark their first time to co-headline a show together, performing as both solo artists and collaborators. The six music acts are also set to perform as a group in a special medley number arranged and produced by award-winning musical director, Ronaldo Tomas.

With new security and health protocols in place, the virtual showcase will be shot at the outdoor area of Conspiracy Garden Café, an iconic music venue that is home to several music greats and independent bands, and in Madrid, Spain where Kitchie Nadal is currently based.

As expected, Nadal is excited to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime collaboration, and has all the great words to say about the upcoming online show. “I’m excited to work with the artists that I admire in the music industry. It’s an opportunity that I wouldn’t want to miss.” Barbie Almalbis explains that this is as close to playing for a live audience, and that performing in Conspiracy again makes her feel nostalgic. “I’m more than happy to share the stage with the artists that I look up to, and hopefully, the energy and enthusiasm would resonate with the music fans once they see it on the virtual screen. It’s something that we’ve worked hard for.”

Aia, Barbie and Kitchie (ABK) have staged a sold-out, collaborative concerts at the Music Museum in 2016 and 2017, and held a benefit online show in 2020 to raise funds for the employees of indie music venues in Metro Manila. Ebe, Johnoy, and Bullet (3D) on the other hand, have performed as 3D, and went on to headline three, sold-out concerts: twice at the Music Museum in 2015 and 2016, and at the Kia Theatre in 2018. These concerts were organized and produced by GNN.


 
Bullet Dumas admits that he missed performing, and that ALPAS came at the right time when everyone needs a source of entertainment to keep them going while public life is on lockdown. “I haven't performed in an actual show since early pandemic,” the young music virtuoso shares in a statement. “People in the live events industry are barely surviving, so this opportunity from KUMU and GNN means a lot to me. And I know how a simple show can move people especially in this crazy era of our lives.”

Johnoy Danao admits that this is the very first time since 2020 that 3D will be reunited together, and he wouldn’t want to miss it for the world. He’s also looking forward to working with Aia, Barbie and Kitchie on this special project. “It’ll be the first time that all of us are performing together, so I think that’s something to look forward to.”

When asked about what makes ALPAS worth watching despite the lack of an actual “live” audience, Aia De Leon takes pride in what the virtual concert stands for especially in the time of pandemic. “ALPAS is your connection to something real. When the songs hit home, this is your connection to the memory as well as the future promise of the live gig experience.”

Ebe Dancel echoes Aia’s sentiments, stressing the importance of music in forging a sense of community amidst the most challenging of times. “People, in my opinion, will always need music. As much as we miss the live audience, this will have to do for now. Someday, somehow, we will all see each other again.”

ALPAS: A Digital Concert is set to premiere on June 5, 2021 from 6pm onwards. Tickets to ALPAS are now available for purchase via kumu, with a price of P499 for general admission. For details on how to buy tickets, go to this site: www.kumu.live

Friday, September 25, 2020

Kyle Echarri Now A Singer-Songwriter of His Latest Single "I'm Serious"

9:51:00 PM

Is he really serious? Well, during the online media conference, Kyle Echarri showed and shared how serious he is about his craft. One proof that he is serious is that he's levelling up his singing career by not only singing but also crafting his own songs. 

A more mature Kyle Echarri was presented during the mediacon of his latest single release titled “I’m Serious,” which he wrote and produced under Star POP.

This project marks the young actor-singer’s first solo music project as a singer-songwriter and music producer. Label head Rox Santos served as the supervising producer of Kyle’s upcoming album which will include “I’m Serious.”

“I really wanted to let people feel who Kyle really is, so what I did was write all the songs in this album,” he teased.

“I’m Serious” is a straightforward love song in which a guy looks for a way to ease the girl’s worries by committing his faithful love only for her. It expresses deep affection for a special someone while also convincing her of his decent intentions.

Kyle said he wrote the song to address assumptions about him being a “chickboy.” “For me, the best thing to do now is just spread positivity and love to one another. When something negative was thrown at me, I guess I translated it into something positive. I just really wanted to spread love to everyone,” he explained.


Before the song’s official drop, 15 lucky fans who won Star POP’s contest on Twitter got first dibs on hearing the track via a virtual fan meet and listening party last Wednesday (September 9).

Kyle finished in the Top 6 of “The Voice Kids” season 2 in 2015. His most recent collaboration is with 16-year-old Singaporean talent Haven for the dreamy track “Imagine.” In 2018, the “Kadenang Ginto” breakout star released his hit song “Pangako,” which climbed to the top spot of iTunes PH’s Top 100 Songs Chart upon its release.

Trust real love and listen to Kyle’s new song, “I’m Serious” on various digital streaming platforms. For more details, follow StarPOP PH on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starpopph) and on Instagram (@starpopph). For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.



Thursday, September 24, 2020

Maris Racal's 'Not For Me' Shows An Introspective Side of Her

9:36:00 PM

 

This blog have been on tail on Maris Racal's stories, most especially during their Marnigo days, and we can say that her musical talent is interesting, whether she goes alone or with a partner. So, now we've got another story to share about Maris and this is about her newest single which is something to check out. She did create a name for herself and she has been one of the breakout young actresses of her generation. Maris Racal has successfully dabbled in writing her own songs and challenging industry expectations with her intimate and refreshing take on pop music. From penning the chart-topping confessional “Ikaw Lang Sapat Na” to collaborating with Rico Blanco on the city pop-influenced ditty “Abot Langit,” Racal is surprisingly an effective chronicler of love anthems for the modern age—a guitar-toting songstress known for balancing commercial appeal with artistic integrity. 

Bursting with youthful fervor and charismatic edge, Maris Racal’s latest single “Not For Me” stretches her introspective side of music-making to interesting places, while retaining the accessibility of her recent crossover hits. Her resounding confidence translates perfectly into the musical output, but it’s her conversational and matter-of-fact songwriting style that earns the stripes, revealing a degree of self-assuredness that comes with experience.

Inspired by Britpop acts such as Aqualung and folk-pop chanteuses like Lily Allen and Regina Spektor, Racal wrote “Not For Me” not so much for intriguing unconventionality, but as an outlet to express herself in a way that feels truthful and inherently raw. The driving piano chords and the soaring arrangements give her storytelling a more authentic spin, lending it an effortless breeziness while making sure it doesn’t lessen the emotional impact of the song.

With “Not For Me” putting a spotlight on her songwriting strengths, Maris Racal explores the complexities of romantic uncertainty with a surprisingly nuanced approach—unfiltered, no longer afraid of possibilities, and ready to own the moment.

“Not For Me” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Carmina Topacio, An Indie Singer-Songwriter to Add on Your Playlist

7:39:00 AM

 Carmina Topacio - Guilt Stricken

I love music, and I love hearing new songs and rhythms from different artists, most especially the indies. Yes, remember the band that I have featured before, the Arkos? Well, I think they are still an indie band. What I like about indies or underground music is that most of them are not limited to the type of music that they are playing. They have this distinct sound and artistry with them that makes them more interesting to listen to.

This time we're featuring another talent, a singer and songwriter, a shy-type of person but blessed with so much beauty and talent, Camina Topacio. Yes, I know some of you might tell 'I have seen her before' and yes, she has been in the limelight before, and probably that was a decade ago. Now, she's back with her latest single entitled "Guilt Stricken."

So, for those who don't know her yet, well, her name is Carmina Topacio. She is an indie singer-songwriter based in Manila, beautiful as you can see and a well-talented musician because she can play the piano, guitar and take note she's the one who produces all her songs. Like I mentioned earlier, Carmina has been in the limelight before, and that was when she was still 17 when she started her own Youtube Channel. She was known for her cover songs like Avenged Sevenfold's 'Afterlife', 'Gunslinger,' and 'Eyes on Me' from the Final Fantasy 8 soundtrack. She also wrote some original compositions like 'I don't want to love another' and 'It's always been you,' all were released on YouTube.

About her song, "Guilt Stricken," is an old school alternative rock type of music. It was inspired by a toxic relationship she had in the past. According to Carmina, "... when a person you love continues to hurt you, the question that keeps repeating in your head is how they could do it and live with it. You wonder if they feel any remorse. The song talks about that, but it could also be interpreted and seen from the perspective of the person who has done wrong and is experiencing the unsettling feeling of guilt. I want to share it because I think a lot of people could relate to it."

Carmina Topacio

Carmina ventured out to Spotify with the first song that she released entitled "By my side," which is basically about long-distance relationships. Since the lockdown, many relationships were affected, and some couples got to experience what it was like being in a temporary LDR. this was released during Carmina's birthday last July 1.

Now, her "Guilt Stricken" song was added to the Official Spotify Playlist, Fresh Finds Philippines. It is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play, and other music platforms.

Last August 27, She premiered her self-produced homemade music video. She shot her scenes with a little help from her siblings and learned how to use Adobe Premiere to edit.

So, that's our featured artist for today, CARMINA TOPACIO. Follow her on her social media or visit her website.

Carmina Topacio Website
Spotify 

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

PhilPop announces finalists from Visayas and Mindanao clusters

12:54:00 AM

One of the prestigious songwriting contest that I have ever know, and who has produced a number of hit songs. PhilPop, has officially unveiled its top 6 finalists from the Visayas and Mindanao cluster. With #MusicBreakingBorders as its newest tagline, the music institution sets its sights in promoting top-notch Filipino compositions on a scale that’s never been done before: by going global and forging regional ties.

Carefully handpicked from thousands of submissions, the first batch of finalists from PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020 recently graced the online media presentation last August 24, 2020 (Wednesday).



In no particular order, the finalists from the Vis-Min cluster include:

Visayas:
Jerika Teodorico – “Ayaw Na Lang” (Cebu City, Cebu)
Noah Alejandre and Reanne Borela – “Suyo” (Ormoc City, Leyte)
Michael Catarina – “Hinungdan” (Cebu City, Cebu)


Mindanao:
John Cadeliña – “Akong Bililhon”(Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur)
Christian Chiu – “Kasadya” (Corandal City, South Cotabato)
Sherwin Fugoso – “Pahuway” (Jabonga, Agusan del Norte)


According to PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio, the entries underwent multiple rounds of selection process until Top 3 per clusters were handpicked. “We wanted our process to be inclusive so the decision making involved local and international representatives from Warner Music, representatives from our regional partner for each cluster, and representatives from PhilPop,” Remolacio shares in a statement.

The selection committee is headed by Festival Chair and PhilPop Musicfest National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, as well as Foundation Board Members, adjudicators, partners, and Warner Music Philippines Executives such as PhilPop Musicfest Foundation President Victorico P. Vargas, Festival Co-Chair and PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Board Member Noel Cabangon, PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Executive Director Dinah A. Remolacio, PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Lead Adjudicators Jungee Marcelo and Trina Belamide, Warner Music Philippines Managing Director Ian Monsod, MinPop Musicfest Director and Mindanao Cluster Partner Jeremy Sarmiento, and Kadasig Founder and Visayas Cluster Partner Jude Gitamondoc.



PhilPop is currently wrapping up its adjudication process for the remaining clusters namely: North Luzon, South Luzon, and Metro Manila. The finalists representing the remaining regions will be announced next month. In terms of the selection of finalists from the Mindanao Cluster, MinPop Musicfest Director Jeremy Sarmiento takes pride of how the top three finalists took inspiration from various sources, yet their songs sounded truly ‘Mindanaoan’ in terms of cultural context and identity. Sarmiento also cited the importance of regional representation, and how this platform helps in introducing different stories and diverse experiences through music. “There's no better way to achieve that than giving an opportunity to those in the regions to tell their own stories. Representation provides a reflection of each of their languages, ideals, feelings and that's what we ultimately need to understand each other better, the uniqueness of the Filipinos, expressed through songs.”


Kadasig Founder and Visayas Cluster Partner Jude Gitamondoc is also optimistic about their official picks for the Visayas cluster, citing diversity and universal appeal as two of main reasons that make these songs a standout in the competition. “I think the songs chosen to represent the Visayas are a great representation of the region,” says Gitamondoc. “We have an electronic-infused track, another one that's soulful, and another that's folksy. That pretty much shows how varied the musicality is in the Visayas. We are at the center of the country. We are a melting pot of cultures, influences, and ideas.”

PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020 is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year's PhilPop is co-presented by SMART, MERALCO, and MAYNILAD, with official partners, Warner Music Philippines, Kadasig, and MinPop.


Thursday, July 23, 2020

Oak Cherry Wine is the New Single of Singer-Songwriter Jean Tan

9:18:00 AM
Photo Credit -- Olya Shevchenko

It seems that more and more music is being released in the market and most of them are from Singapore, like this one from Jean Tan. Her latest single is “Oak Cherry Wine” which shows her continuing strong in a signature, bluesy vein, dropping on 24 July on all major digital streaming platforms via Leeway. This is Jean’s third and final single before the anticipated 5-song EP is released in fall 2020, produced and arranged by Singaporean R&B artist and multi-instrumentalist Dru Chen.

So is this just another love song? Definitely not. Though familiar themes of courtship and romance feature like they do in the previous singles, this is perhaps Jean’s most personal release to date. This is an ode to love, but a deeper kind – one that grows better with age, holds steady in both the valley and mountain moments. It is a lettre d'amour to the lover who decides to stay for better and worse, richer and poorer, in sickness and in health.

This is, after all, a song born out of Jean’s own story – her personal health struggles with kidney disease and the man who married her despite the uncertainty of a lifetime together. Perhaps it’s why it feels so powerful despite the simple instrumentation of keys and a couple of guitars. Everything is felt so keenly from the moment Jean whispers 1, 2, 3, 4 in your ear at the start to the soaring, dulcet tones of the chorus: I love you / and it’s funny how / I’ll need you and breathe you / Be with you every moment now…

Even in the simplicity of the arrangement, the listener is taken on a journey as the melodies of the two guitars dance around each other like two binary stars. Seventh chords. A walking, no, skipping the bass line. An unexpected twinkling of the electric piano right at the end to bring it all home.

The song offers endless contrasts and complexity in so few elements that it’s hard not to be intrigued. It is sentimental but fierce. Sweet but not saccharine. A glass of oak cherry wine, tilted to the lips – bittersweet, familiar, true.

Listen to “Oak Cherry Wine” at Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/6JGHcOtPz6FElgJozjJquf or Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/oak-cherry-wine-single/1522550239?ls=1

Thursday, June 4, 2020

Israeli Singer-Songwriter VANNA Releases Official Music Video for 'Let Me Fall'

3:18:00 PM


KwentoNiToto.com continues to share music from different genres and even different countries, so I do hope you would love to hear these kinds of music from these different artists.

Israeli singer-songwriter VANNA released a music video for her latest single titled 'Let Me Fall' via Umami Records.

Directed by award-winning independent filmmaker Matan Balalty and French-Israeli artist Noémie Dahan, the music video was shot at the Beit Talal In Jaffa and features four professional contemporary dancers.

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), Let Me Fall is an ambient-folktronica song about letting yourself fall completely in love, and embracing the vulnerability that comes along with that. “When you fall in love, you expose yourself to getting hurt. It’s an endless paradox. When you let someone enter your inner world, you’re allowing them to gently break down your walls and then amazing things can happen.”, shares VANNA, “I was scared that one day I’d lose this feeling, and when it really happened I felt so alone trying to move on. This is the risk you take for falling in love.

‘Let Me Fall’ by VANNA is available everywhere at this link: https://www.umamirecords.sg/let-me-fall/

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Listen to Israeli Singer-Songwriter Vanna's Debut Single "HIGH HOPES" Via Umami Records

11:51:00 PM
Featuring today this Israeli artist, singer-songwriter, VANNA, with her recently released debut single entitled "High Hopes." It is via Singapore based indie label Umami Records, which will capture your attention and would probably listen to more of what's coming from this artist. The single was just released last Friday, 6 March 2020.

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), High Hopes is a song about not giving up, even in the darkest, loneliest moments of one’s life. “In the end we must ‘run slow, with high hopes’, be patient, and face the future with optimism.” shares VANNA, “I wanted to let people know that they are not alone and there is always hope.” A gently fingerpicked acoustic guitar sits at the centre of Roy’s production which he combines with VANNA’s unique voice, wafting a piano, strings and other instruments in and out, immersing the listener into the raw emotions of this song.


A music video produced by award-winning independent filmmaker Matan Balalty, set in the beautiful forests of Mount Eitan in Jerusalem, accompanies the release of this single.

High Hopes is the title track of VANNA’s debut EP which will be released throughout 2020. Over the last 3 years, VANNA has been working closely with producer Roy Avital on this EP, delivering a delicate fusion of indie electronic, pop, and folk influenced by artists like RY X, Oscar and the Wolf, SYML and Sóley.




Born and raised in Tel Aviv, of Indian and Iranian parents, VANNA grew up immersed in music, culture and diversity. Creating music is her way of confronting and understanding the turmoil she feels within herself, and she hopes her songs will touch others going through the same struggle. She is also a graduate of the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music.

VANNA’s next show will be at the Hateiva, Tel Aviv on 23 April 2020, and she is planning a tour to Singapore, India and Nepal in the fall of 2020.

High Hopes by VANNA is available everywhere at this link: https://ffm.to/high-hopes

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Geca Morales, Another Talent To Watch In The Music Industry

7:24:00 AM


Just like boxing, Filipinos, have already made a mark in the world of music and truly singing is one of our innate talents. To add another names on the list of talented Filipinos who wraps and bags recognition abroad here's Geca Morales. She is another talent to watch in the music industry.

Geca is one of the few artist who's making a small leap of her career. There's always the plus factor when singing is matched up with the songwriting talent and she does have both of it. She is one of the talent pool artist of Center for Pop Music Philippines and a resident host/performer at Party With Jive.

Friday, July 20, 2012

First Ever Philippine Popular Music Festival Million-Peso Grand Prize Winner and Runners Up Announced!

2:04:00 PM

Music lovers if you didn't get a chance to watch the Philippine Popular Music Festival and wasn't able to know who won this encouraging songwriting competition, well some of our friends from there was able enough to provide us the list of songs, singers, and songwriters who made it in this prestigious competition.   So here it is, just read more and memorize the names and songs.

The million-peso champion of the first ever Philippine Popular Music Festival (or PhilPOP) has been crowned! Last Saturday, July 14, 2012, held at the Philippine International Convention Center, the grand prize honor went to former Akafellas member Karl Vincent Villuga and his song “Bawat Hakbang”. The composition was interpreted by Villuga along with his former groupmates and crooner Mark Bautista. Villuga said that the song was about overcoming personal crisis.

First runner-up position went to Soc Villanueva with his R&B song “Kontrabida” sung by Sam Concepcion. Toto Sarioso won the second runner-up prize for his composition “Tayo Tayo Lang” performed by former Sugarfree frontman Ebe Dancel.

None other our country’s prominent songwriter, musician and academic Mr. Ryan Cayabyab is the Executive Director of the competition. The first Philippine Popular Music Festival is a songwriting competition which “aims to celebrate the talent of Filipino songwriting and to glorify the contributions of songwriters and composers to the Filipino music industry.” The event is the brainchild of chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and organizing committee chairman Ricky Vargas’ desire to help revive the Philippine music industry.

All of the winning songs plus the rest of the 11 top notch entries were compiled into one must-have album “Philippine Popular Music Festival 2012”. Mr. Cayabyab remarked, ““The CD is wonderful.  Ang gaganda ng mga kanta! I have never heard anything so uniformly, highly musical in performance.  The arrangements themselves are excellent.  I believe there will be several hits that will be spawned by this collection.  I am thrilled by the fact that these new Pinoy songs are fresh, new sounds with new lyrical concepts, or even if they are not new concepts, the approach is definitely new and the performances of the interpreters are indeed gems!  Hindi pa man contest proper, panalo na tayong lahat.  This is a major collection and I am very proud to be a part of the Philippine Popular Music Festival.”

  1. “3 AM” (Music & lyrics by Keiko Necessario, Interpreted by Marie Digby)
  2. “Bawat Hakbang” (Music & lyrics by Karl Villuga, Interpreted by Mark Bautista, Karl Villuga & The Akafellas)
  3. “Big Time” (Music & lyrics by Trina Belamide, Interpreted by Baihana)
  4. “Brown” (Music & lyrics by James Leyte, Interpreted by Brownman Revival and James Leyte)
  5. “Dulo Ng Dila” (Music & lyrics by Noah Zuñiga, Interpreted by Jay R and Deejay Poblete)
  6. “Himig Ng Panahon” (Music & lyrics by Thyro Alfaro, Interpreted by Duncan Ramos, Luke Mijares, Loonie, Thyro & Yumi)
  7. “Kesa” (Music & lyrics by Edwin Marollano, Interpreted by Daniel Gorospe)
  8. “Kontrabida” (Music & lyrics by Soc Villanueva, Interpreted by Sam Concepcion)
  9. “Minsa’y Isang Bansa” (Music & lyrics by Gary Granada, Interpreted by Gary Granada)
  10. “Negastar” (Music & lyrics by Mike Villegas, Interpreted by Cathy Go)
  11. “Piso” (Music & lyrics by Krist Melecio, Interpreted by Joey Ayala)
  12. “Slowdancing” (Music & lyrics by Kennard Faraon, Interpreted by Nyoy Volante)
  13. “Takusa” (Music & lyrics by Byron Ricamara, Interpreted by Rocksteddy)
  14. “Tayo Tayo Lang” (Music & lyrics by Toto Sorioso, Interpreted by Ebe Dancel)

PhilPOP content can also be downloaded direct to your mobile. Just text PhilPOP to 3456 for Smart and Talk ‘N’ Text PhilPOP to 2346 for Sun. Standard rates apply. To download content online, visit MyMusicStore.com.ph or iTunes.

“Philippine Popular Music Festival 2012” album in stores nationwide, distributed by Ivory Music and Video.

PhilPOP is presented by Maynilad and Smart and it is co-presented by Meralco, PLDT, Resorts World Manila and TV5. It is sponsored by Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, NLEX, PICC and Sun Cellular as well as by the First Pacific Leadership Academy, KBP, Philex and media partners Inquirer, Ivory Music & Video, Philippine Star, Radio High and Radio Republic.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Maestro Ryan Cayabyab Invites Songwriters To Join PhilPOP

7:07:00 AM


Organizers of the first Philippine Popular Music Ferstival (PhilPOP), led by its executive director and music maestro Ryan Cayabyab, issued a last call to Filipino composers, performers and music lovers to join the PhilPOP songwiritng competition.

The composer of the top winning entry will receive P1 million in cash and two runners-up will each receive P500,000 and P250,000 respectively. A People's Choice award will also be given to the most popular entry as decided by online and text votes.

Fourteen (14) finalists will be chosen for a final performance and competition night to be held on July 14, 2012 at the Philippie International Convention Center (PICC).

Cayabyab said, “We are inviting all Filipino composers to come out and share their work. This is your moment to shine. It's high time we once again celebrate the artistry of the Filipino musician. Your big shot at song-writing success begins at this first ever Philippine Popular Music Festival.”




Maestro Ryan Cayabyab

Last night, bloggers were invited to have a conversation with maestro Ryan Cayabyab as the deadline for the submission of entry for the PhilPOP is almost near. As of yesterday the number of entries submitted are more than a thousand already. So for those aspiring amatures and of course professionals who wants to bag that million pesos cash prize, you still have a few more days to work with your compositions.


As the event progressed last night, it was interesting to know that Maestro Ryan Cayabyab himself was an amateur when he first joined the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (MetroPOP) and where his composition “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” won the top prize in the first ever run of the contest. The same music festival gave the local music industry its trove of seminal hits and its roster of song writing pillars and icons like Jose Mari Chan (“Hahanapin Ko”, “ Minsan Pa”) Nonong Pedro (“Narito Ao”, “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit”), Gary Granada (“Salamat, Salamat Musika”), George Canseco (“Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi”), ouie Ocampo (“Ewan”), Snaffu Rigor ("Bulag, Pipi at Bingi") and Freddie Aguilar whose song “Anak” failed to win in any awards at that time but went on to become one of the country's most popular songs.



Maestro Ryan Cayabyab at PhilPOP Bloggers Night Event

We were also given a simple lecture about music which inspires also us, bloggers, to get a try to make something extraordinary, good music and who knows we might get a chance.


With PhilPOP, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab now comes full circle in his career as one of the Philippines' most celebrated musicians – inspiring a new generation of song writers and composers as well as spearheading the renaissance of OPM through a familiar platform he himself has gone through.



Ryan Cayabyab Singers at PhilPOP Bloggers Night Event


More than just the excitement of the prizes at stake, the music maestro explained the long-term impact of the competition for the eventual winners. “PhilPOP is not just a one-time, big-time shot at fame. It can be that stepping stone to building a long and successful music career. More than anything else, it's a chance to carve a niche in the industry and change the landscape of local music,” he added.

So again, interested composers may still submit their entries online at PhilPOP.com.ph until midnight of May 10, 2012. Song entries must be in MP3 format and can be in any popular music genre or a fusion of known genres, in any form of structure. Each composition must not exceed four minutes. Contestants can submit a maximum of two songs, either as a sole composer or as a collaborator, Song lyrics may be in Filipino, English, any Filipino dialect or a combination thereof. Entries will be judged based on the artistry of music (50%) and lyrics (50%).



Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and His Singers at PhilPOP Bloggers Night Event


The PhilPOP buzz has traveled beyond the archipelago and has now reached Filipinos in other parts of the world including Thailand, North America, Hong Kong, Ireland, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, France and the United Kingdom.

PhilPOP is a collaboration among respected local artists and prominent personalities from various industries brought together by a shared vision – to spark renewed pride and enthusiasm in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and bring about another golden age in Philippine music.



Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and Me at PhilPOP Bloggers Night Event


The Philippine Popular Music Festival is jointly presented by Maynilad, Meralco, PLDT, Smart Communications, Sun Cellular, North Luzon Expressway, Metro Pacific Investments, PICC, Philex Mining Corporation and TV5.

For more information, please visit the website PhilPOP.com.ph.

Friday, February 24, 2012

What Well-Known Composers Say About PhilPop

8:59:00 PM



Excited with the upcoming PhilPop Music Festival? Well, if you are, these people are much more excited than you are. Here are what they say about this upcoming PhilPop Music Festival.



“The Philippine Popular Music Festival should offer what we all have been missing – a worthy venue to showcase the best and the brightest in OPM,” - Ely Buendia, songwriter/ musician


“Sobrang nakaka-excite ‘tong Philippine Popular Music Festival! More than a performer, a musician or anything else, I consider myself as a songwriter, and this makes it exciting for me…an event which will showcase the talent of my fellow Filipino songwriters. I honestly believe that this is what the music industry needs now: more original material. We have a deep bench of talented singers and musicians and we have to have a bigger pool of fresh new original songs to give them something new to sing. Revivals are okay but we need to come up with new songs to add to our piggy bank of classic Pinoy pop songs…and this Philippine Popular Music Festival will surely help our local music scene. Mabuhay ang original Pinoy music!,” - Chito Miranda, songwriter/performing and recording artist, Parokya ni Edgar

“It’s more fun in the Philippines! The 1st Philippine Popular Music Festival is an awaited competition that will draw the creativity of Filipino composers, old and new. This competition is a welcome endeavor to propel original Pilipino music to be known and recognized globally,” - Noel Cabangon, songwriter


“I'm so happy that a prestigious songwriting competition such as the Philippine Popular Music Festival is being launched! We in the OPM are supporting this show 100%! Mabuhay ang musikang Pilipino!,” - Ogie Alcasid, songwriter/multi-media artist/president of OPM

“Finally a song writing festival where both young and old songwriters can share their creation. This will truly inspire everyone and give a new, fresh and dynamic meaning to OPM,” - Louie Ocampo, songwriter/producer/music director

“I'm glad we're bringing back the SONG FESTIVAL. We need to encourage the young songwriters to write original music to express our own sentiments, tell our own story and re-awaken our natural gift for MELODY,” - Jose Mari Chan, songwriter/businessman

“A free people must sing and dance to its own songs. Let our soul be expressed through its original musical expressions. Mabuhay ang Philippine Popular Music Festival!,” - Jim Paredes, songwriter/artist/teacher

So music lovers better watch out for the Philippine Popular Music Festival!  Coming very soon!




About Me

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Hi!, This is Marco a.k.a. Toto Blogger and Publisher. I created this blog to provide stories, personal experiences, entertainment, and insights on products I like. I'm here to share and inform you (readers) on things about music, movie, food, travel, and events.

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