SPIT or the Silly People's Improv Theater and the PETA Theater Center proudly present the Manila Improv Festival 2013 as they celebrate their 11th year anniversary which will run from June 25 – 30, 2013.

Kwento Ni Toto's correspondent Justin was able to attend a press conference of the said event and was able to know the details about SPIT's 11th year anniversary. So, for this year there theme is entitled “Follow Your Feet”, an improvisational theater concept which also ties in with the art form's return to PETA – the group that first introduced the improvisational theater to the country in the early 70s. As SPIT takes more ground on a new decade of laughter and innovation, the group decided to take bolder step in sharing the art of improv to bigger audiences through the festival and its partnership with PETA Theater Center.

As the artistic director of the festival and founder of SPIT, Gabe Mercado, shares the vision of the festival “SPIT was founded back in June 2002, because I saw the need for a new kind of comedy – one that differed from the usual stand-up comedy routines that we are used to seeing on TV and comedy bars. Improv appealed to me because of its grounding on truth, the magic of spontaneity, and the fun that on-the-spot creation brings about. We hope events like these help build the improv community of the country and the region.”

Get a doze of Hollywood glitz and glamour this morning as Star World brings viewers the biggest awards shows and red carpet events this February. Find out which films and which stars will garner the most honors at these prestigious occasions, and marvel at the celebrities as they parade up the red carpet and set the fashion world abuzz in their stunning designer suits and gowns.

One reason why it has become harder to penetrate the music scene these days is the stiff competition, especially with YouTube giving any talent the window to the world. But wait, there’s still truth to the saying that “many are called, but few are chosen.”

No doubt the likes of Gotye and Lana Del Rey belong to the few, with their chart-topping songs and staggering number of YouTube views providing credence to the claim. Both carrying likable stage names and having released significant indie recordings prior to mainstream success, they’re simply commendable to be labeled as “Breakthrough Artists of 2012.”





The Belgian-Australian Gotye, with his song “Somebody That I Used To Know” selling nearly five million downloads, is the first Australian act to top the Billboard 100 Chart this 21st century and the first Belgian to accomplish the feat since 1963. The track, which he recorded with the artist Kimbra, already accumulated 200 million views and counting, with several covers appearing everywhere.  

Recently, Gotye’s international hit, also reaching the top of the Billboard Digital Songs Chart and Billboard On-Demand Streaming Chart, was featured on Fox's hit show “Glee,” interpreted by Darren Criss and Matthew Bomer. It was likewise covered on "American Idol," featuring the voices of Elise Testone and Phillip Phillips.

Last February, he made his American television debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with him performing the piece "Eyes Wide Open", his first single off his latest album “Making Mirrors” and a nominee at the 2011 APRA Music Awards for Song of the Year category.

The album title inspired by an old artwork created by his father, he expressed, "The mirror reflects on the artwork and it is all very related to self-reflection and introspection on the album."




As for American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, her time has arrived as well. Her now released debut album “Born To Die” ushers the beautiful irony that she is here to survive the competition, armed with talent, original compositions, and charisma.  

The album, with nearly a million units shipped in just its first week in the market, already topped the iTunes chart in 18 countries, even becoming the fastest-selling digital album ever in France. For two weeks it also spent at the top of the Official UK Album Chart, thus resulting to two worldwide hits including the title track.

“Video Games,” the album's first single, spent almost ten weeks in the UK Top 20. Its YouTube views got past 28 million, while her Facebook page has gathered five million supporters and counting as of press time.

In an interview she stated, "I wanted to be part of a high-class scene of musicians. I was hoping that I would meet people and fall in love and start a community around me, the way they used to do in the '60s."

Recently she took home the Q award for the title "Next Big Thing", along with the Breakthrough Artist citation at the BRIT Awards 2012, beating the sensational Nicki Minaj. 

Both the breakout albums of Gotye (“Making Mirrors”) and Lana Del Rey (“Born To Die”) are locally distributed under MCA Music in CDs at leading record bars nationwide or online via mymusicstore.com.ph.




To download Gotye current single “Somebody That I Used To Know” on your mobile phones, just text KA136 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text STIUTK and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493375 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.

To download Lana Del Ray current single “Born To Die” on your mobile phones, just text KA142 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text BORN2DIE and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493353 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.

Universal Records dominated the 2012 MYX Music Awards with 23 nominations from 18 categories.

Parokya ni Edgar, enjoys seven nods for Favorite Music Video, Song (Pangarap Lang Kita), Artist, Group, Collaboration (One Hit Combo with Gloc9), and MYX Live Performance, plus Guest Appearance for JM De Guzman for Pangarap Lang Kita. Christian Bautista, on the other hand, earned five nominations (Favorite Artist, Male Artist, Remake for Love Moves In Mysterious Ways, Media Soundtrack for I Am Already King, and Guest Appearance for Alodia Gosiengfiao for All That’s Left), while Sam Concepcion got 3 (Favorite Male Artist, Remake for Forever Young, and Celebrity VJ).

Sponge Cola (Favorite Group, Mellow Video) and Kamikazee (Favorite Collaboration and Rock Video) have two nominations each.

JayR is nominated for Favorite Urban Video for Connection with Chelo and Q-York. Universal Records lords it over the Favorite K-Pop Video Category with 2NE1’s Lonely, Super Junior’s Mr. Simple, Big Bang’s Tonight.

There are 3 ways to vote: via MYXph, Facebook and Twitter.

HERE'S HOW:

On MYXph.com
Just click here http://www.myxph.com/mma2012/, select your favorites per category and click VOTE!

On FACEBOOK
Click on the MYX Music Awards app on the upper left side of the MYX Philippines official fan page https://www.facebook.com/MYX.Philippines. Select your favorites per category and click VOTE!

On TWITTER
Tweet your votes Follow the format "#mma2012 I am voting for for ."to cast your vote over Twitter.

Example:
#mma2012 I am voting for PANGARAP LANG KITA – PAROKYA NI EDGAR FT. HAPPEE SY for FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO .

FOR MORE DETAILS: http://www.myxph.com/features/2534/voting-for-myx-music-awards-2012-starts-now/

STAGES takes pride receiving 13 nominations in 18 categories from the 2012 MYX Music Awards.

Christian Bautista earned five nominations (Favorite Artist, Male Artist, Remake for Love Moves In Mysterious Ways, Media Soundtrack for I Am Already King, and Guest Appearance for Alodia Gosiengfiao for All That’s Left), while Sam Concepcion got 3 (Favorite Male Artist, Remake for Forever Young, and Celebrity VJ).

Karylle is one of the nominees for the Favorite Female Artist Category, while JayR is nominated for Favorite Urban Video for Connection with Chelo and Q-York.

OPM’s most promising solo act Zia Quizon enjoys four nominations – Favorite Female Artist, New Artist, Song for Ako Na Lang, Guest Appearance for Enrique Gil.

There are 3 ways to vote: via MYXph, Facebook and Twitter.

HERE'S HOW:

On MYXph.com
Just click here http://www.myxph.com/mma2012/, select your favorites per category and click VOTE!

On FACEBOOK
Click on the MYX Music Awards app on the upper left side of the MYX Philippines official fan page https://www.facebook.com/MYX.Philippines. Select your favorites per category and click VOTE!

On TWITTER
Tweet your votes Follow the format "#mma2012 I am voting for for ."to cast your vote over Twitter.

Example:
#mma2012 I am voting for PANGARAP LANG KITA – PAROKYA NI EDGAR FT. HAPPEE SY for FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO .

FOR MORE DETAILS: http://www.myxph.com/features/2534/voting-for-myx-music-awards-2012-starts-now/

JayR hits the first quarter of the Year of the Dragon.  Do you want to know why?  Read more the details here...

The country’s King of R&B and Soul JayR has been chosen to be the featured artist of the Manila leg of the international hitmakers Edwin McCain and Taylor Dayne this February 17 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. This concert is produced by Blue Dream Entertainment and CNCA Media Concepts, Inc.


JayR, who is one of the bestselling Filipino acts of his generation by spawning multiplatinum albums and hit songs, is set to remind everyone why he is considered one of the industry’s royalties with his dynamic vocals and awesome moves.

“I am so thankful that I have been given this chance to guest in this concert,” says the R&B and Soul King. “For all the romantics out there, this concert is something you shouldn’t miss.”

JayR is set to release his newest album in the second quarter of this year., under Universal Records.


Edwin McCain is familiar to the Filipino people because of his hit song I’ll Be. His other hits are I Couldn’t Ask For More, Walk With You, among others.


Taylor Dayne, on the other hand, is the voice behind immortal hits - Tell It To My Heart, Love Will Lead You Back, among others.

Manila show tickets are priced at P1,790 (Silver), P3,500 (Gold) and P4,800 (VIP). For SVIP, call 09399063430 or 661-5710.

For details, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or SM Tickets, 470-2222.