Kwento Ni Toto shares something from the international music scene. For music lovers who like hear sounds from British artist here is one of them. A British singer-songwriter, Ella Henderson released her debut single, "Ghost" last June 8 under Syco Music. If you've followed and watched some of the show of The X Factor in 2012 you've seen Ella as she was one of the finalist ended up sixth place. The Ghost single is a hit and went straight to No. 1 in UK.

Kwento Ni Toto is just lucky to be in the event where Abra and the Raymund Marasigan joins together in making new ways of getting close friends together and the tradition of that friendship in this era, and unlucky for not having a good camera for their shot and of course a shot with them as well.

Kwento Ni Toto shares the partnership of Universal Records with the Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop) for the production of the festival’s 2013 commemorative album. This is their first partnership which proved to be a beautiful one as it yielded hits like Dati (performed by Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos and Quest), Sayo Na Lang Ako (Karylle), Araw, Ulap, Langit (Christian Bautista), Sana Pinatay Mo Na Lang Ako (Kimpoy Feliciano), Segundo (Yael Yuzon), among others.

For all Silent Sanctuary fans out there, Kwento Ni Toto shares another release from the group.  After the success of their first 2 singles from their album “Monodramatic”, Silent Sanctuary returns to their roots of bittersweet melodies with the release of their new single “Sa’Yo”. The 4-minute song, according to songwriter Sarkie Sarangay, was inspired by a friend’s story of being uncertain in this thing called love. It has two versions in the album, the full band and the orchestral version.

Here's an interview made with the group to know more about the new single and video.

Lani's all-Filipino track album is titled "The Nightingale Returns: Lani Misalucha Sings the Greatest Filipino Songbook." It features 12 OPM songs including its carrier single "Muli", and Lani's hair-raising collaborations with Journey frontman Arnel Pineda in "Maging Sino Ka Man" and Angeline Quinto, KZ Tandingan, and Yeng Constantino in the track "May Bukas Pa".

Kwento Ni Toto shares something new from the Kapamilya hearthrob, Xian Lim as shares another great music for his fans.  Xian Lim records his original songs and revives OPM classic "Si Aida, Si Lorna o si Fe" Xian Lim which gets him too emotional with this new album.

XL2 is Xian Lim's sophomore album released under Star Records.  This album features three of his original compositions.

 Kwento Ni Toto shares momentous event for two of the renowned artists in the Philippine Music Industry.  We always feature these two artists here in this blog whenever they have something new for the listeners and music aficionados.  Undeniably these two artists are indeed the biggest OPM acts of today and each are masters of their own genres, Platinum Singer-Songwriter Noel Cabangon and OPM Rap Genius Gloc-9.

If  Maja played a very convincing act at #TheLegalWife then perhaps she can also convince the people she can also sing.  Maja loves music also and believing that you can do it is something that she got which truly happens with her debut album "MAJA BELIEVE".

Last year Maja signed a recording contract with Ivory Record that lead her to an opportunity for this album.  She wants to be a total performer, equipped with her talent to sing, act, dance and a plus that she writes song.

For all Jessie J fans, Kwento Ni Toto share a great chance for you to listen to her music live this July 14, 2014 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.  After numerous number one singles and a debut album that headed straight for the top, selling millions worldwide, show-stopping performances in front of a global audience of billions at the Olympics and extraordinary acts for charity that hit the headlines, London-born songstress Jessie J shakes up Manila.  This event is presented by Midas Promotions in cooperation with Futuretainment, Inc.

Kwento Ni Toto is sharing you details of today's hottest bands, that according to our source, namely Save Me Hollywood and Absolute Play as theyinvade different malls in the metro starting this weekend.

Fans can catch them on the following dates...

Anyone who grew up in the ‘90s would attest that it was the best decade ever. From the unique catchphrases (“As if”, “Whatever”, “Wassup”) to the grunge fashion statements, from epic films to memorable sitcoms, from the birth of the Walkman® to the most defining moments of ‘90s music --- hands down as it had witnessed the rise of some of the most incredible bands and artists of all time.  

This November 8th, be ready to be taken back to the glory years of the ‘90s as popular American pop rock group Matchbox Twenty lights up the stage of the Mall of Asia Arena with nothing but their greatest and most unforgettable hits.

One of Kwento Ni Toto's favorite voice, yup it's none other than Zia Quizon.  She is one of the many Pinoy Singers that I love to listen.  Grateful and thankful that I was given a chance to see and hear her sing in person.  She looks more likely of her mother in person.



Her first album was great and that's why I was eager to hear more from her.   The first album launch was the propeller that shoots her right on top by balancing the sound of jazzy and folky voice.  She indeed prove herself that she could breath life to the OPM industry.   So, now she's back with her sophomore album to entice more Pinoy listener to enjoy more of the OPM.  Completing her track are eight original cuts including Zia's own compositions and two classic revivals.  Her album is released under PolyEast Records.

"Wala Pang Titulo" or "No Title Yet" is a debut EP of Ron Henley.  So why don't we put a title to it?  Well it is the title already and according to Ron Henley himself when asked, he'll just instantly say "None Yet".  Title or not Kwento Ni Toto brings this EP to the public and to the readers and hopefully if Ron Henley will agree will get the readers to ask to what title they think would go with this EP.  It's quite a playful title to have for a music and for a blog post.

Ron Henley have this EP as his debut but he is no newbie in industry.  He started is rapping at the age of 14 and met fellow rapper Loonie who shared the same liking for Eminem's music but basically I hear an influence of the master rapper.  Ron and Loonie formed a group called Stick Figgas and joined the 'Rap-public of the Philippines' contest in the noontime show Eat Bulaga and where they met their idol none other than the Philippines' master rapper FrancisM.  The late rapper took them under his wings and made them a part of the contest's compilation album.   Ron and Loonie eventually explored going solo but still maintaining the group.  the first two sings he wrote were "Suicide Note" and "Nandito Lang Ako" in 2006 which was included in "Critical Condition" album followed by "Kwentong Barbero" in 2008 and "Biglang Liko" in 2010.  It was through the song "Biglang Liko," which has currently more than 11 million hits on YouTube, made the executives of multi-national label MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) take notice of this talented artist.

Photo from SMTickets.com

OPM fans here's your chance to get serenaded by two of the well known OPM artist in the country this coming June 21 and 22.  Yup, it's Aiza Seguerra and Noel Cabangon together in one OPM hits concert show.

If you have heard Aiza Seguerra and Noel Cabangon sing live then you'll definitely want to hear them more but if this is your first time to hear both of them live then don't waste any more time slouching on your couch, get and buy your tickets.  Enjoy OPM music at its best and specially sung by two of the best.

Kwento Ni Toto readers would possibly ask ‘Who is TJ Monterde?’ Especially once they’ve read the title of this post. For some who have been hearing and seeing TJ Monterde, he is no stranger to them but for the others who first heard his name and his music he is indeed a stranger in the music scene. Personally, this is the first time that Kwento Ni Toto has met him and was able to jam with him as well. Thanks to PolyEast Records for having a Bloggers’ Event with TJ Monterde.

So, Who’s TJ Monterde? To start with TJ Monterde is one of the known disc jockey or DJ in Cagayan de Oro then later on became a TV host of ABS-CBN’s regional show and then became a Youtube-born balladeer in which proves that he has some good entertainment package to offer. Although Monterde sang a bit in several shows in CDO and no matter how diligent his efforts during his radio stint, he has never been able to translate his command of language into songwriting and able to use social media to his advantage.

What can I say to this young, bubbly and straight to the point new recording artist of MCA Music Inc?
Well here are some that I think you would like about her and I made it something extra cute and ordinary.

B - stands for BUBBLY.  During the afternoon at the MCA Music conference room, she was really bubbly talking to us and sharing her thoughts about her album and of course some of her life statuses as well.

A - this one is quite subjective on my part because as what the quote says "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder" and I find her ATTRACTIVE at her age.  And perhaps that's how she mesmerize her fans with her cute and ATTRACTIVE smile.

R - REBEL!  Yup and it is correct.  You read it right she's a REBEL and like I said this is according to my perception about her.  REBEL in a sense that she defies and goes on what she wanted to do.  Just like the one on the other network who defies the norms as well.

B - I think she's a BELIEVER!  From the way she answers and how her family supports her with her new endeavor.  Not really sure if she's also a belieber.  Hahaha!

I - IDOL!  Well, though I don't really follow much of her movies and teleserye on her home network I'm pretty much sure that she has quite a number of followers that IDOLIZE her very much.

E - well she's EAGER!  Yup she's eager to learn new things and her self-titled album, Barbie Forteza is the result of her EAGERNESS to try different things and new line of career but not deviating from what she started.

Dream Big! As the Pinoy Dream Academy or PDA hailed Yeng Constantino as the grand Star Dreamer. Yeng Constantino made her dreams come true even more when her song “Hawak Kamay” became a hit and after four albums with a long list of chart-toppers earned her the title as the Philippines' Rock Princess.

Shown during her stay in PDA her love for writing songs and performing eventually became a passion to bring back OPM back to the mainstream and give Filipino musicians the recognition from all over the world. Last year when she performed at the Academy of Rock in Manila made that dream came into reality. After that performance , her song “Salamat” was included in the syllabus of the Academy of Rock and people behind the school namely Jeremy Ward of Rockschool UK, Charles Lim and Priscilla Teo of Academy of Rock in Singapore decided to give her an Honorary Licentiate Diploma. Yeng is the 7th person to be give this award among artists from all over the world for being a top notch performer and musician.

Now, here's another new to her as she proudly announced the release of her debut album entitled "I BELIEVE" under Warner Music Philippines.  This is a nine-track album that features six different original compositions and three cover songs.  As expected, in which I first heard the song last year "RUNAWAY" was one of the original compositions which was created by known song writer Andrew Fromm, who also did some songs of The Backstreet Boys, NSync and K-ci & Jojo.  Other composers are Matt Bronleewe, Jordan Pruitt, and Tyler Hayes.

Who wouldn't know this guy?  Bamboo Manalac is one of the well known singer in the country.  He was the lead vocal of Rivermaya before which later on decided to pursue a different path as he faces new facet of his life.

Bamboo and Toto.  Thank you Mommy Jo for this picture.

Last April 24, 2013 a press conference was held at Cerchio Restaurant in Tomas Morato as Bamboo Manalac launched his Album NO WATER NO MOON.  Kwento Ni Toto was there to witness and hear the soulful voice of Bamboo in person.  This is a re-release with a new single entitled
"Carousel".  The album will be out in different music store in May 1, 2012 via Polyeast Records.   The album No Water No Moon was Manalac's first solo which is originally released in 2011.  It crept to Gold record status in February 2013, this album produced the singles "Questions", "Spin", "Ikot ng Mundo", and "In This Life".  The same album gave him another taste of victory at the 25th Awit Awards for the Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist award for his song "Questions".