Darren Espanto, the singer who stole hearts as a young contestant on "The Voice Kids Philippines," is set to celebrate a major milestone in his career. On June 1, Espanto will take the stage at the Araneta Coliseum for his highly anticipated "D10" concert, marking ten years of remarkable achievements in the music and entertainment industry.

Darren's journey began in 2014 when he wowed audiences with his powerful voice and captivating stage presence on "The Voice Kids Philippines," finishing as a runner-up under the mentorship of Sarah Geronimo. Since then, Darren has grown into one of Asia's most beloved pop artists, known for his wide vocal range and emotive performances.

Another Pinay blooded artist raves the internet waves as she makes everyone dance and sing along with her music. Karencitta or Karen Ann Cabrera is a Pinay Cebuana based in Los Angeles who went viral with her music entitled "Cebuana". It is really prevalent that singing is innate with most of us Filipinos and it just couldn't stop Filipinos to go head to head with everyone when it comes to singing.

Karencitta's song "Cebuana" is first thought to be an international or foreign music because of the upbeat sound and different rhythm that is not particularly noticed in the local beat. Now what's more surprising with the music is that it is a mix of English and the local language Visaya or particularly Cebuana.  For our foreign readers Cebuana can be interpreted in two ways the one is for the native women of Cebu while the other one is the language spoken by the locals of Cebu. Cebu is one province in the Visayan region of the Philippines.

There are three (3) things to know about the "Cebuana" song why it became hit and viral.

1. The created song, which is the Cebuana, has an international sound and beat quality that surpassed territorial music patterns. In simpler term it got an international appeal that the present generation would love to hear.
2. The song is not only bilingual but almost multilingual because the writer of the song used different languages fused into one music. This made it even more foreign but still good to the ear music.
3. The singer, Karencitta, show so much passion in singing the song and dancing with the beat of the music, just like any other known Filipino singers who sung out with their soul.

One more great and interesting singer to watch out for. In case you haven't heard and watched her music, check out the video below and comment away what you think of her and her music.

One of the great local singer of this generation, Jed Madela, will be celebrating his 10th year in the music industry.  With his unique voice,  Kwento Ni Toto shares an upcoming events of Jed Madela's 10th year celebration.

From the time Jed started his singing career he has proven to be on top of his game and continues to soar high in the music industry, where competition is cutthroat and fame is volatile.  Apart from his best-selling albums, Jed is also a multi-awarded singer.  He is the Grandslam (3 years in a row)-Male Recording Artists in the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Music this 2013, and is the Concert of the Year awardee for two consecutive years from the Aliw Awards.

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.

One of Kwento Ni toto's favorite songs are OPM's.  It brings good memories and unforgettable moments.  It is the life blood of my past experiences and learning in life.

Nyoy volante is back, singing around and pulling those strings of his guitar and it is no doubt that the spirit of Original Pilipino Music is still alive and kicking.  We all know Nyoy Volante for being the mellow when he sings and everyone credits him for being such a remarkable acoustic artist that's why he was able to have the title "King of Acoustic Pop".  Now that he has released a new album under MCA Music it has become more apparent that with his songwriting and artistic skills, he really had brought in a significant contribution into making OPM alive and kicking today.

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.

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".

If you're still in the blank mood, well, the lady is none other than the little Duday in the sitcom.  That little cutie is no longer little, she have grown now and taking the name Isabelle De Leon in the music industry.  Yup, she's into music and her genre is somewhat uncommon because she's more into rock just like Yeng Constantino but on a different league.

Talents are given to people but mastering it with different priorities makes it hard to stand out of it.  JM De Guzman is one those artist that I'm sure got master his craft, as an artist.  Not only that his been dubbed as ABS-CBN's Prince of Drama, he knows as well how to sing and play the guitar.  I saw it once during his appearance at Gandang Gabi Vice.  Success!  Yes!  So after the successful release of his debut album, ABS-CBN’s Prince of Drama, JM De Guzman, is here once again to captivate the hearts of fans with his newest album, TENSIONADO!

TENSIONADO means tense or nervous but for JM De Guzman TENSIONADO is his newest album offering for his fans.  Released under Ivory Music & Video, “Tensionado” is a collection of JM De Guzman’s renditions of his favorite songs featuring “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart, “Lost In Space” by Lighthouse Family , “Don’t Give Up On Us” by David Soul and “Tensionado” by Soapdish. In addition, you surely wouldn’t want to miss JM’s collaboration with singer Jaq Dionisio of Kiss Jane in the hit Itchyworms song “Akin Ka Na Lang”, the track chosen to be the album’s carrier single. Acoustic Diva Suy also showcased her soulful and relaxing voice in her duet with the singing heartthrob in the special track “Terrified”.

Just recently, some bloggers were able to interview Young JV or in real life Eduardo JV Arancillo Kapunan III about his entry for the MYX Music Awards. He's a softspoken guy but abrupt and good in answering the questions that the bloggers shoot at him.
 
Right now Young JV is into school and his juggling it with his career as a singer and an actor.  For all the ladies out there sorry for now because Young JV is into a dating status with someone whom he would not disclose.  Anyway who ever that girl is she's indeed lucky.

Have you been to Guijo Street in Makati?  Well, I have been there once.  It's not a big street but with almost 500 people in attendance and imagine that crowd, this young singer-songwriter Jensen Gomez held his album launch for Umpisa last February 1.  It eventually transformed Guijo Street in Makati into a concert venue.  Jensen, along with his band, performed all the 10 songs included in the album.

Just an update for the Gary V fans out there!

The latest album of Gary Valenciano, Gary V Sings: Just For You, has recently been presented with a Gold Record Award for its outstanding sales. The album includes Gary’s renditions of memorable hits like In Your Eyes, It Might Be You, Somewhere Down The Road, What Matters Most, Overjoyed, among others.

The award was given last February 10 during ASAP 18, where he also launched the second single of the album – a modern take on Stephen Bishop’s It Might Be You. Present during the awarding is Universal Records’ General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go.

More and more artists are coming out of their hibernation and just recently, Alden Richards, one of GMA 7 fastest rising stars embarks on a new journey as a recording artist as he signed up under Universal Records.

Alden joins the elite roster of local artists of Universal Records like Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Christian Bautista, Jaya, Noel Cabangon, JayR, Richard Poon, Gloc-9, premiere bands like Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Calla Lily, Sponge Cola, and young performers Sam Concepcion, Kimpoy Feliciano, Emmanuelle, among others.

Two of the successful Filipino artists in Asia and are considered multi-platinum record holder Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart SABRINA and Asiansation Christian Bautista finally recorded a duet together via the song “Terrified.” This single was originally played by Katharine McPhee and Zachary Levi, it is included in Sabrina’s latest album “I Love Acoustic 5”. Its music video was directed by Mark Esteban of Pixeleyes Multimedia and it is already moving up the charts of music channel MYX.

According to Sabrina, “I had so much fun shooting the video and it was so nice to get to know Christian more. It was truly an honor that he agreed to this duet with me which is our treat not just for our Filipino but our Asian fans as well. We have been getting requests for a long time for this and we’re glad it finally happened.”

Pop act Six Part Invention opens 2013 with the release of their album Stripped and Covered, under their new label Universal Records. Six Part Invention is composed of Rey, Kaye and Tag Cantong, and Andy Dela Cruz.

Six Part Invention joins the elite roster of Universal Records roster – Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Spongecola, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Gloc-9, Richard Poon, Sam Concepcion, JayR, Billy Crawford, Callalily, among others.

For those who loves Bossa Nova songs and if you're a fan of SITTI then you might need to know that she's now with MCA Music.  Read the details about her contract signing.

The country’s number 1 music company MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) welcomes another top artist to its OPM fold—none other than the Philippines’ Queen of Bossa Nova SITTI.

Last week, one of my correspondent, aka Justin was able to hear one of the bands in the country.  As Justin story tell this album launch of Gracenote, we were listening to the songs.  It's all packed and filled with their great music.  For those who hasn't heard the band Gracenote and their music here's a video and a their music as they perform.

Charming, witty, and down-to-earth personality, this is what made this online heartthrob Kimpoy Feliciano to a massive online followers in cyberspace. From twitter, facebook, tumblr, to youtube the number of his followers are no less than six digits. With this phenomenon it paved way for doors of opportunity.

Kimpoy was able to launched his self-titled debut album which is produced by Universal Records to a number of supportersf who packed the SM Manila Entertainment Center. The album includes the hit Ikaw Lang, which topped the www.mymusicstore.com.ph charts for two weeks and figured prominently in the MYX Daily Top 10 for almost three weeks.