MCA Music Awardees at the 25th Awit Awards (L-R): Tricia Garcia (Best Jazz Recording for "Sa Iyo Lang"), Johnny Alegre of Humanfolk (Best World Music Recording for "Para Sa Tao"), MCA Music President Ricky R. Ilacad and Asia's Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina (Most Downloaded Artist)

MCA Music artists took home honors at the 25th Awit Awards held recently at the Glorietta Activity Center. Asia’s acoustic sweetheart Sabrina was the recipient for the second year as I-Gateway Mobile Philippines Inc.’s “Most Downloaded Artist”.

Noel Cabangon’s 2011 release Panaginip is undoubtedly the most awarded album of 2011 having been named Acoustic Album of the Year of the Star Awards for Music, the Secular Album of the Year of the Catholic Mass Media Awards, and the Album of the Year of the Awit Awards. This 3-peat-victory may well be considered a grandslam.

To all Moonstar88 fans, this should be on your list this Christmas to complete the year.

After the success of their studio albums and chart-topping hits like “Torete”, “Sulat”, and “Migraine”, Moonstar88, composed of vocalist/guitarist May Chelle Baay, guitarist Herbert Hernandez, bassist Paolo Bernaldo and drummer Bon Sundlang, rises to new heights with the release of their newest album “This Year”.

Good day Sponge Cola fans!

Diamond Recording Band Sponge Cola is all set to disprove naysayers’ claim that the local music industry is dead, by launching their latest release District this November 9, 7 p.m., at the Eastwood Central Plaza.

Since three years ago, rock trio Malay, composed of Pochoy Labog on guitars and lead vocals, Alden Abaca on drums, and Miguel Dayanghirang on bass and vocals, has been hailed as one of the independent music circuit’s most promising acts with their distinct sound that is reminiscent of the 90’s grunge and alternative fused with hints of pop, rap, blues, hip-hop and soul.

Online celebrity Kimpoy Feliciano’s debut single Ikaw Lang zoomed to the top spot of the weekly MyMusicStore charts after only a few days after its release. Produced by multi-platinum record producer Ito Rapadas for Universal Records, Kimpoy’s take on the original Chad Borja hit is sincere, straightforward and heartfelt.

For Jason Fernandez, leaving Rivermaya is one of the most difficult decisions he has made in his lifetime. The said step tested not only his faith, but also his courage to continue his passion for music. Luckily, he has supportive friends and colleagues to encourage him to continue doing what he is destined to do – sing, make music and entertain.

Jason’s new album Panimula is an emotional, musical testimony to his challenging, yet fulfilling journey as a musician.

Produced by Jason and with the support of his new band Sta. Maria, Panimula, under Ivory Music and Video, boasts of having six tracks and one bonus track.

“I have been working on this album for the past year, and I am very proud with how everything turned out,” says Jason. “The wait is definitely worth it. The album follows my journey as a musician.”

When asked what the public can expect from the album, Jason quips that its sound will show his musical influences, including his former band Rivermaya.

“It is undeniable that Rivermaya and its music made me evolve not just as a musician, but also as a human being. The group has taught me a lot, and this album will prove that,” says Jason. “I will forever be grateful to Rivermaya for the opportunity and the lessons that they have imparted to me.”

The album contains songs about hope, lost love, life, and inspirations.

The album’s first single, the anthemic Maria challenges the listeners to rethink their ways and further highlights the versatility of Jason’s vocals.

Panimula also includes a collaboration between Jason and Pop-rock Princess Yeng Constantino in the sweeping ballad Panaginip.

Jason Fernandez is being managed by Orion Entertainment. For inquiries and bookings, please call 0916-4140358 or email olrac1023@gmail.com.

Price: PHP250.00

Panimula TRACKLISTING:
1. PANIMULA
2. MARIA
3. KARERA
4. PANAGINIP
5. KAYA MO BA AKONG MAHALIN
6. SUNDANG
7. BULONG NG KALABAN (BONUS TRACK)

Follow Jason on Twitter: @JasonStaMaria

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jason-Fernandez-Sta-Maria-/123962841088051?ref=ts&fref=ts

Alternative rock band She’s Only Sixteen has been creating buzz in the local music scene with the release of their self-titled debut EP, which contains four tracks and an acoustic version of their first single Dying To Meet You.

The band, composed of Roberto Sena (lead vocals, guitar), Anjo Silvoza (bass), Andrew Panopio (guitar), and King Puentespina (drums), has been hailed by Status Magazine as one of the most promising local bands of today.

Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha has invaded the live entertainment scene in Las Vegas, earning her the titles Siren of the Strip and Diva of Las Vegas. Now, she is back in country to topbill her Resorts World concert Journey With Me this November 28.

I think it was a month ago when me and some of my blogger friends bump in to this amazing and wonderful singer who happens to be a true disciple of Christ.  He has moved everyone with his songs and he made the spirit dancing again.

All CHICOSCI fans out there watch out for the coming of their newest album! Also expect where it will happen very soon. Read more about the press release.

Three years since the release of their last studio album and after endless gigging and touring, Chicosci is finally releasing their much-anticipated sixth album, This Is Not A Chicosci Record. The ever-so-dynamic rock group has been in the lab the past year, writing and recording new material with producer Eric Perlas of Tower of Doom Studios, and is set to make waves again with this new album under MCA Music Inc.

Online personality Kimpoy Feliciano acknowledges how his followers on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr have paved the way for him to be part of groundbreaking projects. His debut single Ikaw Lang is a proof of his gratitude to all the friends, who have supported him all these years.

Platinum singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon, in his latest concert Tuloy Ang Byahe at the Music Museum, proved that indeed less can be more. His about three-hour-long concert consisted of finely-performed OPM classics presented in the sincerest manner.

The said concert, attended by President Noynoy Aquino, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma, among others, packed the Music Museum last September 28.

With Bob Aves as Musical Director, the concert gave Noel’s songs a different turn. Noel was backed-up by a full band with a string quartet, saxophonist, and the Opera for the concert.

The concert highlighted Noel’s ability to own any song. His songs Kahit Na, Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko, Kanlungan among others were greeted with thunderous applause.

Noel also collaborated with four musical icons of today – Ogie Alcasid, Bamboo, Gloc-9 and Christian Bautista.

Noel collaborated with Gloc-9 on the song Manila and the latter’s song Sirena while balladeer Christian Bautista performed Beautiful Girl and Iduyan Mo with Noel.

Noel’s original Tatsulok was performed with Bamboo, who introduced the song to a younger generation, much to the delight of the audience.

Ogie and Noel also performed songs that talk about hope for the country.

With Noel’s sincerity as a performer, the said concert has touched the core of every Filipino music fans who attended the said musical event.

Noel is being managed by Orion Entertainment. For inquiries and bookings, please call 0916-4140358 or email olrac1023@gmail.com.

I'm sure fans of the Pinoy Dream Academy will love the latest offering from one of its dreamer, Liezel Garcia.  We've heard her during those performances and now music lovers will enjoy listening once more with the release of her Debut Album.  Read more of the story and details about the album below.

Liezel Garcia Releases Debut Album From being one of Pinoy Dream Academy's (PDA) star dreamers, Liezel Garcia has finally claimed her shiniest moment as the newest voice of ABS CBN teleserye theme songs releases her first-ever, self titled album under Star Records.

“Music Lovers, especially the hopeless romantics, will surely relate with the touching melodies and beautiful lyrics of the songs in the collection,” said Liezel. “As Pinoys, we are known to be sentimental and my album is like a playlist of different love stories.”

Being one of most requested interpreters of ABS-CBN teleserye theme songs, Liezel cannot help but be compared with Queen of Teleserye Theme Songs, Angeline Quinto. “I admire Angeline in everything that she does. Both of us waited for our own time to fulfill our dreams. We are different in term of singing style but we both want nothing but to entertain the people who love our music.”

Liezel's nine track album carries six well-loved teleserye theme songs including Walang Hanggan's Wag Ka lang Mawawala, which is her duet with the Prince of Sentimental Songs' and real-life boyfriend Bugoy Drilon; Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo's Bakit Pa; Pure Love's Gisingin ang Puso; PHR Presents Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin; Kristine's Di Ko Kayang Limutin; and her carrier single Ngayong Alam Ko Na, which is the official soundtrack of the hit morning Korenovela, Two Wives.

The album also features Liezel's revival of Jaya's Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig and Marrie Nallos's Alipin Ako. It also has bonus tracks including the song “Dance With Me' and the minus ones of the tracks.

The “Liezel Garcia” album is now available on record bars nationwide for only P150. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via www.mymusicstore.com.ph.

For more information visit Star Records' Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/starrecordsphil or follow @starrecordsph on Twitter.

Kwento Ni Toto's music updates!

Ten years has passed since Christian Bautista was introduced to showbiz, but he remains to be one of the most sought-after balladeer of his generation here and abroad. Universal Records joins Christian as he celebrates his first decade with the release of X Plus, a collection of songs which celebrate his 10th year.

Few of the stars in the showbiz industry reached their 25th anniversary.  I think there are only a handful stars are able to have that shining silver anniversary and Aiza Seguerra is one of these stars. She's been in the industry since her childhood so who wouldn't know her, She has shared with us her 25 years of musical and artistic craftsmanship.

After 5 years in the Philippine Music Industry - including 4 releases with MCA Music Inc., chart topping singles, nationwide touring, a 2 year stint on mainstream television and opening for Kelly Clarkson at the Araneta Coliseum - Miguel Escueta and co. are now on the cusp of the global music scene.

Kwento Ni Toto was lucky to be invited in Bea Binene's Debut Album launched.  This event was covered by Angelyn Demo, one of our correspondent, who was enthusiastic enough to tell her story about this launch.  Here's her cover story.

Since the Kwento Ni Toto guy wasn't around the Metro during this launched I was tasked to cover this story.  No offence but I barely know Bea Binene and I first saw her in person during one of Bum's Fashion Show that's why I got curious as well when this task was given to me.  At least this time I would be able to know her much better.

Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart SABRINA recently held a successful launch of her latest album “Acoustic Love Notes” at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls last July 13 at Eastwood Mall Open Park, July 14 at Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill and July 15 at Lucky Chinatown Mall. She was joined by special guests- popular radio and TV personality Joe D’Mango and up and coming singer Anj Sulit who are both featured in Sabrina’s album.

Sabrina displayed flair on her spiels and demonstrated how vocally gifted she was throughout the 3 day launch and was backed up by a four-piece band with back-up singers. The 12 song set includes her carrier single “Somewhere Down The Road”; all-time love hits like “The Art of Letting Go”, “Insensitive”, “Cry”, “Officially Missing You” and “One Last Cry” among others as well as her original songs “Sa Bawat Paghinga”, “One True Love”, “Over For Now But Not Forever” and “Again”—her duet with talented singer Anj Sulit. The show was made special by the presence of Mr. Joe D’Mango who, in between songs, gave his love advice on-stage like his famous program “Love Notes”. Though it rained during the first day of the launch at the Eastwood Mall Open Park, fans still trooped and bought albums of Sabrina. She was also able to attract and impressed new fans during her shows at Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill and Lucky Chinatown Mall. MyPhone raffled off brand new Q88 cellphones for album buyers.

Sabrina, whose last album “I Love Acoustic 4” just turned Double Platinum in Indonesia could not be any happier with the turn-out of her album launch.

“No words can express how happy I am for the success of the Acoustic Love Notes 3-part album launch,” Sabrina said.

Her “I Love Acoustic” series albums were also Multi-Platinum and Gold success in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Only Sabrina and Christian Bautista experienced this amount of success in Asia. “Acoustic Love Notes” is also released in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia and will be released soon in Indonesia and Korea.

This event was presented by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Businessworld, Herword.com and MCA Music in cooperation with WOW Videoke, MyPhone with media partners: MYX, MYX Magazine, myxph.com, Manila Concert Scene, Chalk Magazine, Tambayan 101.9, Orange Magazine TV, Social Magzine and Juan Manila Express.

“Acoustic Love Notes” is now out under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) at leading record stores nationwide and online via www.MyMusicStore.com.ph and iTunes. It is presented in cooperation with Wow Videoke, Businessworld and HerWord.com. To download Sabrina’s music on your mobile phones, text SABRINA to 3456. For bookings and inquiries, please contact Sammy Samaniego at +632 9162504 local 107, +639178565174 or +639209682991 or email sammy.samaniego@umusic.com.