Kwento Ni Toto delivers great news from Sabrina's I Love Acoustic Album which just turned double platinum in Indonesia. She sure is making waves in Asian Music Industry. Read the whole details here.

Press Release
Universal Music Indonesia, an affiliate of MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) recently announced that Sabrina’s album “I Love Acoustic 4” has turned DOUBLE PLATINUM after being declared Gold November last year and Platinum in February of 2012.

After the success of her “I Love Acoustic” series which turned Multi-Platinum and Gold in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart SABRINA releases a brand new album “Acoustic Love Notes”.

In this album inspired by the show “Love Notes”, she collaborates with its host- popular DJ/ television personality Joe D’Mango. The song line-up includes the carrier single “Somewhere Down The Road” originally by Barry Manilow, Brian McKnight’s “One Last Cry”, “Cry” by Mandy Moore, Christian Bautista’s “The Way You Look At Me”, “Can You Help Me” by Usher, Mikaila’s “The Art of Letting Go”, “I Don’t Want You To Go” by Lani Hall, Brandy’s “Have You Ever”, “Someone Like You” by Adele, Tamia’s “Officially Missing You”, “If Love Is Blind” by Tiffany, Jann Arden’s “Insensitive” and “Without Me” by Clair Marlo.

For the first time in any Sabrina album, it features 4 original songs, 2 of which she composed herself—“One True Love” and “Over For Now But Not Forever”. Her first Filipino track “Sa Bawat Paghinga” was written by award-winning composer Toto Sorioso and the other original track “Again” is a duet with up and coming singer Anj Sulit.

Be it songs of heartbreak, love lost, letting go or falling in love again, it is here in “Acoustic Love Notes” where you will hear a different Sabrina.


Catch Sabrina as she launches “Acoustic Love Notes” at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls this July 13, 7pm at Eastwood Mall Open Park, July 14, 7pm at Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill and July 15, 4pm at Lucky Chinatown Mall. The event is presented by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Businessworld, Herword.com and MCA Music in cooperation with WOW Videoke, MyPhone, Red Box: Rock Dine and Roll with media partners: MYX, 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 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.

Expect another teleserye from ABS CBN, the "Be Careful with my Heart" which will premiere on Monday, July 9, 2012 on ABS CBN. This will be a Prime-Tanghali drama series. A light drama and comedy with a cute love story and love team of Jodi and Richard or commonly called Papa Chen.

Both Jodi and Richard are both excited with show as it marks a milestone in their respective showbiz careers. "Be Careful is so special to me as it is my firs-ever lead role in a teleserye. This is also the first time that I get to work with Richard, " said Jodi, who will portray the role of Maya, a provincial lass who dreams to become a flight stewardess for her to help her family out of poverty.

Jodi further shared that she is quite positive that Maya's tale will win the hearts of the afternoon viewers because of the "good vibes" that she brings in the story. She said "They will surely be inspired with Maya's character. She is so optimistic with life. For her, everything can be done and nothing is impossible!"

Meanwhile, similar to his leading lady, "Be Careful With My Heart" is equally memorable for Richard as it is his first drama, where he is the leading man.

Richard will give life to the character of Mr. Lim. "In the story, I'm a widower who works hard for his three children. But because of being busy with his business, he will need help," said Richard. "It's more of an unexpected love story. Viewers can expect a lot of kilig moments and I'm sure they can relate with it.

Aside form Jodi and Richard, also part of "Be Careful With My Heart" are Jerome Perez, Janella Salvador and Mutya Orquia. It is under the direction of Jeffrey Jeturina and Mervyn Brondial.

Get Ready to fall in love with Jodi and Papa Chen in "Be Careful With My Heart" starting this Monday (July 9) in ABS CBN's Prime Tanghali. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on twitter.

"Mundo Man ay magunaw" lead stars Eula Valdes, Empress, Nikki Gil, and Ejay Falcon are currently having mixed emotions as their much acclaimed afternoon drama series draws down to its last two weeks.

Whiel they feel happy because of the show's consistent triumph in the ratings game and the positive feedback they have been receiving from TV viewers, the whole cast are also saddened because they will miss their regular bonding on the set.

According to Eula, they always have wonderful moments during tapings.  "My relationship with my co-actors really became very personal, to the point that we share stories about our own families," Eula said.  "The whole cast and even the staff are sensitive to each other's feelings that's why if we're making jokes about each other, nobody gets offended."

For Empress, being part of "Mundo Man Ay Magunaw" has been a huge blessing.  "I've learned so much from the veteran actors in the show.  I think even if I'm not part of 'Mundo Man ay Magunaw,' I'll still be proud of it because of its great story and well execution on TV," Empress said.

Meanwhile, Nikki discovered the actress in her even more because of "Mundo Man ay Magunaw."  According to her, "I've learned a lot not only about acting but also many other things about myself.  I'm very thankful to be given the chance to work with senior stars in 'Mundo Man ay Magunaw' because they've taught me a lot about being an artist and being a person."

Ejay, on the other hand, admitted that he is going to miss 'playing' with his co-actors on the set.  "We really enjoyed doing this drama series.  It's like we're not working because we're always playing and laughing during the set.  We've become like a real happy family that is why it's easier for us to work."

As the story of Olivia (Eula), Sheryl (Empress), and Jenny (Nikki) goes down to its final two weeks, how will fate bring them back together?  Will someone need to risk his/her own life for their family to be finally whole?

Don't miss the last two weeks of ABS-CBN's Kapamilya Gold Teleserye "Mundo Man ay Magunaw," 2:30 pm, after "It's Showtime."  For more information, log on to www.abs-cbn.com, follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter or like the show's Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/mundomanaymagunaw.

Rising from being the first Pinoy Got Talent grand winner, Jovit Baldivino has made it to the top in the music industry.  Recently, Jovit was presented with a triple platinum award for his debut album titled "Faithfully" and platinum award for his second record titled "I'd Do Anything For Love".  Now under Star Records, his 3rd album dubbed as "OPM's Greatest: Volume 1 is already available in the market.  Jovit is longing that this 3rd album will gain platinum award as well.

Jovit's third album released under Star Records features a compilation of his heartfelt renditions of ten well-loved Pinoy classics including its carrier single "Tell Me", which was originally sung in the 80's by Joey Albert.

1. Completing the tracklist of the all-English "OPM's Greatest: Volume 1" album are the following
2. You Are My Song                     
3. Say You'll Never Go                 
4. Forevermore                              
5. Make Believe                            
6. Only Me and You                    
7. Someone's Always Saying Goodbye
8. Forever's Not Enough
9. My Love Will See You Through
10. I'll Never Go
11. Tell Me

Check out his live performance during a Press Conference.  He sung his carrier single "Tell Me".




Jovit's third album are now available for download on www.mymusicstore.com.ph

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

SALE ALERT!  Yes, for those who have been following Kwento Ni Toto, I'm sure you've always watch out for the sale and discount alerts.  So, this time get ready for another GREAT NORTHERN SALE in SM CITY NORTH EDSA this JULY 13-14-15, 2012.

If you have enjoyed checking out sales and discounts of the GREAT NORTHERN SALE early this year you've probably will enjoy more of this another sale event at SM City North EDSA.   Major discounts everywhere you look and get the most exclusive deals on all brands, stores and dining places.

And for those who have just happen to cross over here on this blog this is your chance to know sale events and discounts happening around the metro.   Just be sure to keep on coming here and watch out for my SALE ALERT.




This upcoming sale event at SM City North EDSA will be a blast, not only it falls on a weekend but it's also payday (hopefully, our company will let us have our pay checks on the 13th) so I'll make sure to hunt for the best products with great discounts and bargain sales.  I'll try to search every floor of the mall.

So how about you?  What are your plans for this GREAT NORTHERN SALE?

To get more information and details please do visit their Facebook, Twitter and website.
http://www.facebook.com/smnedsa
http://www.twitter.com/smnorthedsa
http://www.sm-northedsa.com/

Kwento Ni Toto has always been featuring Christian Bautista and his achievements, so for this time around Christian Bautista was able to nabbed a back-to-back awards. He is undeniably one of the top male singer of the country and to prove that just recently he received two awards.

One from the Tambayan 101.9 as Male Recording Artist of the Year besting some of the biggest names in the recording industry. While the other one was his Platinum Record Award for his First Class: Outbound Expanded Edition album during ASAP 2012. He was awarded by Universal Record's General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go.

First Class includes the hit singles Beautiful To Me, In Love With You (with Angeline Quinto), Sasabihin (with Neocolours), Rescue You (with Sam Concepcion), and new recordings of The Way You Look At Me, and Hands To Heaven.


In the soon-to-be-concluded Yahoo OMG Awards, Christian is also a frontrunner in the Male Recording Artist of the Year. Hopefully, Kwento Ni Toto will be there to catch that moment.

Also, Christian’s TV special The Way You Look At Me, which celebrates his 10th year in showbiz, will be aired this July 8 on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best, which airs after Gandang Gabi Vice.

As for those fans of RICHARD POON here's your chance to have your CDs signed by the Crooner himself plus.

Press Release
Meet, greet and spend time with the country’s multi-platinum crooner RICHARD POON as he visits the following record stores for a special in-store signing session: July 7 (Saturday) at Astroplus Trinoma, 4pm and Odyssey SM Megamall, 6pm and July 21 (Saturday) at Odyssey Gateway Mall, Cubao, 4pm and Astroplus SM Mall of Asia, 6pm. Get a copy of his latest album “The Crooner’s Songbook: The Best of Richard Poon” and have it signed by Richard Poon himself. You can also have your photo taken with the crooner.

Songs included in the album are: “All of Me”, “Moon River”, “Blue Moon”, “Portrait of My Love”, “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko”, “The Last Time”, “Way Back Into Love”, “Panalangin”, “You and I”, “Complicated”, “Kahit Di Mo Napapansin”, “I’ll Take Care of You”, “Kumot at Unan”, “That’s All” and “Beautiful As You”.

It also features live versions of the songs “The Way You Look Tonight”, “L-O-V-E” and “All The Way” not found in his previous albums as well as his duets with Soul Siren Nina for “Fever” and Bossa Nova Princess Sitti for “My Eyes Adored You”.

This spectacular collection also comes with a bonus DVD featuring 8 of his music videos plus minus one of all tracks for an ultimate crooner experience.

Richard Poon was recently presented with a Double Platinum Award for his first album “I’ll Take Care of You” and Gold Record Award for his third album “I’ll Be Seeing You” at ASAP on ABS-CBN where he is currently a mainstay.

“The Crooner’s Songbook: the Best of Richard Poon” is out now in CD+DVD at leading record stores and online via www.mymusicstore.com.ph under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) and is presented in cooperation with Businessworld and HerWord.com. To download Richard Poon’s music on your mobile phones, just text RP to 3456.

More and more Filipino Artist are now gaining popularity in the Asian region. After the successful visits of Christian Bautista and Sabrina, now comes Sam Concepcion. One of the teen heartthrob and performer of our country hits the crowds of Indonesia.

Sam Concepcion instantly captured the hearts of Indonesians when he guested in Dahsyat Musik of RCTI Channel, which is said to be like ABS-CBN in the country. Sam performed his single Forever Young and his rendition of Yeah 3x. This is the first time that he got to perform for the Indonesian crowds.


After his performance, Sam was immediately one of the top Trending Twitter Topics in Indonesia.

Perhaps we will hear more news of him doing projects in Indonesia. So we'll be watching and Kwento Ni Toto will be there to share it to his fans.

Kwento Ni Toto shares another music from Dia Framption of The Voice Season 1's runner up.   Bringing in the music limelight here first full-length album entitled "Red".  If you want to know more about her album just simply scroll down and check what the press release explains about it.

Press Release
The Voice (NBC) Season 1’s runner-up Dia Frampton returns with a bang through her first full-length album entitled ‘Red’. Fans of the American singer-songwriter will be pleasantly surprised with the new album as Dia projects a completely diverse selection of melodies with her beautifully unique singing voice and stellar songwriting. The album is a stunning collaboration with notable producers and songwriters including Isabella Summers of Florence + The Machine, Tom Shapiro, Kid Cudi, Toby Gad, Chris Seefried, Mark Foster of Foster the People, Julie Frost and Meg White. Dia also proudly acknowledges her sister, Meg, as an instrumental part in the making of the album --- “It's fun to write with friends and work with producers, but when I work with my sister, I can just be myself 100%. We are also close enough to say to each other, 'Yeah, that part sucks.' No hard feelings.”


Red features ten exceptional tracks such as the upbeat motivational song “Don’t Kick the Chair”, the fast-paced guitar-driven tune “Isabella”, the promising radio-worthy single “The Broken Ones”, the cheery drum beat-heavy track “Good Boy”, the emotionally charged “I Will” featuring The Voice coach/mentor Blake Shelton, the electro-pop tune “Billy the Kid”, the country-inspired bittersweet song “Daniel”, the vengeful “Walk Away”, the anthemic masterpiece “Bullseye” and the heartfelt musical lyrics of “Trapeze”.

Red is an impressive first record for Dia Frampton and a fine follow-up that lives up to the potential she showcased back then. One cannot deny that even though she didn’t win The Voice, she is bound to make a mark in the music industry and stay true to her musical sound and honest songwriting.

Dia Frampton’s debut album RED is out now in CDs exclusively under MCA Music available at Astroplus and Odyssey Music & Video or online via www.MyMusicStore.com.ph

He is tagged as the Philippines’ King of Rock and Roll and his music has influenced generations. Legendary guitarist/singer/composer/music icon Ramon “RJ” Jacinto celebrates his 50 fantastic years in music with another milestone, an album entitled “RJ Duets.”

Press Release
“RJ Duets” is an album of collaborations featuring top Filipino artist like Jose Mari Chan, Rene Garcia of Hotdog, Ely Buendia (Pupil and formerly of the Eraserheads), Raimund Marasigan (Sandwich, Eraserheads), Noel Cabangon, Nyoy Volante, Richard Poon and Sitti as well as international artists John Ford Coley of England Dan and John Ford Coley; John Gummoe of The Cascades, The Ventures, Marty Grebb and Dennis Tufano (formerly of The Buckinghams) and Bobby Kimball of Toto.

This 2 CD collections contains 24 tracks which are as follows: CD 1- “Nights Are Forever” with John Ford Coley, “Dreamin’” with John Gummoe of the Cascades, “Trip To Manila/ Manila”- a medley of RJ’s 1962 hit “Take A Trip To Manila” and The Hotdog’s “Manila” which is a duet with lead singer-composer of Hotdog Rene Garcia, the Jackie Wilson R&B hit “Lonely Teardrops” with Nyoy Volante, “Georgy Porgy” with Bobby Kimball, “Don’t Let Go” with Sitti, “Don’t you Care” with Dennis Tufano and Marty grebb (formerly of The Buckinghams), “Constantly” with Jose Mari Chan, “Rosanna” with Bobby Kimball, “One and Only” with Richard Poon, “My First Day Alone” with John Gummoe of The Cascades and “Sad To Belong” with John Ford Coley.

For CD 2- “Muli” with Sitti, “Bongga Ka Day” with Rene Garcia, “Sabi-Sabi” with former Eraserheads member and Sandwich vocalist Raimund Marasigan, “Nosi Ba Lasi” with Imago’s Aia de Leon, “Afterglow” with Jose Mari Chan, “Sugat ng Puso” with Noel Cabangon, “Ligtas” with Raimund Marasigan, “Hele-hele with Nyoy Volante, the carrier single “Presyo” with former Eraserheads and now Pupil vocalist Ely Buendia, “Missing You” with Richard Poon, “Hey Baby” with Dennis Tufano and Marty Grebb (formerly of The Buckinghams) and the live version of “Bulldog and Yellow Jacket” with The Ventures. “Music is my gift and blessing from above. It has enriched my life and has gifted me with countless friends. The guitar continues to be my best friend and companion as I journey through life. I don’t know how how I can thank those who have helped me in my 50 year musical career and those who continue to troop to my Bistro RJ weekly for the past 26 years,” RJ said.

Truly this is one album that any music fan shouldn’t miss with its assembly of great songs and artists.

“RJ Duets” is now out in CDs at leading record stores and RJ Guitar Stores nationwide under MCA Music and is presented in cooperation with Businessworld and Herword.com. It is also available online via www.mymusicstore.com.ph. To download Ramon “RJ” Jacinto’s music on your mobile phones, text RJ to 3456.

In just days I've tasted two different cuisines.  A really great food adventure for my thrill-seeking lips. The most recent one was something that I haven't tasted before.  It was my first time to have something like that, though, I have heard stories of how spicy the dishes are but of course I didn't believed it, not until this particular day.


So what was the name of the restaurant?  It is called the Black Canyon Coffee or BCC for short.   Their menu are Thai dishes and specialty coffee.  Basically BCC originated from Thailand and the branch in SM South Mall is their first ever branch here in the Philippines.  Black Canyon Coffee is surely another name of store to be added in the list of must visit establishment for those who loves to do food adventures.   


According to them, Black Canyon Coffee is one of the most successful Thai names in the field of coffee and dining.  Today, Black Canyon Coffee has made its name from its concept of being a full-service casual dining coffee place that serves not only a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks and beverages but also provide a list of delicious and healthy Thai and International food items.  Your eyes will be in for a treat as you browse through the array of dishes that Black Canyon Coffee has to offer and I can assure that your taste buds will definitely in for something new.


It was great that we were blessed enough to be included in the list of bloggers who were invited to their blogger feast event.  My wife and I experienced this feast as if we were on a date.  We were treated first with specialty coffee drinks of our choice.  My choice was the Mocha Glacier Frappe which is Php 130.00.  I think and in my own opinion the drink that I had was greatly comparable with the other coffee stores around.   Aside from what I had, customers can also indulge in any of Black Canyon Coffee’s 24 specialty coffee drinks and 40 special beverages, especially their “Black Canyon Iced Coffee” - a special blend of pure Arabica coffee with two kinds of milk and plenty of ice.




After a few minutes, plates of different viands was laid onto our table.  There were soups like the Tom Yum and Curry Soup , the Fried Prawns with Tamarind Sauce, the Fried Sesame Pork Strips, the Grilled Black Pepper Salmon Salad, and the desserts like the Tin Roof and Premium Mocha.  It was really a feast!

The TOM YUM. Forgot to take a picture  when it was serve. Too eager to taste .

The Tom Yum soup did really have a spicy kick in it.  They also stated that customers can ask upon ordering if they wanted it spicy, extra spicy or none at all but the distinct taste and flavor of Thai cuisine are still present.  This is how they pride with their dishes,  strict and consistent with the measurements of their ingredients.  Aside from the Tom Yum soup, the Pad Thai and the Fried Prawns with Tamarind Sauce are my favorite.  The Pad Thai has a sweet and tasty flavor that is addicting and kids can sure love this as well.   Aside from these foods that I liked a lot, there are also other dishes to choose from and enjoy with whether it is with friends or family.

Fried Sesame Pork Strip

One of my favorite the PAD THAI.

The Curry Soup, which also have a sting.

Grilled Black Pepper Salmon Salad. Just right for those people having their diet.

Black Canyon Coffee has over 220 branches in Thailand alone, not mention their other branches on various locations in Asia. The success of the brand has always been hinged on its unique formula of food quality, food variety, location, and concept. With this in mind, Mr. Pravit Chitnarapong (CEO of Black Canyon Thailand Co. Ltd.) and Mrs. Wilma Dy (President of Royal Thai Food Philippines Inc.) recognized an opportunity for bringing Black Canyon Coffee to the Philippines to cater to the very Filipino culture of food enjoyment. Black Canyon Coffee also features a rare mix of large portions yet very reasonable prices providing customers great value for their money.

Black Canyon Coffee is now open at SM Southmall, Las Piñas City at the Food Strip.

Press Release
MANILA, Philippines—XX March 2012—Out with the old, in with the new—at least when it comes to replacement auto parts.

That's the expert advice given by Michael Gonzalez, General Manager of Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation (RAIPMC). Recognizing the tendency of car owners to opt for surplus items whenever a part needs replacing, he is quick to caution that “cheap and used” do not often deliver the same bottomline value as “brand new.”

"The savings that one supposedly makes by buying surplus products may all be illusory," Gonzalez asserts. "There is nothing practical about a second-hand auto part of unknown origin, with no warranty, and with no indication of how much is left of the product life cycle."


To help steer car owners into making genuinely value-driven decisions, Roberts AIPMC is thus working continuously to supply a diverse range of high-quality and cost-effective automotive products. This includes the company's Tiger leaf springs brand, which was launched in 1994 and has since been established as the only locally manufactured leaf spring trusted by original equipment manufacturers (OEM) like Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, Toyota Motors, Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Columbian Motors, Nissan/Universal Motors Corporation (manufacturer and distributor of Nissan light utility vehicles), and Pilipinas Hino.

But Tiger isn't just for the big industry names, Gonzalez points out. It's also for individual vehicle owners who may sometimes express reluctance at spending a little extra on a brand new replacement part, but won't hesitate to seize every opportunity to get the best possible value for their money.

Tiger represents one such opportunity. Unlike surplus or substandard leaf springs (or molye in Tagalog)—which may sag, break, or crack under heavy duty and extreme driving conditions—Tiger leaf springs are engineered to deliver maximum strength and durability, while helping spread passenger or cargo load more widely and effectively over the vehicle's chassis. All this, then, contributes to enhanced steering stability, better handling, and improved passenger comfort.

According to Gonzalez, the immediate positive impact that a new Tiger leaf spring assembly makes on a vehicle's suspension system is what sets the brand apart from the competition. He adds, "Our company always strives to meet international manufacturing standards, and it's good to know that our efforts translate directly into a better, smoother road experience for our clients."


RAIPMC's product catalog for Tiger includes conventional and parabolic types, and covers all kinds of automotive applications—for cars, buses, shuttles, jeepneys, tricycles, cargo trucks, tankers, mixers, delivery vans, pickups, utility vehicles, and more. By following an ISO 9001:2008-certified quality management system, and by subjecting each Tiger to a series of extensive load, hardness, and durability tests, the company is consistently able to develop OEM-quality leaf springs at a rate of approximately 600 tons per month.

Of course, at RAIPMC's 1,300-sqm. manufacturing plant in Cabuyao Laguna, quality tops quantity at all times. It is this example that Gonzales hopes more car owners will soon follow. "When it comes to leaf springs, or some other priority component of the car," he says, "don't go for what's cheaper. Go for what's better." For more details about Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corp. (RAIPMC), visit www.roberts.com.ph.

More revelation, outrageous scenes and exposure of truth covers the last week of Valiente on TV5.  In the peak of the event in San Rafael, another revelation will turn and twist the life of the Braganza and Valiente family.  Witness also the re-deepening relationship between Gardo Valiente (JC De Vera) and Maila Braganza (Nadine Samonte) as they are tested by Mila Regalado-Arden's opposition (Lorna Tolentino). What would the truth behind the personality by Maila and Mila Regalado-Arden. What is their secret stories?

Meanwhile, will forgiveness come to Damian Valiente (Michael De Mesa) and Gardo and to mother Dona Trining Braganza (Jaclyn Jose) and Theo (Oyo Sotto)?   How could they forsake the past? Also watch for the return of Leona Braganza (Nina Jose) as she do everything for the sake of his love for Gardo.   Up to how long can bear and sacrifice for her love?

Do not slipped through Doña Trining cleverness, who would take up the impending confrontation of Gardo and Theo.  In the history of hatred and revenge between the two, a bullet will mark the end. Who will remain strong? What is the destiny of Gardo Valiente? Is this the end of Dona Trining Braganza?

Watch out for more hot, convergence and confrontation of Gardo Valiente and Theo Braganza in the last week of Valiente, after Wil Time bigtime on TV5.

L-R: Ed Martin, Shelton Woolright, Aja Timu, Paul Matthews

On The Horrifying Truth, I Am Giant have bound together what they describe as “a collection of stories, thoughts, observations and exploration” into one cohesive and hard-hitting explosion of sound and melody. From first song ‘Purple Heart’ to closer ‘After The War’, the sharp lyrical themes draw the listener into the band’s own experience of a growing awareness of mortality and the slow loss of innocence. And yet, I Am Giant have produced an album fuelled by a youthful idealism, not despite but because of the hard learned lessons that are a reality of modern life. The Horrifying Truth is pure, unadulterated rock, with its heart on its sleeve and an unquenchable fire in its soul.

The London-based quartet is comprised of English vocalist Ed Martin, sticks-man Shelton Woolright (formerly of multi-platinum selling band Blindspott), bassist Paul Matthews (formerly of Auckland outfits Stylus and Tadpole) and veteran guitar-slinger Aja Timu, the last to join the IAG line-up.

‘And We’ll Defy’ is the first single from I Am Giant’s much anticipated debut. Bassist Paul Matthews explains “‘And We'll Defy’ is a song about the human need to believe in and belong to something that can define and guide us and about how vulnerable and easily led we can become as a consequence.”

The album also includes all three of I Am Giant’s hit singles from their 2010 City Limits EP – ‘City Limits’, ‘Neon Sunrise’ and ‘Living The Crash’ – all of which hit the top two spots on The Rock FM’s national airplay charts, and have had combined sales in excess of 15,000, not to mention videos featuring world surfing champion Kelly Slater, champion skater Tony Hawke and some of the world’s best extreme athletes.

The Horrifying Truth was recorded with acclaimed Australian alt rock producer/engineer Forrester Savell between Sony Studios in Sydney, and Forrester’s studio at Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne between January and April 2011, and was co-produced by bassist Paul Matthews and drummer Shelton Woolright.

Live the band are a force to be reckoned with, as countless audiences around the world can attest. From headlining sold-out NZ tours, Big Day Out Auckland and Sydney, and Homegrown, to Tiger Translate parties in Vietnam, Camden Barfly, Levi’s Hong Kong, Quiksilver World Pro Bali, Big Night In Singapore, Viper Room LA, Mercury Lounge New York, British Surf Champs and supporting Taking Back Sunday in the UK, I Am Giant have cut their teeth and tested their mettle on some of the world’s hottest stages.

This June and July, I AM GIANT is scheduled for Australian and Asian tour. Their Asian tour includes the Philippines, which is set on July 9 to be held in Hard Rock Café (Makati City).