It's The End Of The OPM Month

April is almost over. OPM Month comes to it's end. I really enjoyed featuring all the artists being mentioned in this blog. I know that there is a lot of artists that needs to be given the credits and for their contribution. I hope that you enjoyed reading the blogs and watching all the videos of your favorite OPM artists.

Thanks for all people who voted, viewed, read and put comments to my blogs for April, I really appreciate all the comments. I would really miss this!

See you next month as I feature other topic for May! Luvyah all!!! Ciao!!!

Cover Songs: Love Them or Hate Them?

Nowadays, most artist would release an album wherein they would sing a song which is popularized by another singer. This is what we call cover songs. They would have their own rendition andof course, if they can add a twist they would so asto attract listeners. They would do cover songs that are being used for movies or teleseryes adn it becomes a hit. So, I've listed the best hit cover songs of our OPM artists:

Hard Habit To Break By Jed Madela and Martin Nievera



Especially For You By MYMP



I Didn't Know I Was Looking For Love By Sitti



Piano In The Dark By Nina



Old Friend By Kyla



Sabihin Mo Lang By Yeng Constantino



Starting Over Again By Sheryn Regis



Honestly By Rachelle Ann Go



Hands To Heaven By Christian Bautista



Your Love By Erik Santos



I Want to Know What Love Is By Sarah Geronimo



A Smile In Your Heart By Ariel Rivera



Pangako Sa'Yo By Vina Morales



Honesty By Jaya



Heart Of Mine By Janno Gibbs



The Way You Look Tonight By ZsaZsa Padilla



Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo By Ogie Alcasid



Healing By Lani Misalucha



How Did You Know By Gary Valenciano



Tell Me That You Love Me By Regine Velasquez

I believe that for as long as the singer sings from the heart, even if it is a cover song, people would still love it. Now, love them or hate them?

Lito Camo: The Novelty Composer

We often hear comic songs in the radio nowadays. Songs that make the masses groove and move. Sometimes, they are a combination of Tagalog and English language. These songs are well-known as Novelty Songs. And one name can be associated with this music genre and that is Lito Camo.

Lito Camo became an instant thit because of the songs he composed. He was able to turn artist into singing sensations. Among the list are Sexbomb Dancers, Bayani Agbayani, Viva Hotbabes, Willie Revillame, Masculados, April Boy, Angelike Jones, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Sandara Park, K & the Boxers, Manny Pacquiao and many more.

The Best Novelty Songs Composed By Lito Camo

Bulaklak By Viva Hotbabes




Sasakyan Kita By K & The Boxers




Otso-Otso By Bayani Agbayani




Ang Ganda Ko By Sandara Park




Igiling-Giling By Willie Revillame




For as long as Lito Camo is around, Novelty Songs will continue to be heard!

Nina: The Acoustic Siren

When it comes to acoustic OPM, ths woman has a lot to say. Who am I talking about? It is none other than Nina.

Nina is dubbed as the "Soul Siren" because of her vocal capabilities. She has a sweet voice and the added plus would be her whistle. She is currently seen in ASAP every Sunday noon singing in their segment "Sessionista" together with Richard Poon, MYMP, Aiza Seguerra, Sitti and Duncan Ramos.

ASAP Sessionistas in ASAP




Her very first recorded album is entitled "Heaven" in 2002 which includes hits like "Heaven", "Loving You", "Foolish Heart" and "Jealous". In her next album entitled "Smile", the hits "Make You Mine" and "A Girl Can Dream" were released. In 2005, Nina had her year when she relased her album entitled "Nina Live" which became the biggest-selling album by a female OPM singer and now it ranks third in the biggest album sales in OPM history. This album includes the hits "Love Moves In Mysterious Ways", "Through The Fire" and "I Love You Goodbye".



The Soulful Songs Of Nina

Loving You



Foolish Heart



Jealous



Through The Fire



Love Moves In Mysterious Ways

Francis Magalona: His Nationalistic Rap Lives Forever

Everybody knows that he is th only King Of Pinoy Rap. I'm speaking of no one else but the legend and the late Francis Magalona. He is also known for different names such as "FrancisM", "Master Rapper" and "The Man From Manila". He was also a songwriter, producer, actor, director, designer, photographer and host in the noontime variety show "Eat Bulaga!". He is also one of the judges of the singing contest aired in ABC5 which is Philippine Idol.

He was given this title because of his numerous rap songs that featured politically conscious and thought-provoking rhymes in both English and Tagalog. His first album is entitled "Yo!". Most of the songs in this album became hit to the Filipino masses and this gave birth to Nationalistic Rap in the Philippines.

More albums came after his first one and this recieved commendations and good reviews from the public.

He is also known for producing his own clothing line and he named it "3 Stars & A Sun".

It's just so sad that in March 6, 2009, he died of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, a disorder which he carried for seven months.

Because of his great contribution in the OPM industry, he was awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit. An award given to an individual who inspired a lot of Filipinos because of his sense of nationalistic pride.

Rap Songs Of Francis Magalona That Will Live Forever

Tayo'y Mga Pinoy



Mga Kababayan



The Man From Manila



Cold Summer Nights



Kaleidoscope World



Thank You for bringing rap music close to our hearts! Your music will always be remembered!

Zsa Zsa Padilla: She's So Divine

Zsa Zsa Padilla is hailed as "The Divine Diva" because of her angelic and heavenly voice. She was first part of a band named Hotdog but eventually, she decided to go solo and build her own career. Her best hits was produced by VIVA Records. She also did great concerts and collaborations with other artists. The latest concert that she had was the "Divas 4 Divas" concert alongside with Pops Fernandez, Kuh Ledesma and Regine Velasquez.

She is not only a singer but also an actress. She also received nominatiions and won different awards from award-giving bodies. Her Best Actress awards are from the movies "Batang PX" and "Mano Po 4 Ako Legal Wife".

She is one of the main hosts of ASAP in ABS-CBN every Sunday noon.

The Divine Songs Of Zsa Zsa Padilla

Eversince




Point Of No Return




Mambobola




Hiram




Kahit Na

Ogie Alcasid: Songs Written From The Heart

Ogie Alcasid is known as the "Singer Songwriter" because of his talent to sing and compose songs. He debuted in 1989 with his first song "Nandito Ako" which is a hit and became "Song Of The Year" awarded by the radio station Magic 89.9.

He is also a comedian and makes us laugh in Bubble Gang. He also did comedy movies in his twenty years in showbiz. Like his buddy, Janno Gibbs, however, music is still his passion. He composed songs for different artists such as Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez and Christian Bautista.

He also spearheads SOP every Sunday noon along side his other certified recording artists such as Regine Velasquez, Jaya, Janno Gibbs, Kyla and Jay-R.

The Best Of Ogie Alcasid

Sana




Kung Sakali




Hello




Kung Mawawala Ka




Hanggang Ngayon




Ogie will compose more songs that's for sure!

MYMP's Juris and Chin: Acoustic Dynamic Duo

MYMP... an acoustic band which is known for most of their cover songs. The band is composed of five members however two of them are popularly known and they are Juris and Chin. The duo make appearances most of the time for ASAP in their Sessionistas segment. Although most of their songs are covered, I must say that their songs were hits. With their renditions, people tend to sing songs from the past becaus of them in videoke bars.

Most Noted MYMP Songs

Kailan




Only Reminds Me Of You




Tell Me Where It Hurts




A Little Bit




Get Me




MYMP would always be one of the best acoustic acts in the country!

Janno Gibbs & Jaya: OPM Soul Royalties

When OPM Soul Music is the topic... the names of Janno Gibbs and Jaya are the most noted names. Both certified recording artists are main host of SOP every Sunday noon.

JANNO GIBBS

Janno Gibbs is dubbed as the King Of Soul because of his voice that serenades anyone who hears it. Although he is much seen as a comedian, by heart, he will always be a singer. His voice is being used as teleserye theme songs as well. He also collaborated with different artists. He has one album entitled "Divas and I", a collection of duet songs with different divas of the country.

The Best Janno Gibbs Songs

Ikaw Lang At Ako



Pinakamagandang Lalake



Fallin



JAYA

Jaya is known as The Queen Of Soul because of her dark, big voice that can belt up to A5. She has 10 albums to date and she also makes sure that everytime she launches a song,it would be a hit. Her biggest break in the Philippine music scene came when she won first place in the 1996 Metropop Song Festival for her interpretation of "Sometimes You Just Know". She also won as Best Interpreter at the Asia Song Festival held in Hong Kong in February 1997 for her rendition of the song "You Lift Me Up", composed by Danny Tan.

The Best Songs Of Jaya

Dahil Ba Sa Kanya?



Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig?




Laging Naroon Ka



Honesty



Is It Over?



They are really the OPM Soul Royalties!

Other WCOPA Champions

After the sweet victory of Jed Madela in the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2005, other Filipino singers also emeerged as champions in the said competition. Included in the list are Brenan Espartinez and Jonalyn Viray for 2006, Raymond Sajor and Aria Clemente in 2007.

BRENAN ESPARTINEZ

He was first sighted as the child who provide us infrmation in Sineskwela. He suddenly dissapeared but when he cameback, he joined Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1 and he won First Runner Up. He was chosen to represent our country in WCOPA 2006. He grabbed 5 Gold Medals for the categories Gospel, Original, Pop, R&B/Jazz and Variety. He was also awarded Overall Champion Male Solo in Gospel, Original, Pop and Variety (But not in R&B which is ironically, his specialty). He also got the Industry Award Male Vocal Solo.

JONALYN VIRAY

She emerged as the grand champion of Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1. She was awarded the Industry Award Female Vocal Solo for winning five gold medals in the World Championships of Performing Arts which was held in Burbank California. The five golds came from the categories Broadway, Original, Pop, R&B and Variety. Jonalyn was also awarded Overall Champion Female Solo in Broadway, Pop and Original.



RAYMOND SAJOR

He was one of the finalists of Philippine Idol. After he was booted out from the competition, he did not stop. He continued singing until he was chosen to be the next representative for WCOPA 2007. He bagged the Grand Champion Senior Vocalist of the World award with his rendition of the one-minute-long “Anthem” from the musical Chess. He competed with fellow Pinoy singer Raki Vega, and three other vocalists from Haiti and South Africa.



ARIA CLEMENTE

Aria Clemente was first seen as a contestant in Little Big Star. She was also eliminated from the said contest. She was chosen to be one of the representatives of Team Phlippnes in WCOPA 2007 and she emerged as Overall Grand Champion of the World (Junior Division) in the 2007 WCOPA Finals Night by hurdling three rounds of competition in five vocal categories which included broadway, latin, pop, rock and gospel. She bested around 5,000 contestants from vocal, dance and modeling categories to be awarded Overall Grand Champion in the Junior Division beating grand finalists from South Africa, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago and Russia.

I can't wait for the next batch of singers who give another glory to our country!

1970's - 1980'S: The Years Of Manila Sound

Manila Sound is a genre in the OPM industry that became well-known in the 1970's. It is most described as a smooth, easy-flowing pop/rock music, added a twist of funk, jazz and disco. Sometimes, the lyrics are in Taglish language.

Here are the artist and bands that became a hit because of Manila Sound:

THE HOTDOG BAND

The songs of Hotdog heralded the beginning of Original Pilipino Music or OPM, which saw – for the first time – local songs dominating the Philippine music scene, and in the process, establishing the identity of mainstream Filipino music.



VST and COMPANY

The band started in the 1970s with Vic Sotto, now a famous comedian, who also wrote songs for the group and performed "Disco Fever" with VST. The band consisted of different Filipino musicians time after time until they collided in the 1980s. The band is a big contributor to the Manila sound era because of a lot of disco fever songs that until now are disco classics.



CINDERELLA

Cinderella is a famous Filipino mellow band from the 1970s. It rose to fame together with such bands like VST and Company, The Hotdogs and The Boyfriends. It is known to have performed "T.L. Ako Sa'yo" (locally means True Love ako sa'yo). It made romantic classics such as "Bato sa Buhangin" (Pebble amongst the Sand), "Sa Aking Pag-iisa" (In my Solitude) and "Superstar ng Buhay Ko" (Superstar of my Life). They're also a band part of the Manila sound.



SAMPAGUITA

They are a Folk/ Rock and roll group popular for classic hits like the groovy Bonggahan, Tao, and Nosi Ba Lasi among their classics.



HAGIBIS

A group that sing and dance. Famous for male hits like Katawan. The group is similar to the equally classic Village People in terms of style in music, muscular appearance and dances.



FLORANTE

First to perform the classic and inspirational song, Handog. Also folk singer who performed Ako'y Isang Pinoy.



SHARON CUNETA

Started her career as DJ's pet after recording Rey Valera's composition, Mr. DJ. She was 12 years old in year 1979 when she started her career.

In 2007, an album entitled, "The Best Of Manila Sound: Hopia, Mani, Popcorn" was released which features re-interpretations of Manila Sound performed by "No Toucch by Rocksteddy", "Ipagpatawad Mo by Mayonnaise", "Rock Baby Rock by Kala" and "TL Ako Sa'yo by Kitchie Nadal".

Let us thank and look back to the roots of our music!

My Favorite OPM Collaborations

Filipino audience are amazed when two singers collaborate for a particular song, this has a greater chance of becoming a hit. So, I've listed videos that caught my attention. These are also my favorite collaborations. Let me share it with you.

CAN WE JUST STOP AND TALK A WHILE
=Gary valenciano and Kyla in 2002=



IKAW LAMANG
=Janno Gibbs and Jaya in 2000=



YOU AND ME (We wanted It All)
=Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go in 2004=



NOW THAT I HAVE YOU
=Erik Santos and Sheryn Regis in 2004=



POINTS OF VIEW
=Jaya and Regine Velasquez in 2007=



A PIECE OF SKY
=Jaya, Lani Misalucha and Regine Velasquez in 2006=



MULI
=Gary Valenciano and Regine Velasquez in 2003=



PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH MY HEART
=Jose Mari Chan and Regine Velasquez in the 1980's=



Enjoy my favorite videos!

Yeng Constantino: Sweet Rakista

If there is a singer who rocks people at the same time is sweet, that is no other than Yeng Constatino, the very first Grand Star Dreamer of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 1 and her winning piece is "Salamat".



When she was still in the PDA House, she composed a song entitled "Hawak Kamay" and this is an instant hit and it stayed on the top in OPM charts for months when it was released. This catapulted Yeng to stardom. She became one of the host of ASAP every Sunday. She sings together with Rachelle Ann Go and Sarah Geronimo in their segment entitled "Y.R.S." which stand for the first letters of their name. She also performs in ASAP Music Room.

Y.R.S.



ASAP Music Room



Yeng is also a guitarist and she really rocks people when she performs. Most often, she will be seen performing using Chuck Taylor shoes.



Most Noted Yeng Constantino Songs

Cool Off



Ikaw Lang Talaga



Time In

Let her rock our world with sweetness!

Jed Madela: A Champion In His Own Right

A man with an undeniable high voice... He can make the audience fall their jaws with his performance. This man with the incredible voice is Jed Madela.

Jed Madela became well-known in the OPM industry when he became the "Grand Champion Performer of the World" at the World Championships of the Peforming Arts.



After this achievement, he joined the cast of ASAP every Sunday noon as one of its performers. He performs together with ZsaZsa Padilla, Gary Valenciano, Vina Morales, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez and the Champions in their segment ASAP Music Room where they perform songs from well-known icons.

Jed Madela's Best Performances







Jed... Thanks for bringing glory to our country!

Sheryn Regis: The Modern Jukebox Diva

SMALL BUT TERRIBLE... that is how they descibe her. At her height lies a powerful voice that can enchant and amaze anyone who listens. She is non other than Sheryn Regis.


She was a product of the same singing contest where Erik Santos won which is Star In A Million Season 1. At that time, she was dubbed as "The Power Belter" for being the texter's choice and a consistent top finalist. Unfortunately, she only landed as First Runner Up in the said contest. Her most noted piece is "Come In Out Of The Rain".

Come In Out Of The Rain



After the contest, offers came along and she did produce songs which also became hits. She got First Runner Up as well in the Voice Of Asia Song Festival in 2004. Because of this achievement, ano9ther title was added to her as "The Crystal Voice Of Asia". Her winning piece was "Follow Your Dream".

She is also the voice behind the fantaseryes produced by ABS-CBN such as "Marina - Kailan Kaya", "Kampanerang Kuba - Sabihin Mo Sa Akin", "Sana Maulit Muli - I Remember The Boy", "Prinsesa Ng Banyera - Dito Ba" and Maria Flordeluna.

In 2006, Sheryn was hailed as "The Modern Jukebox Queen" when she release her album entitled "The Modern Jukebox Collection" where her carrier single was "Ang Pag-Ibig KOng Ito" which was originally done by Leah Navarro.

Ang Pag-Ibig Kong Ito



Today, her latest album is entitled "Starting Over Again" with the same carrier single. She is a performer every Sunday noon in ASAP in ABS-CBN.

The Best Sheryn Regis Songs

I Remember The Boy



Follow Your Dream



Starting Over Again



More to come from Sheryn... Watch Out!!!

Erik Santos & Sarah Geronimo: The Prince & Princess Of OPM Pop

They are considered champions, not only in singing contests, but in the recording industry as well. When they perform, we can't help but to be amazed. With their pop songs, be it an orginal or a cover song, they make it a point that it would be a sure fire hit. Make way for the Prince and Princess of OPM Pop: Erik Santos and Sarah Geronimo.

ERIK SANTOS

We first saw this lad when he joined Star In A Million in 2004. He is known to sing pop songs that is why he was dubbed as Philippine Prince Of Pop. His winning piece was "This Is The Moment" which was originally performed by Martin Nievera.



From then on, he did songs both covered and original. His songs were topping the OPM charts and his albums were very marketable. His first original single was "Pagbigyan Muli" which is also chart topper.



He also did collaboration with different artist for teleseryes and movies. Because of his vocal style, he also received awards from different music award giving bodies. He is currently seen as a regular performer in ASAP in ABS-CBN every Sunday noon together with his fellow Champions.

The Best Erik Santos Songs

I Believe I Can Fly



Say You'll Never Go




SARAH GERONIMO

Because of her amazing voice and performance, she was crowned as the Pop Princess. She is one of the main host of ASAP in ABS-CBN every Sunday noon. She emerged as the grand winner of the first ever singing talent search of our generation which is Star For A Night.



After her big win, she was able to produce songs hit after hit. Almost all of her songs are chart-toppers. Her albums are also awarded either Gold or Multiple Platinum in just two weeks after release date. She was also tapped to shift from singing to acting and dancing. She starred in her own teleserye "Bituing Walang Ningning" where she portray the role of "Dorina Pineda" orginally done by Sharon Cuneta alongside with Angelika Dela Cruz as "Lavinia Arguelles". Here is a clip of the said teleserye that still makes me weep everytime I watch it:

Sarah Geronimo a.k.a. Dorina Pineda



She also have a different kind of magic when she do movies, the evidences are her two back to back top grossing films, "A Very Special Love" and "You Changed My Life".



She also did a collaboration with Howie Dorough entitled "I'll Be There" in her latest album "Just Me".



The Best Sarah Geronimo Songs

How Could You Say You Love Me



Sa Iyo



A Very Special Love



They are really champions in their own right!

Lani Misalucha: The Whistling Diva

Lani Misalucha is known for her incomparable whistle that is why she is dubbed as the "Asia's Nightingale" as she perform pop, jazz, soul,R&B and operatic arias.

She made mark in the OPM industry when she became one of the main host and performers of SOP in GMA 7 in 2000. She performed together with Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Jaya and Regine Velasquez. Because of their segment Back 2 Back 2 Back 2 Back, there arose the competition and rivalry between Lani and Regine on who is the better diva. But of course, this issue didn't affect the certified divas. It just so sad that she had to leave SOP and migrate to Las Vegas because of personal reasons.

She also became the first Asian to headline in a Main Showroom of the Las Vegas Strip. And in 2004, another title was added to her as the "New Siren Of The Strip" and she won as "Best Singer" in the "27th Annual Best Of Las Vegas" that put her equal to Celine Dion.

When she came back in the Philippines, she declared that she will no longer be part of SOP. From then on, her appearance became evident in the rival show ASAP until she told everybody that she already signed a contract in ABS-CBN, thus adding her to the roster of the main host of the noontime show, joining Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gary Valenciano and The Champions. She is still considered as one of the main host eventhough she doesn't have regular appearance, it is because she has a lot of commitments back in Las Vegas.

She also did cover songs for t0eleseryes such as "Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw", "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos" and "Iisa Pa Lamang"

The Most-Noted Songs Of Lani Misalucha

Malaya Ka Na



Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin



Healing



You Don't Have To Say You Love Me



Loving You

Be entrhalled by her whistle...

The Male OPM Legends

If we have the Jukebox Queens of the 70's, we also have balladeers at that era. Included in the list would be Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro and Rey Valera.

Rico J. Puno is popularly known as "The Total Entertainer" because of his crazy antics as he performs in the stage. Some of his most hits are "Macho-Gwapito", Kapalaran and May Bukas Pa.



Hajji Alejandro is known as the orginal "Kilabot Ng Kolehiyala" and he is the father of singer Rachel Alejandro. he is best remembered for the songs Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika and May Minamahal.



Rey Valera is a well known singer, songwriter, music director and film scorer. His songs were used for different teleseryes in television such as "Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako", "Pangako Sa'Yo", "Maging Sino Ka Man", "Walang Kapalit", "Sinasamba Kita" and "Tayong Dalawa".

The Jukebox Queens

If we have different divas today, the 70's era have their own which they can be proud of, they are the jukebox divas. Divas that were known for their sad songs of love and longingness. The most well-known jukebox queens of that time until today were Eva Eugenio, Imelda Papin and Claire Dela Fuente.

Eva Eugenio is most noted for her song "Tukso" which talks about having a strong courage not to be defeated by the evils of this world. She is still active in the music industry and she had a concert together with Claire Dela Fuente and other OPM icons at the Araneta Coliseum recently.



Imelda Papin became popular because of her song "Isang Linggong Pag-Ibig" wherein the content of the song is a love that is within and lasted just for a week. She i9s also dubbed as the "Sentimental Songstress".



Clair Dela Fuente is known for many names or titles such as "Karen Carpenter Of The Philippines" and "Asia's Sweetest Voice". her most noted song was "Sayang" in the 70's. She is still active in the music industry and she recorded a song which is "Something In Your Eyes" written by Richard Carpenter.



They are really the Queens Of Jukebox!

APO Hiking Society: Amazing Friendship and Music

What is OPM without the APO Hiking Society? For me, they can be considered a legend in this industry because of their songs and their friendship which is more than 30 years to date.

Originally, the APO Hiking Society has 13 members, however, after college graduation, the other group members left the group and only three of them remained and they are Jim Paredes, Danny Javier and Buboy Garovillo.

APO Hiking Society currently have 22 albums to date. In 2006 and 2007, tribute albums were release to pay tribute to the music excellence of this trio. Their songs were revived and gave a different twist for the new generation. They also received the coveted Myx Magna Award in the 2nd MYX Music Awards in 2007.

The Best APO Hiking Society Songs

Panalangin



Mahirap Magmahal Ng Syota Ng Iba



Nakapagtataka



Pumapatak Ang Ulan



Kaibigan



APO Hiking Society will live forever and their songs will be remembered always!

OPM Artists Going International

Aside from the first batch of international artist that I have featured, we still have OPM artists that needs credit. They also made mark not only here but in other countries. I'm referring to Billy Crawford, Nikki Gil and Sam Concepcion.

Billy Crawford

He is a Filipino-American musician, actor, and host. His musical influences are R&B, pop and soul. When he was still a child, he is more known as "Billy Joe Crawford" when he is with That's Entertainment. When he was 11 he flew to United States and started his singing career. When he came back to the Philippines, he singed a contract with ABS-CBN and became one of the host of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2. He is one of the regular host of ASAP as well. He has a total of 6 albums to date: Billy Crawford (1999); Trackin' (2001); Ride (2001); Big City (2004); Big City Tour Live (2005) and It's Time (2008)

Nikki Gil

She started as a model for a soda commercial. After that commercial, she was handpicked to be one of the Myx VJ's. She also became one of the host of ASAP in ABS-CBN. She made a mark in the international scene when she did a collaboration of "Breaking Free" with other Asian artist namely, Vince Chong (Malaysia) and Alicia Pan (Singapore). She was also chosen to sing the High School Musical 2 OST "Gotta Go My Own Way".

Sam Concepcion

He emerged as the Brightest Star for the Bigt Division of Little Big Star Season 1. He shared the international scene when he was chosen by Dreamworks to sing Kung Fu Panda's OST which is "Kung Fu Fighting". he can be seen as one of the performers in ASAP every Sunday noon.



Hope that we can produce more of them!

Christian Bautista: The Romantic Balladeer

We already featured Leah Salonga and Aiza Seguerra who are well-known not only here but in other countries. Now, let's make way for another great talent that is making a mark on his own.

With his sweet and soothing voice, who's girl would not fall in love? Yes, I'm talking about Christian Bautista, dubbed as "Asia's Pop Idol".

He started his singing career when he joined Star In A Million in 2003. He was the first finalist for the final 10. Many were hoping that he would become the winner, unfortunately, he was eliminated before the grand finals and he only landed on the fourth spot. He had his first music video entitled "Say That You Love Me" which is included in the Star In A Million album.



After the contest, he was offered a recording contract from Warner Music Philippines, and I must say, the recording company did not go wrong in giving the offer to Christian. His first single "The Way You Look At Me" was a great hit. It is being requested in almost all radio stations.



His songs were hit after hit and these include songs such as Colour Everywhare, Hands To Heaven, Invincible, Everything You Do, She Could Be and Completely.

Christian also collaborated with different artist such as Nina, Sitti, Rachelle Ann Go, Sarah Geronimo, Sheryn Regis, Erik Santos and Mark Bautista.

You And Me (We Wanted It All) with Rachelle Ann Go



Burn with Nina



He is also an actor and a model/endorser of different products. He also made appearances and play roles in television, theater and movies.

His song "The Way You Look At Me" made way for his international career. This song was played in different Asian countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

He is currently performing in ASAP every Sunday at noon time. He also have concerts here and abroad.

Christian Bautista will always be our "Romantic Balladeer".

Aiza Seguerra: Her True Destiny

Who would have thought that the little child in Eat Bulaga would become one of the finest singers in the OPM industry? Yes, I'm referring to Aiza Seguerra. We are all witness about Aiza's behavior as being "makulit" and doing the fancy walk in Okay ka Fairy Ko. After several projects in television, she suddenly disappear in the scene.

She made a sweet comeback in 2001 when she released her first song, "Pagdating Ng Panahon". That was an instant hit and you're ears will surrender at that time because you would hear this song everywhere you go.



After that hit song, offers came continuously. She started performing in different networks. She also had series of concerts. She also accepted offers to go back to acting, however, those were minimal and she focused on her singing career. She is being loved by listeners because of her cool and soothing voice. Even if she just do a rendition of a song, it's pleasant to the human ears.



Recently, it was reported that she is also a hit in Singapore. She had a concert there and her album is also a best-seller.



We can never really tell what is in store for us. Opportunity knocks only once, better grab it than to loose a chance of a lifetime.

The Company: Philippine's Premiere Vocal Ensemble

Whenever they perform, people are starting to be amaze because they have a different kind of blending. They also have different voice techniques that makes this group exciting. Yes, I'm talking about The Company. The Philippine's best vocal group.



The group is consists of Moy, Ces, Jay, Sweet and Annie. Their voices are of different levels from soprano to alto; from tenor to bass. The group became known in the 90's and they popular songs of love and inspiration. Some of the songs that become their trademark were Afraid For Love To Fade, Pag Nagkataon, Everlasting Love, Pakisabi Na Lang, Muntik Na Kitang Minahal and Now That I Have You.



This group is well-loved because of their vocal capabilities. They can sing songs and can give a different kind of twist.



I hope that they can create more songs in the coming years. This group is really amazing!

The Inspirational Diva: Jamie Rivera

Because she is always been selected to sing songs of spiritual healing, she was dubbed as the Inspirational Diva, she is non other than Jamie Rivera. She started as a pop singer before she was handpicked to sing gospel songs which we often hear in masses and other charismatic activities.

She first shared the spotlight when she won in the prestigious search for G.A. Yupangco's Yamaha Music Mate Girls and she pursue her solo career then. She had her first album entitled "Hey, It's Me".



Her other songs also were hits such as Mahal Naman Kita, I'm Sorry, and I've Fallen For You. These songs were also used as theme songs for teleseryes and movies.

With all the songs that she shared with the music industry, she became more in demand for inspirational and gospel songs. If there is an album release which is related to enlightenment or about our Lord, she will not be missed. She always has a track and most of the time, her song is the carrier single and she is the promoter as well.

In 2003, she sang "Only Selfless Love" which is the theme song for the 4th World Meeting Of Families.



Here is another song from Jamie Rivera entitled "The Purpose Driven Life"



Jamie Rivera will always inspire us and enlighten our lives through her songs.

Leah Salonga: A World-Renowned Artist

If there is one celebrity who is considered by most people to be a world-class performer, no doubt, one name will be uttered and that is Leah Salonga. A well-known artist not only locally, but internationally. She started making a mark for our country in the international scene.

Leah Salonga started as a child star in the Philippines in 1978. She also became one of the members of the That's Entertainment, a teen variety show hosted by German Moreno. She did movies at and recordings at that time and the her most noted song was "Nandito Ako". Here is the song:



She started her international career when she had her audition for Miss Saigon for the role of Kim.



Here is her great performance for Miss Saigon:



After Miss Saigon, she played different roles such as Lien Hughes in "As The World Turns" and "Catherine in Flower Drum Song". She is the first Asian artist to play the role of Eponine in "Les Miserables".



She is also the singing voice behind the Disney movies Pocahontas, Hercules, Tarzan, Mulan, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.







Because of her roles, she also won awards from different prestigious award-giving bodies such as Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Theatre World Awards.

She will always be a world-class performer that will make all of us be proud of our nationality!

Eraserheads: Everybody's OPM Band

When I was in my younger years, I used to remember at that time Eraserheads is the talk of the town when it comes to music. This is because of their style of music... most people would say "Pang-Masa Talaga!". I really loved this band, and of course, I know you do as well. That is why I have a special feature for them in this blog.

If we are going back memory lane, Eraserheads is composed of band members spearheaded by Ely Buendia as their lead vocalist, and other band members Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro. They also dubbed as "The Beatles Of The Philippines".

In 1992, they launch their debut album Ultramagneticpop, which featured songs "Pare ko" and "Toyang". More albums and songs were released for the group and it changed the lives of Filipinos. The most well-loved song from E-heads would be "Ang Huling El Bimbo"

They also get awards from different award giving bodies here and internationally.

It's just so sad that they some of the members have to leave the group. So, other band members decided to join other band groups as well.

Due to enormous success of the group in the misic industry, present bands produced a tribute album for them, having their own rendition of E-heads popular songs with a different twist.

The Best Eraserheads' Songs

Julie Tear Jerky



Pare Ko



Ligaya



With A Smile



Ang Huling El Bimbo

They will always be Philippine's number one OPM band!

Gary Valenciano: A Warrior Of God And Music

Gary Valenciano is better known in the music industry as Gary V. and was dubbed as "Mr. Pure Energy" because of his energetic moves and his strong faith in our Lord. He had his first jam-packed concert at the Araneta Coliseum in April 1984. The first time I saw him perform in a mall tour, I was amazed because he is a great singer and dancer. He is really full of energy as he performs on the stage.

He just had his 25th year in the music industry last year at the Araneta Coliseum as well.

Here are the songs and videos that I used to like from Gary Valenciano.

Be Inspired And Fall In Love

Warrior Is A Child

Sana Maulit Muli

I Will Be Here

Take Me Out Of The Dark

How Did You Know

His songs will continue to inspire us and made us remember that the Lord is with us always!