Rocksteddy Live Performance of "Leslie"

Wonder Girls Singing "Nobody" Live

2ne1 Live Performance of "Fire"

Eraserheads Classic Video

Eraserheads - Kaliwete (Asia Live Dream '98)

A fulfilling year for Sarah

Sarah Geronimo has a lot to thank for as the draws to a close.

After the box-office success of A Very Special Love in 2008, chalking up another record grosser with the sequel, You Changed My Life at the start of this year.

Record Breaker, her concert last month at the Araneta Coliseum, lived up to its name, topping her three previous packed shows at the Big Dome, and certifying her as the new concert queen.

Sarah was on the road for the most part of the year, performing to Pinoy audiences in the US and Europe with The Next One Tour. Upon returning home, she hardly had time to unpack her bags before pushing off again for The Next One Philippine Tour.

In the recording scene, Sarah was also blazing new trails with chart-topping albums. Her Sarah Geronimo’s Your Christmas Girl, released last month, is no. 1 among local Christmas albums.

Sarah is on the A-list of the most sought-after commercial endorsers. TV ads and billboards show her promoting food products, cosmetics and computer schools.

“This year has been a truly fulfilling one for me. I have a lot to thank God for,” she admits.

“At this point in my career, I couldn’t ask for anything more. In fact, it makes me even more determined to improve myself because I don’t want to let my fans down. I owe a lot to them.”

Now that election season is approaching, many are wondering if Sarah will be endorsing any candidate. Three presidential bets are said to be after her, but it all depends on her boss, Vic del Rosario.

Love2Love2Love at Big Dome Feb. 12

Celebrate the season of hearts with Side A, Freestyle and Nina in the repeat of Love2Love2Love at the Araneta Coliseum, 8 p.m. on Feb. 12, 2010.

Viva Concerts & Events is bringing back the show due to insistent public demand.

Enjoy a romantic evening as the two bands and the soul siren serenade you with their hits such as So Many Questions, Love Is Here To Stay, Forevermore, Before I Let You Go, So Slow, Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang, Love Moves In Mysterious Ways, Jealous, Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend, I Can’t Make You Love Me and many more.

Ticket prices are P2,625 for Patron, P2,100 for Patron B, P1,750 for Lower Box, P1,150 for Upper Box A, P525 for Upper Box B and P263 for General Admission. Call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or VCE at 687-7236 or 633-3808.

A Blessed Christmas To All...

Disney on Ice: An adventure for the whole family

In an original story, Disney On Ice: Disneyland Adventure invites audiences to relive their fondest Disneyland memories as they join their favorite characters and classic villains on a colorful and exciting vacation to the theme park. Only this time, the venue is the Araneta Coliseum, effective Dec. 25 to Jan. 3, 2010.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, this adventure features an array of favorite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Pluto, Baloo, Disney Princesses Snow White and Cinderella, Stitch, Disney/Pixar’s The Incredibles and Buzz Lightyear.

In this spectacular production, the “Fabs” (Mikey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto) decide to take a vacation of their own and enjoy Disney’s most popular theme park attractions. In one fun-filled scene after another, Donald and Goofy attempt to join in the fun, resulting in a series of comical mishaps. But it’s no laughing matter when the evil fairy Maleficent shows up to spoil the fun, and Mickey must enlist The Incredibles to help save the day.

“Disney One Ice presents a Disneyland Adventure that will remind audiences of all the fun and unimaginable possibilities that Disneyland offers while capturing the escapades of Mickey and his friends,” says producer Kenneth Feld. “Children and adults alike will find this ice adventure both familiar and unexpected at the same time.”

(Note: Tickets are priced at P1,340 for Patron VIP and Lower Box VIP, P1,100 for Patron Reg and Lower Box Reg, P900 for Upper Box VIP, P640 for Upper Box A Reg, P350 for Upper Box B and P150 for General Admission. For inquiries, call Ticketnet at 911-5555.)

Fireflies by Owl City

Gloc 9, Parokya ni Edgar & Kamikazee Jams "Balita"

Pupil Singing Pare Ko

Boyz II Men's Version of Iris

Why Sais Trenta clicks

Nine years ago, dzMM found a way to make rush hour traffic bearable and even enjoyable for motorists. They put two anchors with contrasting personalities in a show — naughty Vic Lima and prim and proper Karen Davila.

The result was the uniquely entertaining, informative program called Sais Trenta, which mixes hard-hitting commentary, groundbreaking news with a dash of wisecracks and fireworks brought about by Lima and Davila’s opposing views on issues. Known for his naughty antics, the 23-year radio veteran believes being playful makes ordinary people identify with him easier. “I won’t be Vic Lima kung mabait ako. Laking kalye ako e. Dahil diyan nakukuha ko yung pulso at tiwala ng tao,” he said.

With the right mix of news and commentary and frequent traffic updates, Pasada Sais Trenta has proven to a helpful, entertaining, and informative companion for people on the road. Vic said he knows exactly why their show clicks.

“After a long day’s work when you’re driving your car and you’re on your way home, you want something that will make you forget there is traffic. You want something lighter than your usual hard news. That’s what we give our listeners,” Lima explained.

He also gave credit to his partnership with Karen. “It’s a tandem that’s not only on the air. We talk about the topics that we will discuss the next day. May respeto kami sa isa’t-isa,” he said.

Sing no sad songs for Rico Blanco

By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark (The Philippine Star)

Sing no more sad songs for Rico Blanco. Two years after some people — including him — doubted whether he made the right decision in leaving Rivermaya, Rico knows he did the right thing. “I realize it’s right for me — for anyone who works hard — to take a break, to go on vacation,” Rico muses.

One of the many perks going solo is giving him so far is working with other artists.

His Rivermaya days confined Rico’s work to his band mates. Back then, he wondered what it would be like to jam with other artists, swap ideas with them.

Now, he wonders no more.

“It feels good,” Rico beams. “Every musician has something good to share.”

One look at Your Universe, his first solo album (Warner Music Philippines) and you know what Rico is talking about. He works with Eraserheads’ Buddy Zabala in the opening track Say Forever.

Yugto, the first single, sees Rico performing with Louie Talan (Razorback and Kapatid) and Wowie Ansano and Fards Tupas of Radioactive Sago Project.

Another track, Your Universe, features former bandmate Nathan Azarcon (also of Bamboo) and Wendell Garcia (Barbie’s Cradle, Pupil).

The singer-songwriter’s options have multiplied; his field of vision grown even more.

“I have to work with more people these days,” he reports.

Among them are his business partners in Balcony Entertainment, the record label and artist management outfit he has put up.

“I called it Balcony because you find the best seats in the house at the balcony. The pope addresses the faithful in the balcony. In the same vein, I plan to give artists the best stage possible,” he explains.

Rico talks like a proud dad as he describes his first protégé, whose youth and talent the budding talent manager is willing to stake his name for. Rico has big plans for his new talent, whose name he refuses to give for now. Suffice it to say that Rico plans to launch his potential star next year.

If he can help it, Rico’s search for “talents I can pass the torch to” will go on and on. Rico is bent on discovering as many new talents as he can for the sake of an industry he wants to grow by leaps and bounds.

This messianic outlook defines Rico in many ways. He wrote the song Bangon, to cheer up Typhoon Ondoy victims when they needed it most. Rico collaborated with Imago lead vocalist Aia de Leon and Sandwich frontman Raimund Marasigan for Ako ang Simula, theme of ABS-CBN’s voter registration campaign.

“I’m thankful for the blessings,” Rico humbly says.

“And he’s thankful enough to add that Ayuz, fourth single off Your Universe, reflects his situation these days (he’s promoting the single some more by giving away limited edition T-shirts for the first 40 people to register in his website — www.ricoblanco.com.ph).

“I have peace of mind. I made sure I did before I returned to the business,” he explains. “I have no regrets. I’m proud to have been part of Rivermaya.” Even if problems about the band’s name remain unresolved to this day, Rico refuses to dip his hands into the controversy.

“I can’t comment on that because I’m no longer part of the band,” he says.

Remember, he’s after harmony with himself and the world around him, not rancor. The eternal do-gooder would rather sing about relationships — “with others, with pets, with objects” — the way he does in Ayuz (Rico’s version of the word “ayos” ).

As his dance sequences in the song’s music video point out, Rico would rather keep the mood light, easy and upbeat. A dancing Rico seems to be telling us: Everything’s alright in my world.

His Gary V like moves — with matching footwork and jerky gestures — also reveal that Rico has been keeping his dancing skills under wraps all along.

“I learned to sing and dance at the same time I learned to walk,” he states. “My grandmother taught me to waltz. And I was doing a John Travolta at age 10.”

Will a dance CD come next for Rico, who plans to release a new album in 2010?

Given Rico’s penchant for spreading his wings, and boldly stepping into uncharted territory, you’ll never know.

Rico Blanco's Ayuz

PASKUHANG PUPIL '09

Halina! Halina! Halina!

mga kaibigan! kabaryo at kapanalig sa PASKUHANG PUPIL 2009!

Ang lahat ay inaanyayahang makilahok sa isa na namang kinakasabikang piging sa isang KABARET na kung tawagin ay CLUB DREDD sa darating na ika-17 ng Disyembre, ika siyam ng gabi upang makipagsiyahan at makihalobilo sa pagtatanghal ng kombong PUPIL sa huling pagkakataong ngayon taon.

At Upang malugod na salubunging ang bagong taong 2010, na tiyak na magsisilbing isa na namang bagong kabanata sa kasaysayan ni ELY, YAN, DOK AT WENDELL. Isang kasaysayang hitik at hindi malilimutang umaaktikabong aksiyon, drama, kahihiyan at katatawanan.

Makilahok at makipagsalimuha sa PASKUHANG PUPIL, hatid sa inyo ng Buendia Health Center, Yuzon Bookstore, Sergio T-shirt Printing at Garcia Pottery and Plants. At ang himpilang tanging walang tigil sa pagsuporta sa lahat, NU107.

-TEAM PUPIL

Christian Bautista meets David Pomeranz

American singer/composer David Pomeranz (left) meets Christian Bautista for the first time at the Universal Records Christmas party last Dec. 7. That same evening, Christian received an Awit Award for Best Inspirational Religious Song with Erik Santos for the song Never Give Up, a cut from their Face Off Album under Star Records released last year. Christian is still No. 1 in sales nationwide with his album in Romance Revisited: The Love Songs Of Jose Mari Chan under Universal Records, his new home-label.

Sandwich's Putik

Juan Pablo Dream realizes Manila Soul

Juan Pablo Dream (JPD) is taking audiences to a genre other local groups would find unconventional and risky tackling about. Mainstreaming soul music dubbed as Manila Soul is what the band would like to play. So far, it has been successful in attracting crowds to delve into their entertaining show.

“Walang gumagawa ng soul these days and ayaw namin gawin ‘yung nagawa na,” says lead vocalist Bing Austria.

JPD’s conviction of spreading the soul sound is evident in its performances, with Bing making sure the crowd knows the band is playing such music and not other genres confused with it. In a recent gig at the NU Rock Awards where the band delivered a three-song medley, JPD performed defining soul music as pyro-blast supplemented the finale number.

Having scored a couple of hits in the past and putting X44 Tony Ferrer back into the limelight via the latter’s cameo role in one of its first videos, the eight-piece band has been providing a kind of show uncommon to band acts today. Theirs has that classic, old school energy feel, complete with uniformed suits and girlish vocal back-ups. Yet they have that underground act appeal that diffuses any probability of selling out.

Of course, the songs they perform, whether originals or covers, are gripped tightly on the essentials of soul music — melodic, patterned and groovy. Their latest single Tibok Ng Puso represents that firm hold, supported by a performance music video that zeroes in on the band members and the synergy that’s going on among them.

A former member of Tropical Depression and Put3Ska which both spearheaded the popularity of their respective genre affiliations, Bing is expert on helping a band. “We feel blessed that we are exposed to soul music. Nalulungkot kami na nakakalimutan na ng iba ang roots ng sound nila. They have forgotten the music of the legends.”

“We are artists and it’s important that we are true to the music we’re representing. Kaya binibigyan namin ng emphasis ang soul music,” he adds.

The singer-songwriter is supported by a strong pack of instrumentalists namely Aurelio Castro III (guitars), Alexander Dumlao (bass), Kim Ventusa (saxophone), Bong Termulo (trumpet), and Aldwin Fernando (drums).

Helping him produce pretty harmonies are backing vocalists Bianca Holganza and Lotte Villarosa.

JPD was formed in Malolos, Bulacan in 2004 and released its debut CD under Terno Records. The band is now under the care of Bryan Garcia (of Rookie Records) who decided to manage it beyond basic business concerns. “I like their music and even if being indie is not easy in most aspects, I love the fact we’re happy with our product.”

The new, self-titled album was produced by Benjie Mendez and engineered by Angee Rozul of Tracks studio. It contains mostly originals, with three interesting covers led by the Doors’ Light My Fire.

JPD will launch the new CD on Dec. 17 at Eastwood Central Plaza.

Razorback Unplugged

Feed a hungry child this Christmas

By Patricia Esteves (The Philippine Star)

Twenty-year-old factory worker Jennifer Junio Pangilinan has decided to forego her plans to purchase a new cell phone in order to buy a Caritas Christmas Feeding Card that will help feed a needy, hungry child for six months.

Jennifer said this has been a difficult decision because she worked hard to save four months of her meager salary for a new cell phone.

“But then, I realized what was more important is to take the opportunity to help less-privileged people like me, especially a hungry child. I realized that a cell phone is just a material thing and just maybe I can save again to buy it, but for now, my heart says it wants to feed a hungry child,” Jennifer said.

The Caritas Christmas Feeding Card is part of the fund-raising activities of the Catholic Church to raise money for its Hapag-Asa feeding program.

Hapag-Asa aims to alleviate the hunger of many impoverished children in the country.

In Metro Manila alone, there are 200,000 children aged zero to five who are wasting from hunger and malnutrition.

Three out of every 10 Filipino children are malnourished, according to a recent government data.

In the third quarter of the 2009 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, 17.6 percent or an estimated 3.2 million families experience involuntary hunger.

Hapag-Asa is an integrated nutrition program implemented in various parishes.

Each child is fed and monitored for six months with proper meals and natural nutritional supplements to save and restore the child’s health.

Various organizations, institutional partners, families, and local government units help with facilities, medicine and equipment.

To ensure the continued health and nutritional improvement of children beyond the feeding period, the parents undergo an educational program where they are taught health and a child’s nutritional improvement beyond the feeding period. Spiritual formation and livelihood skills training were also taught to them.

Entrepreneurial assistance and guidance are also extended.

This Christmas, Caritas Manila is selling the cards to help as many indigent and hungry children get a head start in nutrition.

Each set of the Caritas Christmas Feeding Card represents one child and the cost of the card per set is P1,800. For that amount, you get one set of 12 cards and 12 envelopes and one less hungry child.

The cost to nourish and monitor a child for six months is P1,800.

“For P1,800 you get to help a hungry child eat for six months; you can restore his health,” said Choy Cagalac of Caritas Manila.

Delivery is free for minimum orders of five sets or more within Metro Manila. P250 delivery charge for orders of less than five sets, within Metro Manila.

For Jennifer, loving the poor even when it is difficult is a true gauge of being a Christian and a follower of Christ’s teachings.

“ I realized that it is easy to excuse yourself to say I will help the poor when it is convenient or when I have extra money. But we have to love and help the poor despite being poor ourselves, or even when there are many challenges. We should help even if it is inconvenient, even if it is difficult,” Jennifer said.

I LOVE YOU GOODBYE by Juris (Official Music Video)

I LOVE YOU GOODBYE is a film by Laurice Guillen
Starring Gabby Concepcion, Angelica Panganiban, Derek Ramsay & Kim Chiu

This is Star Cinemas official entry to the 35th Metro Manila Film Festival
Grand opening on December 25, 2009!

LJ Reyes is the FHM's Cover Girl For The Month of December

Mr. Fu: Hosting is a long-time dream

By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark (The Philippine Star)

Dahil diyan, close na tayo! is a line people know well
these days, thanks to Mr. Fu (real name: Jeffrey Espiritu). The 91.5 Energy FM DJ says it with such spunk on his daily morning show, even Q-11 network bosses can’t help but sit up and notice.

They also took a fancy on Mr. Fu’s catchy way of poking fun at situations — or what he calls his okrayan moments. Mr. Fu spices up to his work as love guru on air by taking a jab at some of his listeners’ situations, their attitudes, etc. He tells a distraught wife to crack a joke for her mother-in-law to enjoy. Mr. Fu (for follow-up) takes a two-timing husband to task, not by delivering a sermon, but by naming funny situations he might get caught in if he pursues his cheating ways.

Those of us who hate being scolded — and there are many of us out there — drop our defenses and laugh along with him.

And Mr. Fu can’t be any happier. It is humor that keeps him going from morning, when he mans the radio booth, to night, when he starts hosting Tweetbiz. That’s why pounding the police beat some eight years ago was more of a job than a joy for him.

“It was too serious,” he complains.

Reporting and commenting on showbiz events is more his cup of tea. Thus, when the chance to turn showbiz reporter came along, Mr. Fu grabbed it without thinking twice. It allowed Mr. Fu the chance to rub elbows with people as free-spirited as he is.

Now that Q-11 tapped him to be one of the hosts, or “editors” (along with PMPC Star awardee for Best Lifestyle Show Tim Yap and Sam Y.G. ) of the new showbiz talk show Tweetbiz (Monday to Friday, 7 p.m. starting tonight), Mr. Fu is beside himself with joy.

“This is a dream come true,” he relates. “I really want to be a host.”

Back in college at UST, a radio career was never part of his plan.

“I got a grade of three, or barely passing in my radio subject,” recalls Mr. Fu. “I first tried radio work because I needed the money. I was hesitant since I didn’t know how to handle the technology involved in the booth.”

But what do you know — radio proved to be his stepping stone to finally fulfilling his dream.

Now that he has crossed over to television, Mr. Fu looks back at radio with the reverence of someone who knows how to respect his roots.

“Radio has taught me to speak spontaneously, to think quickly. Radio has also taught me how to gather information on the topic for discussion,” he explains.

As expected, Mr. Fu will add the zany touch to balance co-host Tim Yap’s serious style.

Turning showbiz talk show host has a price, though. Some of Mr; Fu’s showbiz friends have distanced themselves from him, scared that he might reveal their dark secrets, or their whereabouts when they don’t want to be disturbed.

“Even if I myself don’t report the incident, the show’s paparazzi can still do the job,” he says.

The paparazzi, composed of Survivor Palau’s Justine Ferrer and Suzuki Sadatsugu, Gorgy Rula, Ron Carrasco, Dansen Santos and Sebatian, will air showbiz scoops backed by video clips, on-cam interviews and photos. They will comprise three teams with catchy names: Team Yap, Fu Crew and Shivaker Squad.

There will be no sacred cows.

If Mr. Fu would have his way though, even these sacred cows will be lambasted, not through pointed words, but through humor.

“My idol as a host is Arnell Ignacio. I’ve watched him in the noontime show Chibugan Na and I hope to be like him,” says Mr. Fu.

Now you know where all that humor on-air — sometimes scathing, sometimes good-natured — is coming from. And you know why Mr. Fu, despite the deadpan expression, can get away with it.

Lea Salonga. Your Songs to benefit typhoon victims

Everyone knows that Lea Salonga…Your Songs presented by Ambient Media on Dec. 11 and 12 at PICC will be the international singer-actress’ major concert to cap the year.

But the one thing that should also be celebrated that night will be the event’s aim to reach out to victims of Ondoy and Pepeng.

The proceeds will be coursed through World Vision of which Lea is Ambassador for Child Sponsorship.

From over 5,000 song requests from around the world, including San Francisco, London, Australia and Dubai, Lea has selected a diverse repertoire.

Lea will perform under the musical direction of Gerard Salonga together with the 36-piece orchestra FILharmoniKA. Also joining her are Ai-Ai de Las Alas, Richard Poon and Philippine All Stars.

Aside from the requests that came in, some with heartwarming stories behind them, a good number of excellent audition videos were sent by Lea’s fans through the concert website. The site has also been updated to include a section where you can ask Lea any question that she may answer during the concert.

AmbientMedia is a media and entertainment company whose aim is to bring the talents of both artists and entrepreneurs together. It recently produced the concert Quick Change featuring Jon Santos with The CompanY.

Tickets are available through Ticketworld. For details, log on to www.leayoursongs.com.

REDHORSE BEER RAKRAKAN SERIES XI

Date: December 12, 2009 - 5PM onwards
Venue: Blue Wave Parking Area, Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City (near Mall of Asia)
Entrance: 150PHP with free Red Horse Beer, 1st 200 to arrive gets in for only 50PHP

Featuring:
SLAPSHOCK
CHICOSCI
GREYHOUNDZ
VALLEY OF CHROME
IMBUENOKUDOS
SIN
THE CHONGKEYS
PARAMITA
REKLAMO
EVEN
GINILING FESTIVAL
SAYDIE
OREMUZ
SHOTS OF RED MIST
INTOLERANT
ARCADIA
PEACEPIPE
more bands.............

Avatar The Movie Extended Trailer

Ang Panday Trailer

Sarah Geronimo's Your Christmas Girl

Colby Caillat's Fallin' For You

Sponge Cola's Wala Kang Katulad