About Universal Records

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Quezon City, Philippines
Universal Records is the NUMBER ONE independent record label in the Philippines. Bringing you quality music for the past 30 years, we are home to artists like: Jose Mari Chan, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, Christian Bautista, Jay R, Billy Crawford, Kris Aquino, Edu Manzano, Marian Rivera, Mark Herras, Nina, Ronnie Liang, Gail Blanco, Sam Concepcion. Our band roster includes: Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sponge Cola, Imago, Silent Sanctuary, Kenyo, Paraluman. We are equally committed to bring you exciting international releases covering various genres like pop, jazz, new age, classical, alternative, indie pop, rock, electronica, dance, r&b, and hip-hop. Name it, we definitely have it!

November 25, 2009

SUPER JUNIOR-M "SUPER GIRL" ALBUM IS NUMBER ONE!


Great news! SUPER JUNIOR-M "Super Girl" Mini-Album is the NUMBER ONE album in MUSIC ONE stores! What's amazing is that the album shot straight to the #1 position of its first week of release! The chart is based on the total sales tabulated from the three Music One record stores (Glorietta, Greenbelt and Quezon Avenue).

The Asian superstar group's latest CD outsold albums by Andrea Bocelli (My Christmas), Michael Jackson (This Is It) and Taylor Swift (Fearless Platinum Edition). This is the SECOND NUMBER ONE for Super Junior and they are the ONLY Asian act to have TWO NUMBER ONE ALBUMS in the Philippines. This further confirms the strong support the group is getting from their solid followers here! Universal Records is the FIRST record label in the country to have THREE NUMBER ONE Asian Pop albums - Super Junior "Sorry Sorry", Girls' Generation "Genie" and now Super Junior-M "Super Girl"!

Super Junior-M often referred to as SJ-M, is the third official sub-unit of Korean boy band Super Junior. The group consists of Super Junior members Han Geng (the leader), Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook, Kyuhyun, and two other members, Henry and Zhou Mi. The "Super Girl" mini-album contains songs written by some of the best Korean songwriters including Yoo Young-jin, who has penned music for Boa and TVXQ, and E-Tribe, best known for Girls' Generation's hit single "Gee". The album tracks are sung in Chinese, as the group mostly work in China. The seven members become every girl's superman for their first single "Super Girl", a mega-catchy club dance number similar in style to the Super Junior hit "Sorry Sorry". Helmed by the director of "Mirotic" and "Gee", the "Super Girl" music video has a house party theme and features the guys' hot dance moves plus a cute guest appearance by Girls' Generation's Jessica. Other than "Super Girl", Super Junior M's first mini-album comes with four more Mandarin ballads and fast numbers including "Blue Tomorrow" and "Only U".

Super Junior-M "Super Girl" tracklisting:

01. Super Girl
02. 到了明天(Blue Tomorrow)
03. 告白(Confession)
04. 動情 (Only U)
05. 愛情接力(You & Me)

SUPER JUNIOR "SORRY SORRY" ALBUM IN ODYSSEY ALBUM CHART FOR 10 WEEKS!

Korean pop superstar act Super Junior's "Sorry Sorry" album proves to be a consistent seller in Odyssey, the country's biggest record retail chain with more than 50 record stores nationwide. The album is still in their International Album Chart for 10 consecutive weeks! "Sorry Sorry" was released locally on September 4, 2009 and entered the Odyssey album chart the week after its release. Since then it has never left their album chart.

Super Junior has achieved something PHENOMENAL for a K-Pop artist. Their "Sorry Sorry" album holds the distinction of being the FIRST K-pop album to reach the #1 position in two of the country's biggest record retail chains - Odyssey and Music One. During its reign in the charts, it outsold the new Mariah Carey album and albums by Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift!

Universal Records is proud to be the Philippine home to this Superstar Korean boy band and is the FIRST local record label to release a K-pop album.

SHINee "2009 YEAR OF US" CD COVER & FREE POSTER


SHINee "2009 Year Of Us" CD Cover & Free Poster!

More details like release date and price coming soon!

MARK HERRAS "The Greatest Moves" Album Presscon

MARK HERRAS "The Greatest Moves" album presscon @ Toyz Bar, Crowne Plaza Hotel (11/24/09)

Click here to see more photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=348033&id=214540185413

Candymag.com | The Bad Boy is Back!

Mark Herras is back with a new surefire dance hit!

by: Roch Vergara

After releasing two Double Platinum dance albums, Starstruck 1 Ultimate Survivor and Certified Candy Cutie Mark Herras is back with another dance album that will surely get a Double Platinum Award—for the third time. His new dance album, Mark Herras: The Greatest Moves, contains the newest dance track called "Culos" by H.O.M...

Click here to read the full article:
http://www.candymag.com/magazine/lifestyle/the-bad-boy-is-back

Philstar.com | Please be careful with Christian's heart

MANILA, Philippines - Christian Bautista realizes his dream of meeting Katy Perry in the flesh last week when Katy guested with him on the ABS-CBN late-morning show Showtime. Christian gladly agreed to do the job of interviewing Katy for ASAP 09.

Lower photo: In a recording session two weeks ago in PT Aquarius Recording Studio in Jakarta, Indonesian soap superstar and recording artist Bungacitra Lestari gives a smile of approval as Christian manages to sing Please Be Careful With My Heart in Bahasa.

Bunga Citra bears a striking resemblance to Sarah Geronimo who does a duet of the same song with Christian in English in the Philippine release (by Universal Records) of Christian’s album Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan. The Indonesian version will be released by PT Aquarius in January next year.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=526259&publicationSubCategoryId=70

STIR.ph | Sarah and Christian’s video postponed!

by: Carlo Orosa | Stir contributor
23 Nov 2009 | 09:49 AM

Due to Sarah Geronimo's recently concluded hectic but very successful tour of Europe, she will take a few days off to have a much needed rest. This means all her schedules will have to be moved down to other dates. One particular assignment scheduled for Dec. 2  is the shoot of the music video of Christian Bautista's duet, Please Be Careful With My Heart, a cut from today’s number one selling album Christian Bautista Romance Revisited: Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan. The CD is also set to be released in Indonesia and Malaysia in 2010.

Here's the direct link to the write-up:
http://www.stir.ph/LM/articles~level2/id-1258940867109_1/ai-null/Sarah_and_Christians_video_postponed.html

PEP.ph | OPM artists aim to uplift the spirit of typhoon victims

by: Jocelyn Dimaculangan
Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, 4:11 pm 

The onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy in Metro Manila and Typhoon Pepeng in Northern Luzon brought about immense devastation to our country but these calamities also brought out the best in the Filipino people.

The media featured many stories of courageous acts by ordinary people putting themselves at risk to help family members and strangers alike. Relief operations were conducted almost immediately. The floods that have destroyed have also released amongst us an outpouring of love for our nation and our people.

It is this unique Filipino trait--the ability to rise above adversity--that inspired Ogie Alcasid to write the song, "Kaya Natin Ito." It carries a message of hope that seeks to uplift the spirit of typhoon victims by encouraging them through the unique power of music. And in a powerful expression of this love of our country and our countrymen, some of our country's greatest talents through the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) have come together to inspire and rouse the entire nation to rebuild. Over 80 Filipino singers from competing labels and network bound by a common desire to help those in need have united in one common goal to rise above all the challenges we face ahead of us.

The song will be released as a CD single next week by Universal Records for OPM Artists United headed by project chairman Ogie Alcasid with the cooperation of Sony Music, MCA-Universal, Warner, Star Records, Polyeast, Viva, and GMA Records...

Visit this link for the full article:
http://www.pep.ph/guide/5141/OPM-artists-aim-to-uplift-the-spirit-of-typhoon-victims

Noel Cabangon - An Intro to Byahe



One of the most respected & influential figures in OPM music, Noel Cabangon, as he introduces you to his brand new album Byahe. Album out now!

(Music you hear in the background is an original, new composition entitled "Ang Buhay Nga Naman" from the album.)

November 20, 2009

TVXQ / DBSK music video "Mirotic"



From TVXQ (or DBSK), this is the title track from their "The 3rd Asia Tour Concert Mirotic (Live)" album. The Philippine Edition will be available very soon, watch out for it! Only from Universal Records.

Super Junior-M Interview: Pretty Boys' Super Confessions

Super Junior-M comes back to release their first mini album, Super Girl, which contains the five tracks: "Super Girl", "到了明天" (Blue Tomorrow), "告白" (Confession), "愛情接力" (You and Me), and "動情" (Only U). The handsome 7-member group appears in front of the camera again to share their experiences in preparing this album.

SJ-M wears dashing suits to show their mature and attractive side. Their deep relationship can be seen as they arrange themselves neatly and always give support to each other. During the interview, not only did they sing happy birthday to Donghae, whose birthday is nearing, and Ryeowook, who just had his birthday, they also sang "Blue Tomorrow" for us.

The Super Girl in Superman's heart.

Q: How long did this album take to finish?
Zhou Mi: From selecting songs to the end of recording, it took about 3 months. We actually began preparing this album since April of this year. I think we finished the album at the end of August.

Hangeng: All our songs, recording, and the filming of the MV were done in Korea.

Q: You guys have been going back and forth between Korea and China, so has everyone been spending a lot of time and effort in learning the languages? As in do members from China have to learn Korean and do Korean members have to learn Chinese?
Hangeng: Before, regardless of where we were, we always used Korean, but now, Zhou Mi, Henry and I have decided that when we're in China, we will try to use Chinese more. We have been able to communicate with each other quite well so far, but it's still a little tough when it comes to interviews.

Q: Between the Korean members, whose Chinese is the best?
Hangeng: Everyone has their area of strength. For example, Siwon can hear and understand Chinese better. Kyuhyun sings Chinese very well and spends the least amount of effort in recording our songs. Donghae learns Chinese phrases the quickest, like how he would say to his fans, "My beloved precious, I miss you! Do you miss me?" He learned this phrase the quickest!

Zhou Mi: Ryeowook's pronunciation is very good. One time, without any help from a Chinese instructor, he recorded a song for me to hear. When I heard it, I felt that his pronunciations were dead on.

Hangeng: He listens better than the rest because he has learned a bit from before, so he's a little stronger in hearing and speaking than the others. However, sometimes he can't get rid of some of the bad habits he learned from before. He has trouble correcting it.

Q: Your latest album is "Super Girl", so what is the perfect girl in your heart? What are your criteria? Hangeng, you should go first. Many people, including your mom, is very interested in your answer.
Hangeng: My mom is a little anxious, but I'm not. (laughter) I have three criteria in choosing a girlfriend: 1) She has to be kind and understanding, 2) She has to be considerate, have trust in me, and 3) She needs to be filial.

Zhou Mi: To all of us, the first and foremost criterion is that she has to be kindhearted, and if she is also pretty, then that'll be perfect.

Kyuhyun: I like girls with a pretty forehead and long legs. My ideal Super Girl is my fans. (What if your fans are guys?) Super Boy! Super Man! (giggle)

Siwon: We need to help out with each other, and also be filial. Of course, I can't say that appearance doesn't matter, but it is not the most important.

Henry: My Super Girl is my mom because my mom is the most important woman in my life. In regards to finding a girlfriend, I'm still young, so I haven't considered it and I haven't met that special someone yet.

Donghae: I think my Super Girl would be someone that likes computers. (Hangeng comments that Donghae loves his laptop the most)

Q: We heard that Donghae hates to be alone, especially when eating dinner. Is this true?
Donghae: Yes, I hate to be alone.

Q: Then your Super Girl must be a girl who would accompany you for dinner and not let you be alone.
Ryeowook: (sweating from nervousness) You! (pointing at reporter.)

Temperamental boys' unforgettable moments

Q: Out of all the songs in your mini album, which is your favorite?
Hangeng: I like "Blue Tomorrow". I think that the lyrics are very well written, and the music arrangement is very soothing.

Q: The lyrics are very intriguing. It writes about that feeling of separation very well.
Hangeng: Yes, it creates pictures in your mind and makes me think back to some of my past memories. Regardless of whom, whether it's someone I've encountered before, in movies, dramas, or a voice that I've listened to, they all appear in my mind again. When you read the lyrics again, it would make you think of a beautiful picture in your mind.

Q: Some things will pass and you would only cherish them after thinking back. Can you share an unforgettable moment with us?
Donghae: I've had some unforgettable moments with my friends or even when I broke up with my girlfriend, but the most unforgettable moment was when my father had passed away.

Zhou Mi: I don't have much experience in love, but I always keep people around me in mind. When I write song lyrics, I would appreciate their affection to me. When I wrote the track, "愛情接力" (You and Me), I used the love story of my friend. They had a long distance relationship where one was abroad and one was in Beijing, but they loved each other very much. Thus, in the lyrics, I wrote, "The distance of love makes our hearts even closer. Let our love write the theme song to our love." I hope that my lyrics can be a souvenir to their love story.

Hangeng: My most unforgettable moment was my graduation-exhibition performance. I entered the dancing school at age 13. I practiced dancing with my classmates, went to class with them, and we spent 6 years together like real siblings. On the night of graduation, we all knew that it meant separation, so everyone performed their best at the exhibition. Furthermore, my mom was also there and it was her first time watching me perform. She cried, and that made me very emotional. It was very unforgettable.

Zhou Mi: Hangeng cherishes his friendships a lot. Regardless of where we are performing, he often has some friends and classmates coming to visit. For example, it was already 2am when we finished recording for a show yesterday, yet he still had a friend from Changsha who came to see him. I overheard them while I was surfing the internet. They chatted about the dreams they had in the past. I wasn't eavesdropping on purpose!

Q: Aren't we all like that? We always wish to grow up when we were little, pondering about the future. Once you've been through some places or experiences, you would think back to your past.
Hangeng: Just like when Zhou Mi and I perform at schools. We would miss going to school. The year 1999 is very meaningful to me. In that year, I performed outside of my country for the first time. It was also the first time I participated in National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities. People of our class won gold, silver, and bronze medals and we performed at the exhibition of Macao's return. The last bit is the most important. We represented the minorities and performed at the 50th national anniversary's military parade. Although it was touch, it was a wonderful experience.

Henry: Because my family is all in Canada, I can only see them once a year. Last year, I got to see them once and it was only for two days, so I miss them very much.

Q: What do you do when you miss your mom? Would you cry or whine?
Henry: I wouldn't cry, but sometimes, I would call to chat with her. But whenever I call, they would say, "Long distance fees are expensive. It's too expensive, goodbye!" (laugh)

Ryeowook: My most unforgettable moment was during our promotional activities last year. We met many friends in China and also got to meet many fans in China. This is the most unforgettable thing for me right now. I hope that this year would be like that as well.

Q: Ryeowook's words sound just like SJ-M's love confession to the fans.
Hangeng: Yes. I think that the best present and the best way to repay or fans are to give them our best performance and our best works. Therefore, whether it is our albums or mini albums, we will always prepare well and hope to present something different every time. We have many different styles I our album this time. We have fast dance songs and slow love songs. Furthermore, our dance steps are easy to learn, where we've designed a special main move. (As per reporter's request, SJ-M sang Blue Tomorrow)

Pretty Boys' sincere confessions

Q: Speaking of love confessions, there's a track on your album called, "告白" (Confession). The lyrics were written by Zhou Mi and it's about ways of confessing love. What was your first love confessions like? Let's start with Zhou Mi…
Zhou Mi: Actually, the lyrics I write are very different from how I really am because I usually write the things I want to do but don't dare to accomplish in my lyrics. When I was in elementary school, I had a crush on a girl. I would secretly give her presents each day, like giving her an eraser a day, but I never dared to tell her it was me. Even now, if there's a girl that I like, I would buy her presents. If I can sense that she likes me too, then I would confess my love.

Hangeng: I still laugh when I think back on my first time confessing my love. It's because it was my first time, I felt very embarrassed, so I got two friends to come with me. In the end, I made the girl feel very embarrassed as well! So it ended with a rejection. (laugh)

Siwon: In regards to confessions, many people would confess to their girlfriends when they're dating. But one of my most unforgettable confessions were to my parents. Before I debut, I had never expressed my love towards my parents. After my first stage performance, I said to my mom, "Mom, I love you!"

Hangeng: It's about the same for me. I never expressed my love to them before either. After my first performance, I was really in tears when I said those words to my mom. But now, I can say those words very comfortably to her.

Donghae: When I was in grade 6, I had a big crush on a girl, and it was the first time that I had confessed my love. If you don't have the courage, you won't be able to get pretty girls. (Hangeng interrupted: He is very romantic. For example, he would ride a bike, carrying his girlfriend, to the seaside.)

Ryeowook: My confessions have always happened during fights or after misunderstandings. I would make some good dishes and then while we eat, I would then apologize.

Kyuhyun: I failed on my first love confession. I had a crush on a girl in high school. I happened to be performing that day, so I secretly brought a rose. After the performance was over, I gave her the rose, but I was rejected in the end.

Zhou Mi: I remember the first time I confessed my love. I was like a boy who had just fallen in love. I was so nervous and my heart was pounding hard. I gave her the rose, but I was rejected in the end.

Source: CpopAccess
translation by fewfew @ http://www.cpopaccess.com/ & http://asianfanatics.net

Mark Herras "Culos" Teaser



Teaser for Mark Herras music video "Culos", taken from his brand new album "The Greatest Moves".

Jose Mari Chan's "Christmas In Our Hearts": The Best-Selling OPM Christmas Album Of All Time!

"Christmas In Our Hearts" released by Jose Mari Chan in 1990 is the ONLY OPM Christmas album that has reached Double Diamond Record status as of December 2006. This is the equivalent of 20 times platinum or 800,000 copies sold! Jose Mari Chan holds the distinction of achieving not one, but TWO Double Diamond Records in the local recording industry with "Christmas In Our Hearts" and "Constant Change". Highly respected by his peers, Jose Mari Chan has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Association of the Recording Industry and The Metro Pop Foundation. He is recipient of the first ever ABS-CBN "ELITE Platinum Award" in 2005 and of the 2006 Dr. Jose P Rizal Award For Excellence.

He first appeared on the local scene as the Host & Singer of a Television show called "9 Teeners" of ABS-CBN in 1966. His first single "Afterglow" was released in 1967. His debut album "Deep in My Heart" was issued in 1969. In 1973 he represented the Philippines in the World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo with his song "Can We Just Stop and Talk A While". From 1970 to 1975, he composed more than 20 theme songs for movies, some of which earned for him several nominations at the FAMAS Awards (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Award). He also wrote several commercial jingles among which is the Philippine Air Lines "Love at Thirty Thousand Feet" and the ALASKA Milk jingle. Between 1974 and 1975 he was the Star of a series of Television Network Specials spotlighting his words and music. In 1975 he moved to the United States and remained there for 11 years. Coming back in 1986, Universal Records released a compilation of his hits along with a brand new composition "Tell Me Your Name" which re-introduced him to a younger audience. In 1989, his album "Constant Change" was named Album of the Year by the Awit Awards, the local equivalent of the American Grammy Awards and reached the Double Diamond Record in terms of sales. It also sold in other Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Its carrier single "Beautiful Girl" was a regional hit and covered by Asian stars like Aaron Kwok. Other artists in the region that recorded his songs were Paula Tsui (Hong Kong) Sally Yee (Hong Kong) Tomomi Akimoto (Japan), Sandy Lam (Hong Kong), Kamahl (Australia), and Yasuo T. (Japan). Locally, his songs have been recorded by Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Celeste Legaspi, Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Aiza Seguerra, Jaya, Nonoy Zuniga, Joey Albert, Zsa Zsa Padilla and just recently Asia's Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista released an album featuring all of Jose Mari Chan's classic hits titled "Romance Revisited: The Love Songs Of Jose Mari Chan". The tribute album went Platinum after a month of release and introduced Jose Mari Chan's songs to a new generation !

In 1990 his Christmas album "Christmas In Our Hearts" was released. It reached triple platinum status that same year, eventually becoming the unprecedented holder of the Double Diamond Record Award . His 2003 album "A Heart's Journey" won Album of the year in the Awit Awards. In 2005 he was commissioned to write "We're All Just One", the theme song of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. As a concert performer he has performed at the New York's Carnegie Hall, the Bellagio in Las Vegas, The Show Boat Casino in Atlantic City, The Silver Legacy in Reno, Nevada, Washington D.C., Rhode Island, Cherry Hill New Jersey, Chicago, Virginia, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Los Angeles, Guam, Vancouver, Toronto, London, Zurich, Vienna, Paris, Oslo, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bandung, HongKong, and Jakarta.

JOSE MARI CHAN's "Christmas In Our Hearts" tracklisting:
1. A Wish On Christmas Night
2. Do You Hear What I Hear
3. Mary's Boy Child
4. Christmas In Our Hearts
5. A Christmas Carol
6. A Perfect Christmas
7. Give Me Your Heart For Christmas
8. This Beautiful Day
9. The Sound Of Life
10. Christmas Children
11. Little Christmas Tree
12. When A Child Is Born
13. It Is The Lord!
14. The Lord's Prayer
15. Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)
16. May The Good Lord Bless and Keep You

EUROPE'S BRAND NEW ALBUM "LAST LOOK AT EDEN" OUT NOW

Europe are one of the biggest hard rock bands ever coming out of the eighties, definitely the biggest coming out of Sweden. They sold more than 12 million albums worldwide with two Top 20 albums “The Final Countdown” (1986) and “Out of This World” (1988) and two Top 10 singles (“The Final Countdown“ and “Carrie“) on the U.S. Billboard Charts. Formed in 1979, Europe decided to take a break at the end of the 1992 tour and announced the band had split but reunited in 2003 with the original guitarist John Norum. Since then the band has performed sold out gigs all over the world, gaining the respect of hard rock purists and metal fans thanks to impeccable performances. For 2009, they released their 8th studio album "Last Look At Eden". It's a monumental album based on heavy guitar, great keyboard parts in the '70s hard rock tradition and the vocals of Joey Tempest further confirms his talent as one of the most gifted voices in rock today. Includes "Last Look At Eden", "New Love In Town" and more.

November 19, 2009

STIR.ph | ASAP 09 and SOP to air Kaya Natin Ito video this Sunday

by: Carlo Orosa | STIR Contributor
18 Nov 2009 | 10:13 AM


On Nov 22, ASAP 09 and SOP Rules will air Kaya Natin Ito, a specially produced music video as a tribute by OPM singers to unite all artists towards this cause.

Turned into a theme song to be released by Universal Records, composer Ogie Alcasid and Christian Bautista gathered 80 popular and highly respected music artists from the Kapuso and Kapamilya networks for a fundraiser on Dec 5 at the Mall Of Asia for Typhoon Ondoy victims. 

Called Pilipino: Kaya Natin Ito, the all-star concert is a project of OPM and Gawad Kalinga in cooperation with Swatch, Universal Records, Sony BMG, MCA Universal, Warner Music, Star Records, Polyeast, Viva and GMA records.

Also present during the launching were KC Concepcion, Jamie Rivera, Randy Santiago who hosted, Viktoria, Dingdong Avanzado, Cris Cayzer, and Lovi Poe.

Source:  http://www.stir.ph/LM/articles~level2/id-1258510303375_1/ai-null/ASAP_09_and_SOP_to_air_Kaya_Natin_Ito_video_this_Sunday.html

"PILIPINO KAYA NATIN 'TO" teaser video



A 15-sec teaser of "KAYA NATIN 'TO" music video

Inquirer.net | How to make 80 artists sing for free

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:25:00 11/12/2009


MANILA, Philippines — The recording of the charity CD single “Kaya Natin Ito,” written by Ogie Alcasid for the benefit of victims of the recent storms, is finished—with a music video ushering its release.

The song features more than 80 singers who gave their services for free. All sales proceeds will go to those affected by Storm “Ondoy” and Typhoon “Pepeng.”

According to Alcasid, the music video will premiere on Nov. 22 simultaneously on the TV programs SOP (GMA 7) and ASAP (ABS-CBN). The singer-songwriter spoke to the Inquirer on Saturday by phone from Tampa, Florida, where he was doing a show with Janno Gibbs.

“Kaya Natin Ito” is a milestone—practically the entire roster of singers in the local pop music industry, with a sprinkling of folk, rock, hip hop and classical artists, have collaborated on a single charity project.

The participants, in order of appearance on the CD: Alcasid, Jose Mari Chan, Gibbs, Rachele Ann Go, Jinky Vidal, Michael V, Sarah Geronimo, Jay-R, Jolina Magdangal, Christian Bautista with La Diva, Gary V, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Vina Morales, Rachel Alejandro, Geneva Cruz, KC Concepcion, Jett Pangan, Dingdong Avanzado, Randy Santiago, Agot Isidro, Gino Padilla, Jaya, Jay Durias, Opera, Gian Magdangal, Lovi Poe, Chris Cayzer, Yeng Constantino, Karylle, Luke Mijares, Victoria, Sitti, Wency Cornejo, The CompanY;

Noel Cabangon, Amber, Aiza Seguerra, Renz Verano, Richard Poon, Denise Laurel, Jan Nieto, Bo Cerrudo, Kris Lawrence, Duncan Ramos, Josh of Freestyle, Iya Villania, Lea Salonga, Rico Blanco, Joey Generoso, Nina, Arnel Pineda, Charice Pempengco, Piolo Pascual, Kyla, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Mark Bautista, Pops Fernandez, Zsazsa Padilla, Juris of MYMP, Sharon Cuneta, Bing Loyzaga, Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Thor, Joscephine Gomez, Montet Acoymo and Andrew E. Poch Concepcion.

Source : http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20091112-235863/How-to-make-80-artists-sing-for-free

CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA'S ALBUM STILL #1 ALBUM FOR THE 5TH WEEK!


For the 5th week in a row in Odyssey Record Stores - the country's biggest record retail chain!

VOTE FOR UNIVERSAL RECORDS OPM ARTISTS AT ASAP POP VIEWERS CHOICE 2009


To vote GARY VALENCIANO as ASAP Pop Viewers Choice Pop Male Artist
Text POP MA A to 2331 for Globe, TM and Sun Cellular
231 for Smart & Talk N Text

To vote for JED MADELA as ASAP Pop Viewers Choice Pop Male Artist
Text POP MA C to 2331 for Globe, TM and Sun Cellular
231 for Smart & Talk N Text

To vote SPONGE COLA as ASAP Pop Viewers Choice Pop Band
Text POP BAND C to 2331 for Globe, TM and Sun Cellular
231 for Smart & Talk N Text

To vote SPONGE COLA as ASAP Pop Viewers Choice Pop Band Performance for "Di Na Mababawi"
Text POP BP B to 2331 for Globe, TM and Sun Cellular
231 for Smart & Talk N Text

To vote CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA as ASAP Pop Viewers Choice Pop Male Performance for "Tell Me Your Name"
Text POP MP A to 2331 for Globe, TM and Sun Cellular
231 for Smart & Talk N Text

PEP.ph | Noel Cabangon releases 15-track album Byahe

by: Rose Garcia
November 16, 2009 / 03:38 PM

Releasing his new album Byahe under Universal Records is what Noel Cabangon considers as his first major leap into the mainstream world ofmusic. In the past, he has already released four albums under the Jesuit Music Ministry and one under Ballyhoo Records.  His albums include Pasakalye (2001), H'wag Mangamba (2002), Medjas (2003) and Noel (2003).

One song of the acoustic singer became very popular and that is "Kanlungan" or more popularly called Pana-Panahon. Unknown to a lot of people, Noel has been in the business since the mid-80s. His music speak of social, political advocacies he carries as a member of Akbayan, Amnesty International and Greenpeace.

"I'd like to think that it's an opportunity because it's the first time for me be on  a major label. So, I'd like to see what will really gonna happen after this. Although I know it can open a lot of opportunities for me."

Bakit Byahe ang napili nilang title ng bago niyang album?
"Byahe because 'yong mga kanta rito ay mga kinalakihan natin. Somehow, it has touched our lives and we grew up with and it has been cross-over to generation and years. Byahe is also an album that we can listen to while we are traveling or driving. Very, very sedate and simple arrangement," says Noel.

In an excerpt from Noel's press kit, it was written that Noel was actively involved in the creation and popularization of alternative Filipino music.  Together with Rom Dongento and Rene Boncocan, he formed a group called Buklod in 1987.  And this has lead to the production of three albums that tackle socio-political-cultural issues:  Bukid at Buhay, an album which speaks of the lives, struggles and aspirations of the Filipino peasants; Tatsulok, an album on human rights; and Sa Kandungan ng Kalikasan, an advocacy album on the environment.

Noel has already toured most of the countries in central Europe and performed for Filipinos and Europeans in The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, France and Belgium.     

And as a singer-songwriter, Noel has earned numerous awards from different award giving body. He has also written several songs for other mainstream artists such as Cesar Montano, Randy Santiago, Dingdong Avanzado, Nikki Gil and many others.

He also wrote the theme song "Ang Buhay Nga Naman" for the indie film Ded Na Si Lolo. (The song can also be found in his album Byahe).  And he was happy to know that independent movie was selected as the Philippine entry for the 82nd Academy Award next year.

"It's really good to know that Ded Na Si Lolo is on its way and I'm part of it, so, I'm really like overwhelmed. It's awesome, Oscar, wow!" masaya niyang sabi...

Read the full write-up here: 
http://www.pep.ph/guide/5123/Noel-Cabangon-releases-15-track-album-%3Cem%3EByahe%3C-em%3E

NOEL CABANGON "BYAHE" ALBUM IS NUMBER ONE!


OPM singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon's latest CD titled "Byahe" is the NUMBER ONE album in Music One stores ! The retail chain released their album chart today based on the sales tabulation garnered from the three Music One Stores (Glorietta, Greenbelt and Quezon City).

Now signed to Universal Records, Noel Cabangon takes the sonic road trip down memory lane, with his brand new album aptly titled "Byahe". The 15-track CD features Noel's heartfelt rendition of OPM classics from the seventies and eighties plus 3 original tracks, including his collaborations with Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar and Aia De Leon of Imago. Produced by Noel Cabangon and Ito Rapadas, "Byahe" will further establish Noel as a force to be reckoned with in the local music industry.

Tracklisting:
1. Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko (originally by Sharon Cuneta)
2. Tuloy Pa Rin (originally by Neocolours)
3. Binibini (originally by The Rainmakers)
4. Ang Aking Awitin (originally by Bong Gabriel)
5. Di Na Natuto (originally by Gary Valenciano)
6. Ang Buhay Nga Naman
7. Kanlungan with Aia De Leon of Imago
8. Dito Sa Kanto with Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar
9. Kung Kailangan Mo Ako (originally by Rey Valera)
10. Ipagpatawad mo (originally by VST & Company)
11. Pag-ibig (originally by APO Hiking Society)
12. Pinay (originally by Florante)
13. Tao (originally by Sampaguita)
14. Pagbabalik (originally by Asin)
15. Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika (originally by Hadji Alejandro)
 

Mla Bulletin online | Noel Cabangon’s new album speaks of his journey as songwriter and singer

By CRISPINA MARTINEZ-BELEN
November 15, 2009, 4:10pm


The title of his latest album, “Byahe,” speaks well of himself. “Byahe,” which means “trip,” describes Noel Cabangon’s journey as a songwriter and singer. As a young kid, Noel was shy, and then he metamorphosed into an outspoken advocate for the welfare of the less privileged, especially those who belong to the lowest rung of society. Another part of his advocacy was for the environment.

He knows that there is power in songs – so he uses it to express his advocacies. And it is for this reason that he has been invited to perform in several cause-oriented concerts abroad, notably in Europe. Through a group called Buklod in 1987, he has released three advocacy albums called “Bukid at Buhay,” an album which speaks of the lives, struggles and aspirations of the Filipino peasants; “Tatsulok,” an album on human rights; and “Sa Kandungan ng Kalikasan,” an advocacy album on the environment.

Noel described his songs in “Byahe” as “cross-over” or “middle of the road.”

“The songs were chosen from a list I submitted to the producer,” Noel said. “And I made a demo before I left abroad. When I came back, I was given the go-signal to record the songs.”

He added that “I chose those songs which fit my style, and there were touches which we introduced so that the young generation could appreciate it. In fact, the songs were also a tribute to our great songwriters.”

Byahe” features the following songs: “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” (originally popularized by Sharon Cuneta), “Tuloy Pa Rin” (Neocolours), “Binibini” (Rainmakers), “Ang Aking Awitin” (Bong Gabriel), “Di Na Natuto” (Gary Valenciano), “Ang Buhay Nga Naman” (Noel wrote it as theme song for the movie “Ded Na Si Lolo”), “Kanlungan” with Aia De Leon of Imago, “Dito Sa Kanto” with Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar, “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako” (Rey Valera), “Ipagpatawad Mo” (VST & Company), “Pag-ibig” (APO Hiking Society), “Pinay” (Florante), “Tao” (Sampaguita), “Pagbabalik” (Astri), and “Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika” (Hajji Alejandro).

Noel is one of the most travelled singers of the country. He has already toured most of the countries in central Europe and performed for the Filipinos and the Europeans in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, France and Belgium.

In 2002, Noel, with the Jubilee South Network, was invited to perform at the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil. As an advocate for the anti-debt campaign of the Southern countries, Noel performed together with artists from Africa and South America. And then at the World Social Forum in Mumbai, India in 2004. Noel also attended a workshop on the relevance of music on the theme “Another World is Possible,” where he met with several artists from other countries. The forum led to the production of a collaboration album called “Arts In Resistance.”

Source : http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/229622/noel-cabangon-s-new-album-speaks-his-journey-songwriter-and-singer

SUPER JUNIOR-M "Super Girl" & BoA "Deluxe Edition" CDs Out Now!


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Astrovision Robinsons Gallleria 6363173
O Music Video Rockwell 8981090
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Odyssey SM Mall Of Asia 5560138
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Odyssey SM Fairview 9383152
Odyssey Filinvest 8503763
Odyssey Alabang 7725984
Odyssey SM Southmall 8062602
Odyssey Gateway 4210596
Odyssey SM Megamall 6873620
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November 17, 2009

The Korean Pop Invasion

By: Alexa Villano (The Philippine Star) 
Updated November 15, 2009, 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - It seems anything Korean or commonly known as the hallyu wave is in these days. From soap operas, restaurants to beauty products, Korean culture has won the Filipinos’ hearts. Who could forget Koreanovelas like the Endless Love series, Lovers in Paris, Full House and Stairway to Heaven?

Not to be outdone is the Korean music, better known as Kpop. Thanks to YouTube, Korean cable TV and music download , Filipinos are exposed to Korea’s finest singers and groups. As a Kpop follower, I came up with a list of eight Kpop singers and groups many Filipinos are familiar with and will hear from in the future.

BoA — One of South Korea’s top female singers. She has topped the charts in Korea, Japan and released an album in the US. She collaborated with western artists such as Westlife and Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys and was cited as an Influential Artist in the 2004 MTV Asia Awards.

2NE1 — With Sandara Park (known as the Pambansang Krung-Krung) as one of its members, the group is fast becoming popular in the country thanks to songs such as Lollipop, Fire and I Don’t Care. Sandara, now known as Dara, released the song Kis featuring Lee Min Ho (Gu Jun Pyo of Boys Over Flowers) to promote Korean beer brand Cass.

Rain — Known to Filipino audience as Justin of the hit romantic-comedy Full House, Rain is Korea’s latest export in the international entertainment industry. He was cited by Time Magazine as one of the 100 “Most Influential People Who Shape the World Award” and People Magazine named him one of the Most Beautiful People in its “First-Time Beauties 2007” section. Aside from being a singer-actor, Rain heads his own company J. Tune Entertainment and dabbles in fashion with his clothing line Six to Five. He broke into Hollywood via Speed Racer and will be seen in the movie Ninja Assassin, produced by the Wachowski brothers, the duo behind The Matrix trilogy.

Wonder Girls — Filipinos by now could not stop singing the group’s hit song Nobody. With its catchy tune and ’60s theme music video, the Wonder Girls composed of Yubin, Yenny, Sohee, Sunye and Sunmi have invaded the US where they are now touring with the Jonas Brothers. Their song, Nobody, debuted in the Billboard charts last October, making them the first Korean group to do so.

SS501 —The group composed of Hyun Joong, Young Saeng, Jung Min, Kyu Joong and Hyung Jun debuted in 2005 with the song Warning and Snow Prince. They also invaded the Japanese music industry and even recorded a TV show SS501: The Mission. The group’s popularity further rose due to the show Boys Over Flowers which was aired all over Asia. In the show, Hyun Joong played the quiet, musically-inclined Yoon Ji-Hoo while three of the members performed the songs Because I am Stupid and Making A Lover, included in the Boys Over Flowers soundtrack. After a year and seven months hiatus, the group released the mini album Rebirth, and is currently touring Asia for their Persona Tour. Their single A Song Calling for You (LaLaLa) is in the Top 20 of MYX’s international charts.

Super Junior —They are considered the largest boyband with 13 members. They are one of the many Korean groups to go beyond singing and dancing with many of its members involved in acting and other activities such as anime voice recording. Although they have three albums, it was their third album Sorry, Sorry that brought them commercial success.

SHINee — Known as one of Korea’s R&B boybands, SHINee debuted in 2008 with mini-album Replay. The group has won many awards including the Best Newcomer at the 18th Seoul Music Awards and participated in various concerts including the Dream Concert in the Seoul Olympic Stadium alongside other groups such as Girl Generation, Wonder Girls and Super Junior last year. They also released the album The SHINee World and recorded songs like Stand By Me, included in the Boys Over Flowers soundtrack and Bodyguard, used for the promotion of Samsung’s Anycall mobile phone featuring Kim Bum and Kim So Eun. The group is also known for its fashion sense dubbed as the “SHINee trend,” which led to endorsements for Reebok and Korean Cosmetic Company Nana B. Filipino fans will get the chance to see the group when they perform in Manila this month at the Korean Culture Festival.

Girls Generation — Composed of nine female members, fans often refer them as SNSD which is short for the group’s Korean name So Nyeo Shi Dae or So Nyuh Shi Dae. Like other groups, the members of Girls Generation are trained in various aspects of the performing arts. Their second mini-album Tell Me Your Wish (Genie) was recently released with the song of the same name as its carrier single. The group also has its own TV series and endorses various products in Korea.

With the continued craving for anything Korean, Filipinos will continue to hear and see more Kpop artists in the coming years.

Source : http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=523503&publicationSubCategoryId=70

SHINee "2009, Year Of Us"


SHINee declares 2009 their year with the new mini-album "2009, Year of Us" ! Five months after "Romeo" mini-album, the boys trade in their colorful threads for monochrome tones and sharper, more mature looks that highlight their effortless charm and charisma. SHINee's new title song "Ring Ding Dong" is a bopping "Afro-electro" number that combines pop electronica and African congo beats. The song likens the moment of falling in love with bells ringing in the head. The mini-album comes with five other hot new songs including leader Onew's first solo number "The Name I Loved", an alternative rock ballad featuring Kim Yeon Woo.

The group has been dominating the music shows ever since their first win on October 30th and again on November 6th on KBS's Music Bank, summing up to a total of 6 awards so far. They won their 3rd Mutizen in SBS Inkigayo on November 15th (even though their leader Onew wasn't around due to H1N1) and previously claimed the No.1 spot on the November 5th episode of MNET's M! Countdown.

The music video for “Ring Ding Dong” also topped the most-watched video on YouTube this month with 1 million hits, according to their management company, SM.

SHINee "2009, Year Of Us" Tracklisting :
1. Y.O.U.(Year Of Us)
2. Ring Ding Dong
3. Jo Jo
4. Get Down
5. SHINee Girl
6. The Name I Loved

November 13, 2009

ASK CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA.


Log on to our Facebook page for details:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/universal-records-philippines/ask-christian-bautista/169722312875

Noel Cabangon goes trippin’ with ‘Byahe’

UNIVERSAL Records yesterday hosted a media launch for Noel Cabangon’s new album, Byahe—the first of a two-record deal.

It may be amusing to see how the bulk of Cabangon’s fans (he prefers to call them his “followers”) at ’70s Bistro—where he spent a long residency as the folk-rock club’s Wednesday attraction—would react to the new album.

In an e-mail interview with the Inquirer on Monday, Cabangon described Byahe as “revisiting the OPM classics of the ’70s and ’80s,” with songs like Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko, Pinay and Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika in the lineup.

As Cabangon put it, he was “given the freedom to work on the songs” as befits his acoustic sound. He likes the songs, in the first place. “Kahit Maputi is very appropriate for my age. I grew up singing Pinay and it even became part of my repertoire as a folk singer. “Kay Ganda encapsulates the whole album,” he said.

And that’s just icing on the cake. There’s also a remake of Tao, arguably the greatest Pinoy rock ballad of all time, which Cabangon decided to cover because “I haven’t heard of a male version of the song.”

Now, this is where his followers would rejoice: Imagine a new version of Kanlungan, one of the loveliest odes to the environment (written by Cabangon’s former band mate in Buklod, Rom Dongeto, later given new life in a McDonald’s TV commercial), as a duet with Imago’s Aia de Leon; and still another interpretation of Dito Sa Kanto with Parokya ni Edgar’s Chito Miranda joining in on vocals.

Cabangon noted that a new composition, Ang Buhay Nga Naman (theme song of the Oscar-bound indie film Ded Na Si Lolo), is likewise in the new album.

The Philippine Star | Noel Cabangon's Byahe released

MANILA, Philippines - In 2004, one song did not only whet the nation’s appetite for hamburgers, but became the anthem for the new OPM acoustic movement. The song Kanlungan popularly known as Pana-panahon, became an instant radio smash and was included in every acoustic compilation albums released that year. But unknown to many, the gentle voice behind the song is no flash in the pan.

Singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon (photo) has been around since the mid-’80s. In his college days, Noel became part of Buklod or Bukluran and Mapagpalayang Musiko. Through Buklod, Cabangon established loyal followers. His music speak of his many artistic, social and political advocacies as member of Akbayan, Amnesty International and Greenpeace. Noel doesn’t just sing for entertainment. He believes his talent is a tool to promote awareness on just about any issue — be it political, environmental or social.
Respected by peers and the new generation of rock musicians, Noel is one of the most influential figures in the Pinoy music scene. His hit Tatsulok was covered by Bamboo.

Now signed to Universal Records, Noel takes the sonic road trip down memory lane, with his new album titled Byahe. The 15-track CD features Noel’s rendition of OPM classics from the ‘70s and ‘80s plus three original tracks, plus collaborations with Parokya ni Edgar’s Chito Miranda and Imago’s Aia de Leon. It was produced by Noel and Ito Rapadas.

Noel is a member of KATHA, an organization of Filipino composers, where he is also a member of the board; member board of trustees for FILSCAP (Filipinos Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers); an Ambassador for Conservation of the Haribon Foundation, a foundation that promotes the protection and preservation of the environment.

WORLD CHAMPION JED MADELA'S GOLD-CERTIFIED "THE VOICE OF CHRISTMAS" CD

World Champion Jed Madela releases his first ever Christmas album, "The Voice Of Christmas". The album was certified GOLD three weeks after its release. According to Jed, his Christmas album "displays the versatile side of me, it was the unusual arrangements of every piece that demanded me to interpret the songs with a new flavor." The 15-track album contains Jed's renditions of the classic Yuletide songs "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Give Love On Christmas Day," "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," "White Christmas," "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," "The Christmas Song," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Merry Christmas Darling," and "Sana Ngayong Pasko". "I have been so used to hearing the song "Merry Christmas Darling" in a lullaby form. Mine was done in rhythm and blues...and I liked it! Also, "The Christmas Song" has a bossa feel...the big band in "White Christmas"...but my favorites in the album are "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "O Holy Night" because of its classic sound," explains Jed.

The champion singer is deeply grateful to Jose Mari Chan for allowing him to record his version of the original piece, "A Perfect Christmas." Jed is also grateful to Regine Velasquez for doing a duet with him in the Christmas album for the song "My Grown Up Christmas List."

"The Voice of Christmas" has 15 cuts of classic Christmas songs that you never get tired of hearing year after year as we celebrate the holidays. Jed reminds the public, "We must not forget the reason why we are celebrating Christmas...our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Real ‘Voice of Christmas.'"

The album comes with a Bonus Disc containing the Minus-One of all the 15 tracks!

Tracklisting:
1. Christmas Medley: Joy To The World/Good King Wenceslas/O' Come All Ye Faithful/Hark The Herald
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3. A Perfect Christmas
4. My Grown Up Christmas List
5. O Holy Night
6. Give Love On Christmas Day
7. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
8. White Christmas
9. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
10. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)
11. I'll Be Home For Christmas
12. Merry Christmas Darling
13. Sana Ngayong Pasko
14. White Christmas (Orchestral Version)
15. The First Noel

Jay-R releases "Holiday Of Love"

Finally, a soulful Christmas album you can enjoy. Prince of R&B Jay-R 's "Holiday of Love" is definitely a hot one. It is Jay-R’s first time to do jazz music and it is excellent. His R&B style combined with jazz makes an extraordinary combination. Not to mention all the great musicians that played on the album. Make sure to check out the classy guitar solos and great musicianship. Jay-R’s vocals are outstanding. His style is one of a kind and we guarantee that that good music will be running through your ears. The album is perfect for the holiday season to sit back and relax to. The arrangements of these traditional Christmas songs are genius. It would make a perfect gift or a warm collection of holiday songs to relax to. Highly recommended.

Jay-R "Holiday Of Love" Tracklisting:
1. O Holy Night
2. Do You See What I See
3. Give Love On Christmas Day
4. Sleigh Ride
5. The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
6. White Christmas
7. Intro (O Christmas Tree)
8. Winter Wonderland
9. The Christmas Song
10. This Christmas
11. Santa Baby
12. The Little Drummer Boy
13. Tito Reny
14. Spread The Love
------------------- 

Follow Jay-R:
Official Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jay-R/128233352133
Official Website: http://www.jayrsmusic.com
Official Myspace: http://www.jayrsmusic.com

CHRISTOPHER CROSS RELEASES "A CHRISTOPHER CROSS CHRISTMAS"

5 time Grammy, Golden Globe & Oscar Award-winning singer-songwriter Christopher Cross releases his first holiday CD "A Christopher Cross Christmas". The album contains perennial favorites such as “The Christmas Song,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” as well as newly-minted Cross songs, “A Dream of Peace at Christmastime” and “Does it Feel Like Christmas,” which will surely conjure up images of family gathered at home to appreciate each other and the season.

LANI MISALUCHA RELEASES "THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS"

Platinum-Selling World Class Diva Lani Misalucha releases her first ever Christmas CD titled "The Gift Of Christmas". The holiday album includes her impeccable rendition of Yuletide classics like "The Christmas Song", "Do You Hear What I Hear", "Little Christmas Tree", "White Christmas", "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "Merry Christmas Darling", "It's Just Another New Year's Eve", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Silent Night", "When A Child Is Born" and many more! The album comes with a Bonus CD featuring Minus-One of the full album.

AMERICA’S PLATINUM-SELLING ROMANTIC PIANO SENSATION JIM BRICKMAN RELEASES NEW CHRISTMAS CD

Platinum-selling pianist-songwriter Jim Brickman releases his latest Christmas CD “The Hymns and Carols of Christmas”. His latest collection of holiday-themed music includes familiar classics like “Carol Of The Bells,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Hark The Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy To The World,” “ O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Noel,” “Upon A Midnight Clear,” and many more. The 17-track album, with 2 Philippines only bonus tracks, features the catchy single “Christmas Is” with vocal performance by Canadian superstar Mark Masri. Our very own Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez has her own rendition of the same track included as a bonus track in Brickman’s album. Another bonus track is Brickman’s popular composition “The Gift”, interpreted by John Trones.

Jim Brickman revolutionized the sound of Adult Contemporary music with his pop-style solo piano and the romantic popular song. His remarkable career includes six Gold and Platinum selling albums, three #1 and twelve Top 10 Adult Contemporary radio hits, consistent debuts at #1 on Billboard Magazine’s New Age chart, a Grammy nomination in 2003, SESAC “Songwriter of the Year” award, a Canadian Country Music Award for “Best Vocal/ Instrumental Collaboration,” a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association for “The Gift.” Along with his career highlights, Jim's best-known compositions include the chart-toppers “Valentine,” “Destiny,” “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” “Your Love,” “By Heart,” “The Love I Found In You,” and “Peace.”

GREGORIAN RELEASES "CHRISTMAS CHANTS" CD

Worldwide, Gregorian has sold over 3 million albums, had countless sold-out tours and the recipient of more than 20 Gold and Platinum Awards. They regarded as one of the most successful musical groups of their genre. After their 1999 debut, Gregorian quickly morphed into a genuine brand of contemporary music, often imitated but never duplicated. With their first ever Christmas CD "Christmas Chants" , renowed international producer, Frank Peterson, adds to a well-stocked list of releases with a holiday-themed album.

The repertoire ranges from pure classical ("Ave Maria") to English traditional Christmas carols, "O, Come All Yes Faithful" and "The First Noel". Contemporary works such as "The Little Drummer Boy" (Bing Crosby) and Cat Steven's classic "Morning Has Broken" reworked as the Christmas song "Child In A Manger" are also included. John Lennon & Yoko Ono's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" and Chris DeBurgh's "A Spaceman Came Traveling" are also sure to delight. An original composition by Gregorian founder, Frank Peterson ("Footsteps In The Snow" ) adds a nice dimension of "new" to this collection of beloved holiday favorites.

"Christmas Chants" is certain to find its way into your hearts and family holiday traditions for many years to come!

Tracklisting:
1. Ave Maria
2. Silent Night
3. When A Child Is Born
4. Amazing Grace
5. The First Noel
6. In The Bleak Midwinter
7. Pie Jesu
8. A Spaceman Came Travelling
9. O Come All Ye Faithful
10. Gloria In Excelsis
11. Footsteps In The Snow
12. Peace On Earth ? Little Drummer Boy
13. Sweeter The Bells
14. Child In A Manger
15. Happy Xmas War Is Over
16. Auld Lang Syne

Inquirer.net | Never too late to go mainstream

By:  Pocholo Concepcion

MANILA, Philippines – Why, Noel Cabangon asked himself, would a major record label be interested in signing him up now?

At 45 years old, Cabangon felt he was “chronologically a bit advanced” to go mainstream, even if the idea of being heard by more people doesn’t sound bad at all to him.

Yesterday, Universal Records hosted a media launch for Cabangon’s new album, “Byahe” – the first of a two-record deal.

It may be amusing to see how the bulk of Cabangon’s fans (he prefers to call them his “followers”) at ’70s Bistro – where he spent a long residency as the folk-rock club’s Wednesday attraction –would react to the new album. In an e-mail interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Monday, Cabangon described “Byahe” as “revisiting the OPM classics of the ’70s and ’80s,” with songs like “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” “Pinay” and “Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika” in the lineup.

But before anyone of his followers shouts, “Whaaaat?” consider these facts:

Strategy
Apparently Universal’s initial strategy is to introduce Cabangon to the widest possible market with some of the most familiar hits that would suit his music. As Cabangon puts it, he was “given the freedom to work on the songs” as befits his acoustic sound. He likes the songs, in the first place. “‘Kahit Maputi’ is very appropriate for my age. I grew up singing ‘Pinay’ and it even became part of my repertoire as a folk singer. “‘Kay Ganda’ encapsulates the whole album,” he said.

And that’s just icing on the cake. There’s also a remake of “Tao,” arguably the greatest Pinoy rock ballad of all time, which Cabangon decided to cover because “I haven’t heard of a male version of the song.”

Now, this is where his followers would rejoice: Imagine a new version of “Kanlungan,” one of the loveliest odes to the environment (written by Cabangon’s former band mate in Buklod, Rom Dongeto, later given new life in a McDonald’s TV commercial), as a duet with Imago’s Aia de Leon; and still another interpretation of “Dito Sa Kanto” with Parokya ni Edgar’s Chito Miranda joining in on vocals.

Cabangon noted that a new composition, “Ang Buhay Nga Naman” (theme song of the Oscar-bound indie film “Ded Na Si Lolo”), is likewise in the new album.

Back to his own question on why the majors would want him now in his middle age, the logical answer could only be: Why not, because even the top Pinoy rock band Bamboo knows how good Cabangon’s past work is when it covered Buklod’s “Tatsulok.”

Here's the direct link to the article:
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20091111-235639/Never-too-late-to-go-mainstream

Noel Cabangon's "Byahe" Presson Interview part 1



Held at the Universal Records office last Nov. 11th.

Noel Cabangon's "Byahe" Presscon Interview part 2

FHM.com.ph | Noel's Cabangon's "Byahe"

By: Gelo Gonzales
November 5, 2009

Novel and inspired, Noel Cabangon’s new album Byahe is packaged in a way that we don’t see every day. Taking the place of the usual CD album inlay are six postcards, chronicling the revered musician’s travels in and around of Denmark.

The postcards appear to have been taken candidly, showing Mr. Cabangon in various states of walking, relaxing, or contemplating, sometimes with his instrument, and sometimes just by his lonesome self. The scenes are similar to the inlay of his older records, really, except here—as stated in one of the postcards’ back—the musician is in Denmark.

In the section where artists write off their greetings and thanks to families, friends, and to the One Up Above, Mr. Cabangon muses: “Ang mga awitin dito ay bahagi ng aking byahe.”

Read the full review here:

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FREE Limited Edition BoA Poster! CD Out On NOVEMBER 18 (WEDNESDAY)!

FREE Limited Edition BoA poster awaits those who will purchase BoA's "Deluxe Edition" CD in the following record stores :

METRO MANILA:
Music One Quezon Avenue 373-7376
Music One Glorietta 752-8095 to 96
Music One Greenbelt 757-4425 to 26
Astroplus SM Mall Of Asia 5560
Astroplus SM North Edsa 9201531
Astroplus The Block North Edsa 4420372
Astroplus SM Makati 3182382
Astroplus SM Megamall 6331793
Astroplus SM San Lazaro 7862
Astrovision Virra Mall 7210811
Astrovision Robinsons Place Ermita 5363228
Astrovision Trinoma 9155163
Astrovision Filinvest 8503978
Astrovision Metro East 6813390
Astrovision Shangrila Plaza 6359967
Astrovision Robinsons Gallleria 6363173
O Music Video Rockwell 8981090
O Music Video Greenbelt 8922039
Odyssey SM Mall Of Asia 5560138
Odyssey Robinsons Place Ermita 5367941
Odyssey SM Fairview 9383152
Odyssey Filinvest 8503763
Odyssey Alabang 7725984
Odyssey SM Southmall 8062602
Odyssey Gateway 4210596
Odyssey SM Megamall 6873620
Odyssey SM Sta Mesa 7161551
Odyssey Robinsons Galleria 6314889
Odyssey Sta Lucia East Mall 6824271
Odyssey SM Bicutan 8229040
Odyssey SM Taytay 6612031
Odyssey SM Marikina 4771874
The Landmark Trinoma 9229990
The Landmark Makati 8109990

PLEASE CALL YOUR FAVORITE STORES AND RESERVE YOUR BoA'S "DELUXE EDITION" CD & POSTER NOW!

HURRY! AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!