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!

June 19, 2011

[MV] After School "Shampoo"


After School "Shampoo" is already airing on MYX Phils. Playgirlz/Plaboyz, "The Virgin Day" is on July 23!

"Shampoo" MV:


Behind-the-scenes look:



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Join After School Philippines Facebook Fanpage:

http://www.facebook.com/afterschoolphilippines


Soompi | 2NE1's Dara reveals teaser choreography shots



As previously reported, 2NE1 is coming back with a new single “I’m the Best” on June 24th. This time they promised to do a lot more TV promotions, implying the song would involve much stronger choreography befitting live TV stages.

To give a better idea of what new dance sequences the group has come up with this time, Sandara Park, the unofficial spokesperson of 2NE1, posted the following photos on her me2day account on June 16th.

The first photo was captioned, “Wussup?!?^.^ This summer, the girls are coming back! LOL These are the hot moves from ‘I’m the Best~Be-be-be-best~!’ Are you all ready to follow us? Come on! I’ll give you a bit of a hint! When you follow the dance, you have to keep thinking to yourself ‘I’m the best!’ This is part one of ‘the best’ dance sequence!!! LOL”

Shortly after, she posted the second photos saying, “Part two of ‘the best’ dance sequence!!! With more energy!!!! C’mon!!!!”

And then she completed the unofficial photo teaser with this third photo, adding, “Dance moves that are ‘the best’ right now! Finally part three! Have the most fun! Watch the music video next week and try to find which move this is! And let’s heat up the summer with these dances! +.+”

In addition to the dance teaser photos, Dara also hinted at the possibility of increasing the number of concerts scheduled for this August. YG Entertainment said earlier this week that 2NE1’s first-ever solo concert would be held twice in August.

She said, “Dara practicing! You know we’re having our concert at the Olympic Hall~! We’re doing it twice in front of 4,000 people each time, so we can perform closer to each other with the fans, but are you a little upset more people can’t come? I’ve been following your comments! But if more people say they want to come to our concert, we might increase it?!?”

The music video for “I’m the Best” is set for release on June 24th together with the digital single. YG Entertainment said 2NE1’s new mini album including tracks like “Lonely” and “Don’t Cry” as well as two or three additional songs would be out on July 21st. Their first solo concert is scheduled to be held twice on August 27th and 28th at the Olympic Hall, which has a seating capacity of 4,000. So if you want more 2NE1 concerts, make sure your voice be heard!

Posted by thunderstix @ soompi

June 17, 2011

Submission of Entries to “Maki-Tambay Sa Sponge Cola” promo is now CLOSED.



Submission of entries is now closed. Thank you to all those who sent in their entries!

We will be announcing the 15 finalists on the evening of June 21 (Tuesday). Watch out for it!

June 15, 2011

LAST TWO DAYS! Get a Chance to Win P100,000 Cash (tax free)! Join “Maki-Tambay Sa Sponge Cola” promo!

LAST DAY OF SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES IS JUNE 17!  JOIN NOW!



Download Sponge Cola’s “Tambay”, produce a music video for the song and stand a chance to win P100,000 Cash (tax-free)! Here are the full mechanics:

1. Download the single “Tambay” to your cellphones:
    • Text “Tambay” to 2600 (valid on all networks; P50 per mp3 per download)
    • You will receive the MP3 of the song “Tambay” as well as a unique confirmation code
    • Save the song and the confirmation code to your cellphone

2. Produce a full music video for the song “Tambay” and upload it to your YouTube account.

3. After uploading your entry, email the following details to spongecola.tambay@gmail.com:
    • YouTube link of your video entry
    • Confirmation code (received by text accompanying the mp3 downloaded)
    • Complete name (as it appears on your valid ID’s)
    • Complete mailing address
    • Birthday
    • Cellphone number
    • Optional only: other details which you may want to mention, such as director(s), director of
photography, editor, cast/actors/actresses, location, story or plot, etc.

4. Emails/Submissions of entries will be accepted from 12:00 am of March 16, 2011 until 12:00 noon of June 17, 2011 only.

5. The music video may include new and/or old videos and/or photos that are owned by entry sender.

6. If materials used are not owned by entry sender, he/she should have explicit permission to use and include them, ensuring that the copyright of any individual, institution, company, etc. will not be infringed.

7. No use of explicit images, foul language or anything that damages any individual, institution or company.

8. Preferably, video should have high resolution, with an aspect ratio of 720x480.

9. Fifteen (15) finalists will be chosen from all the submitted entries, and they will automatically receive P5,000 Cash Prize. Each of the finalist will be notified through registered mail and contacted through his/her mobile phone by a representative of Universal Records on how to claim their P5,000.00 Cash. The finalists should be able to provide two (2) valid ID's with photo.

10. Top 15 entries will be chosen by a panel of judges based on the following criteria:
      • Artistic touch and creativity: 35%
         - This refers to videos showing skill or excellence in execution. The video should be ingenious, exhibiting good taste; performed, made, or edited artistically; aesthetically pleasing.
      • Message delivery: 35%
         - The message of the video should be communicated clearly.
      • Uniqueness: 30%
         - This refers to videos having no similarity to other videos; original in idea, style and delivery.

11. The Top 15 entries will be announced on June 21, 2011 at 12:00 noon and each of the entries will be posted or shared on the Universal Records Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/universalrecordsphfanpage)

12. ONE (1) Grand Prize Winner will be chosen and he/she will receive the P100,000 Cash Prize (tax-free).

13. ONE (1) Runner Up will likewise be chosen and he/she will receive P20,000 Cash Prize (tax-free).

14. Final judging of Grand Winner and Runner Up will be based on:
      • 70% Text Votes
      • 30% Panel of Judges' Decision

15. Complete details on text voting including keyword for each finalist will be posted on the Universal Records Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/universalrecordsphfanpage) right after the announcement of Fifteen (15) Finalists.

16. The Grand Prize Winner and Runner Up will be officially announced on July 8, 2011 at 7:00 PM noon via the Universal Records Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/universalrecordsphfanpage) and he/she will be notified through his/her mobile phone by a representative of Universal Records.

17. A DTI representative shall be present to witness the determination of the Top 15 finalists, the Grand Prize Winner and Runner Up.

18. Contest is open to AMATEURS only - individuals or groups with a valid Philippine address. Students are encouraged to join.

19. Working individuals are allowed to join provided they do not presently hold any job or career that involves professional film/video/commercial production nor have they done any prior job or work related to professional film/video/commercial production.

PER DTI-NCR PERMIT NO. 2449 SERIES OF 2011


June 3, 2011

Sandara Park posts message for Pinoy Blackjacks on Facebook!


2NE1 will be performing live in Manila tomorrow (June 4) at the Araneta Coliseum and the girls are excited to entertain all the Blackjacks in the Philippines!

In fact, Dara posted this message on their official Facebook Fanpage (http://www.facebook.com/2NE1):

To fans in Philippines:
Wassup pinoy blackjacks?! Excited na kami to party with you guys in manila sa june 4. May friends din kami na makikijoin sa party like christian bautista. Etc. Its not just a 2ne1 show but show din ng various artists. And kung masaya ang party natin, who knows we'll be back again for a full pledged 2ne1 show! sana invtie niyo kami ulit! so kita kits very soon!!! let's play 2ne1!

Translation:
Wassup Pinoy Blackjacks?! We’re excited to party with you guys in Manila on June 4. We also have friends who’ll join us at the party like Christian Bautista, etc. It’s not just a 2NE1 show but a show of various artists as well. And if our party’s a success, who knows we’ll be back again for a full pledged 2NE1 show! I hope you invite us again. See you all soon!!! Let’s play 2NE1!

Translation courtesy of http://ohdara.wordpress.com/

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Blackjacks, it's your turn to make history! After SS2 and SS3, Pulp Productions proudly present YG Entertainment fierce girl group 2NE1 in "The Party" on June 4 (tomorrow!), 7PM at the Araneta Coliseum!

Call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph.


2NE1 MV "Lonely" is #1 today in MYX!


2NE1 "Lonely" MV is #1 in today's MYX Daily Top 10.



To vote for "Lonely" MV, key in:
MYX[space]Request[space]Lonely
and send to 2366.

Don't miss THE PARTY:2NE1 LIVE IN MANILA at the Araneta Coliseum tomorrow!

For tickets call Ticketnet at 911-5555.

PULP Magazine Live | 2NE1 Just Arrived!


Head on over to Pulp Mag Live's page for more photos:


June 2, 2011

OPM News! Read on...


Pep.ph | Regine Velasquez-Alcasid: "Isa lang yung pinagbubuntis ko, 'no! Hindi kambal!"
By Rey Pumaloy
Tuesday, May 31, 2011, 06:25 PM


Pep.ph | Sam Concepcion beefs up for Peter Pan, but not yet ready for sexy roles
By William R. Reyes
Wednesday, June 1, 2011, 08:08 PM



MYX Phils. | Christian Bautista Receives Platinum Award For His DVD Release
http://www.myxph.com/tabid/333/a/1846/Christian-Bautista-Receives-Platinum-Award-For-His-DVD-Release.aspx


Yahoo PH OMG! | Karylle, Christian represent PH in new musical drama
By Karen Valeza | omg! Philippines News Blog
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 6:11 PM PHT
http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/blogs/omgphnewsblog/karylle-christian-represent-ph-musical-drama-101130613.html


Stir.ph | Christian has a lot of heart... and ink!
By Justin John Mata | STIR Contributor
1 Jun 2011 | 09:54 AM
http://www.stir.ph/LM/articles~level2/id-1306893082459_4/ai-null/Christian_has_a_lot_of_heart_and_ink.html



Sunstar | Christian single but happy
By Glaiza Jarloc
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/entertainment/2011/05/31/christian-single-happy-158519


K-Pop idols continue to rise in Japan


Despite of the recent tragedy that happened in Japan on 11th of March 2011, it seems like Kpop idol groups continue heading to Japan for further promotions.

Kpop idol groups in Japan are beginning to play a very competitive role in the Oricon Charts. At any record shop in Tokyo, you are able to see Japanese albums of various Kpop idol groups such as Girls’ Generation, KARA, 4minute, Big Bang, B2st, and more. Posters of the groups are found almost everywhere at any record shops in Japan, proving their rising popularity as well. Even in bookstores, you might even find them in some of the front covers magazines.

Girls’ Generation recently hit Japan with their third Japanese single Mr. Taxi. On 1st of June 2011, they will be releasing their first Japanese original album Girls’ Generation.

Kara went to Japan and promoted the Japanese version of their hit song Mister, it came up Top 5 on the Oricon charts despite them being in the early stages of their debut.

As for 4minute, they had collaborated with Japanese singer Thelma Aoyama for her single, Without U, which was released on May 25, 2011.

A well known famous blogger in Japan, Danny Choo, mentioned “Korean Pop is big business in Japan – you see and hear a lot of it on TV and while walking out n about town.”

Truly, Kpop entertainment agencies are dealing quite an impact on Japan music industries, not forgetting that these companies will/are venturing to other parts of the world as well.

Korean entertainment agencies such as SM, JYP and YG Entertainment have released teaser and music videos of their artists new songs on their official YouTube channels. This is to give fans from all over the world, a easier and faster way to view the latest Kpop videos performed by the artists.

What are your opinions? Do you wish to see your favorite idol groups expand more of their promotion to your country rather than Japan? Which country will that be, then?

Source: Danny Choo
Photo: Danny Choo @ Culture_Japan.jp

Koreaboo | Hallyu Wave hitting Taiwan with Full Force


Popularity of Korean culture, especially k-pop, has been increasing at a rapid rate in Taiwan. The loyalty and passion that Taiwanese fans display are evident through the consistently sold-out concerts and fan parties, and this in turn has made the place a destination that many k-pop groups and artists visit for their promotions.

Leading the way for the longest visit is Super Junior-M, who recently just ended their two-month long stay in Taipei, with members Donghae and Siwon staying behind for the filming of a Taiwanese drama. Super Junior as a whole has made a presence in Taiwan, where they held 3 concerts as part of their Super Show 3 tour, while Super Junior-K.R.Y. also successfully held 2 concerts back in November 2010.

Additionally, JYJ’s concert in Taipei set a record for having the shortest time between the concert announcement date and the actual concert date, and still managed to sell out the concert within hours of the sale. Rain also held a concert in Taipei earlier this month, which was his last concert in Taiwan before he joins the military. Other groups have also enjoyed success in Taiwan. Artists that have promoted in Taiwan include FT Island, SHINee, CN Blue, Jang Geun Seok, F.Cuz, U-Kiss, ZE:A, SNSD, Wonder Girls, and more.

Upcoming activities scheduled in Taiwan include 2AM’s mini concert on June 3rd, Super Junior-M’s fan parties on June 6th, SHINee’s 1st concert in Taiwan to be held on July 16th, Jang Geun Seok’s fan meetings on June 24th and 25th (a second show was added on the 24th due to popular demand), and BEAST’s fan meeting on July 23th. Tickets to events for SHINee, Jang Geun Seok, and BEAST are all set to go on sale on June 4th, setting a record of having three different Korean artist groups beginning their ticket sales on the same day.

Meanwhile, SNSD is expected to have a concert date in Taiwan as part of their upcoming tour, and officials at Super Dome, the organizer of many k-pop events in Taiwan, have announced appearances of Super Junior in events being held at the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, prompting speculations of SM Town Taiwan and Super Show 4 taking place during those timeframes.

Given the proven success of K-pop groups in Taiwan as well as other places overseas, will Korean entertainment companies continue to expand into other markets outside of Korea? Would this expansion be limited to Asia only?

Source: Super Dome, The Liberty Times via Yahoo! News, PTT, Yahoo! News (1), (2), (3)
Posted by spicyricecake @ Koreaboo

Koreaboo | Se7en Preparing for a New Album


After finishing his promotions last year with his mini-album "Digital Bounce," Se7en began his promotional tour throughout Asia and visited countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong.

With his promotional tour finished, YG Entertainment has reported that Se7en has returned to Korea and is preparing for the release of his upcoming album. An approximate date was not revealed by the YG Entertainment official.

Are you looking forward to his return?

Source: 10Asia
Posted by uni @ Koreaboo

June 1, 2011

Christian Bautista receives Platinum Award for his DVD release


When it rains, it really pours! Last February 13th, Asia's Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista received a Quadruple Platinum Record Award for his bestselling CD "Romance Revisited: The Love Songs Of Jose Mari Chan". Christian's achievements for his first Universal Records release did not end there.

Christian received another Platinum Award, this time for his DVD release, “Romance Revisited : The Music Video Collection” . The award was presented to him by Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy Go last Sunday (May 29) on ASAP Rocks after his production number with Karylle for "The Kitchen Musical". Karylle and Christian will star in this multi-million international TV series which will be shot in Singapore and set to launch in the Philippines on Studio 23 and in 19 countries across Asia this October.

Here's the clip of the awarding:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150203917453467&oid=159533085905

“Romance Revisited: The Music Video Collection” tracklist:

Music videos:
1. Tell Me Your Name starring Paula Taylor
2. Beautiful Girl starring Anne Curtis, Angel Locsin, Georgina Wilson & Solenn Heusaff
3. Please Be Careful With My Heart starring Sarah Geronimo
4. Afraid For Love To Fade starring Carmen Soo
5. I Remember The Girl starring Cristine Reyes
6. Nakaraang Pasko starring Angelica Panganiban
7. Please Be Careful With My Heart with Kewei (Singapore)
8. Please Be Careful With My Heart (Tetaplah Dihatiku) with Bunga Citra Lestari (Indonesia)
9. Ngiti (Anugerah Cinta) with Noryn Aziz (Malaysia)

Special features:
1. Interviews
2. Behind the Scenes
3. Christian’s Travel Video

Follow Christian Bautista:
Official website:  http://www.christianbautistaonline.com/
Official Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christian-Bautista/280079575017
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/xtianbautista

Christian Bautista wins at 101.9 Tambayan Awards 2011



Asia's Romantic Balladeer won Best OPM Revival for his song "Beautiul Girl" at 101.9 OPM Tambayan Awards 2011, held at SM SkyDome in Quezon City last Saturday (May 28). "Beautiful Girl" is one of the singles taken from Christian's 4X Platinum Certified album "Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan".

The event was hosted by Francine Prieto and Jason Gainza (as Tito Boy Abunda). With live performances by Frio, Itchyworms, Six Part Invention, Maldita, Faith Cuneta, Juris, Christian Bautista, Jericho Rosales, Ney Dimaculangan and Jovit Baldivino.

Here's the list of winners:
Best New Artist - Jovit Baldivino
Best OPM Revival - Beautiful Girl by Christian Bautista
Best Male OPM Artist - Jovit Baldivino
Best Female OPM Artist - Juris
Song of The Year - 'Di Lang Ikaw by Juris
Best Kantamersyal - Wow Videoke by Charice
Best Live Performance - Jericho Rosales
Tambayani of The Year - Charice
Band of The Year - Six Part Invention
Album of The Year - Tropa by Siakol

Christian recently received a Platinum Award for his DVD release "Romance Revisited: The Music Video Colletion". His first International film "A Special Symphony (Simfoni Luar Biasa)" will soon be shown in the Philippines this August. Christian will also be busy shooting "The Kitchen Musical" TV series in Singapore in the coming months.

Source: http://showbiznest.blogspot.com/

TV Patrol | Karylle at Christian tampok sa "The Kitchen Musical"





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Check out these related news:


Popsicles.ph | Karylle and Christian Bautista in The Kitchen Musical
Posted by Lai
Thursday, May 26th, 2011
http://www.popsicles.ph/2011/05/karylle-and-christian-bautista-in-the-kitchen-musical/


Showbiznest | Christian Bautista and Karylle Set To Star in The First Asian Musical Series "The Kitchen Musical"
Posted by Jed
Thursday, May 26, 2011 , 2:04 PM
http://showbiznest.blogspot.com/2011/05/christian-bautista-and-karylle-set-to.html


Stir.ph | Christian is doing The Kitchen Musical with Karylle in Singapore
by Edgar O. Cruz | STIR Editor in Chief
25 May 2011 | 10:51 AM
http://www.stir.ph/LM/articles~level2/id-1306291479710_1/ai-null/Christian_is_doing_The_Kitchen_Musical_with_Karylle_in_Singapore.html


Pep.ph | Karylle, Christian Bautista and Thou Reyes star in The Kitchen Musical, which will be shown in 19 countries this October
Monday, May 30, 2011, 8:00 PM
http://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/8231/karylle,-christian-bautista-and-thou-reyes-star-in-the-kitchen-musical,-which-will-be-shown-in-19-countries-this-october


Abs-CbnNews.com | Christian, Karylle to star in musical series
Updated 05/26/2011, 12:37 AM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/05/25/11/christian-karylle-star-musical-series


May 31, 2011

Koreaboo | f(x) "Pinocchio (Danger)" MV reaches than 5 Million views


f(x)'s "Pinocchio (Danger)" music video has finally hit the 5 million mark on Youtube! "Pinocchio (Danger)" is the first title song off f(x)'s first full-length album of the same title, which was released on April 20th.

The "Pinocchio (Danger)" music video was released on SM Entertainment's Youtube channel on April 19th and just after 10 days, the music video has surpassed the 3 million view mark. It is currently at the 5.3 million views. It also achieved that month's most viewed, most discussed video, and has been ranked one of the top rated videos. f(x) has been getting hot reaction from fans both from home and overseas, and has generalized great interest since their comeback to the Korean music scene.

"Pinocchio (Danger)" is an addictive song by f(x) that characterizes each of the member's unique charms and fashion. Their unique choreography and fashion on stage have caught the attention of netizens.

Our f(x) girls have been also been busy sweeping the 1st place in all the music charts since they released their 1st full album ‘Pinocchio’ on April 20th.

Here's the list of their wins:
-f(x) won No.1 on KBS“Music Bank” for two times (April 29th and May 20th).
-f(x) won No.1 on SBS “Popular Song (Inkigayo) for three weeks (May 8th, 15th and 22nd).
-f(x) won No.1 on MNET “Mcountdown” for three weeks (May 5th, 12th and 19th).

Watch the "Pinocchio (Danger)" MV here:


Source: Newsen and sment
Posted by uni @ Koreaboo