Universal Records Blog

January 4, 2011

Super Junior crowned as King of Asia!

Super Junior became the emperor of Asia.

Thailand’s popularity music program recently published a popularity song list for the year of 2010. Under the Asia category, Super Junior took the 1st, 10th and 13th position, having a whooping of 3 songs under the Top 20 in the popularity list.

Super Junior first visited Thailand through the “5th Pattaya Music Festival” in 18th September 2006. At that time, the airport reached the extent of broken glasses, many fans and reporters were fenced up, and their popularity were felt by all. Now that they have debuted for 4 years, they are now the largest popularity Hallyu star in Thailand.

Not only in Thailand, Super Junior took 2nd, 8th and 13th position in the Philippines largest music charts 2010 MYX Hit Chart. Also all six (6) Super Junior albums released in the Philippines reached the NUMBER ONE position in the biggest record retail stores. They are the ONLY K-Pop acts to have such distinction in the Philippines!

In Taiwan popularity music chart KBOX, Super Junior remained in the 1st position for a total of 29 weeks, gaining an explosive reaction across Asia.

Super Junior will be holding their in the coming 29th January at the Singapore Indoors Stadium, with their popularity in Asia continuing to be on the rise. They will also invade the Philippines for the 2nd time on February 26th.

Source: sports.chosun.com
Chinese translation: Natalis @ MyKRY.com
English translation:~♡ 혁-fied @ SJ-WORLD.NET

December 23, 2010

Get your FREE Universal Records 2011 K-Pop Calendar until Tomorrow (December 24th)

FREE Universal Records 2011 K-Pop Calendar! Here's how to get one!

It's so easy! Just drop by any of these four (4) record outlets between December 22, 23 and 24:

- ASTROPLUS MALL OF ASIA
Look for Karen Manaloto or Jovy Gongora
Store telephone number: 556-0080

- ASTROPLUS THE BLOCK
Look for Maricris Efondo
Store telephone number: 442-0372

- ODYSSEY SM MEGAMALL
Look for Rona Almero or Shirley Armas
Store telephone numbers: 687-3630 or 687-3597

- ODYSSEY SM BACOOR
Look for Estela San Antonio
Store telephone number: 417-7392

Get your ASIA LIST CLUB REGISTRATION FORM (it's FREE!) only from authorized Universal Records salesperson (as mentioned above). Fill up the registration form, submit to them and get your 2011 KPOP CALENDAR (size 24" x 36"). It's that easy! Remember, first-come first-served basis only and while supplies last. No need to buy a K-Pop CD!

It's our way of saying THANK YOU to all of you who have been very supportive of Universal Records' K-Pop album releases and album launch events! We owe it all to you for having 14 Number One K-Pop albums in the Philippines!

Regine Velasquez new CD "Fantasy" is still Number One!

Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez newest album "Fantasy" is still the #1 OPM album in one of the country's biggest record retail chains, Odyssey! The album debuted at #1 in Odyssey record stores last week and maintained its position at the top for the 2nd week! Sales charts are based on total sales tabulated from more than 80 Odyssey record stores nationwide! "Fantasy" was also certified Gold after two weeks of release in the market!

“Fantasy” is a special collector’s item CD box-set that contains 2 discs featuring Regine at her very best as she belts out 12 original ballads in disc one while she revives a collection of 10 homegrown favorites in the second disc. The album’s carrier single is an original composition of singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, a romantic love ballad entitled “You Don’t Know.” The song’s music video is directed by Nani Naguit and it is currently enjoying massive airplay on the country’s top music channels.

The first disc which contains all-original OPM material also assembles the work of some of today’s most talented songwriters such as Francis “Kix Salazar (“Been Waiting”), Ramon Luis Silvestre (“Always,” a duet with Jay Perillo), Nyoy Volante (“This Time”), Janno Gibbs (“True Romance”), Edwin Marollano (“Sana’y Laging Ganito”), Chito Miranda (“OK Lang Ako”), Noel Mendez (“Fairy Tale” and “S.M.I.L.E.”), Robin Nievera (“Smile”), Isabela Ledesma (“Funny One”), and another song by Ogie Alcacid entitled “Walang Iba.”

In Disc 2, Regine belts out such classics as Gerard Kenny’s “Fantasy,” America’s “All My Life,” Paul Davis’ “I Go Crazy,” Heart’s “What About Love,” Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach,” Lighthouse’s “You And Me,” Clair Marlo’s “Without Me,” Landon Pigg’s “Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop,” The Eagles’ “Love Will Keep Us Alive,” and Five For Fighting’s “Dying.”

“Fantasy” also has two sets of packaging that every collector should have – one colored and one in black and white featuring Regine in rare and never-before-seen photos as taken by the lens of top photographer Mark Nicdao. Each box-set contains 10 sets of post-cards that are in color and in black and white.

To get Regine Velasquez’ ringback tones from her “Fantasy,” check out the back of the CD for directions and to vote for “You Don’t Know” music video on MYX, text MYX (space) Vote (space) You Dont Know and send to 2366.

Watch Regine's Music Videos here:

You Don't Know:

Been Waiting:

Inquirer.net | Sunset wedding for singers Ogie, Regine

by Marinel R. Cruz
First posted 03:46:00 12/23/2010

MANILA, Philippines—The bride wore a flaming red gown, her signature color, to her wedding.

Singer-actress Regine Velasquez, who tied the knot Wednesday with long-time boyfriend, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, “derives power from that color,” her friend, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

The off-shoulder outfit was a creation of Monique Lhuiller, the US-based Filipino designer who has also designed gowns for Hollywood celebrities Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Kristen Stewart and Hillary Duff.

Alcasid’s gray suit was by Randy Ortiz. “I have nothing against the barong Tagalog. It’s just that parang mas pogi kasi ako (I look more dashing in a suit),” he told the Inquirer in a previous interview.

The ceremony was held at The Peak, Terrazas de Punta Fuego Resort, Nasugbu, Batangas.

The wedding was set in time for the sunset. “A thousand butterflies were released while Regine was walking down the aisle. They all clung to her. It was an amazing sight,” Laurel said. “Everyone cried when the couple exchanged their marriage vows.”

Velasquez sang the APO Hiking Society original “Awit ng Pag-ibig” as part of her wedding pledge. She ended it by saying: “I’ve never felt so happy all my life.”

‘So romantic’
Hyped as the “Wedding of the Decade,” the Christian ceremony began at 4 p.m., officiated by Pastor Clem Guillermo and Nasugbu Mayor Tony Barcelon.

President Benigno Aquino III was one of the groomsmen.

“The swimming pool was covered with fiberglass. The couple crossed it and climbed a flight of stairs on their way to the altar. It was so romantic,” said Redgie Acuña-Magno, GMA 7 senior program manager.

The all-male vocal group Tux performed at the ceremony...

Read the full write up here:
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20101223-310510/Sunset-wedding-for-singers-Ogie-Regine

Phil. Star | Ogie, Regine make wedding guests cry

FUNFARE UPDATE By Ricardo F. Lo (The Philippine Star)
Updated December 23, 2010 12:00 AM

The wedding vows were so touching that the well-heeled guests couldn‘t help but cry.

The groom, Ogie Alcasid, 43, lovingly looked at his bride, Regine Velasquez, as he said in English, “I will be your Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Justin Bieber,” and Regine, 40, her eyes fixed on her brand-new husband, answered in Tagalog, “Kuwarenta anyos na ako kaya pasensya na lang kung masungit ako kung minsan.”

Recounted STAR contributor Girlie Rodis who was among the teary-eyed guests, “Not a pair of eyes was dry.”

Then, Regine sang the APO song Di Ko Malimutan, part of which goes, …di ko maalaala kung kailan nagsimula, di ko malimutan kung kailan ko natikman ang tamis ng ‘yong halik, yakap na napaka-higpit, pagibig na tunay hanggang langit…

The wedding, held at The Peak, Terrazas de Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, Batangas, as heavenly shades of night were falling late yesterday afternoon, was dubbed Wedding of The Decade. It will be shown as a TV special on Sunday, Dec. 26, on GMA with which the couple is under exclusive contract, with a wedding primer to be aired tomorrow in Startalk, also on GMA.

Continue reading here:
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=641852&publicationSubCategoryId=70

24oras | Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez tie knot in Batangas

12/22/2010 | 08:30 PM

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Malaya | No more sad songs for Regine

by Arnel Ramos

...Yesterday, December 22, the woman who is simply known as Asia’s Songbird to generations of music, TV and film audiences exchanged vows with the man who goes by the moniker the "Songwriter." Does this signal the beginning of a fairy tale for the two well-liked showbiz icons? Personally, we no longer believe in fairy tales. We used to when we were young and shallow and didn’t know any better. Marriage is a serious matter that one should approach and enter into with a clear perspective.

In the days to come, reports on the Alcasid-Velasquez nuptials will dwell on the grandness of the Batangas ceremony, the reception, the red Monique Lhuillier gown, the star-studded entourage, the lavishness of it all. Adjectives will run out. Praises will sound redundant. We choose to turn an eye on the beginnings of this romance and how their individual tenacity has brought Ogie and Regine this far...

Read the full write up here:
http://www.malaya.com.ph/12232010/ent2.html

ABS-CBN News | Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid tie the knot

abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 12/22/2010 5:17 PM |
Updated as of 12/22/2010 5:32 PM

MANILA, Philippines - After three years of being together, singers Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez tied the knot on Wednesday afternoon at Terrazas de Punta Fuego beach resort in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The private ceremony, which was closed to the media, was attended by the couple's families and closest friends in and outside of show business.

Cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo tweeted: “Reg pairing her red dress with high heeled leather boots .george her dog is in a gorgeous tux.”

Also on Twitter, designer Rajo Laurel said the Asia's Songbird sang her wedding vow.

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III was part of the entourage along with Janno Gibbs, Michael V, Belo, Megastar Sharon Cuneta and businessman Manny Pangilinan.

Queen of All Media Kris Aquino was also present at the event.

Spotted during the ceremony were Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., Noel Cabangon, Kuh Ledesma, Eddie Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama, Ruffa Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez, Hayden Kho Jr., Dennis Trillo, Pia Magallona, Jose Mari Chan, Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Bing Loyzaga, John Prats, Rachelle Ann Go, Christian Bautista, Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes and Lea Salonga.

Also present in the ceremony was Alcasid's first wife, Michelle van Eimeren, mother of his 2 daughters.

Eimeren did the bouquet and the flowers for the entourage, while their daughters, Leila and Sarah, were the flower girls at the wedding.

Alcasid's marriage to Eimeren was annulled last June 21.

Alcasid and Velasquez became a couple in 2007. According to Velasquez, Alcasid proposed to her at a restaurant while she was eating steak.

Alcasid gave her an heirloom ring from his mother as an engagement ring.

Honeymoon
In a previous interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Velasquez divulged that she and Alcasid won't have a honeymoon after their Christian wedding.

She said she and Alcasid will instead spend time with their family, including bonding moments with Alcasid's former wife.

The singers have been living under the same roof for three years now, and Velasquez said “it’s actually one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.”

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with Alcasid, he said he's planning to take Velasquez to Europe after their Christmas bonding with their family.

“Sabi ko kay Regine na huwag muna kaming mag-beach. Gusto kong mag-Europe kami dahil hindi pa kami nakakapag-Europe dalawa. And there’s a very romantic place in Italy called Positano. I really want to take her there,” he said.

*Photos taken from Rajo Laurel's Twitter account.

Source:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/22/10/regine-velasquez-ogie-alcasid-tie-knot

PEP.ph | (updated) Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez are now officially husband and wife

Report by Karen Pagsolingan
Text by Mark Angelo Ching and Erwin Santiago
Thursday, December 23, 2010, 07:00 AM

(This article was originally posted on December 22, 5:13 PM)

Kasal na sina Ogie Alcasid at Regine Velasquez.

Naganap ang kasal ng dalawang singers sa Terrazas de Punta Fuego, isang beach resort, sa Nasugbu, Batangas, kaninang bandang alas-tres ng hapon, December 22, at natapos ito bago 5 p.m.

Ayon kay Karen Pagsolingan, ang representative ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) na dumalo sa wedding, naluha sina Ogie at Regine habang nag-e-exchange ng kanilang wedding vows. Ibinigay ng dalawa ang kanilang vows sa pamamagitan ng kanta.

Sa isang bahagi ng wedding vow ni Ogie ay sinabi niyang, "I'll be your number one Reginean, your Brad Pitt, and Justin Bieber..."

Bilang bahagi ng kanyang wedding vow, inawit ng Asia's Songbird ang "Di Ko Malimutan" ng APO Hiking Society. Nangako siyang mamahalin niya si Ogie, na ayon sa kanya ay "cute na cute" siya.

Nanghingi na rin si Regine ng paumanhin kay Ogie dahil minsan ay nasusungitan niya ito, ganun daw yata ang malapit nang "mag-menopause." Tawanan ang mga bisita sa kanyang biro.

Tinapos naman ni Regine ang kanyang wedding vow sa linyang ito: "I've never felt so happy all my life."

Nakasuot si Regine ng bright red gown, na gawa ni Monique Lhuillier. Si Ogie naman ay naka-coat and tie...

Continue reading here:
http://www.pep.ph/news/27740/Ogie-Alcasid-Regine-Velasquez-are-now-officially-husband-and-wife!

PEP.ph | Christian Bautista wants to explore a new sound for 2011; reveals his wish for Ogie and Regine

by Mark Angelo Ching
Wednesday, December 22, 2010, 04:24 PM

Hindi matawaran ang pasasalamat ng singer na si Christian Bautista dahil maganda ang itinakbo ng 2010 para sa kanya, hindi lang sa kanyang recording career kundi sa acting na rin.

Nakausap ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) si Christian sa pagpirma niya ng isang endorsement deal noong Huwebes, Disyembre 16, sa Johnny Rockets, Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Sa panayam na ito ay ikinuwento ni Christian ang mga nangyari sa kanyang career ngayong taon. Idinetalye rin ng singer, na sikat na sikat sa Southeast Asia, ang iba pang mga personal na bagay.

"The music career is doing very well," saad ni Christian. "The Romance Revisited album is triple platinum. Just a Love Song in Indonesia is double platinum. I might go to some Asian countries next year."

Para raw sa 2011, naghahanap si Christian ng bagong tunog, para na rin ma-excite ang kanyang mga tagahanga.

"Yun nga, I wanna do something else next year. I wanna do something exciting. I wanna do something different.

"In terms of music, I'm looking for a new sound. I actually tweeted it. I tweeted, 'Who has a song, any song. Email me...'

Continue reading here:
http://www.pep.ph/news/27739/Christian-Bautista-wants-to-explore-a-new-sound-for-2011;-reveals-his-wish-for-Ogie-and-Regine/1/1

2NE1 is the Most Downloaded Female Singer of 2010

Whose songs were most downloaded as mobile ringtones in 2010?

Nowadays, the music industry places a special significance to the no. 1 downloaded ringtone, compared to topping music programs or album charts. That is because ringtones not only reach out to music fans, but also normal people who inevitably hear the ringtone anywhere when someone’s cell phone rings. Also, ringtone music is heard most frequently on a daily basis by those who download them over music from other sources.

For the honors of top downloaded ringtones in 2010 (2009 Nov 30 ~ 2010 Nov 30), Lee Seung Chul’s ‘That person’ sold a record 634,745 ringtones while the Most Downloaded Female Singers were 2NE1′s ‘Go Away’ with 547,325 ringtones.

Lee Seung Chul, well-known as one of the judges in ‘Superstar K 2′, lives up to his name as the ‘king of rock ballads’ by singing the most downloaded ringtone. He surprised many music industry because it was expected that the top downloads would be of female artistes or girl groups.

In overall second place for most downloaded song belonged to Homme (Chang Min and Lee Hyun)’s ‘Just eat well’ (602,800 ringtones), 2NE1 in 3rd place, 2AM’s ‘I can’t let you go even if I die’ in 4th place (498,311), IU’s ‘Nagging’ in 5th place (492,456).

Credit: shuus@vscoop
Source: OSEN via apl25 @ YGLadies

Koreaboo | SM Entertainment releases S.M. The Ballad iTunes application

S.M. The Ballad officially has an iTunes application for their mini-album! In this application, fans can enjoy the newly released songs, the "Miss You" music video, and an image gallery in high quality. There is also a clock available in the application. You can currently download the application for your iPhone for no charge. So make sure to check out the iTunes store soon!

iPhone applications that SM Entertainment has released thus far include SNSD's "Hoot and "Run Devil Run", SHINee's "Hello", TRAX's "Oh My Goddess", BoA's "Copy&Paste", f(x)'s "Nu ABO", and Super Junior's "Bonamana".

Source: @KumikaUniverse, @Linds3ySon1a and iTunes
Posted by uni @ Koreaboo

Allkpop | Super Junior's Donghae, Ryeowook release “Just Like Now”

Super Junior’s Donghae, Ryeowook release “Just Like Now” for “It’s Okay, Daddy’s Daughter” OST

Yesterday, we reported that Super Junior’s Donghae and Ryeowook were going to team up to deliver a track for the “It’s Okay, Daddy’s Daughter” OST.

Titled “Just Like Now“, it’s a light acoustic ballad that’s quite soothing and sincere. Reportedly, Donghae had composed the song immediately after reading the script.

Check it out here:

Posted by asphodel @ Allkpop

Allkpop | Super Junior's Donghae, Ryeowook & 4Minute participate in OST for “It’s Okay, Daddy’s Daughter”

Super Junior’s Donghae and 4minute’s Nam Jihyun will be participating in the OST for their drama, SBS’s “It’s Okay, Daddy’s Daughter.”

Donghae, who plays the role of ‘Wook Ki’, a strong young man of sound character, will be releasing his self-composed track, “Like Now.” The song is described to be a warm acoustic ballad, suitable for the winter season; it’s also a duet with fellow Super Junior member, Ryeowook.

The song was said to have been composed moments after reading the script for “It’s Okay, Daddy’s Daughter”, and embodies Donghae’s affection for his debut drama.

4minute’s Nam Jihyun, who plays the role of cute and preppy ‘Shin Sun Hae,’ will be joining the rest of her 4minute members for “One Thing,” an emotional song with a sweet melody and loving lyrics. It will also feature some rap, so it’s sure to be an interesting track to listen to.

Both songs will be released in the “It’s Okay, Daddy’s Daughter OST Part 3” on December 23rd.

Watch these clips:

“It’s Okay, Daddy’s Daughter” clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD2UqqI1fnI

Donghae and Ryeowook "Just Like Now" audio clip:

Source: TV Daily via Nate
Posted by VITALSIGN @ Allkpop

Allkpop | Hangeng wins lawsuit over SM Entertainment

On December 21st, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, Super Junior’s Hankyung, in the lawsuit he filed against his agency, SM Entertainment.

The Department of Justice stated, “All three contracts – from the January 2003 contract, the altered contract from February 2007, and the affiliated contract from December 2007 – do not exist.”

Hankyung had filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment in December of 2009 claiming, “I cannot maintain an unjust contract.”

Meanwhile, an SM Entertainment representative spoke with MyDaily in the aftermath of the decision and stated, “We cannot accept the result. We will file an immediate appeal to reverse the decision.”

Source: Newsis, MyDaily via Nate
Posted by VITALSIGN @ Allkpop