JM De Guzman

Finally! JM De Guzman’s 2^nd album is now available in all record bars for only P250.

Prior to its release in the market, I was able to preview the songs from this album titled ‘Tensionado’. My personal favorites are ‘Terrified’ (duet with Acoustic Diva Suy) &  ‘Have I Told You Lately’ by Rod Stewart. His soothing voice, relax singing style and current emotional state (heartbroken) indeed added more drama and depth to the songs.

Release under Ivory Music & Video, ‘Tensionado’ is a collection of JM renditions of his favorite songs featuring “Lost In Space” by Lighthouse Family, “Don’t Give Up On Us” by David Soul and Tensionado by Soapdish.  Also a collaboration with singer Jaq Dionisio of Kiss Jane in the hit Itchyworms song “Akin Ka Na Lang”, which is the album’s carrier single.  

‘Tensionado’ Album has 8 tracks, 6 revivals and 2 original compositions. ‘Warrior’ an acoustic ballad about searching for one’s self in this endless journey about love and also ‘Stupidest’ about unrequited love.

Tensionado Album Launch will be on March 8 at Trinoma Mall followed by these Mallshows:

March 9 – Robinsons Forum

March 10 – Robinsons Angeles

March 16 – Robinsons Palawan

March 17 – Robinsons Calasiao

The carrier single 'Akin Ka Na Lang' is already available for download here at MyMusicStore while the rest of the songs before February ends.

This year, JM De Guzman will have 2 movies with Star Cinema and an upcoming Teleserye as he just recently renewed his contract with Star Magic.

By the way, I first met JM on January of 2011 at Starbucks ABS-CBN. He joined me and my friends and there we had a little conversation about his show at that time ‘Precious Heart Romances Alyna’.  

JM has always been sweet, romantic, soft-spoken and accommodating. I have experienced how he is as a celebrity and more to how as a person. Very passionate in everything; from singing to acting and even when it comes to loving. He knows his role as real prince to girls out there. A real gentleman who takes good care of every woman he is with, from co-actors  to his fans.

I’m sure many of you would agree with me that other than being incredibly good as an actor & singer, He is also undeniably telegenic. He can even make anyone say yes to him just by his facial gestures.

The last time I saw him was just last December during the Red Carpet Premiere Screening of his MMFF Entry movie ‘The Strangers’ under Star Cinema.

Here are photos of JM I took when I visited him 3 months ago on the set of #Angelito prior to its ending with an exclusive video for all of you guys!
(Click on the photo to view larger)

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Luigi D’Avola

Mecca Music, headed by Champ Lui Pio; is proud to announce the launch of its new artist Luigi D’Avola (pronounced as Da-vola).

I’ve already heard a lot about Luigi through Champ’s stories & tweets as well as from a friend Mario Colmenares prior to actually meeting him the first time at the Anniversary of Champ’s Charity; The Tree House Daycare where he sang for the kids.

Much to my surprise He sounded like David Archuleta. He got my attention as well my friends who were with me at the event. We even stood up & cheered for him while giving him a round of applause. Right there,  I already knew something big is coming his way not only because he is guided by the incredibly awesome Champ Lui Pio who has all the experiences & learnings to share to him but also because of the talent & the voice he has to offer.  

I think I met Luigi 4 or 5 times already and I was able to observe him not just as a newbie artist but also as a person. He is really nice, accommodating and sweet and all these add more points to his good looks.

Luigi was first introduced through SMART Telecomm’s LIVE MORE campaign with a music video for the song “It’s Your Life” joining Somedaydream and Champ. 'It's your Life' was written by Pete Davis & James Banburry. A song of encouragement which was delivered well vocally; with an electro-pop rhythm.

Currently, Luigi’s first single ‘Take A Chance’ is already on MYX Top 15 just 2 weeks after its released with over 20,000 views on Youtube. ‘Take A Chance’ is a saccharine bubble-gum pop track that speaks about moving way beyond limits. His full album is set to come out next month.

Eighteen-year-old Luigi is half-Filipino & half-Italian was born and raised in Cebu. 

Now, He is doing live performances across Metro Manila with a growing fan base on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.  Here are some sites and link for you guys as well as ‘Take A Chance’ Music Video.

P.S. I took the photo of Champ & Luigi above last year at the Muntinlupa Fire Station.

To download “Take a Chance” on My Music Store: http://www.mymusicstore.com.ph/music/508638/Take-A-Chance.html

To download “Take a Chance” on  iTunes Philippines: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/take-a-chance-single/id594398347?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

To vote “Take a Chance” on MYX: http://www.myxph.com/default.aspx

For more information on Mecca Music’s artists, please visit:   

Website- www.meccaph.com

Luigi on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/luigidavolaofficial

Luigi on Twitter- https://twitter.com/Luigi_Davola

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Alden Richards

I haven't really been blogging about GMA Celebrities other than Sid Lucero & Rafael Rosell. I met these guys even before they signed an exclusive contract with GMA-7. But now I am please to announce that I am adding to that list this young & handsome Alden Richards as he signs up with Universal Records. 

He has proven mettle as an actor in various TV projects, making him one of the fastest rising stars of GMA 7. 

Alden joins the elite roster of local artists of Universal Records like Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Christian Bautista, Jaya, Noel Cabangon, JayR, Richard Poon, Gloc-9, premiere bands like Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Calla Lily, Sponge Cola, and Sam Concepcion.

Present during the contract signing are David Fabros and Simoun Ferrer of GMA Artist Center and Universal Records’ General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go and Operations Manager Peter Chan.

Alden’s album is set to be released in a few months, and will include some of Alden’s favorite songs. He is also to come out in a new Teleserye with Louise delos Reyes. 

A follow up entry about him and his album will come out soon on my column once I get to have a sit down interview with him. 

For now, grab a copy of Garage Magazine with Alden on the cover. 

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GRAMMY Nominees

Capitol Records, through PolyEast Records, will release the 2013 GRAMMY Nominees album.

Now available in the market which features 22 critically-acclaimed smash hits from a myriad of chart-topping artists from various genres for only P455. 

The 19th edition of the best-selling collection includes many of the most widely recognized GRAMMY categories representing nominees for Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Album.

In time for the upcoming 55^th Annual GRAMMY Awards to be staged in LA on February 11, the album features big hits from artists like Coldplay, Katy Perry, Adele, Bruce Springsteen, Muse, Maroon 5 feat Wiz Khalifa, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Jack White, Pink, Gotye feat Kimbra, FUN feat Janelle Monae, Florence + The Machine, Carly Rae Jepsen, Ed Sheeran, Mumford and Sons, Frank Ocean.

The album is made possible by a special arrangement with all of the major music distribution companies and rotates labels from year to year. A portion of the proceeds from the album benefit the MusiCares Foundation and the GRAMMY Foundation— two charitable organizations established by The Recording Academy. 

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Grammys

Star World brings viewers the biggest awards shows and red carpet events this February 2013. I don't need to add anything on this Press Release since this is already very detailed. 

Find out which films and which stars will garner the most honors at these prestigious occasions, and marvel at the celebrities as they parade up the red carpet and set the fashion world abuzz in their stunning designer suits and gowns.

Star World is proud to be broadcasting The 55th Grammy Awards LIVE this Monday, February 11 at 9 AM to give you a sumptuous breakfast of amazing musical performances and the who’s who of the global music industry waiting to be honored for their contributions to music. 

The Grammy Awards have been celebrating for more than fifty years the music and artists who have touched the hearts and souls of people around the world, and this year’s event, to be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, promises to be the biggest effort to carry on this noble tradition. A total of 81 awards will be given away this year, including three new categories: Best Classical Compendium, Best Latin Jazz Album, and Best Urban Contemporary Album. An astounding roster of artists are set to perform onstage for Music’s Biggest Night, including the usual suspects Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake as well as legends like Sting and Elton John. The Grammys will also pay tribute to the late Levon Helm of The Band with Zac Brown, T Bone Burnett (as musical director), Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard, Elton John, Mumford & Sons, and Mavis Staples. Meanwhile, Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea and Kenny Garrett will also perform a touching tribute to jazz legend Dave Brubeck.

On Saturday, the 16th of February at 8PM, get your snacks and comfy pajamas ready to spend an exciting night at home watching The 18th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. This year, the critics loved Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” so much that it received a record-breaking 13 nominations, which bested the 12 nominations of 2011’s “Black Swan”. This year’s contenders for Best Film didn’t disappoint, though, with “Les Miserables” coming close at 11 nominations, “Life of Pi” earning 9 nominations, and “Argo,” “The Master” and “Skyfall” each garnering 7 nominations. Tune in to Star World at 8 PM on February 16 to see who the critics honored the most and which films knocked their movie-loving socks off!

Celebrity buffs should plan to stay at home on the following Saturday night as well because on February 23 at 8PM, Star World will be showing The 19th Screen Actors Guild Awards, the industry’s most beloved awards show that exclusively honors performers voted for by their peers in the acting industry. Vying for the 13 awards for acting in film and television are the most talented performers the industry has seen, with nominees for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role including Bradley Cooper for “Silver Linings Playbook,” Hugh Jackman for his outstanding performance in “Les Miserables” and Daniel Day Lewis for “Lincoln.”

February 2013 not only signifies love but also the allure of the red carpet on Star World!

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Jessy Mendiola

This must be a really good year for the 20-year old actress Jessy Mendiola who is currently on the cover of 3 Magazines this month of February 2013.

Wearing Gucci & Emporio Armani pieces on the Metro Magazine, shot by the renowned Raymund Isaac. A Sensual Pose on Sense & Style Mag with PHRParaiso co-star Mateo Guidicelli photographed by Sara Black showing her sexy body and flawless legs on Circuit Magazine (An event magazine serving as handbook to all the hottest gatherings & hippest destinations in and around the Metro).

Jessy was also recently invited to go back to Korea to do a cover shoot with a Korean Magazine coming out next month. The invitation came in after the good response she got when she attended the Korean Broadcasting System's Second World Date last October of 2012; meeting the members of the popular K-Pop band Shinee together with other delegates from other countries. She was surprised that people in Korea recognized her. She even got a doze of their hospitality.

Currently, She is seen every afternoon on the Kapamilya Gold Teleserye ‘Precious Heart Romances PARAISO’. More viewers now are starting to appreciate her beauty & her talent on acting. Even more so when she was on ‘Budoy’ & ‘Sabel’.

What I like about Jessy is that she knows her priorities in life. Her family & her career. She is a breadwinner and a very caring & loving sister & daughter. She is also focused and dedicated to work. I have been a witnessed to those ever since the very 1^st time I met her during the promotion of her 1^st Sunday Show ‘BoysTown’ with Enchong Dee & Robi Domingo. I saw how sweet she is not just to her mom & sisters but also to her friends, co-workers & fans. She may look breakable & sensitive, but behind that aura she displays and the beauty & class she exudes is a lady fighter who will never let any negativities and problems bring her down, instead she uses those as stairs to go up and be the best that she can be.

She's no longer gonna be a part of the upcoming Teleserye of ABSCBN; ‘Against All Odds’ which stars Judy Ann Santos and will be replaced by Empress Schuck.  This is because she will be in a title project anytime soon which I can't share for now.

Here are photos of Jessy I took when I visited her with an exclusive video. 
(Click on the photo to view larger)

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