“Faithful” adjudged best inspirational song in the 43rd CMMA

“Faithful”, a song about personal reflection on the many times that a person has experienced God’s faithfulness in one’s life, won Best Inspirational Song in the 43rd Catholic Mass Media Awards. Composed by renowned songwriter Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes, the woman behind such OPM classics as Basil Valdez’s “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga”, Kuh Ledesma’s “I Think I’m In Love”, Martin Nievera’s “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin”, and Gary Valenciano’s “Reaching Out”, “Faithful” was interpreted by X-Factor UK and The Voice Philippines contender, Alisah Bonaobra, who recently signed with San Francisco-based RJA Productions headed by Rosabella Jao-Arribas. The 43rd CMMA’s Best Inspirational Song was arranged by Eugene Nick Parpana, mixed and mastered by Dante Tañedo, with Arnie Mendaros serving as vocal coach.

Learning of the great news, Alisah said, “Honestly, I am really surprised. Not that I don’t trust our song, but with the other nominees for the Best Inspirational Song Category, being nominated is already a tremendous achievement. Until now, I still can’t believe that we won. Praise God!”

Upon knowing that “Faithful” was declared Best Inspirational Song in the 43rd CMMA, Cecile, who is now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, shared, “I just lost my mom last month and my dad last May. My first thought upon learning of this wonderful news is how I wished my parents were still around. This news would have made them so happy and proud of their daughter.”

Both the RJA Productions talent and the acclaimed composer were deeply grateful when they received the recognition.

Alisah expressed, “My heart is overflowing with gratitude to accept this award on behalf of the whole team. I am deeply honored to interpret this song which is Best Inspirational Song at the 43rd Catholic Mass Media Awards. To God be all the highest Glory! To all the wonderful people behind the Catholic Mass Media Awards, thank you very much for this recognition. This means so much to me and to the whole team. To Miss Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes, the magnificent composer of “Faithful”, I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to interpret your song. I will forever hold this memorable experience in my heart.”

“To my RJA Productions family, my heartfelt thanks for the tremendous amount of support you have given to this song. To my manager, Tita Rosabella Arribas, thank you for always trusting me. To my RLAJ Fam, Furbabies, Alisah Warriors, friends and supporters, thank you so much for the love, motivation, and support. Lastly, to all the people watching tonight, please keep the faith. God is faithful. Maraming salamat po!” she concluded.

While Cecile said “I dedicate this win to my personal Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift and to whom I give all the glory, honor and praise.”

As the country is still dealing with the aftermath of typhoon Odette, Alisah and Cecile also gave words of encouragement to the people most affected by the calamity.

“Never give up and stay faithful to God, because God never gave up on us. Life is always not fair, but God is always faithful. A thousand times I failed yet God’s mercy still remains. God will take care of you when you trust Him,” Alisah said.

Cecile stated, “Although things may happen that are difficult to understand, even in our darkest moments, do not lose hope, there’s a reason for everything. Hold on to your faith and just continue to put your trust in God.”

Truly uplifting words from these God-fearing women that are in the same vein of the message of their song “Faithful”.

To watch the music video of the song “Faithful”:

Alisah is releasing a new song “Muli’t Muli” through her label RJA Productions and will be available on all digital platforms starting Dec. 31, 2021. The song’s music and lyrics were provided by Kevin Montillano and Kiko Salazar; music arrangement, mix and master were rendered by Kiko Salazar. For more information about RJA Productions visit. https://www.facebook.com/rjaproductions/

Eastwood City – QC New Year Countdown to 2022

Spend the final night of 2021 with LIVE concert as Megaworld Lifestyle malls and Quezon City LGU brings back the yearly tradition New Year Countdown which will be held on December 31 at Eastwood Mall Open Park. The celebration will feature performances by Darren Espanto, Zild, and Leanne & Naara. The event will capped off with dazzling star drop and grand fireworks display at midnight.

Have the best view of the night by securing a group pod for 4 pax at our exclusive alfresco dining areas!

Ticket Prices:
Gold – Center: P6,000
Silver – Left Wing: Php3,000
Silver – Right Wing: Php3,000
*Each ticket comes with a set of food & beverage good for 4pax
Food will be served strictly from 8pm-9pm only

BOOK TICKETS:
On-site: Mall Concierge Booth at the GF Eastwood Mall
Online: https://ticketnet.com.ph/events/detail/Eastwood-City-New-Year-Countdown-to-2022

PERKS:

GOLD TICKET
F&B inclusions:
-Black pepper beef skewers with sea urchin
-Pork floss on toast with truffle cheese and chives
-A bottle of red or white wine

SILVER TICKET
F&B inclusions:
-Cold cuts and Cheese
-Sobrasada on toast with chili
-A bottle of red or white wine

FAQs:
-1 ticket includes 1 alfresco group pod good for maximum of 4pax (regardless of age)
-guests may bring in other food & drinks provided that they purchase from Eastwood restaurants (receipts shall be verified at the entrance gates)
-all guests must be fully-vaccinated and will be required to present their vax cards upon entering

SEAT LAYOUT

DJ Loonyo Joins Forces With Gloc-9 For New Hypnotic Dance Single “Bakit”

This 2021, we already saw him serenade hearts with “Sakin Ka Na Lang”, groove to the summer anthem “Dance Under The Sun”, and pay tribute to all the frontliners in “Kaya Natin ‘To”. But if you think you’ve seen it all from DJ Loonyo this year, you gotta prepare your senses for what is to come.

The famous TikTok star turned rising Universal Records recording artist is about to go full throttle as he joins forces with one of the most decorated hip-hop artists here in the Philippines, the one and only Makata Sa Pinas, Gloc-9!

Prepare yourselves for the next big party as they present to you this new banger called “Bakit”, out now! The new dance track marks the artists’ first collaboration ever and with its hypnotic tune, you’ll surely get off your phones and get on the dance floor. DJ Loonyo really considers this as his ultimate dream collab and he’s on cloud nine because it finally happened.

The song thrives in its lush modern funk vibe and bouncy beats that perfectly encapsulates the message of falling for someone you can’t help thinking about for a long time.

DJ Loonyo celebrated the release of the official music video for “Bakit” via a quick TikTok livestream. And as an advance Christmas treat, he also announced the “BAKIT” Dance Challenge there and showed the fresh and official dance steps.

Additionally, Gloc-9 is “back home” as he re-signed with Universal Records earlier this week, making this surprising team up with DJ Loonyo even more special.

The new impactful dance song “Bakit” is now out on your favorite digital streaming platforms under Universal Records.

Tarsier Records caps the year off with a livestream of gratitude entitled “TY 2021”

Tarsier Records’ Class of 2021 signs off with a gift to music fans worldwide, showcasing live performances as the artists spread gratitude and say thank you to the year that has passed.

“TY 2021”—which references the label’s Class of 2021 execution earlier this year (Tarsier Yearbook 2021) as well as simply being a way of saying “Thank You 2021”—is streaming live on December 29 (Wednesday), 8PM on the YouTube channels of Tarsier Records, ABS-CBN Star Music, and One Music PH.

The line-up is top billed by legends such as Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan, Bugoy Drilon, and Sam Concepcion and completed with fresh performances from this year’s new signees: TikTok sensation Zion Aguirre; Spotify RADAR Philippines artist allen&elle; a poppin’ new girl group New Flame; and former “The X Factor UK” contestant and member of United Vibe, Jon Guelas, to name a few. Fans can also look out for a special treat from “Monarch’ star and Tarsier artist, Inigo Pascual.

The live online concert will run for a full hour and will feature never-before-heard live versions of Tarsier’s original releases. Viewers can join the celebrations for free in the comfort of their own homes.

To find out more about “TY 2021,” follow Tarsier Records on its social media accounts @tarsierrecords.

Tarsier Records was established in 2017 as the international arm of ABS-CBN Music with a roster of eight artists and a goal of connecting the local scene with the global market. Four years later and as the curtains close on 2021, that number has grown to over 25 artists with nearly 200 songs in their catalog. Keep an eye out because this family has big plans in 2022.

Rising Rap Star Hero Spreads Holiday Cheer In “Araw Ng Kapaskuhan”

The talented 21-year-old proudly brings us “Araw Ng Kapaskuhan”, spreading glad tidings this holiday season. Once again, Hero shows off his might in penning distinctly elegant verses, pulling out all stops in this four-minute jubilant Christmas treat.

The way he vividly describes “Paskong Pinoy” in his own and unique perspective is a laudable feat. He reminds everyone to be happy and forget all the bad vibes even just for this very special day of the year. “Wala munang konsumisyon / Lahat tayo dapat maligaya,” Hero raps on top of the thumping hip-hop beat.

Just like his debut single “Katulad” which rapidly became a popular track in TikTok, “Araw Ng Kapaskuhan” is produced by Russel “Goodson” Tiquia.

Just two weeks ago, Hero unveiled his second single “Reyna”. Since becoming part of the Universal Records artist roster not long ago, he’s been blessing us with a barrage of high-quality tracks. Just imagine the more exciting things he could possibly offer to all of us next year!

“Araw Ng Kapaskuhan” gracefully landed on Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines playlist this week. Make sure to take a listen to this Christmas rap song right now on your favorite digital streaming platforms.

Joe & The Anchor releases powerful piano ballad, ‘Leaving You Now’

Indie-pop band Joe & The Anchor release new piano ballad ‘Leaving You Now’ – an emotional break-up song about experiencing first love, to grow apart and realizing there is nothing left in the relationship worth fighting for. The singer Joakim’s powerful yet emotional voice goes straight to the heart.

“Leaving You Now has been with us for a long time. We’ve all been in that situation, when the first real love of your life turns into your first heartbreak. We tried to really capture that feeling when we wrote this song” – JATA about the song.

The single is the second one from their upcoming album ‘Coming of Age’ which explores the feelings of growing up, the fragility of life, love, and taking things for granted. Following a difficult few month when the band members had to experience the harsh reality of loss, Joe & The Anchor decided to process the events through music. During a hectic and focused period of time, the band wrote and recorded what would later develop into a full-length album, which will be released during the spring of 2022.

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/7F2F0XCtbNTLFbJpNoVd01

Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/joe-the-anchor/742094182

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/joeandtheanchor/
https://www.instagram.com/joeandtheanchorph/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Joeandtheanchor
https://www.facebook.com/joeandtheanchorphilippines

Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/JoeTheAnchor

No Rome Releases Debut Album ‘It’s All Smiles’, Out Now on Dirty Hit

No Rome releases his highly anticipated debut album ‘It’s All Smiles’. Recorded in a small apartment in Manila after the pandemic prevented him returning to London, the album was co-produced by Rome with BJ Burton (Kanye West, Bon Iver, Charli XCX) and George Daniel (The 1975). Also revealed today is the video for ‘Remember November’, shot in Manila and directed by Paco Raterta, who also worked with Rome on the videos for ‘She Comes Around’ and ‘I Want U’.

In every sense of the phrase, ‘It’s All Smiles’ finds No Rome returning to his roots, both in terms of location and influences. As is immediately obvious from ‘When She Comes Around’, the record is the most refined expression of Rome’s self-coined term ‘Shoegaze R&B’. Vocal lines are indebted to the intense emotions expressed in R&B and run beautifully across highly textured production and instrumentation. Like Kevin Shields, the architect of My Bloody Valentine, No Rome paints with his production, taking straight-forward guitar playing and complicating it with the tools at his disposal.

New single ‘I Want U’ received its first play from Zane Lowe this week. As Rome explains, it began life in 2019 and helped form the foundations of the album

“this is the first song me and BJ worked on – that’s when we knew we were gonna make this album together. I wanted to do the lyrics more like talking, storytelling almost, painting the picture of what was happening that moment thru lyrics”

Originally written in the back of a tour bus in Las Vegas but never progressed beyond a demo, Rome picked the single back up last summer in Manila and this time it clicked. The final version features some of Rome’s finest lyricism to date and includes a host of found sounds in the beat—a nod to the DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing and other plunderphonics records that Rome obsessed over.

The track list for ‘It’s All Smiles’ is:

  1. Space Cowboy
  2. How Are You Feeling?
  3. I Want U
  4. ITS NOT LOV33 (Winter In London)
  5. When She Comes Around
  6. Secret Beach
  7. Issues (After Dark)
  8. Remember November / Bitcrush Yr Life
  9. A Place Where Nobody Knows
  10. Everything

Festive celebration for Smart Gigaplay customers with Round-the-Clock K-Entertainment in revamped tvN Channel

Fans of Korean Entertainment in Philippines had their wishes answered as tvN channel will be revamped to provide more and faster Korean dramas, variety programs and movies starting December 15!

To launch this revamped tvN Premium channel, CJ ENM HK with WILBROS Entertainment is partnering with the leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) for its first-ever linear channel service, bringing the best Korean pop culture and entertainment onto their GigaPlay app. More than 70 million Smart mobile subscribers can now watch all the exciting contents from tvN anytime, anywhere. This is an expansion of existing partnership where SMART continuously host CJ ENM’s iconic K-POP events such as Mnet Asia Music Awards & KCON online events since 2020.

Smart Communications, Inc., commonly referred to as Smart, is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., a telecommunications and digital services provider based in the Philippines. Recently, Smart launched the GigaPlay App, a new and handy streaming app especially developed to bring a suite of sports and entertainment content to subscribers for free. Now downloadable on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, GigaPlay especially curated live and on-demand content that are optimized to stream seamlessly on the country’s fastest mobile network. The app is available to all Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid, TNT, and Smart Bro subscribers, who only have to connect to their mobile data, select the video they want on the GigaPlay app, and watch it to their hearts content anytime and anywhere.

“We’re happy to collaborate with CJ ENM because K-content is truly close to Smart when it comes to service. We’ve been constantly listening to our customers as we enable our subscribers to pursue their passions despite the limitations of our current situation. GigaPlay plays a key role in our innovations platform because it delivers access to amazing experiences at their fingertips – and K-content is one of the main offers we have on the app alongside live sports, music and entertainment.” Jane J. Basas, Smart SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business

Starting 15 December at 10am, Smart GigaPlay customers will be able to join the global fandom of tvN’s tentpole drama Jirisan with daily marathon of series that cumulates in the final episodes on 18 and 19 December, 9.15pm. Be engaged with this mystery drama set against the series that backdrop of the vast scenery of Mount Jiri featuring the beloved Gianna Jun (My Sassy Girl, My Love from the Star) marking her return to the small screen after 5 years and Ju Ji-Hoon (Kingdom, Hyena).

Fans of Oppa Rain and Kim Bum won’t want to miss their new fantasy + medical drama – GHOST DOCTOR (premieres 04 Jan 2022, every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.15pm). The drama talks about an arrogant and selfish doctor Young-min getting involved in an unusual case, which transfers his spirit to another doctor’s body. With different personalities, will they be able to coexist in one body? Taking over after Ghost Doctor is an action/ romance drama – MILITARY PROSECUTOR DO BAR MAN starring Ahn Bo-hyun and Cho Bo-ah, about the story of Do Bae-man who became a military prosecutor for money meets Cha Woo-in, who became a military persecutor for revenge. Fighting against the corruption within the military, they grow up to become the ‘true’ military prosecutors. Don’t miss these 2 exciting new dramas coming your way express from Korea after its broadcast.

Fans of the trendiest variety programs are in for a treat as we bring you all these new shows from Korea starting with the latest season of IDOL DICTATION CONTEST S2 (premieres 20 Dec, Every Mon 9pm), a spin-off from the popular Amazing Saturday is hosted by MC Boom with a star-studded cast of idols including Super Junior’s Eunhyuk, Lee Jin Ho, Jaejae, VIXX’s Ravi, Lovelyz’s Mijoo, Choi Ye Na and Stary Kids’ Lee Know playing games, listening to snippets of songs and writing down the correct lyrics in order to win the prize of delicious food from all over Korea. A new reality show, LOVE CATCHER IN SEOUL (Every Tuesday, 10.20pm) is a dating psychological game played by ‘love catchers’ who participate for searching true love and ‘money catchers’ who only aim for money hosted by Son Ho Jun, Jang Do Yeon, Sunny, Loco, and Miyeon@(G)I-DLE.

From 08 January 2022, viewers can also look forward to a brand-new movie belt on tvN every Saturday at 9.15pm. Be delighted by romantic comedies like Officer of the Year, Two Faces of My Girlfriend, The Beast and the Beauty, action thriller like Fatal Encounter, A Company Man, The Witch: Part 1 The Subversion. You can expect to catch all your favourite Korean stars like Hyun Bin, Cho Jung-seok, So Ji-sub, Shin Min-A, Lee Sun-yun, Han Ji-min, Kim Da-mi, Bong Tae-gyu, Choi Woo-shik and many more here.

To add on the festive cheers, tvN has curated a #tvN2021Number1Playlist to keep fans entertained with a slew of best-rated programs, starting with the marathon of thriller drama HAPPINESS starring Han Hyo Joo, Park Hyung Sik and Jo Woo Jin (22 – 23 Dec, 12.15pm onwards), SPRING CAMP (24 Dec, 2.30pm onwards), THE SIXTH SENSE (25 – 29 Dec, 2.30pm onwards) brand new comedy drama, WORK LATER, DRINK NOW here starring Lee Sun-bin, Han Sun-hwa, Jeong Eun-ji, and Choi Si-won (25 – 27 Dec, 9.30pm onwards) and 3 MEALS A DAY: FISHING VILLAGE 5 (30 – 31 Dec, 2.30pm onwards). If you have missed the world’s No. 1 K-POP Music Awards 2021 MAMA, you won’t want to miss the encore telecast of the award shows on New Year’s Day (01 Jan 2022, 2.30pm). Round off the celebration with 2021 WORLD K-POP CONCERT (02 Jan 2022, 2.30pm), an event aimed at comforting Korean Wave fans and delivering a message of hope to overcome the pandemic featuring K-POP stars like NCT DREAM, SHINee KEY, aespa, ITZY, PENTAGON, Simon Dominic, Loco, and BraveGirls as well as American pop star Kehlani.

“It is evident Hallyu fever is on an all-time high in Philippines with fans who are extremely loyal to their idols and it will only continue to get bigger and more influential. Our continuous partnership with Philippines’ leading mobile services provider, Smart is a dream come true for us to bring all the best premium Korean contents to their customers via their GigaPlay app so that they can now enjoy our channel anywhere they go.” Michael Jung, Managing Director of CJ ENM Hong Kong

#SmartXtvN

#tvNAsia

#BestKoreanEntertainment

@LiveSmart @WilbrosLive

Gracenote Drops Soothingly Melancholic Surprise Song “Apektado”

The loyal fans of Gracenote woke up to a very wonderful surprise as the band dropped a brand-new track “Apektado”, out now under Universal Records.


This latest release from the pop-rock quartet was a sheer delight for their Gracians, since there was no prior announcement or teaser leading up to the drop. Just last week, Gracenote serenaded their fans in a special “Unelectrified” online gig broadcasted on their official Facebook and YouTube pages so who would’ve thought that they’ll unveil a surprise track, right?


According to band vocalist Eunice Jorge, their original plan is to never release new material this year since their aim is just to further promote their latest full-length album Small World.


“Hindi talaga kasi namin plano maglabas ng single this year. Nakafocus talaga kami sa Small World album. Sunud-sunod naming nirerelease ‘yung mga singles pero ‘yun nga, since naging victim kami ng pandemic nahihirapan talaga kami talagang i-promote siya kasi designed siya na tugtugin on ground at talagang i-tour namin siya. So yun, medyo naging iba ang proseso ngayon,” Eunice shares.


Yet, the unexpected happened during the last quarter of 2021. An abrupt material saw the light of day and it thoroughly resonated with Eunice. Thus, “Apektado” was born.


She adds, “So kahit wala kaming plano magrelease ng single outside Small World, biglaang nagkaroon ng material. At noong narinig ko ‘yung material sabi ko, ‘kung kailangan ‘to i-release this year, kakantahin ko ‘to with Gracenote’. So doon na nagbunga, tuluy-tuloy na. Ni-record at binuo na namin siya agad.”


Eunice also describes “Apektado” as a song about that feeling when jealousy goes way too deep and starts to consume and poison your whole being.


“Yung apektado kasi na word, para siyang selos… pero in a deeper level. Kasi ‘pag sinabi mong selos, iniisip mo lang,‘di ba? Nababaliw ka. Pero ‘pag apektado ka na, nararamdaman mo na siya. So ayun ‘yung interpretation ko sa song.”


“Kapag pinakingan mo ‘yung lyrics napaka straightforward n’ya lang.”
The band aimed to craft such an artistically melancholic OPM track, the conventional rock ‘n roll way. Unlike Small World, they decided to set aside electronic elements for this one.


“For this single, iba ‘yung sound nito sa Small World. Hindi kami naglagay ng electronic sound sa song. Gusto naming maramdaman ‘yung emosyon tsaka kaluluwa ng Gracenote sa Apektado. Inareglo talaga namin siya na organic. Nakakaexcite rin. Parang surprise treat na rin namin siya this December. Parang gift naming ngayong Christmas, as in ilalabas namin siya na walang teaser,” E happily tells. The song was recorded at Velvet Playground and was produced by Gracenote.


You can now listen to “Apektado” on your favorite music streaming platforms under Universal Records.

Troy Laureta drops new OPM album “GILIW” feat. All-4-One, Deborah Cox, Ruben Studdard, and more

A year after launching the successful OPM collective “KAIBIGAN,” Filipino-American music director Troy Laureta continues to shine a light on Filipino music in his new album, “GILIW: A Troy Laureta OPM Collective Vol. 2,” featuring more world-renowned singers such as Grammy award-winning artists All-4-One and Deborah Cox and “American Idol” season 2 winner Ruben Studdard.

The 13-track “GILIW” album includes a “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi” duet by Deborah and Ruben and a reimagined version of “Laging Tapat” by American singer Skylar Stecker. Also part of the newly released collective is male R&B and pop group All-4-One for the song “Paano Ang Puso Ko.”

More American artists have given their shot at singing OPM with classical singer Fernando Varela also joining the album with his rendition of “You Are My Song,” while singer-songwriter Shoshana Bean renders her version of the classic ballad “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw.” “Never Enough” singer Loren Allred is also featured in a track with her beautiful rendition of the song “Araw Gabi.”

On the local front, Boy Abunda makes a surprising presence in the album via the “Interlude: Pag-ibig” while Jona sings her version of “Someone To Love Me.” “GILIW” also features the “Kaibigan” intro by former “The Voice Kids Philippines” season 4 contestant Adah.

Joining Troy anew is his sibling Cheesa for the remake of the late 90’s hit “Kaba.” This time, Nicole Scherzinger has a duet with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid for the reimagined version of “Nandito Ako.” Jake Zyrus, also part of the “KAIBIGAN” album, is likewise back for the song “Maghintay Ka Lamang” as well as for the album’s “Outro: “Kung Kita’y Kapiling.”

An initiative of Troy in collaboration with ABS-CBN Music International, “GILIW” follows the well-received “KAIBIGAN” OPM collective, which was released to breathe new life into local classics with fresh interpretation by Filipino and non-Filipino collaborators to promote OPM masterpieces on the international stage.

Check out Troy’s “GILIW” album, now available on music streaming services worldwide. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.