OPM BOY BAND 1:43 TRANSLATES ONLINE POPULARITY TO PHENOMENAL ALBUM SALES

OPM pop sensation 1:43 (pronounced as “one forty-three”) rule the local record bars with their debut album “Time for Love” by consistently being on the top 10 bestselling OPM album charts since it was launched in April.

Now on its third print, the slambum or slambook-album under MCA Music continuously rakes sales and competes with the records of popular OPM artists despite having minimal television and radio exposures. In fact, it landed on the No. 2 spot in Odyssey’s top OPM albums last April. “Time for Love” currently enjoys the No. 4 spot in the Best-selling OPM Album Chart of Astroplus.

1:43’s popularity is likewise evident in their school and campus shows that are always packed with screaming fans, especially teenage girls, that go crazy over them.

“We did not expect this kind of reception because 1:43 isn’t getting so much radio and TV mileages yet. I think their phenomenal sales shows that the boy band’s online popularity is translating into huge album sales,” says talent manager and music producer Chris Cahilig.

1:43 have also conquered the fashion scene by being the new ambassadors of innovative teen retail brand F'g Freshgear. Their bus ads can be seen along the main roads of Metro Manila.

“While there will be big movements in the musical career of 1:43 in the coming months including a music grant from a huge Filipino fast food chain, we are focusing our efforts in bringing the boy band and their brand of OPM pop music closer to their youth fan base,” adds Chris.

1:43 is composed of four talented, charming, and stylish lads, namely, Anjo Resurreccion, a University of Santo Tomas Psychology graduate and a member of a university theater group; Gold Aquino, a Business Administration student from the Centro Escolar University (CEU) and a campus heartthrob; Kim Nicolas, a Nursing student from Trinity University of Asia and a Candy Magazine model; and Yuki Sakamoto, an Hotel and Restaurant Management student from CEU-Makati and the main vocalist of the group. The boy band was initially marketed in social networking sites like Facebook and Youtube before their official release.

“Time for Love” is a collection of feel-good original Pinoy pop songs, including their minus one versions. It also gives music fans a glimpse of the personal lives of the 1:43 members as it features interesting and revealing trivia of the boys, plus their exclusive photos.

The boys of 1:43 are the endorsers of F'g Freshgear

What probably makes “Time for Love” a huge hit among music lovers is the refreshing mix and sounds of the songs as well as their heartfelt lyrics. Critically acclaimed producer and arranger Jonathan Ong of SonicState Studio and brilliant singer-composer and vocal arranger Myrus collaborated with 1:43 to give the album distinct and feel-good energy.

To date, 1:43’s Fanpage in Facebook has garnered over 33, 000 “Likes” and their YouTube videos are being widely circulated.

“Time For Love” by 1:43 is presented by Glitz and Dreamgirl Cosmetics by 4U2 and is supported by F’g Freshgear Jeans and Avida Towers. More information and updates about 1:43 are available in their official Facebook fan page or you may call Chris Cahilig Talent Services at 6647213 or 6872649 and 92.

TUNOG NATIN! FREE OPM CONCERT HOLDS SECOND LEG ON JULY 23

FILIPINOS bring out their best in times of adversity—and now that Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is slowly fading, Filipino artists and audiences are working together to save it.

Efforts are currently focused on the second leg of Tunog Natin free OPM concert series to be held at the grounds of Avida Towers Centera along EDSA Corner Reliance St. on July 23 at exactly 7pm. Presented by Avida Land Corp., the concert showcases the best of Filipino music through the years. It coincides with the launch date of the second tower of Avida Towers Centera, Avida’s latest condominium offering in Mandaluyong City.

Power line-up

The all-OPM repertoire of Tunog Natin will be performed by some of the most respected artists in Filipino music from the 1980s, 1990s to the present.

Aiza Seguerra

Barbie Almalbis

Davey Langit

Faith Cuneta

Kiss Jane

Kitchie Nadal

They include: rock legend The Dawn; pop rock artist Tanya Markova; and pop quartet Kiss Jane; gold record singer-composer Myrus; acoustic prince Davey Langit; and balladeer Faith Cuneta. True Faith, who performed in the first “Tunog Natin!” concert, will be back to please the crowd with their New Wave-pop fusion.

Also in the line-up is singer-songwriter and actress Aiza Seguerra, one of OPM’s biggest, most talented stars.

One of the highlights of the show is undoubtedly the back-to-back performances of Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almalbis, two of the greatest voices in the alternative pop-alternative rock scene. Kitchie’s edgy, intense vocals plus Barbie’s distinctly endearing singing style are a match that will surely wow the audience.

Mitch Valdes

Myrus

Tanya Markova

The Dawn

True Faith

The legendary Mitch Valdes will also be performing. A veteran of music, theater, film and television, Mitch is one of the founders of Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM). She is currently the organization’s Chairman of the Board.

“We want each leg of Tunog Natin to offer something different each time to highlight the richness of OPM. For this second concert, we again exhibit the many genres within OPM—we have a varied, exciting line-up of artists for this show,” says Myrus, Project Head of Tunog Natin.

“I’m also proud to say that we have been consistent in keeping our promise to showcase the very best of OPM. The artists in this second Tunog Natin concert are top-notch. Whether they are younger acts or veteran performers, they are simply the best in their respective genres,” he adds.

OPM all the way

Event presenter Avida Land, Inc. is in full support of the show.

“The success of the first Tunog Natin concert proves that Filipino audiences have not abandoned OPM. We need to focus our efforts into putting more OPM ‘out there’ where audiences are able to hear and enjoy it,” explains Tess Tatco, Avida Land Marketing Manager.

All Filipino music lovers are encouraged to attend the second Tunog Natin free concert—not only will we have great time reminiscing over classic OPM favorites, we will also see how the next generation of performers are taking our local music into new, thrilling dimensions. Best of all, we’ll be helping continue the legacy of OPM for future generations.

Tunog Natin is supported by the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and Aquaquest .

The Map

SUPER SCOOP! MANNY PACQUIAO'S FORBES PARK MANSION UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Renovations are going on at this Forbes Park residence
allegedly owned by Manny Pacquiao

I wonder how the house would look like after the finishing touches

FILIPINO boxing champion and Saranggani District Representative is building a new mansion-- this time at the posh Forbes Park in Makati City where the nation's old rich thrive.

Insiders informed Mr Blind Item that the world's greatest boxer today is paying for the renovations of an extravagant Forbes Park home at #32 Cambridge Street in North Forbes Park. The real estate value of a typical Forbes Park home fetches at P500 million to P1billion. 

The new Pacquiao home is indeed worthy of getting another coverage from MTV Cribs. 

TUNOG NATIN! CONCERT SERIES LOBBIES SUPPORT FOR OPM

A FREE concert series featuring some of the most distinguished and promising names in the local music scene will be staged at the Ayala Triangle Gardens on June 15 to lobby for public support for the dying Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Presented by Avida Land Corp., "Tunog Natin! An OPM Concert Series" is a call to revive the Filipino audience’s interest for homegrown artists and locally-produced records. The free show will start at exactly 7pm.

Callalily

Jim Paredes

Myrus

Performers include singer-songwriter and APO Hiking Society stalwart Jim Paredes, whose work from the 1980s include recordings and compositions that are considered OMP classics. There’s also True Faith, whose music has grown even more unforgettable since they began in the 1990s--with their blend of New Wave, easy listening, middle of the road and pop to create an OPM sound that is truly their own.

Established performers include OPM bossa nova queen Sitti, the sweet-voiced pioneer of the OPM bossa nova sound revival in 2009. Also featured are alternative OPM rock bands Callalily, 6cyclemind and Pedicab whose music continue to define and evolve their genre. They are joined by Princess Velasco and Sabrina, the best-selling acoustic artists today.

Princess Velasco

Sabrina

Sitti

Up and coming OPM superstars are also in the show, including gold record artist and composer  Myrus; ground-breaking OPM boyband 1:43 (“One Forty-three”) ; multi-awarded R&B artist Arnee Hidalgo; and acoustic act Aries Sales. All of the artists in “Tunog Natin!” will perform an all-OPM repertoire.

Myrus, who is also the project head of “Tunog Natin!” says the concert series seeks to revive interest and appreciation for OPM to assure the future of both the artists and Filipino music.

“No less than the future of OPM is at stake in this concert. It would be such a loss to our cultural heritage if we do not fight the trend and just allow OPM to die out. It’s also in the best interest of Filipino musicians, especially the young, up-and-coming artists, for OPM to continue—our future as musical artists depends on it,” Myrus explains.

True Faith

Pedicab

6cyclemind

1:43 (one forty-three)

The event presenter Avida Land Corp. is supporting the project to contribute to the preservation and development of Filipino culture—particularly Original Pilipino Music.

"OPM represents the best music that we can share with one another and offer the rest of the world. Life for a true-blue Pinoy is simply unimaginable without it. Over the years, since the 1980s, OPM has evolved with our culture and passed on to many generations. It is a source of pride as well as a source of inspiration for Filipinos. Those of us who have a passionate and abiding love for OPM are welcome to Tunog Natin!," says Tess Tatco, marketing manager of Avida Land Corp.

Filipino audiences are urged to help bring new life to OPM and save the heritage and legacy of Filipino musicians by attending this free concert series. These concerts will not only showcase the beauty and creativity of Filipino music but will also preserve and promote OPM for generations to come.  

Aries Sales

Arnee Hidalgo

GOODBYE AJ PEREZ, WE WILL SORELY MISS YOU...

I've met AJ Perez a few times, and one of them was at the backstage of the  "Then and Now Concert" in the SM Mall of Asia open grounds in May of 2010. I was impressed with the young man's sweet demeanor-- he had a sincere smile ready for everyone he met. A few months after, we bumped each other at the taping of his new show "Shoutout" and in ASAP while I was accompanying my talent Bekimon. When I heard the news that he got a big role in "Sabel," I felt really happy for him. He was a good boy who deserved a break.

This Sunday morning's news about his sudden death was beyond saddening. It made me realize how precious the gift of life is and how fast it can be taken away from us. It was just too soon for AJ.

I ask all my readers a short prayer to the boy who would have been a man soon named AJ Perez. May his soul rest in peace...

WHAT SHAMCEY SUPSUP SHOULD DO TO WIN THE MISS UNIVERSE 2011 TITLE

ONE week after General Santos City lass Shamcey Supsup have won the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title fairly and squarely, she is confronted with the reality that the road to the Miss Universe crown is still long and rough. Her biggest duty is to break the three-decade absence of the prestigious crown in a Filipina's head. And this early, I know it won't be easy for her.

Shamcey stood out in perhaps the most competitive Binibining Pilipinas pageant in history. I have never seen such a magnificent display of beauties since the batch of Charlene Gonzales in 1994 (but the pageant was held earlier because the Philippines was then the host of the Miss Universe pageant). She is beautiful, fit, and articulate but I think it was her academic credentials that got her the title. Who wouldn't have voted for a UP Magna Cum Laude graduate who has topped the architecture board exams?

So before we forget that Miss Universe is the most glamourous beauty pageant in the world and not an academic exercise, let me share my most objective thoughts on Shamcey's possible standing in the Miss Universe pageant and what she can do to make herself a viable contender to the title.

WHAT THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT IS LOOKING FOR. Miss Universe constantly changes it standards and in recent years showed that Donald Trump prefers women with supermodel qualities--tall, slender, sleepy-eyed, and classy. She should be extremely telegenic and photogenic and walks the walk. But on top of everything, should be able to bring the cash to the Miss Universe bank account. It's a business venture after-all, right Donald?

Current titleholder Ximena Navarette of Mexico is an exception. More than anything, I think she is a product of politics and good publicity. Who wouldn't like the idea of having a former Miss Universe (Lupita Jones) produce her country's second queen? Plus Mexico is a huge Telemundo market.

And now the problem begins. Shamcey is not what the Miss Universe pageant is looking for. She is a pretty over-achiever who would have been a strong contender in the post-Sushmita Sen years. But not now. She would be drowned by extremely gorgeous women from all over the globe who most likely would have even better credentials than her.  At worst, she can be another Theresa Licaros or Zorayda Andam and hopes that her countrymen intensified their efforts in the internet poll.

But let's not underestimate Shamcey. I believe that this girl is so smart that she can actually architect herself into the woman that the Miss Universe organization is looking for. She has enough time to push her boundaries and be at her best when it is needed.

Shamcey's smile can be improved by having dental reshaping. Her teeth are too
squarish and masculine. They should be a bit round and more feminine.

FACIAL BEAUTY. Do not get me wrong. Overall I find Shamcey pretty but not striking. I hate it too when people compare her beauty to Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela because while I agree that their is indeed a semblance, Shamcey would look a poor second beside her. The challenge then is to maximize her natural facial features through the magic of make-up and superb hairstyling. She should also train herself on camera to avoid her bad angles, especially her not-so-pointed nose. BPCI should hire the best aesthetic dentist to fix her imperfect smile and teeth (I find them too squarish and masculine. A 30-minute reshaping of her teeth can make them a bit round and more feminine).

Again, Shamcey should be Shamcey during the Miss Universe pageant and not a copycat of Stefania.

Yes they look alike but Shamcey should be Shamcey and not a poor Stefania copycat

FIGURE. While Shamcey's figure is lean, it is not competitive. She badly needs to improve her toning for her to get a better scores in the swimsuit competition.

CATWALK. I recommend that Shamcey works on a signature catwalk which she should unleash only during the preliminary rounds so that no one can copy or preempt it. Her catwalk style has to be different and she should carry it with extreme confidence.

LONG GOWN. I only have one name of a designer in mind who can create an outstanding gown that will make DShamcey's competition eat her dust-- Michael Cinco. Do I need to explain why?

A Michael Cinco creation

INTERVIEW. This is something that I think Shamcey should work on harder. She should remember the difference between a good classroom recitation or a university debate from a Miss Universe interview. I do not doubt that she would give a sensible answer. I just really worried about her delivery. She should always be fun, casual, engaging, and witty while answering the question.

PAGEANT GIMMICK. A pageant gimmick is important in getting noticed and securing a Top 15 slot. The publicity that Miriam Quiambao and Venus Raj generated through their individual circumstances-- Miriam falling on stage, Venus getting dethroned-- made both of them a must in the semi-final rounds.

But what kind of pageant gimmicks should Shamcey do? I already have something in mind and I am only willing to share it to Gus de Castro of BPCI.

Overall, I think it's exciting to see Shamcey's transformation soon. I will definitely cheer for her, and bite my nails, come Miss Universe pageant.

RECYCLABLE BEAUTIES: SEVEN LOSING 2011 BINIBINING PILIPINAS CANDIDATES WHO SHOULD COMPETE AGAIN

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 is over, and many pageant experts just like yours truly are still in disbelief on what has happened. It seemed like forty angels of beauty descended from the heavens all at the same time. But the problem was, only three crowns were up for grabs.

Here are the seven most deserving girls to come back-- and probably snatch the crowns-- in the 2012 Binibining Pilipinas pageant. 

LUZELLE FELIPE. For the past two years, BPCI has been experimenting on pretty girls who speak bad English. Who would forget Youtube sensation Janina San Miguel and Czarina Gatbonton? They aren't exactly the best public speakers. Given her context, Luzelle is not expected to be the most articulate contestant. I was surprised that she gave a decent answer during the final Q&A, although it seemed rehearsed. But what you can't take out from this tricycle driver is her incomparable Filipina beauty. Perhaps she is the most charming contestant I've ever seen in ages. Public speaking, and English, can be studied, but it will be very difficult to recreate such a magnificent beauty. 

VERDICT. Even with poor communications skills, she should be sent to at least Miss International pageant. 

DIANA AREVALO. Bad luck striked Diana twice already. Oozing with sex appeal and possesses a great composure, she could have easily won the Binibining Pilipinas Universe crown, except that there was Shamcey Supsup. She reminds me of the beautiful Maricar Balagtas but only way smarter and sophisticated. It would have been better if she won the first runner-up instead of Janine Tugonon (who looks like a pretty debater to me than a beauty queen).  

VERDICT. Diana is ready for Miss Universe. Give it to her!

SAMANTHA PURVOR. She was one of my two darkhorse bets. I thought Samantha can just steal the scene from the favorites and take home one of the most treasured crowns. She is elegant and queenly and gets prettier the longer you look at her.  

VERDICT. A Binibining Pilipinas Tourism title is appropriate for her classy personality.

PATRICIA TUMULAK. She was pushed away by strong pageant politics. I believe that Patricia should have at least been a runner--up or in Diana Necio's shoes now. Her beauty is intense as well as her stage presence. 

VERDICT. Patricia will be best appreciated in an international pegeant. Any would do.

KRISTINA MARASIGAN. Aside from Purvor, Kristina was my darkhorse bet. There is nothing so special about her, but there is nothing wrong with her too. She is what I call a statistically viable top 15 finalist in any pageant (the contestant who gets above average scores and ends up a surprise when the finalists are called). In an average year, Kristina could take home the Binibining Pilipinas Universe crown.

VERDICT.  If she improves her look and stage presence, she can be a good Miss Universe candidate.

QUEENIERICH REHMAN. I agree that she deserves to win the Best in Swimsuit Award over the assuming and over confident MJ Lastimosa. From among the contestant with Middle Eastern lineage, I find her having the most beautiful face and body. Queenierich has strong showbiz potential.

VERDICT. She can make a scene in the Miss International pageant with her talent and perfect body!

CAMILLE BALTAZAR. Elegance is written all over her. She just needs to be more competitive and she her hunger for the crown or else will fade again in the background. She has a classic moviestar beauty.

VERDICT.  Camille may be a good candidate for the Miss International crown.