Let the feet walk and do the talk

From Glee, Darren Criss performing this song that inspires me to be able to get back on my two feet again, as normally as I can...by January 2011, I'll be off my back brace constraints but to be cautious of sudden twists and turns, and crowds, I'll be wearing it everytime I'm out and about for support.  I love dancing and I miss it.  I'd like to be able to dance again, as limited as my movements are now, I hope in a way I'd still be able to somehow.  I look forward to being able to drive again, starting on short distances first and as long as it's tolerable for my back.  It's like getting my new driver's license, again!  Watch out roads, here I come!  2011, bring it on!  hahaaaa

Christmas In Our Hearts

I just had one of those rare opportunities in meeting one of my favorite Original Pilipino Music songwriters and singers, the highly respected Mr. Jose Mari Chan.  I finally had the guts to come up to him and he's warm and accommodating with a ready smile.  All the more I am amazed at how great he is.  He's very nice and a real definition of gentleman.  No wonder he comes up with big hits!  He is an admirable family man, a successful entrepreneur, and composes beautiful songs that tug our heart strings. 

It is the season for celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ and one of his well-known songs that best describes the true meaning of Christmas is:  Christmas In Our Hearts  :-) 

Maligayang Pasko po sa inyong lahat!

Lead Me, Lord

The lamp upon my feet during my darkest year, 2010...Lead Me Lord, that I may be guided by your shining light.  May new beginnings as we ring in 2011 and in the coming years bring forth good health that my body be physically able again; that my heart be healed from the pain of loss and emotional hurts; that my mind be less troubled as I lift all my worries, anxieties to God the Almighty as I share with Him the happiness of continued blessings He bestows upon me, family, friends, love ones who are angels sent in my daily walks in life, Amen.  Thank you.

Christmas Feed

By next week it's Christmas time.  We celebrate the birthday of our Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ and thank Him for being our Saving Grace.  Here's a Timeless Christmas Song in not only feeding ourselves, but remembering the world who are in need too.  It's a season for giving, for sharing.  It's about thanksgiving.  Most importantly, Christmas is for celebrating our being saved for God helped us make it through.

Wishing blogsphere:  Merry Christmas and Blessed New Years!!!

JOVIT's 1st concert @ ALIW Theater

               JOVIT BALDIVINO,
         THE NEW MR. FAITHFULLY
                                      by: Lorelie Dino



13 November 2010 will forever be remembered as the first official concert of Jovit Baldivino, first ever Pilipinas Got Talent champion. Batangas-native-famed karneng baka, matalim na balisong, and kapeng barako, he shot to popular stardom with Journey’s all-time favorite “Faithfully.” DZRH-owned Aliw theater provided very nice and intimate accommodations for his mega-performance.

A small package yet comes with a big voice, Jovit definitely has the confidence in working it out onstage. There were still many seats left unoccupied. The rowdy crowd were getting impatient by the lateness, sarcastically clapping hands for it to get started, but he managed to gain back the momentum for the crave for his singing powers once the electrifying guitar and cymbals were hit. In posters it said the show starts at 7, in tickets it said 8, by 9 o’clock, when is the real showtime? Funny as how it was announced in 5 minutes heads up it’s finally about to begin, you’ll be amazed at the Pinoy ingenuity. What happened, in less than 5 minutes, everybody change your seats! As quickly as how smartly Filipinos are, the change seats tactic made the ambience all the more homely.

With scaffoldings backdrop and bright red, blue, green, yellow lights shining down on a new, bright star, Jovit Baldivino kicked off the night with no-hands, back flip to “You Give Love A Bad Name.” He right away gave his “Maraming Salamat!” for all the loving support to his debuting show. It was stellar-casted by exceptional guests that included the much desired slim Kim Chiu, heartfelt balladeer Bugoy De Leon, beautifully gifted Yeng Constantino, funny as ever love team and true-to-life lovebirds Melai and Jason. Sam Milby could not make it as he was hospitalized with a bout of fever and throat infection, most likely from his grueling schedule also the night before for Richard Poon’s 25-orchestrated PICC concert. Nevertheless, it’s Jovit who’s the headliner for the stage and he fully took control of it. Not only does he have the incomparable talent, he’s got the male Pinoy suaveness as well.

His repertoire included songs from his first and sophomore albums, “Faithfully” and “I’d Do Anything For Love,” respectively. Second song was “Carrie” and he often asked the crowd to raise their arms who are enjoying the show. You can tell right off bat that Jovit has very strong vocals. He commands his own delivery. Followed by his own rendition of Bryan Adams’ “Please Forgive Me,” he has very lively interaction of candid candor with the audience.

Nyoy Volante is the genius behind the mastery of his musical directorial job with a 9-member band. Jovit was backed up by silver, gliterry-attired, funky dancers pumping to Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” The men were in hot, leather pants while the women were in sexy short skirts and rocked all the more steady to “Highway Star” by Deep Purple. By the 6th number, he had the crowd chanting competitively with each other by saying Mahina! Mahina! to another Bon Jovi hit “Living On A Prayer.” He even jokingly asked the fans again to raise the arms of those enjoying and then raise the arms, too, of those who were not.

Bugoy made a special appearance, crooning to Brian McKnight’s “One Last Cry” and R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.” Serving as a huge encouragement to many Filipinos, Bugoy gives outstanding performances that had me in buckets of tears with his choice of inspirational songs that night. With that kind of melancholy melody, who wouldn’t cry? Yeah, I guess only I did cry, nobody else did. Embarrassing! Nevertheless, the message for everyone is to “Keep On Dreaming!”--- “if I just believe it, there’s nothing to it.” For Bugoy, his dreams are coming true. He reinforces it by relaying that if he can do it, so can we. He reached a diverse range of octaves with his rendition and different decibels were played.

Back to Jovit, an OPM from his debut album, he bared his soul to “Paano.” He then introduced his guitar and performed his own original composition “Tama.” In pink sassy attire, Kim Chiu Bollywood-fly-danced and had a punchline comeback from Jovit when he asked how her love life is going. He suddenly hit “Too Much Love Will Kill You.”

In full glitter, Melai Cantiveros playfully did a duet with Jovit by blasting to Imelda Papin’s “Isang Linggong Pag-Ibig.” Jealousy entered when Jason Francisco danced to King of Pop, Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” in different versions from Tango to Tinikling, including Boogie style and Swing. The MelaJasonPexers came in full support with their emblazoned signage. They added the fun ingredient to this enjoyable concert of Jovit’s.

A back-to-back combo of Air Supply’s “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All” and “I Can Wait Forever” romanticized the night to a higher notch. In a cute black and white ensemble, Yeng sauntered onstage with her self-composed lovely songs that included “Jeepney Love Story.”

Late into the night, he sang rock hits after hits from Bon Jovi and Jon Bon Jovi’s “Always” to Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’Mine”. Thinking it was the encore with yellow garland around his neck, “Faithfully” took the breath away of the audience. Jovit immediately came back to hold everybody’s horses with Chicago’s “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” and finalizing it on a resounding applause with his wide “Open Arms.”

11 o’clock on the dot, the show ended but this is only the start of it all. Your life’s travels to many more roads of success is on its way, Jovit B. You just keep on rocking the stage, you definitely know how to own it. Being the modest person that you are from your lineage, you’ll definitely make it big time than you could ever ask for. It’s no wonder you’re the Philippines’ grand winner. Congratulations on your first ever major concert, cheers to many more!

National Pride, Arnel Pineda!

Bonggalicious Chant: Manila! Manila! Hinahanap-hanap kita, Manila! Panahon Na Para Magsaya! performed at Arnel Pineda's intimate show with his original bandmates, Ammo, at Resorts World Newport City open grounds on November 26, 2010.

Witnessing him perform live is way better than watching him on video.  Actually, that's just my lame excuse for audio glitch since for some reason, video is not uploading properly heheeee ;-p

The Real Deal: Adam Lambert

         10-10-10, The Glam Nation!
                                      by: Lorelie Dino


Glamberts worldwide and Philamberts (Filipino Glamberts) all set and ready for the Glam Nation tour! 
Arriving from Tokyo Japan, an hour before clock struck midnight on 10-10-10, Adam Lambert finally landed in Manila for the first time.

Honesty is the best policy. If you look up eccentric, you’ll find his name in its definition. Aquarian Adam Mitchel Lambert lives by that reputation when he openly came out as the first gay American Idol. Truth, uniqueness, and respect sets you free.

Filipinos’ very own, Paraluman, opened the hot evening with their 4-song setlist. After the long wait at 9:15, Adam “Voodooed” onstage with his signature look of black eyeliner full geared like that from Disney’s Princess and the Frog villain, Dr. Facilier, but more flamboyantly. Second on his 15-song repertoire same-titled debut album, as much anticipated, Adam was born “For Your Entertainment.” Dark and mystery themed, he sang “Down The Rabbit Hole” and “Ring Of Fire.”

With “Fever,” it wouldn’t be Adam without him kissing one of his band members. If he does not deliver, people become disappointed. Take him as he is, there may have been some over reaction in certain society members saying the show should have been PG-rated. If that’s not your cup of tea, then simply don’t watch, that’s your choice. Maybe that’s why there were some vacant seats. Nevertheless, Adam being Adam, he rightfully earned his musical status now. Certain parts were theatrical as that’s how he worked hard since his youth. Television is not enough justice. After hearing him perform live, the instruments did not overpower his vocals nor vice-versa. With his ballads, he’s similar to a one-man heavenly choir with his angelic voice, like a lullaby. He does not pull out his vocal chords, he just hymns along synchronically. Mostly during the night, the crowd listened intently and applauded each song with screams.

It’s indeed a delight with acoustic versions that he performed, beautifully carried. That’s a rare treat compared to just hearing the cd. He wisely advises that with true love, it comes with asking the right questions. Before hitting it off with “Whataya Want From Me,” he was a “Sleepwalker.” Adam then “Soared” and was “Broken Open.” Another Adam wisdom nugget, “first step in finding true love, you got to love yourself” then came the “Aftermath.”

Having Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin as one of his influences, there was an intermission break of heavy metal electric guitar playing. Every time he spoke, he was able to hold the audience’s attention. By his 11th song of “Sure Fire Winners,” he was sweating it out in a black sleeveless top and “Strut” some more. One of my favorites, he belted to “Music Again,” proudly saying “My band rocks!” He gave recognition to those in attendance who dolled up. He showed his appreciation with “Hi! You’re also beautiful tonight. Thank you for dressing up. I love that.”

As part of his finale, he made dancers-introduction headed by his lovely choreographer Brooke. He rocked the house with his big hit, “If I Had You.” He had everybody jumping with fists pumping. In return, he requested for everybody to please sing it with him to which the Pinoys obliged. It was obviously the favorite. He ended the concert with Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” one of the songs that secured his top place in American Idol. Gearing up for Manic Monday, at 10:30, people started heading for home.

Some of the audience members may have expected more as it left them in a cliffhanger, but the weather’s cooperation completed Philippines’ one night only with Adam. Manila thanks you for including us in your very first international headlining tour, Adam Lambert. We look forward to seeing and hearing more of your artistry.

P.S.  "Megathanks to Magic 89.9 FM for making me one of the lucky VIP tix holder for GlamNation!"

OMG! It's Usher!

Usher Raymond IV landed fiercely on Manila shores for a one-night big time show!

When:     2010 July 09
Where:    SM Mall of Asia Open Concert Grounds
Here:       http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/?aid=1395

The Draybers

Here's another national treasure find of Filipino talent, Draybers. I got the privilege of seeing them perform live for the first time during Mr. Arnel Pineda's concert at Resorts World open grounds.  Coincidentally, it was also the first time I heard of them.  I am honored to be one of their lucky audience who got to hear them.  Superb vocals!  Very talented musicians.  Great work of artistry!  They have electrifying way of being rock and metallic at the same time, props up!

Check out their rendition of Mr. Freddie Aguilar's "ANAK."  This song speaks loudly of parent-child relationship, the hardships and the unconditional love.  We wouldn't be here without our very own parents.  Our parents consider us children as their blessings, a gift from God.  It's all about being thankful and knowing how much and what parents will do for their children, anything for them.  This is also in line with the campaign against child abuse.

I guess that's why all the more I miss our eldest brother.  He's a great father.  He's been a very devoted husband.  He had so much to give.  Thing is, he's no longer with us.  His best friend in school just recently lost their 4-year-old daughter.  It's been very heart breaking.  Too much pain.  What can we do?  Let your heart grieve, don't ignore it.  One cannot deny the yearning in missing someone who's been a very big part of one's life.  In time, wounds will heal but the memories are there.  In God's own good healing time, Amen.

BSB Is Back Again And Again!

Who:     The Backstreet Boys
Why:     The Biggest Pop Group In The World Is Back
When:    February 27, 2010
Where:  Araneta Coliseum @ Manila, Philippines
How:     This Is Us World Tour

                                         Strutting It On!

                                         DJ in the mix

                                             Sexy AJ

                                                Dance!

Express Your Voice

Here are two classic OPM (Original Pilipino Music) songs that everybody can still relate to. It is timeless. These are classic expressions of what you want to air out. Let yourself be heard. When you're feeling weary and getting pulled down by forces beyond your control, here's: Estudyante Blues by no other than the Legendary National Filipino Artist, Mr. Freddie Aguilar and Nosi Ba Lasi by the Rock Band National Flower, Sampaguita being performed during National Pride's Arnel Pineda's warm performance with his original bandmates at New Port City RWManila Open Grounds on November 26, 2010.

KUYA, We Are Missing You

Here's a song that everyone who has lost a loved one would dedicate to them. This one is for you, Kuya. Wherever you are, you're here in our hearts. We know that now you're in Heaven, you're watching over us and keeping us safe all the more. We Love You.

Our Family's Tribute.

The Light of Music

Mula sa bayan ng magigiting, here's Liwanag Sa Dilim by Rivermaya.
Happy Bonifacio Day, November 30!

SMP: Stupify!

Calling all members and alumnae of SMP --- Samahang Malamig ang Pasko!  Here's the theme song by no other than Salbakuta. Remix version, indeed, Stupid Love!

The Great David Feat Against Goliath

Another girls' concert night out, thank you lovely ladies for scoring us oh so cool seats!  You know who you are *MWAH*  Luv it! Boys and girls, young and old, happy people swarmed all over the place to see who?  No other than American Idol himself, David Archuleta!

Thank you to the ever adorable David Archuleta for including Manila in his latest album "Other Side Of Down" promo tour.  Big Thanks Sony Music Philippines!

Venue:  SM City North EDSA

Date:     November 17, 2010

Where At:  The Sky Dome

Kuya's Hello from Heaven!

A book of same title lent by your capable wife --- in turn, this song is dedicated to Kuya, "Line to Heaven" by Original Pilipino Music Artist, The Introvoys.  As your beautiful Princess' 4th birthday draws nearer, our family knows you're watching us from up above looking after your little ones.  I wish I could talk with you again, I miss you all the more.  We miss you.  It's just never the same without you.  After all has been said and done, we know you're now smiling and waving your hellos from heaven.  You are no longer suffering.  You have your own orchestra of angels to conduct there.  Luv ya bro!

Hello from Line to Heaven

JAM NIGHT WITH THE FAM

You are cordially invited to one night jamming with the clan!
A fund-raising event organized by the Marcos Cootauco family tree, proceeds will go to many projects we are working on that will go a long way in helping peeps out.  For PhPesos 300 only, venue:  Guerillo Radio Bar at 173 Pasig Blvd., Pasig City on November 19, 2010 party happening at 7:30 pm onwards!
This is sponsored by the NU 106.7 maraming salamat po for all the support!

DONORS:  Andanita Taj of Tagaytay, Casa de las Palmeras Resort, and Jollibee Food Corp.

Here's the map!  If you can't see it, use magnifying glasses heheee  Thanks!

Atomic Tom

Check this out!  Way too spankin' cool man!  Love this!

Goodbye For Now

Here's a song shared that I'd like to repost on here for All Souls/Saints Day.  We have our dearly departed loved ones to offer Mass services for as they've held special place in our lives.

Goodbye for Now by Kathy Troccoli

I hope in a way that this eases the sense of loss we've been through.  Time heals all wounds in God's own good time. May we all find comfort in this spritual song.

In Memory of Kuya

You were the strong one who told me to take caution when it comes to matters of the heart, Kuya.  As the eldest in our family, you experienced all there was for us younger siblings.  You've been through many heartbreaks that ruined and pained you.  Just when you've found heaven, with your untimely death, you suddenly crossed St. Peter's Gates.

How I wish we could all turn back the time.  Memories of you are still there.  You're never far apart from us.  As All Saints/All Souls Days approach, all I can do now is keep you in my heart.  I still cry.  We still cry.  We all miss you very dearly.  All we need is healing time but losing you has been the greatest wound we've had and forever scars remain. 

As our other dearly departed loved ones have gone ahead of us, too, we all know that you're happier in Heaven as one of our dearest guardian angels.  We love you very much, Kuya, please do know that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWdrO4BoCu8&ob=av2e

ASAP Sessionistas

I was able to enjoy recently a live performance by Mr. Richard Poon.  He was one of Kuya's favorite OPM artists.  He even mentioned him to me during Christmas time in 2009.  Since I was about to be given a new batch of cds then, I asked Kuya for his choices since he is one of the best in music inspirations I've known all my life.  Richard Poon from ASAP, a sessionista was included in that list.

I'm gonna make this short and sweet.  Words are not enough to describe how great these Filipino talents are.  Actually, I just gotta rest up my butt! Yeah, my tail bone!  LOL

Here's my post-bday treat for my folks:  Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano at Music Museum with his Soul In Motion September shows.  It was my first time there at the venue and though I had big difficulty, I love the atmosphere of like having a private music session there.  Since way way back, I've seen some of your concerts, back to my student days, you never cease to amaze me.  God bless us all good peeps po :-)  *applauds* also to Duncan Ramos and Jericho Rosales, Mr. Mon Faustino and crew :-)

The Gentleman NE-YO

NE-YO kicked off the international concert scene for 2010 in the Philippines.  His second time around in Manila, he performed for a one-night only show on January 9th.

Read up more on this concert review:

http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/index.php?aid=1372&section=International

Feel free to comment & share your thoughts/insights, thanks!  ☺

With Jadyn Maria.
 Ne-Yo and his dancers.

      The fancy footwork of Ne-Yo.    

OPM: AS1

AS1

by: Lorelie Diño

The skies cleared up for this momentous event in Original Pilipino Music. History in the making, AS1 was the coming together of the two most renowned talented Filipino artists --- The Concert King and Mr. Pure Energy. It was a big showdown between Martin Nievera and Gary V, or Gary V and Martin Nievera, as how you’d like to interchange them. It didn’t really matter who was top billed first as they are both of high caliber in their craft, AS1 in song and in harmony. A concert series that reached many Filipinos abroad as well, they kicked it off at the open concert grounds of Mall of Asia on September 19, 2009. Fans and co-celebrities marked their calendars in showing their full support for a whole team of people coming together.

It was highly entertaining to see these two in one stage. A show filled with humor and wit provided by Martin. A show that touched your heart with Gary Valenciano’s inspirational songs. Showcasing their strong vocals, Gary and Martin can surely bring the whole stage to life. Martin proved that he can move. He has dancing shoes too. Comical looking but nevertheless, can obviously dance even if he denies it. Gary also demonstrated that he cannot move. He can keep still, contrary to his overflowing energy. Martin had to hold him down by tying him up. People were amused by their antics and tennis court-like conversations.

The night was composed of a splendid musical arrangement by Louie Ocampo and Mon Faustino. It was an almost 3-hours filled show that started at 8:45 and ended at 11:35. Singing their hit songs one after the other and medleys interjected in between, a unique range of musical tastes was heard. G-Force and The Manoeuvres made it a lot more energetic with their hip dance moves. An all-star-cast band completed the repertoire.




From the 80s to classics, from Toto to Air Supply, from Frank Sinatra to a tribute to Michael Jackson, from Broadway musicals to teleseryes and movie theme songs, from family affair of talents coming from Gab Valenciano’s drumming skills and Robin Nievera’s electrifying guitar playing, to Wonder Girls and Black Eyed Peas songs, and a video duet with Zsa Zsa Padilla and Pops Fernandez --- it was indeed an all-round entertainment concert.


After 25 years of brotherly friendship, Martin and Gary V. AS1 was a once-in-a-lifetime Filipino concert you didn’t want to miss. Lucky you if you were able to take part of it and were able to catch them at the city nearest you! This was one of those precious Filipino moments.

p.s. "A big thanks and much kudos to Monster Radio RX 93.1 for the free tix to this concert, i got to enjoy it with my friends :-) "

AS1 concert update:  There will be a repeat, catch 'em while you can!

http://www.facebook.com/manilaconcerts/posts/125061574197045

follow twitter @Manilaconcerts [NEW EVENT] As 1...The Repeat: Gary V and Martin Nievera LIVE! See the details here http://bit.ly/dyaFNs

Manila Hotness With The Pussycat Dolls

Who : Pussycat Dolls - Nicole, Kimberly, Ashley, Melody
(Jessica was missed cuz of a back injury)
When : 2009 June 11
Where: Mall of Asia Open Concert Grounds @ Manila, Philippines

http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/index.php?aid=1286&section=OPM

Davids of American Idol

From American Idol, both Davids --- David Cook and David Archuleta performed for a one-night concert in Manila, Philippines on May 16, 2009.

http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/index.php?aid=1281&section=OPM