Mike Posner Says: Brains Up!

With knuckles up, calling everybody to "Brains Up!" --- that's how Mike Posner's saying goes.  His coming to town on December 10 at Alabang Town Center was my 2011 year-ender music gig.  Attending his show at the mall was a treat and I got cd signing to boot!

I'm hooked to his hit "Bow Chicka Wow Wow." He also did a cover of Adele's "Rolling In The Deep" that had a dance club vibe to it.  He did an amazing job with the drum beats.  From his 31 Minutes To Takeoff album, I'm liking this track, "Do U Wanna?" that he mixed with R. Kelly's "Ignition" at the show.

A lucky girl got to take home this big, brown bear that Mike Posner brought onstage with him.  What I got to take home with me was Mike Posner's jamming beats for that fun night.

The Return Of Westlife

                         WESTLIFE Gravity World Tour 2011
                         Thursday Night 2011 September 29  
                     Smart Araneta Coliseum, Manila Philippines
             Front Acts:  Young JV, Van Roxas, and Piero Vergara
                           The Concert Collage and Review

In hip trench coats and red ties during their first song, "When You're Looking Like That."

How can they not resist coming back again and again to Manila when we are looking like that! *points*

 The enthusiastic Filipino audience right before the concert.

Mall Tour: David Archuleta

                                   Venue:  SM Southmall
                                   Meet & Greet:  David Archuleta
                                   When:  2011 July 19 (Tuesday)

I've forgotten the frenzy that happens when a favorite artist comes by at a mall for meet n' greet.  All the screaming, sweat, and shoving was worth the counted minutes you get to hear, and even luckier if you catch a simple glimpse.  The third time's a charm and when Archie visited the Philippines again, it was for a solo concert at the Big Dome.  I was able to watch his concert with Cook and loved the intimate performance in 2010 at SM City North Edsa Sky Dome but even though I missed out on his 2011 major concert here, I was not going to let the David Archie mania pass.  When I found out he was doing a mall tour and one nearby, I just had to be there!  It was a meet n' greet for album signing only but I was glad he rendered a couple of songs.  Hearing him sing again was indeed pleasure to the ears.  I can't deny it, Archie is one of my fave American Idols.   

See on the right mid-side by the highest arm with the digicam --- wearing blue stripes, that's Archie!  I was also wearing blue, lucky color!  *grins*  What a crowd it was, deafening screams but I was getting weary cuz I did not want to fall over, I had to plead shout:  "No pushing!"  Not that it did any good ;-p  I was able to get out there alive and in one piece with Archie's singing ringing in my ears.

Mall Tour: Rewind

I remember rushing to Southmall just to make it in time for his mall tour, Brian McKnight.  Don't ask me what year it was, I forgot.  Well maybe looking at its release date of his single would help  ;-p  He was out promoting  "Still."  The first time I heard that song, I instantly fell in love with it and recalling it, I am still very much in love with this.  You know the kind of song that for no specific reason just tugs at you?  This is what "Still" does for me.  Being able to catch Brian McKnight during that promo tour, even for just a few minutes and seeing all the backs of the people around, was worth it.  Hearing him sing live even for just a little bit was heavenly. 

Grab This Mag!

This is the latest official fanzine from Sony Music Entertainment Philippines Inc.  It's available for FREE nationwide at record stores.  Read up on the current music scene from album reviews to concerts with artists both locally and internationally covered. 

I Want To Let You Know

Rihanna's "If It's Lovin' That You Want."
So loving this, very breezy and summery! 

THE SCRIPT: For The First Time In Manila

From the land of the lucky clover, ♣ Irish alternative rock band, The Script performed "For The First Time" in Manila. Here's a rundown review, thanks to Music Sponge. I can still feel the concert reliving in my memory. I loved it! Thank you, The Script, please come back! ♥ ☺

Taking It Back With Dance Track

Let's take it back to the '90s.  I remember those days, well not really cuz my memory can be hazy, at times ;-P

So my Father and I were checking out some cds and I picked out a couple.  This brought me back to this favorite of mine, the dance remix version of "Stayin' Alive" by N-Trance.  Original is still the best by no less than The Bee Gees themselves.  But this one gives that funky vibe that I am bringing again into my life.  Yes, to keep one's faith revived, staying alive and doing what you got to do.  After all, we are here for a reason, aren't we?  Yes!  If you're feeling it, play this track to get you going for the day.  Stay cool and have fun!

Bieber Fever In Manila!

Sorry it took so long for this to be posted.  It's been a long time coming but here it is, a simple concert review by yours truly, that means me ;-P  For those who perseveringly watched it, reminisce on this.  For those who didn't or wanted to but couldn't, here it is.  Enjoy!

MAGIC BIEBER FEVER 

MADE MANILA QUIVER!

By:  Lorelie Dino

                WHEN:                  2011 May 10, Tuesday

                WHERE:                MOA open grounds E-Comm center side

                WHY:                    Sizzle up Philippines’ summer!

                HOW:                    Landing on our country’s shores

                WHO:                    Who else? 
                                              No other than JB himself, Bieber Fever!
                                              My World Tour!      

Canadian native, Justin Bieber, finally landed at the Philippines’ shores for the first time on a once-in-a-lifetime one and a half hour performance.  It was a screeching halt for the traffic.  Poreotics hit the dance floor as his opening act by 8:10 in the evening.  DJ Tay James spinned the beats.  Legaci, acapella Filipino talents, discovered by fellow youtuber himself, Justin, did a medley intermission of megahits that included current chart toppers from Usher, Katy Perry, and Bruno Mars.

                When Justin sauntered his way through the stage, gearing it up first with “Love Me,” he said:  “Whassup Philippines?  Welcome to My World!”  This kid is multi-talented.  He can dance and sing.  He plays the guitar and drums.  He has the charm.  He has the moves and grooved the crowd.  From rainy, he was able to warm up the city.  In spite being sick that night, Justin was able to deliver his show in his own slick way.  At such a young age, he was born to perform.

    

                Everybody was up on their seats.  As in literally up, because Justin had the audience standing up on their seats, not losing balance!  How crazy was that!  All the teeny boppers were present.  Yes, that included this writer and concert goer.  Throat became sore from all the screaming.  Somebody should remind me to bring along earplugs on shows like this.  But then again, it is no use to put on earplugs because I end up screaming myself.  

It was such a wonderful night.  Skies cleared up and by six in the evening, the sun setting was a breath taker view.  Thus, Justin asked:  “Are you hot?!”  He was referring to the weather, naturally.  The sun was smiling.  It was half moon shining.  There were some stars twinkling.  That night was not much of a sing along, but more on squealing with delight and dancing.  The crowd was swaying their bodies to the music, Justin’s playlist from  “U Smile” to “Somebody To Love” and “Never Say Never.”  The luckiest girl was picked out from the audience to being “One Less Lonely Girl.”  Justin serenaded her onstage with flowers.  A very kilig unforgettable moment!  

                He sang his sweet songs of love from one super hit to another.  By his 5^th number, he did a loving rendition of Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be” strumming his guitar that had everybody in awe.  It was a 15-song repertoire for Justin Bieber plus mix of Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Starting Something” with Run DMC and Aerosmith’s collaboration of “Walk This Way.”  Beliebers wore t-shirts imprinted as declaration of love for him.  Violet was the color motif for the night.  His three last songs were:  “Eenie Meenie,”  “Pray,” and for encore, “Baby” a sure fire favourite!  Unexpectedly, he even cracked a joke with it, by doing “Rock a bye baby” to “Hit me baby one more time” and his mentor, Usher’s “There Goes My Baby” song.  That was a good punchline!  “Baby” was the song that kept everyone waiting for.  To end the night with it, made every bit of the concert worth it.  Biebs bid the audience good night with “Jesus loves you!” 

P.S. “Since my ballpen was confiscated, by the way I am still kinda iffed about that since I newly bought it, citing Manila Concert Scene as a reference for full listing of JB’s My World tour repertoire.” 

Succeeding When Believing

This is one of the songs from my childhood education during our Masses and Spiritual Retreats that up till now I find applicable in each person's aspects of life.

It's almost a year now since I had my slipped disc, among my other medical conditions that sprouted. My back actually looks like an S with its curvature design.  The most important lesson I've learned from that is to take extra good care of my back as it is the main supporter of my body system.  I have better posture because I am more conscious and cautious with every move I make.

Many unfortunate incidents happened to me, personally, and to my family from last year.  Yet, there are countless blessings as well.  I have to keep that in mind.  We continue to surge on to move forward.  As the song goes:  "Life is not at all that bad, my friend."  So when you are feeling low, just look up above because God is there watching over you, never letting you down.  He is the one to hold on to.  Even during times when the skies may seem gloomy, He finds a way to make it clear and brighter again.  Time will tell in God's good time.  He can move mountains to bless you all the time and show you glorious days.

That is why there is night and day.  Whenever it is night time, there is the guiding light.  During day time, come what may, the Lord will get you through in so many ways.

Parody Hoot!

                       When I saw this video, I was cracking up! 
                    Here, enjoy this parody.  It is just so darn funny!

ASAP Sessionistas 20.11

THE SESSIONISTAS JAMMED THE BIG DOME

by:  Lorelie Dino

                On February 5^th, the Araneta Coliseum was an evening filled with hits, both homegrown and international from early generations to modern airwaves jammed by the ASAP Sessionistas.  Coincidentally, this concert was a fundraising project by ABS-CBN in saving Pasing River.  Simple, small, white-boxed steps were placed on the center of the stage between the orchestras occupying the left and right ends.  

                Front Acts:  Six Part Invention opened the show at 8:15 p.m. with music from their Songs of D-Votion album.  A finalist from Pilipinas Got Talent, Fil-Norwegian Markki Stroem dedicated a song to all heartbroken ladies.  Three of the top singers from the afternoon show, Shout Out, namely Emman, Inno, and Jaco acoustically rendered Beyonce’s “Halo” and Bruno Mars’ “Grenade.”  They have a very good blending of their voices and are in the making as future sessionistas.  The Star Power Final Five showcased their vocal skills before the Sessionistas hit the stage at 8:45 p.m. 

                In black and glittery silver outfits, the G-Force led the dance moves to “Please Don’t Stop The Music.”  As Aiza herself said, G-force made the Sessionistas appear that they know how to dance too.  It’s mostly Aiza who provided much of the comic relief.  Female version of Gary V’s “Heto Na Naman” was covered by Juris, Nina, Princess, and Sitti.  When Duncan Ramos and Richard Poon entered the stage with “Just The Way You Are” and “Di Bale Na Lang,” shrieks resounded at the big dome.  Everybody yelled for Aiza Seguerra as she rocked to “Reyna Ng Gabi.”  True enough, she’s the “bida,” star of the night. 

They continued to dance away to Jay Sean’s “2012.”  The Sessionistas followed it up by covering one smash hit after another of Pinoy Pride.  These were from Journey’s Arnel Pineda of “Don’t Stop Believing” to Charice Pempengco’s singing prowess of “And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going)” that wowed Ellen and Oprah which was performed by Juris for that night.  Duncan covered “Faithfully” while Princess did the Glee showdown between Charice’s Sunshine Corazon and Lea Michele’s Rachel Berry  of Lady Gaga’s “Telephone.”  Richard soothed the broken hearted with “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)“  and Sitti did a Bossa Nova style of “Pyramid.”  When Aiza sang “Open Arms,” it was so empowering that television alone does not do justice for her amazing vocals.  Nina powerfully sang “Note To God “  which Diane Warren wrote that was originally on Jojo’s The High Road album.  It became Charice’s first international single.  Nina has rightfully earned the title of “Soul Siren” because she’s got the full package of holding those very long notes covering a very wide vocal range.   

As mentioned by Sitti, indeed it’s true that “Music is universal.”  The Big Dome stood witness to that strong statement with songs that captured the hearts of many from foreign hitmakers to Filipino artists. 

 

In yellow, vampy clothes of G-Force, ala-Cabaret style, Princess in pink and Juris in purple with matching pearl necklaces and black stockings, they classically jazzed to Christina Aguilera’s “Candy Man.”  In white tuxedo and black bow tie, Richard serenaded the ladies with “The Way You Look Tonight.”  He walked around, bonding with the audience to the delight and screeches of the crowd.  He covered the VIP area up to the section nearing the lower box.  Almost all seats were filled up at the Araneta.  It’s a huge venue and having a massive audience in attendance is a feat especially for OPM artists.  Aiza even joked that it’s her relatives and friends occupying the General admission. 

It was a big production number of songs that made you feel good after the show.  You got to reminisce on the wide range of music covered by the Sessionistas with their great talents.  Repertoire included: samba version of classic Ramon Jacinto song by Sitti; funky moves by Duncan to the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson’s “Pretty Young Thing”; Nina delivering in full command to 70s soul era.

By 9:45, they were ensembled in red theme rendering their versions to current hits such as Rihanna’s “Beautiful Lie,” Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” Taio Cruz’ “Dynamite,” and Katy Perry’s “Firework.”  Generally, it was a very attentive audience listening intently except for the screaming during high points of the concert.  “Can’t Buy Me Love” and other timeless hits from the Beatles were covered up to our own APO Hiking Society originals like “Awit ng Barkada.”  In colorful boogies attire, they swayed to VST & Co. chart-toppers including “Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko,” and “Rock Baby Rock.”  Sitti kidded around that they were like doing a stop-dance.  She’s sultry and sexy to which she retorted to Richard Poon as being “Bolero.”  The Sessionistas also obligingly sang to OPM requests that they’ve received for the concert.  Another highlight of the evening?  The big “kilig” factor between Aiza and Richard!  

After imitating Aiza’s famous “duck walk,” Juris touched everybody’s hearts when she got all teary-eyed singing to Side A’s 1990’s love anthem, “Forevermore.”  The “Unstoppable” sensational Aiza Seguerra delivered acoustically Kamikazee’s “Narda” and it was highly impressive.  The violin made it all the more special.  It’s the kind of version, not only do you love the original, but a cover that you can’t help but fall madly in love with too.  The night would not be complete without singing to hit songs of the Eraserheads, one of Original Pilipino Music’s pillars. 

By the time the show ended at 30 minutes before the clock struck midnight, the crowd was up from their seats cheering and dancing along with the Sessionistas to Master Rapper Francis M.’s renowned Filipino theme songs.  It was a night that brought us to current scenes and back to endless music that knows no borders beautifully performed by the extremely talented Sessionistas.            

                 

Flutter Heart Song

Nah, don't flatter yourself haha ;-P But this song by Bruno Mars, "Just The Way You Are" is lyrics-wise and melody-wise what a girl would love to hear over and over and not get tired of.  It makes one's heart a-flutter like flying butterfly wings.  Being accepted for all that you are, the spice and sugary stuff in each and every aspect is how one would like to be loved.  No conditions, no could have beens, not wanting you to be anything else, just as is. 

It's the month of the hearts, no specific time or day for loving but following where it leads you --- Happy Valentine's everybody!

OPM Soda Pop of Music

Here's a cover of the fantabulous Madonna's "Crazy For You."  Madonna is an icon!  She got the beats rocking since back in the '80s :-) 

With lead singer, Yael Yuzon, Sponge Cola is one of the chart-topping bands in the Philippines Music Industry.  Just by watching them perform on television already gives you a pretty good idea of how talented they are, from Yael's amazing vocals that's husky-masculine and with his smart witts (no wonder Karylle's hushing your romance because you both want to take care of your blooming not-so-secret love as squealed out by Kuya Kim  hahahaaaa) to the band's skills with their instruments playing.  I'm glad I got to see a glimpse of their t.v. gigs at Umagang Kay Ganda and Showtime.  I'll pay more attention to them :-)  Let the Filipino talent shine!  Harmonize with the international music scene :-)  that's what music is about, universal.  No need for language barriers --- simple swaying to the same rhythm will do.