The beat of the heart: How to Love

With simple lyrics that narrates what one naturally feels, the song would surely capture your heart.  The beat is fantastic.  The electronic mix with the varying crescendo and ascendo is a very good dance rhythm.  Cash Cash is a master in producing amazing club music.  Not only is it a great electronica, but with the overall composition, the song has essence.  As a music enthusiast, that's the kind of music we are looking for nowadays, wherein the song has meaning with quality value.  It speaks of the longings of the heart, truly the beat one yearns for.  Featuring Sofia Reyes, the end of the video best says it all, with the innocence and hands on prayer, love is exactly what one needs and prays for in life. 

Feels So Good Candyman

This is a definite feels so good song, a Candyman remake from the legendary Sammy Davis, Jr.  Upon first hearing, it surely gave me a great feeling.  It's just that kind of song that you'd love listening to, over and over again.  The moment Zedd came out with Clarity, a few years back, he made a household name for himself and is a rare gem to watch out for.





Finding out the story behind it, the more I became in awe with its history that it is a classic song.  Not only as a way of promoting M&M choco but more of as a tribute to the original artist.  When it comes to commercials or ads, this is more than just a marketing gimmick because the song, both the original and the remake, sticks to your memory.





The way they also incorporated vintage, old black and white with the integrated voices of both Sammy Davis, Jr and Aloe Blacc is a very creative input.  Even for just a few seconds, the fact that they remastered Sammy Davis, Jr's voice into it is a wonderful tribute.  The fusion of the present vibe with the melody and more in-depth lyrics gives more value to the song as a whole. It maintains the originality of the song, only with deeper meaning.  You would not even think it was actually a means of celebrating the known brand of sweets' 75th anniversary.  It stands out alone as a treasured song itself.  Every time this song comes on the radio, it instantly diffuses whatever sour mood I may be in, but instead making me feel better, as the song says, feels so good. 

FOOL'S GOLD, video review on Aaron Carter's bold venture into the music scene once more

        After a decade's wait, from I Want Candy, Aaron Carter is morphing to new, synthesized beats with an evolution he is delivering with Fool's Gold. But is it worth waiting for?

        A month after its release on April 1 with Fool's Gold, Aaronators, as he fondly calls his fans, are clamoring for more. The fandom cannot wait for the whole album, LØVË, he is yet to unveil. If this is just a teaser of what he has in store, then the music scene would get to know again what real artists do.
 


        At first, the video projects a basic storyline without depicting the whole concept of the song. Lyrics-wise, it's about a love triangle wherein the girl trades the man for another because of some fool's gold. But in the end, the simple act of Aaron's character backing out with a snubbed flinch, best sums it up in saying adieu. In other words, simplicity is the key element in the making of the video. Bare walls, aloof in bed, hardly touching, the female lead all covered in glittery gold, the video is still able to narrate what the song wants to convey with minimal characters.   The eye, both in the intro and towards the end, mirroring the reflection of Aaron has a poetic significance to it.

        The keyboard tattoo playing on his arm speaks of the ingenuity on Aaron's creativity. That's pure genius! No one else has come up with that. For Aaron to boldly bring it on the table means he is serious on the art of music and to prove to the entertainment world that he is here to stay. That's real tattoo, by the way. What's got me intrigued is if the keys being played on the arm are actually the notes of the melody. I wonder if he came up with that idea for the video before he got his tattoo done? Or when the inspiration struck him to creatively come up with it for the track? Before or after? Just when you thought it's based on a simple video, he waits for the right moment to surprise us with that. It's spell binding!

        The Aaron Carter we knew before, who only wanted to party for you to come get it, is now showing to us that there is still longevity in his career and there is more to come after. He is definitely more than a come back artist, but someone who has been honed in his craft, through the years, who is on the right track.

ELLIE GOULDING: A Golden Artist

I instantly became a fan of Ellie Goulding because she exudes simplicity yet bears regality about her that you cannot help but give respect to her artistry.  She has a calm, angelic voice, a rare quality you find nowadays wherein it's more typical for a singer to strain or over belt out.  With Ellie Goulding, she is a combination of softness and delivering a powerful message through her music.  Ellie also has an amazing control with her falsetto.

Her album title itself would make you wonder what it is all about.  It speaks volumes of what she wants to convey through her songs.  Halcyon Days, a big word with deep meaning.

Ellie Goulding reminds me of Donna Lewis, one of my faves back in the day.  Hopefully, Ellie would continue on churning out more hit-makers and albums in the years to come, with longevity in her career.



I wanted to hear more of Ellie's songs than what was just being played on the airwaves.  Having 2 CDs in one is a great package! It's the 2nd CD that I put more on replay.  I love it when albums come complete with lyrics booklet.  Just a reminder, though, not to make the fonts too microscopic.  Music enthusiasts do read that.  It would help if it's readable.

My top favorite from the album is How Long Will I Love You, a soundtrack from About Time.  The song is filled with so much romance and to add the golden voice of Ellie Goulding to it would make you feel that love can, indeed, be such a heaven.  I could never get tired of hearing it non-stop.  I could not have asked for any other artist to have performed it other than Ellie Goulding because she gives it the justice it deserves.  Her performance of it makes you believe in the song.  That, in itself, is an important element on what makes a song successful.

Burn, is an incredible dance track, along with Goodness Gracious that has a more fun, youthful vibe to it. A song note-worthy of having become a single is Joy.  Anything Could Happen and I Need Your Love have become immediate chart-toppers.  A Midnight Star remake,  Midas Touch is a timely good cover for Ellie as she surely turns what she touches into gold, just the way she touches our hearts with her golden voice, becoming a cherished treasure in music.

JLo: Believing In Loving And Dancing Again

From Epic Records, the beautiful, talented and bootylicious Jennifer Lopez released her 2012 "Dance Again...The Hits" album just in time for her world tour aptly same titled cd. 

If you were not able to see her, hope you enjoy this review for your reading pleasure! 

Where JLo at?   The Mall Of Asia Arena
When the club party happened?  2012 November 26 on a full moon Monday
Which country?  The Philippines!  Right with the Manila Bay view
Who did what?  Concert Review by yours truly, Lorelie
How?  Last minute tix purchase nose bleed seats
@ SM box office, totally worth it!!!
Why?  No reason ♥ :-P It's JLo ♫ so go go go watch the show!! ♣

 

Appreciation for the Arts: The Beginning of the Future

The Cultural Center of the Philippines proudly presents  4^th NTF Ang Bagong Yugto:  The New Act.  This is the 4^th season the CCP is celebrating the National Theater Festival, its 20th year anniversary from November 8-18, 2012. From November 8-10 there are conferences, exhibits, and film screenings.  You are cordially invited to watch the different performances by home-grown talents of nationwide theatrical groups in the country. 

 

 

Special mention are three of the groups I am providing assistance with.  They are (1) SPIT Free Admission:  Hinde kami pobre, KSP lang (An improvised show on the struggle of making a living through art in contemporary Philippines) on November 16 at Silangan Hall, 7 pm;  (2) KANLAON Circulo on November 9 at the main ramp, 7 pm; and (3) TRUMPETS Mind’s Eye November 16^th 3 & 8 pm at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (TAT) CCP Little Theater. 

For more information on the schedule of activities and festival passes, you may get in touch with the CCP box office at 832-3704 / 832-3706  or contact ticketworld at 891-9999 and visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph

Good Morning & Good Night

This is one of the current songs on the airwaves right now picking up the beat.  I love this.  I hope you enjoy this one! 

GOOD TIME

Spiritual Healing

I recently got this  album "Journey to the Heart" by Fatima Soriano with Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD.  For the healing of the soul and in lifting you up, I highly recommend this.  She has a beautiful voice that only an angel could sing.  She may be blind but she sees from the heart and speaks through music.

12 tracks include:
(1)  Journey to the Heart
(2)  A Wonderful Journey
(3)  Aking Alay  (My Offering)
(4)  Carry No Burden
(5)  The More You Worry - a funny way of worrying about things so you do not worry
(6)  Awit Ng Puso  (The Song of My Heart)
(7)  Enough For Me To Know
(8)  Mama, Let Me Live
(9)  All For Me
(10) My Offering
(11) Kung Pwede Lang (If Only)
(12) Salve Regina

I'm relearning my way when it comes to cooking.  Just like riding the bicycle, once you know and get the hang of it, you will be able to get right back on track. 

The most recent cooking I did, I played this album for background.  Very soothing and calming.  Surely enough, the new, experimental dishes I made tasted better.  Nowadays, I pick up cooking lessons from watching television shows.  I was also able to take basic lessons in 2008. 

Honestly, I am not really much of a cook, I am more of the food eater.  But whenever I get to cook, my number one fan is my Papa.  He always says that my dishes taste good!  No matter how bad it gets, for him, my cooking is delisyoso! When it comes to hearing honest feedback and critique, I listen to my youngest brother for cooking tips.  He is more of the chef in the family.  Also, I learned that my Kuya (bless his soul) that he and I have the same cooking habit of putting on music whenever we got to cook.  I like having music around.  I can go anywhere with music.  Music is a place where we can take comfort.  Whether I am cooking, house cleaning, driving, anything, I guess that's how music is for everyone.  If I get bored, I start humming to whatever tune.  If I don't have one, I play a song in my head.   

And that is why "Music Is The Universal Language Of Love."     

THE MONKEY DANCE

Before setting foot for the Zoobic tour, there’s an orientation and a program.  Here is a little snippet from our ancestral tribes, the Aetas, where it all began.  We look back to where we came from, in giving tribute and gratitude to them because that is the foundation of our lineage and brings us to where we will be heading.  The beginning of the future is on the thanksgiving for the past in living at every moment of the present.  This is the monkey dance. 

The Return of David Cook

                His last journey to the Philippines was on May 16, 2009 together with his good friend, the charming and talented David Archuleta.  Now he comes back!  On the night of July 14, 2012, The Dome was not filled up but I can still feel the adrenaline up till now with the mean guitar playing and strummed bass of Monty and Devin coupled with the drum beating by Nick with smooth keyboards of Andy and the signature raspy, full, strong vocals of David Roland Cook.

                You’d notice how he thanked the people who came after every song.  I squealed with delight as he sang my favourite songs of his that includes “Come Back To Me” and “Leave A Light On.”  From his American Idol Season 7 songlist that became such a hit, Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” had the loudest cheers and loud concert karaoke going on.  It was such a kilig moment when Yeng Constantino threw in her powerful vocals on that duet and most especially after their big bear hug.

                No wonder he has this special quality of a drawl when he sings.  He’s a Houston, Texas native.  His rare talent has been taking him 15 years in the making and going on, that’s a wow perseverance!   He may not have the dancing moves, but he surely knows how to groove your soul with his ballad rock beats. 

                What I loved the most was how enthusiastic he is in being able to come back here to our beautiful tropical islands.  Maybe being a tour guide would be really nice for him and his bandmates.  

                A one hour and a half show, the amplifying of the instruments and screaming as loud as I could I think has busted my eardrums!  I brought along home for me his sophomore album as a souvenir.  With this cd, I can relive the concert with his new, heart tugging rock ballad makers.  Maraming salamat David!  Mabuhay!      

by:  Lorelie Dino  COPYRIGHT 2012

What's Cooking?

The current last song fighting for you hitmaker is back in town!  His last landing here in our shores was on May 16th of the lucky 2009 year. 

No other than, Mr. David Cook! 

The Incomparable NKOTBSB

2 weeks after that unforgettable night, I'm still having flashes of the ultimate Boyband experience, New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, The Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block, however which way. 

Relive the sweetest memory.  This is definitely the event I'd always be able to remember.
Here's a simple concert review. 
Are you having fun?  Do you want some more?
Hope you had a blast because YES, I sure did! 

              2012 June 03, Sunday at The Arena, Mall of Asia.

                       The Backstreet Boys getting down non-stop! 

Staying True With This Soundtrack

Even though my mind has been a lil fried these days, am I glad that this came again as a flashback.  Yey!  My brain works after all, thank goodness! :D

I love Disney and this is definitely one of my favorites.  The song says it all.  It is a great collaboration from the wonderful man himself, Mr. Stevie Wonder, and being a boyband freak, here's 98 Degrees from the "Rising" with the sun blazing on the background album. 

Have a look, have a listen, read on up, whatever you do, my heart stays true with you, as how the song goes.  <3 :-)

One Night - One Stage

Boyband mania is definitely ON!

The boybands of all boybands.  

Once in a lifetime.  

It can't get any better than this!  

New Kids on The Block 
and 
The Backstreet Boys 
One Stage!  

Manila, be ready 
for the hottest night 
of your life!  

As NKOTBSB sizzles the end 
of our summer 2012, 

these men will heat us up like never before.

                       How?     Hot Seats!  

Where?  SM Mall of Asia @ The Arena

                       When?   2012 June 03

                       Who?     You!  

Be There!  You sure don't want to miss this!   

Whitney Houston's Legacy

Whitney Houston may have left this earthly life but her music, her golden voice, is immemorial.

She's always been one of my favorite singers since my younger days.  I am thankful that I am part of the generation that has been lucky enough to be blessed with a beautiful person like her and her music.  Her many, great songs have touched each and every one of us. My top 10 favorite songs of hers include:  Greatest love of all, I will always love you, One moment in time, My love is your love, Step by step, So emotional, I wanna dance with somebody (who loves me), How will I know, I have nothing, and I believe in you and me.

These two music videos may not have hit the charts as big as her timeless rendition of Dolly Parton's "I will always love you" but are the songs that simply make me feel good...about Love and Life.  Enjoy!   

"MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE"





"STEP BY STEP"




Rest In Peace, Whitney Houston.  As you're celebrating Valentine's now in heaven, know that your life, your love for music is celebrated around the world through the years..."We will always love you."  

Good Night Kiss

Another beautiful song from Lady Antebellum, after "Need You Now," is this very endearing, heart-warming "Just A Kiss" released in 2011.  I love this!   

Wondering if I ever cross your mind, in my heart it is this kiss you will find. 

The Profile: Music Is Love

Here's a bit of a music profile on me, a Q&A thanks to Music Sponge.  It's a great way to start my new year and I hope you like knowing a little bit more of me through this. 

I'm like an ant nowadays, saving up big time for the big concert I've been dreaming of *makesthewish* 
just a smile away *wink*

Here's the big welcome sign that I would like to see up from the air myself.  This is also to welcome the artists from near and far to enjoy their musical journey in our beautiful islands, Mabuhay!

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.