About to destress in Thailand

Working almost 24/7 publicizing musical plays, major concerts, celebrities, and films the past five months could really drive you crazy. Good thing, a “destressing” haven like Thailand is around three hours away. A full seven days away from work can hopefully recharge my already aching body. There’s no itinerary yet. But I’m looking forward to the New Year’s countdown at Central World in Bangkok, eat-all-you-can barbecue, meet up with friends and families based there, a night at Patpong (Hehehe), or maybe a Thai movie!

Bye for now, toxic Philippines. Hello, amazing Thailand!

Swasdee Krap!

‘Dayo,’ second most awarded entry in 2008 MMFF

“Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia,” the Philippines’ first all-digital, full-length animated feature and official entry to the 34th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) was second most awarded in the festival’s awards rites held at the Harbor Garden Tent, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila last Saturday night, December 27. “Dayo” won Best Visual Effects (Robert Quilao), Best Musical Score (Jessie Lasaten; recorded with the FILharmoniKA conducted by Gerard Salonga), Best Theme Song ("Lipad" by Jessie Lasaten and Temi Abad, Jr.; performed by Lea Salonga with the FILharmoniKA conducted by Gerard Salonga), and Best Sound (Whannie Dellosa and Mike Idioma).

“We are so thankful for these technical awards because they have validated our vision for ‘Dayo.’ These awards pay tribute to all the Filipino artists, specifically our animators who have worked on the film,” said executive producer Lasaten.

Tagged by local film critics as the movie to watch this holiday season, "Dayo" follows the adventures of Bubuy (voice by Nash Aguas), an 11-year-old boy from Antipolo, and Anna (voice by Hopia Legaspi), a teen manananggal, who take on a journey to save the former’s beloved grandparents abducted into Elementalia—a fantasy land thriving with strange flora and fauna and home to several enchanted creatures of Philippine mythology.

Apart from Aguas and Legaspi, the film features the voices of Pokwang (Vicky), Michael V (Narsi), Noel Trinidad (Lolo Meong), Nova Villa (Lola Nita), Johnny Delgado (Carpio), Peque Gallaga (Nano), Laurice Guillen (Diwata/Bruha/Kapre), Gabe Mercado (Jo), Pocholo Gonzales (Toti), and Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill (Tiyanaks).

"Dayo" is a hybrid product of paperless 2D and 3D animation, powered by Toon Boom using Macintosh and Linux platforms. 2D animation is used for the characters while 3D animation is used for the backgrounds, especially for the big scenes.

At an estimated production budget of USD 1.3 million, “Dayo” is produced in Dolby 7.1 surround sound. The team behind “Dayo,” led by its executive producer and director Robert Quilao, collaborated with Technicolor in Thailand for its post-production.

Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB), “Dayo” is also being endorsed by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the National Council of Children’s Television (NCCT). It is Rated G or GP (General Patronage) by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

Its award-winning theme song and musical score are included in the original movie soundtrack recently released by Sony BMG (Philippines).

For more information about the film, visit www.dayomovie.com.

A for animated 'Dayo'

Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—"Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia," the only animated feature in this month's Metro Manila Film Festival, garnered an A grade from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

Directed by Robert Quilao and produced by Cutting Edge Productions, "Dayo" received enthusiastic praises from board members.

"It's very Filipino, but very hip," said one reviewer.

"Commendable for its positive values: love for elders, concern for the environment," said another board member. "It's visually stunning. The attention to detail is admirable."

Another board member agreed: "All the elements of cinema were magically synergized to produce an enjoyable film."

"It's sincere," commented another board member. "Close to technically perfect."

"The voice talents, especially Michael V., were excellent," said another reviewer.

The board also singled out the theme song "Lipad," recorded by Lea Salonga. "It fits the movie to a T."

Quilao told Inquirer Entertainment that he is "thankful to the CEB for validating our efforts."

According to Cutting Edge finance director Erwin Escubio, "Dayo" took two years to finish.

"What we feel right now can be summed up by a quote from one of the board members," said Quilao. "This film makes me proud to be Filipino."

Quilao acknowledged that the film will be "judged" by the public when it opens on Christmas Day. "I hope they will share our vision and support this endeavor."

This is the third A for the MMFF. Previously, the drama film "Magkaibigan" and the historical epic "Baler" received As from the CEB, which is under the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

Another animated film, "Urduja," also got an A earlier this year.

'The Idol Experience,' a smash hit

Edgar Cruz, Yehey.Com

Ogie Alcasid, Ramiele Malubay, the “Pinoy Idol” participants and Menaya band packed Aliw Theater for “The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings With the Idols” concert on its last night last Sunday. Produced by The Underground Studio, they were able to fill the 3,000- plus seating capacity performance hall by 85% on its first night. The two-night concert is a certified smash hit despite the target market occupied with the Christmas rush. Ogie and Ramiele were easily the concert’s stars. Ogie was a blast! He mimicked Renaldo Lapuz, the Pinoy who auditioned in “American Idol” in white costume, for the opening number. Ogie did Renaldo’s own composition which he sang for Simon Cowell (“We're Brothers Forever") complete with the FEU Drum and Bugle Band. Outrageous! Ramiele has star presence. Her performance of Lani Misalucha and Regine Velasquez’s medley of songs was received very well by the audience. She also did the touching number “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” while the video showed her homecoming at Polilio Island in Quezon. “The Idol Experience” easily proved its feasibility as a concept. Producer Brian Sombero, helmer Rowell Santiago and publicist Oliver Oliveros have not gone down their clouds up to this deadline!

'Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia' Reviews

"...We marveled at its simple story, the telling of which was made more special because of the level of animation that was executed in the film. It was truly amazing. "Dayo" is proof that Filipino animators are truly world-class. - Ricky Calderon, Freeman Cebu

"I'm not surprised that Dayo is being endorsed by the Department of Education and the National Council for Children's Television. The movie showed values of friendship, love for your family, determination and strength. Watching it made me think about being confident in facing life's challenges..." - Krysten Boado, Junior Inquirer

"...magugustuhan ito ng bata lalo na ngayong holiday season." - Allan Diones, Abante Tonite

"Of note is the music in the picture, which is far better than what we usually get in our films. The vocal performances are uniformly good. Nash Aguas is a solid performer, and he fills his role with a lot of humanity..." Philbert Dy, ClicktheCity.Com

"This film proved that Philippine animators could create a well-crafted masterpiece that Filipinos could be proud of not just here but across the globe." - Jill Beltran, Sunstar

"Dayo is definitely the movie to watch, whether with family or friends and whether you are a child or an adult. Not only will its heartwarming story and script keep you glued to your seat. It will also inspire you to face challenges and persevere, value nature, and believe in yourself. It will teach you to fight for what you think is right, be there for a friend in need, respect and love your family, especially your elders, and pray and have faith in God." - Mika Gancayco, The Philippine Star

"'Dayo' is brimming with authentic Filipino elements culled from folklore, myths, pop culture, and even Pinoy slang. Mythical creatures abound in Elementalia, but Dayo reanimates them in a manner never seen before..." - Fidel Antonio Medel, Pep.Ph

"'Dayo' has the power to perk up the failing Philippine movie industry...When Anna Manananggirl (voice by Katrina "Hopia" Legaspi) lifts the 11-year-old Bubuy (voice by Nash Aguas) by the straps of his backpack and flies for the first time as Lea Salonga's voice soars in the theme song "Lipad," the enthralled audience let out a collective sigh during the red carpet premiere of Cutting Edge Productions' "Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia"—invariably called "Dayo"-- in SM Mega Mall's Cinemas 9 and 10. The 7.1 Dolby Surround used in the movie largely contributes to this build up of excitement." - Edgar Cruz, Yehey.Com

"Dayo is a proudly 100% Pinoy film in every aspect. "Lipad", Dayo's OST, gives an exhilarating feeling to viewers especially when being sung by Lea Salonga." - Maritoni Alvarez, Yehey.Com

"To the 400+ animators of Dayo from Manila and Naga, I salute all of you for creating breakthrough animation that can make each of us proclaim, 'I am proud to be a Filipino!'" - Anton Diaz, OurAwesomePlanet.Com

Filmmaker as cartoon character

Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—Acclaimed filmmaker Peque Gallaga happily notes he is now based in Bacolod and goes to Manila only “when I need cash.”

Which is not often, he jests, “because I don’t get a lot of offers. I get a lot of citations, tributes, retrospectives, but not jobs!”

When a job inquiry does come his way these days, it’s often for an acting gig—like last year’s Metro Manila Film Fest entry “Enteng Kabisote 4” and this year’s Cinemalaya finalist “Namets.”

The director behind the classic “Oro, Plata, Mata” admits he is also an actor by avocation. “My goal is to come out in the films of all the major directors,” he says.

So far his acting filmography reads like a Who’s Who of Philippine cinema: “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon” by Eddie Romero, “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” by Mario O’Hara, “Gumising Ka, Maruja” by Lino Brocka, among others.

No Ishmael Bernal?

“I was always an extra in his movies. He refused to cast me in big roles,” Gallaga recalls. But he frequently worked as production designer in Bernal’s films—including the landmark “Manila By Night.”

Most recently, Gallaga lent his voice to the animated feature “Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia”—an MMFF entry.

Have you voiced for a cartoon before?

Never. I have newfound respect for voice talents. When they offered this role to me, I accepted right away. I was thrilled. But in the recording studio, I was stumped.

What was the biggest challenge?

When you act in live action films, [you can use] the eyes and body movement. In animation, everything has to be expressed in the voice.

What did you discover in this process?

I’ve always been dissatisfied with my voice because it’s manipis [thin], unlike theater actors with rich timber. I’m also a terrible actor because the director in me gets in the way. I was always watching, editing and directing myself.

But in this movie, I was totally dependent on the director (Robert Quilao). When he said, “Can you do it this way?” I was like, “Sure!” It was beautiful and liberating not to be in charge.

How do you see your role, Nano the wise elemental?

My pegs were Yoda, Pilosopo Tasyo and Jun Urbano in “Magic Temple” (which he directed with Lore Reyes). I didn’t want to make Nano too cliché.

Will you direct an animated film?

If I knew how, why not?

Why have you stopped directing?

Frankly, committees make films now. I can’t work under those conditions. A committee’s job is to create a product and the foremost quality of a product is sameness. You want the Tide detergent you buy today to be the same Tide that you will buy tomorrow. That’s not art.

Instead of directing, you’re busy with workshops?

Our summer workshop in Bacolod is on its 19th year. It’s an intensive and interactive one-month workshop. The government is not going to do anything for us, so we have to teach the youth ourselves.

How do you feel about your son Wanggo’s disclosure of his HIV condition?

It was the right decision to come out. People need to talk about it. The notion that this illness is God’s punishment for homosexuals is stupid.

The Gallagas are practical people. I didn’t think my conservative family would be cool about it. But, even without me asking, they sent money.

In San Lazaro Hospital, we saw patients abandoned by their families. For us, the only devastation is financial; it’s a very expensive disease.

"Dayo" stirs the metro's creative and business communities

Edgar O. Cruz | Entertainment Editor | Yehey.Com

Breakthrough Filipino animation movie "Dayo" has stirred Metro Manila's creative and business communities into contributing services to promote it in line with the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival. ABS-CBN is helping "Dayo" with guestings. GMA is helping with spots and guestings. GMA will also air the making of "Dayo." Other channels are also helping: Cinema One, TV5, and Hero Channel. There's also QTV, yehey.com, inquirer.net, clickthecity.com and net bloggers. Mister Donut will come out with "Dayo" merchandise. STAGES is helping in the mall tours. Lea Salonga, Gerard Salonga and FILharmoniKA have been helping a lot. Sony BMG is releasing the OST. Purefoods is helping with the billboards. iAcademy for the "Dayo" buses around the metro. If "Dayo" makes money, there's a plan to make the "Dayo" trilogy. By the way, "Dayo" was recorded in state of the art 7.1 digital sound that's why the best theater to see it in is a digital theater! Publicist Oliver Oliveros dreams: "Sana Lumipad Ang 'Dayo'!"

2008 MMFF projections

Edgar O. Cruz | Entertainment Editor | Yehey.Com


Here is BuzzBox's reading as to how the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival will turn out to be:

1."Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat" and "Iskul Bukol...20 Years After" will slug it out for the top grosser position, with the winner decided which is the more entertaining movie.

2. As the only official entry made for children and being a well-made animation movie, "Dayo" will put a big surprise at the box-office.

3. Middle-of-the-road performers are "One Night Only," "Desperadas 2" and "Shake, Rattle & Roll X."

4. Dark horses are "Magkaibigan" and "Baler."

5. Cinema Evaluation Board will rate the official entries as follows:

A for "Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat," "Dayo," "Magkaibigan," "Baler" and "One Night Only."

B for "Desperadas 2."

No rating for "Shake Rattle & Roll X" and "Isbul Bukol...20 Years After."

6. Jinggoy Estrada will win as Best Actor.

7. "Magkaibigan" will improve its box-office performance when it wins awards in the Dec. 27 Gabi ng Parangal while "Baler" will be a hopeless performer.

8. This year's fest will not exceed MMFF's highest gross (P416 million in 2006) but will be very close with last year's gross of P377 million.

Karylle : “Single is Sexy”

Such a catchphrase came in very opportunely to launch Karylle as Bench Body’s newest endorser at the Trinoma Activity Center in Quezon City last Saturday, December 13. She showed a little bit of skin here but remains the same Karylle who is a class act, a caring soul, and an empowered woman.

Karylle has gone through a lot of new things recently – from switching TV stations, to managers, and to taking her singing and acting career to new heights. With a forthcoming soap in ABS CBN to a new album with EMI Philippines, “Kapamilya” network’s newest show biz royalty catch can also be seen on musical variety show “ASAP ‘08” on ABS CBN and TFC starting today, December 14.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to be a Bench endorser,” gushed the singer and this dream has become a reality one fateful day when STAGES manager, Carlo Orosa, met with Bench’s CEO Ben Chan and called for her to sign a contract on the spot. “I’ve been a Bench shopper and a huge fan of their basic tank tops which I have for several years, and I can vouch for their superior quality. My fave underwear from way before is the denim colored panties, which I also gave away as gifts to my girlfriends one Christmas.”

Her pictorial for Bench Body turned out to be a breeze for the new underwear model. “Noel [Manapat] was one of the first stylists I’ve worked with, and he gave me his assurance before we did the shoot. I definitely liked the MOBO stuff, hands down, of all that I got to wear. It’s colorful, young and very now! In fact, I’ve been bugging Noel about the MOBO line for women since I first saw it during the Bench Blackout show in Araneta.” Karylle even shared a picture taken during the show with the designer, Lesley Mobo, himself. “I became an instant fan and when I learned that he [Mobo] is known worldwide, it made me proud to be wearing some of his stuff in the ads because he’s one Pinoy we should all be proud of.”

Donning a black mesh bra partnered with Herbench’s red skinny jeans in one, Mobo for Bench’s abstract designed bra and Herbench’s dark denim jeans in another, she certainly looks at ease with her body. “I just finished running a 5k Unicef marathon at The Fort two days before the pictorial, and when I saw the shots from Ronnie [Salvacion’s] camera, the one against the red wall, I was so happy cause you could see the cuts in my tummy, and that’s definitely not photoshopped. I never thought I had those so I promise myself to join more marathons in the future.”

Ramiele Malubay arrives in Manila

Ricky Lo, Philippine STAR

Ramiele Malubay arrived yesterday to perform in The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols, slated for Dec. 20 and 21 at Aliw Theater, which is topbilled by Ogie Alcasid and also features Pinoy Idol grand winner Gretchen Espina and Brian Sombero's band Menaya.

Of course, you remember Ramiele as one of the two Filipinos (the other being Reynaldo Lapuz) who competed in this year's American Idol (Season 7) search.

Is Ramiele going back to rejoin her family in L.A. after the concert?

"No," Ramiele told Funfare during an exclusive interview last week at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. where she watched the Let's Celebrate concert of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, "I'm staying for three months and try my luck (there)."

The last time Ramiele came for a visit was two years ago.

"I wanted to but could not come last year because I was busy with American Idol," said Ramiele who is here with her boyfriend, Austin Torres, a singer-dancer from Pampanga who also wants to try his own luck here.

Asked what her most memorable experience was on American Idol, Ramiele said, "The tour. But the whole experience, from the time I auditioned to the time I was kicked out, was memorable. It was a very good experience. Stressful pero masaya."

Ramiele will sing five songs in the The Idols Experience concert.

"What songs?," Ramiele smiled. "Secret! I will also sing a duet with Mr. Ogie and I'm freaking out about that. That's a big deal to me. It's an honor for me."

Ramiele said that she was born in Saudi Arabia and, when she was five years old, the family moved to Boston and later to Florida.

"I had to quit school when I joined American Idol."

Among the Filipino artists, her own idols are Lani Misalucha, Regine Velasquez, Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Sarah Geronimo.

"I watched Sarah in concert and she's really good."

Grand welcome for Karylle in 'ASAP '08'

THERE will be a big welcome for Karylle in "ASAP '08" this Sunday, signaling her being a Kapamilya.

Karylle, formerly a mainstay of "ASAP's" competing show on GMA-7, "SOP," will be greeted by the show's hosts, including her mom Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary V. Heartthrobs Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby will also be joining her in a special number.

Karylle, fresh from the US where she received praise for her singing of the "Lupang Hinirang" at the Manny Pacquiao-Oscar dela Hoya fight, signed a one-year contract under ABS-CBN. The rejuvenated singer who also dabbles in theater is also fresh from her stint as Maria in STAGES' "West Side Story."

"Ang dami na agad nag-welcome sa 'kin, kaya ang sarap ng feeling," Karylle said when asked about how she feels being a certified Kapamilya.

She will be having a series of projects under ABS-CBN that will definitely keep her days busy especially her 2009. Starting this Sunday, Karylle steps on the "ASAP" stage. This will be the first time that Karylle and her mom, Zsa Zsa, will be together in one regular show.

Apart from her hosting and singing stints in "ASAP'08," she is also in the cast of the teleserye "Maruja," with Kristine Hermosa. Among her plans also is to resume her recording career.

She's also under a new management, STAGES and has accepted a new endorsement, Bench body, with the campaign entitled "Single and Sexy." Karylle's sexy Bench billboard in Trinoma will be unveiled this Saturday, December 13. Karylle also has a new album under EMI Records which will be released early next year.

Indeed, a new Karylle is yet to be discovered. Watch for her.

"Dayo" soundtrack now available

Jocelyn Dimaculangan, Pep.Ph

Even before Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia hits the cinemas on December 25, it has already registered a lot of firsts for the Philippine movie industry. It is touted as the first Filipino film to be produced in Dolby 7.1 and the first Pinoy movie to collaborate with Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation.

"Dayo" is poised not only as a feast to the eyes but will seek to establish a deeper connection with the audience through its music.

Jessie Lasaten, multi-awarded film music composer and executive producer of "Dayo," weaves magic by complementing the digital animated film with an ensemble of an all-Filipino musical talent and the use of indigenous instruments. Providing for a multi-sensorial treat to audiences of all ages, "Dayo's" soundtrack highlights the rendition of world-renowned performer Lea Salonga of the movie's theme song, "Lipad." Her version of "Lipad" and the whole film score were recorded together with the FILharmoniKA under the baton of Gerard Salonga.

It will be recalled that Lea had already lent her singing voice to Mulan and Princess Jasmine of "Aladdin," both from Walt Disney. Lea's track will accompany the first flight of Bubuy (voiced over by Nash Aguas) and Anna manananggirl (voiced over by Katrina Legaspi). "Lipad is a song about believing in dreams and making them come true," explains Jessie who collaborated with Temi Abad, Jr. in writing the lyrics.

"Kaya mong lumipad," is a line from the movie's theme song. It speaks of an aspiration to soar and at the same time, talks about the readiness to reach new heights.

Aside from Lea's inspirational version, upcoming band Roots of Nature sang an upbeat version of "Lipad." This is currently being played on airwaves under the Sony BMG label.

Youtube sensation and "Bubble Gang" mainstay Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill also perform "Kapit," a song about friendship. The two are already signed up with Sony BMG and they are slated to come out with their album soon. The 25-year old Moymoy (whose real name is James Obeso) used to be a vocalist for the band Pashionista, which is now based in Singapore. His brother Roadfill (whose real name is Rodfil Obeso) is two years younger and used to work for a telecommunications company. During the December 11 press conference of "Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia," the two performed their song "Kapit" while the music video of the song was shown on a big screen above them.

New band Juan Lunar performed "Daybreak," a song about being there for someone when they need you most.

Jessie narrates their efforts to come up with the movie's full soundtrack, which contains 31 tracks.

"We have music that combines full orchestral instrumentation with the ethnic instruments of Joey Ayala. I've composed new themes for the major characters. In terms of scoring the scenes, I've combined orchestral score with Filipino ethnic instruments especially when Bubuy enters Elementalia. We asked Joey to sing the Elementalia Dayo song as well as have him perform his 'hegalong,' a two-string lute instrument. He also played kubing (jaw harp), kulintang (ethnic gong), and nose flute which added texture to the score in the Elementalia scenes." This multi-faceted musical scoring will guarantee to carry the viewers from one scene to the next, bridging animation and real life.

"Dayo's" original soundtrack album is now available in record bars courtesy of Sony BMG. It is being sold at P285.

Indie Rock outfit frontman produces Ogie's show

Indie rock outfit Menaya has a real doer for a frontman in Brian Sombero. Apart from his duties as main singer-songwriter and bandleader, he does concert producing and by that we are saying big-time. He is at the helm for an upcoming groundbreaking concert top-billing balladeer Ogie Alcasid and American Idol Season 7 Fil-Am finalist Ramiele Malubay.

Called "The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols," the two-night concert will be staged at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City on December 20 and 21. It will also feature the finalists of the recent "Pinoy Idol" competition (aired over GMA-7) led by its grand winner Gretchen Espina, along with Brian's band Menaya who is out to do their own thing. The producer-rocker himself was a former "Philippine Idol" contestant, so his band's presence enters in sync with the 'Idols' concept.

"Ogie is a family friend while Ramiele’s dad is a friend of my dad," revealed Brian who finds amusement with the fact that a lot of Pinoys abroad go into singing-star search auditions and make it good. His newly organized company TheUnderGround Studio (TUGS) is now taking care of what would be an interesting mix of straight pop and indie rock music in a major concert.

Apart from his band and concert producing chores, Brian has his hands full playing in major international poker tournaments as “mind-sports”. Carrying the poker name "The Bandit," he has landed in the top 12 at the 1st Asian Poker Tour (APT) held in Manila. He has also finished 2nd runner-up in the recent Manila Cup of Pokerstars’ Asia-Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) event held in Hyatt Hotel. As a poker warrior, Brian travels a lot every year.

As a matter of fact, he has consistently played in the following major international poker tournaments: World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, World Poker Tour (WPT), British Columbia Poker Championship in Canada, Bellagio Cup in Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Venetian Poker Tournaments in Las Vegas, Commerce Poker Tournament in Los Angeles, California, Asian Poker Tour (APT) in Manila, Asian Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) by Pokerstars in Manila, World Poker Championship (WPC), and the Manila Cup of APPT by Pokerstars in Manila

His involvement in international poker actually comes in as no surprise. Brian is the son of the renowned Las Vegas gaming executive and international poker player Colonel Wally "The Dream" Sombero, who has been credited for bringing into the country as well as into the Asia-Pacific region the 'modern day poker' and nurtured it as the “spiritual leader of Filipino poker enthusiasts”.

Brian revealed that his father exposed him to the international poker scene to get his mind off the struggling indie music industry in the Philippines. "After months of training, my father even left me in Atlantic City, and allowed me to play poker almost everyday for several months to hone my skills and gain experience against foreign players."

He confided that he is probably the greatest frustration of his father who initially wanted him to finish his studies in college. In 2002, his father brought him to Les Roches School of Hotel Management in Switzerland to be familiarized with the world-renowned curricula of the prestigious school. Les Roches graduates are sought out by the world’s top hotels and restaurants, and occupy some of the most influential positions in the hospitality industry. “My dad really went out of his just to convince me to enroll in said school. At first, I played along with him but I wasn’t really sure of staying in said school, “ Brian quipped.

“In line with my father’s current engagement organizing hotel and resort projects in the country, I was left in Zurich by my father confident that I will pursue the course. But after only three months, I returned to the Philippines to pursue my true love – music.” His father was left with no other recourse but to support Brian's music career – resigned to the fact that “If you can’t beat him, join him.”

“I really appreciate the painstaking efforts of my dad to wean me away from music. He even toured me in several occasions to many parts of Europe where we spent time racing against each other in the Autoban,” he added. They also enjoyed driving from Paris, France all the way to Rome, Italy, and then from Barcelona to Madrid, and finally from Madrid to Malaga in the region of Andalusia in Spain.

Yet, Brian revealed that all the traveling and jet-setting only reinforced his desire to write music rather than get his mind off it. His exposure in the magnificent European beaches – from Nice in the French Riviera, Monaco and in Malaga, Spain – only added inspiration to his craft influenced by New Wave artists.

A couple of months' back Brian's Menaya produced and released an indie package called "The Worst News", featuring edgy pop rock ditties with songs such as "Safer", "Happiness", "Everytime", “Idiom”, and "Bakit Kailangan", the lone Tagalog piece in the 10-track plus one hidden track offering of high promise. Their music is now highly noticed by the rock community, particularly FM radio NU 107 where their singles have ruled.

"Indie is more of a culture. It isn’t even connected to the word independent but rather takes off from being the opposite or a rebellion against the mainstream comes in the equation because indies should be doing something different from what is usually offered," explained Brian in reference to the word 'rebellion' which some people tend to take with negative connotation. “We strongly believe that most of our followers listen to our kind of music as they themselves are ‘indie artists’ in their own right. In a way, we’re trying to reach out to them as an attempt to connect with the hidden artist in all of us.”

Completing Menaya's line-up are guitarist Mike Bacalzo, drummer Hepe Lavador and bass player Sherwyn Olivar. They all have a day job that they will have to give up eventually with more engagements after signing up with IMusic label for distribution by Universal Music.

While other indie people prefer taunting the mainstream players as sellouts, Brian is one indie guy who understands the trade and respects those who play it rather safe. Amazingly he is not someone boxed as an indie artist, but one with an open-mind who thinks that blending genres and styles can create a more exciting musical stage.

"Filipinos love great music and those who try winning in competitions," he asserted.

Well, Brian is an authority to that since Menaya has good music to boast of and he for one experienced going out his way just to audition for "Philippine Idol" two years back.

"The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols" tickets are priced at 10,000 (already sold out), 3000, 2400, 1400, and 650 pesos. For more information, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or Ticketnet at 911-5555 or TheUnderGround Studio at 376-2732.

"The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols" is presented by GMA 7, QTV, TheUnderGround Studio, PCSO, PAGCOR, Grand Villa Resort and Pepsi. Major sponsors include Chowking, OgieDogie, Autohub, Bingo Bonanza, Bodega ng Bayan, Blue Dot, Delimondo, Pacific Blue Shades, Worldwide Gaming Group, Philippine Poker Tour, Metro Card Room, Air Force One, Classmate, Kremlin, Danny's Grill, Crown Regency Hotels. Media partners include The Manila Times, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Bulletin, Police Files, Hataw, X-Files, People's Journal, People's Tonight, Taliba, Women's Journal, - all from the Journal Group, Tempo, Myx, Magic 89.9, Yes FM and Love Radio.

Another first for Lea Salonga

Everyone knows who Lea Salonga is. If not, they have probably spent the last decade or so in a deep, dark hole in the middle of nowhere.

But just for the record – Lea Salonga is the first Filipina to ever star in a West End and Broadway production [Miss Saigon of course] and the first Filipina to ever win international theater accolades including the most prestigious award in British theatre, the Laurence Olivier Award, the Antoinette Perry or the Tony Awards for Excellence in Theatre, the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics Circle Awards and the Theatre World Award.

Lea was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway.

All these firsts make Lea a veritable First Lady in the world of theatre – and I do mean world!

Now this theater Titan, adds another first to her list. She is singing the theme song, “Lipad,” of the upcoming Filipino animated feature “Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia.” Though Lea has been the singing voice in animated films before - Princess Jasmine and Mulan in Disney’s Aladdin and Mulan respectively – this is the first time she is singing for a Filipino animated production.

It’s rather fitting really because “Dayo” is also a first in itself! This breakthrough full-length, fully digital animated film feature is the first of its kind in Philippine cinematic history.

“Dayo” is about a boy named Bubuy who goes to save his grandparents who have been abducted by enchanted beings and are being held prisoner in mystical land called Elementalia. He is aided and abetted by other fantastical and mythical creatures from Philippine mythology in his quest.

When asked why she agreed to sing the film’s theme song, Lea replies, “I had a feeling this was going to be something pretty important… given the technology it employs in order to make the film… given that the story is about facing your fears and conquering obstacles and doing something great for somebody that you love and making your own dreams come true… there’s adventure in it, there’s comedy in it … Why wouldn’t I be part of something like this?”

Why not indeed? And the fact that it is an all-Filipino, all-original production is a plus for Lea. “It feels great to do something for a Filipino company, singing a Filipino song for a Filipino fully animated film. Its something that I can say, ‘This came from my country and I’m proud of this show’ … so to be part of something like this is very special.”

The theme song, “Lipad,” composed by Jessie Lasaten and Temi Abad, Jr. and recorded with the FILharmoniKA, conducted by Gerard Salonga, has a very special message as well.

“The song 'Lipad,' when looked at and listened to on its most basic level, is a song of inspiration,” enthuses Lea. “The main character is encouraged to overcome his fears for a greater good. However, on a deeper level, it's a song of inspiration to everyone that hears the song: to our animators and artists to fly high and reach their dreams, to our people to dream big and achieve their goals, and to anyone that has any fear that they perhaps might be unable to make their lives better, to ‘dream it, and make it happen.’ ‘Basta't kaya mong isipin, kaya mong gawin’ is one line from the song, and I believe that anyone can make their dreams comes true, starting with a wish.”

And that’s a message Lea is well qualified to impart. After all, she is someone who has had many of her dreams come true and still continues to fly high!

“Lipad” composer Lasaten agrees wholeheartedly that Lea is the ideal choice to interpret his composition. “Lea's rendition is just how we've imagined it would be for the first flying scene of Bubuy and Anna. It's perfect and inspiring!”

And why not – after all, Lea is FIRST!

“Dayo” is an official entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). It is produced by Cutting Edge Productions.

For more information, visit the official movie web site at www.dayomovie.com.

“Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia” is co-presented by Frootees, Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog and Mister Donut. The film is also supported by Ascorbic Acid Ceelin, Crispy Fry Breading Mix, Enervon Bright Brand, Timezone, FUJI YKL, Inquirer.net, Yehey.com, ClicktheCity.com, Animation Council of the Philippines, Toon Boom, Wacom, Woodpecker Studio and New Media.

Music Video: CLICK HERE

Menaya, Indie Music’s newest recording artist

Edgar Cruz, Daily Tribune

At the recent press conference of “The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols” pre-Christmas concert at Aliw Theater, singer-songwriter and Indie Music label’s executive Ogie Alcasid announced to the press and media that Menaya, one of the country’s fast-rising indie rock outfits, is the newest addition to the label’s roster of recording artists. Menaya is composed of Brian Sombero (vocals/guitar), Mike Bacalzo (guitar), Hepe Lavador (drums) and Sherwyn Olivar (bass). Menaya’s groovy music has British new wave influence. Ogie and Regine Velasquez’s Indie Music will release the group’s newest album titled "The Worst News" with track “Safer” as its carrier single. They will also do the front act at the “The Idol Experience: Ogie Sings with the Idols,” featuring Alcasid, American Idol Season 7 Fil-Am finalist Ramiele Malubay and GMA 7’s Pinoy Idol talents at Aliw Theater on Dec. 20 and 21. “It will be our first major front act gig,” laughs Brian, who is also producing the show via TheUnderGround Studio.