High marks for Regine’s ‘Low Key’

SHARON Cuneta did it for Rupert Holmes’ “Terminal.” So did Nina for Michael Johnson’s “I’ll Always Love You.” And now, in her latest album of covers, “Low Key,” Regine Velasquez is doing the same for a number of standards and pop favorites. Surely, the popularity or instant recall of an old hit song makes it easier for singers to sell an album, but only intelligent performers have the ability to “resurrect” a conventional tune with worn-out melodies or dated lyrics and give it a fresh spin.

For instance, how do you revive Anne Murray’s “You Needed Me” and Debbie Boone’s “You Light Up My Life” without aping the schmaltz-fueled sensibility of their original versions? But, a performer’s interpretive ability makes a lot of difference. After all, turning sap into substance is no easy feat—it requires more than just bravura singing.

Aggressive belting

In Regine’s 18-track collection, you’ll hardly hear the relentlessly aggressive belting that catapulted her to the top of the local music industry’s hierarchy via her show-stopping renditions of “Narito Ako,” “And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going),” “You Are My Song” and “Love Me Again,” her first single.

This time, she is no longer driven by the motivation to show-off—and her high notes are delivered like a gentle kiss or a soothing caress. The only time she displays her famous vocal bravado is in the bonus track, Jim Brickman’s “Christmas Is.”

In the liner notes, Asia’s Songbird describes the new direction as part of her “personal and musical evolution.” She explains: “I discover new things about myself and use them in my songs. I realized that the voice doesn’t have to be loud to be forceful, and that a performer can convey a wide range of emotions even in soft or gentle singing.”

Regine accomplishes just that in “Low Key”: Her heartfelt renditions of Terri Gibbs’ “Tell Me That You Love Me,” Orsa Lia’s “No Walls, No Ceilings, No Floors,” Rita Coolidge’s “I’d Rather Leave While I’m In Love” or Mary Macgregor’s “Good Friend” will convince listeners to think beyond cloying sentimentality and over-indulgent schmaltz.

Personal journey

Through her songs, Regine takes us on a personal journey—not just hers, but ours, as well. Take Don McLean’s “And I Love You So.” Her exquisitely sung version of the hit classic reminds us of growing up in Davao listening to our dear father humming the song during long family trips to the city. In our childhood years, the tune may not have mattered much, but its lyrical beauty resonates with us now more than ever. Such is the power of great music.

Magnificent too are Regine’s revivals of the Rah Band’s “Clouds Across the Moon,” Manhattan Transfer’s “Walk in Love,” The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” and Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer,” which she sang in a previous album as a hidden track, as part of a medley that also included Wet Wet Wet’s “Love is All Around.”

Maturity has truly brought perspective and depth to Regine’s musicality. She no longer shrieks and shouts as much as she used to, and she has realized that there’s more to beautiful singing than belting!

Tell me that you love me - behind the scenes

Kris Aquino’s musical tribute to her mom

Like her or dislike her, Kris Aquino has always been newsworthy. But, there’s good reason why “The Greatest Love,” her latest “album,” especially deserves to be heard. No, the 37-year-old actress-TV host doesn’t sing in it. Instead, she gathers a playlist of beautiful songs and heartfelt prayers to pay tribute to her mom, former President Corazon C. Aquino, who’s been diagnosed with colon cancer.

In the album, Kris paints an intimate portrait of her mother as a private person. This time around, her famed candor doesn’t dispense self-indulgent ramblings about how she figures in the bigger scheme of things, but instead offers heartwarming nuggets of revelatory information about her illustrious family and how they’re coping during this difficult time.

Inspirational duet

In the album, before Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha render their smashing cover of the inspirational Whitney Houston-Mariah Carey duet, “When You Believe,” Kris tells her mother: “Dear Mom, I hope and pray that when you’re reading this, you’re okay. We didn’t want to add to your burden by showing you how torn up we all were when we found out about your cancer.

“When Viel told me (about it), I felt the world crashing down, and all the weight was centered on my heart and stomach. I cried uncontrollably, I threw up so much, wanting to purge myself of the worst possible news. Memories came rushing back, and I wanted to share them with you, just so you’d know how much being your baby has meant to me.”

As Kris looks back, she coats her memories with 13 well-chosen tracks, performed by some of the music industry’s most beautiful voices, among them Martin Nievera (“The Greatest Love of All”), Gary Valenciano (“Isn’t She Lovely?”), Ogie Alcasid (“Ugoy ng Duyan”) and Piolo Pascual, who sings Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman’s “No Matter What.”

Also notable are Billy Crawford’s reworked version of James Taylor’s “How Sweet It Is,” Jay-R’s soothing “A Song for Mama,” Mcoy Fundales’ “Bless the Beast and the Children,” and Ronnie Liang’s inspired remake of Carol Banawa’s hit ballad, “Iingatan Ka.”

Vivid recollections

Understandably, these beautiful tunes take the back seat when Kris begins sharing her touchingly vivid recollections: When she lost in a declamation contest in second grade; how Cory gathered Kris and her siblings to pray the Rosary after getting a call from a foreign news agency and learning about Ninoy’s assassination; Cory and Kris’ brother, Noynoy, literally dragging her after a bomb exploded outside her bedroom window in Arlegui, etc.

But, the most touching part of Kris’ “open letter” is an earnest apologia: “When the doctors during colonoscopy asked when your last operation was, you told them it was while giving birth to me via Caesarian section—when your blood pressure went to zero and you hemorrhaged because of placenta previa. That was just a preview of the stress, suffering and heartaches that were to come, courtesy of me.

“I’m sorry, Mom, for all the times I wasn’t the daughter you deserved. The best thing I ever heard said about me during my last birthday was that I was a loving daughter. I know I am, because having you as a mom makes my job easy. I may have stumbled, fumbled and grumbled—and yet, you never stopped believing that I’d eventually find my way.”

The best of Ogie in ‘20/20’

MANILA, Philippines—Ogie Alcasid’s 20th anniversary concert at the Big Dome had the right mix of fun and sentimentality. He exactly knows the kiliti of his audience.

Even in such a huge venue, it seemed like an up-close and personal encounter. Ogie has a way of reaching out to every single person watching him. His sincerity cuts through each song. His spontaneity makes you feel instantly at home so you don’t notice time passing by. The Alcasid charisma puts you on a daze.

I particularly enjoyed Ogie’s number with Janno Gibbs. The “Small Brothers” reminisced about their friendship and partnership in crime through their wacky yet heartwarming version of Apo’s “Awit ng Barkada.”

Rufa Mae Quinto, Michael V and Ogie brought the house down with their ’80s medley as they impersonated Madonna, Prince, Wham, Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson. Pandemonium broke loose when Piolo Pascual sang. He thanked Ogie for being his vocal coach and mentor in singing.

Highlighting the night was Ogie’s song for his parents which he composed and his touching rendition of “I Will Be Here” for his daughters. The eldest, Sarah, joined him onstage but his bunso Leila was too shy to do so. Ogie’s ex Michelle Van Eimeren couldn’t hold back her tears while Ogie was serenading their kids.

“Thank you, Michelle, for being there when I’m not,” he said. They are living proof that there can be friendship after marriage.

Ogie also thanked Michelle’s BF Mark Murrow who was with her. “You’re now tabloid material, Mark,” Ogie ribbed. He introduced Regine Velasquez as his leading lady for life. She had no dramatic message for Ogie. Their sweet photos flashed onstage already said everything she could not say.

If only all celeb ex-couples could be like Ogie and Michelle, then show biz would be a more peaceful place. Even non-show biz couples could learn a thing or two from them about the art of letting go.

I congratulated Ogie after his concert via text. His reply: “It’s the happiest day of my life! I’m thankful to God for making everything fall into place.”

He will set aside time to bond with his kids before they fly back to Australia.

Ogie has truly lived LOVE to the fullest. It shows in his songs. His “20/20” sold-out concert made my heart have 20/20 vision.

Concert repeat

Some good things are worth repeating. Just like premier classical balladeer Bo Cerrudo’s “Love … Around the World,” which will be staged once again at the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental on Oct. 3 and 4 (750-8888 loc. 2446). His special guest is Sen. Chiz Escudero’s lovely wife Christine.

Together with the rhythm ensemble of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, they will perform well-loved songs from different countries. Let Bo take your heart on a trip. Fasten your heartstrings!

"Main Event." A Big Triumph for Regine and Lani

by Vic Perez

After a long drought of good shows, Starmedia Entertainment mounted an unforgettable concert that has left LA concertgoers enthralled and astounded.

Main Event, the concert that converged three of the brightest stars of the Philippine music industry - Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha and Martin Nievera-proved to be a commercial and critical sucess.The venue was filled to rafters , filling up three thousand seating capacity.

The two Divas reigned supreme during that night, both providing great vocal prowess and versatility while the Concert king gave an excellent complement .The chemistry of the three singers was brilliant,fllawless and exceptional.This concert was ,indeed, a casting coup .Their performance was simply unforgettable.

Regine Velasquez performed with her marked scintillating and clear vocie, bringing the audiences to greater heights. She sang favorite pop songs and OPM hits, so much intensity and flair.Top of the list is her much adored Maybe its You, the intimate OPM Dadalhin and her showstopper Mariah Carey hits.

Lani Misalucha was a big revelation for many who have not experienced her singing style.

She performed with bravura and versatility, contrasting the elegant Conti Partiron with the rock opera version of Laklak. She gave a fantastic renditon of Whitney Houston hits that has kept everybody stunned and speechless.

Their solo spots gave them the opportunity to showcase their craft but Main Event provided the vehicle for these two divas to present that they can play beautiful music together.Forget the great divide of the fans of both queens who have kept comparing the two premiere artists. In this concert, they were pitting talents but they both came out victorious as they did play music harmoniously.Their spiels were natural amd comedic but both spoke and sang like they were doing a sister act.

The opening act was pure energy and fun with Broadway’s favorite Dreamgirls medley which segued to Mama Mia. Later they did a sexy Beautiful Liar, of Shakira and Beyonce but the crowd hooted to the more popular Aegis Medley.

The most applauded number was the back to back to back OPM hits which showed their strong connection to the people because these romantic ballad songs kind of brought the audience back home .

The finale was the biggest showstopper when they both pay homage to the artists they both adore -Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

When they ended the show, the audience clamored for more and they gave in with the most lifting duet of Barbra Streisand ‘s Piece of Sky. The performance was simply magnificent!

This show is the most splendid and fantastic concert ever. You should never miss it in your lifetime.It is an imperative for any music lover. A “must see’ with all the superlatives!

Ako si Kim Sam Soon

Regine Velasquez - Whitney Houston Medley - SONGBIRD

Mainstream strikes back

MANILA, Philippines - While independent films dominate the nominations for the Urian (critics) Awards, mainstream movies lead the race for the 26th Luna Awards handed out by the Film Academy of the Philippines.
The nominations were announced by FAP director-general Leo Martinez and member-actors Candy Pangilinan and Jason Abalos Friday night in SM Megamall.
Three Star Cinema (SC) productions topped the bids in 12 categories: Maryo J. de los Reyes’ “A Love Story” with nine; Jose Javier Reyes’ “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo” with eight; and Cathy Garcia-Molina’s “One More Chance” with five.
The SC projects, among the top box-office earners last year, all received nods for Best Picture.
Among the independent projects that cinched nominations in different categories are Cesar Apolinario’s “Banal,” Eddie Romero’s “Faces of Love,” Neal “Buboy” Tan’s “Ataul for Rent,” Benji Garcia’s “Batad: Sa Paang Palay” and Bong Ramos and Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s “Haw-Ang.”
“Banal” is in the running for Best Picture, Director, Actor (Paolo Contis) and Supporting Actor (Pen Medina).
“Ataul” received nods for Actor (Joel Torre), Supporting Actress (Irma Adlawan), Supporting Actor (Ronnie Lazaro), Cinematography (Renato de Vera); “Faces” for Picture, Director (Eddie Romero), Screenplay (Romero and Rica Arevalo), Musical Score (Jobin Ballesteros); “Batad” for Supporting Actor (Galura) and Screenplay (Vic Acedillo Jr.); “Haw-Ang” for Screenplay (Murphy Redd and Bong Ramos) and Production Design (Bianca Dadivas and Felisberto Besina).
Two actresses got double nods in a single category: Maricel Soriano for Actress (“A Love Story” and “Bahay Kubo”) and Eugene Domingo for Supporting Actress (“Bahay Kubo” and “Paano Kita Iibigin”).
Veterans and newcomers are in the acting honor roll this year.
Other nominees for Best Actress are Bea Alonzo (“One More”), Regine Velasquez (“Paano Kita”) and Judy Ann Santos (“Sakal”).
For Actor, other nominees are Aga Muhlach (“A Love”), John Lloyd Cruz (“One More”) and Piolo Pascual (“Paano Kita”).
For Supporting Actor, other nominees are Dante Rivero (“A Love”) and Wendell Ramos (“Happy Hearts”).
For Supporting Actress, other nominees are Angelica Panganiban (“A Love”) and Gina Pareño (“Sakal”).
For Best Director, other nominees are Maryo J. de los Reyes (“A Love”), Jose Javier Reyes (“Sakal”) and Joel Lamangan (“Silip”).
Four special awards will be given this year: Golden Reel Award to former President Joseph Estrada; FPJ Lifetime Achievement Award to Mowelfund executive director Boots Anson-Roa; Manuel de Leon Award to director Cirio Santiago; Lamberto Avellana Memorial (Posthumous) Award to sound engineer Juanito Clemente.
Touted as the local Oscars, the 26th edition of the Luna Awards will be mounted by the Manio Events Management at the SMX Convention Center (set tentatively next month), with the ceremonies to be aired on Studio 23.

AKo si Kim Sam SoOn

As part of the network’s 58th anniversary celebration, GMA proudly presents the network’s first-ever Pinoy adaptation of a Koreanovela with Ako si Kim Samsoon. The show that is set to tickle the hearts of the Kapuso viewers everywhere.

Ako si Kim Samsoon is the adaptation of the award-winning Koreanovela My Name is Kim Sam Soon, a show that became a hit here and around the world in 2006, though it was originally produced by MBC and Telesuccess Productions, Inc. in 2005.

Ako si Kim Samsoon will make the viewers roll with laughter as it shows an unusual way of telling a story about love, family and the importance of beauty, spiced up with a star-studded cast that certainly fits the taste of Filipinos.

Playing the title role is no less than the Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez. She has proven, through her numerous blockbuster romantic-comedy films, that she is perfect to play the coveted role of the huggable and lovable Kim Samsoon Buot, the baker-turned-pastry chef in her late 30’s who is about to discover that loves knows no age, shape nor size.

Joining Regine in this hilarious primetime series are Mark Anthony Fernandez as Cyrus, the handsome but snooty owner of the five-star restaurant; and Wendell Ramos as Harvey, the weak-willed ex-fiancé of Samsoon.

Also in the cast are Nadine Samonte as Hannah, the beautiful ex-fiancée and first love of Cyrus; Eugene Domingo as Chef Dina, the restaurant’s head chef; Carmi Martin as Mrs. Ruiz, the haughty mother of Cyrus; John Lapus as Marcus, the secretary of Mrs. Ruiz; and Ms. Tessie Tomas as Sonia, Samsoon’s volatile but loving mother.

Completing the bitter-sweet and sometimes spicy life of Samsoon are Jennica Garcia, Mart Escudero, Pauleen Luna, Maureen Larrazabal, Sheena Halili, Doc Hayden Kho, Mel Kimura, Marcus Madrigal, Dido dela Paz, Marky Lopez, Arthur Solinap, Stef Prescott and Cheska Eugenio with directors Dominic Zapata and Khryss Adalla at the helm.

The story begins with Samsoon dealing with two devastating news— her fiancé stood her up at their wedding, and their family’s bakery was gutted by a fire. Samsoon then decides to apply as a pastry chef in a five-star restaurant where she crosses paths with the rich and arrogant Cyrus in a very unusual spot—the male comfort room where he gives her a piece of advice about love and men. Not long after, Cyrus will discover Samsoon’s outstanding talent in baking and hires her to work in his restaurant.

Cyrus has his share of problems too. His domineering mother insists that he marries soon. To be free of his mother’s consistent prodding, Cyrus offers Samsoon a love contract—in which she must act as his girlfriend in exchange for a huge amount of money. He offers Samsoon the contract because he knows he will never fall for a girl like her. Although hesitant and furious about Cyrus’s overconfidence, Samsoon takes the opportunity to pay her family’s debts.

Are they both brave enough to face the consequences of the love contract? Will their plan still work even if their former paramours—Hannah and Harvey—re-enters the picture? Can a gorgeous guy like Cyrus fall for a plump, boisterous girl like Samsoon?

The plot is made more memorable with Regine’s version of ‘Maybe It’s You’, the same song used as the theme of My Name is Kim Sam Soon that became a hit in 2006.

Catch primetime’s most gigantic romantic-comedy series every weeknight after Mars Ravelo’s Dyesebel only on GMA Telebabad.

Guess who's singing on TV Saturday nights

Bus drivers, sidewalk vendors, informal settlers along the Pasig River and the bridges spanning it, as well as along the numerous creeks in the metro are definitely not glad to hear his voice doing a less-than-spirited version of the Rico Puno ditty “Macho Guwapito” on television.
Yet, the chairman of Metro Manila Development Authority, or more popularly known for its abbreviation MMDA, Bayani Fernando, is determined to stay longer than most of the other seven contestants (referred to by the GMA-7 production hands as “contenders,” as if they are in a boxing bout) that include President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s fashion designer, a former politician now full-time comedian and his half-sis ex-beauty queen and quondam runway model and occasional actress, a chef sans restaurant, a soccer player in England now on an indefinite leave, an ex-beauty queen without an international title, and a talk-show host-turned-wellness guru.
Fernando capped last Saturday’s premier episode, but definitely gave the show that much-needed boost for its ratings (it got a whopping 26.7 percentage points against the Kapamilya’s much touted top-rating Komiks (Varga) that mustered an admirable 21.7.
Celebrity Duets, folks, is back on GMA-7.
Regine Velasquez, still reeling with the success of Ako si Kim Samsoon on primetime weeknights, is back as host of the musical program with her beau (rather fiancé) singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid.
Last Saturday’s introductory episode of Celebrity Duets gave the audience a preview of what to expect in the next 12 Saturdays beginning tomorrow.
No, there was no voting yet that happened last Saturday. The text votes will be accepted only after the show tomorrow night. So, if you have decided which among these eight you’d like to be the second Celebrity Duets grand winner (after Tessa Prieto-Valdes, last year’s winner), do start hoarding those pre-paid phone cards. But if you discover that outlets have run out of supplies, you’d know who to blame.
The eight “contenders” who each would have the chance to sing with a famous singer on the show are MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, fashion designer JC Buendia, actor-politician Joey Marquez, supermodel-turned-actress Melanie Marquez, chef JL Cang, professional soccer player Phil Younghusband, beauty queen Carlene Aguilar, and lifestyle guru Cory Quirino.
This season’s panel of judges includes veteran concert and theater director Freddie Santos, renowned composer and arranger Danny Tan, and all-around social butterfly and Celebrity Duets’ first grand winner, Tessa Prieto-Valdes.
The opinion of these judges, each of whom are trying to pull the rug under the contenders by clowning around, won’t have any bearing at all on the potential of any of the contender to win. Remember that the winner will be determined by the number of text votes he or she accumulates after every show. The contender with the lowest vote will have no choice but to go home.
This is a contest that doesn’t focus on talent… Tessa Prieto-Valdes is the role model, if you’re not aware of it yet… but on audience impact. And if the performer can muster some gimmick or two during the performance, then that’s a plus.
Yet, it is more important that the contender is a member of a huge clan, or has a wide following… the more the better as the text votes are sure to come in.
The last one standing will not only be proclaimed as the grand winner but he or she will also have the chance to donate in whole or in part the one-million-peso grand prize to his or her designated charity.
Celebrity Duets promises to be even bigger and brighter with an added twist of originality to Fremantle’s version of the show. Catch it every Saturday after Pinoy Records only on GMA!