BOYZ II MEN IN MANILA

Boyz II Men; The Four Time Grammy award-winning vocal-group is set to serenade Filipinos on September 17,2014 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City

Ovation Productions is bringing back the vocal group behind the hit songs On Bended Knees, I'll Make Love To You, End of The Road, A Song For Mama, Water Runs Dry and many others.

MUSICAL NOSTALGIA

No matter how our taste in music has evolved, we stay attached on those songs we obsessed over in the past years. When it comes to a capella, catchy R&B tunes and soulful ballads about heartbreaks, we can definitely say that BOYZ II MEN does it perfectly.

Members Nathan Morris(baritone) ,Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman on tenors gained their fame in the 90's with the release of their first single, ''End of the Road'' which stayed at the No.1 spot at the Billboard  Hot 100 for 13 weeks and outstripped the record held by Elvis Presley. Their music captured greater attention after the release of their song I'll Make Love To You and One Sweet Day (collaborated with Mariah Carey) and broke a new record of staying at the No.1 Billboard Hot 100 for the longest period of time.

Boyz II Men, through the ubiquity of their songs til the present, makes them as one of the most successful R&B group in the music scene.

THEIR RETURN IN MANILA

After the group's concert at the big dome last August 13,2010, also promoted by Ovation Productions, they will be returning once more on September 17, 2014 again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to serenade and will surely enthrall their audience through their soothing harmony and blends.

BOYZ II MEN LIVE IN MANILA is produced by Ovation Productions and presented by Fox International and Imarflex Inverter Airconditioner in cooperation with Air 21.

For tickets, please visit www.ticketnet.com.ph & for more information, call 911-5555

JESSIE J IN MANILA

JESSIE J performs TOMORROWat the Smart Araneta Coliseum!

Award winning brit-pop singer/songwriter Jessica Ellen Corninsh also known as JESSIE J is about to set Manila on fire with her greatest hits such as ''Price Tag, Domino, Who You Are, Do It Like A Dude'' and more at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday, July 14,2014. This event is made possible by MIDAS PROMOTIONS in cooperation with FUTURE ENTERTAINMENT, co-presented by Viber, sponsored by Sumosam, Guess, and Edsa-Shangrila. Thanks to the following media partners: Sound Check Manila, MYX, Manila Concert Scene, When in Manila, PEP, Inquirer, Monster RX 93.1, Astroplus, Oddysey and more!

WHO IS J.J?

2011's Breakthrough of the Year, Best Newcomer and Best New Artist, 2012's Most Inspirational Artist and Best Female Solo Pop artist; also with millions sold worldwide and show stopping performances globally, I can say that Jessie J is on top of the lists of my favourite artist. 

(*same birthday) Jessie J, born on the 27th of March 1988 in London started performing with her sisters' Rachel and Hannah at the age of 7 and they were called The Cornish Pasties. By nine, she was starring in the West End in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical ''Whistle Down the Wind''. All of this with a heart condition that had her spending time in Great Ormond Street Hospital, sometimes being allowed out on day release with her heart monitor to attend rehearsals. Despite her heart condition, J said on her past interviews, ''I'm intelligent but I'm not academic, I'm not someone who can work out massive sums and that singing and performing was the only thing I was good at''

J has already signed for four years before she became a ballyhoo on youtube. It seemed that Lava Records were impressed with her talent which made the ''crazy deal'' happened, a joint venture with Lava Records and Universal Republic.

J ON HER AWE-INSPIRING SONGS

One would describe her music as CANDY FOR THE SOUL. As for me, her raw and controlled voice makes her stand-out and noticeable on the radio, eargasmic songs with a heavy pop feel on it makes her sensational and globally known for having such incredible music. 

''Price Tag'' performed with B.o.B and written by J herself charted at number 1 in 19 countries  becoming Jessie J's biggest hits to  date and was also the biggest-selling collaboration of the year in United Kingdom. This song having a feel-good and vintage backbeat also has a message that money doesn't matter and people not to take stuffs too seriously. One of my favorite song, ''Who you are'' with an influence of RnB talks about revivifying something and being true to yourself, she said in an interview that she wrote this song during her lonely years and was about to give up music but certainly the song moved everyone which made it the highlight of the album. The song ''Domino'' released last August 29,2011 with its electropop and an influence of disco music became the second number-one single in the UK and peaked number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming her most successful single in the US.

J, BEING AN INSPIRATION

When J shaved her hair, it had been a front-page stuff worldwide. Ever since, she always wanted to do charity works at the Great Ormond Street Hospital and somehow along the way, she grabbed the opportunity to help the children who lost their hair during cancer treatment and shaved hers as a sign of support and sympathy.

Someone new would always enter the music scene but there would only be one Jessie J who would be an inspiration and make songs about reality and self-empowerment.



Get your tickets at http://www.ticketnet.com.ph/

Ticket Prices:

PATRON VIP: 5,550 PHP
PATRON A:  4,550 PHP
PATRON B:  4,050 PHP
PATRON C:  3,550 PHP
UPPER BOX A: 2,550 PHP
UPPER BOX B: 1,550 PHP
GEN. ADMISSION: 850 PHP
( Plus Service Charge )

METEOR GARDEN'S AIRING BROUGHT HEAT IN ITS COMEBACK

THE COMEBACK

The first Asianovela that aired 11 years ago has finally returned! METEOR GARDEN has really captivated the hearts of every Filipino. The story of the poor girl San Cai who studies in a wealthy university and has her life unbearable when she draws the wrath of F4; sons of Taiwan's most affluent families ( Dao Ming Si, Hua Zi Lei, Mei Zuo and Xi-Men). 

LOVE

Despite Dao Ming Si's cold and fiery temper, he'll just go head-over heels for San Cai. I think Jerry Yan did a great job of portraying Dao Ming Si as a nuanced character. He doesn't lose sight of the fact that hidden behind Ah Si's arrogance is a sad, lonely boy. He's never quite redeemed for being a total jerk, but his kryptonite-style weakness for his leading lady is so endearing that it's almost impossible to dislike him. I think San Cai's unrelenting stubborness and brave personality made DMS fall in love with her even more. 

On the other hand, fans would often say they like Hua Ze Lei more, the fact that he is there whenever San Cai is in trouble or in need of a shoulder to cry on.

If there is one thing I love about Taiwanese drama is that physical intimacy and emotions are more seen and is often delivered really well. The characters played their part really well and make us believe that it's true.

F4 Fever HITS Philippine Anew

F4's hairstyle was a major trend 11 years ago! From DMS' pineapple haricut, to Hua Ze Lei's fly away hair and Mei Zuo straight hair, it's kind of funny to think guys years ago would let their hair get long and be it done that way. Even customized shirts were all around the place. My cousins and I even collected posters and CDs weekly. It's really weird that I can even sing their songs ( not thinking if the lyrics is correct ) until now  "Meteor Rain", "Ask For More", "Season of Fireworks", the themesong "Qing Fei De Yi and "Ni Yao De Ai", Jerry Yan's "I Really Really Love You", Vannes Wu's "Everywhere", Vic's "Make A Wish" and Ken's  "Show Me Your Love". 

Meteor Garden has been on a social trending topic for two weeks since it aired last March 31,2014. With the hashtags #CHOOSEday #WedNURSEday and more creative hashtags relating on the episode in that day.

Since I've been missing an episode last week so I watched the whole Meteor Garden episode for three consecutive days.

I'M AN F4 AFICIONADA

I amaze everything about the existence of F4. Different charaters made them so recognized and eminent. From DMS' cute dimples whenever he annoys San Cai, his jealous antics and the way he fights for his love. I love Hua Ze Lei for being so quiet  and mysterious, and his patience on waiting for San Cai to love him back. For Mei Zuo and Xi-Men, despite the playboy character they're portraying, their protectiveness over San Cai is a major TURN-ON for me.

THE STORY

Thumbs up for putting the characters in college instead of being in highschool. Even if most of the characters are still kids at heart, it's nice to put this story in the context of young adults rather than teens and it makes their problems more adult and destinies closer at hand. I would also like to commend the story for focusing on friendship and family.

All About GEO ONG

Rap music has been an essential part of our music industry. From Salbakuta to Andrew E to Gloc 9,rapping has arguably inspired the current generation of tagalog rappers to place much more emphasis on multi-syllable rhyme schemes, punchlines and metaphors than before. With the emergence of several new Filipino rappers, including Abra, Loonie, Pio Balbuena, Batas, Dello, Anygma, this newfangled music is surely expected to come forth in the following years.

Last March 2, 2014, McJim's Classic leather started their talent search for all aspiring artists who wanted to have their own single and music video plus a chance to win a 50,000php. For more details, check out @soundcheckmnl 's blog http://soundcheckmnl.tumblr.com/post/78106539789/special-feature-dreams-get-real-talent-search-by . The boyband 1:43 , Kimpoy Feliciano and Geo Ong performed that day and we ( soundcheck manila ) were lucky to interview Geo.

KNOW MORE ABOUT GEO

Don Angelo Villaver Ong aka GEO ONG was born on March 15 at Puerto Princesa, Palawan and was raised by his parents; Elsa and Angelito Ong. The freelance rapper decided to pursue rapping two years ago and has appeared in Net25, Master Showman, Pinas FM, Barangay LS and Rap Sessions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isEYboSCTf4) . These are the few questions we've asked him after the show:



SCM: Tell me about your song "Apoy"

GEO: "Yung apoy para sakin talaga yun eh, sinabi ko dun yung mga bagay na dapat gawin ko mismo tulad ng magsipag, tyaga, dasal, yun, kaya may apoy"

YOUTUBE LINK TO WATCH "APOY" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7OHdmcvZNU


SCM: Story behind your song "Samantha"

GEO: "Samantha naman is a song na akala nila may tinutukoy ako or meron talagang Samantha. Pero wala nalalaliman lang ako sa pangalang samantha tsaka Romantic yung ganung name eh. Ginawa ko ng title ng song. Mahilig kasi ako mantrip na pag may nakilala ako oh may pinakilala sakin iiba ibahin ko na yung pangalan sa twing kakausapin ko siya. Tapos gumawa ako ng kanta wala pa talagang title, wala pa kong naiisip, kelangan na gawan ng demo kaya nirecord naSo nag-isip ako ng pangalan na astig, catchy tsaka oldschool so yun Samantha yung naisip ko. Yun na siya"

YOUTUBE LINK TO WATCH "SAMANTHA" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhpcIeCeglE


SCM: If given a chance to work or perform with someone, who will it be?

GEO:"Chris Brown sana".

SCM: What makes you different from the present rapper? What makes your music unique?

GEO: "Sa ngayon wala pa e. Hindi ko pa alam kung ano yung pinagkaiba ko sa kanila. Hanggang ngayon hinahanap ko pa rin sarili ko."



SCM: What makes RAPPING so important to you right now?

GEO: Naisusulat ko lahat tsaka masasabi mo sa lahat sa Rap Song.



SCM: Any song you're working on?

GEO: Madami akong sinusulat, record na lang



SCM: Any song you're into ( What's on your playlist? )

GEO: Puro kanta ni Rey Valera

SCM: Celebrity Crush/es

GEO: Maja Salvador. Ang galing niya sumayaw e tsaka uamrte. Ang lakas ng dating niya

SCM: Type mo sa isang girl

GEO: Unang una syempre mabait, simple tsaka hindi mayabang

SCM: Craziest thing a fan did

GEO: Parang sikat lang ako no? Talagang “a fan did” hehe. Siguro yung kagabi nabasag niya yung phone niya habang nanunuod ng Walang Tulugan”

SCM: Tips to all freelance rapper like you

GEO: Sipag lang. Kung gusto mo talaga paglaanan mo ng oras.



GEO'S SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3SlZOliPNljzh4G1YGEY6A
Twitter and Instagram Account: @imgeoong

SHOWS: "Homeworkz Bar Tour"
-March 13 Conspiracy Bar
-March 22 Flare Metrowalk
-April 4 Giant Bar Antipolo
-April 11 Xclusive Bar Adriatico  Malate
-April 12 Bagaberde
-April 15 Starwood Cafe Makati
-April 25 D Publiq Las Pinas
-May 15 Keg Bar Makati


Geo, aside from his looks is passionate and is continuing to work in his craft. Rapping was never easy, I tried once and I sounded really funny and awkward. In addition to observances of all nuances, rap is more than just dope beats and rhymes. Its lyrics tell stories with insights and common isuues in our society and is continuing to enter the mainstream conversation in our music industry.


To end this blog, these are the scheduled weekly elimination for the "McJim's Get Real talent search"

March 2, 2PM, SM Center Las Pinas
March 9, 2PM, SM City Masinag
March 16, 2PM, SM City Clark
March 23, 2PM, SM City Calamba
March 30, 2PM, SM City Manila

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in Manila

Winners of 4 Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are all set to party in Manila on March 16, 2014 at the MOA Arena. "It was a rollercoaster of a year to go through. What better way to celebrate than to come over to you guys and play a show!", said Lewis. Presented by Viber and Wize and Ope, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are ready to give every ounce of their energy as they perform and party their hearts out with the Filipinos.

Ben Haggerty aka Macklemore started writing music when he was fourteen. He first met Ryan Lewis in 2006.  Did you know that Lewis spent a few years working on Macklemore's promotion as a photographer  and who would've thought they've become not just friends but bestfriends sharing the same passion through music. 

What I've loved about this duo is that they've been making incredible songs so effortlessly, no gimmick, it speaks from the heart, no intimidation, people who will hear their music will surely rape the replay button because it's just that amazing.

And now they're coming to Manila on March 16, 2014 at the Mall of Asia Arena for a one epic party you shouldn't miss!

Tickets are available at all SM Tickets outlets, and online at www.smtickets.com or call 470-222. Tickets prices are: Moshpit,  P 5940; Patron, P 4770; VIP Standing, P 3180; Lower Box  A, P 3500, Lower Box B, 2650

This event is co-presented by Concertus Manila

King of the Gil at Smart Araneta Coliseum

After Daniel Padilla's concert at the big dome, fans thought that Enrique should raise the bar and to my surprise, he didn't just raised it, he totally nailed it more as fans expected! This dance concert last November 29,2013 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum was phenomenal! With the stage design and over-all effects, I think it's possible for a PART 2!

OMG! Can you look at that crowd? Enrique seems to be pretty overwhelmed by the support of his fans. On this picture wearing blue is the president of ABS-CBN, Ms.Charo Santos-Concio.

Lights turned-off, countdown started, white curtain fell and crowds went roaring as Enrique Gil takes on the stage with his famous song "Oha". It was my first time to see him in person and he's really an expert in making girls scream.

Then he said, this is where it all started.. The "Teach Me How to Dougie" was played and crowd went cray again.

His first guest was Jhong Hilario. The two brought up fire onstage as they peformed "Mmmbop" and streetboys' popular dance craze.

Streetboys wouldn't be complete without Vhong! He joined Enrique as they danced "Take it to the Head" and more upbeat songs showing their pop and locking moves.

These three-some were incredible! Diverse dance steps made the crowd goes dancing as well! Quen's shoes were from Jhong and it was like passing the Dance-icon title throne to him!

And of course, who wouldn't recognize Kathryn (Quen's leading lady at the prime-time teleserye everynight "Princess and I") that made Quen more famous as him being the prince of the said teleserye.

Guys, I was just surprised when Arron Villaflor and Rayver Cruz appeared on the stage and had their cramping duo! (Arron was my long time crush and speaking of him, I even loved him more after watching on MMK last night with Alex Gonzaga)

Let's not forget Enrique's top crushes Kim Chiu who also guested on his concert last Friday!

My favorite part of the show was the Topless prod number. With his G-Force back-up dancers and their white towels as their props, fangirls seems like to be losing their throat screaming too much!

"Oh my God, I wish this topless dance number lasted for hours"

Teacher Geocelle of G-Force did a spectacular dance number with her army.

And for the boys who also watched the concert, here's a treat for them! ANGEL LOCSIN looks fiery on stage performing a "Wrecking Ball" sexy dance with Enrique.

To give a highlight to the show, Vice Ganda called up some cuties onstage and asked for some pick up lines because she proclaimed himself as Queen of the Gil.

 EJ: Huy
Vice: Ano holdaper ang peg?
EJ: Sanay ka na naman ng hinoholdap di ba?
(crowd laughs)
EJ: Eto seryoso na.Vice, lason ka ba?
Vice: Bakit?
EJ: Handa kasi akong mamatay matikman ka lang

Martin: Vice, samahan mo naman ako sa sementeryo
Vice: Aba, yung isa lason, ikaw sementeryo. Kulang na lang patayin niyo ako. Osige bakit?
Martin: Samahan mo ko dalawin ang puso kong patay na patay sayo

Atayde: Vice computer ka ba?
Vice: Bakit?
Atayde: Gusto kasi kita iturn-on

 Look at Martin's smile!

Vice told them to do a Whoops Kiri dance

Julia Montes and Enrique Gil performed an out-of-this world dance number with a crazy remix of "Clarity" of Zedd

Okay, so to be honest, this was the dance number Quen blew me away; "The Gentleman" dance. With his bonbon shaking and the way his hips makes my jaw fell, aweee. I'm utterly inlove with him @@ 

King of the Gil. With all the extraordinary production numbers, bigwigs, special effects, hardworking staffs, the supportive fans and Enrique himself. That's really one for the books! His first concert seems to be a record breaking show.

On the backstage, I was able to hear some interviews and here are some of his answers:

Reporter 1: What was your mom's reaction about your topless prod number?

Enrique: Siguro nasurprise siya, hahaha ( his face was a bit shy )

Reporter 2: We saw Julia Barretto. Magkaka-future show ba kayo or something?

Enrique: Actually, yes po, malapit na po namin i-shoot so ayun po. Hi Julia, thanks for coming

Reporter 3: What was the hardest part of the show?

Enrique: Siguro yung first and last. First kasi yung pressure nung paglabas sa stage, and last kasi pagod na but still you need to maintain the energy.

Reporter 4: Ready ka na ba for a sexy role sa TV?

Enrique: Okay naman, kung kailangan na talaga for the scene, why not po di ba? Pero iwowork out ko muna, 2 weeks pa lang ako nag-ggym e hahaha

I was fangirling the whole night, was staring at his brown eyes and that pointy nose. I feel hot literally that time.. Ate Jamie of Inside showbiz supported me all the way. I even had a picture beside Quen's Yellow Camaro Car "The Bumblebee".

To end this blog, I would like to say that it's not only the looks that made Enrique on top, it's his talent, his humble personality and his charm. Thanks to Star Records for this concert. Thanks to SoundCheck Manila for this opportunity. Good luck Enrique on your career! God bless you.

Please do follow Sound Check Manila on twitter for more music and concert updates! More surprises from them soon
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoundCheckMNL

Avril Lavigne PH Album Launch

Avril Ramona Lavigne, born in  Ontario, Canada, the first 17 year old girl who sold more than 50 million copies of her singles and 30 million copies of her albums worldwide. In 2009, Billboard named Avril Lavigne as the number 10 pop artist in the ''Best of 2000s chart''. She was listed as the 28th overall best act of the decade on album chart performance in the U.S. Pretty much of an inspiration to all aspiring musicians slash singers out there.

Avril is famous for her necktie  and tank top combinations. She preferred baggy clothes, skater shoes and wristbands. And sometimes ahielaces wrapped around her fingers. During photo shoots, instead  of wearing glittery stuffs, she preferred wearing old crumpled T's, no wonder she was reigned as the Pop-Punk princess. And even noticed some parlors around near you? They have this poster of Avril and her highlighted hair of different colors. *such a trend-maker huh? :)

It was February 2012 when my Avril came into the Philippines and had her 'Black Star Tour' concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and I was with my dorm-mates in the Gen-Ad section singing along, staring at the big screen all the time, but despite of being in that section, the great feeling was we definitely felt the 'Avril Fever', his presence alone  together with band just made everyone felt together with her music. We were at awed. And it was really a surprise knowing she'd be returning to Manila once again on February 17,2014!

It was a really great idea that ODYSSEY teamed up with Avril Lavigne PH and had this Avril Lavigne Album Launch event at Odyssey, Gateway and gathered all the fans around the metro or some may even travelled for hours just to be with their street-team. They had this 'Bring Me' game wherein they need to bring some stuffs related to Avril and even an Avril and Chad look-alike. They also had a 'find-the stickers' game where all was hidden around the store and its theirs if they find it. These peppy fans didn't gave up until they get those stickers and Avril stuffs.

Here it goes, the crowd decided who wins. 'The Avril Lavigne and Chad look-alike' They even gave  a sample of their singing talent. The girl was a bit shy, and contrary to the confident to the Chad look-alike. He even sang the second verse! :)

 Fans eager to find the stickers

What's amazing is that Avril has a lot of guy fans too

By the way here are some photos of the winner of Avril related stuffs like posters, pins, CD's, Nylon and Total Girl magazine, back drop, and even the standee.

And now my favorite part, covering some Avril songs. From these two lively and habile performers; AJ from the band 'Yuko' and Vanessa from Regeneration, everyone was purely entertained with their Avril  acoustic covers, there was never a ho-hum moments, . AJ, with his humorous presence and his talent on playing his guitar, he sure did an amazing job of entertaining this cabal of avril fans by letting us hear their original song titled 'Isa Pa' as well as the graceful singing of Vanessa which I really admire her confidence and performing four songs; 'Why', 'Here's to never Growing Up', 'Smile' and 'Complicated'.

And lastly, incessant excitement of the crowd was really shown at the last part of the event while singing their recessional song 'Rock N' Roll'. I was really overwhelmed while taking video of @ALavignePH street team members, admins and other fans who went their waving their posters and CD's.  They also greeted Avril on the video and I heard some group of friends saying 'See you on  February Avril' 'We Love You' and yeah made me excited also for her next year's concert.

Lavigne believes her songs are about being yourself no matter what and going after your dreams even if your dreams are crazy and even if people tell you they're never going to come true. And I salute her for being a potent inspiration to everyone. For spreading her message through her songs, and giving hope to her fans to never give up on theirs. I also salute Odyssey and to those who sponsored this event for bringing fans together in one day and making this event a successful one. Big thanks to Odyssey for inviting me to cover this event; especially to Ms. Camille and Ate Ica :)

More photos and will upload the video soon!

And for those who are asking for AVRIL LAVIGNE's concert ticket prices for next year. Here it goes.

Ticket prices (excluding Ticketnet service charge) are:

VIP Patron Php 7,050

Patron Php 5,550

Lower Box Center Php 5,050

Lower Box Php 4,550

Upper Box A Php 2,550

Upper Box B Php 1,550

General Admission Php 850


Visit  www.ticketnet.com.ph For inquiries or call 911-5555.