Eminem’s Perfect Recovery

For those tuning in to the airwaves, fans of 8-Mile’s controversial son will be excited to know that Eminem has returned to the music scene with a big bang! After a hiatus from the entertainment industry, this Detroit native is ready for the spotlight once more. As one of radio’s most requested, people just can’t help but wonder: “Will the real Marshall Mathers please stand up?” Well, he’s arisen, after his last album Relapse, Eminem is back with “Recovery.”

Recovery would be an understatement. Eminem's seventh major label studio album, Recovery has already spent weeks on the #1 spot of Billboard’s album charts. His two singles in the album, “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna, also took the #1 spot on the Billboard singles charts!

“Not Afraid” tells a story of how he handles all the criticism of his last album. The album has 16 tracks (with 1 hidden track) and compared to his past works, this one suggests maturity as Eminem’s rhymes are better than ever as he also deals with his own recovery.

The album also features guest appearances by Lil Wayne ('No Love'), Rihanna ('Love the Way You Lie') and P!NK ('Won't Back down').

For Eminem, the biggest selling artist of the 2000s, Recovery kicks off the 2010s by following last year's Relapse, the #1-charting winner of the Best Rap Album Grammy and the best selling rap album of 2009. Eminem has sold more than 80,000,000 albums worldwide and won 11 Grammy Awards. In recognition of this, Neilsen SoundScan named him their Artist of the Decade.

"I had originally planned for Relapse 2 to come out last year," remarked Eminem. "But as I kept recording and working with new producers, the idea of a sequel to Relapse started to make less and less sense to me, and I wanted to make a completely new album. The music on Recovery came out very different from Relapse, and I think it deserves its own title."

SIDE A to Serenade the Metro

The Philippines’ one and only legendary, multi-awarded and platinum selling band is here to warm up and stir Pinoy romanticism with their heartwarming music. Being the band that filled up various concert arenas to the brim, selling chart-topping & award winning albums, and creating massive hits, SIDE A proves that they are still the country’s undisputed band with melodies serving as a sweet salve to strongly-held sentiments.

Legendary OPM band SIDE A will tour the Robinsons Malls the whole month of August

After hitting the airwaves with their singles “Just Wanna Be With You” and “Tila”, they are back with a truly emotion filled single “Kung Wala Ka Na,” from their latest offering ONLY 1 under MCA Music! The country’s legendary music group SIDE A is all set to serenade audiences as they perform live at the Robinsons Malls!

Comprised of Joey Generoso, Naldy Gonzales, Ernie Severino, and with new members Ned Esguerra and Lee Von Cailao, the music-men behind SIDE A will take their show on the road exclusively at the Robinsons Malls on these dates: August 1 Robinsons Metro East , 4PM; August 7 Robinsons Place Lipa, 4PM; August 8 Robinsons Starmills Pampanga , 4PM; August 15 Robinsons Gen San, 5PM; August 21 Robinsons Sta Rosa Market , 4PM; August 28 Robinsons Galleria, 4PM; & August 29 Robinsons Place Imus, 4PM.

Containing 11 all-original and fresh creations, the new album features tracks which represent the Filipino soul such as their current single “KUNG WALA KA NA”, “TILA”, “SOMETHING’S MISSING”, “WHERE DO I GO”, “DIE JUST A LITTLE” and more. SIDE A takes people to a trail down memory lane with a new sound, as a result of their new arrangements and the addition of their new band members.

Taylor Swift gets personal

Four-time Grammy award winner Taylor Swift is the top-selling digital artist in music history, has had singles top both the Country and Pop radio charts, and had the #1 best-selling album in any genre of music the last two years running.

If that wasn't enough, this year, at the age of 20, she became the youngest artist in history, and the first female solo country artist ever, to win the music industry’s highest honor, the Grammy Award for Album of the Year as well as bringing home the awards for Country Album of the Year, Best Country Song, and Best Country Female Vocal Performance!

Now, Taylor Swift’s multitudes of fan can expect a new musical follow-up with her highly-anticipated third studio album which will be released worldwide on October 25th. Taylor herself announced the news during a recent web chat with her fans and the collection promises to be a personal look-see into the heart of the pop-star.

Entitled "Speak Now," the album will be released on Big Machine Records and contains 14 tracks, all written solely by Taylor. Taylor co-produced the project with Nathan Chapman, and the first single from the new record, “Mine,” will be released on August 16th.

“Saying the right thing at the right moment is so crucial that most of us start to hesitate, for fear of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But lately what I've begun to fear more than that is letting the moment pass without saying anything,” Taylor says of the very personal collection that is Speak Now.

“These songs are made up of words I didn't say when the moment was right in front of me," she continues. "These songs are open letters. Each is written with a specific person in mind, telling them what I meant to tell them in person.”

Starting on August 20th, Speak Now will be available for special pre-sale on the site www.SpeakNow13.com.

Taio Cruz: Certified “Rokstarr”

Taio Cruz, whose carrier single “Break Your Heart” crashed into the UK and US Charts at no. 1 and now invading the Philippine charts , firmly establishing the 26 year-old Londoner as a genuine solo artist in his own right, has his hugely anticipated second album, ”ROKSTARR”.

Special guests on the album will include superhot rising US star Ke$ha and Tinchy Stryder. Written, produced and arranged by the multi-talented Cruz the ten track set also features “Dirty Picture”, “I’ll Never Love Again”, “No Other One” and a bonus track “Feel Again “.

Although “Break Your Heart” is his first solo release this year, Taio has already enjoyed an extremely productive and successful 2009. As well as completing work on “Rokstarr”, the follow up to the 150,000 selling debut album “Departure”, Taio has been writing and producing for Cheryl Cole’s feverishly anticipated new record.

“Break Your Heart” is Taio’s first solo release since exploding onto the South East Asia scene with the massive chart smashers ”Dirty Picture” and “Dynamite”. The critical and commercial success of the singles and album quickly established Cruz as one of the most exciting British artists to emerge in recent years. In the last two years Taio’s writing and production skills have been enlisted by among others Leona Lewis, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls, JLS, Anastacia, Alexandra Burke and many more, while Simon Cowell called Departure “one of the best albums of 2008”.

The success of the number 1 single, whose video has now received an astonishing 1.3 million views on Youtube, and the imminent release of the new album, offers further proof, if proof were needed, that in Taio Cruz, the UK has its very own top–drawer artist/songwriter/producer who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best that American pop has to offer.

Taio Cruz’ latest album Rokstarr is now available in all Astroplus, Astrovision, Fully Booked, Music One, O Music & Video, Odyssey Music & Video and SM Music Box stores nationwide.

Bicolano Express Beauty

Flawless, the award-winning aesthetic clinic, has opened its 34th branch in Legaspi City. This branch is the first for the company in the Bicol region and was a spicy star-studded affair!

A winner of the Outstanding Retailer of the Year Award in 2009, the Flawless Aesthetic Clinic continues to take the Philippines by storm. Medically-sound and meticulously-researched products and services are administered by well-trained aestheticians and professional doctors, who are all capable at diagnosing and finding trouble-free solutions to virtually any skincare concern, especially those that plague Filipinos.

Flawless endorser, the iconic Lorna V. Tolentino

Now at the premiere urban and shopping center, Embarcadero de Legaspi, Flawless joins a reputable roster of establishments as the only skincare expert in the mall. Providing medically-sound skincare solutions at affordable prices, Flawless holds to a philosophy of receiving more for less – less hassle, less expenses, and less worries. Flawless stands proudly alongside its peer establishments in Embarcadero de Legaspi with its deep concern and compassion for the Filipinos, steadfast in its guarantee of bringing beauty to the fingertips of everybody.

Forever Flawless

The grand opening of the clinic last July 10 provided a fascinating variety show including Flawless endorser Yasmien Kurdi, the adorable Filipina-Lebanese-Chinese singer, songwriter and actress. Also in attendance were Tess Bomb, the vibrant and funny host of the show; and the hunky Fabio Luis Ide, Brazilian-Japanese model turned rising star of GMA7. To thank the Bicolanos for characteristic Bicolano hospitality, Flawless is offering an opening promotion of 20% off on all medical services and 10% off on all Flawless products until the 10th of August. Since the clinic offers comprehensive skincare services from facials to body scrubs to more advanced options like Nano Powerpeel and Advance Facials, the opening promotion is definitely one the Bicolanos won’t want to miss.

Fabie Ide & Yasmien Kurdi visit Flawless Legaspi City

Drop by Flawless now, at the 2nd floor of Embarcadero de Legaspi, Legaspi City or any Flawless around the country because of their LV promo. From now until Nov. 30, get a chance to win a designer bag every month. Every P1,200 single receipt purchase of any products or services at any Flawless clinic entitles the patient to one raffle coupon.

A chance to win a one-karat diamond necklace is also in the offing as Flawless celebrates its anniversary on Dec. 8, now as National Flawless Day. The grand prize of the necklace with a 6.5mm diamond also qualifies raffle entries taken between June 1 and Nov. 30.

Lovi Poe is a Busy-Bee

Singer-actress Lovi Poe has been busy as a bee and she loves every minute of it! Lovi has been celebrating the success of her two films that were exhibited as part of this year's Cinemalaya Festival. First is the Joel Lamangan megged "Sigwa" where Lovi plays a student activist who is raped. This is Lovi's second film for director Lamangan, after the highly acclaimed "Sagrada Familia", where she played an incest victim.

Lovi Poe gets paired with Rocco Nacino in GMA’s “Love Bug”

Meanwhile, Lovi is busy with her regular television gigs on “Party Pilipinas” and “Show Me The Manny” and is also preparing for Gma's "Love Bug" which will pair her for the first time with Rocco Nacino. With so much on her plate, Lovi is reaping praises for her performances. Mario Bautista says, "Lovi is superb!"

Lovi's second Cinemalaya entry is the drama about innocent love entitled "Mayohan". This film, about the events occurring between a young boy and a teenaged girl during the Mayohan festivities in Quezon, was directed by Dan Villegas.

Horror Flick in the Works

DJ Mo Twister & Gabby Concepcion set to star inupcoming Regal thriller

If you’ve been tuned in to my morning radio program “Good Times” on Magic 89.9 and our Killerbee affiliates, you’ve already heard the buzz that DJ Mo Twister will be joining Lovi in her next film project.

Fans can expect a scream-tastic performance from Lovi and DJ Mo as they have already begun filming in a much-anticipated horror film together with Gabby Concepcion and Joem Bascon. The upcoming horror flick is under the direction of Topel Lee for Regal Films.

Presenting the POP GIRLS!

Philippine pop music goes through a refreshing rebirth with the emergence of the newest girl group to hit the local entertainment scene with compelling charm, striking style and 100% total talent.

Aptly, christened “The Pop Girls,” this teenage quintet is the product of a collaboration between two of the most influential names in the music industry today - recording magnate Boss Vic del and topnotch dancer/choreographer Geleen Eugenio.

The fabulous five who make up The Pop Girls are twins Lai and Mar, both aged 16 and half Lebanese; Half Filipino, half Dutch Rose, 13 years old; Half Filipino, half Swiss Schai, 14 years old; and Nadine the only pure Filipino in the group. The girls form a melodic clique with music that reflects youthful themes such as puppy love, shopping, dancing, and basically having fun; so is their brand of P-Pop, or Pinoy Pop Music!

Beauty & Butter loves P-Pop

Beauty & Butter’s newest endorsers, the Pop Girls bring a fresh youthful sound to OPM

Lai, Mar, Rose, Schai and Nadine have become the new wholesome and well-educated trendsetters of pinoy youth, not only in terms of song, dance, and music but in personality and lifestyle as well. Leveraging on The Pop Girls' youthful appeal, the talented girl-group was recently dubbed the newest endorsers of Beauty & Butter!

The business brainchild of Mikael Coyiuto, Beauty & Butter is the newest pampering destination to hit Metro Manila with three branches (5/F Megamall Atrium; 2/F Entertainment Wing, MOA; and at the 2/F SM San Lazaro.) Beauty & Butter caters to the specific beautification needs of the young and the young at heart with services such as facials, body pampering like expert manicures/pedicures, scrubs to exfoliate the hands and feet, hair removal services through waxing and threading, and exceptional nail art, which is painstakingly applied by a trained artist by hand with real paint and the most delicate of paint brushes.

For every Php500 consumed at any Beauty & Butter branch, each client can sample the exclusive iPad for free. Each month, a 16G iPod Nano is raffled off to a lucky client; in December, for Beauty & Butter’s first year anniversary, an actual iPad will be raffled off. In other words, not only do you get to pamper yourself, in the spirit of entertainment and fun, you get to play with the latest toys as well.

“REKRUT” hits Cinemalaya

From one of the established names in the advertising and movie industries, Danny Añonuevo, comes a movie of courage and brotherhood. “Rekrut” follows the journey of twelve young men as they undergo grueling challenges in the hope of being proud Filipino soldiers in Mindanao during the Marcos Regime of the 60's.

“Rekrut” tells a story about how this group recruited soldiers forms a brotherhood that is bound by courage, hope and love forgotten as each of them wage their greatest war; A battle against themselves. Their intense military training brings them closer and yet, the very officers who made them into soldiers will put this bond to the ultimate test.

"Rekrut" is one of the 10 official entries in the Full Length Feature Film category of the 6th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival happening on July 9 to 18, 2010.

The entry promises to be an action-packed war film with tons of 'barako' all throughout. Actually, Añonuevo’s movie is on the tip of everyone’s tongue and all abuzz in the local showbiz industry because of one titillating scene where the actors are filmed “skinny-dipping.”

Emilio Garcia leads Rekrut’s all-star cast

The film showcases the acting talents of Emilio Garcia, Joem Bascon, JM de Guzman, Alwyn Uytingco, CJ Ramos, Alchris Galura, Dominic Roco, Manuel Chua Jr. Rob Sy, Nar Cabico, Acey Aguilar, Meko Buenaventura, Eduardo Orgel Jr. Diomar Dyanco, Archi Adamos with the special participation of Maxene Magalona and Rich Asuncion.

Joem Bascon & Manuel Chua behind the scenes

“Rekrut” marks the film directorial debut of Danny Añonuevo, who's an award-winning film editor. He was the editor of films like 'Baler', 'Ded Na Si Lolo', 'Crying Ladies', 'La Visa Loca', 'Banal' and 'Ploning.'

Stars Have a “Butter” Day!

No, it’s not a restaurant, but it will definitely guarantee some instant gratification. Beauty & Butter is the newest pampering destination to hit Metro Manila. Boasting services that certify head-to-toe extravagance, Beauty & Butter is the perfect stop after a long and arduous day, or before a glam night of partying.

Operational since late 2009, Beauty & Butter was officially launched on June 28, 2010 in a star-studded gala that saw a sparkling turnout of celebrities like Richard Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama, the Pop Girls, Edward Mendez, Alyssa Alano, Fabio Ide and more!

Richard Gutierrez with Beauty & Butter's Mikael and Rubby Coyiuto

As the brainchild of upcoming entrepreneur Mikael Coyiuto, this bright-eyed Management Engineering graduate from Ateneo de Manila University decided to open Beauty & Butter to cater to the specific beautification needs of the young and the young at heart. (Now there are three branches of Beauty & Butter - 5/F Megamall Atrium; 2/F Entertainment Wing, MOA; and at the 2/F SM San Lazaro.)

Teen singing sensation, The Pop Girls are Butter’s newest endorser

Pampered princesses, Yasmien Kurdi & Alyssa Alano

Edward Mendez & Dawn Balagot at Beauty & Butter's Official Launch

“We get asked a lot if we’re a restaurant,” Mikael grins with trademark boyish dimples. “We don’t serve food, but our name is based on very culinary origins.”

The more butter in a dish, the more comforting and delicious it is and this philosophy carries on to his new venture. “I wanted to give that same comforting feeling – that instant gratification – to the beauty industry, but customized to the needs and lifestyles of the youth,” says Mikael. “We cater to the lifestyle of the young and the young at heart as well. We get all ages in Beauty & Butter. It doesn’t matter what your age is; I think everyone wants to feel young and trendy.”

Butter up your Body

Services include facials for every type of skin concern, from blemishes to sensitive skin to anti-aging concerns. Beauty & Butter also offers an eye mask that can be combined with the facials to firm the eye area up. Products include everything from face soaps that maintain the effects that Beauty & Butter facials offer; sunblock to protect the skin from harmful UV rays; and various creams that combat a wide range of skincare concerns.

Probably most popular at Beauty & Butter are its body services, which are often combined with the nail care category to provide instant beautification. Beauty & Butter’s hand and foot paraffin completely relax and soften the skin, whereas the Beauty & Butter scrubs exfoliate the hands and feet, re-hydrating them and providing a youthful sheen to tired skin. The Foot Reflexology massage is a must-try – the pressure points on the feet are stimulated and you can feel your entire body completely unwind – it’s the perfect after-office de-stressing indulgence. Most clients combine these services with Beauty & Butter’s expert mani/pedi services. The more creative ones opt for Beauty & Butter’s exceptional nail art, which is painstakingly applied by a trained artist by hand with real paint and the most delicate of paint brushes. Although Beauty & Butter boasts a complete portfolio of excellent designs, clients are encouraged to customize the designs to reflect their personalities – or to bring in their own personal style.

Lastly, Beauty & Butter also offers hair removal services through waxing and threading of unwanted hair throughout the body. Rounding off its product selection are deodorants, nail polishes and even a special Beauty & Butter deodorant – guaranteed to glide on like real butter!

Pop Girls spread the P-Pop

Endorsing Beauty & Butter are the adorable and multi-talented Pop Girls, the bubble-gum charming protégées of industry-recording mogul Vic del Rosario and brilliant choreographer Geleen Eugenio. This troop of candy-cute Filipinas consists of 16-year-old half-Lebanese twins Lai and Mar, 13-year-old half-Dutch Rose, 14-year-old half-Swiss Schai, and Nadine, the only pure Filipina in the group. The girls are bringing a new sort of pop to the Asian music scene with the advent of P-POP to stand proudly alongside J-POP from Japan and K-POP from Korea. The little ladies sing about puppy love, shopping, having fun, and various other topics that the youthful market of Beauty & Butter indubitably find important.

For every Php500 consumed at any Beauty & Butter branch, each client can sample the exclusive iPad for free. Each month, a 16G iPod Nano is raffled off to a lucky client; in December, for Beauty & Butter’s first year anniversary, an actual iPad will be raffled off. In other words, not only do you get to pamper yourself, in the spirit of entertainment and fun, you get to play with the latest toys as well.

CATS: Musical for a Cause

Calling CATS fanatics! Asian Hospital Charities, the charity arm of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, presents the first night of the famous musical on Friday July 23 starring Lea Salonga, where all proceeds of the show will go for the medical and surgical needs of its indigent patients.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that fans of the musical CATS should not miss as they get to help those patients who are in dire need,” said Dr. Josephine Tuason, director of the Asian Hospital Charities.

The world-renowned Lea Salonga stars in
Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Manila production of CATS

So help save the lives of those in need by being the first to watch CATS: Now and Forever in its Manila debut. You can buy your tickets now at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center CATS Tickets selling booth located at the Doctors Lounge, Lower Ground Floor. You can also call Nila Chua at the Asian Hospital Charities, Inc. Office at 771-9000 local 8202 for more details.

Nyoy Volante’s “In You”

OPM’s King of Acoustic Pop, Nyoy Volante releases new album

After making a name in the industry and being one of the driving forces in making “acoustic” a household name, Nyoy Volante has undoubtedly become one of the finest acoustic acts in town. He has remained a true blue musical genius, traipsing unchartered waters and has continued to innovate himself and his craft. He is now back, and more than ever, all geared up with the release of his all-original album under his new home, MCA Music Inc!

The new album entitled “In You,” his first under MCA Music, which added him to its stable of hit-making local artists, is loaded with originals, as well as his own compositions.

Featuring original tracks such as his hit carrier single “Someday,” which happens to be his own composition, as well as other tracks “In You,” “Try” and “Tuloy Tuloy,” Nyoy Volante is more than exhilarated to share his own brand of music and enthrall audiences to the core. He also performs live with his 4-pc rhythm section called the Rhythmic Circle.

OPM goes ACOUSTIC once more!

The inherent musicality of the Filipino translates well to the simple and clarified sound that is OPM Acoustic. With the pureness of one’s voice, accentuated by a guitar’s crispness and the subtle percussions that guide a song along its way, the acoustic genre was a perfect match for the pinoy balladeer summarily giving birth to many a memorable composition. The local acoustic scene emerged and flourished over a decade ago… but after a hiatus, OPM Acoustic is gaining popularity once more, as today’s Mojo:lations chronicles.

Nyoy Volante’s New Home

After making a name in the industry and being one of the driving forces in making “acoustic” a household name, Nyoy Volante has undoubtedly become one of the finest acoustic acts in town. He has remained a true blue musical genius, traipsing unchartered waters and has continued to innovate himself and his craft. He is now back, and more than ever, all geared up with the release of his all-original album under his new home, MCA Music Inc!

Nyoy is not only an artist for revivals, he makes his own compositions and melodies. He brings a refreshing change to OPM by breaking into the sea of covers and by coming out with an offering infusing his signature acoustic style with an engaging fresh sound.

The new album entitled “In You,” his first under MCA Music, which added him to its stable of hit-making local artists, is loaded with originals, as well as his own compositions.

Featuring original tracks such as his hit carrier single “Someday,” which happens to be his own composition, as well as other tracks “In You,” “Try” and “Tuloy Tuloy,” Nyoy Volante is more than exhilarated to share his own brand of music and enthrall audiences to the core. He also performs live with his 4-pc rhythm section called the Rhythmic Circle.

The biggest reason why Nyoy continues to reap sweet success is due to the fact that he’s remained grounded all these years. His dynamic stage presence is a total departure to the sincere and good-natured person that he is off-stage.

Krissy & Ericka Go International

Talented sisters, Krissy & Ericka take acoustic
to an international level

The industry’s newest and freshest teen acoustic pop-duo Krissy & Ericka, who have been earning raves from various music critics with their fresh sound has now released their album not just in the Philippines, but in other parts of Asia as well! Just from setting up a mere YouTube channel, these teen sensations have managed to tickle the fancy of audiences and now have made a name for themselves. In the midst of all the buzz, texts and twits gathered each day, the shout out successes about two young siblings making music raves in the Philippines as well as neighboring Asian countries is undeniably getting louder.

Known by their real names online and offline, these girls Krissy (16) and Ericka (17), are delivering what they do best from what nest they were discovered – the internet. Having started out around 2 years ago on You Tube, their talk and music varying from a fresh mix of covers and originals always seems to bloom with color and youth. No wonder this is why they have steadily picked up the warm support of international fans.

The launch of their album via MCA Music Inc. and its mother company the Universal Music Group in two Asian countries namely Thailand and Indonesia is proof to show that these Filipinas mean passion and business. Crossing borders in music is not commonly done especially outbound from the Philippines and into other Asian countries.

In the Philippines, we only have a handful of OPM artists out in the Asian market which some say will be the biggest market in music in the next coming years. Right now, these song writer-guitarists will sometime get you puzzled with their mixed country pop styling with usual straight English talk, when it’s common for them to be asked, “I’m not sure what country you come from?” Quick to the draw they always answer (with a smile), We are sisters from the Philippines! What a great way to raise flag and country!

Young as they are, Krissy & Ericka are already proflic and exceptional guitarists, singers and songwriters. Being exposed in various shows and performing alongside big names such as Richard Poon and Sam Milby, the girls have had their share and exposure of performances which fully inspired them to really put their hearts into music. They are continuously honing their craft by continuing to do their own compositions and exploring unchartered territories.

Krissy & Ericka’s debut album features exciting tracks and massive hits such as their current single “Runaway,” other tracks such as “Game of Love,” “Baby Now that I Found You,” and the M2M Hit “Don’t Say You Love Me!” Talented as they are, these girls have also composed originals “He’d Look My Way”, “Hope for Humanity”, “Surf’s Up”, “Sisters” and their carrier single “Up Up Down Down”!

Jessa: Return of OPM’s Jukebox Queen

The Philippines’ "Phenomenal Diva” Jessa Zaragoza is back with an offering that vows to deliver winning hits! After spawning the airwaves and television sets with her undying tunes, this star is back with an album that showcases her range and diversity with her latest offering entitled “Jessa Sings the Great Musical Icons!”

Undying hits by the great musical legends such as her latest single “When You Tell Me that You Love Me,” her carrier single “Broken Hearted Me,” and other hits “Every Breath You Take”, “The Winner Takes It All” as well as the theme for the television series Eva Fonda “Bakit Ako Mahihiya” are just a taste of the phenomenal track list in the album. Jessa brings a different and local sound to these hits, proving her versatility and vocal prowess as an artist.

Just like the hit-maker that she is, this album vows to deliver sensational tunes which will bring a new sound to the Philippine Music Industry. After much preparation, Jessa is set to take her show on the road, all over the Philippines!

Catch the Phenomenal Diva as she performs in the following Robinson’s Malls on these Saturdays: July 04 at Robinson Dasmarinas, July 10 at Robinson Novaliches, July 17 at Robinson Tacloban, July 24 at Robinson Iloilo, July 31 at Robinson Santa Rosa, and on August 7 at Robinson Imus.

“Jessa Sings The Great Musical Icons Volume I” is on sale in all major record bars nationwide and is distributed by MCA Music Inc.

The Playgirls heat up Resorts World

One of the sexiest female group sensations to hit the local music scene, The Playgirls are ready to to get lucky... at Resorts World Manila, that is. After successfully launching their hugely anticipated album, RATED PG under Viva Records, these four playgirls epitomize what every guy desires in a girl and what every daughter of eve craves to be with their next string of performances.

Ice, Karen, Mar, and Pauline are the lovely ladies that comprise the group. The Playgirls are all half Filipino and half foreign beauties that showcase their vocal talents in the fusion of Pop and R&B music under the tutelage of Quickie of Eight Ounce Entertainment. Make sure to catch The Playgirls as they do their things Live at BAR 360 of Resorts World Manila on July 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and August 1, 2010.

Stars & Lights fire-up Bora!

The last remaining moments of summer are barely left to savor as the rainy season is upon us. As many of us clamor to soak up the last remnants of the fun in the sun, fashionistas have less to fear as the summer’s hottest trends still carry into the upcoming months as local celebrities recently celebrated on the powdery sands of Boracay island!

Bora-beauty Rachel Lobangco heats up the celebration

Levi’s owned Boracay with the most sizzling summer party ever to hit the island at the Pearl of the Pacific Hotel beachfront. Levi’s held the biggest, most amazing laser light and fashion show, celebrating the exciting presentation of their new Levi’s Square Cut Colour Collection. Sexy fire-dancers started the festivities, emblazoning the theme in the minds and hearts of all spectators. Starting the fashion show with a bang, the laser light show was the first of its kind here in the country. Levi’s also invaded the island as they hosted simultaneous events in both Ti Braz and Juice Bar.

Marc Nelson at Boracay’s Levi’s Summer Collection Party

With the hottest tunes of DJ Mars Miranda and DJ Alex Wong, prominent personalities, celebrities, and beautiful faces were spotted among the party peeps in their fabulous Levi’s summer outfits. “Summer is the best time in the year to play around with colors as fashion celebrates fun and energy. We thought it would be interesting to inject pop up colors to the iconic details of our jeans. Wearing any of our Levi’s Square Cut Colour makes you stand out with its vibrant colored details – surely creating a statement.” said Jen Jimenez, Marketing Manager of Levi’s Strauss Philippines, Inc.

The new Levi’s Square Cut Colour Collection is a celebration of vibrant youthfulness and free-thinking attitude, very much perfect for the Boracay scene. Whether you’re just dressing down for a stroll on the beach or dressing up for a night out, Levi’s will definitely make you stand out. The new Levi’s Summer Collection 2010 sports a wide array of new fashion choices, making it an official must have for the season.

Gaga, Bieber & Swift go Powerpop!

Popstars Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber & Taylor Swift get
“Cartoonized” in latest MCA Musical release

From a land not far away from the world of everyone else, three individuals emerged from a blanket full of songs coming from thousands of artists aspiring to make it to the top. With determination, passion, talent and loads of charm, they stood out of the bunch, using their hits as their source of power and their albums as their lifeline in their journey to victory in the world of music.

MCA Music Inc. together with Sterling notebooks and Polaroid bring all music lovers “The Powerpop Superstars” featuring Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift! With their new songs, Alejandro, Somebody to Love and Fearless, this awesome threesome celebrate their award-winning records by transforming into the industry’s music superheroes!

Lady Gaga has brought 8 hits from just one album namely (Telephone, Bad Romance, Poker Face, Paparazzi, Love Game, Just Dance, Eh Eh & Alejandro) Her first release, The Fame and its Deluxe counterpart, The Fame Monster has transcended from music, fashion and later on to brands, namely Beats by Dr. Dre’s Heartbeats headphones, Viva Glam Gaga by MAC and Polaroid where Lady Gaga recently became the company’s creative director. In the Philippines, her record has reached 5X platinum and she has become a huge icon, Filipinos can’t help but mimic her. Case in point is Lady Gagita who reached local celebrity status with his parodies of Lady Gaga’s videos and Michael V’s rendition of Bad Romance which he renamed as Bathroom Dance.

Taylor Swift evolved from just a pretty face to a legend of country music as she gained numerous awards from respected award-giving bodies that only recognized pioneer artists before she came along. Even with the conservative number of music listeners who appreciate country, Taylor Swift was able to create a convergence of different genre specific audiences with her songs. Here in the country, her album has reached 4X platinum and her songs continue to sit at the top of the charts. She also keeps her fan base well-inspired by her music that teenagers can’t help but look up to her and be awed by her beauty and talent.

Justin Bieber who at first was dubbed as just another YouTube sensation transformed into a phenomenal performer and child wonder with 7 chart – topper hits and millions of fans drooling over his infectious smile and adorable dance moves. Backed up with the brightest and most respected stars in the industry, he skyrocketed to super pop star status with just his short stint in the industry. He even appeared in several music videos of other stars with his numerous collaborations as well appearances in philanthropic efforts, evident in the songs “We are the World” and “Wavin’ Flag” where he took the prime spots starring at the beginning and at the end of the songs.

Experience the power of the Power Pop Superstars by getting your copy of their albums in Odyssey, Astrovision and Music One Stores! To celebrate their success, MCA Music together with Sterling give you Limited PowerPop Superstars notebooks for every purchase of participating albums perfect for the school year! Offer good while supplies last!

Camsur’s Lago del Rey: Celeb Hotspot

Camarinas Sur has quickly become a summer haven for celebrities and vacationers alike thanks to the efforts Governor Luis Ray "LRay" Villafuerte who has adopted a different approach in promoting his province. Camsur has grown as a world-class tourist destination for adventurers and "extreme sports" lovers with activities like wakeboarding, 4x4 off-road driving, motocross and mountain bike riding competitions available in and around the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC).

Camarinas Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte with Marc Nelson

"Camarines Sur is known for the various Survivor international series being filmed in Caramoan, and the past series were Survivor France, Israel, Serbia and Turkey. Right now, there are three countries filming in Caramoan... In fact, nag-aagawan sila. Dati kasi, one country per season." But Gov. LRay was not at liberty to disclose the names of the country.

Aquafest’s Successful 2^nd Year

Isabelle Daza, Adrien Semblat, & Carlos Concepcion
at the Kaogma Festival

"My commitment to Aquafest is to make it a different experience every year for the participants. And this year, it's gonna be a Survivor theme. While the international participants of the actual Survivor are competing in Caramoan against each other, tayo, we are here just to experience Camsur and have fun.” added Governor LRay.

"This year's Kaogma Festival, the annual week-long celebration of the foundation day of Camarines Sur, coincided with the 5th Philippine Wakeboard Nationals competition and the Lago del Rey Summer Aquafest. The wakeboard nationals has been drawing cable-pulled wakeboarding enthusiasts from all parts of the globe for five years now, while the Aquafest is an event the young governor started only last year for his friends in showbiz and the press.

Gov. Villafuerte’s initiatives have caused the most influx of the biggest and the brightest stars of all networks to CamSur never before experienced in the province. The festival drew in a slew of showbiz personalities by the likes of Michelle Madrigal, Jon Hall, Isabelle Daza, LJ Moreno, and Jeremy Marquez brought in by the convivial Marilen Nuñez of Len Plus Inc.

Inspiring and poignant words from P Noynoy

"President-elect Noynoy Aquino’s CNN interview yesterday showed him to be a supremely articulate person with a wise understanding of the Philippine situation. But the most poignant moment in the interview was when he was asked how he would deal with the Marcoses who have indubitably made a decisive comeback in Philippine politics…“As far as the [Marcos] children are concerned, I think I am in the same boat as they are. We are all victims of the rule of their parents, the only difference is that that I recognize it and they don’t,” said Aquino."

President-elect Noynoy Aquino’s CNN interview yesterday showed him to be a supremely articulate person with a wise understanding of the Philippine situation. The interview, we believe, proves his critics wrong in their insistence that he lacks the qualities of a president.

The CNN interview proves that he speaks English more idiomatically than a lot of other senators and congressmen. In fact his spoken conversational English is as good as, maybe even better than, that of the other presidents before him. He never groped for words. His mind was always clear about what to say immediately in response to every question posed to him by CNN interviewer Ms. Arwa Damon.

He was asked about his feelings and thoughts about being a very young man when his father, the late lamented Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, was jailed during the Marcos martial law regime, and then was assassinated when he came home from exile. We are sure many Filipinos felt a catch in their throats when the President-elect answered these questions matter-of-factly and not squeezing the moment for political points as the many less dignified Filipino politicians would have done.

But the most poignant moment in the interview was when he was asked how he would deal with the Marcoses who have indubitably made a decisive comeback in Philippine politics. Former first lady Imelda Marcos, wife of former President Ferdinand Marcos, has been elected Ilocos Norte representative. Her children, siblings Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Ma. Imelda “Imee” Marcos, were elected senator and Ilocos Norte governor. They ran under the Nacionalista Party of defeated presidential candidate Senator Manuel P. Villar.

President-elect Noynoy said he is ready to cooperate with the Marcoses for as long as their moves are for the betterment of the people, but he would be the first to oppose attempts to bring back the dark years of military rule. “The only interest I have is to make sure that there is no revisionism down the line lest we make the same mistakes,” the President-elect explained. He said he has no grudges against the Marcos siblings. “As far as the [Marcos] children are concerned, I think I am in the same boat as they are. We are all victims of the rule of their parents, the only difference is that that I recognize it and they don’t,” said Aquino.

In the CNN’s own report about the interview with Mr. Aquino, the writer said the network’s “allotted time of 30 minutes stretched to more than an hour.”

“His critics often described him as elitist, weak and inexperienced and questioned his psychological make-up. [But] The Aquino we interviewed turned out to be disarmingly down-to-earth, sharp and engaging. He gave lengthy answers, as he was known for, but showed a keen and detailed understanding of a wide range of issues.”

He will defend the rights of enemies

Another point made by the President-elect that is catching the international media’s attention is his pledge that his administration’s human rights policy is to defend the rights even of enemies.

Mr. Aquino also told CNN that on the subject of prosecuting corrupt officials, his administration will be dictated by law and evidence not by personal grudges.

This response from Mr. Aquino came when he was asked about how he would pursue his campaign vow to go after outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her allies, whom his opposition camp had unrelentingly assailed for allegedly being corrupt. Questions pertaining to the Marcoses also elicited these remarks.

Mr. Aquino explained that his prosecutors “will not file charges against somebody who’s a political opponent and then try to find evidence afterward. We should afford them the processes that were not utilized in our case. We have to prove that we are different from them.” Prosecution, he added, will only be pursued so long as the evidence warrants it. He added that having this mindset in dealing with alleged wrongdoers is the “true test of democracy.”

These are noble words most credibly spoken by the only son of two of our country’s democracy icons. Manila Times