Dodging the Summer Heat

Summer is irrefutably here and that means one thing—it’s time to hit the beach. The searing heat of the season provides the best excuse to set off for the country’s best summer hotspots for fun in the surf and sand. The season also is the best chance to take in some friendly competition on the beach. Leave your Frisbee at home though, because this summer, the “hottest” sport to play is dodgeball.

Coming on the heels of last year’s incredibly successful inaugural tournament is Dodge N’ Pop 2010, the Nestlé Pops Summer Dodgeball Games. To be held on May 1 at Station 2 in Boracay, Dodge N’ Pop 2010 is set to bring the global dodgeball phenomenon to the hottest venue summer in the country.

PDBA’s Benedict Camara teaches Marc Nelson the basics of
Dodgeball in last year’s Dodge N’ Pop in Boracay

“It’s a great sport for the summer because dodgeball is a game that literally anyone can pick up and enjoy,” says Philippine Dodgeball Association (PDBA) President Benedict Camara. “But if you’ve got a more competitive streak, dodgeball can be very intense as well—which is what I’m hoping to see in this year’s Dodge N’ Pop games. We’re looking to pick out the best from the rest, and at the same time have a bit of fun.”

Players and spectators alike at the Dodge N’ Pop 2010 will be cooled down by snacking on Nestle Pop’s ice cream’s newest variant with rice crispies and compete for a 20k grand prize! Visit www.dodgeballphilippines.org to find out how you can form a team and register for the Boracay exhibition.

The Pursuit of Summer Sounds

Jamie Cullum releases his eagerly awaited fifth album entitled “The Pursuit”. This, his first solo album in four years, is a combination of his eclectic music tastes and enduring love of Jazz and its timeless standards. “In life, we pursue everything. Life is one long pursuit,” says Jamie.

“The Pursuit” is a record that mixes his heritage with a thrilling selection of modern influences. The making of the album was a marathon not a sprint.

“I had more songs and new experiences to draw upon,” says Jamie, “I'd been doing the Rihanna cover and thought, actually I really want this on my album.” Covers have always been part of Jamie's DNA as a Jazz musician , and after previously covering Rhianna's all conquering uber-single “Umbrella”, it’s ubiquity led Jamie to choose another of the r'n'b poppet's tunes – “Please Don't Stop The Music”.

“When you concentrate on making music, the whole point is that you never stop and are always trying to move on. Unless you're P-Diddy I guess,” Jamie laughs. “The only thing I have to live up to is making an album that I'm proud of.”

Kelly Clarkson rocks Manila!

Everyone’s got American Idol fever! From following the hit reality television show to fans doing their own imitations of Simon Cowell, A.I. is a hit all over the world – the Philippines included. Over the past months, it seems that more and more Idol castaways have visited Manila and done their concert rounds, but never a true “Idol Winner”… that is, until now!

The original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson is set to rock Manila, kicking off the month of May. Kelly will pack the Big Dome as she performs her alterna-pop hits for Filipino fans on May 1 at the Araneta Coliseum!

Tickets for Kelly Clarkson Live in Manila are available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide. As a special treat, her concert will be opened by local pop-rock heartthrob Miguel Escueta.

The original American Idol Kelly Clarkson comes to the Big Dome!

Choosing from a myriad of local acts, Kelly Clarkson’s Management, as well as Pulp Live and MCA Music has chosen this undeniably talented artist to raise the decibel levels this coming May 1! Miguel is gearing up as he performs his hits and is getting all pumped up as he rocks the stage on this momentous event.

M.E. on the Rise

After a streamline of hits which have dominated and penetrated music charts of major music networks, the very talented young blood Miguel Escueta is here to sweep the entertainment landscape by great leaps and bounds!

Party Pilipinas host and MCA artist Miguel Escueta

Big breaks have been coming in since the past year, as he clinched the award for “Best Alternative Solo Act” for his rendition of the hit “Blue Monday” during the First Ever Radio Music Awards in 2009. His new EP “Sleeping While the World’s Awake” under MCA Music has been getting raves, and his singles “Sleeping While the World’s Awake,” as well as “The Take Back” (with a brand new music video shot and directed entirely in New York), have been enjoying great reviews and heavy airplay!

He has also become one of the main hosts and performers for one of the newest and biggest weekly shows on Philippine TV “Party Pilipinas,” shown on one of the major networks in the country!

And now, Miguel Escueta is reaching another milestone as he opens for international act Kelly Clarkson on May 1 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Satisfaction… guaranteed!

Newest boyband on the block, 100 Percent

100 PERCENT is the newest all-male pop vocal group to hit the local music scene. Driven towards excellence to satisfy their audiences' musical tastes, this talented quartet aims to deliver what their name is all about.

Under the supervision of premiere vocal arranger and manager, Mr. Zebedee Zuñiga, 100 PERCENT hopes to be a house hold name more than just an expression. Composed of 4 equally capable (and good looking) soloists, they sound as pleasing individually as they are together.

Tim, 24 years old, is the big brother of the group. He has been working as a print and ramp model for the past 4 years, and has also been moonlighting as a wedding singer. He also previously joined another vocal group in its initial stages before auditioning for 100 PERCENT. Tim also has an identical twin.

Fans of the GMA 7 singing competion, Are You The Next Big Star?, will definitely be familiar with 100 PERCENT member, Justin Francis. Now 20 years old, he hails from San Francisco, California, but has been residing in Laguna for 6 years now. He was Top 8 in Are You The Next Big Star?, and was also a finalist in Pinoy Pop Superstar, under the same network.

Rex is also 20 years old, and has been modeling and singing, ever since he moved to Manila 2 years ago from California. He was a finalist in the Century Tuna Superbods 2009 held in Boracay, has appeared and performed in several concerts, TV shows, fashion magazines and fashion shows, such as GMA 7's "Sweet Life", ABS-CBN's "Maging Sino Ka Man", FHM, endorsed for local shoe brand, BClub with Rhian Ramos for its nationwide campaign, performed with Gerard Salonga and the Filharmonika for "Ondoy: Tugtugan, Tulungan", and more.

Aaron is the "bunso" of 100 PERCENT. At 19, he is a scholar at DLSU, and is also a print and TV ad model. He was also a member of the Kundirana of LSGH, and also sings at family events, birthdays and weddings. His recent projects include the advocacy TV ad campaign, AKO MISMO, TV ads for Smart, and more in the works.

With amazing vocals, harmonies and good looks to boot, 100 PERCENT is here to stay. 100 PERCENT satisfaction. Guaranteed.

Click it! Shock it!

They haven’t arrived in the Philippines yet but B2ST is well on its way to the top here in the country with the release of their new album, Shock of the New Era! The coming of their album to Philippine shores is definitely a reason to celebrate!

In line with this, MCA Music Inc. gives K-pop fans the next closest thing to experiencing the shocking talent of Cube Entertainment’s artists! Together with their Cube mate, 4Minute, K-pop fans shall get the chance to have the Ultimate Cube Entertainment Photo Experience with Click It! Shock It! Like It!

AJ & Yoseob of B2ST will make K-Pop fans go crazy

Head on to Astrovision Podium on April 17, 2010 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m., Grab your copy of either B2ST’s album Shock of the New Era or 4Minute’s record, For Muzik. Get your photo and raffle stub at the counter, pick your favorite B2ST or 4Minute member from the life-size display line-up, and take your picture with him / her at the photo booth! To be able to get more pictures with your favorite Cube Star, simply pay a minimum fee of P50.00 at the booth area. Each picture shall come out as a 4x6 print-out with an exclusive B2ST / 4Minute design and pictures shall be included in an exclusive website where all photos taken during the day shall be featured!

Details on how to access the website shall be announced during the event, the facebook page of MCA Music Inc, www.beast.ph and www.4minute.ph.

Vios makes “Happy”

It was a happy celebration at the star-studded debut of the 2010 Toyota Vios recently held at Le Pavillon. Lined-up with a refreshed design, more functional interior features, and a new 1.3 automatic transmission variant, the new Vios was rolled out in a spectacle of flashing lights and hard-hitting beats, much to the crowd's delight.

Hosting the event were the bald and bubbly Rovilson Fernandez and radiant beauty Bianca King who brought to life the "happy" theme of the auto-launch. The two reiterated the 2010 Vios' smart styling, riding comfort and optimum fuel-efficiency.

A perfect choice as an entry-level ride, the updated Vios has been refreshed with significant improvements in terms of style and sophistication while keeping intact its zippy performance and fuel-efficient design. With six colors to choose from (silver metallic, black, beige metallic, red mica metallic, bronze mica metallic and the new light blue mica metallic) and entering the market at only P600,000, Toyota's 2010 Vios launch is definitely "happy" news for anyone eager to get behind the wheel!

Anne Curtis “Breathes Again”

She’s been downloaded a zillion times over the past few weeks, but the nation’s smiling sweetheart has bounced back resiliently and as beautiful as ever since her Boracay wardrobe malfunction. After the success of her latest film, Anne Curtis continues to sizzle this summer as the muse of Chicosci’s newest music video.

The band decided to take on a different beat with their latest single “Breathe Again" and its MTV featuring Anne and directed by Bernard Dacanay serves as the perfect visual compliment.

Chicosci’s drummer Macoy Estacio says, “She definitely made the video more eye-catching and interesting. We’re lucky to have been able to work with such a beautiful and talented actress.”

Much like the ballad itself, the video features the band in its most basic form - perfectly complemented only by lights, shadows, and playful cinematography. “We just wanted to come up with a simple video that won't overshadow the song. We want the song to be the highlight—not the visuals. We did manage to put in a little surprise for the viewers, though,” guitarist Ariel Lumanlan shares.

Sergio Mendes releases new album

He's a world-renowned producer, composer, arranger pianist, band leader cultural sage and a whole lot more! The legendary Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes continues his magical ride with Bom Tempo, a beautiful slice of rhythmically fresh inspiration.

Musical legend Sergio Mendes has new Brazilian beats

Mendes remains as vibrant and vital today as he was when leading Brasil ’66 to international superstardom. Mixing modern sensibilities with the intricate language of his heritage, Mendes has composed an album that his fans are bound to enjoy while exposing his artistry to a new younger audience.

“This is bom tempo music, good times music,” says the Brazilian-born, U.S.-based Mendes. “It’s all about the good times, good weather, good tempos. The album is about the diversity, joy and sensuality of Brazilian music—songs I previously recorded and some that I never have—played by Brazilian and American musicians.”

The CD showcases songs from the crème de la crème of Brazilian songwriters and a throng of newcomers are also in the mix. "Sergio Mendes – Bom Tempo" will be released next month under MCA Music.

Julio says he’s Filipino at heart

“I am Filipino in my heart!” These were the words exclaimed by living musical legend Julio Iglesias as he performed for thousands of pinoy fans the other week at the Araneta Colisuem. The Latin crooner dedicated the Manila leg of his world tour, aptly entitled “Heart of Gold,” to the victims of typhoon Ondoy and proudly proclaimed his special relationship with Filipino culture and people.

Julio Iglesias performs "Dahil Sa'yo" with Sharon Cuneta at the

Big Dome's 50th Anniversary Celebration

Julio stated, “In 10 years, there will be 200 million Filipinos & 3 of those are mine” (referring to his 3 children with first wife, Filipina Isabel Preysler) and even joked with the audience that he is a “master” of Filipino food.

“I know good adobo, pancit, & lumpia when I taste them,” said Julio with a smile before performing with the country’s megastar Sharon Cuneta. Aside from singing “All of You” and “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” with the renowned Latin artist, Sharon also sang the classic Filipino love song “Dahil Sa’yo” with Julio, making the audience swoon. The lyrics to the classic Filipino song were even projected on giant screens around the Big Dome for fans to join them in singing.

During his concert, Julio was clearly teary-eyed when he recalled how Mr. Araneta (who he lovingly calls “Jorge”) told him about what happened during typhoon Ondoy. He said “I am very thankful that I have everything I need but I am guilty for those Filipinos who lost their homes & their lives because of the typhoon. That is why I, as an artist, have to help them as much as I can, in whatever way I can. And I am thankful to all of you for buying your tickets and doing your part to also help these typhoon victims. ”

Iglesias’ “Heart of Gold” concert was held in celebration of Araneta Coliseum’s Golden Anniversary, to benefit the people who were the primary reason for the existence of the country’s mecca of sports and entertainment. In a great act of kindness, Julio waived his talent fee for the concert. To match his generosity, the Big Dome likewise waived its rental fee while all the proceeds of ticket sales will also be turned over to the beneficiaries. In short, for the first time in the 50-year history of the Big Dome, all proceeds of a landmark concert done by a renowned international artist goes to charity.

Craig David delivers anew

R&B star Craig David returns with a new single and album deal with MCA Music. His first single, is One More Lie (Standing In The Shadows), taken from his fifth studio album Signed Sealed Delivered released later on the March 2010.

The album is a collection of some of the great soul hits including For Once In My Life, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and the title track by Stevie Wonder, reworked in Craig's own style. The single, his first since 2008, takes a sample from the classic Four Tops hit (first released in 1966) and gives it a modern flavor.

From a UK Garage pioneer to a mainstream multi-million seller, Craig David is so much more than your average artist. The Southampton born singer is a truly exceptional individual who transcends the norm, consistently outdoes expectation and continues to push musical boundaries. Still only 27-years old, it’s incredible to consider what he’s achieved during his ten year career.

His brand new album, Signed Sealed Delivered asserts once more why Craig is such a significant artist. Covering a multitude of Motown classics, Craig’s fifth studio offering retains his innovative approach to music-making. Favorites from Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops and The Temptations are all given a 2010 twist; the first single One More Lie (Standing In The Shadows) is an upbeat floor-filler, featuring hard-knock drums and a new level of vocal from Craig, as he takes it to the top-end.

Indeed, his voice is the centerpiece of the entire album, asserting his presence as a powerful pop vocalist. “I felt like, if I’m going to sing a Stevie song, I have to do it justice, so I approached it differently,” says Craig of recording the record. “Even if my voice broke hitting those notes, even if it was out of my comfort zone, I put my all in. I wanted this record to feel the same as when I made my first album; the songs had to pop out of the speakers. As soon as I started to feel that, I knew I was onto a winner.”

Moymoy Palaboy goes Crazy 4 Crocs

By DJ Mojo Jojo

Magic 89.9 DJs Tony Toni and Grace Lee led a night full of good fun and cheer as Crazy for Crocs, a new campaign in support of the beloved footwear brand, was recently launched with an exclusive party at the Hard Rock Café in Makati. The three-part campaign draws inspiration from the many DIY videos that have gone on to become big hits on the Internet. Fittingly, the launch party featured popular YouTube comedy duo Moymoy Palaboy as special guest performers.

Your Chance to Become an Online Superstar

Moymoy Palaboy has ushered the trend of becoming famous online with crazy homemade videos and this reality can be the same for aspiring comedians, performers and film buffs with the Crazy 4 Crocs video challenge! From broadcasting funny videos from their home computer, this funny pair has now become a household name pursuing their dream of performing, fame and fortune - And now, you can follow in their footsteps!

The first part of the promotion, a competition wherein participants will be performing funny Crocs-themed challenges issued by Magic 89.9’s/Killerbee’s Good Times radio show each week and each month. The crazy videos will then be showcased on the wacky nighttime radio show Boys Night Out with DJ’s Tony Toni, Slick Rick and Sam YG!

Listen to Boys Night Out to win a Honda Jazz and other prizes

“I love how Crazy 4 Crocs involves YouTube videos, which we are all very familiar with and which we all love,” said Tony Toni. “There’s a ton of great prizes to be won, and the challenges themselves are really funny. I would join myself if I could! With Crazy for Crocs, anyone can become a star and win big.”

Participants will have to beat these simple challenges and capture this on video. These videos will then be posted as official entries on www.crazy4crocs.com where visitors can vote for their favorites.

The Crazy for Crocs Grand Raffle meanwhile gives buyers of Crocs products the chance to win a slew of great prizes, including a brand new Honda Jazz for the Grand Prize winner. Finally, Crocs Pick-a-Prize gives in-store customers a chance to win instantly with each purchase.

Boys Night Out & Good Times can be heard weekdays on Magic 89.9 and their provincial Killerbee affiliates nationwide. Or visit the website www.magic899.fm for more details.

Katy Perry and Boys Like Girls come to Manila

While speaking of crazy videos, the pop princess that “Kissed a Girl,” who is known for her wacky fashion sense, and melodramatic (and sometimes controversial) music videos is coming to perform on Philippine shores! It’s Official! All Youth Channels, Inc. bagged the hippest concert of the year: Katy Perry Live in Manila on October 3, 2009 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. The concert will also feature a special performance from Boys Like Girls! The one-night-only concert is another event under the MTV Philippines Live Concert Series.

Katy Perry rose to fame in 2007 with her Internet hit "Ur So Gay" (a withering kiss-off to a metrosexual ex, a song that even the Queen of Pop, Madonna grew fond of) and later scored in 2008 her breakthrough single "I Kissed a Girl" (a provocative ode to the beauty of women that ruled radio over the summer of 2008). The song became an all-format hit shooting to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it stayed put for seven straight weeks and tied The Beatles' Capitol Records record for weeks at No. 1.

On the other hand, Boys Like Girls gained mainstream recognition when they released their self-titled debut album Boys Like Girls. They were the co-headliners with Good Charlotte for the Soundtrack of Your Summer Tour 2008 that toured across the U.S. The group's second studio album Love Drunk, is currently scheduled for a September 8, 2009 release date.

Check them out at the MTV World Stage Live In Malaysia which premieres this September 4, 2009 at 5pm on MTV Philippines. Catch show repeats on Friday, Sept 4 at 530pm; Sunday, Sept 6 at 8pm; Saturday, Sept 12 at 5pm; Wednesday, Sept 23 at 7pm; Thursday and October 1 at 2pm.

For ticket reservations to this one-night-only concert, check out TicketWorld at www.ticketworld.com.ph or call at 891-9999.