By Ed Uy
An icon out to fulfill a lifelong dream, a reality show alumna who finally finds his big break, and a talented young songstress who begins her quest for fame. Joey G, Bryan Termulo and Eurika may belong to three different generations of singers, but each one continues to prove that the spirit of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is very much alive as they convey messages of love, hope, and passion through their songs.
Joey G ventures to the other “Side”.jpg)
For over two decades, Joey Generoso and Side A have become inseparable, as they created some of the OPM’s most memorable love songs and performed to countless of sold-out concerts both here and abroad.
Hailed as one of the country’s most loved crooner, Joey G’s voice has provided the soundtrack to every heartbreak, every celebration of love and everything else in between.
But with the release of his solo album, does it signal the end for one of the country’s most revered bands?
Thankfully, the answer, as the singer repeatedly stressed was “No.”
“Ayan ha ang title of the album is Stand but the dedication I’m writing is “Forevermore… Joey G” So paano masasabing aalis ako sa Side A,” the singer cheerfully explained as he signed several copies of his CD.
Forevermore is one of the group’s biggest hit songs.
“No, Side A is not breaking up and neither am I leaving the band. No way,” Joey G emphasized during a recent chat with The Manila Times. “I owe the band a big deal and they are a big part of who I am today.”
Joey adds that he even asked for his bandmates’ blessings before he said yes to the project.
“Although alam ko naman na papayag sila, siyempre, respeto na din sa kanila ‘di ba? And they were very happy for me,” he said.
No rivalry
Was there any apprehension from his band mates when he told them about the project?
“Naku wala, we’re too old for petty jealousies,” he laughed.
Joey believes that one of the reasons why Side A has lasted this long is because of the freedom they give to each other, especially in terms of their individual growth as artists. He recalled that their former manager, the late Wyngard Tracy, had always encouraged them to do their thing outside the band.
“He allowed us to do yung mga ganitong klase…like si Naldy (Gonzales) and the others, they also compose songs for other artists. Ako minsan may mga solo shows din… Nagge-guest din ako ng solo and gumagawa din ako ng shows with other artists… So may mga ganun kami…Kaya rin siguro kami nagtagal, as a group, kasi may mga freedom kaming gawin yung mga bagay na gusto namin… pero eto nga yung album, this is the first time,” he pointed out.
On his own.jpg)
Released by Warner Music Philippines, Joey says the title and carrier single of the album has a special meaning for him.
“Stand kasi it’s my first time to stand alone. Maganda yung meaning…Joey G Stand…parang I’ll be standing alone for the first time.”
Joey admits it has been a lifelong dream of his to record a solo album and after 25 years with Side A, it was a welcome surprise.
“In a way para siyang oops moment, I never thought na sa tagal ko sa industriya ma-su-surprise pa ako but then the offer came so…I’m just really happy.”
He adds that having this album makes him feel like a kid again.
“It reminds me of the time when I was young, when I was just starting out and doing solo gigs before,” he said.
“Naka-ka-excite. Kasi its like I am starting over eh. Mag-isa uli ako. Hindi gaya sa Side A na alam mo may masasandalan ka parati. I’ve been spoiled by Side A. At times, all I needed to do was wait for my cue. But this time ako lang uli. Challenging siya.”
The album features nine original tracks, each one holding a special meaning for Joey.
Stand, holds a special place in his heart. “It talks about believing in yourself and remaining strong… What people need now is to deal with their problems and face them heads up and hearts strong.”
The lyrics speak aptly of his emotions with the words “Might be bent but I ain’t broken yet. It’s gonna take more that you got to break me down… Standing for everything that I am, yes I’m going to make it through it all.” This isn’t just a song, this is the embodiment of all his sentiments towards the new phase in his life, about making it on his own and not being afraid to face the challenges and changes.
“For You, naman was written by our bassist, Ned Esguerra, and ang ganda rin nung ginawa niya.”
Another one of his favorites is the song I’ll Be which was penned by a Grammy-award winning songwriter.
“Yung I’ll Be, proud ako because it was composed by Diane Warren. She was the one who composed ‘I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing and Love Will Lead You Back. It’s a privilege na makikita sa credits mo…ang isang song dun ay composed ni Dianne Warren na parang, wow! Proud ako na nakapag-contribute si Diane Warren dun sa album ko.”
More than it being composed by an international songwriter, the lyrics speak of a beautiful companionship and love. “When darkness falls upon your heart and soul, I’ll be the light that shines for you. When you forget how beautiful you are, I’ll be there to remind you; when you can’t find your way I’ll find my way to you.”
As for the song “1000 Miles A Minute” Joey says it makes him smile because people have told him that he sounds like a 20-year-old whenever he sings it.
Joey says what sets this album apart is because of the people he worked with.
“Different yung album because siyempre iba yung artists na kasama ko dito.
“Ang nag-arrange ay si Bobby Velasco who is one of my favorite arrangers. Siguro, siya yung mga younger generation ngayon ng musician…iba na rin yung tenga niya pagka gumawa…nag-arrange siya ng kanta. So yun pa lang, iba na, eh. “Tapos yung musicians na kasama ko dito is different din like Benjie Mendez, Marlo Mata… so yun pa lang, yung formula niya mag-iiba yun.
“But still, my voice will be there. Pero iba yung flavor. So yun yung talagang tingin kong iba. I don’t want to alienate the fans naman and leave them wondering if it’s still me they’re listening to,” he adds.
“I dedicate this album sa lahat ng mga fans through the years who watched and supported Side A.
“Inspired ako to do this album para sa kanila lahat. Kasi through the years they’ve been supporting me and sa mga gigs, they’re always there.
“Nakakinspire kasi pagka sumisigaw sila sa ‘yo ng ‘Joey G, I love you!’ parang, through the years na…wala ‘kong show na walang sumisigaw ng ganun.
Despite reaching the top of the iTunes Philippines charts, when asked if he feels any pressure, Joey smiled and answered, “This is all about fulfilling a dream, I have nothing more to prove; I’m past that. Just holding my solo album makes me happy—ayan parang naiiyak na nga ako,” he ended.
Visit facebook.com/music.joeyg or follow him on twitter.com/JoeyG_music
For updates visit warnermusicphilippines.com and facebook.com/WarnerMusicPhilippines
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Bryan Termulo’s finally gets his “title”
The road to stardom is filled challenges—and in the case of Bryan Termulo, it was a series of auditions, wherein he persevered until the “No’s” finally became a “Yes.”
Bryan admits chasing his dream to become a singer was as difficult as it was filled with lifelong lessons.
“Doon ko naintindihan kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng determination, kase kahit ilang beses na ko nag-fail, natuto ako na lalong magsikap. Sabi nga nila try and try until you succeed,” he candidly told the Manila Times during the launch of his album at Napa Restaurant in Quezon City.
Bryan recounted how he repeatedly lined up for various artista and reality talent searches. “At least five times din yata yun, basta halos taon-taon basta may audition sumasali ako. Minsan pipila ako ng ilang oras, pero after a few seconds lang tingnan sasabihin na sa akin na better luck next time.”
“There came a point na sabi ko sa sarili ko bakit ko ba na naman to gagawin eh baka ma-reject na naman ako?’ Pero everytime makakarinig ako ng audition, parang nangangati yung paa ko and ayun nakapila na naman ako,” he said smiling.
“At first, I wanted to join because of the big prizes, pero as I kept on auditioning, I discovered my passion in singing and decided na this was what I wanted to do as a career,” he said frankly.
He finally got his first taste of the spotlight via GMA 7’s Pinoy Pop Superstar (Year 3) where he emerged as a runner-up.
Fueled by his newfound passion and success, Bryan continued to persevere eventually scoring big with
his debut album under BWB Records and Music Production Inc. as his songs Bihag and Paano Nangyari, were played in the primetime ABS-CBN drama series 100 Days To Heaven.
In 2010, he competed for the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) winning two silver medals in rock and original works, and one bronze in R&B. Additionally, he was cited by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Music in 2012 as one of the nominees for “New Male Recording Artist of the Year.”
Now Bryan finally receives a “title” for all his efforts as he is now popularly known as The Prince of Teleserye Theme Songs of ABS-CBN and is now a regular mainstay of ASAP 2012 as part of the group Boys Are Boys together with JM de Guzman, Marrki Stroem and Alex Castro.
He has also officially released his 2nd album entitled Hanggang Ngayon last Sunday at ASAP, and based on the initial response, BWB Records’ President, Raul Leynes, says he is confident that this will even surpass the success of Bryan’s debut album.
Hanggang Ngayon, the album placed on the 7th spot in Astroplus/Astrovisions OPM Bestselling album Chart from June 25- July 1, 2012.
The eight-track album is composed of six original songs and two cover songs (Dadalhin and Pagdating Ng Panahon”). He just released the music video of “Hanggang Ngayon” with Binibining Pilipinas 2012 Finalist MJ Lastimosa as his leading lady.
Bryan is quick to acknowledge that the song Dadalhin opened bigger opportunities for him in the entertainment industry. Originally sang by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Dadalhin is one of the biggest hits of Asia’s Songbird. Bryan gave it a different flavor when he performed it as one of the theme song for “Walang Hanggan.”
Bryan has also tried his talents in acting displaying great promise in the series Budoy, as he portrayed the role of Ryan, friend and school mate of BJ (Enrique Gil). This year, he is set to join ‘The Queen of Teleserye,’ Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo in the upcoming drama series on ABS-CBN, Against All Odds. He has also signed as an endorser of Erase Placenta Soap.
With success finally on his side, Bryan continues to recognize that he can be “unseated” and replaced as new artists and singers join the industry regularly.
“In this business, people get hired or fired everyday. You just have to be prepared when the time comes for you to move on with your life. Buti na lang ako, madali akong mag-bounce back. Hindi ako yung nag-dwell sa failure,” he said.
He says he plans to finish his studies so that he will have a back-up plan when the time comes for him to move on, but will continue to perform as long as people want him to stay– “kahit na may wrinkles pa ako by then.”
To promote “Hanggang Ngayon,” Bryan will have mall tour with stops at SM Rosario and SM Novaliches on August 25; SM Bacoor on August 26; SM Center Las Pinas on September 2; SM Fairview on September 8; SM Sucat on September 9; SM Olongapo on September 15; SM Baliwag on September 16; SM Naga on September 22; and SM Tarlac on September 29.
check out this link to the music video of Hanggang Ngayon
http://youtu.be/1j5GOgQza5g
Hanggang Ngayon, is produced by BWB Records and Music Production Inc. and distributed by Star Records! For updates check out facebook.com/bryan termulo and twitter.com/bryantermulo
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Tween pop idol
If you are a regular rider of the MRT, then you’ve probably seen her billboard as you pass by the GMA-Kamuning Station, and finally discovered the face behind the hit song “Kung Puwede Lang.”
Twelve-year-old Eurika is one of the rising tween stars in the music industry. Once a finalist of ABS-CBN’s Little Pinoy Dream Academy, she is the embodiment of someone born to sing. She was merely six months old when her father amusingly noticed her to be humming correct notes, en route to her ability to rightly deliver around ten songs just past her second birthday.
She recently released a 10-song CD entitled Kung Puwede Lang, which contains eight original tracks. The titular carrier single has since gotten regular airplay among top FM stations in Metro Manila as well as in different provinces in Visayas and Mindanao. The sweet pop song features a chorus that is as infectious as Eurika’s smile with the lines “Kung puwede lang sumigaw ang puso kong ito, mapagod man ay agawin pa rin basta mapansin mo.”
Other interesting tracks also tackle teenage emotions and pop culture such as the Topak with Love, written by veteran songwriter Snaffu Rigor, and the engagingly upbeat BFF. The album also contains two well-rendered cover songs such as Radio Romance, and Listen to Your Heart.
But what sets Eurika apart from other young singers are her songs that express concern for the environment such as Lipad and Kalikasan.
Eurika first recorded songs when she was just 7, and considers Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, the late Whitney Houston, and Rachelle Ann Go as her favorite singers.
Kung Pwede Lang is distributed by Aika Records. For more information Like her Facebook page facebook.com/aikarecords or www.youtube.com/eurika2012