Kapuso Stars' Gift Of Song This Valentines

Probably the best way of celebrating the month of love is through music. This February is also called the Kapuso Month, and along with love specials. 

GMA Records, along with GMA Artist center recently launched One Heart, a compilation album featuring the best Kapuso talents with a wide variety of songs that definitely touch your heart. I also hope that these songs will be the future  theme songs of GMA shows.

One Heart features some of the best performers from GMA Artist Center including Glaiza de Castro, Yasmien Kurdi, Derrick Montaserio, Kristoffer Martin, Kylie Padilla, Ruru Madrid, Julian Trono, Betong Sumaya, Gabbi Garcia, Maricris Garcia, Rita Daniella, James Wright, Nar Cabico, Ralf King, Lindsay de Vera, Hanna Precillas, Kath Castillo, Kai Atienza, and Denise Barbacena.

Kris Lawrence Scores Twin Win at 6th Star Awards For Music

Kris Lawrence’s double victory at last Sunday’s 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music reaffirms his solid footing in the local R&B circuit.

The proud crooner bagged the R&B Artist of the Year award, while his Spread the Love album emerged R&B Album of the Year. The festivities were held at the Solaire Resort & Casino last September 14.

Surprised at his double victory, Kris posted on his Instagram account: “First and foremost, I’d like to thank the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is because of You I received this. Thank you for using me as your instrument to reach people and inspire and most importantly to love them. Thank you to everyone who believes in my artistry & for listening to my songs.”

"Rakenrol" DVD Out Now Under GMA Records

The OPM rock-inspired movie "Rakenrol" Written by Quark Henares and co-written by Sandwich guitarist Diego Castillo is now out on DVD format under GMA records Home Video.

Starring Jayson Abalos, Glaiza de Castro, Ketchup Eusebio, Alwyn Uytinco as the four-man band called Hapipaks, they were formed with the efforts of two best friends which share the passion for pinoy Rock and Roll. Diether Ocampo is also part of the movie as Jacci Rocha, 

Also screened on that day is the short film adaptation of Macoy's comic "Ang Maskot" starring Ketchup Eusebio, Ramon Bautista, and Alessandra De Rossi. 

Rakenrol was released as a commercial film in 2011 and  was said to be Quark's last indie film. Though elements of the film were made as early as 2005 which was worth the wait as the movie portrayed the reality of rakistas and the lives behind the band members.

MUSIC LYF: OPM Artists Record "The Prayer" For Yolanda Victims

On October 15, 2013, an earthquake with the energy equivalent to “32 Hiroshima bombs” devastated the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao and southern Luzon.

Two days later, the Loboc Children’s Choir sang, “The Prayer,” with the rubble of the hundred year old Loboc Church as their backdrop.

Their performance moved so many people here and abroad. Then, tragedy struck again.

On November 8, Typhoon Yolanda, the most powerful tropical cyclone of the year hit East Samar, Samar and Leyte.

Thousands died. Millions were left hungry, desperate and homeless.

Relief efforts from the Philippines and the rest of the world are currently helping the victims survive and find temporary homes.

MUSIC LYF: TomDen Emerges After MHL Success

After the success of My Husband's Lover, the TomDen fever does not stop as the "bro-team" of Dennis Trillo and Tom Rodriguez ventures to the realm of music giving live to songs from the series and other songs that many people would love to hear. The combination of Tom and Dennis maybe an unlikely tandem but proved effective with My Husband's Lover, which was a revolutionary show in the Kapuso network.

Singing songs that many people can relate to, the TomDen album is a showcase of the musicality of the two, which are also talented in terms of singing. Of course, this album will be part of Listening Room soon as we rate the songs for their first "couple" album. 

MUSIC LYF: TomDen thrills on new GMA Records album

When the smash pairing of Tom Rodriguez and Dennis Trillo broke primetime TV convention to steal the hearts of millions of Filipinos, history was rewritten.  Not only did this unlikely twosome made their characters Eric and Vincent one of the most adored couples on national TV, their welcome arrival on the scene comes at a time when the hotly contested issue of gay marriage continues to rage on.  The My Husband’s Lover tandem confronted stereotypes to open up the overlooked idea that love is universal in whatever form it takes.  And it manifests even on their new record, TomDen.

Crafted with the intent to tell Eric and Vincent’s story in a format that is just as authentic on the screen, the duo exhibits a generous helping of romance through tender tunes under the guidance of seasoned producers and songwriters.

Opening track “One More Try” sets the tone throughout the album.  It shows the duo’s resolve underneath the delicate ballad, harmonizing and intertwining their warm vocals to complement the lovely musical arrangement.

LISTENING ROOM: Kris Lawrence - Spread The Love REVIEW

It has been a while since we he heard of a OPM  RNB album that will venture into a pop-driven music industry. But its about time for Kris Lawrence to launch his new album "Spread The Love" under GMA Records. 

Despite waiting for 4 years, it's exciting  to finally hear him as he brings together quality and original songs that will start his reign as the new "Prince of RNB" given to him by his buddy and now "King of Pinoy RNB", Jay-R.

Now let's look into the tracks of the album:

Nightmare - a track, Kris mentioned that was meant to be used by Justin Bieber, is now his own and with Elmo Magalona joining him for the track proves he can be a  international artist.

Tell Me - The feel is very 90's that brings one into a nostalgia trip. This type of song is one of  Kris Lawrence's specialty.

Ikaw Pala- the Philippine OST of the Korean series "The Innocent Man", is deserving to be used for TV. I wish he would do more TV series soundtrack.

MUSIC LYF: "Spread The Love" With Kris Lawrence's New Album

It is official, that Kris Lawrence is the new Prince of R&B as the title was handed to him by his best friend Jay-R who is now the King of R&B. Another great news is that Kris Lawrence launched his new album under GMA Records after 4 years, and also a lot of up and downs he has been through.

Now a father, he is now more inspired to take on a new level with his career together with his girlfriend, Katrina Halili who is also making a comeback in the industry.  Kris Lawrence, as a kapuso has been very thankful for the opportunities that is given to him as he stood firm despite having a lot of competition in his genre. 

His new album, "Spread The Love" for him is a way which he can share his music and all originals songs which he mentions is his contribution to OPM. We will have this album soon on Music Lyf Listening Room soon!

MUSIC LYF: Julie Anne San Jose Album Exceeds Triple Platinum

Things look great for Julie Anne San Jose and her career and she is on a roll which started last year with the launch of her album under GMA Records, now she is having another reason to celebrate this 2013 with her album now on a Triple Platinum mark.

She has now a rising number of loyal fans which followed her back in JULIELMO and now as she tries to make more projects by her own, or being paired with other GMA talents. Truly, hew way is what should teen idols should do to evolve as an artist.

GMA Records ends Q1 of 2013 on a high note

GMA Records ends the first quarter of 2013 on a high note as it hands out its first Triple Platinum Record award, releases movies and documentaries on DVD and a new hip hop album on CD.

MUSIC LYF: Julie Anne San Jose’s Debut Album turns Platinum

Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose releases her latest single “Bakit Ngayon” on Party Pilipinas today.  This is the 3rd single lifted off her self-titled debut album which is now a certified Platinum Record, having exceeded over 30,000 units in both physical (CDs) and digital sales.  

“Bakit Ngayon” follows closely on the heels of her two previously hit singles “I’ll Be There” and “Enough”.  “I’ll Be There” is a typical ballad that talks about young love while “Enough” is an upbeat, R&B-infused tune.  Julie Anne further shows her versatility as a singer with the release of “Bakit Ngayon”, a pop-rock Tagalog song composed by up and coming band vocalist Barbara Jeanne Ponciano.  

JUAN MINUTE: A Great Year For Jessa Zaragoza

It was this year that I met Jessa Zaragoza for the first time for the launch of her album under GMA Records, and she showed that she is indeed a down-to-earth star with a great voice and bubbly personality. And this year has been a great year for her and her husband Dingdong Avanzado as they both enjoy the projects and successes that came in their way.

Being a mother, singer, actress are some of the qualities of Jessa that make her a sought-after personality even after their hiatus for some time. Now that they are back in the limelight, things are going into place and sometimes going beyond their expectations.

And even both of them are busy with their own projects they do find time for each other and their daughter. She also maintained to stay fit and flawless (same goes with Dingdong who celebrated his 25th anniversary in showbiz) which still makes them very recognizable to the public even after years has passed.

Now let's look back on the things that Jessa Zaragosa did this year...

MUSIC LYF: Julie Anne San Jose's album No. 1 in iTunes

Just hours after it debuted in the online music store iTunes today, August 10, Julie Anne San Jose's self-titled recording album hit the no. 1 spot in the said online multimedia portal, according to an update from GMA Records, the album's producer.

The downloadable version was made available online a day earlier than the album's grand launch tomorrow on Party Pilipinas.  The compact disc versions, however, will be available in music stores nationwide beginning next weekend.

The 10-track album contains both originals and revivals including the carrier single "I'll be there."  The music video of the carrier single, which also featured Julie Anne's onscreen partner Elmo Magalona, was launched last month in Party Pilipinas.  It was directed by Party Pilipinas co-director Mark Reyes.  It has been viewed on the video sharing site YouTube almost one million times since its upload a day after its TV debut.

Julie Ann San Jose Upcoming Album

Kapuso pop star and singing sensation Julie Ann San Jose will be launching her first solo album on the first week of August (tentatively August 5). The Album is entitled " Julie Ann San Jose" contains 10 tracks (originals and covers). The carier single of Julie Anne's album is "I'll Be There." The album is under GMA Records. She was known with her covers like "Super Bass" and a trending topic on twitter with his loveteam Elmo Magalona.

MUSIC LYF: Jessa Zaragoza - Pag Wala Na Ang Ulan (album)

Bakit Pa?

Siya Ba Ang Dahilan?

Sounds familiar? As a kid who grew up in the 90's I do appreicate the OPM artists in the turn of the new Millennium. And one of my most admired singers of that  time (and up to now) is Jessa Zaragoza. She is back with a new album PAG WALA NA ANG ULAN under GMA Records. She still looks young and sexy even after all these years, and still has a powerful and soothing voice that will captivate our hearts.


For this album she also collaborated with the soulful Kris Lawrence for the song "Napatawad Na Kita". She said that they chose him because he is great with R&B which is a creates a perfect harmony for the theme.