After receiving an Honorary Licentiate Award, the Philippines’ rock princess Yeng Constantino signed a contract to be the Academy of Rock’s (AOR) ambassadress. The songstress is the first Filipino and the first Asian star who has been given the opportunity to represent the academy which aims to cultivate the potential and creativity of music enthusiasts.
During her contract signing at the school’s branch in Rockwell, Yeng shared her reaction when she learned that she was going to be its ambassadress. “Sobrang tuwa, sobrang gulat. I am really honored. Sa dinami-daming artists na pwedeng pagpilian na galing sa ibang bansa, nakakatouch lang talaga na ako ‘yung napili. I am really honored, happy, delighted, lahat na ng mga magagandang adjectives! Para akong nasa rainbow ngayon.”
Now that she’s partners with a foreign school, is she planning to bring her music to the international scene? “Dream, may pangarap na makapaglabas pa rin ng album outside the Philippines. Sotingnan po natin sa mga susunod na buwan kung ano ang mangyayari.”
Yeng relayed that her affiliation with AOR is a major leap towards amplifying her dreams to greater heights. “Siguro po ano, parang unang hakbang po ‘to. Marami na po akong hakbang na ginawa, pero ang sarap lang din na may mga kasama ka para tuparin ‘yung pangarap mo–‘yung mga taong nakakasama ko like my management Star Magic, Cornerstone, tapos sinamahan pa ng Academy of Rock. So tingnan po natin kung ano ang mangyayari sa susunod na buwan. I am really hoping, planning ng mabuti na mag-aral pa sa songwriting ko, para mas lalo tayong may tsansang makapunta sa ibang bansa.”
On what lesson in music she wants to impart to all the budding artists, she said, “Music is not just studying the tone, the melody. It’s really about speaking one’s heart, communicating what’s inside you, that brilliance, that rawness, that ‘you’ inside you, your core. It’s really about honesty; it’s not just the genre. It’s really about your heart, going out there and being vulnerable.”
Will can people expect Yeng to teach in the AOR? “I still don’t know. But if they will give me a stage to teach children, maybe I could give a talk about pursuing dreams. I think that’s my forte. That’s where I’m good at. Because when I want something I would do everything for what I want.”</br>
RICHARD POON SAYS GOODBYE TO BIG BAND; RETURNS TO POP IN NEW ALBUM "LEGENDS"
After years of performing Big Band tunes, singer Richard Poon returns to pop withthe release of his newest album "Legends," his first project with new label Universal Records.
“Not a lot of people know that I started in the music industry singing pop songs,” says Richard Poon. “I perfectly believe that now is the perfect time to go back to my roots- pop. This time, with my new label, Universal Records.”
He adds that making this decision was not that easy, but believes that this project will further improve him as a singer, performer.
Richard adds that he welcomes the challenge with open arms, and he hopes that people will continue supporting him and his music.
Richard joins the elite roster of Universal Records artists – Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Noel Cabangon, Christian Bautista, Gloc-9, Jay R, Sam Concepcion, Parokya Ni Edgar, Sponge Cola, Callalily, Kamikazee, among others.
In "Legends," Richard traces his pop roots by singing some of the biggest pop artists in the international music industry - classics by Lionel Richie (Truly), Whitney Houston (All At Once), Barbra Streisand (Evergreen), Madonna (Borderline), Barry Manilow (Ready To Take A Chance Again), among others.
The album’s first single is Richard’s rendition of a Lionel Richie classic "Truly," which has a music video featuring Richard’s real-life sweetheart Maricar Reyes.
Richard also collaborates with friend Christian Bautista in the Michael Jackson hit "The Girl Is Mine," which is included in the album.
"Legends" Tracklist: 1. All At Once (originally popularized by Whitney Houston) 2. All In Love Is Fair (originally popularized by Stevie Wonder) 3. And I Love Her (originally popularized by The Beatles) 4. Crazy (originally popularized by Kenny Rogers) 5. Truly (originally popularized by Lionel Richie) 6. Evergreen (originally popularized by Barbra Streisand) 7. Borderline (originally popularized by Madonna) 8. A Song For You (originally popularized by Elton John) 9. Can't Help Falling In Love (originally popularized by Elvis Presley) 10. The Girl Is Mine (originally popularized by Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney) 11. If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight (originally popularized by James Taylor) 12. Ready To Take A Chance Again (originally popularized by Barry Manilow)
[DOWNLOAD] RICHARD POON'S NEW ALBUM "LEGENDS" ON ITUNES & MYMUSICSTORE!
Sam Milby, Paulo Avelino & Angeline Quinto will be starring in the upcoming romantic-comedy series entitled "KAHIT KONTING PAGTINGIN" airing this January on ABS-CBN. Also joining the cast of the upcoming series are Tommy Abuel, Aljhon Lucas, Alexandra Macanan, Junee Gamboa, James Blanco, John "Sweet" Lapus and Mylene Dizon. "Kahit Konting Pagtingin" is directed by Darnel Villaflor.
Kahit Konting Pagtingin Official Soundtrack tops the Astrochart (Astroplus/Astrovision top-selling albums) in the over-all category for the week of February 25-March 3, 2013.
The soundtrack is still available in all record stores nationwide!
MANILA, Philippines – Weeks after releasing her fifth album “Metamorphosis,” Yeng Constantino received an Honorary Licentiate Award from the Academy of Rock (AOR) in Singapore on March 1.
The Rock Princess herself attended the graduation ceremonies. One of her earlier hits, “Salamat,” will be part of the school’s syllabus according to Star Magic, which co-manages her career.
In a Facebook photo that shows Yeng in full graduation attire, the singer-songwriter related feeling “blessed” by this latest achievement.
Her participation at the AOR festivities continued on March 2 when she served as special guest at the “Rock With Heart - Up Where We Belong: The Charity Rock Concert of 2013!” held at The Star Theater.
Organized for and by students of AOR – which specializes in popular and rock music – part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the construction of houses for typhoon victims in Davao Oriental.
A number of fans uploaded videos of Yeng's performances on YouTube. Her set was going well – having performed Irene Cara’s “Fame” as well as “Salamat” which were both met with cheers – until she introduced her third song “B.A.B.A.Y.” A member of the production team approached Yeng onstage, after which she revealed to the audience that the CD containing the track won’t play. Although a bit saddened by the glitch, Yeng rose to the occasion, borrowed a guitar, and performed “Hawak Kamay,” her first ever single.
As a message of inspiration to aspiring musicians, Yeng related that she’s a firm believer of the saying that “if you find a job that you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
“I’ve been singing since I was young. That’s what I want to do. I wanna be on stage and sing in front of people so I’m living my dream. Just follow your heart. If you love what you do, you’ll see it unfold before your eyes, it’s going to happen,” she said.
A SYMPHONY OF POP Enjoy a world-class musical experience featuring the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra w/ musical direction by Maestro Gerard Salonga along with Bamboo, Richard Poon & Vina Morales
1. Purchase a copy of "Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs" CD and fill out the enclosed voting card (Available in all Odyssey, Astroplus & SM Music Stores nationwide)
Multi-awarded singer and songwriter Yeng Constantino will soon launch her fifth album under Star Records titled “Metamorphosis” which introduces the Pop Rock Princess’ brand new look, style and music. “Metamorphosis” features ten all-original tracks, nine of which are composed by Yeng including “Hahanapin Kita,” “Josephine,” “Messiah,” “Pasensya Na,” “Sana ‘Di Pa Huli,” “Teleserye,” “Pag-ibig,” “Sandata,” and the carrier single “B.A.B.A.Y” which can now be downloaded via www.mymusicstore.com.ph. The official music video of “B.A.B.A.Y” will have its MYX premiere on Thursday (January 17) on MYX SkyCable channel 23. The song “Chinito” was written by Jed Dumawal. “Metamorphosis” album will be available on all record bars nationwide on January 28 (Monday) at only P299. Don’t the nationwide release of Yeng’s newest album and discover the big transformation that changed her as a musician and as a total performer. For more information about “Metamorphosis,” visit Star Records’ Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/starrecordsphil or follow @starrecordsph on Twitter.
Yeng Constantino released her first single "B.A.B.A.Y." from her 5th and newest album entitled, "Metamorphosis"
Babay had its radio premiere this January 9, 2013 on Tambayan 101.9. The single is also available at My Music Store (http://www.mymusicstore.com.ph/music/yeng-constantino/504444/B.A.B.A.Y.html)
Her album Metamorphosis by Star Records will be released on January 28, 2013 and will be available in record stores nationwide.
Sam Milby, Paulo Avelino & Angeline Quinto will be starring in the upcoming romantic-comedy series entitled "KAHIT KONTING PAGTINGIN" airing this January on ABS-CBN. Also joining the cast of the upcoming series are Tommy Abuel, Aljhon Lucas, Alexandra Macanan, Junee Gamboa, James Blanco, John "Sweet" Lapus and Mylene Dizon. "Kahit Konting Pagtingin" is directed by Darnel Villaflor.
KAHIT KONTING PAGTINGIN
JANUARY 28, 2013 on PRIMETIME BIDA after TV PATROL
Prince of Pop Erik Santos will topbill the New Year episode of ABS-CBN’s longest-running and top-rating drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya” this Saturday (January 5) as he portrays the role of Roque, a reserved type of guy who sought help from his younger brother Raul (Aaron Villaflor) to win the heart of his childhood crush Merlinda (Charee Pineda). With Roque’s persistence and Raul’s unwavering support, Merlinda finally said yes to Roque. However, just as things were about to work well between Roque and Merlinda as future husband and wife, Raul started falling in love with Merlinda. How will Roque react once he discovers that Merlinda chose to marry his brother over him? In the story, Cris Villanueva and Dominic Ochoa will play as the old Roque and Raul respectively. Also part of “MMK” this Saturday are Levi Ignacio, Deborah Sun, Efren Reyes, Pinky Marquez, and Arjo Atayde. It was researched by Agatha Lee Ruadap, written by Joan Habana, and directed by Mae Czarina Cruz. Don’t miss “MMK” this Saturday, after “Wansapanataym” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.mmk.abs-cbn.com, and follow @MMKOfficial on Twitter and visit the official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MMKOfficial.
ERIK SANTOS, BALIK-‘MMK’ NGAYONG SABADO. Muling sasabak sa heavy drama ang Prince of Pop na si Erik Santos sa Sabado (Enero 5) sa buena manong handog ngayong 2013 ng longest-running at top-rating drama anthology ng ABS-CBN na “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” Bibigyang buhay ni Erik sa nasabing “MMK” episode ang karakter ni Roque, isang mahiyaing binata na walang ibang minahal mula pagkabata kundi si Merlinda (Charee Pineda). At sa labis na pag-ibig ni Roque sa dalaga, maging ang nakababatang kapatid niyang si Raul (Aaron Villaflor) ay todo-suporta sa kanyang panliligaw. Labis-labis na sana ang ligaya ni Roque mula nang mapasagot niya si Merlinda, ngunit isang balita ang gugulantang sa kanya—magpapakasal si Merlinda kay Raul. Paano tatanggapin ni Roque na ang kaisa-isang babaeng pinapangarap niyang makasama ay umiibig pala sa kanyang kapatid? Gaganap bilang matandang Roque at Raul sina Cris Villanueva at Dominic Ochoa. Tampok rin sa episode ngayong Sabado sina Levi Ignacio, Deborah Sun, Efren Reyes, Pinky Marquez, at Arjo Atayde. Ito ay sa ilalim ng pananaliksik ni Agatha Lee Ruadap, panulat ni Joan Habana, at sa direksyon ni Mae Czarina Cruz. Huwag palampasin pagbabalik-“MMK” ni Erik ngayong Sabado, pagkatapos ng “Wansapanataym,” sa ABS-CBN. Para sa iba pang updates, mag log on sa www.mmk.abs-cbn.com, sundan ang @MMKOfficial sa Twitter, at i-“like” ang www.facebook.com/MMKOfficial.
Source: http://networkedblogs.com/GEth0
ABS-CBN PR www.abscbnpr.com (ABS-CBN social media newsroom)
After bringing home awards this year for MYX Music Awards Favorite Female Artist and PMPC Star Awards for Music Female Rock Artist, Yeng Constantino admitted she has been very happy with all the blessings in her life at the moment. The 24-year-old singer is currently working on her fifth album which will be produced by Raimund Marasigan whose bands included Eraserheads, Sandwich, and Pedicab. “It’s a brand new sound,parang pinaghalong pop alternative na techno. First time yan kasi ngayon sobrang nakikinig ako ng electronica music gaya ng Owl City soparang gusto ko isama sa music ko yung medyoelectronic na feel and at the same time Tagalog pa rin,” she told Push.com.ph.
Yeng said that she feels honored to have Raimund as her record producer for her upcoming album. “I’m so happy and I feel like a rock star (laughs).Alam mo yung feeling na, ‘Yes I belong!’ kasi even if yung title ko daw Pop Rock Princess, minsan hindi ko na-fi-feel yun eh. Pero parang working with them parang wow you can feel the respect both ways for him as my producer and me as his artist. Nararamdaman ko talaga yung respect,” she said.
For her fifth album, Yeng said her fans can expect not just a new kind of sound, but a new look from her as well. “Cute pa rin naman, cute and bubbly pero meron pa ring feel ng inspirational kasi that’s who I am. Kung saan ako nagsimula, kung paano ako nagsimula, sobrang hirap to where I am now. Gusto ko pa rin yung parang mga songs na nag-e-encourage sa mga tao, especially sa mga kabataan to reach for their dreams and siyempre yung mga fun songs na wala lang, yung parang ‘Jeepney Love Story,’ yung parang happy talaga and bubbly andun pa rin. Pero may mga ibangtwist lang din kahit papaano. I’m really excited. Pati yung get-up ko iba na rin, it’s so cute. Excitedako,” she admitted.
As a Christian active in the Victory fellowship, Yeng said she feels fulfilled both professionally and spiritually because of her music. “Right now, what really inspires me is when I’m singing worship songs to God. Mahirap nga mag-cross kasi nakilala ka as a pop alternative musician, parang yung seasonko ngayon in my life, magiging sobrang honest ko, I will sing worship songs actually. Yun talaga yung nag-i-inspire sa akin, yung mga recent songs ko is all about thanking God, yung parangrealizing na lahat ng meron ka sa buhay mo is from Him. Everything is put up by God, lahat yan parang dinesign ni God and just for me to be here. And what’s the reason? It’s really to inspire people. Yun yung gusto kong gawin ngayon. And alam kong medyo malaki yung dream pero I’m excited for this season. Gusto ko lang talaga kumanta to inspire people,” she explained.
Yeng admitted that composing songs is not always easy for her. “May mga season talaga na mahirap magsulat ng kanta pero kaya buti na lang may gap lagi yung paggawa ng album so yung span na hindi ka gumagawa ng album, dun dapat mag-ipon na ako ng kanta. Kasi actually may isang buwan or dalawang buwan na hindi ka makakasulat. Tapos may tipong isang araw na tatlong kanta ang masusulat mo. The next day dalawa naman, so iba-ibang season eh. It’s about seizing the moment kung kelan lalabas yung mga kanta,” she admitted.
The talented singer-songwriter also shared her views on issues that are very close to her heart. “Recently naririnig ko yung issue na OPM is dead. Gusto ko talaga sabihin na hindi dahil ang dami-dami pa ring mga OPM artists na talagang nag-sa-strive para hindi mag-fade yung talagang totoong musika,” she shared.
For more updates on Yeng Constantino, log on daily to Push.com.ph and follow @Push_Mina on Twitter.
After bringing home awards this year for MYX Music Awards Favorite Female Artist and PMPC Star Awards for Music Female Rock Artist, Yeng Constantino admitted she has been very happy with all the blessings in her life at the moment. The 24-year-old singer is currently working on her fifth album which will be produced by Raimund Marasigan whose bands included Eraserheads, Sandwich, and Pedicab. “It’s a brand new sound,parang pinaghalong pop alternative na techno. First time yan kasi ngayon sobrang nakikinig ako ng electronica music gaya ng Owl City soparang gusto ko isama sa music ko yung medyoelectronic na feel and at the same time Tagalog pa rin,” she told 