Six Part Invention goes Stripped and Covered

Pop act Six Part Invention opens 2013 with the release of their album Stripped and Covered, under their new label Universal Records. Six Part Invention is composed of Rey, Kaye and Tag Cantong, and Andy Dela Cruz.

Six Part Invention joins the elite roster of Universal Records roster – Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Spongecola, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Gloc-9, Richard Poon, Sam Concepcion, JayR, Billy Crawford, Callalily, among others.

“To be part of the Universal Records family is really a dream come true for us,” expresses Rey. “This album celebrates many firsts for us – our debut album for Universal and our first time to take on an album concept like this. I hope people can support our album.”

Stripped and Covered includes some of the well-loved light rock tunes from the 90’s including Def Leppard’s Two Steps Behind, Bad English’s When I See You Smile, White Lion’s You’re All I Need, Europe’s Carrie, Cheap Trick’s The Flame, among others.

Two Steps Behind is the album’s carrier single, which is now available on www.mymusicstore.com.ph and Itunes.

“The production of the album is really a labor of love from all of us in the band,” adds Kaye. “I hope this album takes everyone on a romantic musical journey.”

Six Part Invention is being managed by Orion Entertainment, alongside Noel Cabangon, Kimpoy Feliciano, Malay, Jordan Bautista, Jason Fernandez, Jensen Gomez, Aspen Way, Runmanila, and She’s Only Sixteen.

Stripped and Covered Tracklist:

1.  The Flame (popularized by Cheap Trick)

2.  Two Steps Behind (popularized by Def Leppard)

3.  You’re All I Need (popularized by White Lion)

4.  Honestly (popularized by Harem Scarem)

5.  More Than Words Can Say (popularized by Alias)

6.  When I See You Smile (popularized by Bad English)

7.  Is This Love? (popularized by Whitesnake)

8.  Carrie (popularized by Europe)

9.  Heaven (popularized by Warrant)

10. Patience (popularized by Guns N Roses)

Gee Canlas: From being TV’s fastest talker to Amazing Race Philippines’ surprise frontrunner

TV host Gee Canlas impressed audiences when she was introduced in the now-defunct ABS-CBN show Music Uplate Live, where he made a name for herself as Speedy Gee because of her ability to talk really fast.She then was given a hosting assignment in Pilipinas Win Na Win, alongside Pokwang, and Kris Aquino. The show however was axed after only a few months. Recently, however, Gee made a surprise, bold move when she figured as one of the finalists of TV5’s Amazing Race Philippines, where she is paired with her good friend Sheena Vera Cruz.

Her inclusion in the program also showed her transformation. Since she started her stint in the business, she lost considerable weight.

“Joining Amazing Race Philippines is an opportunity that presented itself, so I grabbed it. In fact, even before this local edition, I auditioned for the regional show,” says Gee. “Pero ngayon, with a new partner Sheena who is a very good friend of mine, we were chosen to be part of the show, so thankful talaga kami.”

In the reality show, Gee and Sheena were tagged as the “reunited friends” because Sheena lives in New York. Their team became the 4^th top team.

The “reunited friends” positioning served the team well because their friendship became one of the strongest assets of their partnership.

“We know each other since we were in College. We both love to dance. She is a member of the Philippine All Stars. Kabisado naming ang isa’t-isa,” adds Gee. “Pero her being an Inglisera also became a problem for us.”

Gee recalls that in one challenge, where they should have the same answer to a question, Sheena mistook the word “malas” to “malakas,” which obviously made the two have different answers.

In retrospect, however, Gee feels that their sense of humor made their team last that long in the competition.

“Malaking bagay talaga yung marunong kaming pagtawanan yung mga pangyayari,” admits Gee. “Pero, one thing I’ve really learned was that we were guided by two things as we joined the competition- FAITH and FATE.

Their journey on the show, according to Gee, is something she would cherish for the rest of her life.

Any regrets?

“Nothing really. It is just that after I saw the episode where we got eliminated, I felt na sayang, andun na e. That’s the only painful part,” says Gee. “But it is something that I will never forget.”

Aside from her participation in the show, Gee has been reaping commendations for her portrayal in the independent film Melodrama Negra. Which won Audience Choice award.

“I welcome every opportunity that comes my way – hosting, acting, dancing,” enthuses Gee, who is now part of MediaNation, management of Marvin Agustin, Aiza Seguerra, David Pomeranz, among others.

Solenn, Heart, Bianca and Rhian in MMFF Movie Sosy Problems

I was able to attend the Premiere Night of Sosy Problems last December 22, 2012 with my friends and some of the press. Seriously speaking, the trailer didn't get much of attention but knowing who are the main casts are, will make you really want to watch the said movie. 

Sosy Problems is all about the four "super-duper-elite" friends who decided to have a rally because of one issue; turning Polo Club into a Yaya Mall. The most famous line of this movie is "No to Yaya Mall, Yes to Polo Club." 

Meet the Sosy group:

Rhian Ramos as Lizzie Consuji

She's the most spoiled rich girl. She was sent to the province because of her bratty attitude. Rhian really did great in this movie. She acts naturally, but yeah of course in real life she's not like Lizzie. I hope Rhian will do a lot comedy movies in the future. 

Bianca King as Danielle Alvarez

Daughter of an ex-politician. Their family are having a money issue that made her do anything, even pretend to her friends that she's still rich just to hide their problem. Bianca's role are somehow common to other people and what I like about it is that it shows how a rich girl turn into a poor one and how she cope with it. Bianca's role is always simple yet memorable.

Heart Evangelista as Claudia Ortega and Solenn Heussaff as Margaux Bertrand

Claudia, the daughter of a beauty queen(Agot Isidro), a bestfriend and half-sister of Margaux who is also the daughter of a former beauty queen (Cherie Gil). They fell in love with the same guy that almost ruin their friendship just like what happened to their mothers. Heart is a good actress and so she can do whatever role they give her. It's good to see Solenn do another comedy movie after her movie with Jose and Wally. I think that being not so fluent in Tagalog adds a pa-sosyal to the movie which is I think a good point plus she's already kalog and that what makes her more effective on her role.

I've read a good and bad reviews about this movie. It is a good movie for me because it is something new here in the Philippines. I've seen a lot of exaggerated comedy movies international but not here in our country so it's nice that they've come up with that kind of concept.

Believe me or not, some of us are having sosy problems whether they are elite or just a social climbers, right? Oh come on, I prefer to watch this than to watch another sequel movie. So good or bad reviews, I still recommend this movie. :)

Watch Sosy Problems in cinemas near you!

Ogie Alcasid: The Songwriter and the Hitmakers celebrates 25th anniversary

Twenty five years into the business and Ogie Alcasid has established himself as one of the most successful hitmakers and most prolific songwriters of the Philippine music industry. In celebration of this milestone, Universal Records is releasing his most ambitious project, the 18 track album The Songwriter And The Hitmakers. 

The album gathers all the biggest singing and recording artists in the country to breathe life to Ogie’s compositions, including both his biggest hits and new songs. Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Piolo Pascual, Christian Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Arnel Pineda, Noel Cabangon, Richard Poon, Jed Madela, Kuh Ledesma, Rachelle Ann Go, Kyla, JayR and Jaya are part of the album.

“I feel so honored to have been given a project as big as this,” says Ogie. “I am in awe of all the talents involved here.”

Tayong Dalawa, a heartwarming duet of Ogie and his lovely wife and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez is also included in the album.

The album affirms the important role that Ogie is playing in the music industry, as the President of OPM.

“Gathering all these friends in one project gives me pure joy, and I would like to thank all of them for being a part of this milestone project,” adds Ogie. “I hope everyone will enjoy this 25th anniversary offering.”

A TV Special on GMA 7 entitled The Songwriter and The Hitmakers will air this November 25, which features songs from the album performed by Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, JayR, Jaya, Richard Poon, La Diva, Janno Gibbs, Michael V, among others.

Fab Collab: IT GIRL Solenn Heussaff for Vitress

Vitress launched it's new cuticle coat last November 14, 2012 in SM Makati.

IT Girl, Solenn Heussaff designed the new cuticle coat and the kikay kit too! (via Instagram)

I really like Vitress because it can protect our hair from harmful and bad effects of chemicals used in other hair treatments. It is also good for my curly hair because it tames unruly hair and give a natural straighter look. 

"Vitress is not only for girls, it can be also used by boys especially those who have long hair."- said Solenn.

See? Vitress can make your hair beautiful anywhere, anytime whatever your gender is. :)

Host/DJ Gino Quillamor of RX93.1

IT Girl Solenn Heussaff :)

Watch: Solenn Heussaff invites everyone to buy Vitress. :)

Thank you to Ms. Joanna King, Vitress and Ascott Makati for being so accomodating. :)

Credits to EJ Ballesteros for the photos and video.

Furne Onè X Bench: Raina Hein at the Mall of Asia

Raina Hein is the new face of the Furne One x Bench collaboration perfume scent "Unholy".

Fans were given a chance to meet her at the Mall of Asia.

All they need to do is to buy one of the three Furne Onè scents. Handsome Girl has a sweet scent while Unholy has a sexy elegant appeal. I bought the Unholy, obecause what I like about it is that it has the same scent like my favorite perfume and a lot cheaper. Beautiful Boy and Handsome Girl costs Php.398 while Unholy costs Php.468. 

The event supposed to start at 6pm but because of the accident that caused traffic in Manila, the Meet and Greet started at 8pm. Most of us decided to stay and wait for her. 

Raina showed up at the meet and greet, stood in front of us while apologizing for being so late. Such a sweet person :)

With Filipino Designer Furne Onè. He's so humble! I was so happy to meet him. :) (via Instagram)

Been talking to Raina for almost a year and I still can't believe that I already met her. I never expect that she will really recognized me without introducing my self when we met at the Meet and Greet. She's one of the sweetest, humble and kindest person I've known. I can say that I am so lucky to be her friend. She's really worth the wait. :) (via Instagram)

Credits also to EJ Ballesteros and Ly Delos Reyes for the photos and for staying with me at the meet and greet! Thank you Indies! :)

Meet and Greet: Top Model Raina Hein

Raina Hein of America's Next Top Model Season 14 is finally here in Manila!

She is the newest endorser of the most awaited collaboration of Bench and Furne Onè; The Furne Onè's Designer Scents Collection: Unholy One, Handsome Girl & Pretty Boy that was launched today at the Manila Peninsula.

As we all know, Raina Hein is so excited to be here in the Philippines and to meet all of her fans. That's why, her fans will be given a chance to meet her!

"Catch Top Model Raina Hein at Bench TriNoma (4pm) & Bench SM Mall of Asia Official (6:30pm) tomorrow for her Meet & Greet activity. Just buy one (1) of the three (3) variants of Furne Onè scents and it automatically entitles u to be part of the activity." via Bench

Hope to see all of Raina Hein's fans :) <3