Anne Curtis has evolved through the years from a teenage icon turned host, then became a recording artist and just recently, she became blockbuster actress for “No Other Woman” and now, she steps up to become a concert artist as she stages her first major concert on January 28, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The concert title is inspired by her recent movie hit and is called: “Annebisyosa No Other Concert World Tour.” Her album turned platinum in a span of less than three months after release. The “Showtime” host was overwhelmed by the support given by the “madlang pipol” – as they fondly called the audience of this Kapamilya noontime show.

Anne developed her confidence to sing on stage because of the daily sample segments held in “Showtime.” It was her dream to have an album and also to have a concert, and it seems that all things are slowly unfolding.

She said in a recent press release that people must expect the best with regards to the production. She then reveals that she has her brains on with the concept of all the production numbers and the designs for her costumes.

“Basta ginagamitan ko na talaga ng bongga yung imagination ko dito just to give the best kasi kung ano nga yung kakulangan ng boses ko, ibibigay ko na lang sa lahat ng production number at outfits ko. Kaya abangan nyo yan!” This was Anne’s statement as she admits the limitations on her voice but she promises to make it up with her vivacious numbers and her grandiose costume changes.

The people who would be behind her concert will be Rico Gutierrez as the Director with Marvin Querido as musical director; and is produced by Viva Concerts as Anne is under the management of Viva.

Georcelle Dapat, the ASAP Rocks choreographer will also work for her concert. Georcelle said in that TV Patrol interview that she knew this time would come that Anne would soon be given the chance to do her solo concert in Araneta. She also said that Anne is no longer just a goddess on TV but she is now also a concert goddess.

Anne Curtis will be joined on stage by “Showtime” co-host and real life close friend, Vice Ganda with ASAP colleague and Popstar princess, Sarah Geronimo. Anne assures the concert goers that the show will cause them to smile and be entertained through the best she can do. She then adds: “ngayon ay handa na raw siyang lumipad, tumiwarik, magsayaw, at siyempre kumanta.”

But with all these success that she has now gained, she still looks back to the “madlang pipol” who made her step up to the best she can be.

Former ABS-CBN talent, RJ Rosales died at the age of 37 in Sydney, Australia last Sunday, December 4, 2011. Born in the Philippines to a Filipino and Australian parents, Roseo Jose Rosales (aka RJ Rosales) was successful in his career here in the Philippines, Australia and in Singapore. His family migrated to Sydney when he was thirteen.

He was part of the Australian production of Miss Saigon in 1996 and from there; he then made a decision to go for higher grounds in Singapore, where he gained success as he pursued his theater career and added to it, was a new venture as a television personality. “Chang and Eng,” “The Student Prince,” “Man of Letter” and “Cabaret” are just a few of the musicals he did in Singapore.

But before coming to the Philippines to enter the show business, he graduated from the University of Western Sydney with a degree in BS Mathematics and later, worked as a banker.

It can be remembered that he once made the Filipino TV screens and radio stations enamored by his unique and smooth voice. He did some duets with Carol Banawa and for several years, he was seen performing in ASAP, the Kapamilya Network’s Sunday Variety Show. He also did some acting stints in some TV shows such as defunct “Attagirl” and “Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka.” He also did some movies and one of which was “Blue Moon” in 2006 which earned him a Best Supporting Actor Nomination.

It was in 2007 when he came back to Australia for the remake of the Australian production of Miss Saigon taking the role of Thuy. With that, he got to be nominated as Best Supporting Actor in a Musical.

RJ was a Star Magic talent so the talent management entity then issued a statement regarding his untimely and young death which states: “We sympathize with RJ’s family on his untimely demise. We ask everyone to pray for his eternal repose.”

As with the exact details of his death and the immediate cause, the family asked the public the public to understand that they too, have the right to keep it only for themselves.

Another milestone for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is the American production of an album containing twelve hits of the timeless singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan. The album is called The Manhattan Connection: The Songs of Jose Mari Chan.

It can be remembered that Chan’s hits were revived locally through the years and the most recent of which is that of Christian Bautista. The album earned quadruple platinum award in a span of few months after the release and that only means Filipinos really love the voice and the melody of no less than Jose Mari Chan.

The eternal hits like “Beautiful Girl,” “Constant Change,” “Can We Just Stop and Talk a While” and “Please Be Careful With My Heart” would always remind us of his mellow and soothing voice that he considers a gift from God. He even confessed in a recent interview that since the beginning of his career, he did not have a voice coach.

His passion for his art catapulted him into this stature at present that after so many decades, his songs would always be remembered especially as the yuletide season hastens. “Christmas in our Hearts” and”Perfect Christmas” would always make us sing to it whenever we hear of it being played over the radio.

But who could have known that after so many years, an American producer would take some interest in his compositions and make it into an album, released in a musically liberated nation that of America. It only means Filipino music is captivating for the foreigners and with that Chan was so thankful to Janis Siegel, current member of the Manhattan Transfer, an American vocal group, for producing the album.

All of the twelve songs will be performed by budding American singers of this age and this comes out like a tribute album to a non-American artist- a rare happening as they call it.

Chan said during the album press launch:”I was pleasantly surprised with the result of the album. I felt honored and challenged,” and he added that this is an achievement for the Philippine Music Industry.

The story behind album production began a few years ago when Renen De Guia of Ovation Productions met with Siegel, the solo-Grammy Music Award recipient, and introduced him to Jose Mari Chan. Siegel soon found interest in Chan’s compositions upon hearing some of it which resulted to this tribute album.

Chan’s album only proves that OPM can cross cultural boundaries and is a big achievement for the music industry which would serve as an inspiration for Filipino musicians to keep on playing and creating songs from the heart. I think this is the edge of Filipino artists: the heart for music, the heart which is inside every OPM song, the message that it brings into our sub-conscious which seem to remain there forever and are even be part of our own lives.

From the dark streets of New York, Shawn Corey Carte aka Jay-Z rose from the independent music rap music industry to the main stream back in 1996. The street rapper turned professional recording artist was never discouraged to pursue his dream despite the fact that he was raised only by his mother soon after his father left. He started his career in the alleys of the Big Apple together with his friends, but before that, he was involved in drug-peddling and street gang activities.

He treated each of his projects in a different manner and said that the best style is not really a style. Jay-zjust went on by saying that he takes the form of water; in short, he takes any shape, takes any style as long as it suits his genre. This explains why his albums hit the billboard several times.

Gloria, Jay-Z’s mom revealed that her son’s interest on rap came out when she bought a boom-box as a birthday present. Clark Kent, a producer, helped launch Jay-Z’s career into the mainstream industry as a member of the Roca-A-Fella in 1996 together with Dame and Kareem “Biggs” Burke.

Reasonable Doubt, the debut album with an independent sound made it to the 23rd spot in the Billboard charts, was acknowledged as one of the undeniably best of the hip-hop works. On his live performances, Jay-z was excellent in his free flow of ideas paired with a witty wordplay.

No doubt, perseverance and great talent made a New York street born rapper into a star. Jay-z then decided to retire after spending 13 fruitful years in the industry and after producing 16 record labels.

Filipino American singer Allan Pineda aka Apl.de.Ap promotes “We Can Be Anything” educational campaign. Later this month, Allan will be joined by co-hip hop artists of the Black Eyed Peas band for the grand launch of the project which aims to address the problem of classroom shortage in the country.

In line with this, Allan wrote a song entitled “We Can Be Anything” and it expresses his support to empower today’s Filipino young people, and encourage them to fulfill their dreams. He wants to share the word that any young person can achieve even the most impossible of their dreams and one sure way to attain a dream is to acquire a formal education. The song’s MTV is already shown on MYX.

Proof to this, the Pampanga-grown artist confesses his genuine love for the Filipino youth as he made mention of donating a music room and a computer room in his hometown’s public high school. Allan also advocates on raising the academic prowess of students in the Philippines. With regards to the high dropout rates in the most schools as of the present, most especially for the Aeta children in his home province, he also has in mind several project ideas to be materialized in order to address the problems.

He also stressed on his willing support to any project that would help uplift the educational system and the Filipino youth, as a whole. Allan does not tire to look back where he came from and he is eager to extend a hand, as he shares his talent and time.

Aside from these, the Grammy Award winning band member also has his own projects such as scholarship programs for the poor but deserving students.

Mini-concerts will soon be held by the international artist to help generate funds to be used in building public school classrooms and learning centers. The education-oriented campaign is a joint project of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation.

Allan Pineda Lindo Jr. indeed loves his home, the Philippines though America gave him all: the fame, the money and the luxury. In spite of his great success, he does not forget to take a look back where he came from. He has a big heart for the Filipino youth and he believes in the power of the “Noypi” youngsters being as one of those proofs of it.

Nominated for Best British Single this year, Scouting for Girls, the unique British indie-pop band put together by three former school friends, has already secured its place in the music scene. In the six short years since they were formed, they have sold over one million albums and one-and-a- half million singles worldwide. Hits include ‘She’s So Lovely’ and ‘Heartbeat’, and their biggest hit to date, ‘This Ain’t a Love Song’ was number one in the UK charts last year. They are a force to be reckoned with, and are popular amongst many age groups for their unique sound and their professionalism.

Scouting for Girls have headlined at many an event, and performed internationally, too, and this year they can be seen, live, at the Epsom Live! Music Nights performance on Thursday 14th July. Judging by past performances it will be a sell-out event, following on from their successful UK Arena tour in April. No doubt their loyal fans, known as the Wolfcubs, will be hoping to secure as many tickets to this live event as they can.

The venue could not be better. Epsom Downs is ranked a grade 1 racecourse, and is famous throughout the world, not only for first class racing, but also for the many other events it can host in its excellent facilities, from weddings to conferences. Famous races held there include the Epsom Derby, the Coronation Cup, and the Epsom Oaks. On race days it boasts a unique and exciting atmosphere, and at their Live! Music Nights the atmosphere is just as electric.

Scouting for Girls and Epsom Downs Racecourse are the perfect combination for anyone who values great music performed in great venues. This live event, held on a summer’s evening in July, will not fail to deliver all its promises, and no fan will go away disappointed. Don’t delay and pick up your Scouting For Girls tickets today!

I first learned this beautiful song from the tweet of Bubbles Paraiso, a sexy celebrity here in the Philippines who is also a blogger.  And she’s right, this is damn cheesy and I just love the lyrics and the melody soooooooooooo much. How I also wish, someone (soon) will sing this song for me. Check-out the video and sing the song with the lyrics below.

Oh, her eyes, her eyes, make the stars look like they’re not shining
Her hair, her hair, falls perfectly without her trying
She’s so beautiful, and I tell her every day

Yeah, I know, I know, when I compliment her she won’t believe me
And it’s so, it’s so, sad to think that she don’t see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look ok, I say

When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change
Because you’re amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while

Because girl you’re amazing, just the way you are
Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she let me
Her laugh, her laugh, she hates but I think it’s so sexy

She’s so beautiful, and I tell her every day
Oh, you know, you know, you know, I’d never ask you to change
If perfect’s what you’re searching for then just stay the same

So, don’t even bother asking if you look ok
You know I’ll say
When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change

Because you’re amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you’re amazing, just the way you are

The way you are, the way you are
Girl you’re amazing, just the way you are
When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change

Because you’re amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you’re amazing, just the way you are. Yeah

WOW! I just can’t get this song out of my mind. And I have been playing You’re so Vain for 8hrs already. And these lines?  ” You’re so vain. You probably think this song is about you. You’re so vain. I’ll bet you think this song is about you. Don’t you, don’t you” – I just love it.

Just want to shout this out to this someone who have hurt me so bad. You know who you are.

Trivia: The identity of the lover in this song has been a subject of debate for over 30 years.

I love the song, the music video and of course the singer! Aya Ueto really impresses me. She is not only beautiful but also talented. She can sing, she can dance and of course she can act. Not to mention her great performances in Azumi and Azumi 2: Death or Love and as Kozue in the famous Jdrama entitled “Attack no.1″. The latter, i finished watching its 11 episodes the other day but i will just have to check out her other JDrama entitled “Ace o Nerae” and compared the two okay? Well, as a recommendation again for you to watch.

Anyways, Yume no chikara is actually the official theme song in “Attack no.1″. A beautiful song! I know you will love her music video so you better check it out now. Ang cute niya talaga! Jaaahhh..hook na hook na talaga ako sa Japanese stuff!

P.S. I don’t really know the meaning of this song but I’m pretty sure it conveys a positive message. I am still a novice to Nihongo words. Still learning and lovin’ the language. By the way if you know how to translate the lyrics of the song, feel free to drop by a message.