The band Cueshe is a pop-rock group originally from Cebu City. In 2005, they released hit singles like “Stay,” “Sorry,” “Ulan,” “24 Hours,” and “Can’t Let You Go.” The band is a popular favorite among many, but critics and detractors have labeled them as a one-hit wonder. With the release of their new album, hopefully the band will prove them otherwise.
After Image was a Filipino pop rock band that was active during the 1990’s. They popularized songs like “Habang May Buhay,” “Next In Line,” and “Mangarap Ka.” The band was made up of 5 members: Bobit Uson on bass, Chuck Isidro (formerly of 6cyclemind) on lead, Rogie Callejo on drums, Arnold Cabalza on keyboards and Wency Cornejo on vocals. Francis Reyes from The Dawn was the former guitarist of this band before Chuck Isidro.
Due to manager conflicts, the band disbanded in 2001 and after 7 years of being disbanded, the group returned with a new album, “The Place in the Sun” with the carrier single “Musikero.”
For After Image fans like myself, you’ll surely love the song, plus the great video. It’s great that the band’s back together and making music again. I’d have to say that After Image has grown and is a whole lot better than before.
Noel Cabangon has been in the underground music industry for several years already but became a household name when his hit sing “Kanlungan” went commercial. The song was an instant hit - and was used for a lot of television advertisements. But some people still don’t know much about the man behind the touching lyrics and melody.
Noel Cabangon is an active Greenpeace volunteer since 1996, and actively campaigns for clean energy as the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior comes to Asia for its Clean Energy Revolution Tour.
Undoubtedly one of the most successful Filipino singers of all time, Lea Salonga (Maria Ligaya Carmen Imutan Salonga-Chien) has achieved worldwide success that other singers can only dream of. Lea is well-known for her portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon, as well as Eponine. She is also the first Asian to play the said role in Broadway. She is also the first to win an Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Theatre World Awards for a single role.
On January 10, 2004, she married Robert Chien, and has a daughter named Beverly Nicole who was born on May 16, 2006. Below are two videos, one of Lea Salonga singing Sun and Moon in Miss Saigon, and another one where she sings Don’t Cry for me Argentina live.
Marifil Nina Girado was born on November 1, 1980 and is more popularly known as Nina. Often dubbed as the Philippine’s Soul Siren, she has released 4 albums to date and is known for her vocal belting. Most people often remark that she looks like Mariah Carey and her vocal ability to sing in whistle register (C3-G7) often adds to the description.
Known as the Philippine’s Queen of Soul, Jaya is a Philippine singer with African-American ancestry. Born Maria Luisa Ramsey, she started as a backup dancer for her mother Elizabeth Ramsey, a comedienne-singer. Jaya is now one of the hosts of SOP, a noontime show she co-hosts with Regine Velasquez, Kyla, and Ogie Alcasid.
South Border is one of the popular Philippine bands that have released love songs that were played on almost every radio station. But as good things are not always meant to last, South Border has gone through its share of ups and downs. Having replaced members more often than they release albums, Jay Durias is the only original member that has stayed and has continued to create music that thrills its fans.
A band based in Cebu, Philippines, Urbandub has been around the music scene since mid-2000 and their first album was released the following year entitled Birth. Urbandub tries to be unique and ultimately, original, and is known for constant experimentation, layered and textured guitars, and great vocals.
The Pin-Up Girls was formed back in 1996 by Mondo Castro (vocals, guitar), Pamela Aquino (vocals, guitar) and Jeng Tan (vocals, bass). They eventually added guitarist Ryan Nachura and drummer Noel Garcia and began performing New Wave covers at local clubs. The band has often been tagged as the first Philippine band to have been signed up under a foreign recording label.
On July 2003, the Pin-Up Girls made their American debut with the critically acclaimed five-track EP Taste Test. The limited edition CD quickly sold out, and the dreamy ballad “Caress” hit No. 1 on NU-107 in the Philippines and on “Flashback Alternatives” in New Jersey.
This video, Power to Unite, was directed by Louie Ignacio and also recently won in the prestigious New York Festivals last February 1. The said music video won a Gold Medal Award under the entertainment category. The music video was produced and the song composed by Elvira Go of the National Bible Quiz, Inc., with Rene Martinez performing the song and Charo Unite providing the melody. This is also the first time for a Filipino to win in the entertainment category in the New York Festivals.