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Friday, February 10, 2006

Shows from the heart, for the heart

Have some CompanY on Valentine’s Day

The CompanY returns to the concert scene with a performance on February 13 at 19 East Music Hall on South Superhighway, Sucat, Parañaque City, featuring a mélange of love songs from vocal jazz to original pop hits with guests Beth Martin (who is also musical director), Jorge San Jose and Joji Magadia.

On February 14, The CompanY sings at Brittany Bay in Sucat, Parañaque, with a debut performance of Black-Eyed Peas “My Humps” arranged by Annie Nepomuceno. Visit www.thecompanysingers.com.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2006/f...060210lif2.html

Valentine’s Day, February 14 (Tuesday) - Acoustic Concert Setting a@ Brittany Bay (Sucat)

Valentine’s Day, February 14 (Tuesday), finds The CompanY in a outdoor – acoustic concert setting at Brittany Bay (Sucat). As the balmy breeze of Laguna de Bay gently waft through, expect an evening of romance (and a bit of mischief) while The CompanY, together with Miss Beth Martin on the acoustic grand piano, serenade their Valentine audience. A highlight of this performance is the debut performance of a ridiculous classical rendition of Black Eyed Pea’s international hit – "My Humps" as specially arranged by Miss Annie Nepomuceno for this concert. Escape the monstrous Valentine traffic jams in the city centers and truly enjoy the pleasures of a Valentine’s night with The CompanY at Brittany Bay.

Reuben Laurente moving on well



By YUGEL LOSORATA

Many people may have raised their eyebrows upon learning that Reuben Laurente decided to leave the country’s premier vocal group, The Company, to pursue a solo career. With the group’s established re######tion, some must have likened the singer’s fateful decision to that of a boxer agreeing to fight at 130 lbs when he is used to squaring off at 126 lbs.


Well, Reuben himself knew the consequence of his action. And believe it or not, he is very much happy and contented being not in his comfort zone, considering he has both the tangibles and intangibles to feel secured and fulfilled.

His 12-song debut (gospel) album as a solo entitled "Langit" (released by Emmanuel Music) is now available in selected music stores like Tower Records and Music One, while a music video for one of its tracks, "You Lift Me Up" will be out sooner than later. He has been doing lounge performances, corporate shows, and various event guestings since late last year when he, along with Andre Castillo, officially parted ways with the rest of The Company at the same time the group celebrated its 20th year in showbiz.

He is also happily promoting his album to the best of his effort, with most of the time feeling amused doing things he wasn’t able to experience as then member of a top-selling group. Just recently he went on a bus trip from Manila to Pampanga to bring copies of his CDs there. To his delight, he noticed a couple of passengers who, after realizing his identity, seemed to wonder why he was on board a bus.

Above all these he stressed the sense of camaraderie he receives from friends, church-mates, former schoolmates, and even members of The Company who continue to stand behind him supporting his endeavors.

At 37, Reuben’s voice and style markedly resemble that of singing icons Basil Valdez and Nonoy Zuniga, although he is very humble to admit it. It has been quite a long ride for him, starting off by joining contests at trend-setting shows "Student Canteen" and "Ang Bagong Kampeon" during the ’80s wherein he became a Weekly Winner and a Contender, respectively. In 1990, he participated in the play "Ramasita," produced by Ayen Laurel, and features The Company’s Moy, Annie, and Cecille as back-ups for the cast. Reuben recalled that Mr. C (Ryan Cayabyab) sought the services of his future groupmates because they were his music instructors and they could master the part in so short a time.

Obviously, The Company members were amazed with Reuben’s talent and immediately included him in their lineup afterwards. Here’s Reuben sharing his thoughts about his passion and life… after The Company.

How is your relationship with The Company now?

Friends ako with them. I’m seeing them once in a while and exchanged hellos. In fact, I took the responsibility of being second parent to the son of one of them. I really wish them well and it’s good to know that there’s a certain degree of support I get from them.

How would you assess your experience as member of The Company?

It will always be a plus factor that I have come from a group being tagged as the Philippine’s premier vocal group. I owe it to them. Now that I’m solo, I miss doing harmony with them. I’d like to give back all the glory to Him for making me a part of a 20-year history called The Company.

What is the ultimate reason why you went solo?

It is not about getting recognized as a solo act. I just felt I had to make a decision for myself and my family. That deciding moment involved my career, my artistry, and my individuality.

What direction do you want to take as a solo artist?

To be honest, I’m trying to veer away from the Reuben Laurente who used to do songs of The Company. I want to do my own repertoire of ballads and soft music enough to soothe the feelings of audiences. The bottom line is that I want to share my music with those who would like to hear me and glorify God back. I’m happy I now have a gospel album and I want to do a pop album soon and break into the pop music scene.

What changed since going solo?

There are things in life you never imagined you can do until you’ve taken them outside of your comfort zone. Now, I have discovered I can also do other musical styles; at mas natuto akong umabot sa tao. Madali lang kasi noon kasi nasa grupo ako at established pa yung group so it wasn’t hard to create rapport with the audience during performances. I’m very happy that people in my lounge stints and corporate shows make me feel that tough I am all alone, I’m still an act.

What about your experience in promoting your album "Langit?"

I enjoy every fraction of the minute of it kasi napu-push ko ang sarili ko by literally peddling my CD to record bars. I have a handler but I see to it that I take part in promoting my music, no matter how difficult at times. The thing is, I feel strongly about my product that is why I always bring with me a profile and a CD catalogue of mine, go to event sites, and inform organizers that I’m still here.

What are your fondest hopes as a solo singer?

I hope more people will listen to my album (Langit) and realize how this package helped me conquered fears such as the death of my father and my decision to go solo. It is going to be a great lift, too, if I get to appear in a concert with me as the main performer.

What if one day you realize that you’re actually not meant to go solo?

I’ve already asked myself what if going solo is not for me. All I know is that I’m not afraid to face that day if ever it comes. After all, there’s always another day after a sunset.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006022657269.html

Celebrities on the State of National Emergency



By YUGEL LOSORATA

Last weekend’s turn of events took the country by storm and ignited insights from who express their sentiments over a most important matter: The government’s declaration of State of National Emergency.


Whether these stars are pro or against Malacañang’s decision to put the country in such a state is not the core of the matter. The fact that they are extending what they have to say is a valuable proof of their collective concern for things of national importance. This, more than anything, is what matters most.

*snipped*

MOY ORTIZ (singer–songwriter, The CompanY): "Amidst all the confusion, division, and disparate viewpoints, only one thing is certain. What happened will definitely set us back economically and that’s the last thing we need at this point. Why is it that when we’re gaining some economic ground, there will always be someone out there to serve up a coup d’ etat to send our economy crashing? This game plan is already getting tired and old. Instead of pining for power and money (under the guise of restoring "democracy"), why don’t our politicians just help get this economy off the pits. How poor do we have to get before we realize that no one wins with this type of politics?"

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006022757297.html

Company at Pavilion’s Boulvar Lounge

On March 31, at 8:30 pm., the celebrity group for the month, The Company, goes back on stage, by insistent demand, at the Boulvar Lounge. Composed of equally versatile, talented and intelligent members, The Company has won over 35 music industry awards and is the country’s loungest running vocal harmony act. Front act for booth shows is the Time Machine.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006031658824.html

A busy season for The CompanY
DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda
The Philippine Star 04/07/2006

The CompanY returns to the music bar circuit through a series of special shows at Mugen Bar (Metrowalk Pasig) on all Mondays of April. The Company will stage at the Avenue Theater in Naga City on April 21, the show Greatest Hits: Live, which is a condensed version of the group’s 20th anniversary concert held at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. On April 22, The CompanY will also be part of the 22nd birthday celebration concert of Isabella at the Music Museum. Isabella is the daughter of Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma.

And soon, The CompanY will release an audio-video kit entitled Discovering the Singing Champion in You (Basic Vocal Warm Up and Work Out Exercises for the Contemporary Pop Singer) under Viva Video and Viva Records.

By the last quarter of 2006, The CompanY will release its 16th studio album also from Viva which is a mix of contemporary original songs and covers. The CompanY is composed of Annie Quintos, Moy Ortiz, Cecile Bautista, Sweet Plantado and Jay Marquez.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200604071702.htm

The Company at home at Hard Rock
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THE country’s premiere vocal group, The Company, returns to their Makati home base, Hard Rock Café, on May 4, 11 and 18.

"The last time we performed at Hard Rock Café was in August last year. It has been quite a while that’s why we’re excited and recharged to return to Hard Rock with a new line up and new songs," exclaims Moy Ortiz, The Company’s artistic director.

These shows shall feature a variety of styles, genres and tempos, featuring the group’s original hits culled from their 14 studio albums.

"These hits are what the fans expect and request. These are the songs we’re proud to call our very own. We didn’t borrow or recycle or revive them. These are songs that we’ve nurtured from their demo stage to the point when the public chose to support it via sales and radio airplay. Actually, a song becomes a hit only if the public decides to make it one," says the group’s alto Cecile Bautista.

The Company once again spans the breadth and length of the vocal music spectrum: From sultry bossa nova delights to current house dance floor burners; from acoustic ditties to acappella showstoppers; and from timeless standards to clever novelty production numbers.

The Company has always had a symbiotic relationship with the Hard Rock Café, Makati staff and management led by general manager Proceso Calison and entertainment manager Mean Marcial. Hard Rock Café’s unwavering support to the group has produced several special concert series in the past six years. The last five album launches of The Company were sponsored by Hard Rock Café and were held at the bar.

"We were greatly appreciative of the management’s support and generosity when they readily became one of the sponsors in The Company’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines last Oct. 1, 2005. We feel very comfortable performing regularly at Hard Rock," remarks Company’s founding member and soprano, Annie Quintos.

The Company is Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Sweet Plantado and Jay Marquez. The CompanY is managed by Boy Abunda’s Backroom. Inc. For more information, visit www.thecompanysingers.com.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/may02/ente2.htm

What’s Up

05/05/2006

The CompanY returns to Hard Rock

The country’s premiere vocal group, The CompanY, returns to their Makati homebase – Hard Rock Café, Makati on May 11 and 18. All shows start at 10 p.m. Like any CompanY performance, these shows shall feature a variety of styles, genres and tempos. Of course, The CompanY will perform their original hits culled from their 14 studio albums and more. The CompanY is Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Sweet Plantado and Jay Marquez. The CompanY is managed by Boy Abunda’s Backroom Inc. For more information on The CompanY, visit www.thecompanysingers.com.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/life/20060505lif5.html

CD Cover

Title: The 2 In 1 Series
Artist: The Company
Label: Sony BMG Pilipinas
Released: 2006
Number of Tracks: 26

Track Listing
1. Thank You For The Old Songs
2. Precious And Few
3. Just A Love Song
4. Goodbye Columbus
5. Hardcore Poetry
6. What Would They Say
7. Heaven On The Seventh Floor
8. I'll Take Care Of You
9. Traces
10. Distant Shores
11. Prelude: Love Theme From Sunflower
12. Reprise: Thank You For The Old Songs
13. Prelude: Thank You For The Old Songs ( Recycle Deluxe Theme)
14. Great Day - The Getaway
15. Trying To Say Goodbye
16. Afraid For Love To Fade
17. Love Conquers All
18. You Changed My Life In A Moment
19. I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love
20. A Samba Song
21. The Way We Planned It
22. Where Is It I Belong
23. I Got Caught Dancing Again
24. City Of Angels
25. Worst That Could Happen
26. Epilogue: Thank You For The Old Song (Recycle Deluxe Theme)

Album Credits

2 Disc Set
Disc 1 - 12 Audio Tracks
Disc 2 - 14 Audio Tracks

Backroom artists' school day sizzlers


Coming home from the US after a successful tour of Forever After, the concert with Regine Velasquez, Rico Puno and Ogie Alcasid, Ai Ai resumes taping for Bituing Walang Ningning, another ABS–CBN obra starring Sarah Geronimo, Angelika de la Cruz, Dominic Ochoa, Amy Austria and Zsa Zsa Padilla. Angelika is the latest addition to Backroom’s roster of talents. A movie with Bong Revilla titled "Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso" under Imus Productions and directed by Wenn Deramas is now showing in theaters. Ai Ai is also slated to shoot another movie with Regal Films and Viva Films. As the celebrity endorser of Maggi Magic Sarap, she goes on palengke tours in the following venues: June 25 Davao, July 2 Cagayan de Oro, July 16 Batangas, July 30 Pampanga and Aug. 6 Dagupan.


Prince of Pop Erik Santos won the first MYX TV music channel’s Favorite Male Artist. Erik is one of the hosts of "ASAP Mania" seen on Sundays in ABS–CBN. He promotes his latest single (which he composed together with Arnold Reyes), Kung Maaalala Mo, taken from his latest album, via mall tours on June 17 SM Valenzuela, June 25 Metropoint, July 2 SM Fairview, July 16 Pavillion Mall, July 23 SM Marilao, and July 30 SM Clark. As the endorser of BPI Remittance Service, Erik will be in SM Batangas July 9 to launch the product. A backto-back concert with Sheryn Regis is scheduled on July 18 at the Summit Center in Zamboanga city.

Backroom’s musical caravan continues with performances on July 7 and 8 at Koronadal City South Cotabato. The musical caravan also features aside from Erik, Frenchie Dy, Kim Flores, K and the Boxers and Rufa Mae Quinto. K and the Boxers are seen in Zirkoh Greenhills every Tuesday, Klownz Araneta every Wednesday and 22nd Street on Thursdays. K Brosas is a mainstay of Hocus Pocus and Bitoy’s Funniest Video on GMA 7.

Rufa Mae Quinto is working on the follow-up concert of the Standing Room Only Bombshell Unleashed held at the Aliw theater. She has just released a CD Lite album under Viva Records with Ocean Deep, a hit song of the late 80s as carrier single. Rufa Mae is seen in Bubble Gang, Hocus Pocus and SOP. She joins the celebrity endorsers of Smart Communications.

Pinoy Big Brother’s Big Girls Bianca Gonzalez and Mariel Rodrigeuz continue to charm prime time viewers. Bianca keeps audiences updated with PBB Uplate while Mariel hosts the word puzzle What’s the Word, That’s the Word. Bianca is also a mainstay of Y speak and Close Up to Fame while Mariel has regular TV shows, MTV, OK Fine Whatever. Mariel is currently shooting a movie Agent X44 with Vhong Navarro under the direction of Bb. Joyce Bernal.

Gerald Madrid and Dominic Ochoa are back to TV acting. Dominic is in Bituin Walang Ningning where he plays a record executive while Gerald is in the soap Calla Lily. Ariel Rivera and Dawn Zulueta are in Now and Forever on GMA 7. Amy Perez returns to hosting via Kalusugan TV on RPN 9.

Drew Arellano and Kyla have shows on QTV 11 and GMA 7. Kyla hosts Pop Star Kid while Drew has Balikbayan. Kyla is also a regular performer on "SOP," and Drew is one of the hosts of Unang Hirit. Danita Paner, on the otherhand, is busy recording an album.

The Company, AJ Dee and Calvin Millado are busy with corporate shows. Calvin co-hosts with Carmi Martin the Philippine Independence Day Celebration on June 11 and 12 in Taiwan.

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition first winner Keanna Reeves has wrapped up work for the movie I Wanna Be Happy under Seiko films. She will soon star and shooting two digital films and a full length feature film. Keanna is part of the sit-com Aalog-alog and in the soon to be seen Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz TV soap on ABS-CBN.

For inquiries call Backroom at 435-1120 or email backroomtalents@pldtdsl.net

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006061867108.html

Watch Out!

06/20/2006

The Company are busy with corporate shows.

In the CompanY of Manhattan Transfer
By Moy Ortiz
The Philippine Star 07/15/2006

Okay, I’ll admit it now that ever since my musical director, Beth Martin announced to me that legendary vocal harmony group, The Manhattan Transfer, was going to perform in Manila, any semblance of restraint and propriety flew out the window! Like a zombie craving for his next kill, I hunted down the show’s producer, Renen de Guia, and clumsily "offered" my group, The CompanY, as the Transfer’s front act at the Araneta Coliseum on July 7. Of course, I am talking of the vocal group that The CompanY emulated and aspired to be for all of these years; our raison d’etre if you will.

This was not the first time the paths of the Transfers and The CompanY have intersected. Both groups first met in 1992 when The CompanY sang with them the a cappella equivalent of a triathlon, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square. The second time was when my group went on a Japan tour in 1994. The last time we met and shared the stage with them was in 1996 at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental.

So enough of this backward posturing; 10 years have passed by since then. It is the year 2006 and I was in commando mode. The mission impossible was to be able to hook up with the Transfers and do the front act for their show. Nothing short of groveling was employed to put into fruition all my machinations; Ha! Ha! Ha! (evil laughter with heavy reverb).

The day I learned that the producers picked someone else to do the front act was a sad and dark day for humanity (sound effects: Gothic church organ)... well, at least in my book anyway. One of the best epiphanies I learned as I got on in years was that one does indeed survive life’s disappointments, failures and letdowns. So down to Earth, I fell and life went on again.

And then it all began. I received a text message from the concert producer Renen asking me if The CompanY would be agreeable to do a production number with Man Tran on its biggest Philippine pop hit, Smile Again. Uhm... Hello?... Is the Pope Catholic?

A few minutes after, another text message from Mr. Songwriter, Jose Mari Chan, came in inviting me to a private dinner on the coming Thursday night, July 6, with his family at the Hyatt to welcome the Manhattan Transfer. (Slowly fade to black with matching head concussion.)

So the night of that formal dinner arrived. Joe Mari, wife Mary Anne (also known to CompanY as Audrey Hepburn), most of the Chan children: Lisa (with husband TJ), Mike, Joe Jr. (with wife Anna) and Franco were all dressed to the nines (even though it was only 7:45?!?). From the moment, Alan Paul, Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne entered the room, they made us all feel at ease; allaying our fears that these multiple Grammy singers would be cranky and aloof from exhaustion and jetlag. I was really happy because all the three Man Tran singers who were present (unfortunately some bad oysters got the best of Tim) remembered me and called me by my name. That was a hoot!

The dinner was elegant. The food was scrumptious. The conversation and company – relaxed yet animated. We talked about simple (sometimes mundane) things like getting over jetlag, the virtues of power naps and Ambien, maintaining vocal health on tour, this wonderful invention called Skype that allows them to call home anytime, anywhere, how Alan Paul discovered that it was a mortal sin to pat (or even touch) Frank Sinatra, the true modesty of The First Lady of Song – Ella Fitzgerald, how Janis was able to watch Streisand in the original Broadway run of Funny Girl, the rigidity of radio’s format today and their recording techniques, how delighted they were upon knowing that The CompanY just celebrated its 20th anniversary, etc. Coffee time came and that was when I took out a stack of all of their CD covers (about three inches high); from the 1971 Jukin’ album to 2006’s The Symphony Sessions. They were quite shocked that I even had all of their solo and side project albums and DVDs; albums so rare, obscure and out of print. They gamely acceded to sign this enormous stack, one album at a time. We then had our photos taken and soon after they bid us goodnight. In typical Pinoy fashion, this went on for the next 15 minutes.

(Cut to Cut) 5 p.m. Araneta Coliseum. Sound Check. Cecile Bautista of The CompanY shrieked, "They’re here!" and like mice, we scampered to the ring side seats and decided to play it cool even though our hearts were going full throttle. We waited 10 years for this reunion to happen and there we were, the fools playing it cool. Actually, the reason for this is that we didn’t want to smother them and be so upfront with our adulation; you just gotta be Asian to get this! When they finally did notice us, the floodgates burst. It was so heartwarming to hear Alan say, "I remember you! Hello again!," to CompanY’s soprano Annie Quintos. I was also proud to introduce for the first time CompanY soprano 1, Sweet Plantado and CompanY tenor, Jay Marquez, to each of the Transfers. We did our sound check together and continued to catch up on each other’s lives.

The Manhattan Transfer did not disappoint their Filipino audience. The repertoire was a good mix of the tried-and-tested warhorses alongside their new and equally impressive material. Time and age have not diminished their unbelievable level of virtuosity. When the last note of Birdland, their multiple Grammy winning song, was sung, the audience rose to their feet to give them a much- deserved standing ovation. Tim Hauser then intimated to the audience that one of their job’s perks is to travel and be reunited with their old friends. He then called The CompanY onstage to sing with them. The Filipino audience gave us a welcome roar of goodwill and support. We were holding back the tears, God allowed our dream to happen once again. We were just aiming for the front act, instead, He gave us more than what we asked for. Indeed, He only has the best plans for each of us.

When the intro of Smile Again played, the audience gave a big howl. Beside Man Tran’s Janis Siegel, I witnessed first hand how she would hit those impressive high notes with ease and finesse. No tricks in the studio, simply astounding. But it wasn’t over yet. We then launched into Alan Paul’s a doo wop arrangement of Gershwin’s Someone to Watch Over Me. This chart was given to us by Alan himself when we first met in 1992. Man Tran soprano, Cheryl, was generous enough to give the stratospheric obligatto to CompanY’s Annie. Right after this, the stage just degenerated into a love fest. (Fade in mushy mood music.) All the members of both groups hugged each other. The Transfers then capped the evening with a Pinoy favorite, their dance classic — Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone.

When the tears were shed and all the long goodbyes were said, it was suddenly over; much too soon, we felt. Nonetheless, my singing partners and I feel very blessed that God has allowed this beautiful and joyful thing to happen in our lives. For The CompanY, "that certain night, the night we met" will forever be etched in our memories. So down to Earth, I fall and life goes on again.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200607151706.htm

A busy August for Backroom artists

Crispina Martinez Belen

*snipped*

Calvin Millado, The Company, K Brosas, and the Boxers are doing the rounds of corporate shows.

By Nestor Torre
Inquirer
Last updated 01:42am (Mla time) 09/26/2006

Published on Page D8 of the September 26, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Company

The popular vocal group, The Company, has recorded its first Christmas album. It will be launched with a special performance at 5 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the Shangri-La Mall.

“The Christmas Album” presents Yuletide classics in an assortment of settings, flavors, moods and rhythms—the unique Company way.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Kythe Foundation for the benefit of children with cancer and other chronic illness. Call Kythe at 376-3454.

http://showbizandstyle.inq7.net/entertainm...rticle_id=23051

Music for all


09/28/2006

The Company releases Christmas album

Five fantastic voices and twelve timeless Christmas songs add up to one outstanding album. This is what The Company as in store for music lovers this Yuletide Season. The country’s premier vocal group has recorded its first Christmas collection after 13 years and produced a gem that will endure for generations. Simply titled The Christmas Album, the CD will be launched with a special performance by The Company at 5 pm at the Shangri-La Mall in Ortigas Center on Sunday, Oct. 8.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/life/20060928lif3.html

[IMG]http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/CD-Cover/the_company-the_christmas_album.jpg[/IMG]

Title: The Christmas Album
Artist: The Company
Label: Viva Records
Released: 2006
Number of Tracks: 12

Track Listing
1. Deck! Deck! Deck! The Halls
2. Isang Taong Lumipas
3. I'll Be Home For Christmas
4. Mama Cita, Donde Esta Santa Claus?
5. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6. Noche Buena
7. The (Not So Little) Drummer Boy
8. The Christmas Song
9. Let There Be Peace On Earth
10. A Funky Christmas Medley: Joy To The World, We Three Kings Of Orient Are, Angels We Have Heard On High, Hark The Herald Angel Sing
11. It's Just Another New Year's Eve
12. The Party's Over/ Auld Lang Syne

We need a little Christmas now
SOUNDS FAMILAR By Baby A. Gil
The Philippine Star 09/06/2006

[IMG]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m189/cassir/ent3-4.jpg[/IMG]

With only 72 days to go till Christmas Day, I think that it is now time for us to start enjoying Christmas music. This is something I look forward to each year. Listen to the old songs and indulge in the memories they bring. Then check out the releases and wonder, which one among them will still sound great next year.

I do not know how good this year’s harvest will be but it is off to a very good start, thanks to The Christmas Album by The CompanY. This is the 20-year-old group’s second Yuletide recording in 13 years and its 15th album. After listening to it again and again for days, I have to say that Christmas tunes or not, this is The CompanY’s best work ever.

Christmas albums are tricky undertakings. They are deceptively easy. Beautiful, time-tested songs from Silent Night to Pasko Na Sinta Ko are available. Arrangements need not be complicated. Throw in a few chimes and you get the Christmasy feel instantly. And whether your singers are big stars or not, you get the same exposure in the stores alongside Bing Crosby and Jose Mari Chan.

The drawbacks though are also tremendous. Those songs have already been recorded countless times by many great singers. Think Caruso and Celine Dion. So it is now the problem of the producers and arrangers to make them sound new and exciting. Then there’s the selling period. At best all that a Christmas album gets is three months on the shelf and then back to the warehouse. Try again next year. I am happy to say that new and exciting plus a long shelf life year after year aptly describe The Christmas Album.

Foremost among these is the killer single Isang Taong Lumipas written by Ryan Cayabyab and Jose Javier Reyes. One of the best Christmas compositions of the recent past, it fully captures the mixed feelings that the Season brings. Listen to get your heart tugged at and find out which emotions Christmas brings out in you.

The CD also offers so much more for us to enjoy. Deck The Halls with a big band spin, Mama Cita, Donde Esta Santa Claus? back to its Latin origins, a boogie woogie Noche Buena, The Little Drummer Boy, World Music style, down to I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Song, Let There Be Peace on Earth, A Funky Christmas Medley, It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve and the closing medley of The Party’s Over and Auld Lang Syne.

I feel the deft hand of CompanY member and album producer Moy Ortiz in every cut. Only somebody who has already worked on these songs inside his head for many years would have known all those twists and turns he dared to take would turn out right. As for the singing, members Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Jay Marquez and Moy are as expected in excellent, Christmas spirited form.

Incidentally, Recycle Deluxe 1 and 2, two of The CompanY’s most memorable albums have been reissued as part of The 2-in-1 Series. These feature two albums by a Filipino artist, packaged and sold together at the budget price of P280. This is great for gift-giving and a chance for fans and collectors to get copies of rare albums they missed before.

Aside from The CompanY, The Series features Razorback with Beggar’s Moon and Star; Tao Music and Opo by Grace Nono; two volumes of Freeman by FrancisM; Oracle and Womb by Sugar Hiccup; Fool’s Circle and Hand-Painted Sky by Color It Red; Birthday and One Million Stories by Mojofly; Grip Stand Throw and 4 Track Mind by Sandwich; Semenelin and Serve in Silence by Wolfgang, and Yano and Tara by Yano.

As for Recycle Deluxe 1 and 2, these include The CompanY’s nice and easy versions of old favorites like You Changed My Life in a Moment, City of Angels, The Worst That Could Happen, and others. But that is not all. These also show that The CompanY was already in bossa nova mode years ago and very good with it, too. For proof listen to their Distant Shores, A Samba Song, Where Is It I Belong, plus others.

Back to The Christmas Album. This will be launched on Oct. 8, 5 p.m. at the Shangri-La Mall. The event kicks off a series of mall shows that includes SM Southmall on Nov. 5; SM Fairview, Nov. 19; SM Megamall, Nov. 21; SM Mall of Asia, Nov. 26; The Block, Dec. 1 and The Podium, Dec. 10.

Part of the proceeds from corporate sales of The Christmas Album will be donated to the Kythe Foundation for the benefit of sick children. To know about how you can help through Kythe, call 376-3454 or 0918-907-2094, e-mail kytheinc@yahoo.com or visit its office at the Third Floor, Korben Place, Roces Ave. cor. Scout Tobias, QC or log on to www.kythe.org.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200610061703.htm

Ang Pasko ay para sa mga bata, lalo na sa may sakit

Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon 10/10/2006

[IMG]http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m189/cassir/show1-2.jpg[/IMG]

Nagkaro’n ng maagang Pasko ang mga suki ng Shangri-La Mall nung Linggo nang mag-launch dun ng kanilang 15th album ang pamosong grupo na The CompanY (Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Jay Marquez at Moy Ortiz) ng kanilang "The Christmas Album" mula sa Viva Records. Bukod sa napakagagandang selection na matatagpuan sa loob ng CD ("Deck The Hall!", "Ill Be Home For Christmas", "Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus", "Little Drummer Boy", at marami pang iba) may magandang layunin para bilhin n’yo ang album– bahagi ng kikitain nito ay mapupunta sa mga kabataang may pediatric cancer of kaya ibang chronic illnesses. Kung gusto n’yo pang mas makatulong bukod sa pagbili ng album, tawag lang sa Kythe 3763454/0918-9072094.

Ang galing talaga ng The CompanY, kahit ang pinaka-simpleng mga awitin ay talagang napapaganda nila at nabibigyan ng kakaibang areglo. Nasa SM Southmall sila sa Nob. 5; SM Fairview, Nob. 19; Mall of Asia, Nov. 26, The Block, Dis. 1 at Podium, Dis. 10.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/pinoy200610107301.htm