‘PDA’S’ FAVORITE TEACHERS
FREEHAND
by : Mario E. Bautista

GUESS who’s the most popular music and voice teachers in the country today. No one else but The Company’s Moy Ortiz, Sweet Plantado and Annie Quintos. This is because of their regular exposure in ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Dream Academy”. We ask ousted scholars Gemma Fitzgerald, Geoff Taylor and Jun Hirano who’s their favorite teacher and they all say it’s Teacher Moy. We can’t blame them as Moy is really very caring and patient with his students. Only once did we see him making “taray” and this was when he instructed Jay-R Siaboc, who’s voice was so hoarse, to refrain from talking to rest his vocal chords. But Jay-R didn’t listen to him. He went out and started singing, so Moy followed him and reprimanded him. Jay-R was remorseful and later said sorry.

“Ayoko kasing niloloko nila ako,” says Moy. “Niloloko rin ni Jay-R ang sarili niya as it’s his performance that will be negatively affected if he wouldn’t rest his voice.”

There’s no secret that Oona Barretto’s favorite is Teacher Sweet, who helped her a lot in interpreting her last and final song before she left PDA, “Out Here on My Own”. This made her the highest scorer among the four nominees last Saturday night. Sweet really gives the most helpful tips not only on voice but even on the gestures that the scholars are supposed to do while performing. Also, she gives the funniest asides and her sense of humor can very well make her a good comedienne. Someone should tap her to do acting roles.

We got to meet Moy and Sweet at the recent launching of The Company’s new Christmas album at Shangri-La Mall and we congratulated them for their fine work in PDA. Their new album is perfectly timed for the coming holiday season and it’s a must have. Released by Viva Records, it has 12 cuts (including one funky medley of Christmas carols) that will surely put you in a joyous Christmas mood. The Company has a new member, Jay Marquez, who replaced former members Reuben and Andre.

The album’s carrier single is the touching new Yuletide ditty from Ryan Cayabyab and Director Jose Javier Reyes, “Isang Taong Lumipas”, that perfectly captures Pinoy Christmas as a tradition you spend with your loved ones. Those abroad will surely cry when they hear it as it has a palpable nostalgic feel.

The other great cuts are a boogie version of Felipe Padilla de Leon’s “Noche Buena”, a Pinoy flavored “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, a big band version of “Deck the Halls”, a Latin jazz version of “Mamacita Donde Esta Santa Claus”, a medley of “The Party’s Over/Auld Lang Syne”, and many more. Part of the album’s proceeds will benefit the Kythe Foundation for children with cancer and other chronic illnesses. If you want to help these kids, call 376-3454, e-mail them at kytheinc@yahoo.com, or visit their office at 3F Korben Place, Roces Avenue QC. The Company will give free shows at SM Southmall on Sunday, November 5, SM Fairview on November 19, SM Megamall on November 21, Mall of Asia on November 26, the Block on December 1 and Podium on December 10, sponsored by Alaska Crema All Purpose Cream.

Peoples Journal
10/12/2006 19:42 PM

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?page=n...date=2006-10-12

by : Nitz Miralles

* * *

MAGANDA ang Christmas album ng The Company na The Christmas Album mula sa Viva Records. Kita sa reaction nang sumaksi sa launching nito sa Shangri-La Mall last Sunday na papatok ang 12-track CD with Isang Taong Lumipas as carrier single.

July ni-record ang album na first album ng new member nilang si Jay Marquez at pang-15 ng The Company. Magugustuhan ang iba’t ibang areglong ginawa nina Moy Ortiz, Cecile Bautista, Annie Quintos at Sweet Plantafo sa favorite Christmas songs ninyo.

Ilang songs sa album ang Deck! Deck! Deck! The Halls, Mama Cita, Donde Esta Santa Claus, Noche Buena, Just Another New Year;s Eve, I’ll Be Home For Christmas at iba pa. Pulang-pula ang cover ng album at mala-Christmas card ang dating. Ang bibili ng album ay makakatulong sa Kythe Foundation dahil ang ilang bahagi ng kita ay mapupunta sa foundation.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?page=n...date=2006-10-12

ISYU AT BANAT Ni Ed De leon
Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon 10/14/2006

Noong una medyo bantulot pa kaming sumipot sa imbitasyon sa album launching ng The CompanY, kasi nga araw iyon ng Linggo, araw ng pamamahinga para sa amin. Bukod dun, nakasabay pa ito sa prusisyon ng La Naval de Manila, pero aywan nga ba kung bakit naisipan pa rin naming magpunta sa launching ng "Christmas Album" ng The CompanY dahil kung hindi nagsisi sana kami.

Sa unang tingin, isang karaniwang album launching lamang yon, pero nang magsimula nang kumanta ang The CompanY, at inawit ang mga pamilyar na awiting pamasko, aywan kung bakit damang-dama namin ang kasiyahan. Siguro naroroon sa istilo ng kanilang pagkanta. Siguro rin naroroon sa katotohanang sincere sila sa pagnanais na magbigay ng kasiyahan at ipaabot sa mga nakikinig ang kanilang pagbati ng isang Maligayang Pasko. Kasi ang style nila ng pag-awit parang isang concert talaga. Kagaya nga ng sabi nila para lang silang nagka-carolling.

Tapos may isang kantang inawit nila, yong "Isang Taong Lumipas." Isang simpleng awitin na nagkukuwento tungkol sa pagdiriwang ng Pasko, ang kasiyahan at ang kalungkutan, ang pag-asa kahit minsan hindi man magkasama-sama, buo pa rin ang lahat kung ang mga minamahal mo ay talagang nasa puso mo.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/PINOY200610147303.htm

Early Christmas
A LITTLE BIT
by : Remy Umerez


CHRISTMAS came early at the Podium when The Company launched their Christmas album under Viva Records. Titled The Christmas Album, it features the most loved and familiar Christmas carols we love to sing and hear during the Yuletide season. These include Deck the Halls, I’Ll be Home for Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The (Not So) Little Drummer Boy and Mamacita Donde Esta Santa Claus.

For a homegrown flavor, The CompanY chose the heartwarming Isang Taong Lumipas as the carrier single. “We want to be with our family and loved ones during Christmas and that spirit is captured in this song which is a collaboration between Ryan Cayabyab and Jose Javier Reyes,” explains Moy Ortiz who is the album producer.

Another original composition is Noche Buena which the group tendered in the lively beat of Boogie Woogie. The song is written by Felipe de Leon and Levi Celerio.

The CompanY is one of the most durable singing groups who has brought joy to all for the past 20 years. It was formed in 1985 by alumni of the Ateneo College Glee Club and has assumed varied musical roles- from tavern singers to back-up vocalists for
the country’s reigning pop stars before turning professionals.

The CompanY have had the privelege of sharing the stage with foreign entertainers like The Manhattan Transfer, Jim Brickman, Noel Pointer, Kalapana, Kenny Rankin and Michael Buble.

The well-travelled group is currently composed of Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista and new member Jay Marquez and Moy Ortiz.

A certain percentage from the sales of the album will be donated to the Kythe Foundation for the benefit of children with pediatric cancer.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?page=n...date=2006-10-15

DREAM
by : Ed De Leon

MATAGAL na naming hindi nadarama ang spirit of Christmas kahit na nga nitong mga nakaraang Pasko mismo.

Kasi wala kang marinig kundi puro problema. Pagtaas ng halaga ng bilihin, kung anu-anong krimen at ngayon, dahil daw sa bagyo baka nga magkulang pa ng supply ng manok sa Pasko.

Iyan na lang ang mura-murang karne sa palengke, may shortage pa.

Pero, sa kabila ng katotohanan na walang mga Christmas decor, wala rin kahit na anong ayos na Pamasko, nang magsimulang kumanta ang The CompanY ng mga awitin sa kanilang Christmas album noong isang araw, para bang nagbalik sa amin ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko.

Ang kakaibang himig ng mga awiting Pamasko, at ang sincere na pagnanais ng grupo na makapagbigay ng Christmas cheers ang naging kaibahan. Madarama mo talaga na gusto nilang magbigay ng kasiyahan.

Mararamdaman mo na naroroon talaga ang kasiyahan sa kanilang mga puso habang inaawit ang mga pamilyar na Christmas carols.

May bahid na kasiyahan at kalungkutan din ang kanta nilang Isang Taong Lumipas, isang bagong Christmas song na nilikha nina Ryan Cayabyab at Joey Reyes. Kung maririnig ninyo ito, tiyak na magbabalik sa alaala ninyo ang mga katotohanang nagaganap sa Pasko sa ngayon at ang saloobin na kung wala man ang mga mahal mo sa buhay at mga kaibigan, para pa rin silang naroroon kung sila ay nasa puso mo.

May kopya kami ng kanilang CD at iyan ay isang album na itatago namin at paulit-ulit na pakikinggan hanggang sa araw ng Pasko. Pakinggan ninyo ang kanilang album at madarama rin ninyo ang kasiyahan na aming nadama.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?page=n...date=2006-10-16

The Company releases Christmas album
STAR CIRCUIT By Ricky L. Calderon
The Freeman 10/18/2006

Five fantastic voices and twelve timeless Christmas songs add up to one outstanding album. This is what The Company has in store for music lovers this Yuletide Season. The country's premiere vocal group has recorded its first Christmas album after 13 years and produced a gem that will endure for generations.

Simply titled "The Christmas Album," it presents Yuletide classics and standards in an assortment of settings, flavors, moods and rhythms. The carrier single is the heartbreaking "Isang Taong Lumipas." A collaboration between Ryan Cayabyab and Jose Javier Reyes, the song wonderfully captures the spirit of the Filipino Christmas in relation to the tradition of making the Season a time to spend with loved ones.

Others included are a big band version of Deck The Halls, a Filipino-flavored I'll Be Home for Christmas, Mamacita Donde Esta Santa Claus in a Latin jazz mood, a world music take on Little Drummer Boy, a funky medley of Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard on High and other carols, a medley of The Party's Over and Auld Lang Syne, a boogie-woogie rendition of Noche Buena by Felipe de Leon and Levi Celerio plus I'll Be Home for Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Song, Let There Be Peace on Earth and It's Just Another New Year's Eve.

A portion of the proceeds from the corporate sales of "The Christmas Album" will be donated to the Kythe Foundation for the benefit of children with pediatric cancer and other chronic illnesses. To know more about how you can help these children, call Kythe at 376-3454 or 0918-907-2094, email kytheinc@yahoo.com or log in to the website www.kythe.org.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/Freeman200610182401.htm

Jerry Olea

***

Mabibili na ang video na Sing Like A Champion.

Itinuturo rito ng The Company kung paano ma-develop ang iyong ‘winning voice.’

Nasa video ang mga paraan kung paano magiging mas magaling kumanta.

Magbibigay ito ng tips at mga technique, gaya ng vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises, diction at basic song interpretation upang mas tumaas ang confidence mo sa pagkanta.

Kasama ng The Company sina Jay Perillo, Jonah Lumbera, Marian Santiago, Vino Bello, Rachelle Ann Go, Mark Bautista at Sarah Geronimo para ituro sa ‘yo kung paano makamit ang iyong perfect singing
voice.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct2806/main.htm

Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon 11/02/2006

* * *
Maraming viewers ang naiinggit sa mga scholar ng Pinoy Dream Academy lalo na yung mga gustong matutong kumanta dahil libreng natuturuan ang mga scholar ng The Company led by voice master Moy Ortiz.

Oo nga naman dahil mahal ang serbisyo ng nasabing grupo kapag nagpabayad sila dahil yun ang pinaka-sideline nila.

At para sa mga hindi maka-afford ng serbisyo ng grupo ay may bagong video na Sing Like A Champion ang Viva Video na mismong The Company ang magtuturo ng iba’t ibang techniques ng tamang pagkanta. Kasama rin siyempre ang tunay na champions na sina Sarah Geronimo at Rachelle Ann Go at ituturo rin nila ang kanilang techniques kung paano sila nagwagi sa singing contest na sinalihan nila.

Walang kumukwestiyon sa galing ng grupo ni Moy, pero kapag dumarating na ang performance night ng PDA scholars every Saturday ay abut-abot ang kaba ng The Company dahil kung hindi nakuntento ang jurors sa performance ng bawa’t scholar ay sa kanila nagri-reflect, "Siyempre kasi sina Moy yong voice coach nila, so kung palpak, meaning palpak din ang turo nina Moy," esplika ng taga-Dos.

Kaya pala kapag napipintasan ang performance ng bawat PDA scholar ay napapangiwi si Moy at nakasimangot at mas lalo raw siyang natsa-challenge.

Hindi binanggit sa amin kung sinong jurors ang medyo kinatatakutan ng scholars, pero duda namin ay nangunguna sa listahan si Jimmy Antiporda na medyo brutal sa kanyang mga side comment.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/PINOY200611027304.htm

Moy the mentor’s ‘Dream’


By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 00:16am (Mla time) 11/05/2006

Published on page H3 of the November 5, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

MOY ORTIZ, SONGWRITER/VOCAL COACH/ musical arranger and leader of the vocal group The CompanY, adds another job to his multi-hyphenated title: faculty member on the ABS-CBN reality talent search “Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA).”

As teacher, he sees himself more as mentor than tormentor.

“I cannot see how tormenting the scholars can produce something positive,” Moy explains. “All of us teachers agreed that the Academy should be a nurturing and supportive environment for these creative souls.”

On a personal level, he believes that “the teachers who made the most impact” in his life are “those who were strict yet caring and compassionate.”

As head of PDA’s Vocal Performance department, Moy’s task entails teaching the scholars an entire gamut of skills, from ear training to spiel writing and delivery, from basic note reading to diction.

Common weakness

Enunciation, he points out, is a common problem among the scholars: “All of them can improve on their diction, whether in English or Tagalog. They can also expand their repertoire, be more versatile, try to discover what they can offer to the entertainment industry that’s fresh and unique.”

In the end, however, it’s all about the voice.

“Of course, they should constantly aim for cleaner vocal performance, in terms of intonation. They should continue to write their own material so they wouldn’t be dependent on the whims of the music industry.”

Speaking of the vagaries of show biz, Moy is not keen on the fact that the scholars are sometimes asked to parade in skimpy swimsuits.

“I’m really not too crazy about those sexy shots,” he says. “I think it’s a bit exploitative. We are looking for the next big promising musical artist, not the next pin-up calendar bimbo or himbo. There are enough of those.”

However, he admits there’s no denying the show’s “voyeuristic” nature.

“For some people, it’s a guilty pleasure. For others, escapist entertainment,” he notes.

Aware of the danger that PDA may churn out monsters, he says the teachers take pains in inculcating humility and a healthy perspective in the students.

“Since day one, I have been reminding them that, whether you’re in show biz or the corporate world, nothing is permanent. The only thing that lasts is true love and friendship, which can only come from family and friends,” he says.

The scholars once asked about the best possible “thank-you” gift for the teachers.

“Our answer was: ‘Just don’t turn into monsters once you start your professional careers.’ There are too many monsters in the industry, as it is. In any case, the monsters never last long. In a year or two, they’re discarded by the public—so much like used tissue.”

Moy admits that the mentors could only do so much. “We cannot guarantee that PDA will produce real artists. We can only give them the tools. In the end, it’s their race. We can only bring them to the pier’s edge. We have no control whether the boat will sail or not.”

Serious about role

Moy is taking his role as mentor seriously.

Apart from “The Christmas Album,” The CompanY’s new “classic with a twist” holiday CD, he has just produced an instructional video called “Singing Like a Champion: A Vocal Warm Up and Work Out With The CompanY.”

Envisioned as the first part of a series, it offers “basic principles and pointers in effective and efficient pop vocal performance.”

In his role as mentor on PDA and on the DVD, isn’t he afraid of giving away his trade secrets?

“It’s very basic, it’s not like we’re revealing all our secrets,” he says. “I guess, even for professional singers, the DVD is still helpful, in terms of providing gentle reminders.”

Still, he generously divulges the secret of “singing like a winner” for the PDA scholars and other aspiring performers.

“Being a good singer does not require singing loudly or constantly hitting high notes,” he clarifies. “If you can effectively communicate the song’s intent, then you’re singing like a champ.”

http://showbizandstyle.inq7.net/entertainm...rticle_id=30572

The CompanY kicks off Christmas mall tour


SOUNDCHECK: JOJO PANALIGAN

Sound proof:


#1: The CompanY

The country’s premiere vocal group The CompanY kicked off last Nov. 5 a special mall tour to promote their latest opus titled "The Christmas Album." They continue the rounds at SM Fairview on Nov. 19; SM Megamall, Nov. 21; Mall of Asia, Nov. 26; The Block, Dec. 1; and The Podium, Dec. 10. Jimmy Marquez guests every time.

We say special because we can’t recall the last time a mall show has repertoire comprised solidly of Yuletide songs. Considering that Christmas songs are bailiwicks of singing groups (think choir singing during Simbang Gabi’s or pesky, er, darling carolers), this The CompanY mall show will definitely recall that warm feeling that becomes harder to recapture as the economy… never mind.

It’s not second guessing. We have a copy of "The Christmas Album" and as our countdown to Christmas '06 moves on, we find ourselves spinning through the CD more the more and in top volume (to spread some Christmas cheer beginning with our neighbors who’d probably let our baranggay officials know about it any day now, he he).

Composed of a dozen tracks that correspond, we suppose, to the official number of days of Christmas, "The Christmas Album" presents Yuletide classics and standards in an assortment of settings, flavors, moods and rhythm. Promotional track being played on radio nowadays is "Isang Taong Lumipas" penned by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and Direk Jose Javier Reyes.

As its’ title suggests, "Lumpias" looks back on both the happy and sad, important and trivial changes in the family from a reunion standpoint. The recall part in the chorus reminds people that whatever, it’s holding on to what’s here and who’s here that’s important because time is short and everything changes beyond anyone’s control.

Another good track is "I’ll Be Home For Christmas." Remade a thousand times in the past, this is one of few that captures the happiness over return versus melancholia for absence. It’s looking at the glass half full instead of half empty. Set in bossa nova, the upbeat thrust reminds that all’s well that end’s well.

"Let There Be Peace On Earth" intro-ludes with a child singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. It’s The CompanY paying tribute to the reason for the season who has blessed them with 25 years and 15 albums so far.

Other remarkable versions in "The Christmas Album" are "Mamacita Donde Este Santa Claus" in Latin jazz mood; the World Music-inspired "Little Drummer Boy;" and the boogie-woogie take on "Noche Buena."

A portion of the proceeds from corporate sales of "The Christmas Album" will be donated to the Kythe Foundation for the benefit of children with pediatric cancer and other chronic illness.

The CompanY is composed of Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Jay Marquez and Moy Ortiz who produced the album now out from Viva Records.

Sponsoring "The Christmas Album" tour are Folded & Hung, Alaska Crema, 105.1 Crossover and Café Lupe.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006110678906.html

Five stars


BUZZSTATION

Edgar Cruz

11/07/2006

You will be ecstatic with the current crop of local CD and VCD releases from some of the country’s best multi-media companies. Yes, all of them are rated five stars (read: well done and user-friendly) by this column!


Sing Like A Champion

The CompanY with Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go and Mark Bautista Distributed by Viva Video

Rating: *****

From now on, it will be a must to own the Sing Like A Champion vocal warm-up and workout instructional video in this song- and singing contest-crazy country. And this is done is style, with no less than The CompanY, the country’s longest running vocal harmony act with some of the best vocal teachers in the business as instructors. Through the singing sensations Jay Perillo, Jonah Lumbera, Marian Santiago and Vino Bello, Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos, Cecille Bautista, Jay Marquez and Sweet Plantado, one will learn the best ways to prepare for singing professionally. Mark Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go and Sarah Geronimo lend their superlative singing talents to show the best use of the singing techniques.

The video is packed with the basic principles and pointers to help the viewer sing more effectively regardless of musical style—whether rock, pop, ballad or even a cappella. It provides a great deal of tips including vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises, diction and basic song interpretation to give confidence and take the voice to the next level. And this is done without making the singer learning how to sing feel that he’s enrolled in a music school. The vocal warm-up and workout are shown step-by-step in a language that’s easy to understand and remember, Taglish. Promise, no discussion of complicated terminologies! This video is certified viewer-friendly.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/life/20061107lif3.html

Wednesday, November 08, 2006


Sing like a champion with the champions


Do you dream of hitting the high notes? Wish to pursue a career in singing? Or are you simply wanting to belt songs like your favorite champs?

With the new video “Sing Like a Champion,” your dreams are finally within reach! The CompanY, the country’s longest running vocal harmony act, will teach you how to find your winning voice in this special and easy to follow audio-video lesson.

The video is jam-packed with the basic principles and pointers to help you sing more effectively regardless of your music style—whether you’re into rock, pop, ballad or even a capella. It will provide you with great tips and techniques, including vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises, diction and basic song interpretation to give you more confidence and take your voice to the next level.

Along with The CompanY, singing sensations Jay Perillo, Jonah Lumbera, Marian Santiago, Vino Bello, Rachelle Ann Go and Sarah Geronimo will show you the way to achieve your perfect singing voice.

“Sing Like a Champion” is available in your favorite video stores nationwide.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2006/n...061108lif4.html

STUDIO WHISPERS

Ethel Ramos

* * *

Those who plan to join a singing contest must get a copy of "Sing Like a Champion," an instructional video that teaches you how to hit the high notes and be a belter like your favorite singing champs. With Moy, Sweet, Cecille, Au and Jay of the Company (also voice and music teachers at ABS-CBN’s toprated "Pinoy Dream Academy") teaching you how to find your winning voice in easy-to-follow audio and video lessons, you can certainly improve your singing fast.

"Sing Like a Champion" is full of pointers and tips on how to do proper vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises, diction and song interpretation to boost your confidence and improve your singing, regardless of your music style. You can be into rock, pop, ballad or even a capella, and still come up a winner with this revolutionary video.

Special guests performers who will teach you how to sing properly are singing sensations Rachelle Ann Go, Sarah Geronimo, Vino Bello, Jay Perillo, Jonah Lumbera and Marian Santiago.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov16/ente_2.htm

November 17, 2006 04:34 PM Friday

By: Mario Bautista

FREEHAND

BEFORE YOU SING, THINK

THOSE who plan to join a singing contest must get a copy of “Sing Like a Champion”, an instructional video that teaches you how to hit the high notes and be a belter like your fave singing champs. With Moy, Sweet, Cecille, Au and Jay of the Company (also voice and music teachers at ABS-CBN’s top rated “Pinoy Dream Academy”) teaching you how to find your winning voice in easy-to-follow audio and video lessons, you can certainly improve your singing fast. “Sing Like a Champion” is full of pointers and tips on how to do proper vocal warmups, breathing exercises, diction and song interpretation to boost your confidence and improve your singing, regardless of your music style. You can be into rock, pop, ballad or even acapella, and still come up a winner with this revolutionary video. Special guests performers who will teach you how to sing properly are singing sensations Rachelle Ann Go, Sarah Geronimo, Vino Bello, Jay Perillo, Jonah Lumbera and Marian Santiago. “Sing Like a Champion” is now available in all video stores nationwide.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2006-11-17&sec=3&aid=2069

Billy Balbastro 

***

SING! The new video titled Sing Like a Champion which Viva Records is releasing, offers an invitation to all of us who enjoy and love singing.

The video with the famous The Company giving special audio-video lessons, shows us how to develop that "winning voice" of music champs.

Covering rock and pop, ballads and acapella, Moy Ortiz, Sweet Plantado, Jay Marquez, Cecile Bautista and Annie Quintos give tips on techniques in warm-ups, breathing, diction and basic song interpretation with Jay Perillo, Jonah Lumbera, Mairan Santiago, Vino Bello, Rachelle Ann Go and Sarah Geronimo helping out.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2106/main.htm

November 25, 2006 06:05 PM Saturday

By: Bong De Leon

CHECK IT OUT

SING LIKE CHAMPS

DO you dream of hitting the high notes?  Wish to pursue a career in  singing?  Or are you simply wanting  to belt songs like your favorite champs?
    
With the new video “Sing Like A Champion,” your dreams are finally within reach. The Company , the country’s  longest running vocal harmony act,  will teach you how to find your winning voice  in this special and easy to follow audio-video lesson.
   
The video is jampacked with the basic  principles and pointers to help you sing more effectively  regardless  of your music style—whether you’re into rock, pop, ballad or even  a capella. It will provide  you with  great tips and techniques  including vocal warm-ups , breathing  exercise, diction and basic song interpretation to give you more confidence and take your voice to the next level.
   
Along with The Company, singing sensation Jay Perillo, Jonah Lumbers, Marian Santiago,  Vino Bello, Rachelle Ann Go and Sarah Geronimo will show you the way to achieve your perfect singing voice.
    
“Sing Like A Champion” is available since October 18 at your avorite video stores nationwide.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2006-11-25&sec=3&aid=2692

Christmas comes early in Metro Manila
GUIL FRANCO (Correspondent)

25 December 2006

CHRISTMAS CAME early at the Podium, in Metro Manila, when The CompanY—the Philippines' longest running vocal harmony act and tagged as the country's premier vocal group—launched their Christmas album under Viva Records. A certain percentage from

the sales of the album will be donated to the Kythe Foundation for the benefit of children with pediatric cancer.

Titled The Christmas Album, it features the most loved and familiar Christmas carols Filipinos love to sing and hear during the Yuletide season. These include Deck the Halls, I'll be Home for Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The (Not So) Little Drummer Boy, and Mamacita Donde Esta Santa Claus.

For a homegrown flavour, The CompanY chose the heartwarming Isang Taong Lumipas as the carrier single. "We want to be with our family and loved ones during Christmas and that spirit is captured in this song which is a collaboration between Ryan Cayabyab and Jose Javier Reyes," explains Moy Ortiz who is the album producer.

Another original composition is Noche Buena which the group tendered in the lively beat of Boogie Woogie. The song is written by Felipe de Leon and Levi Celerio.

The CompanY is one of the most durable singing groups in the country who has brought joy to Pinoys for the past 21 years. In June 1985, 12 alumni of the Ateneo (de Manila University) Glee Club formed the "Friday group" and eventually decided to call themselves CompanY, taken from Stephen Sondheim's 1972 musical on friendship, love and marriage.

They started performing professionally as concerts' back-up vocal group for first rate artists like Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, Martin Nievera, Louie Reyes, Celeste Legaspi, etc. The CompanY have had the privilege of sharing the stage with foreign entertainers like The Manhattan Transfer, Jim Brickman, Noel Pointer, Kalapana, Kenny Rankin and Michael Buble.

The well-travelled group is currently composed of Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Jay Marquez, and bandleader Moy Ortiz. The musical gamut of The CompanY embraces almost all forms of music genre, from Baroque songs to contemporary hits; from mainstream jazz to Filipino folk songs, and literally from Bach to Bacharach!

What makes this vocal group unique is that it specialises in a cappella music with modern and unconventional harmony; treading that thin line between consonance and dissonance. Hence, a full performance without a rhythm section backing them up is possible. Vocal Acrobatics plus some interesting (often times humorous) choreography make a CompanY performance a visual and aural treat for both the young and the young once.

The group members also wear many hats. Within the group are songwriters, vocal and instrumental arrangers, concert and record producers, choreographers, stage directors, scriptwriters, image consultants, layout artists, set designers, visual artists, voice teachers, recording coaches, studio/session singers, stage actors and workshop masters. This only serves to underscore the versatility and talent of the group.

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the sales of the album will be donated to the Kythe Foundation for the benefit of children with pediatric cancer.

Titled The Christmas Album, it features the most loved and familiar Christmas carols Filipinos love to sing and hear during the Yuletide season. These include Deck the Halls, I'll be Home for Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The (Not So) Little Drummer Boy, and Mamacita Donde Esta Santa Claus.

For a homegrown flavour, The CompanY chose the heartwarming Isang Taong Lumipas as the carrier single. "We want to be with our family and loved ones during Christmas and that spirit is captured in this song which is a collaboration between Ryan Cayabyab and Jose Javier Reyes," explains Moy Ortiz who is the album producer.

Another original composition is Noche Buena which the group tendered in the lively beat of Boogie Woogie. The song is written by Felipe de Leon and Levi Celerio.

The CompanY is one of the most durable singing groups in the country who has brought joy to Pinoys for the past 21 years. In June 1985, 12 alumni of the Ateneo (de Manila University) Glee Club formed the "Friday group" and eventually decided to call themselves CompanY, taken from Stephen Sondheim's 1972 musical on friendship, love and marriage.

They started performing professionally as concerts' back-up vocal group for first rate artists like Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, Martin Nievera, Louie Reyes, Celeste Legaspi, etc. The CompanY have had the privil