Rockista Craze Blog

More Filipinos listening to songs, downloaded, uploaded music online

2011-11-06T11:04:00.000+08:00

Listening to songs, music upload / download
increased in 2011

In the Digital Philippines 2011 Yahoo! - Nielsen Net Index report, Filipinos listening to songs in music websites is on the rise (45%). There is also an increase among users downloading and uploading music online from 2009 (25%) to 2011 (37%).

"Pa-copy naman... Pahingi ako niyan.. Send mo sa akin..."

I think the Internet has really change our attitude towards music. If you want to hear it and have a copy of it, you'll likely find someone who can send you one for free or there is a resource out there online where you can download it too. Another way is to record the audio out of those MTV and enjoy it.

Why is this so? Those who voraciously access local music entertainment content are in the 10 to 29 age group. A segment who likely did not grew up buying albums but liking singles instead.

Should they decide to purchase online, most accept payment through credit card or Paypal. A facility that is not necessarily accessible to this age group - so forget iTunes being a big at this time.

For the age group 30 and up, there is a lot of resource online already that fosters the music sharing culture. But for those who can afford, am sure they will still prefer to buy a copy online. I won't surprised though if that is less than 1% of the market.

Piracy overrated?

Industry losses due to piracy is estimated to be at 15 billion pesos. Around 10% to 15% of this is music piracy which is P1.5 to P2.2. billion a year. This is a combination for both foreign and local content - I assume.

As for the local music industry, I don't think the figures are high. In reality, how many new artists and albums gets released in the Philippines each year? How many Pinoys will really go out of their way to hunt down old music of their favorite Filipino artist?

Sometimes, you also don't need to download anymore. Just go to YouTube and watch / listen to your favorite artist online.

Selling Music Online and Marketing Royalty-Free Music

In reality though, purchasing music online is not a top priority of a user needs and wants. Therefore selling music these days needs to be marketed and given differently to the consumer - with fun and cool factor in. Some thoughts:

1. Buying an mp3 version of a music over the counter or a website. Simple as it may sound but it is too complicated to buy online music nowadays. Can I just purchase a specific song I like via a Multiply store? (seriously)

Encourage people to buy music online with more bang in the buck. This can be special privileges such as winning a concert ticket or freebies.

Make users feel proud supporters of online music. It can be a cool identity type, like being part of a community, and not the nagging one - "no to music piracy" usual slogan.

2. I have seen commercial establishments now investing in royalty-free music to avoid being run after by music associations for playing commercial music. A friend in the hotel industry pays a fixed sum every so often to a person who compiles royalty-free music, the good ones, that can be played in hotels.

http://www.podomatic.com/directory/House

I hope that person has a site online, whoever he is.

Have subscribed to podcast of various DJs giving their royalty-free house music mixes for free. Although not all gives the kind of sound you like.

For these instances, you need a Music Maven who can spot the good ones legally, pay for it (fee or donation), and give it to their clients.

I think some will be willing to pay a nominal fee just to receive that download link to get a weekly or monthly music fix.

Stop blaming the consumers

Instead of blaming the consumers, the music industry has to look at itself and see whether they are doing a good job of serving their customers. Whether they are able to adapt or not in these changing times.

I miss the old days when music outfits are independent or not owned by media networks. There was a vibrant and competitive market space then.

But when media networks start owning their own music recording outfits and radio stations, priority has shifted and focus given to their in-house artist and brands. It is like a monopoly of sorts.

Looking at my 2008 write-ups below, unfortunately, not much has change. I hope our new breed of entrepreneurs, ex-music artist or not, will give a solution that may not only apply to the Philippines but to other markets as well having the same predicament.

Previous write-ups:

MTV Emerge Winners

2009-12-13T20:41:00.003+08:00

Here is a run down on the profile of MTV Emerge Winners

Faircatch
Rock/Experimental band Faircatch is composed of Lyndon Voltaire Baniqued in vocals, Johann Stephen Salas in guitars, Vistor Lozano in drums and Arvie San Buenaventura in bass. The band, which started in October 2008, strives to compose straightforward but catchy songs and is influenced by numerous artists from a mixture of different genres ranging from rock to alternative.

Yo Booty - Pino G

DirtyRoom Productions® | MySpace Music Videos

DRP – Dirty Room Productions
Hip hop group DRP is composed of Gryan Modejar “Pino-G”, Michael Angelo Bernardo “Mic-O” and Dino Reyes “Dno”. The members of DRP started on their own before teaming up with each other. The influences of the group include R. Kelly, T.I.P. and Threesix Mafia.

Soul Brothers
Formed in February 2006 in Cebu Rock band Soul Brothers is composed of Jay Dilan, Kniel Nangit, Randy Russel, Eddie Ybañez and DJ Yangzy. Playing several genres of music ranging from rock, reggae and rap to punk and hip hop, the influences of the band include Abba and Zappa.

Mid Nasty
Hip hop group Mid Nasty is composed of Greedy, Andez, Fry, Early, Cloud and Kurt. Mid Nasty started way back 2001 in Dumaguete City, with Greedy and Andez as the frontliners of the band. The band’s vision is to represent the Visayas and the rest of the Philippines to the world. Their influences include Nelly & St. Lunatics, Black Eyed Peas, Lyfe Jennings, India Arie, Ludacris, J-Kwon and Chingy.

TBG (The Band Glenn)
Alternative rock band TBG is composed of Glenn Capanas, Ferdie Manigbas, Javen Liam, Glenn Gejon and Jobim Nillo. The band started out as an acoustic double with Glenn Capanas and Glenn Gejon. After a year of being a duo, both decided on starting a band to try and make it to the mainstream music arena. The influences of the band include Dishwalla, Incubus, Boyce Avenue, Splender, Goo Goo Dolls and John Mayer among others.

Urbanation
RnB and hip hop group Urbanation is composed of Art Camonayan, Brian Babilonia, Ryan Lim, PJ Olivares, Ian Tan, Joshua Paz and Juan Paolo dela Rama. The band started out in 2004 and has been creating original music ever since—with genres ranging from RnB, hip hop, urban to pop. The influences of the band include Chris Brown, Akon, Apl.de.ap/Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake and Ne-yo.

The Pin-Up Girls
New wave and indie rock group Pin-Up Girls is composed of Jeng Tan, Ryan Nachura, Mitch Singson and Mondo Castro. The band was formed in the late nineties and has since created a lot of original compositions that reflect the craft of their numerous musical influences such as the Stone Roses, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Smiths, Pixies, The Cure, Violent Playground and The Dawn.

Admiring Apl.de.ap

2009-12-06T07:46:00.006+08:00

I first saw Apl.de.ap in person and up close during MTV Emerge winners announcement night last November 27. He is a Filipino-American hip hop musician, record producer and is best known as a member of the Black Eyed Peas.

It amazes me how Apl has brought his Filipino culture into his collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas. Some of the group's songs with Tagalog lyrics include "The Apl Song" from the album Elephunk, and "Bebot" from the Monkey Business album.

Currently, Apl.de.ap is working on a solo album. He would be collaborating with fellow Filipino-American Chad Hugo of The Neptunes and Illmind from G-Unit to incorporate traditional Filipino instruments into his songs.

Last January, he made a debut with the single, U Can Dream, featuring Florante and Billy Crawford. In August, he released a music video for his second single named Mama Filipina.

Apl.de.ap started sharing his blessings through the Apl Foundation which is committed in giving back to communities and children within the Philippines and throughout Asia.

He recently established the music company called Jeepney Music that provides promotional and collaborative opportunities for artists to work with him. An artist's beats or music might be featured on Jeepney Radio or they might be invited to collaborate on a Jeepney Project.

Jeepney Music also fosters a non-exclusive community filled with content and connectivity between music, gossip, travel, food, entertainment, and living histories from the Philippines. It is one location where one can always track Apl.de.Ap and participate in the Jeepney community. It is currently based in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California and currently handles DJs such as Free School, DJ Rockyrock, DJ MIA, and PoetNameLife.

Apl.de.ap recorded another tagalog song for Black Eyed Peas' fifth studio album, "The E.N.D.", the song is called "Mare". In 2009, he also had a song entitled "Take U to The Philippines" that is hitting the airwaves in the Philippines. The song is in partnership with the Department of Tourism of the Philippines.

Faircatch wins MTV Spotlight!

2009-11-29T23:15:00.002+08:00

Last Friday (November 27), I went to Mall of Asia's Music Hall to witness the MTV Emerge event where the 7 winners have to compete to get the coveted MTV Spotlight prize.

The seven acts winning a one-year recording contract with Jeepney Music and mentorship under Apl.de.ap are DRP, Faircatch, Mid Nasty, The Pin-Up Girls, Soul Brothers, The Band Glenn (TBG) and Urbanation. Their contracts include artist management and promotion, digital distribution of 3 – 6 songs and a strategic marketing plan for them to be able to break into both the Philippine and international markets.

Created to discover the most promising talents in the Philippines, MTV Emerge will give these winners the chance to break into the local and international music scenes through a one-year recording contract with Jeepney Music. The seven winners were among a total of 1,858 entries received from unsigned musicians invited to upload samples of their original music on the MTV Emerge website from October 5 to November 15.

The winners, aside from being selected from the top rated and most voted entries, were judged based on their creativity, the originality of their craft, the eminence of their live performances, strong appeal to the public and the innovativeness of their lyrics and melody.

“The seven winners really are what we were looking for. Their unique talents very well characterize what MTV Emerge is about – homegrown talents trying to reach out to the world through their music while at the same time proudly representing our country,” said Apl.de.ap.

The MTV Emerge winners impressed the audience with their talents through different genres of music. DRP showcased their edgy RnB tunes, Soul Brothers hyped the crowd with their reggae beats, Faircatch awed the mass with their hard rock music, TBG made use of their awesome vocals and guitar skills, Mid Nasty drove the crowd wild with their novel hip hop tunes, The Pin-Up Girls went all out pop rock and Urbanation lightened up the mood with their soulful pop and RnB sounds.

After the winners showcased their signature songs, the Spotlight winner was chosen and presented to Faircatch.

Rock and experimental band Faircatch is composed of Lyndon Voltaire Baniqued in vocals, Johann Stephen Salas in guitars, Vistor Lozano in drums and Arvie San Buenaventura in bass. The band, which started in October 2008, strives to compose straightforward but catchy songs and is influenced by numerous artists from a mixture of different genres ranging from rock to alternative.

The panel of judges present at the MTV Emerge concert were Rico Blanco, Karylle, MTV Philippines’ Georgette Tengco and MTV SEA and Greater China’s Head of Content, Sari Trisulo. They chose a Spotlight winner who surpassed all expectations and emerged as the best among the best.

Apl.de.ap finished the MTV Emerge concert by entertaining the crowd at the Music Hall with his spinning skills.

MTV Emerge was a result of the collaboration of MTV, Secretary Ace Durano of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Jeepney Music, providing Filipino bands the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talents locally and internationally. Through MTV Emerge, Jeepney Music and DOT were able to reach out to younger generations of world travelers, especially those who are drawn to the Philippines' musical culture. The search highlighted the global appeal of up-and-coming Filipino artists, and gave prominence to the Philippines' musical heritage on the world stage.

Hard to say I'm sorry? I don't agree!

2009-11-09T02:51:00.002+08:00

Lately, I've been hearing this song on the radio and you know it is a fairly old one from Chicago with lead singer Peter Cetera on vocals. I never really agreed with it. There are a lot of ways on how lovers say sorry to each other back then and now. Like:

1. There is your usual love letter
2. Actual saying of "I'm sorry"
3. Serenade
4. Ask a friend or relative to say sorry for you.
5. Buy a greeting card with the words I'm sorry and give to the person.
6. If you are good in art (those in the 80s can relate to this), get an illustration board and draw an image reflecting your thoughts with the lyrics of this song. I have a friend who actually got this one.
7. With the mobile phone, you can always send a text message.
8. With the Internet, there's e-mail, instant messaging, chat, virtual greeting card or gifts.
9. And finally, just hold the person's hand or give the person a hug or if you are lovers then just kiss (LOL!).

Of course, if that person doesn't deserve an apology, you can always say the famous Gone with the Wind movie line, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."

So to Chicago and Peter Cetera, I don't agree with your song.

Watch U2 Live Concert via YouTube on October 26 Monday 11:30 AM GMT+8

2009-10-23T05:35:00.006+08:00

I am absolutely thrilled when I found out that U2 will be doing a live and free webcast of their sold-out Rose Bowl concert in California this Sunday. This is part of the U2 360 concert tour, promoting No Line on the Horizon, that just kicked off in the US last month.

Fans from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, U.K., U.S. will be able to watch the concert live via YouTube.

Those in the GMT+8 timezone will be able to enjoy the experience and watch it on October 26, Monday, 11:30 AM.

YouTube will be streaming live across five continents. The show will be available in the usual You Tube way, as video-on-demand, following two full replays - after the live stream - on both U2.com and You Tube.

The biggest challenge here will be bandwidth. So head-off to the fastest Internet connection you can find and enjoy the concert!

Charice Pempengco pays tribute to Michael Jackson

2009-06-28T17:11:00.006+08:00

Thanks to Bitstop, I was able to watch the concert of Charice Pempengco last night at SMX Convention Center. One of the things I found out was that she is supposed to perform with Pop King Michael Jackson in his upcoming concert.

With Michael Jackson's sudden death, this will no longer be possible. However, Charice rendered two numbers to honor the pop king. Enjoy!

Charice Pempengco sang Billy Jean by Michael Jackson

Charice Pempengco sang You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson

Touched by Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T09:03:00.005+08:00

I am one of the many who was touched by Michael Jackson's music back in the elementary and high school days. Those were the times when dancing PYT, Wanna Be Starting Something, Billy Jean, Beat It, and Thriller makes you cool. Being able to dance strut and moonwalk was the in thing. Even local celebrities like Gary Valenciano and Aga Mulach became popular then for being able to perform Michael Jackson numbers on stage.

How he changed since Thriller was I assume were brought on by the pressure of his popularity where he was always being watched.

His song, particularly Thriller, was such a rare piece that it even allowed a drug rehabilitation center in Cebu attain popularity.

But today, news about Michael Jackson's death by heart attack, ripples online and most of the tech-savvy first heard about it via social media or network sites Twitter and Facebook.

Rest in peace Michael Jackson. You will always be remembered. Have a great journey ahead!

See you at the Philips Go Gear Event on June 6!

2009-06-01T18:49:00.008+08:00

Join the Philips Go Gear unveils its newest line-up of music and video players

Try the Let Your Ears Decide challenge! Experience the full sound technology that Philips offers:

With performances by:

Unschooled

Techy Romantics

Taken By Cars

and more surprise guests

Music bloggers are invited to sign-up here and see you on June 6, 2009 at Bonifacio High Street. Expect the organizer to contact you as well for coordination. Visit the site for further info at http://philipsbandwidth.blogspot.com/

Be inspired and win an iTouch from Firefalldown!

2009-06-01T18:25:00.002+08:00

Firefalldown, a Filipino-British band, DRIVEN by a passion to INSPIRE people through music, is dead set on reaching people through their music, in the hopes of stirring listeners to make a difference in life and live out their God-given dreams. Now, you have a chance to join and inspire others! Share your thoughts with the world by creating a blog entry about the band’s music, how it connects with your life, and how you have been inspired!

Just 5 Easy Steps:

Sign up for the the band newsletter to get updates on the band and our music;
Write, in your blogs or social-network-site, about howFirefalldown’s music connects with your life
Link the word firefalldown to the URL(www.firefalldown.com) in your blog;
Post a picture with your article that best encapsulatesthe experience;
Send the link to your blog to firefalldowninspirepromo@gmail.com

Every blogger will receive a signed copy of the single Commissioned completely free!

Bi-weekly finalists will be posted on www.firefalldown.com and best blog over the next 3 months gets a free iTouch!

Join the firefalldown inspire promo and keep visiting www.firefalldown.com for more information and updates!

Looking for U2 Groupies Going to U2 360 Concert Tour Europe, USA, & Canada

2009-03-10T05:44:00.011+08:00

Finally my wish is about to come true! I will be watching the U2 360 concert this year as U2 is scheduled to perform in major cities across Europe, USA, and Canada.

In fact, I'm dreaming a bit further and exploring the possibility of covering the whole tour. Although that would only be possible if I'll be able to meet someone or a U2 groupie in every location where I can join. With mobile Internet knowing to be fast in these target concert venues, I'm sure mobile blogging will be an exciting experience.

I'm now making inquiries with travel agents on how can this work-out if I'll be coming from Australia or Philippines. Although there is a possibility that in between countries or states, a bus or train ride can be explored. Your advise on how to cross from one country or state to another by other means of transportation, which may be cheaper than taking a plane, will be more than welcome!

So for those of you who will be watching the concert in these locations, I hope you can post a shout-out here especially if you want to help out fellow fans who wants to watch the concert in your location. (me! me!)

This whole tour is part of an effort to promote No Line On The Horizon. This is the new studio album from U2 that was just released this month. I will get my copy this week!

The band’s 12th studio album calls on the production talents of long-time collaborators Brian Eno and Danny Lanois, with additional production by Steve Lillywhite. The album is available in 5 different packages. This No Line On The Horizon version in Amazon.com is the standard album CD in a plastic jewel case w /24 page color booklet.

Amazon.com Widgets

Goodbye Francis Magalona

2009-03-06T13:02:00.009+08:00

For those of us who were able to enjoy the Bagets movie days, one will always remember Francis Magalona. Especially for those those of us who were so "ga-ga" over Aga Mulach and got cured by it when Francis Magalona came along.

Francis eversince then has re-invented himself from a dancer, rapper, singer, husband, father, among others. You will hardly hear any bad word or rumor being said about the guy. So you can say that he has lived his life well.

Knowing that he passed away with leukemia at age 44 (at Medical City in Mandaluyong) is quite sad. He is so young. What he went through is also a good reminder for us not to take our life for granted, despite what we perceive as far-fetch as we are still in our "youth" years.

(http://francismagalona.multiply.com)

Through social networks, Francis Magalona kept his fans & friends posted with his treatment. One of his latest entries even showed his photos as he went through his 4th chemo cycle then with supporters giving encouragement & prayers.

(http://happybattle.multiply.com)

There is also another blog, Happy Battle, that gets regularly updated by his wife, Pia, that gave progress as well on his treatment.

It can be fairly said that Francis is the 1st celebrity who used social networks to reach out and kept in touch with people, including friends and fans, that cared for him during the biggest battle of his life. Hoping that in the process, it will also bring courage to others who may be going through the same situation.

Rest in peace Francis Magalona. May you have a great journey ahead.

Video featuring Francis Magalona

(Prayers for Francis Magalona)

(Reach for the Stars)

(Kaleidoscope World)

See you at Media Arts Manila Field Trip on Feb. 25!

2009-02-18T18:08:00.006+08:00

Media Arts Manila
in cooperation with Green Papaya Art Projects presents

FIELD TRIP
field recordings and soundscapes of corporeal and imagined environments

February 25 (Wed) 9 p.m.
Green Papaya Art Projects
41 T.Gener St cor Kamuning Road (near Brahma Kumaris)
FREE ADMISSION

The M.A.M. tour bus stops over at the Green Papaya Art Projects and ushers us through an acoustic safari of feral atmospheric fauna. Featured artists present their original phonography, creating immersive environments through the manipulation and playback of captured ambient sounds. autoceremony, Blend:er, Christian Conception, Mark Laccay, Mannet Villariba serves us their own brand of improvised acoustic ecology. Improvised video by Edsel Abesames and Tad Ermitaño. This show is supported by Globe.

Folks you'll meet at the event are:

Edsel Abesames
is a video editor / motion graphics person / director / racketeer / guitarist / poser / anime fan /overweight 32 year old / discontent drunkard.

autoceremony a.k.a. Jing Garcia
sound artist and award winning music producer. He established the Children of Cathode Ray backed in 1989, one of the early experimental and sound art groups in the country. Produced several music albums for different alternative music artists in the 90s. He is currently the tech editor for The Manila Times and Speed Magazine. He also hosts a tech segment on the late evening news on TV5.
BLEND:ER a.k.a. Cris Garcimo
is an electronic music creator and a noise enthusiast who lives in Cavite, Philippines. He started experimenting with audio acrobatics and technoid sonic landscapes in 1999. Being included in various album anthologies like Mood Swing Theater Volume 1 (2004) released by Kittenwhip Compilation and S.A.B.A.W. Anthology of Noise, Electronic, and Experimental Music (2004), Blend:er has often collaborated with E.X.I.S.T., SABAW and Electronica Manila artists.

Tad Ermitaño
is a media artist, writer and filmmaker. As far as the media art goes, he is interested in algorithmic/procedural editing and composition, new uses for the moving image and have been lately drifting into elementary robotics. His work "Quartet" was exhibited in the recently concluded International Symposium for Electronic Arts (ISEA) in Singapore.

Grnd Ctrl a.k.a Christian Martelino Concepcion
a manila based art director, experimental musician, DJ and event organizer. His breed of work roots from his propensity in the field of music and design. It is his passion for avant-garde films, art, fashion, experimental music and bizarre imagery that led him to create audible pieces as well as to do graphic design work. It wasn't until implementing his studies of traditional fine arts and his enthusiasm with avant-garde music that began his realization of his ideas, philosophies and visions by combining dissected sound textures with rhythm, to create soundscapes that pierce images inside our minds. His currently an active band member for the ambient/experimental/industrial band "The Slave Drum", busy with his own electro industrial act "Decay Transit" and does solo performances as "Grnd Ctrl". Uses both traditional and non-traditional sound sources with using samplers, synthesizers, transducers, effects and anything he can get his hands on. Has participated in several events from various production outfits and his group called "Circa1849".
Mark Laccay
is an award winning Audio Engineer who is the CEO of Sonic Logo Multimedia Inc. and a managing partner of Sweetspot Studios. He has worked as a Sound Designer for various films and is the main audio consultant for the "Dr. Jose Maceda Collection Digitization" Project. As an educator he taught audio classes at DLSU-CSB. He recently returned from the Austrian Academy of Sciences where he acquired a certificate of Audio Tape Restoration and Digital Audio Archiving.

Mannet Villariba
is a performance artist, painter, sound artist, visual programmer and designer. He has been active in diverse fields of art and design - including research and development. Yielding the outputs of sounds, images, and light through analyzing and transforming the numerical values gained from various sensors and input devices, he is a visual artist pursuing sensual peculiarity and interaction.

Upcoming Tour Dates 2009

2009-01-21T11:19:00.003+08:00

I've been blogging about several concert tour dates of various artists at Busby SEO Test. Here are some with definite dates that I encourage you to check out:

Will add more artists once I have definite info on concert tour dates.

Till Your Well Runs Dry - U2

2009-01-18T04:49:00.004+08:00

U2's Brian Eno, Edge, and Danny Lanois make sweet harmony with William Bell-penned classic. This is a dry run of sort.

No Line On The Horizon, the new studio album from U2, will be released on Tues, March 3, 2009. The band’s 12th studio album calls on the production talents of long-time collaborators Brian Eno and Danny Lanois, with additional production by Steve Lillywhite. The album will be available in 5 different packages. This version is the standard album CD in a plastic jewel case w /24 page color booklet. Reserve your copy now and get a great deal.

For avid fans, check out U2 tour dates this 2009.

6 Ways to Get Fans Engage Through Contests

2009-01-10T21:16:00.009+08:00

There are many options that music artists can promote their music online. But these days, artists should go out of their way and involve fans as much as they can. This include:

Let your fans submit composition that can be used for your next song.
Of course mechanics on royalties should be clear prior to start of the activity.
Have fans submit their music demo and be included in your next album.
Have a CD design contest and let fans vote for it.
Have fans do a cover of you or your band, upload in music video sites, and you pick the winner.
If you have a fast or dance song, then the focus can be on creating a special dance number.
Another could be the creation of a music video of the song or a spoof of it.

I guess the point of this post is that artists, whether they are well known or still starting, should not hesitate exploring various ways they can promote their work and get the fans involved.

P.S. If you are interested in concert artist tour dates, check out busby seo test music category. developments

Songs about Love and Lost

2008-11-12T21:47:00.008+08:00

The last two weeks gave me some time to search and reconnect with songs that I enjoyed through the years. I hope you'll like it.

1. Lovers in the Wind by Roger Hodgson

2. Take a Bow by Madonna

3. I'm Not in Love by 10 CC

4. I Didn't Know I was Looking for Love - Everything But the Girl

5. When you say nothing at all by Ronan Keating

6. Baby Can I Hold You by Ronan Keating

7. You've Got to Hide Your Love Away by Beatles

8. Don't Throw It All Away (Our Love) by Andy Gibb

9. Rush, Rush by Paula Abdul

10. Love Can Make You Cry by Urgent

11. The One You Love by Glenn Frey

12. You Must Love Me by Madonna

Sound art of Jing Garcia

2008-05-01T17:38:00.006+08:00

A good friend tagged me last night to watch Jing Garcia who is a member of New Media Art Manila - Minus Ten Decibels sound art. The performance was held at the 2nd floor of Mogwai Cafe and Restaurant in Cubao, Quezon City.

I find the experience a bit weird and interesting at the same time. We have to leave our shoes outside and just sat at the floor where there are cushions everywhere. There's one row of theater like seat at the back.

After a brief introduction, each member started performing sound art. Jing, who is also the editor of the Manila Times technology section, was the 2nd and I captured a 10 minute video.

Jing's performance reminds me of the suspense thrillers I get to watch on movies. So sound art is interesting. Admittedly, too much of it can give you a headache afterwards. I think it will be great to bring a noise-cancellation headset should I get to watch another one.

Youth bands together to fight drunk driving

2008-04-15T18:34:00.003+08:00

I just got word from Ford Philippines, winner in the automotive category - DigitalFilipino Web Awards 2007, about its ongoing advocacy to raise awareness about road safety among the youth with the “I Don’t Drink and Drive” (I3D) Youth Summit on April 18, 2008 at The Fort Open Grounds, Taguig.

The I3D Youth Summit is a special event geared towards raising youth consciousness on the perils of drunk driving.

It is the latest initiative in Ford’s Road Safety campaign, which officially began in 2004 and further reinforced the following year with the creation of the Ford Road Safety Youth Council (RSYC), a group of young ambassadors from various high schools and universities who aim to elevate consciousness regarding the importance of road safety.

From an initial 15 members, Ford RSYC is now composed of approximately 2,000 students representing various schools. The Council has launched a number of successful campaigns beginning with a massive postering campaign in partnership with the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board at bus terminals and schools; rollout of the Responsibility In Driver Education (R.I.D.E.) seminars in coordination with the Tuason Racing School and Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists; Its most recent effort was a Pre-Holy Week Road Safety stickering campaign in selected Ford dealerships and in the Shell Station, South Luzon Expressway.

The I3D Youth Summit is RSYC’s most exciting event to date. Highlights include the special participation of special guest speakers, and the Third R.I.D.E. Quiz Bee, to be hosted by racer Pia Boren.

Capping the summit is an evening concert boasting today’s hottest musical acts such as Rivermaya, Sandwich, Barbie Almabis, Itchyworms, Silent Sanctuary, Taken by Cars, Up dharma Down, and Kjwan, to be emceed by MTV veejays Kat Alano, Maggie Wilson, and “Boys Night Out” hosts Slick Rick, Sam YG, and Tony Toni.

Gates open at 3 pm with the 3rd R.I.D.E. Quiz Bee. Concert begins at 6 pm.

Ford Philippines invites you to join this exciting and worthwhile event. For free tickets, log on to http://rsyc.tuasonracing.com

Piracy and its Impact on Philippine Music Industry

2008-01-21T09:28:00.000+08:00

Based on Danny Yson's report:

The Philippine music industry was a P2 billion thriving industry, selling local and international artist songs, before the vicious tentacles of music piracy choked it to near collapse starting year 2000.
It is estimated that the pirate audio disc piracy was a P1 billion a year illegal business while the legitimate industry has dropped by 25% in the year 2000.
In 2001 alone, sales plummeted by 42.5% because of piracy.
The loss of revenue in the local music industry continues to date.
As an indication of poor sales, Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) certified gold and platinum awards given in 2001 were only 18 compared to 35 in 2000.

The PARI has also reduced the required sales units for a gold record to 7,500 units from 20,000 units for international repertoire and 12,500 units from 20,000 units for OPM. There are is an average of 15 to 20 albums hitting a gold record while up to 3 albums may reach platinum in a year these days.

In the early years of music up to 2003, majority of records sold is from international artist pegged at 70% while OPM sales is only 30% at that time. However, the campaign for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and the popularity of bands resulted to a market shift. Majority of sales today is OPM pegged at 70% while international labels is at 30%. (for further validation)

The local music industry has not grown much since the year 2003 where sales have not even reached P1 billion since that time - as the music piracy business is eating most of its market. Therefore, today in the year 2008, the local recording music industry is a struggling sector earning revenues up to P840 million a year from CDs, mobile phone tones, and Internet music download purchases. (for further validation)

The pirated music sector, victimizing local and international music, is growing at 40% to 50% per year and earns around P2 to 3 billion a year on local pirated music in terms of duplication, non-payment of performance rights, print rights, and digital performance rights. (for further validation)

Music piracy has shown that people love music but may not necessarily find it worth paying to the usual prices it is marketed today. Unlike movies and games where a person needs to have a player and set a time to watch, music can be heard almost anywhere and mostly for free (radio, coffee shops, bars, establishments, online radio, among others).

In addition, pirated music is so affordable that even artists that are not that popular are being purchased by Filipinos out of curiosity at the time of purchase. If no pirated CDs are available, it is still possible that pirated music buyers will not buy legitimate copies in the first place. Therefore it can be assumed that a big percentage of pirated music customers are not really the paying customers.

Music can indeed be heard everywhere but somebody (record label, radio, tv, bar or malls) paid for its cost. It is hard and perhaps even unfair to go on a price war with pirates as they do not incur expenses other than manufacturing cost. They did not spend money on production and marketing. As a result, record labels are reducing the number of releases. Just a few years back, big record labels will have 12 albums scheduled for release in one year. Today, most labels only have 5-6 albums planned releases for the year. While 1 to 3 big players will likely launch up to 12 albums a year.

We heard of international popular artists leaving their record labels to go on their own, partner with retailers, concert organizers, and even online music sites. This is caused by the dwindling sales of CDs and as a result, everybody's looking for other revenue streams. CDs are now being bundled with concert tickets, merchandise, among others. Independent artists have the freedom to do whatever they want with their songs and albums such as selling whatever price the consumer is willing to pay. In the end, music can be made cheap but it's not free.

Of course, if the artist has not established a following or name in the industry, the above options may not possibly work out without working with a record label. Especially if they want to profit from their music.

Minimize or eliminate piracy
In the eyes of intellectual property rights advocates, possessing a pirated cd/dvd or whatever copyrighted works should be criminalized. If nobody buys pirated work, then the pirates will stop or reduce their production. However, that's wishful thinking as eradicating piracy is a tall order but tougher Intellectual Property Rights Law implementation can perhaps minimize it.

Music Recording and Publishing in the Philippines

2008-01-16T07:31:00.000+08:00

The Philippines has gone a long way in recording original music with Filipino talents. So much has changed for the past 94 years and with the emergence of new communication means such as the Internet and mobile phones, this industry continues to boom with talent.

The life-cycle of music recording and publishing is also changing and one must adapt to the changes happening today. Usually, for a single or album to be produced, a lot of things happen that includes the following players:

1. Composer
A composer owns the copyright of a song. They earn from:

Mechanical production
Permission is granted by a music publisher to mechanically reproduce music onto some type of media (e.g. CD) for public distribution. They earn a royalty of 3% to 7.5% based on the number of recordings sold.
Performance rights
Music is played live or broadcast on TV, radio, bars, restaurants, etc. The fee collected by Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Inc. (Filscap) is distributed to members (composers and publishers) annually. Music users submit playlists or cue sheets which in turn become the basis for paying the composers. Everybody gets the same rate, in effect "more play-more pay". The fee due to Filscap is based on a percentage (1% -3%) of gross revenue of the music user (radio, tv, et al.). It's a negotiated rate so it varies.
Synchronization rights
Use (reproduction) of a song used as background music for a movie, TV show, or commercial. This is negotiated and dependent on the usage of the song. Usage can be one time or perpetuity. Fees start at P10K and can go as high as 500K. Users will also have to obtain a master usage license from the record label if they want to use the original sound recording. The fee is usually lower than sync fees.
Print rights
Royalties earned from sales of printed sheet music. Royalty is paid to the recording artist, songwriter, and publisher based on the number of music sheets sold. The rate is the same as mechanical production.
Digital Performing Rights
They get the same rate as indicated in their mechanical production royalties. For mobile content, the label, artist, and publisher share in whatever is left after deducting expenses (carrier costs and content providers costs). For truetones, ringback and full track, this is usually 30% of the end user price. Rates are computed according to their mechanical production rates.

However, for monotones and polyphonic tones that only plays the basic melody of a song, the full revenue share goes to the composer.

2. Arranger
If someone else (arranger) writes the music for a song, then that copyright is shared with that person. A revenue sharing is arrange between the two, usually 50%-50%, for this purpose.

Although in the Philippines, this is no longer the case as arrangers doesn't get any royalty from the sale of the song/album. The arranger is usually paid 8,000 to 15,000 per song depending on their stature.

3. Music Publisher
A composer may opt to assign his copyright to a publisher for a period of time. They will market the song to record labels, television, movie producers, other interested parties. If tapped, publishing deals vary. It can be a limited publishing agreement where you can license all rights to the publisher except digital rights (though publishers rarely agree to this). Revenue sharing can be 50 - 50, 60 -40 or even 70 - 30.

4. Singer, Band, Performer
Singers usually sign-up a contract with a record label and earn from:

Mechanical production
Payment based on record sales or the amount which the record label collects from its outlet. Royalty base price is usually the wholesale price less vat.

A few years back, artist's royalty rates range from 3% to 19% with an advance of 5k per song or up to 1.5M per album for superstars. However, due to plummeting sales - artists' now agree to reduce their royalty rates. The maximum royalty rate labels give now is 10% and that is for superstar status artists.

The label usually pays the artist an advance for the production and the artist will have to recoup it from royalties due him/her. It is also interesting to note that some artists now agree to record deals without an advance royalty.

Some expenses are also factored in the royalties computation such as:

Free copies given to media, radio stations, and promo copies are not included in the computation. (limited to 10% of sales)
Unsold copies are not paid for as music distribution outlets can return them.
Labels usually hold back 10%-20% of royalty payment to artists as provision for returns/breakage. Music CDs, sold as physical goods, are assumed to be prone to it.
Expenses are also deducted, full or part depending on negotiation, such as:

Packaging - industry rate is 10% but hardly practiced in the Philippines.
Manager fees
Band fees - for album promo tour, the label and artist usually split the cost.
Recording cost - have the option to pay for the recording if the artist wants to get the master ownership back after an agreed period of time.

Digital Performing Rights

If their royalty rate in their contract is 5%, then they get 5% of all monies received. For mobile content, the label, artist, and publisher share in whatever is left after deducting expenses (carrier costs and content providers costs). For truetones, ringback and full track, this is usually 30% of the end user price. Rates are computed according to their mechanical production rates.

4. Managers
They sign-up performers to manage their careers by getting deals to generate income as such as recording, gig performances, advertising endorsement, among others. Some labels now also act as managers. The usual fee is 25% - 35% of all income.

5. Record label
Upon signing an agreement, they create, market, and distribute the recordings. They hold the sound recording copyright. They cover the major expenses such as promotion, marketing, studio rental, contracting of technicians and musicians, packaging and duplication.

The label shoulders the recording costs and shall own the master in perpetuity.

However, should the artist opt to pay for the recording, then the master ownership should revert back to the artist after an agreed period of time. The label usually pays the artist an advance for the production and the artist will have to recoup it from royalties due him/her.

Apart from record sales, they also earn from:

Performance rights
Music is played live or broadcast on TV, radio, bars, restaurants, etc. Labels does not receive anything from Filscap as they only service the composers and publishers.

Music and Video Performance Inc. (MVP), that will soon be referred to as Music & Copyright Administrators of the Philippines (MCAP), is a private organization that has for its purpose the collective administration of the “communication to the public rights” of record producers. The society was formed late last year and is the counterpart of Filscap. It shall also handle the collection of mechanical production, synchronization, and print rights. (for further validation)

It is the collecting agent of Philippine Music Public Performance Society, Inc. (PMPPSI), representing music producers, and is looking at charging users the same rate. As of this writing, PMPPSI, will still have to meet with MVP to formulate the implemeting guidelines. PMPPSI will also handle the remittance of the artists' share collected by MVP/MCAP. (for further validation)
Master use license
The use of a song used as background music for a movie, TV show, or commercial.

4. Session Musicians
For recording, they charge on a per track basis with a minimum of 2 tracks if you opt to hire them. Rates differ as they depend on the stature of the musician. Top musicians charge 2.5K - 3k per track.

Most musicians are members of Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino Foundation, Inc. (AMP) This is an organization formed with the intentions of professionalizing the Filipino musician and providing benefits that will help the individual cope with the daily rigors of being a musician.

To facilitate in the collection of royalty fees, mechanical rights, performing rights, and other organizations come into play. It is important for players in the industry to register themselves and their work to be protected.

Mechanical rights organization (the right to record a song)

Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Inc. (FILSCAP)
A non-stock, non-profit association of composers, lyric-writers, and music publishers established in 1965 to administer the public performance, mechanical reproduction and synchronization rights granted by law to creators and owners of original musical works. It represents the rights of both local and foreign composers, lyric-writers and music publishers. FILSCAP’s role is that of a unified body of music copyright owners to which application for a permission/license may be made by a person or organization intending to perform, authorize the performance of, mechanically reproduce and/or synchronize copyrighted music in any manner or by any method, for profit or otherwise. (for further validation)
Music and Video Performance Inc. (MVP) / Music and Copyright Administrators of the Philippines (MCAP)
MVP or MCAP is a private organization that has for its purpose the collective administration of the “communication to the public rights” of record producers. It shall also handle the collection of performance rights. (for further validation)

Performing rights organization

Performing Rights Society of the Philippines, Inc. (PRSP).
PRSP acts as the collecting society of performers, such as actors, singers, musicians, dancers and other persons who act, sing, play in, interpret or otherwise perform literally and artistic work. It seeks to protect their common interests and welfare, promote cooperation and collective action in the pursuit of their similar goals and objectives. PRSP guarantees them their benefits, including the collection, distribution and application of royalties on their behalf.

I'm still updating this page to make it more accurate. Your insight will be very much appreciated.

Buying Filipino music download online

2008-01-15T09:04:00.000+08:00

The increasing penetration of mobile phones that has music download capability and Internet users becoming more sophisticated globally, creates an opportunity for the selling and buying of music download online.

Internet-based music download sales reaches up P24 million a year and at its infancy stage. Most of these revenues are derived from international music sites such as iTunes. (for further validation)

Admittedly, not all record labels and websites are ready for this as piracy, cost, and other legal constraints come into play. Checking out music websites online led me to the following discoveries:

Amazon now sells 1500 Filipino music titles online. Most of the images I noticed has a watermark of TatakPilipino.
There are almost 110 Filipino artist listed in MP3.com but I haven't found any of them selling music downloads.

There are sites where some of the local artists were able to get their songs listed. Some of them includes:

iTunes - the band Overtone, Kitchie Nadal, Universal Records, and Star Records have Filipino songs sold through it and can be purchased at US$0.99 each.

From what I found out by asking around, at least 0.70 goes to the artist/record label. In the U.S., bands normally get 4.5 cents on every 99 cents digital download while the music publisher gets 9.1 cents.
Local record labels would surely love to have their catalogue on iTunes. However, iTunes doesn't deal with record labels where iTunes is not available. The only way to do it is to have a deal with an agent based in a country where iTunes is available such as The Orchard. In that case, the revenue for the label will be lower as the agent will receive a commission for every download.

Digijooze - is a local site where it sells music download of various Filipino artists and the cost per song ranges from 10 to 12 pesos. A prepaid card is usually purchased and the credits in it are used for purchasing. Record labels are usually offered up to 50% to 80% cut of the retail price. (3rd party source, no info on site, e-mail bounces) The site is able to offer at a lower rate as part of its value-added service is to improve record labels' website as well.

As the site is selling songs using MP3 format without digital rights management (DRM), this has discouraged some of the record labels.

I was trying to purchase from this site and realized that I can't buy the Digijooze card online as there is no registration page for that. When I clicked on the credit card feature, I didn't proceed as it immediately asked for personal information without even asking me to order the merchandise first and be informed of its cost. This makes me wonder on the policy of the credit card payment gateway it signed up with as that is usually not allowed.
This site will also be working with one of the big shopping portal site in the country soon.

Fliptunes - this site has almost 7100 songs that can be purchased online at 30 to 40 pesos each. It offers music downloads in WMA format with DRM. The site accommodates signed and independent artists and bands. Including video, its listing reaches up to 9000.
Revenue share given to record labels is at 80%. (3rd party source, no info on site, refused to disclose)
PinoyTunes.net - this has 4281 songs that can be purchase at US$0.75 per download. Revenue share given to record labels is at 80% (3rd party source, no info on site, no reply on inquiry so far)
Another site where Filipino artist also tries to get into is Payplay and CDBaby.
(Drip's song Far Side of the World can be found on that site)

Mostly indie bands and performers.
Record labels are not so keen in having their songs downloaded without DRM.

Other popular sites where we will see more artists likely to join in the future are:

The download volumes of all local music sites are not encouraging at this time. There's no royalty report submitted as of this writing. In addition, there's hardly any marketing effort visible at this time on TV, radio, print, and online to drive sales. However, local record labels are optimistic still.

The revenue sharing arrangement between the record label, composer, and artist is based on mechanical production and digital performance rights.

As I was told, some CDs have different pricing tiers. Pricing usually depends if the CD is just released or if it's an old title. Obviously, the new ones would be more pricey than an old title unless the newly released CD has some sort of promo.

For music purchased online, one can argue that it is expensive compared to a CD with its per song price. Although being able to purchase only the songs you like may make it cheaper.

Potential of online music in the Philippines

2008-01-14T09:30:00.000+08:00

Music is currently one of the growing products being traded online. This is now seen as a popular means of reducing the cost of production and distribution.

In the Philippines, it is known that music piracy is quite rampant. A question that usually gets asked is whether the selling of digital music online can possibly prosper? Looking at the growing number of e-commerce sites that sells and ships Filipino music, it is fair to say that there is market overseas.

Locally, despite the popularity of the Internet and television as an entertainment medium, radio lives on and this is where most of us get our dose of music everyday. With the popularity of music gadget players, this further encourages it.

In the Filipino Internet User Report Part 2 (released in 2003), this is the data that I got:

28% of Internet users spend online time listening to music.
While offline, they listen to the music around 7 to 10 hours a week.

Radio listening takes 7.8 to 8.2 hours per week.

In the Young Filipino Internet Users Habits Report (released in 2007), I also note that 84% listens to the radio regularly with 90.7 Love Radio leading.

Of course, the challenge there is how many listeners of music will be willing to buy online. What do you think?

X to launch 1st album

2007-11-04T07:04:00.000+08:00

A good friend of mine, X, will be launching his first album hopefully this November. I'm giving an all out support to X as this guy is behind most of the art work behind the cover and layout of DigitalFilipino StatsReport series, my first book, layout of the Philippine Internet Review, among others.

In his site, there are currently two songs:

X was on his 5th year of Electrical Engineering in college when he discovered his heart was in graphic design and the arts. He was a Mac evangelist in the early days of Mac/DOS wars and continues to be a Mac user. He is also the first to develop and market his custom fonts online. Now X is pursuing an old passion for music which is now possible with the developments in technology.

Congratulations X!

Rockista Craze version 2

2007-11-04T06:28:00.000+08:00

This blog is now going through some changes. My daughter Janin has decided to focus more in her Friendster blog where most of her friend readers are.

This change gives me the opportunity to focus this blog in the music field and with emphasis on the evolution of the online music sector.

Welcome to Rockista Craze version 2!

Edgar Nacua plays Canon in D (Rock version)

2007-10-20T11:36:00.000+08:00

The Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center does it again with Canon in D. This time, they also got Edgar Nacua to play the guitar. Amazing!

Visiting Adelaide Museums

2007-08-26T09:18:00.000+08:00

Today is our first week in Adelaide. Last Wednesday, I started attending school. On the first day, someone was ordered to tour me. Honestly, I didn't enjoyed it a lot coz' they don't talk to me too much. I didn't make friends actually because I guess they are still trying to figure me out. I noticed also that the girls in my class have piercings on their nose and lips and even their ears are full of earrings.

On my second day, two of my classmates was called at the Principal's Office because they had a fight. They pulled each other's hair and they even slap each other's face which was so scary.

I hope that I will adjust soon.

We visited the National Science Week exhibit at the South Australia Museum yesterday and it was fun. Because, I had a picture taken while touching a Diamond Python. According to the lady from South Australian Herpetology group, the Diamond Python is a female and she's a non-venomous, 18 months old, and a friendly snake. The snake felt so silky, smooth, and warm.

There are so many animals there too. And there's a big skeleton of a sperm whale, tortoise , and dolphin.

We also stopped by the Art Gallery of South Australia. I saw many painting there and so amaze coz' they look real! I even wanted to touch it but I'm just forcing myself not to do it (not allowed).

At first, I didn't want to go because I wasn't feeling that well (that monthly visitor). I also thought it would be boring and just a waste of time. But in the end, i felt better and never thought that I'll enjoy it. We might visit it again soon as we were rushing then.

Our house really has a very nice backyard and we could plant some stuff there. My mom is now fixing her schedule to make time for it and will be buying plants, seeds, and agricultural chemicals soon.

My Interview

2007-08-22T08:54:00.000+08:00

As my sister shared in her blog, we're now in Adelaide, Australia. Well, it was too tiring for me because, our flight is too early and we have to wait many hours in Singapore for our next flight. But, the good thing is, there's free internet in Singapore that's why i survived in boredom. When we arrived, i saw my father waiting for us with his friend, to help us for our things. And at last we got home, i slept all they long. Well, not all day coz' when we arrived we have to go to grocery first w/c is bad, coz' I'm too tired for it.

My brother enrolled to his school last Monday at Seaton Park Primary School which is great coz' he is too bored in our house. Well, we got enrolled too at Findon High School. Our class starts tomorrow.

Today I got interviewed in my new school Findon High School. Well, at first i just picked my subjects, then, I had a conversation with an English teacher and he asked me to write a paragraph about the Philippines. I got nervous coz' honestly, i'm not good at essay writing. Afterwards, they told me what's going to happen tomorrow at my first day. Someone will be assigned to tour me in our school which is good coz' I'm hoping to make friends soon.

I'll be recording a song this week and will post it soon.

Mga bagong idol na bloggers

2007-08-05T20:35:00.000+08:00

Sumama ako kay mama nung August 1 sa party ng top 10 emerging influential blogs. Since i have a blog, sumama na ko to get a feel of the crowd. I want to congratulate the winners of the top 10 emerging influential blogs. Kasama rito sila:

Well, wala naman akong gaanong ginawa dun. Nagbigay lang ako ng mga name tags sa kanila. I didn't really talk too much coz' nakikiramdam pa ako that night. Maybe next time. Wala din kasing kumakausap sa akin eh hehe.. I'm just waiting someone to talk to me that night kaso wala hehe..

Well, before that night happened, we ate lunch at Jollibee dito sa Don Antonio Quezon City. Did you know na paborito ko ang Jollibee lalo na yung Spicy chicken nila, ang sarap haha!! In fact, dun ako laging nagyayaya pag eat-out kami.

When i was eating my food, i noticed the spoon I'm using has rust on it. Grabe talaga, nakailang subo ako, tapos nagulat na lang ako, may kalawang. Hay.. di nila tinitignan yung mga spoons na pinapagamit nila, basta lang sila lagay ng lagay. Well, di naman ako gaanong nag-react parang normal lang, tinanong namin kung ba't ganun yung spoon na sini-serve nila tapos ang sinabi lang nila papalitan na lang daw yun. Habang kumukuha sila ng spoon, I took a picture and that's it.

Please watch out for my next post where I will sing, "Wag mo ng itanong" originally sung by the Eraserheads.

Bad rumor - Julius Babao's baby is dead

2007-07-31T20:03:00.000+08:00

Julius Babao's baby is dead, at least in bad neighborhood rumors
Can you believe? Some people these days love to make speculative stories about other people. Just like my friend's neighbor. Her friend shared that Julius Babao's daughter died from an accident while doing a diaper commercial . The story goes like this, "Juliu's role is to lift her daughter up high, letting go a bit, and then catch her. They said he did but was not able to catch her that resulted to her death.

I was shocked to hear about it and told my mom, siblings, and yayas. My mom smiled saying that it's not true. Coz' if its true then it should have been reported on news and must saw it on the Internet already as they are famous. Then I just laughed at myself as always. hehe :)

Funny is, although I'm already enlightened, some of my friends still talks about it and convinced that the news was just supressed. Oh well...

Spolarium (take 2)
This is my take 2 of Spolarium but now using different a recording gadget and guitar for reasons i mentioned on my previous video. Not that I have no new song to sing but I'm still figuring out my next one. Any suggestion?

We are scheduled to visit a relative in Australia soon. As not all of us will go, I asked my Mom if she will leave them money behind. She answered just a little and will just send money to the Philippines online. Ang galing noh? Puwede na pala yun ngayon? She even told me that if I do well with my singing, I can sell songs in the future through the Internet. Hayy... someday...
I hope that will happen soon.

Torete rendition (take 2)

2007-07-29T18:35:00.000+08:00

I sung this song before using my old guitar now i sing it again using my new Alegre guitar from Cebu and recorded using Nokia N73.

I sung it again because i want to make it better coz' the old video is not good enough for me. Like the place i took the old video its not nice. My dad didn't like it too, that's why i changed the place. Everything. Even the recorder i used change, the first one was recorded using a Sony MAVICA . This time my mom's demo phone, Nokia N73. It was better as its limit time is up to 18 minutes. That's why i can finish my song unlike the previous one. Sony MAVICA has a limit of 1 minute only. I hope this one turns better.

Torete was originally sung by Moonstar 88. I like Moonstar 88's revival and their contribution to the Apo Hiking Society tribute, Panalangin. They sung it very well. I like it and their video is great too.

My Zombie rendition

2007-07-25T00:32:00.000+08:00

Zombie was originally sung by the Cranberries. I really love this song because for me napaka- unique nung pagkaka-gawa. Gets? It's so very kakaiba. Not like other songs and that's why I picked it.

One of the reasons why I haven't been able to blog and upload a video regularly was my sickness, "katam" (laziness). Seriously, it's true. Pero bukod doon, alam niyo ba na nag-aral ako for more than 2 months ng American accent sa Informatics. Ito yung call center course nila. Kasi para raw mag-improve ang pang-English. Would you believe that? Mga classmate ko ay puro mga working na. But still, nakuha ko best American accent award nung last day namin. I'm so proud. Hehehehe.....

Mahirap din pala ang mag business. I tried selling prepaid load here in my neighborhood because my Auntie got into this Xpan product. It allows a mobile user on unlimited text to be able to send to multiple networks on a flat rate. I find it hard to explain though. As we are about to take a break in another location soon, our yaya is now handling it.

Well.. if you want to request some songs, leave a message or comment here.

By request: Will You Ever Learn

2007-07-24T23:44:00.001+08:00

This song, Will You Ever Learn by Typecast, was requested by Ryan Valiente, one of my contacts in Friendster. He said that he loves this song so much. Well..the song was really nice, the lyrics.... everything... It's just pretty hard to sing it. Haha!.

Actually he is the first one to request a song, coz' most of my music videos here were not requested, only picked.

I'm pretty much used to my Alegre guitar now. My mom is giving me the challenge to create a simple song dedicated to the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs. I'm not sure if I can do it.

I must admit that since I start putting my videos online, I often get teased by friends. Usually parinig o pang-asar lang. Magtatanong sila sa akin, "Sino ang kumanta ng (ganitong song) sa YouTube?" Obviously, dahil original composition ko yung tinutukoy nila, eh di ako yun. Kaya dead-ma na lang din ang reply ko.

So guys if you want to request some songs, just leave a comment or I can add you in my Friendster. Kaya mga ka-bloggers add lang ng add and send your request if you want to hear me sing it.

By the way, sabi ng mama ko, I can now earn a little money through blogging by putting advertisement here. Did you know that she can accept credit cards in the Philippines with Email Billing? She has this club membership kasi and I asked her how does she collect from them. Sabi niya through credit card daw and she sends her billing through e-mail. From there, she gets paid. I wonder kung mayroon mag-donate sa akin someday dito sa blog ko para magamit ko rin yun.

Why I love O2Jam

2007-07-04T20:29:00.001+08:00

O2 jam is the best game i ever played for now because it's very challenging: the mission, the clothes, everything. I love this game because it helps me to get my finger faster and faster on typing and i look very pretty with my clothes. Haha!!

If you will be playing O2 jam for the first time, here are some tips:

Concentrate on the music because it's getting harder if you don't listen to it.
Always start with the easy mode before getting to normal and hard mode.
If you think that its really hard, create a single room first so that you could practice alone.
And always look if you're clicking the right keys.

My first guitar - a Cebu made Alegre guitar and my Hawak Kamay rendition

2007-05-06T08:18:00.000+08:00

I got my first guitar from my mom. She bought it from Cebu. I really want to have a guitar of my own and there it was - my Alegre guitar from Cebu.

I sang Hawak Kamay by Yeng Constantino to test my new guitar. And it sounds good. However, I'm not sure if Mom's Palm Treo 680 did a good job in recording it.

iBlog3 thank you song

2007-04-15T20:25:00.000+08:00

I volunteered at the recent iBlog3: the 3rd Philippine Blogging Summit event and met new friends. I enjoyed myself very much. (especially when I won a gift certificate from Globe and got game CDs from E-Games)

This song is dedicated to all of those who attended and volunteered at iBlog3. I used the tune of "Bakit ba" by Siakol for this song.

iblog, iblog3
it was done successfully
guest speakers of iblog3
thank you for coming even though your busy
thank you for the volunteers
gwen, thyssen, and tiffany
and the other volunteers thank you for coming on iblog3
Philippine summit conference
thank you, thank you.

My first composition - "I don't"

2007-03-10T10:01:00.001+08:00

Hi. Well, actually it was my friend's story and i just made a song about it. She just asked me to made a song for the guy then here it is.

1st night in Pinoy Big Brother or PBB season 2

2007-02-25T23:48:00.000+08:00

On the first night of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) season 2 Toni, Mariel and Bianca only introduced six (6) housemates as Kuya ordered. Before they were formally introduced and entered the PBB house, participants stayed at the Crowne Plaza hotel.

Compared to the 1st season, things are different in the PBB facilities as there were 42 cameras and microphones inside Kuya's house. It was 27 last year. Interior designer Jezer Maducdoc was responsible for the PBB house layout.

The six housemates introduced are the following:

Ezekiel Rebuso - 21 yrs old from Australia. He plays cricket, football, and a World of Warcraft player. He is also referred to as the "Australian Hottie".
Wendy Valdez - 24 yrs old from Navotas. She's a Mascom student from FEU, a commercial model, and was a Bb. Pilipinas beauty titlist. She is tagged as the "Commercial Babe".
Nel Rapiz- 25 yrs old from Iloilo. His parents are both cops and claims that this best asset is his excotic beuty. He refers to himself as "Mr. Perfect" and proud of being loved by women.
Saicy Aguila - 23 yrs old from Bacolod. She's a dance instructor and called the "Samba Queen". She should join Shall We Dance or Born to Dance!
Gee-Ann Sta. Maria - 21 yrs old from Quezon City. She's a cheerleader and treats her stuff toys like her babies. (that's what she meant when she claims being a mother for 15 years)
Mickey Perz - The only contestant so far who can't speak English and Tagalog. He hopes to be able to communicate through dancing as he is known as the Hip-Hop King. He should become a rubber shoes or music/radio component endorser after his stint. I have a feeling that he may be the first to be to leave the house as his peers might have a hard time dealing with him - sooner or later.

They're the six housemates who's going to live in Kuya's house in 100+ days. There are several more entries that will be introduced at the right time. And I'm going to wait for that.

My Torete rendition

2007-02-14T22:00:00.000+08:00

Torete is a song by Moonstar88. I sang it last year in our school, on stage, because we have to perform in our program and didn't have any presentation to show.

My Spolarium rendition

2007-02-10T22:55:00.000+08:00

I love Eraserheads songs. For me it's about knowing yourself, really love how they sing it, and the lyrics - even though i can't understand it at first.

Welcome to Rockista Craze

2007-02-10T21:42:00.000+08:00

hey guyz! welcome to my blog. I called it rockista craze because this is for guitar lovers or what you called 'Rockista' . I hope you'll like it. (Janin)