2007 marks the return of Barbie Almalbis and she also celebrates her 10th year in the local music scene. It was 1997 when Barbie first picked up her guitar, tuned her melody and made great music with her band name Hungry Young Poets. She wrote the hit singles “Torpe” and “Firewoman” which was the start to the large body of work she has produced throughout her ten years in music. She paved the way for women to have a voice and artists to write more original music. She has proven her songwriting talent time and time again and is as much an institution to OPM as her music is.
From The Hungry Young Poets (1997-Hungry Young Poets self-titled album), to Barbie’s Cradle (1999 – Barbie’s Cradle, 2000 – Music From The Buffet Table, 2003 – Playing Fields), to her solo artist work (2005 – The Singles & 2006 – Parade) she has composed so many hits - “Tabing Ilog”, “Just A Smile”, “Goodnyt”, “Dahilan” and the new single “Untitled” and been one of the pioneering females in local rock music. She was recognized as Best Female Recording Artist in the last year 19th Awit Awards. Barbie has truly come full circle in her career. She is the new generation icon in her own right. Her personal life parallels this success; she found God and an inspirational sense of spirituality, got a college degree, got married, and recently become a mother. But thankfully she hasn’t decided to put her guitar down just yet, and after taking time out to have her child she is back to set the standard and remind everyone why she is well deserving of the many accolades bestowed upon her. She sings, composes paints, plays a mean guitar solo, and remains the angelic image she always has been. And she intends to put even more music out there.
Recently, Barbie just represented the Philippines in the 2007 Asia Song Festival in Seoul, South Korea last September 22, 2007. The festival brings together 13 groups of top-notch musicians from nine Asian countries in Sangham World Cup Stadium, where Asia’s power was demonstrated to the rest of the world during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Among the artists were F4 -Taiwan, Kuraki Mai – Japan, Golf & Mike – Thailand, Peterpan – Indonesia, Gigi Leung – Hongkong, Vicki – China, Tong Vfang Xien Qi – Korea, and many others.
It is exciting to see what Barbie is going to do next. Celebrating ten passionate years in music was an unforgettable event, it is also the launch of her special live DVD “Barbie Rocks the Big Dome” under 12 Stone Records. The audio CD of “Barbie Rocks the Big Dome” is already out in stores nationwide. It composes of 16 songs of her greatest hits recorded live at Araneta Coliseum.
The ten year anniversary celebration gig happened last September 29, 2007 at the Eastwood Central Plaza, also played there special guests, Rocksteddy and Vince Noir Project. The event was presented by 12 Stone Records, Eastwood City, Vartuk Group, Bayo, Heaven ‘n Eggs Eastwood branch, Pocari Sweat, Shu Uemura and Magic 89.9. Barbie will be promoting her DVD album “Barbie Rocks the Big Dome Live” and her new single “Untitled” on November 18, 2007 at ASAP ’07, channel 2.
For more information about Barbie and her music, simply log onto: www.barbiealmalbis.com
From The Hungry Young Poets (1997-Hungry Young Poets self-titled album), to Barbie’s Cradle (1999 – Barbie’s Cradle, 2000 – Music From The Buffet Table, 2003 – Playing Fields), to her solo artist work (2005 – The Singles & 2006 – Parade) she has composed so many hits - “Tabing Ilog”, “Just A Smile”, “Goodnyt”, “Dahilan” and the new single “Untitled” and been one of the pioneering females in local rock music. She was recognized as Best Female Recording Artist in the last year 19th Awit Awards. Barbie has truly come full circle in her career. She is the new generation icon in her own right. Her personal life parallels this success; she found God and an inspirational sense of spirituality, got a college degree, got married, and recently become a mother. But thankfully she hasn’t decided to put her guitar down just yet, and after taking time out to have her child she is back to set the standard and remind everyone why she is well deserving of the many accolades bestowed upon her. She sings, composes paints, plays a mean guitar solo, and remains the angelic image she always has been. And she intends to put even more music out there.
Recently, Barbie just represented the Philippines in the 2007 Asia Song Festival in Seoul, South Korea last September 22, 2007. The festival brings together 13 groups of top-notch musicians from nine Asian countries in Sangham World Cup Stadium, where Asia’s power was demonstrated to the rest of the world during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Among the artists were F4 -Taiwan, Kuraki Mai – Japan, Golf & Mike – Thailand, Peterpan – Indonesia, Gigi Leung – Hongkong, Vicki – China, Tong Vfang Xien Qi – Korea, and many others.
It is exciting to see what Barbie is going to do next. Celebrating ten passionate years in music was an unforgettable event, it is also the launch of her special live DVD “Barbie Rocks the Big Dome” under 12 Stone Records. The audio CD of “Barbie Rocks the Big Dome” is already out in stores nationwide. It composes of 16 songs of her greatest hits recorded live at Araneta Coliseum.
The ten year anniversary celebration gig happened last September 29, 2007 at the Eastwood Central Plaza, also played there special guests, Rocksteddy and Vince Noir Project. The event was presented by 12 Stone Records, Eastwood City, Vartuk Group, Bayo, Heaven ‘n Eggs Eastwood branch, Pocari Sweat, Shu Uemura and Magic 89.9. Barbie will be promoting her DVD album “Barbie Rocks the Big Dome Live” and her new single “Untitled” on November 18, 2007 at ASAP ’07, channel 2.
For more information about Barbie and her music, simply log onto: www.barbiealmalbis.com
Life is a gamble as the saying goes. It is like a game of teks, a popular children’s game. Once the magic word “Tsubtsatagilid” has been shouted and the cards have been flicked up into the air, you never know if your card will drop face down (“Tsub”) or face up (“Tsa”). All you can say is “akeyn” hoping your card will land face-up.
This was how Rocksteddy would compare their entry to the mainstream music scene and inspired the title of their debut album “Tsubtsagilidakeyn.” Who would have thought the band that spawned the poetic radio hit “Lagi Mo Na Lang Akong Dinededma” actually started as a Christian band just like Switchfoot and Jars of Clay?
“We started in 1999 as a 3-man Christian band called Acoustic Faith” said vocalist/ guitarist Teddy Corpuz, who can also be seen on television as Richard Gutierez’s best friend Pikoy on the TV series “Sugo.”
After years of mostly singing inspirational songs, they felt it was time to transcend to alternative rock and let their music be heard by a wider audience.
Teddy, along with original bassist Christian Sindico, was joined by Jowi Ramos (guitars/ back-up vocals), Juven Pelingon (lead guitar) and Jeff Cucullo (Drums). At first, they considered calling themselves Rocksteady but another group had already used the name. They eventually settled for “Rocksteddy,” from the same word replacing “teady” with Teddy’s name.
“The name also came from our Christian roots that God is our steady rock,” Teddy said. Suddenly, the range of topics for them to sing grew wider. “It did become wider because you are not limited to carefully choosing the lyrics but still it is based from personal experience. Before, there was incorporation of religion. Every time you have a personal experience with God, you try to relate it on music and consider how Christians would accept the song,” said Christian.
Though now an alternative rock band, they still infused their Christian influences and maintained the style they will never compromise—truthful, straightforward and unadulterated music inviting everyone to listen, feel their lovelorn declarations, and sing with them.
“Christianity is not about preaching. It is really about living truthfully. Songs like ‘Gising Na’ and ‘Magpakailanman’ came out truthfully,” Teddy said.
These became evident with all Tagalog line-up written by Teddy infusing his gift of poetry. Tracks like “Gising Na”, a song inspired from the Corinthians about new beginning and “Magpakailanman,” a take on love and time how time flies so fast. Universal themes like camaraderie (“Tara,” “Super Nova”), love and relationships (“Balewala,” “Kung Wala Na Tayo,” “Playing Safe”) are also included.
Of course, there is “Lagi Mo Na Lang Akong Dinededma”, the song that made people listen to its intriguing spoken words delivered with much emotion by Teddy. Its video, directed by the group themselves, sparked interest with its fun storyline. Likewise, the song’s continuation “Wag Na Lang.” is something to watch out for. Plus, the ever favorites: Superhero, Original Soundtrack of the T.V Program-SuperInggo, There rendition of APO’s Blue Jeans & Mike Hanopol’s No Touch.
“Tsubstatagilidakeyn” is still out in CDs at your favorite music stores under 12 Stone Records and distributed by Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Also, watch out for “PATIPATOTPANABLA” A Maxi album that includes & combines collection of their favorites in AVCD format to be released soon.
This was how Rocksteddy would compare their entry to the mainstream music scene and inspired the title of their debut album “Tsubtsagilidakeyn.” Who would have thought the band that spawned the poetic radio hit “Lagi Mo Na Lang Akong Dinededma” actually started as a Christian band just like Switchfoot and Jars of Clay?
“We started in 1999 as a 3-man Christian band called Acoustic Faith” said vocalist/ guitarist Teddy Corpuz, who can also be seen on television as Richard Gutierez’s best friend Pikoy on the TV series “Sugo.”
After years of mostly singing inspirational songs, they felt it was time to transcend to alternative rock and let their music be heard by a wider audience.
Teddy, along with original bassist Christian Sindico, was joined by Jowi Ramos (guitars/ back-up vocals), Juven Pelingon (lead guitar) and Jeff Cucullo (Drums). At first, they considered calling themselves Rocksteady but another group had already used the name. They eventually settled for “Rocksteddy,” from the same word replacing “teady” with Teddy’s name.
“The name also came from our Christian roots that God is our steady rock,” Teddy said. Suddenly, the range of topics for them to sing grew wider. “It did become wider because you are not limited to carefully choosing the lyrics but still it is based from personal experience. Before, there was incorporation of religion. Every time you have a personal experience with God, you try to relate it on music and consider how Christians would accept the song,” said Christian.
Though now an alternative rock band, they still infused their Christian influences and maintained the style they will never compromise—truthful, straightforward and unadulterated music inviting everyone to listen, feel their lovelorn declarations, and sing with them.
“Christianity is not about preaching. It is really about living truthfully. Songs like ‘Gising Na’ and ‘Magpakailanman’ came out truthfully,” Teddy said.
These became evident with all Tagalog line-up written by Teddy infusing his gift of poetry. Tracks like “Gising Na”, a song inspired from the Corinthians about new beginning and “Magpakailanman,” a take on love and time how time flies so fast. Universal themes like camaraderie (“Tara,” “Super Nova”), love and relationships (“Balewala,” “Kung Wala Na Tayo,” “Playing Safe”) are also included.
Of course, there is “Lagi Mo Na Lang Akong Dinededma”, the song that made people listen to its intriguing spoken words delivered with much emotion by Teddy. Its video, directed by the group themselves, sparked interest with its fun storyline. Likewise, the song’s continuation “Wag Na Lang.” is something to watch out for. Plus, the ever favorites: Superhero, Original Soundtrack of the T.V Program-SuperInggo, There rendition of APO’s Blue Jeans & Mike Hanopol’s No Touch.
“Tsubstatagilidakeyn” is still out in CDs at your favorite music stores under 12 Stone Records and distributed by Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Also, watch out for “PATIPATOTPANABLA” A Maxi album that includes & combines collection of their favorites in AVCD format to be released soon.
When the BBC aired British Sitcom “The Mighty Boosh” it captivated audiences and made them laugh with funny music and pop culture jokes; and it was in this show that Vince Noir, would invade the stylish mental retinas of music lovers. He is however, not at all a part of the band that has been making noise in the far Eastern country of the Philippines.
After a trip to London in late 2006 a chance run in with comedian Noel Fielding (a.k.a. Vince Noir) in an East End pub/club called the Rhythm Factory, vocalist Alessandra Tinio was inspired to start a band named after his character. Aless founded the group around March of 2007; for which an open mic night at Temple bar in Makati, a received text about a disbanding, and a few important conversations would form the solid line up which the band is now comprised of; and coincidentally in the same week it led them to their album producer.
Now, in summarized form the band’s story goes like this… Aless and guitarist Tani knew each other from previous bands and Aless and Tani had jammed together at a U.P. gig, things get moving when Aless receives a text about Tani’s band NARDA disbanding and throwing their farewell gig. Albeit sad, Aless gets in touch right away. At the same time Aless and Producer Diego Mapa (Pedicab, Cambio, Monsterbot, etc.) are already laying down some tracks in the studio when they go an open mic. night in Temple Bar in Greenbelt to watch Diego jam with awesome electro synth group Dayuhan. A jam now entitled “Pinoy Space Adventure” (still found on youtube) was the first interaction with Keyboardist (synth man du jour) and bassist Rembrandt Vocalan, as well as Drummer Wally Contento (who interestingly played bass Synth for Dayuhan). They will later play Fete De La Musique and begin spreading their psychedelic, electro, Indie, punk, rock, party sound (genre not applicable) anywhere and everywhere they have been offered shows.
Newly signed to 12 Stone Records, the band has completed their first studio album and is looking forward to getting it out there and releasing the sonic assault onto anyone who’s up for a good time and just loves music. It’s a melting pot of the groups varying musical influences; the sound is new and exciting, bravely blending everything from punk rock to funky house, electronica, new wave, old school hip hop, and even 60’s and 90’s British psychedelia. With the allure of Aless’ sultry vocal stylistics and their over all enthusiasm for dancing and having fun, The Vince Noir Project is proving their live shows to be as much of a party as their music.
For more information log onto: www.myspace.com/thevincenoirproject or http://odysseylive.net/vincenoirproject
Email: vincenoir@yahoogroups.com
After a trip to London in late 2006 a chance run in with comedian Noel Fielding (a.k.a. Vince Noir) in an East End pub/club called the Rhythm Factory, vocalist Alessandra Tinio was inspired to start a band named after his character. Aless founded the group around March of 2007; for which an open mic night at Temple bar in Makati, a received text about a disbanding, and a few important conversations would form the solid line up which the band is now comprised of; and coincidentally in the same week it led them to their album producer.
Now, in summarized form the band’s story goes like this… Aless and guitarist Tani knew each other from previous bands and Aless and Tani had jammed together at a U.P. gig, things get moving when Aless receives a text about Tani’s band NARDA disbanding and throwing their farewell gig. Albeit sad, Aless gets in touch right away. At the same time Aless and Producer Diego Mapa (Pedicab, Cambio, Monsterbot, etc.) are already laying down some tracks in the studio when they go an open mic. night in Temple Bar in Greenbelt to watch Diego jam with awesome electro synth group Dayuhan. A jam now entitled “Pinoy Space Adventure” (still found on youtube) was the first interaction with Keyboardist (synth man du jour) and bassist Rembrandt Vocalan, as well as Drummer Wally Contento (who interestingly played bass Synth for Dayuhan). They will later play Fete De La Musique and begin spreading their psychedelic, electro, Indie, punk, rock, party sound (genre not applicable) anywhere and everywhere they have been offered shows.
Newly signed to 12 Stone Records, the band has completed their first studio album and is looking forward to getting it out there and releasing the sonic assault onto anyone who’s up for a good time and just loves music. It’s a melting pot of the groups varying musical influences; the sound is new and exciting, bravely blending everything from punk rock to funky house, electronica, new wave, old school hip hop, and even 60’s and 90’s British psychedelia. With the allure of Aless’ sultry vocal stylistics and their over all enthusiasm for dancing and having fun, The Vince Noir Project is proving their live shows to be as much of a party as their music.
For more information log onto: www.myspace.com/thevincenoirproject or http://odysseylive.net/vincenoirproject
Email: vincenoir@yahoogroups.com
Officially started last September 2004 with members composed of Kat Agarrado on vocals, Nick Azarcon on guitars & Reli de Vera on drums. This trio is a mixed up of various musicians with great passion & advocacy on their melody, from their music that can best identified as indulgence & fusion of jazz, soul, funk, rock & broken beats.
From the well-crafted powerful voice of the front Kat has already been a symbol & calibrated ever since she was 17, she had performed with the band Kindred Garden & Passage and did session work singing blues & classical rock song pieces with Wally Gonzales and been actively involved to Pinoy Soul Movement who has an album project released headed by her. Having been exposed to various genres makes the band execute a distinct live performance. While Nick on their guitars has been playing since 12, he entered into the music scene after he graduated from college and of course could not be off track in the music industry since he is the brother of Bamboo’s bass, Nathan Azarcon. Nick’s various rock influences include from the bands popular during the 80s, like U2, Echo and the Bunnymen, the Police, and the Cult and even explored to Rage against the Machine, Jeff Buckley, Weather Report and others. Lastly, but not the least is the drummer Reli de Vera who were in the roots of musicians, and acquired his passion for music to his bass player father. He has been in the music industry since, did session work for POT, Paolo Santos, and had become part of Third World Project. He also played with world music artists Sing India, Nityalila Spy & Pinikpikan.
With diverse experiences and rooted from various music genres, this group is an eccentric blend of new sounds, new picks of tunes that would entertain and give new listening to your craving ears. They are as per the group are influenced by the past and inspired by the future.
Their debut album was released last year 2007 under Warner Music Philippines, and the very same year they won the “Vocalist of the Year” title at the NU RockAwards.
To get to know more of the band, simply visit www.sinosikat.com or
MySpace Account: www.myspace.com/sinosikat1
Friendster Account: sinosikat@yahoo.com
Mailing List: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/sinosikat
From the well-crafted powerful voice of the front Kat has already been a symbol & calibrated ever since she was 17, she had performed with the band Kindred Garden & Passage and did session work singing blues & classical rock song pieces with Wally Gonzales and been actively involved to Pinoy Soul Movement who has an album project released headed by her. Having been exposed to various genres makes the band execute a distinct live performance. While Nick on their guitars has been playing since 12, he entered into the music scene after he graduated from college and of course could not be off track in the music industry since he is the brother of Bamboo’s bass, Nathan Azarcon. Nick’s various rock influences include from the bands popular during the 80s, like U2, Echo and the Bunnymen, the Police, and the Cult and even explored to Rage against the Machine, Jeff Buckley, Weather Report and others. Lastly, but not the least is the drummer Reli de Vera who were in the roots of musicians, and acquired his passion for music to his bass player father. He has been in the music industry since, did session work for POT, Paolo Santos, and had become part of Third World Project. He also played with world music artists Sing India, Nityalila Spy & Pinikpikan.
With diverse experiences and rooted from various music genres, this group is an eccentric blend of new sounds, new picks of tunes that would entertain and give new listening to your craving ears. They are as per the group are influenced by the past and inspired by the future.
Their debut album was released last year 2007 under Warner Music Philippines, and the very same year they won the “Vocalist of the Year” title at the NU RockAwards.
To get to know more of the band, simply visit www.sinosikat.com or
MySpace Account: www.myspace.com/sinosikat1
Friendster Account: sinosikat@yahoo.com
Mailing List: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/sinosikat