Via www.reuters.com

Credit: Reuters/Jason Redmond

(Reuters) - Former "American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert pushed his fellow "Idol" alum off the top spot of the Billboard 200 chart on Wednesday to score his first No. 1 album with "Trespassing."

Lambert's second studio album sold 77,000 copies in its first week, a significantly lower debut than Underwood's "Blown Away" debut two weeks ago, which sold 267,000 copies to score the top spot on the chart.

"Blown Away" fell to No. 3 this week, behind Adele's juggernaut "21," which added a further 63,000 copies to its phenomenal sales record this week.

Lambert joins six other former "Idol" contestants who have topped the album chart -- Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry and Scotty McCreery.

Comedy rockers Tenacious D, comprising actors Jack Black and Kyle Gass, made an impressive debut at No. 5 with their third studio album "Rize of the Fenix," selling 44,000. Baltimore atmospheric pop band Beach House scored their highest debut to date with their fourth studio album "Bloom" at No. 7.

Fox's musical TV show "Glee" made its lowest chart debut to date, as their season 3 finale's "Graduation Album" sold 39,000 copies and clocked in at No. 8.

Newcomer Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen broke Gotye's long-running streak at No. 1 on the Digital Songs chart with her infectious single "Call Me Maybe," which she performed at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" featuring Kimbra fell to No. 2, while the rest of the top five was rounded out by Maroon 5's "Payphone" featuring Wiz Khalifa, Nicki Minaj's "Starships" and fun.'s "We Are Young," featuring Janelle Monae, in that order.

(Reporting By Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

Via ph.omg.yahoo.com

Via Iva Dorschner FB Fan Page

Via Iva Dorschner FB Fan Page

Former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate and Star Magic artist Ivan Dorschner, 21, finally fulfilled his “teenage dream”. He got a kiss from international pop singer Katy Perry during her concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City on Sunday night, January 22.

Ivan was one of the thousands of hopefuls who wanted Katy to kiss him as part of her act in her “California Dreams” tour. Manila was the last leg of the tour, which started in February 2011 with over a hundred shows in Europe, Australia and America.

The Kiss

Katy announced on stage that whoever takes his shirt off first can come on stage. Many of her Filipino fans frantically took off their shirt but it was Ivan who ended up the luckiest.

Katy not only kissed him. He kissed her back.

“I wanna make your dreams come true because I’m sure you haven’t kissed a pop star yet, have you?,” Katy playfully asked Ivan. She shouted, “Thank you, God!” when Ivan kissed her.

Going viral

The kiss went viral and Ivan trended on Twitter on Monday, January 23.

The kiss even made news on “The Daily Mail” website in UK.

The headline read, “Is she trying to make Russell jealous? Katy Perry kisses ANOTHER man onstage as she continues her Asian tour.”

The news also says that while Katy was enjoying her Manila concert, her estranged husband was spotted at a club in Los Angeles.

“While the flirtatious act appears to be part of her stage show, Katy was clearly enjoying herself. Several miles across the ocean, her estranged husband was spotted at The Lexington Social House in Los Angeles with two male friends,” the news said.

Meanwhile, through her Twitter account, Katy defended her actions and explained why she “kissed a boy.”

“Btw, I have *kissed* 1 boy, picked randomly out of the audience, on the cheek as a part of my show for all 125 tour dates. Simmer down now,” she tweeted on Monday, January 23.

Via music.yahoo.com

From the special Sunday San Diego episode's manly locale on the USS Midway aircraft carrier, to its soundtrack of the manly Top Gun theme "Danger Zone," to its increased amount of Steven Tyler swearing, to its first audition featuring a modern-day Vargas girl in a teensy-weensy red white & blue bikini, to its final audition by a manly mechanic named "Wolf" who covered CCR and Johnny Cash, it was obvious that "American Idol" producers were hoping to hook male viewers who'd stuck around after Sunday afternoon's NFL playoff game. And the tactic just might have worked.

Once again, this was an episode heavy on impressive singers, some of which may have roped in a few new fans. And among those impressive singers was one who probably had some longtime Fox viewers, male and female alike, feeling all nostalgic, as Jim Carrey's 24-year-old daughter, Jane Carrey, tried out in front of Jim's old "In Living Color" Fly Girl castmate, Jennifer Lopez. ("I was 2 when you were on TV together," Jane told J.Lo; Jennifer, surprisingly uninsulted, gave her a golden ticket anyway.) Wow, the daughter of the Truman Show star on an ACTUAL reality show? How very meta! And also, what great television.

Below is a full roundup of who sailed straight from the USS Midway to Hollywood...

Ashley Robles - This girl seemed to be ticking all the boxes here: single-mom back story (she works five jobs, including one as a DJ), a precocious 5-year-old daughter who dreams of being a Fly Girl and loves J.Lo's "On The Floor," a button-cute face and figure, and, most importantly, the ability to actually pull off an ambitious audition song like "I Will Always Love You." Steven told her, "You are gonna be big." I'm kind of surprised that Ashley isn't big already.

Jayrah Gibson - Jayrah is an R&B songwriter who was once told he should just stick to penning songs for others because he cannot sing himself. Of course, when Jayrah revealed this, I thought it was all a setup for a classic bad, William Hungian audition. (Oh, "Idol." Eleven seasons in, and you still keep on fooling me. Kudos.) As it turned out, whoever told Jayrah he couldn't sing clearly couldn't hear. Jayrah can sing, quite well, and judging by the snippet he warbled of an original ditty he wrote for J.Lo, "Shake Your Moneymaker," he's not a bad writer, either. Honestly, I liked his "Moneymaker" bit better than his "real" audition, of Musiq Soulchild's "Just Friends," but I enjoyed him all the way through, and as Randy Jackson pointed out, it has been WAY too long since a major R&B star came out of "Idol." It's time for that to change, and maybe Jayrah is the man who can make it happen.

Ali Shields - I can't decide if this geek girl will be tons of fun on the show, or if she'll just be so annoying that I'll be praying for her to get cut on day one of Hollywood Week. (Probably the latter.) Ali's done her goofball-shtick act on national television before: She wrote a song about ex-"Idol" judge Ellen DeGeneres that landed her a cameo on Ellen's talk show, and then Ellen dispatched Ali to be a reporter at the American Music Awards, where Ali used some dorky never-been-kissed sob story to coerce kisses out of sympathetic pop stars like Mike Poesner and Usher. By the time I finished watching Ali's bio reel featuring all of her "Ellen" and AMAs footage, I was already tired of her, and I expected she'd get a kissoff from the judges once she auditioned for "Idol," that she'd be a novelty act at best. I personally preferred her jokey rap of Chris Brown's "Look At Me Now" over her more serious rendition of Corinne Bailey Rae's "Like A Star" (although I found it a little offensive when Randy ordered her to "ghetto dance," and she stuck her booty out like a stripper), but for whatever reason, the judges liked her and put her through. My prediction now is she'll get eliminated early, then she'll be brought back as an "Idol" correspondent for the finale. I have a feeling that was Ali's real agenda from the start, anyway.

Aubree Dieckmyer - Here was one gorgeous girl sure to please male viewers...so gorgeous, in fact, that she kept accidentally saying she was trying out for "America's Next Top Model"! Oops. This made me instantly dislike her, and when she encouraged Steven's icky flirting, that also had me prematurely writing her off as a probable reject. I say "prematurely" because once Aubree started singing...she was great! Her "Feeling Good" audition was actually my favorite of the night; her voice had a truly lovely, fragile quality to it that got me feeling all gooey and goosepimply inside. So not so fast, Tyra Banks: Aubree may be pretty good at smizing at Steven, but if she keeps singing like this, she'll be on "Idol" for a while and won't be signing up for "ANTM" any time soon.

Kyle Crews - This 19-year-old UC Berkeley frat boy claimed to be a ladies' man, but honestly, I think David "Mister Steal-Your-Girl" Leathers Jr. from the Savannah auditions might have a better chance at being an "Idol" heartthrob, even if Kyle did cheesily dedicate Monica's "Angel Of Mine" to J.Lo and serenade her throughout. I just found Kyle to be Wonderbread-bland, and I was shocked--shocked!--when Steven told him he was the "best male voice we've heard so far." Kyle looked as shocked as I was, actually. Maybe all the loud background airplane noise marring the San Diego auditions rendered Steven temporarily deaf or something.

Jane Carrey - The aforementioned daughter of Jim, Jane talked wistfully about living in her famous father's shadow and how difficult it was for her to establish her own identity as a performer. At first I was slightly turned off by this; I mean, after seasons of single parents, widowers, orphans, illness and accident survivors, struggling artists living out of cars (or tents), etc., "My dad is an A-list millionaire actor" didn't seem like a very heartstring-tugging sob story. But then Jane sang, and all was forgiven. Her soulful cover of Bonnie Raitt's "Something To Talk About" showed raw promise, and when she called her dad after she got her golden ticket and he sounded so elated and supportive, it warmed my heart. I was dumb and dumber to doubt this girl. (Heh.)

via pollpigeon.com

Via pep.ph

Prior to accepting TV5's offer to headline the network's newest soap opera, American Idol alumnus and season seven runner-up David Archuleta had visited the Philippines three times.

These visits were very brief, less than 24 hours each, only enough to do concerts, or to promote his albums.


But those short stays were more than enough for the young singer to experience what the country offers.

He readily admits that, from these visits, it's really more fun in the Philippines.


In an interview by PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last week, David did not hesitate to relate the reasons why he thinks the Philippines is more fun.

For one, he says, the fans are warmer here than anywhere else.


"I feel very comfortable with just the people," says the 21-year-old
matinee idol. "I feel that fans are very warm here. That's why I feel
that it would be a comfortable experience here."



He adds, "For me, the number one thing about any place is people.
That's what interests me, and what I remember the most anywhere I go.

"Especially here, I feel comfortable here, the people here are very
friendly, and they're very supportive as well.



"I could safely say that I always have a blast when I come to the
Philippines, so it's always fun to me when I come to the Philippines."



Asked to name Filipino things that excite him whenever he's in the country, David was quick to mention the food, the tourist spots, and the unforgettable experiences.


The food that David pleasantly remembers and has tasted in his past visits are tokwa't baboy, sisig, and papaitan.



"They're all good," he says with delight.



During his short stint, this time, in the country, David hopes to visit the best tourist spots, but he's concerned that he just won't have the time.

Via mb.com.ph
By: Neil Ramos

Local music lovers will now be able to download all the songs they want, legally.

MyMusic Store Philippines, hyped as the first-ever online digital music store in the country, has just been launched recently.

A report on GMA News said that the site has the approval and support of local recording companies and several artists like Bamboo Mañalac, Ely Buendia and Gary Valenciano, as well as the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) and the Optical Media Board (OMB).

It’s all about giving consumer’s a “choice,” says MyMusic Store's Jhanice Reodique.

"Currently, people download pirated [music], torrents. They don't have a choice for legitimate downloads. So now they have a choice," said she via the same GMA News report.

The price of the song downloads, which was agreed upon by MyMusic Store and the record labels, ranges from P20, P25 to P30.

Already, a variety of payment options have been made available for consumers.

"We have mobile payment via Smart. But eventually, we will be offering a MyMusic Store wallet wherein you can purchase credits via LoadCentral using e-pins. You can also use Paypal or your credit card," said Reodique.

Currently, MyMusicStore.com.ph, has over 116,000 songs from 12 of the biggest record companies around the globe.

Mañalac is very vocal of his support of the site.

"It's a way to support OPM. Music is our soul. We gotta pump some money into this," said he in the same report.

He added, "I think it's a great thing. It's due time, finally. I myself am not innocent of downloading; I've done it myself. But I learn from this, from personal experience. When you start downloading stuff, things lose value.

“I just feel that when you personally buy something you really like, you research and you go for it, there's value in that and you really listen to it.”

Also in the works is a download application for Android devices, according to Odette Velarde of Samsung Corporate Marketing, who was also interviewed for the piece.


Read more of this article from its original source @ mb.com.ph
This article belongs to their respective owner/s.

Via mb.com.ph
By Punch Liwanag

showbiz.nfo.ph

Hot celebrity Anne Curtis is hard at work preparing for the biggest show of her career. But with more than a week to go before her “No Other Concert” at Smart-Araneta, people are still talking about whether the “No Other Woman” star can rise up to the challenge of a solo concert, especially at such a big venue. All this doubting is rooted in the argument that performing in a concert is entirely different from singing in an album—this, despite the success of Curtis’ debut CD “Annebisyosa,” which saw her fulfilling her long time dream of cutting her own record.

But if there are unbelievers and people waiting on the wings to bash Curtis, there are those who are unwavering in their belief that she can handle, nay, pull-off her first ever solo concert. Indeed, if there is a perceived weakness in her talent in singing, there are other qualities that the feisty Curtis has in abundance.

Mike Rivera, head writer for Anne Curtis’s upcoming concert, observes that, “Everybody wants to have fun with Anne. She’s a performer and an honest one who knows what will entertain people even at her own expense.”

Rivera further noted, “Anne is self-effacing kaya napapamahal siya sa madla. ‘It-girl’ at fashionista siya pero sumasakay ng MRT and kumakain ng fishball.”

“She’s working hard,” added Rivera, who also said that at the onset of the concert planning, it was Anne who asked to be put through the wringer and for the team to think big when it comes to her production numbers.

“Anne is really going to go for it, as in ‘buwis-buhay’ na. She’s taking this seriously and is even taking time to learn new skills because she wants the Araneta audience to feel that her ‘No Other Concert’ show is worth the time and the ticket.”

Curtis is said to be in the middle of everything when it comes to preparing for the concert, from the songs down to the concept of her numbers. “She listens to the team and has inputs of her own and asks her friends who know her well kung ano ang magandang gawin. She also puts in long rehearsal hours with the dancers and the band and in attending long meetings to make sure that the show would be perfect.”

Careful not to give out too much info about the show’s content, Rivera shared that Curtis’ repertoire would naturally be current and pop. Besides the obvious singing, the feel would be “definitely party-like” and that the productions, he promises,” will be a visual delight.”

“Expect a lot of humor, too, because being a funny girl is one of Anne’s endearing traits,” he noted. The show will also be “hot and sexy, cute and funny and serious and dramatic to show off all the different facets of Anne.”

Rivera also imparted that “Anne Curtis as a celebrity, many women aspire to be like her. As a concert performer, many Pinay women find affinity with her. They give their best [when] faced with a challenge, they celebrate their imperfections because they are comfortable with who they are. I think that’s Anne, too – a performer who knows how to have fun. The whole creative team, headed by Director Rico Gutierrez, acknowledges that.”

Ultimately, do all of this warrant an Anne Curtis solo concert at the historic Big Dome?

“Everyone has what it takes to be a performer who can sing, dance and have fun with a big crowd.” Rivera answered. “Because Anne is Anne Curtis, she can jump right in and do a first concert at the Smart-Araneta right away. No other performer can do a concert like ‘Anne-bisyosa’ can!”

Does she believe then that Curtis can pull it off as a singer and performer?

Via yahoo.com
Karen Valeza

Filipino artists took a trip down memory lane in a two-day concert titled, “90s Music Comes Alive.”

Rock bands Chicosci, Tanya Markova, December Avenue, Typecast and Hijo; pop group 1:43 and solo artists Nyoy Volante, Sabrina, Tricia Garcia and Toto Sorioso headlined the concert for the album launch of “90s Music Comes Alive” under MCA Music, together with Samsung Galaxy S Wifie 5.0.

The two-day concert, attended not only by '90s kids but the younger generation as well, was held at the Eastwood Central plaza on Friday, January 13 and at Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill on Saturday, January 14.

Radiohead, EMF, Paula Cole and Cranberries and other '90s artists returned full force.

December Avenue took the stage with a cover of Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” a popular theme song from American TV series “Dawson’s Creek,” while Typecast did a rendition of Keith Sweat’s “Twisted.” Tanya Markova, dressed in their usual flamboyant costumes and white make-up, performed Radiohead’s “Creep.”

Nyoy went acoustic with Indigo Girls’ “Power of Two,” while Toto Sorioso covered Lisa Loeb’s “Stay.”

Owning the stage

Chicosci owned the stage when its frontman Miggy Chavez ordered the fans, even those who were staying outside, to stand in front as they performed EMF’s hit “Unbelievable.”

“We personally chose “Unbelievable” by EMF, it’s not dictated by the label. They gave us few suggestions like Radiohead, pero pinili namin yung masaya,” Miggy said in an interview backstage.

Miggy is a proud '90s kid, having grown up to the music of Nirvana, Deftones and Metallica. This is why he is happy to be part of the album and concert giving tribute to the '90s music.

“I grew up to the '90s music, listening to bands like Nirvana, Deftones, Metallica, mga panahon pa ng tape. Also Red Hot Chilli Peppers,” Miggy shared.

The '90s was also the time when Miggy formed a band with grade school friends and bandmates Mong Alacaraz and Calde Calderon.

“Mga '96 or '97, nagpa-plant na yung seeds ng band. We started playing na nila Mong, Calde, classmates kase kami since grade school eh,” he said.

Miggy then recalls the fashion of the times: “Naka-elephants kami. Sa Ateneo kasi nung high school, wala pa kaming uniform. Malakaking pants, Estussy, Air Walk.”

Via tv.yahoo.com
By : US Weekly

usmagazine.com

Russell Brand is ready to be uplifted.
On Sunday, the British comic was back to work, and back on U.S. soil, to promote Strangely Uplifting, his new FX series, at a TCA panel in Pasadena, Calif.


s the Q&A session began, a reporter made a vague reference to Brand's headline-making Dec. 30 split from wife Katy Perry, asking Brand, 36, how he was doing.
"I'm quite well, thank you. Are you asking because of recent events?" he chuckled. "Well, I suppose what you're doing is you're making the mistake as seeing time as linear."


His goal for the still-developing series, Brand said, is fairly simple. "All I want is for people to feel better than they do now. That's all I want," he mused. "All I want is to make people laugh and to make people happy. And as long as I stay in alignment with that, then I'm served by great forces."
Will the series delve into his talked-about personal life? "I think there will be inevitable biographical elements because you can't speak from anyone's perspective but your own," he said. "Unless I was to bizarrely adapt some sort of avatar."

Brand conceded that he's frequently misunderstood in the press. But, to correct that, he told reporters, "I listen to others. I accept that you must be humble. It's very important to have humility. . . I have a tendency to fly off. I'm tangential and also I'm narcissistic. I have to be very careful."
His estranged wife Perry, meanwhile, wasn't too far away from Pasadena on Sunday night -- but the "Firework" singer, 26, avoided the glitz and celeb crush of Golden Globes parties.

Read more @ tv.yahoo.com
Article belongs to their owners.

Via omg.yahoo.com
By: Jill Sergeant

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - "Harry Potter" cast a spell at the People's Choice awards on Wednesday on a night that also saw big wins for singer Katy Perry at the start of the Hollywood awards season.
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" -- the last installment of the hit movie franchise about the British boy wizard -- won four awards, including best movie and favorite ensemble cast.

Perry won five trophies, including best female music artist, favorite song for "E.T." and favorite tour headliner. But the perky "Firework" pop star pulled out of Wednesday's live TV ceremony at short notice, following her split with British comedian Russell Brand two weeks ago after 14 months of marriage.
The People's Choice is the earliest of Hollywood's glittering annual awards shows. But unlike the Oscars or the Golden Globes, the People's Choice winners are determined by fans and provide few insights to the likely winners of the movie industry's highest honors in February.

The "Harry Potter" stars did not make the trip from Britain to the awards show in Los Angeles so none of their wins were announced on the two-hour televised ceremony.
Female romp "Bridesmaids" won best comedy movie and Johnny Depp picked up the best actor award.
Emma Stone, 23, took the trophies for both movie actress and favorite comedy actress for her roles in civil rights era film "The Help" and "Crazy, Stupid, Love."
"I moved to LA eight years ago this week with my mom and it is so insane to be standing up here right now," Stone told the audience.

LIST OF WINNERS

Justin Bieber is standing by his manager, who surrendered to police Wednesday in connection with a mall fan frenzy that sent five people to a hospital with minor injuries last year.

Scott "Scooter" Braun pleaded not guilty to charges of reckless endangerment, criminal nuisance and endangering the welfare of a child.

"My mother and I are 100 percent behind my manager," the 16-year-old singing sensation said in a statement released to The Associated Press on Wednesday night. "He is someone of high moral character and principle. The decisions he made that day were to protect the safety of myself and my fans and I am very thankful to have someone in my life who watches over me the way Scooter does."

Braun's arrest stemmed from a planned appearance in November by Bieber at Roosevelt Field Mall in a New York suburb. Authorities claim Braun didn't send out a tweet fast enough to let the raucous crowd of 3,000 know Bieber wouldn't be making an appearance.

Nassau County police canceled the event when the crowd became unruly. But some fans refused to leave, crowding the narrow area outside the clothing store where Bieber was scheduled to sign autographs. Five people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries.

"People started screaming, 'Justin!' And they ran forward and the ropes collapsed," said 13-year-old Aimee Macchi, who was knocked to the floor in the rush.

According to a release from the district attorney, police efforts were hindered by a message from Bieber's Twitter account to fans stating: "On my way to Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island, NY to sign and meet fans! I'm pumped. See u there."

The release said police asked James Roppo, a senior vice president ofIsland Def Jam Records, Bieber's record label, to send out a tweet telling fans that the event was canceled. Island Def Jam employees also contacted Braun to send out the tweet. An hour later, no tweet was sent and the crowd remained.

Roppo was arrested for not cooperating with attempts to break up the crowd. He was charged with a series of misdemeanors, including endangering the welfare of children and obstructing governmental administration. His case is pending.

When police called Braun, he told them he "was in a meeting inManhattan without access to a computer," according to the district attorney. When told that he would be arrested, he asked police to make sure they spelled his name right on the warrant, the release said.

Braun sent two tweets 1 1/2 hours later about three minutes apart, once Roppo called him after being placed under arrest, according to the district attorney. The crowd dispersed within 15 minutes. Bieber never made it inside the mall.

Braun's lawyer, Ravi Batra, said his client responded promptly to the police request, finding a computer and sending the tweets in seven minutes. He is hoping the district attorney reopens the investigation.

The 28-year-old Braun faces up to a year in jail if convicted.

Bieber caught the attention of the music industry after he began posting videos of himself singing on YouTube. His album "My World 2.0," with the hit song "Baby," was released Tuesday.

Bieber wore a T-shirt with the words "Free Scooter" imprinted on it Wednesday as he was met by a group of screaming fans in Chicago.

A spokesman for the DA's office said the timing of the manager's arrest with the album release was a coincidence.

Source: new.music.yahoo.com

http://new.music.yahoo.com/justin-bieber/news/biebers-manager-pleads-not-guilty-in-mall-frenzy--62000257

Whenever Pinoy boxing champ Manny Pacquiao fights, the Filipinos always look forward not only to the event itself but also to whoever will perform the Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang."

For several times already, the National Historical Institute (NHI) has given its thumbs down to the renditions of even the country's most popular singers who sang the national anthem in Pacquiao's fights and other boxing matches. Among these were Concert King Martin Nievera, international singing sensation Charice Pempengco, Asia's Nightingale Lani Misalucha, romantic balladeer Christian Bautista, and Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo.

NHI had also warned RnB Princess Kyla, Jennifer Bautista, and La Diva (composed of Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos, and Maricar Garcia) for not following the right tempo of "Lupang Hinirang."

After Pacquiao's bout against Ghana's Joshua Clottey last Sunday, March 14, the NHI said it might file a complaint against Arnel Pineda, the Filipino frontman of rock band Journey, for the "wrong" rendition of "Lupang Hinirang." (CLICK HERE to read related article.)

In an interview with ABS-CBN News today, March 16, Pineda said: "I apologize for my dissatisfactory performance dun sa fight ni Pacquiao and Clottey sa Dallas, Texas, according to their standards. What can I do? I'm just doing my job... but then again hindi ako sorry kasi artistic freedom ko 'yon. It doesn't make me less of a Filipino dahil sa nabago ang pagkakanta." 

Pineda also said that what he did was to the song was part of his "artistic freedom." 

"Ano ba ang bago? 'Yong traditional na pagkanta ng 'Lupang Hinirang' ang gusto nilang marinig. On my part, I'm just doing my artistic freedom. I was there as Filipino representing Pacquiao and the Philippines, 'yon ang importante," he explained.

BELTING OUT LAST LINE. In a separate interview with ABS-CBN News, NHI chief Teddy Atienza related his disappointment with Pineda for singing the anthem slowly on the first part instead of the marching tempo. He also pointed out that the singer belted out the last part of "Lupang Hinirang."

The Republic Act 8941 (under Section 37) or the Flag and Heraldic Code states that: "The national anthem must be sung in accordance with the original musical arrangement of composer Julian Felipe, who gave it a marching tempo. Violators may be fined P5,000 to P20,000 or jailed for a year."

Pineda admitted that he went off-pitch on the last stanza of "Lupang Hinirang." 

"Alam ko naman na nag-flat ako, kasi ang parte na 'yon na nagsimula nang magsigawan ang tao. Wala akong ear monitor. Hindi ko na marinig ang sarili ko noong pumapasok ako doon sa line na 'Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta.' Sumisigaw na sila, highlight ng melody ng kanta 'yon so unti-unti hindi ko naririnig," he explained.

Source: pep.ph

http://www.pep.ph/news/25013/Arnel-Pineda-apologizes-to-National-Historical-Institute;-asserts-artistic-freedom

Journey frontman Arnel Pineda is in a bit of a pickle right now. The National Historical Institute (NHI) said that it would be filing a complaint against the rock singer's "wrong" rendition of the Philippine National Anthem. Arnel sang "Lupang Hinirang" at Manny Pacquiao's welterweight fight yesterday (Sunday, March 14) against Ghanaian boxer Joshua Clottey.

The Institute is mandated to ensure that the National Anthem, the Philippine flag, and its national symbols are respected.

It adheres to Republic Act 8491 (under Section 37) or the Flag and Heraldic Code, which states: "The national anthem must be sung in accordance with the original musical arrangement of composer Julian Felipe, who gave it a marching tempo. Violators may be fined P5,000 to P20,000 or jailed for a year."

DUTY-BOUND PROSECUTORS. Justice Secretary Alberto Agra stated in an interview with GMA News that prosecutors are ready to deal with the forthcoming complaint of the NHI. He added that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is duty-bound to attend to all complaints. However, Sec. Agra admitted that he was not able to watch the televised bout of Pacquiao and Clottey last Sunday.

"Pagpapaumanhin ko, di ko napanood ang pagkapanalo ni Pacquiao," he said. "Di ko alam ano ang naging rendition ng kanta."

WARNINGS MULTIPLY. This is not the first time the NHI has warned artists who deviate from the National Anthem's established version. According to the NHI, Charice Pempengco, Jennifer Bautista, Christian Bautista, Martin Nievera, and La Diva altered it. Sarah Geronimo, Lani Misalucha, and Kyla sang the National Anthem longer than it should have been. All of these singers were criticized by the NHI.

Although, so far, nobody has been punished under Republic Act 8491.

http://www.pep.ph/news/25007/NHI-to-file-complaint-against-Arnel-Pineda's-rendition-of-Lupang-Hinirang

Kagabi, March 2, ginanap ang MYX Music Awards 2010 sa Music Museum sa Greenhills, San Juan City. Kasing-init ng gabi ang mainit ding pagrampa at performances ng mga imbitadong celebrity presenters at performers.

PERFORMANCES & PRESENTERS. Na-entertain agad ang mga fans at lalo na ang nominees nang i-perform nina Aldred Gatchalian, Sam Concepcion, Kaye Miranda, Cheska Ortega, Gian Magdangal, Karylle, Nina, La Divas, Rayver Cruz, at Iya Villania ang medley ng nominated MYX Favorite Songs sa taong ito. Habang mainit naman ang performance ng hip-hop coalition nina Knowa Lazarus, Kenjohns & Chelo Aestrid with DJ Flavamatikz sa MYX Favorite Urban Video nominated song nilang "Mainit."

Sa pagbibigay ng MYX ng Magna Award (sariling version nila ng Hall of Fame award) kay singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan, naghandog ng medley ng mga hit songs niya sina Jay-R, Richard Poon, Yeng Constantino, Jayson Fernandez of Rivermaya, Rachel Ann Go, Kean Cipriano of Callalily, at Christian Bautista.

Dumagundong sa loob ng performance hall ng Music Museum nang tumutog na ang Cebu-based hard rock band na Urbandub kasama sina Aia de Leon ng Imago, Kat Agarrado ng Sinosikat, at Paolo Valenciano ng Salamin.

Nanggulat naman si Rico Blanco nang biglang tugtugin ng nagpe-perform na Hilera—matapos nilang i-perform ang sarili nilang awitin na "Radical"—ang kanta niyang "Ayuz." Lalo pa siyang nangsurpresa dahil bukod sa bigla niyang pagsingit sa set ng Hilera, nagkaroon pa siya ng "dance break" kung saan ipinakita ng dating lead singer ng Rivermaya ang galing niya sa pagsayaw ng hip-hop sub-style na "pop-lock."

Kabilang sa mga presenters ng awards sina Paolo Valenciano, Robin Nievera, Carl Guevarra, Lauren Young, Mong Alcaraz of Chicosci, Bangs Garcia, Jet Pangan, Daiana Menezes, Mickey Perz, Amber Davis, Rafael Rosell, April "Congrats" Gustilo, Mark Escueta of Rivermaya, Jolina Magdangal, Matteo Guidicelli, Saab Magalona, Aiza Seguerra, Sitti, Amir Garcia of Slapshock, Kyla, Richard Poon, Tim Yap, Jennylyn Mercado, Rhian Ramos, Ryan Eigenmann, Billy Crawford, Noel Cabangon, Aia de Leon of Imago, at Donita Rose.

MORE SURPRISES. Nasurpresa rin nang gabing iyon si Christian Bautista nang bigyan siya ng special citation ng MYX "for proudly representing the Filipino artists in the international music scene." Nagkandabulul-bulol at hindi makapagsalita nang maayos si Christian sa kabiglaan sa pagkabigay sa kanya ng award. Hindi nga raw kasi siya preparado talaga.

Huling panggulat ng MYX nang gabing iyon ang pagpe-present ng MYX Favorite Music Video award ng dating MTV Asia VJ na si Donita Rose. Biro pa ni Donita, "Thank you for inviting me here at the 'enemy territory.'"

Sabi naman ni MYX Channel head André Allan Alvarez sa pakikipag-usap nito sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) ilang minuto pagkatapos ng show, "It's a good time for us to invite Donita, kasi wala na rin namang MTV [Pilipinas], e. So, kunin na natin siya. Plus, we really want to show na in MYX, there really is no politics, as you can see we have artists from different [music] genres and different networks in one place and event."

THE WINNERS. Heto ang mga nagsipanalo sa MYX Music Awards 2010:

Favorite International Music Video: "Love Story" by Taylor Swift

Favorite Indie Artist: Archipelago

Favorite Media Soundtrack: "Record Breaker" for Sunsilk by Sarah Geronimo

Favorite Bandarito Performance: Roots of Nature

Favorite MYX Live Performance: Rico Blanco,

Favorite Urban Video: "Upuan" by Gloc9 featuring Jeazelle Grutas

Favorite Rock Video: "Diamond Shotgun" by Chicosci

Favorite Mellow Video: "Old Friend" by Kyla

Favorite New Artist: Young JV

Favorite Remake: "You Changed My Life" by Sarah Geronimo

Favorite Collaboration: "Higante" by Ely Buendia and Francis Magalona

Favorite Guest Appearance in a Music Video: Heart Evangelista in Hale's "Bahay Kubo

Favorite Celebrity MYX VJ: Billy Crawford

Favorite Group: Sponge Cola

Favorite Male Artist: Rico Blanco

Favorite Female Artist: Sarah Geronimo

Favorite Artist: Sarah Geronimo

Favorite Song: "Back In Time" by Jay-R and Kyla

Favorite Music Video: "Kasalanan" by 6CycleMind and Gloc9.

MYX Magna Award: Jose Mari Chan at Special Citation naman kay Christian Bautista.

Incidentally, naglabas last year ng Jose Mari Chan cover album si Christian bilang tribute daw nito sa master songwriter at nag-iisang Filipino triple Diamond Award recipient.

Ang MYX Music Awards 2010 na nasa panglimang taon na ay ipapalabas sa Sabado, March 6, 7:30 sa Skycable Channel 23, at magkakaroon ng replays sa March 15, Lunes, 1:30 pm at March 19, Biyernes, 7 a.m.

Source: pep.ph

http://www.pep.ph/news/24879/Awesome-performances-and-surprises-in-MYX-Music-Awards-2010