By Jude Thaddeus Bautista
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–”The Malaysians were scared of whoever would win in the Philippine finals,” Kjwan lead singer Marc Abaya told screaming fans recently at Capone’s Bar in Makati, where the celebration for the band’s triumph at the Asean Ikon grand finals was in full swing.

“To be honest with you,” Abaya went on, “any one of the Ikon finalist bands here could’ve kicked ass and won in Kuala Lumpur. Our country is home to the best musicians in the world!”

Kjwan had gone through a tense moment against Kala and True Faith at the Philippine finals. Guest judge Jose Mari Chan had considered True Faith as “more melodious than the other bands.”

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By Pocholo Concepcion
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Vina Morales arrives in full makeup, hair neatly in place and casually dressed in a white shirt that gives her an aura of calm.

She was in a state of panic a few hours back. Heavy rains had made the creek beside her rented house in San Juan overflow, flooding the basement and damaging her DVD player, CD collection and other things.

“You should have seen me,” Vina gushes. “Di ko malaman ang gagawin, ang bilis ng akyat ng tubig. Akalain mo, binubuhat ko yung malaking TV. Naisip ko tuloy, sobra-sobra na yatang blessing ‘to, bumabaha!” (I didn’t know what do with the flood. I carried the big TV set. I thought, The blessings seem to be excessive to the point of flooding.)

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CONGRATULATIONS to 17-year-old Jordin Sparks, who has made history as the youngest “American Idol” winner.

Here’s an excerpt from the San Francisco Chronicle story:

Jordin Sparks grew up on “American Idol,” watching the show since she was 12 years old and telling her mother it was what she wanted to do.

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WILL they be the next big thing in the Philippine music scene? These aspiring pop stars sure hope so.

Here’s an excerpt from the Showbiz & Style article:

Maricris Garcia, a lounge chanteuse, points out: “I want people to realize that singing prowess is not measured by the high notes you can hit. It’s still about voice quality and having a distinct style.”

Joyce Tañaña, a choir member since elementary, explains: “PPS has already produced a belter in Jonalyn Viray. I want to show everyone that it’s possible for a female singer to impress an audience even if she doesn’t resort to belting. All she has to do is sing from the heart.”