PolyEast Records and one of the country’s most prominent names of OPM, Bamboo Mañalac announced the release of Bless This Mess. The album was officially launched on Oct. 26 at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub in Makati City.
Nearly four years after beginning a solo career with the brilliant No Water, No Moon (2011), Bamboo eases into his second phase with the new album.
Taking subtle risks such as the bluesy but energy-boost kick-off single “Firepower”, Bamboo said the song was written at the time of his 2011 No water, No Moon, but didn’t think it matched the tone of the other songs in his first solo album.
He added, “So it was shelved and developed and was ready for this new album. I think listeners have to figure out for themselves what the songs mean. I wanted folks to feel the music, the kick, then they’ll get the lyric”.
“Firepower” was officially heard on digital platforms like Spotify, iTunes, Deezr, Spinnr, Amazon, Guvera Music as well as local radios all over the country on Oct. 15. PolyEast Records’ YouTube channel also premiered a prelude song “Nothing Like You” which connects to Firepower music video directed by Paolo Valenciano. “In the video, both songs are together because they are meant to be the same thing. If you see the video, you’ll get to interpret how both connect to each other,” Bamboo added.
The album was recorded in Grand Street Recording Studio in Brooklyn, New York and features 10 brand new well-crafted compositions. “After the whole experience, I think it was the only place on the planet I could have recorded this album– with all the elements needed and the different characters for each track. It’s the songs that dictate the direction of the album where all just fit. It wasn’t easy but that’s the fun part”.
In a five-month process during his TV stints as coach of The Voice, Bamboo produced and wrote most of the songs winding up a renewed energy pushing different styles as he said, “There’s definitely a shake up– from the quiet feeling of the last album, I wanted this one to be a punch in the face”.
As the album title Bless This Mess signifies more than it seems, he explained, “I’ll let folks figure that out but it’s something I’ve whispered to myself before sessions or gigs in past years”.
“I could be wrong with how long the break was and that’s the challenge of why it took so long. There was just so much swimming in my head and this album is part moving forward as well as just fitting another piece to the puzzle — in regards to how my current sets will sound and look like”.
Bamboo Mañalac’s new offering, Bless This Mess CD, is available at all music and video stores nationwide. Digital tracks can also be downloaded on iTunes, Amazon and Guvera Music. You may also listen to the full album on Spotify.
Alden Richards marks another milestone
Unstoppable. That’s how people describe Alden Richards’ s popularity these days. This also refers to how people are getting crazier over the young matinee idol.
In Iloilo, more than 50,00 fans filled up the venue where Richards was scheduled to have a meet and greet session with his Ilonggo fans who waited for the actor to arrive as the flight he took had been delayed.
The crowd, said an observer, was really record-breaking in number. No actor of this generation has gathered that much people in one venue.
Also, last Friday, the social media was abuzz when the video of the recording session of GMA Network’s Christmas Station ID was uploaded on YouTube. In no time, it had 1.5 million views and why? Alden Richards was in that video recording “MaGMAhalan Tayo Ngayong Pasko”!
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Majasty reigns in MOA Arena
2015 is a big year for Maja Salvador not only in acting but also in her singing career. Aside from platinum albums and a teleserye with Coco Martin (FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano) that gained 39.4 percent national ratings on the previous Kantar Media, Maja proves she is a performer ready to set the stage on fire in her second concert on Nov. 13, Friday 8 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After her successful out-of-the-country shows with Jericho Rosales, Maja continued to prepare for her upcoming concert.
The dance queen is very much excited than ever as she once again promises to give an all-out performance on stage. It can be remembered that she did her first solo concert on July 12 at the Music Museum.
Maja will groove to the latest dance hits with Hotlegs and G Force and will share her musicality in different genre with her special guests – Paulo Avelino, Kakai Bautista, Rayver Cruz, Enchong Dee, JC De Vera, Enrique Gil and Piolo Pascual.
Majasty ticket prices are available via www.smtickets.com and all SM Ticket outlets.
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#Setlist at Music Hall
Monique Luahalti, Katrina Velarde and RJ dela Fuente continue to take the bar scene by storm with their series #Setlist, as they return to Music Hall, Metrowalk 8 p.m. on Nov. 13.
#Setlist, is a night of musical revelry showcasing their musical prowess, singing songs of different genres. Performers and fans refer to a setlist as a roster of songs that a performing artist chooses to sing or play. The setlist is played or sang for every performance on a given show or concert series. For RJ, Katrina, and Monique, their setlists represent their passion for their craft and their music.
RJ dela Fuente started singing at special concerts and events in California, U. S. A., guesting in shows of Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera, and Brian McKnight. He was a contestant in the 2011 American Idol Season10 and made it past the early rounds singing before judges J Lo, Randy Jackson, and Steve Tyler. He was Celebrity Chronicle’s Most Promising Male Performer in 2011 and he auditioned and got in The Voice of the Philippines season 1, and was one of team Lea’s finalists.
Katrina Velarde started as an amaturista at the age of seven. In 2012, she became a part of AKA JAM, an all female group (of which Monique was also a part of) from the first season of X-Factor Philippines and was mentored by Gary Valenciano. She is known popularly as the “Suklay Diva” because her video of Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love” using her “suklay” as a makeshift microphone has gone viral. Because of this, TV-5 cast her in a show titled Trenderas and was nominated as New Female Artist by ENPRESS and PMPC Star Awards For Television. Her recent video, which she uploaded on her Facebook account, impersonating different singers has reached the three million mark in views.
Monique Lualhati started competing in amateur singing contests. This year, Monique joined the second season of The Voice Of The Philippines, and was part of coach Sarah Geronimo’s team. Being part of the Top 8 opened doors for her. Monique has been busy with shows all over the Philippines.
RJ, Monique and Katrina are co-managed by Manila Genesis and Viva Artists Agency. For ticket reservations, please contact 0929-3154086 and 0915-3082308.