I left home for the 7 hour drive at 5:30 am.  I was to pick up a buddy of mine on the way whom I had asked to go with me since my wife is not interested in boxing, and has a troublesome knee that precludes walking long distances.  My friend had already seen the stadium, but jumped at the chance to see Manny fight.  So I picked him up and the closer we got to Dallas the more my anticipation grew.  We arrived at our hotel in mid-afternoon, and the fights did not begin with preliminary bouts until that evening, so we had plenty of time to drive around the area.

The Dallas Ranger baseball stadium, Six Flags Over Texas (a large theme park), and Cowboy stadium are all in the same proximity.  Only when we were approaching Cowboy Stadium did I realize I was looking at it over Ranger Stadium.  It is hard to envision how huge this complex is.  I have posted two pictures I shot from a distance below.  They do not do justice to its size, but do show its beauty.

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Traffic was already becoming heavy around all sides of the stadium.  I noticed private parking that was about half a mile away, and signs were advertising $30 parking which I thought was quite expensive.  Only later did I learn the 14 lots on the stadium property cost $50 to park a car for this fight.  We made our way back to the hotel to rest and eat dinner before we went to the stadium because we heard food was very expensive inside the venue.  At the hotel were many Hispanics for a convention.  I noticed some Filipinos were there also.

About 5:00 pm we went to a nearby restaurant that had been recommended by a friend of mine who has season tickets to Cowboy games and goes there frequently.  It was a buffet and after we were seated and eating, I noticed the table next to us had four people.  It looked like a man, his companion, a teenager, and what must have been a grandmother.  I just had to find out if they were Filipino so I asked them.  “Oh yes”, they said.  They were going to the fight as well.  Well, you know what I asked next, don’t you?

I said, “Have you guys ever heard of Charice?”  The lady said “You mean Charice Pempengco, very excitedly”?  When I replied yes, they all got excited and said “Ya, she is a really good singer”.  Suddenly, it was as if we had known each other for years, hahaha.  So, yeah…..you know what’s coming next.  I said “Have you heard of Charicemania, her fan site?”  Again they said “Oh yes”.  I wanted to jump straight up.  Pushing my luck, I related “Have you heard of a writer on Charicemania named Max?”   This time I got blank looks and heads shaking no.  Dad gum it, hahahahahaha.  I was tempted to inquire of other Filipinos I saw in the restaurant, but for some reason, decided to pass.

We went back to the hotel and checked with the front desk about a shuttle service to carry us to the game and back.  Good news, three shuttles were continually going back and forth to the stadium until well after the fight.   We had 10 people riding on the shuttle with us, and we all started talking about the fight.  Everyone was unanimous in predictions that there was no question Manny would win.  It was just how long would his opponent last.

We left for the stadium about 6 pm and the shuttle pulled up as close as possible.  We still had to walk about 200 yards, but I was so excited by this time that I did not care.  Our tickets I had printed on my PC from Ticketmaster were accepted without any questions, but I noticed the guards acting like they were watching for what carry-ins one might have.  I had put my camera in my pants pocket and there was no problem getting by security.  I wondered what would have happened if I had worn the carrying case that hangs on my neck.

Below are pictures I took of the fight sign in front of the huge glass doors, and one of me by my buddy to prove I was there.

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Observe the huge glass doors of the stadium.  Wow, I estimate they were at least 50 feet high, and there were five doors in all.  The doors can be completely opened and there are another set on the other side of the stadium.  It takes 30 minutes for the doors to fully open.  The roof of the stadium also opens, giving one a feeling as if you were outside we were told.

As we entered the stadium, I was impressed by how clean and well appointed it was.  The floor is concrete covered by a clear coat that gave it a very polished look.  Our seats were on the main level where we entered, but we wanted to look over the interior before we went to our seats.  There are seven levels plus the mezzanine level and suites on the top two levels.  The venue can accommodate 105,000 people, but was set up for 45,000 for this fight.  Some of the upper levels were closed off.  There were concession booths about every 100 feet, and plenty of rest rooms.   We walked as far around as we could go, but the various ticket areas were roped off, and we were limited how far around the venue we could walk.  Then we decided to rest for a while so we headed for our seats to watch some of the under card matches.  There were three more hours before the main event.

I cannot begin to tell you how overwhelmed I was when I gazed out at the “Jumbotron” as the astoundingly huge four sided TV screen is called.  Jumbo does not even begin to describe its immensity. Here are pictures of it.

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The “MISTUBUSHI ELECTRIC” letters on top of the Jumbotron are about 10 feet high.  This should give a perspective of how mammoth it is, simply astounding.  The picture on the screen is crystal clear, better than any HD TV I have watched.  The videos I made of the action mainly were shot from the screen.  The bright blue light shining from corner of the screen was the only complaint I had about my whole experience.  Supposedly, its purpose is to prevent videotaping of the event, and you can tell when you view the videos that it did hamper me considerably.

The undercard fights continued until past 10 p.m. when the main event was scheduled.  We drifted in and out of our seats to exercise our legs, because the seats are quite close together preventing one from stretching their legs.  Also, I am a people watcher and out in the concourse, as time went by, it became more and more crowded.  I observed that at least two-thirds of the crowd was Filipino.  I have to say also that everybody was well behaved.  Occasionally, a chant would begin – Clottey, Clottey, Clottey from the Clottey fans.  Almost always that drew a Manny,  Manny, Manny response, hahaha.

Until about 9:00 pm the crowd was sparse….the seats were about one-third occupied.  Then as the main event time drew near, suddenly all of the empty seats disappeared.  The atmosphere was becoming electric.  You could sense the excitement building.  The last preliminary fight went the full ten rounds.  It seemed like forever.  Down on the main floor, the crowd was packed.  I should point out that floor seating sold for $3500 each (ouch).  Suddenly the Jumbotron started flashing celebrities on the screen.  First was Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys football team, and this magnificent stadium.  Then shots of some of Dallas greatest players and coaches…..Jimmy Johnson, Troy Aikman, Emmett Smith, and Barry Switzer to mention a few.  At each introduction, the applause and shouting let these greats know the crowd appreciated all of them.

10:00pm and the crowd was getting more and more excited.  Another Clottey chant followed by a thunderous Manny, Manny, Manny.  You should have been there.  Security clears a path from the entrance toward the ring.  Anticipation continues to grow, a constant noise from the crowd which by now occupied every available seat in the stadium plus some standing.  Wow, here come the Dallas Cheerleaders prancing into the arena to a thunderous beat emanating from the semi-tractor truck size speakers hanging from the ceiling.  Exciting is not the right adjective.  It was almost as if the overhead beams holding up the roof were dancing to the beat.  Finally, Joshua Clottey makes his appearance toward the ring, dancing to the beat.  Clottey fans screaming Clottey, Clottey, Clottey.  All of this is captured on the Jumbotron and in my video cam, although I could not hold my camera still.

Then, Manny Pacquiao, the WBO World Welterweight champion, appears and walks with his entourage toward the ring, and lights up the screen with his face beaming.  The crowd goes absolutely nuts screaming for Manny.  My chest was pounding from the excitement and the thunderous roar…..OMG unbelievable.  I tried to capture the excitement by videoing the action, but it is just not same as being there.  Please listen to the crowd as Arnel Pineda completes singing the Filipino National Anthem.  Ah, I can see it now in a future event…..Arnel and Charice singing the anthem to Manny at the next World Championship Fight.

The rest of my experience can best be described by asking you to watch the videos sequentially.  I apologize for the poor quality. This was my first attempt at filming and it obviously shows.  I tried to pan away from the action occasionally and give you a sense of the crowd, the excitement, and the pure unadulterated joy of the Manny Pacquiao fans.

To view the videos, simply mouseover onto a play icon at the end of each title.

• Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Enter the Arena
  
• Joshua Clottey Fans
  
• Pacquiao Weigh-In
• Ghana National Anthem
• Arnel Pineda Sings the Philippines National Anthem
• Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Sing the US National Anthem
  
• Manny Enters the Arena-Part One
• Manny Enters the Arena-Part Two
• Round One
• Round Two
• Round Three
• Round Four
• Round Five
• Round Six
• Round Seven
• Round Eight
• Round Nine
• Round Ten
• Round Eleven
• Round Twelve
• Referees Decision

Related posts:

1. Interview: Charice Hopes to Sing in Pacquiao Fight
2. A PREVIEW OF 15TH ANNUAL CELEBRITY FIGHT NIGHT
3. Charice yearns to sing ‘Lupang Hinirang’ in Pacman-Hatton bout

Charice and Arnel Pineda

The 23rd PMPC Star Awards for Television was held at the Pagcor Grand Theater, on Ninoy Aquino Ave., in Paranaque City, November 29. For a complete list of winners, see the article at PEP.ph, and the Manila Bulletin to read about “What you didn’t see on Star Awards telecast.”

Posted by Schoen

Related posts:

1. A Long Way to Go for Charice
2. EDSA Foundation recognizes Arnel Pineda’s feat
3. Myx Music Awards 2009 Scores Another Success

What pride Arnel Pineda is to us Filipinos as he was given a documentary film by the band he never dreamt of becoming a part of.  “Journey” is one of those rock bands who transcended rock and roll   in the late 70’s and early 80’s making themselves the icons of rock music.

Their downturn in the music industry started when former lead singer Steve Perry left the band and went solo. They had trouble finding someone who could replace Steve but with the age of technology, anyone may be given a chance to change his or her life in just one click. Indeed  Arnel was discovered through Youtube by the legendary rock icons when he was still with his local group.

A lot of people especially abroad have appreciated what Arnel gave to “Journey.”  Recently, Arnel was honored by Oprah Winfrey for his inspirational success story.

However, it looks like Arnel’s meteoric star has reached its peak but Charice has a long way to go still. Just how high would Charice go especially now that she is supported by Oprah? Just asking…

by Joey Aquino, Journal Online

Posted by Eve

Related posts:

1. Journey featured on the Ellen Degeneres show
2. ARNEL PINEDA OF JOURNEY EXPRESSES PRIDE IN CHARICE!
3. EDSA Foundation recognizes Arnel Pineda’s feat

“Don’t Stop Believing” clearly was the appropriate number for Journey to sing in front of the already standing audience of Oprah. Jaws dropped as Arnel executed powerful chords that drowned even the loud cheers from the crowd.  After the number, the band members talked about their experience when they first heard Arnel in a YouTube video back in 2007.

Journey guitarist Neal Shon was actually the first one who “stumbled” on the video when he was searching online. “He sounded amazing!” Shon exclaimed. Drummer Deen Castronovo had a more personal observation. He said, “It was frightening just to hear that voice from a little guy. It was just strong. But the best part of it was how humble the man was. What a humble human being. A beautiful heart.”

Arnel admitted that he had never dreamed of singing  with Journey, seemingly an impossible thing for one who grew up in poverty.  “I’ve seen enough pain and poverty in the Philippines and I did not dream that big,” he said. “All I wanted to do was get out of it and live decently.”

Now that he was out of it and traveling with the band he admired, did it dawn on Arnel that everything was now real?  “It’s amazing, unbelievable, fantastic,” expressed Arnel. “All the superlative words. Until now, it’s not real. I feel like an alien right now and I’m not supposed to be here. But I’m here!”

Such are the humble words from the now internationally known Arnel who had wowed different crowds in the past two years. With the acquired wealth and fame he received, he announced that it was his duty to give something back. With his foundation, this was now possible.

“I put up a foundation called AP Foundation to help underprivileged kids in the Philippines,” Arnel said proudly. But regarding the things he bought for himself, he meekly said, “A home for myself and my family because that’s what we ever dreamed about, having a good-spaced house.”

As a parting song, the band played “Faithfully,” which the show’s audience applauded heartily. It was the song that first won the public’s attention for Arnel two years ago.

SECOND FILIPINO TO GUEST. Arnel is actually the second Filipino to be featured in the popular U.S. talk show. The first was  Charice Pempengco, now as internationally famous as Arnel for her powerful voice.

Journey Live with Arnel Pineda in Oprah, Part 1

Journey Live with Arnel Pineda in Oprah, Part 2

Journey Live with Arnel Pineda in Oprah, Part 3

ALONE – CHARICE & ARNEL – A Sensational Power Duet

Related posts:

1. ARNEL PINEDA OF JOURNEY EXPRESSES PRIDE IN CHARICE!
2. Lea Salonga all praises for Charice and Arnel Pineda
3. Charice Lauds Arnel Pineda

What is Centex? It is a school for underprivileged children founded and run by the Ayala Foundation in Tondo and Batangas. The story touched Pocholito Estella, the young man I am writing about, and he decided to set up lunch with Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of the clients of his events company, and Carol Atacador. That set the ball rolling.

Maybe about a month ago I received a charming invitation tied with blue ribbon to which a miniature walis ting-ting was attached. It invited me to an event called My Backyard at the Ayala Museum. It seems that from the first time they met things began to happen. HP computers were donated to the school. HP in the Philippines joined in. They launched a project with Centex that had an environmental theme easily understood by the children. They called it My Backyard. They asked the children what they wanted to see to celebrate and the children said they wanted celebrities. Who? Charice Pempengco, Arnel Pineda and Gary Valenciano.

Poch decided they needed a theme song, so he contacted his cousin Gino Cruz to compose it. Gino held a workshop with the children to write the lyrics. He asked them to complete three sentences: My backyard is… It is…I will… Sorting through their very poetic answers, he composed the theme song.

To strengthen the My Backyard theme, they had an environmentalist teach the students how to clean their own backyards. They donated more computers and renovated the computer lab. Then they discovered that in the Batangas campus, the children were planting vegetables. So they brought prominent chef Gaita Fores over to study the vegetables and to turn them into cocktail fare for the event, the cocktail reception to which I was invited. I must say this — I would have died for the asparagus canapés. They were top of the line.

I walked into the Ayala Museum in the middle of tremendous pouring rain and sat with old friends Ethel Timbol and Bobby Caballero. Ethel decided to drink gumamela juice, while I settled for my favorite beverage — red wine. Charice Pempengco could not be there but she went to the school and sang for the children. Arnel Pineda was there and sang. Gary Valenciano was there. He was moved by the project and volunteered for it and did a mean Michael Jackson dance.

But I, with my background in advertising and as once chairman and president of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, was particularly touched by how excellent this project was. It linked a computer manufacturer with the underprivileged children of the Philippines. It gave computers to these children. That gives them access to the world. It explodes their future. Look at Charice and Arnel. They exploded their futures through YouTube. They were discovered on the Internet. Can you imagine what this donation will do to the lives of these children? It is unimaginable and that makes it fantastic. This is an event with all the important values sewn in. It is educational, environmental and it offers phenomenal opportunities for changing lives of underprivileged children. It should serve as an outstanding model for an event that combines fun with corporate social responsibility. We often forget that business can and should always combine both. Then possibly we will have a more remarkable world.

Everyone will pardon me but I believe that the silent hero behind all this is Pocholito Estella, who has now grown into Poch Estella, since his father moved on to the next life a few years ago. It was Poch’s idea to put Carol Atacador and the Ayala Foundation in touch with Hewlett-Packard and from that point on everything was well-planned. So I thank you, Poch, for this example. May more young boys from all schools grow up to be like you.

My cell phone was stolen and has not been restored so sorry, no comments today.

Source: PhilStar by Barbara Gonzalez

Submitted by OMIE

Related posts:

1. HP Pushes My Backyard Campaign Through Education
2. Saving My Backyard
3. CHARICE IN “MY BACKYARD”

It used to be that artists who wanted to get their music heard by the public had to have the backing of a major recording company to launch their career and distribute their songs. But that was before the advent of the Internet, and popular video-sharing Web sites like YouTube.

Nowadays, talented performers can get popular around the world with just a click of a button, with YouTube paving the Internet superhighway for budding superstars who otherwise would not have a chance to get noticed.

Since YouTube was created in February 2005, hundreds of talented performers have gained international prominence after millions of Internet users were able to watch them perform through their videos posted in the Web site.

And with Filipinos among the leading YouTube contributors (reportedly next to the Americans and the British), it is not a surprise that Filipino talents — singers in particular — are getting the worldwide recognition that they deserve through the video-sharing Web site.

Two of those who made it big abroad through their videos on YouTube are 16-year-old Charice Pempengco, and 41-year-old Arnel Pineda. They were both struggling to be popular in the Philippines before somebody posted the videos of their performances on the Web site.

With their impressive vocal skills in full display in the videos, it did not take long for the rest of the YouTube community to pay attention. The videos of Ms. Pempengco and Mr. Pineda were viewed by millions of YouTube users worldwide, instantly launching their international careers.

“Hindi ko ma-imagine kung ano ang mangyayari sa akin kung wala [ang YouTube] kasi talagang umpisa pa lang dyan na talaga ako nadiscover. (I can’t imagine what would have happened to me without YouTube because it was really there where I was discovered),” Ms. Pempengco told reporters last week.

“Hindi ko maimagine talaga kasi hindi ko talaga alam yung YouTube nung una. (I really cannot imagine because I really do not know what YouTube was before),” she added.

Small girl, big voice

Three years ago, Ms. Pempengco thought any dream of having a successful career was over after she failed to become the grand champion of the TV talent search Little Big Star conducted by ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

While her fans argued that Ms. Pempengco was the better singer compared with the winner (young heartthrob Sam Concepcion), her critics said her less-than-fair features made judges doubt if she would be a big singing sensation in the future.

But a series of videos of her performances on Little Big Star posted on YouTube two years ago brought Ms. Pempengco to the attention of an international audience who instantly became fans of her impressive vocal skills.

Soon after, Ms. Pempengco was being invited to perform around the world. She traveled to Stockholm, Sweden and recorded seven songs for an album released in the Scandinavian region in June 2007.

Four months later, South Korea’s Seoul Broadcasting System invited her to perform on a TV show called Star King, where Ms. Pempengco earned standing ovations for all of her performances.

The video of her performance in South Korea caught the attention of American TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. Ms. DeGeneres immediately invited the young singer to perform on her talk show. Charice performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Dec. 19, 2007, where the young singer earned her first standing ovation in the US after she performed two songs — Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” and “And I Am Telling You (I’m not Going) from the musical Dreamgirls.

Then, last April, Ms. Pempengco appeared on London’s Paul O’Grady Show, where the singer earned the distinction of being the first performer to receive a standing ovation on the widely popular British TV show.

In May last year, the Filipina singer performed in the globally syndicated talk show Oprah Winfrey Show, where Ms. Winfrey named Ms. Pempengco “the most talented girl in the world” after she gave a powerful rendition of the song “I Have Nothing.”

It was all uphill from there. Popular music executive, composer and record producer David Foster took Ms. Pempengco under his wing, bringing the young Filipina to perform in major Hollywood functions, including at the inauguration ball of US President Barack H. Obama last January, and the post-Oscar Awards rites parties last month of Ms. Winfrey and American talk show host Leeza Gibbons.

“I still can’t believe all of this is happening to me,” Ms. Pempengco said in Filipino.

With all the adulation coming her way, she remains grounded, thanks to the guidance of her mother, Racquel, who single-handedly raised her daughter since the young singer was three years old.

“I am still the same girl. Nakaka-sakay na nga lang sa eroplano ngayon. [But I get to ride airplanes now],” Ms. Pempengco said in jest.

She said she does not know about her earnings, leaving everything to her mother to decide. But Ms. Pempengco proudly announced that she was able to buy a new car (a Ford Expedition that she uses whenever she is in Manila) and a seven-door apartment in Laguna, where she grew up.

She admits she does not have a wallet, and does not ask for money from her mother. “I just ask her to buy me toys. I collect dolls. I love PSP (Play Station Portable video games). I collect toy cars — the sports cars — as well as toy airplanes. Then I also collect snow globes from the places I visited,” she said.

Despite having performed before large audiences abroad, Ms. Pempengco remains genuinely overwhelmed whenever she performs in the Philippines. In her show at the Shangri-la Mall in Mandaluyong City last Saturday, Ms. Pempengco was close to tears after hearing the loud cheers from the huge crowd (estimated to be more than 5,000 people, considered the biggest audience for any of the mall’s shows) that gathered to watch her.

“Iba pa rin dito. (It is still different here),” she said. “I still get nervous every performance. But more nervous whenever I perform here (in the country). I just want to give my best all the time,” she said.

Ms. Pempengco said she is currently working on her first international album which is scheduled to be released this year. She has already recorded her first song, a ballad entitled “Fingerprint.” The song was composed by Robbie Neville, the same songwriter behind the Pussycat Dolls’ “When I Grow Up.”

“I was surprised because I earlier saw a video on YouTube of a young girl already singing ‘Fingerprint.’ Memorized na ’nya yung buong song [She already memorized the entire song.],” Ms. Pempengco said.

While her current fame has brought her and her family physical comforts that they previously could not afford, Ms. Pempengco admits that the trade off was her quitting school in the meantime.

“I finished second year high school. But since I am always on the go, I was not able to continue my studies,” she said.

“But I promise I will finish school. I want to be a lawyer,” she said.

Aside from that, Ms. Pempengco said her popularity makes it difficult for her to shop in malls, something she liked doing with her mom before she became famous.

“Sometimes we end up buying nothing kasi papasok pa lang kami, hindi na naming magawa kasi marami nang tao na gusto akong makita. (because just as we are about to enter a store, there are already a lot of people who want to see me.),” she said.

With all things going right for her career, Ms. Pempengco does not forget the person who first uploaded her videos on YouTube, and started everything. FalseVoice, or Dave Duenas, posted Ms. Pempengco’s first videos on YouTube.

“I am thankful to YouTube, but I am most thankful to him, because if not for him, I would not be where I am now,” she said in the vernacular.

A difficult Journey

In the case of Mr. Pineda, the singer who grew up in Sampaloc, Manila was very familiar with hardship, so much so that he almost gave up in his dream of making it big in the music industry.

“It took me 25 years to get noticed,” Mr. Pineda told reporters in a press conference last week.

“YouTube saved my dreams,” he added.

Mr. Pineda’s life looks like it came straight from the scripts of soap operas. After his mother, a seamstress, passed away when he was just 13, Mr. Pineda, being the eldest, was forced to make ends meet.

The huge hospital bills drove the family into severe debt, prompting Mr. Pineda’s father, a tailor, to move out. He asked relatives to take in young Arnel and his three siblings. Not wanting to be a further burden, the boy quit school, and volunteered to strike it out on his own.

For about two years, Mr. Pineda spent his life out on the streets, sleeping anywhere he could, including in Luneta Park in Manila. To make ends meet, he earned meager money by collecting glass bottles, scrap metal, and old newspapers and selling them to recyclers and junk shops. At one point, Mr. Pineda said he had to live on just a single pack of biscuits that he had to ration over two days.

But it did not take long for someone as talented the 5’3″ Mr. Pineda to notice his gift, and use it to his advantage. His first major break came in 1982 — he was just 15 — when he joined a band called Ijos as its lead singer. The band performed in pizza parlors in Taft Ave., Manila until 1986 when some of the members formed another group called Amo.

Amo played in clubs in Quezon City and Makati, as well as in Olongapo, where the band performed for US army personnel from the Subic Naval Station at that time.

In 1990, Amo merged with other bands under the name Intensity Five. Mr. Pineda then formed a new band called New Age that performed first in Makati. New Age then got a break after a talent agent saw them in 1991, and offered them a chance to perform six nights a week in the entertainment restaurant Grammy’s in Hong Kong.

It was at this point that Mr. Pineda’s hard rocking lifestyle caused his health to give in, affecting his voice. His doctor in Hong Kong declared he could never sing again. Broken, he returned to Manila, and later to his senses.

He started all over again.

“Pakiramdam ko noon, kalaban ko ang mundo. Hindi ako makapaniwala because singing is my life [I felt then that the world was against me. I couldn’t believe it because singing is my life.],” he said.

After recuperating for six months, he found his voice again and restarted singing in bars in Manila. In 1998, he went back to Hong Kong upon the invitation of the owner of the nightclub Igor’s. Gathering his former bandmates from New Age, they dressed in skeleton outfits and called themselves The Rolling Bones.

A year later, Mr. Pineda received an offer to record a solo album in the Philippines. The album was released with minor success, prompting Mr. Pineda to again try his luck in Hong Kong in 2004 to join a new band called Most W@nted, which played six nights at the restaurant/nightclub Cavern.

It was at one of his gigs at the Cavern that he met TV director Bert de Leon (who directs the noontime TV show Eat Bulaga). Mr. De Leon was said to be so impressed with Mr. Pineda’s talent that he convinced the singer to return to Manila and form a new band. In 2006, Mr. Pineda relented.

The new band was called Zoo, and was immediately signed by MCA Records. Zoo released its self-titled debut album in 2007, and became popular in major nightclubs in Manila and Olongapo.

It was with Zoo that Mr. Pineda performed cover songs of Survivor, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Air Supply, The Eagles, Kenny Loggins and the popular American rock band Journey.

As luck would have it, it was this special talent of sounding very much like “the original” that led to Mr. Pineda’s chance to join one of his favorite bands, Journey, as its lead singer, no less.

Journey came to know of Mr. Pineda from the videos of his performances with Zoo posted on YouTube by his fan and long-time friend, Noel Gomez.

“I owe Noel so much. He believed in me when it seems no one else did,” Mr. Pineda said.

When Journey guitarist Neal Schon was scouting for a new singer, he accidentally came across a video posted on YouTube featuring Mr. Pineda.

“I was frustrated about not having a singer,” Mr. Schon wrote in a blog on Journey’s website. “So I went on YouTube for a couple of days, and just sat on it for hours. I was starting to think I was never going to find anybody. But then I found Zoo and I watched a bunch of different video clips that they had posted. After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true,” Mr. Schon wrote.

“The quality of the performance was amazing,” Journey bassist Ross Valory told Manila-based reporters last week. “I was surprised as anybody with what I heard,” he added.

Mr. Schon immediately contacted Mr. Gomez to ask for Mr. Pineda’s e-mail. When Mr. Pineda received an e-mail from the Journey guitarist, the singer thought it was a hoax. It was only after he received a phone call from Mr. Schon asking him to go to the US for a two-day audition that Mr. Pineda finally believed that he was meeting his idols.

Mr. Pineda said the audition was “nerve-wracking” and “tense.” The singer said he was so nervous during the audition that he thought he would not be chosen to join the band.

But on Dec. 5, 2007, it was announced that Mr. Pineda would be the new lead singer of Journey. He debuted with the band on Feb. 21, 2008 at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile.

Formed in 1973 in San Francisco, California, Journey gained popularity during the late 1970s to the early ’80s after releasing a string of power ballads like “Any Way You Want It,” “Faithfully,” “Separate Ways,” “Wheel in the Sky,” and Open “Arms.”

Interest in the band was recently rekindled with the final episode of the hit US drama series The Sopranos, where Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” played the show out.

Prior to Mr. Pineda’s bagging the coveted spot, Journey was fronted by a handful of singers; Gregg Rolie (1973-1980), Robert Fleischman (1977), Steve Perry (1977-1998), Steve Augeri (1998-2006), and Jeff Scott Sotto (2006-2007).

Arnel Pineda (center) and the members of Journey at a press conference in Manila last week

After Mr. Perry left the band, the replacements were said to have lacked the power of his vocals, causing some people to immediately question the choice of Mr. Pineda. There were those who disapproved of Mr. Pineda’s Filipino roots, saying that Journey is an “All-American” band, while others thought Mr. Pineda was just lip-synching Mr. Perry’s early recordings because the Filipino singer was as good as the former Journey front man.

Mr. Pineda admits to feeling the intense pressure of his rise to fame, but he would rather not focus on the negativity.

“This is the best job and this is something I will not take for granted,” he said.

Regarding comparisons being made between him and Mr. Perry, Mr. Pineda said: “There is only one Steve Perry in this world. Breathing new life into Journey’s legendary sound means a lot of hard work on my part.”

Journey’s newest multi-platinum album, Revelation, features new hits and classics as performed by Mr. Pineda, including “Open Arms,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” and “After All These Years.”

Journey is currently in Manila for a special-one night concert at tomorrow (March 14), 8 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City. Mr. Pineda said his band mates were surprised that he was at the airport to personally welcome them to the country.

“They never thought na pupunta ako sa airport to greet them. Na-sorpresa sila (They never thought that I would go to the airport to greet them. They were surprised),” he said.

Journey had concerts in Nagoya and Osaka in Japan last Tuesday and Wednesday. It was Journey’s first performances in Japan after more than 11 years.

After the SM Mall of Asia concert tomorrow, Journey will fly to Macau to perform at the Venetian Resort and Casino next Friday.

“It’s so exciting to sing with one of the best bands in the world,” Mr. Pineda said. “Dreams truly do come true,” he added.

Tickets for an Evening with Journey cost P3,605; P2,575; P1,545; and P515. For inquiries, call Ticketnet at 911-5555. Children below four feet in height not accompanied by a paying adult, pregnant women, and those with severe heart or medical conditions will not be allowed inside the venue.

Source link: bworldonline.com

Posted by GM, submitted by CherBear
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Journey CBS News Sunday Morning Interview

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Journey with Arnel Pineda Live in Chile

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Pineda’s life is a true inspiration and that his rare talent, faith, sacrifice and perseverance are the hallmark for success and a true reminder of the timeless spirit of Edsa, the foundation said.

It added that Pineda’s success is a result of his determination to achieve his goals in life.  

The award was given to Pineda by former president Fidel V. Ramos, one of the key players in the 1986 bloodless revolution.  

Pineda has been in the music industry for 25 years now. In the early part of his career, Pineda was a vocalist for “Zoo.”  The band’s album, “Zoology,” which features 10 of his original compositions, was released in September of 2007.

Journey discovered Pineda via video-sharing Web site YouTube.

The Spirit of EDSA Foundation also honored international singer Charice.  

Charice is now in the United States to record her first international album. Recently, she was also invited to perform at post-Oscars party. 

Source link: abs-cbnnews.com

Posted by GM

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Video I – Charice

by FalseVoice

Video II – After shock of Charice’s performance

by charicefanhere

Video III – Ramielle Malubay

by prezhus

Video IV – Arnel Pineda

by jessie8165

Video V – Rin and Roxanne

by hiphoprox

Ellen invites Pinoy YouTube singing sensation duo

American talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres has invited two talented Filipino “bathroom singers” to guest on her popular “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

Rin and Roxanne of “Rin on the Rox,” who have become a YouTube sensation, are best buddies who do cover songs inside their bathroom.

“Recently, I found these two singers on the internet. These two girls are singing in the bathroom. So they are  fantastic. If you are watching right now, please, please come on the show if you are watching. We have a wonderful bathroom here… But seriously, you are great. So please, please come on the show if you would like to,” DeGeneres said in a recent episode. 

Rin or Erin Paula, 20, and Rox or Roxanne, 21, are based in California, USA. They dream of having a career in singing.

In Rin’s MySpace account, she said in one post:  “Our dreams are actually coming true.” 

They also said in their YouTube channel ‘hiphoprox’ that they are proud to be Filipinos.

“Yes, we both are Filipino, but as for Roxanne she’s half-Filipino and half-white,” Rin said.

They also belied they are twins, saying that they are just best of friends.

“Ha! ha! No, we are just best friends with the same passion–music,” Rin added. In particular, they both love R&B music.

Rin and Rox have become a YouTube hit for their version of popular songs. They always express appreciation to their fans and supporters who watch their videos, give comments and requests. 

“Thanks for all the love and support. We will try to fulfill everyone’s song requests. We are just really pressured for time. So we will get to it. Keep supporting..loving…commenting..and subscribing. Thanks a lot! We love you,” Rin said.

To know more of “Rin on The Rox” performances check them out on YouTube. Their account is ‘hiphoprox.’ You can also check their Myspace account on  www.myspace.com/erinpaula andwww.myspace.com/hiphoprox.

Another Pinoy YouTube singing sensation Charice Pempengco’s appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show last year helped catapult her to international fame.

Source link: abs-cbnnews.com

Acknowledgement: A special thank you to Scrub for his help to gather all these videos to post for this article.

Posted by GM

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Video I

by NIGHTHAWK23

Video II – Come What May

by NIGHTHAWK23

Video III – Two Less Lonely People In The World

by NIGHTHAWK23

Posted by GM, Submitted by Honeybee

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Filipinos have a gifted ear for music. And as year 2008 draws to a close, ABS-CBN’s variety show ASAP ‘08 featured four Pinoy singers who have attained worldwide fame for their singing talent: Charice Pempengco, Charlie Green, Arnel Pineda, and Lani Misalucha. Collectively, the four are known as this year’s “Global Pinoy Singers.”

The opening spiel of ASAP’s December 28 episode began with a remake of Robbie Williams’ rendition of “Let Me Entertain You.” Some of ASAP’s best talents jumpstarted the song number, with Gary Valenciano taking the lead. Billy Crawford, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Sarah Geronimo soon followed. For the chorus, a belt-out battle among the four Global Pinoy singers took place as they delivered the lines “Let me entertain you! Let me entertain you!” While the international singers all gave first-rate performances, YouTube singing sensation Charice was arguably the most applauded.

Other Filipino achievers were also recognized during the show. ASAP mainstay Yeng Constantino joined 6Cyclemind in singing “Saludo,” a number that they dedicated to Pinoys who are internationally acclaimed in the realm of politics, art, music, and even science.

Charlie, Charice, Arnel, and Lani also appeared in ASAP’s Music Room Special Edition, with individual empowerment as the chosen theme. The ensemble of singers performed “I Believe I Can Fly,” inspiring more and more Pinoys to reach for the sky and soar way above their wildest imagination. Lani and Arnel deliver a stellar performance in a duet of Mariah Carey’s “Open Arms.” Meanwhile, Charice led the grand finale with a version of Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time.” Rumors of rivalry between Sarah Geronimo and Charice were put to rest since the popstar princess herself congratulated Charice after the finale.

Charice made her appearance in the international scene as a guest in Oprah and The Ellen Degeneres Show. Arnel, the lead singer of the international rockband “Journey,” has also received an invitation from Ellen. Charlie started his career when he qualified for the semi-finals of Britain’s reality TV show Britain’s Got Talent, where he received rave reviews from no less than Simon Cowell. Meanwhile, Asia’s Nightingale Lani was recently awarded “Best Singer” in the 27th Best of Las Vegas Poll.

These four Global Pinoy singers are among the many international performers who bring honor to Filipinos with their world-class talent.

Source link: Philippine Entertainment Portal

Posted by GM, Submitted by JEDEX

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Videos I-VI are now available. Please note: additional videos will be added as soon as videos become available or uploaded.

Video I

by uncad2

Video II – Duet with Charice & Arnel

by uncad2

Video III – Charice’s Solo

by uncad2

Video IV – Arnel’s Solo

by boyNkris2

Video V – Charlie Green’s Solo

by boyNkris2

Video VI – Duet (Impromptu) with Charice & Arnel

by uncad2

Video VII – Impromptu of Charice and Arnel (w/Charicemania logo)

by nutcrackee aka smee 

Posted by GM, Submitted by canadianboy & Cherbear

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Video I – Charice & Arnel sing “Alone”

by RABERNZ

Video II – Charicemania logo

by nutcrackee

Video III - with interview @ end

by uncad2

Posted by GM

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