OBRA Artist Blogs

Blogs that celebrates all that is great and unique about a Pinoy Artist. About the good and the not so good of living the life of an art enthusiast.
Nov 30
2007

Mr. Piolo Pascual - 10 Concert

Posted by: Rommel Santiago in Music and Dance

Rommel Santiago


One of the hottest heart robe of the filipino artist, Mr. Piolo Pascual. Has become one of the top male artist in music industry. After making so many movie hits scenes now comes making another concert at the araneta this day friday at the araneta November 30, 2007.... With special guest like Star Magic Teen, Mr. Ogie Alcasid, and many more. Directed by Mr. Johny Manahan by star records.
Related Post:
Nov 15
2007

FreeStyle - Back at the yard

Posted by: Rommel Santiago in Music and Dance

Rommel Santiago
Freestyle
Vocals: Jinky Vidal
Guitar: Richard Felix Rocha Suzara (tat)
Bass: Carlo Pacheco Tapia
Drums: Gerald Banzon
Keyboard: Nicolas Cabardo

Freestyle is from Davao. They played their first gigs at the APO View Hotel in Davao. The band was formed by Tat Suzara and Jinky Vidal back in 1996. Tat asked his cousin Top to provide male vocals. They formed Freestyle with members Top Suzara (guitars, male vocals), Jinky Vidal (female vocals), Tat Suzara (lead guitars), Carlo Tapia (bass), Gerard Banzon (drums) and Obet Luzon (keyboards). They submitted a demo tape to Viva Records. They went to Manila and was signed into Neo Records, a company of Viva Records. Later, they released their first self-titled album. It released the hits Before I Let You Go and So Slow.

By 1998, they released their second LP, Freestyle This Time. At that time, Nikki Cabardo replaced Obet Luzon. This album released hits such as Down and Funky, 'Til I Found You, This Time. Freestyle received a very pleasant reaction from the Filipino crowd so by October of 2000, they were able to play in Araneta Coliseum for their first major concert which was entitled Freestyle Live. It was a great show with artists Pops Fernandez, Gary Valenciano and Andrew E. as their special guests. By February 14, 2001, they were able to play again in the Big Dome with the divine diva, ZsaZsa Padilla and Asia's nightingale, Lani Misalucha for the sensational Love Concert. The Filipino crowd still couldn't get enough of Freestyle so by April 28, 2001, they performed with Janno Gibbs and ZsaZsa Padilla at the Ynares Gym in Antipolo for the High On Love Concert.

Not only that, they also had Freestyle On Fire last June 15 & 16, 2001 and Freestyle On Full Swing last June 29 & 30, 2001 at the Music Museum. Previously, they rocked the Big Dome again last August 10, 2001 with special guests Ogie Alcasid and Aiza Seguerra for their concert Freestyle: All Hits and Symphony in F last November 24,2001 with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. And this year, they filled up the seats of Araneta Coliseum in their Back 2 Back series with Side A for four unforgettable nights-Feb 8,9 and 22 and March 23,2002.

With gigs everywhere, shows in 8th Day, Hard Rock Cafe, Makati, Dish, Fat Tuesdays, Nth Degree, Ratsky, Chatterbox, Padi's Point, UFO Planet Rock and in other popular bars in town, numerous guestings, platinum awards and albums, FREESTYLE, without a doubt, is really the hottest band in town and one of the most hardworking bands around.


GIGs:

September/October 2006 Gig Schedule

September 1 (Friday) - Bagaberde, Pasig

September 2 (Saturday) - Bagaberde, Roxas Blvd.

September 6 (Wednesday) - 19 East, Sucat, Parañaque

September 9 (Saturday) - Bagaberde, Pasig

September 12 (Tuesday) - Cowboy Grill, Ortigas Extension, Pasig

September 13 (Wednesday) - 19 East, Sucat, Parañaque

September 15 (Friday) - Lite Rock at Bellevue

September 16 (Saturday) - Bagaberde, Roxas Blvd.

September 20 (Wednesday) - 19 East, Sucat, Parañaque

September 23 (Saturday) - Bagaberde, Roxas Blvd.

September 27 (Wednesday) - 19 East, Sucat, Parañaque

September 29 (Friday) - Music Warehouse, Dagupan

September 30 (Saturday) - R&B Music Venue, Tarlac City

October 4, (Wednesday) - SM Megamall

October 7 (Saturday) - SM Batangas

Track List;

1. Tameme
2. Naglalambing
3. Muling ibalik
4. Mapipigil mo ba?
5. Dati
6. I will still love you
7. Paper rain
8. Is it over
9. WOnder
10. Rainbow coloured sky
11. Bawa't tao
12. Wrapped around your finger
13. Maybe
14. Sugar
15. Bakit kaya?
16. Nananabik
Nov 14
2007

ARYANA - Ako Ang Nauna

Posted by: Rommel Santiago in Music and Dance

Rommel Santiago
One living proof that stars are born is the stunning and multi-talented Aryana, the newest addition to Universal Records ever-growing roster of world class performers. Born in the exotic island of Guam , where America 's day begins, Aryana was already singing at the tender age of three. When she was 10 years old, Aryana was already performing in numerous civic and social functions. It was expected that she became the most requested entertainer for the many associations in the Island, including the Filipino Community of Guam, the umbrella of all the organizations in that U.S. territory. She was already a "veteran" and consummate entertainer when Aryana moved to California and wowed the arts community in Los Angeles , with her voice. Recognized as a gifted student by L.A.U.S.D. she had shared stellar roles in the university's productions of "The Circle of Life" and "Singing In The Rain". Aryana has already recorded CDs in L.A. Two of her songs were used for the TV hit series, " America 's Next Top Model" hosted by Tyra Banks. When she came back to Guam and joined the singing competition " Guam 's Shining Star Idol", she emerged as the champion and from then on has been dubbed as "The Pride of Guam". In the Guam shows of Jaya and Jasmine Trias last year, she was the front act artist. It was a stint with JayR that her current manager, noted choreographer Geleen Eugenio spotted Aryana and was able to convince her to try her luck in the Philippines . She was about to release her Christmas outing, "Ako Ang Nauna (Bumati Ng Merry Xmas)" with Buko Pie, when she was entered in the Shanghai-Asia Music Festival. Aryana was the crowd's favorite in the competition participated by 21 Asian countries. She emerged as the Silver (Second) Prize winner, also bagging the Best Song award for her composers Vehnee Saturno and son. Barely a year in Pinoy showbiz and as an SOP mainstay, Aryana is GMA network's newest artist. Her initial recording "Bop It", has already been certified platinum. For the same song, she won the SOP Music Award's "Maximum Dance Blast" trophy. While in the 8th Shanghai Music Festival, Aryana was offered by several international record companies and show promoters. Aryana's very excited about the possibility of recording and distributing her CDs in China . Unknown to many, she has Chinese blood running in her musical veins. Her dad, Alex Dominador Bautista Lim is half Pinoy/half Chinese, whose father came from Fujan, in the mainland. She is interested in one particular offer which will record her in Japan (the world's second largest music market), China and other Asian countries. "It would be nice to start in our own Asian region", Aryana beams. To be released in Japan and China is already a big achievement. Music has no boundaries so I am going to work hard to be able to reach out to more of our Asian brothers."
Nov 13
2007

Garry Valenciano - Relevance

Posted by: Rommel Santiago in Music and Dance

Rommel Santiago
Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano, better known as simply Gary Valenciano (shortened to Gary V.), is a Filipino musician, composer, actor, producer, and gospel singer who is best known for many songs, especially those that became theme songs for movies. His energetic dance moves also garnered him the nickname "Mr. Pure Energy."

Born in the suburb of Santa Mesa in Manila on August 6, 1964, he is the sixth of Vicente Valenciano and Grimilda Santiago Ortiz’s seven children. Santiago Ortiz is a Puerto Rican woman of Italian descent who became a popular opera singer in Manila during the 1960s, and her love for music passed down to her son, Gary. He took his primary and secondary studies in La Salle Greenhills. It was during his high school days, while being on a brief stint with the musical group Kundirana, that he devoted himself to music.

He first appeared as a solo in a television show called The Pilita and Jackie Show in 1982, but he was finally noticed after his performances in the TV shows Germspesyal and Penthouse Live. He had his first solo concert, in April 1984, inside the jam-packed Araneta Coliseum. He was soon to make 21 albums, three of them released internationally, including a Christian inspired album called Out in the Dark.

He is married to Maria Anna Elizabeth "Angeli" Evangelista Pangilinan, with whom he has three children: Juan Paolo Martin (a vocalist of the band Salamin), Jose Angelo Gabriel (a dancer), and Kristina Maria Mikaela.




RELEVANCE, GARY V’s
From Anonymous Source


New All-Original Album from Universal Records


After almost a 10-year wait, Gary Valenciano’s all-original album titled “Relevance” has been released by Universal Records, in cooperation with GV Productions, Inc., and Manila Genesis Entertainment.

“RELEVANCE” was premiered live at SM Megamall’s Cinema 4 last May 24, with MYX, SM Cinema, ABS-CBN Interactive, Philippine Star, Belo Medical Group, Watch Republic, Freego Jeans and Carrera Bag as sponsors.

Among the biggest hits of Gary V’s 23-year career are his original song, particularly those he released during the ‘80s and ‘90s like Eto Na Naman, Di Bale Na Lang, Wag Mo Sanang Isipin, What More Can I Say, Sana Maulit Muli, Shout For Joy, and the pop/inspirational classic Take Me Out Of The Dark.

Then there was a five-year gap when Gary stopped writing original materials except Once Again It’s Christmas which he recorded as a duet with daughter Kiana; and Break Me, which he wrote for the late starbuilder Bella Dy Tan of Universal Records.

Gary V’s last original album was Interactive in 1997. But doing original songs was always at the back of his mind.

“I really wanted to go back to recording originals, but the thing is, with original songs, you’re coming from scratch. It’s not just a simple matter of sitting down and writing. You want songs you were really inspired to write, or songs that others were really inspired to write for you”, he says.

The album’s carrier single is a mid-tempo Jack Rufo / Ito Rapadas co-produced ditty called “Wait Forever” which has already been translated into music video and is now airing on MYX and MTV music channels.

Of course there are the perennial Gary V ballads: Even For A While, Sana Bukas, In Another Lifetime, Only A Friend, You Gave Me Reason, and You Are – a duet with Eddie Villanueva’s daughter Joni.

Relevance has the contagious dance tunes Gary has always been known for -- (I Know) What You Want, Shake It Off and a 2006 version Wag Mo Na Sanang Isipin, featuring Gary’s daughter Kiana.

Gary V also collaborated with Gerard Salonga (conducting the orchestra for Even For A While) and Mon Faustino (who arranged and produced In Another Lifetime).

Half of the songs in the album were written by Cebuano songwriter Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc, Francis Funa and Richard Cayabyab; while You Gave Me Reason was penned by a Scandinavian team who wrote hits for Britney Spears (Baby One More Time, Oops I Did It Again), Backstreet Boys (I Want It That Way) and Kelly Clarkson (Since You’ve Been Gone).

Gary’s happy to be able to come up with original songs again. It was both a creative and spiritual struggle, after which all the songs and ideas came pouring in. Now he has more songs for another album. Next in line is Revive II and maybe, another dance album.

At the Relevance live premiere at SM Megamall’s Cinema 4 , Gary was joined onstage by Tribe Of Levi, Mon Espia, Melissa Fontano, May Ann Casal-Soriano and his long-time collaborator/musical director Mon Faustino.

The live premiere of Relevance was staged by Universal Records in cooperation with GV Productions, Inc., Manila Genesis Entertainment, MYX and SM Cinema.





Track List:

1. Did It Ever
2. Only A Friend
3. What You Want
4. Sana Bukas
5. Wag Mo Na Sanang Isipin
6. Even For A While
7. In Another Lifetime
8. Shake It Off
9. You Are
10. Wait Forever

Related Post:
Sam Milby's New....
Nov 13
2007

Judy Ann Santos - Musika Ng Buhay Ko Album

Posted by: Rommel Santiago in Music and Dance

Rommel Santiago
Born May 11, 1978 in Manila, Philippines, Judy Anne Lumagui Santos (screen name: Judy Ann Santos), is an award-winning television and film actress, a platinum-selling recording artist, a commercial model (For Me apparel), a sought-after product endorser (Selecta ice cream, Tuseran cough syrup, to name a few), a favorite magazine cover girl (Preview, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire to name a few), and chef-restaurateur in the Philippines.

Tagged by the press and the public as The Young Superstar due to her phenomenal success amongst the masses, Santos is fondly called Juday by family, friends, and peers.

It's collection of song by miss judy ann santos, her favorite song dedicated to his family, friends, love ones, and etc.. And sang by may popular artist in the philippines..





Track List:

1. Destiny - Gary Valenciano
2. Iingatan Ka - Carol Banawa
3. Kahit Isang Saglit - Martin Nievera
4. Kasama Kang Tumanda - Ogie Alcasid
5. Ikaw Lamang - Regine Velasquez
6. The Way You Look Tonight - Zsa Zsa Padilla
7. Ikaw Lang - Judy Ann Santos
8. Maybe This Time - Ella May Saison
9. Huwag Mong Iwan Ang Puso - Yeng Constantino
10. Both Sides Now - Sharon Cuneta
11. Bakit 'Di Totohanin - Carol Banawa
12. Hawak Kamay - Yeng Constantino
13. Thanks To You - Judy Ann Santos

Related Post:
Sarah Geronimo Latest ...
Yasmien New Latest Album.

Nov 11
2007

Sam Milby's New Album

Posted by: Rommel Santiago in Music and Dance

Rommel Santiago
Sam Milby (born Samuel Lloyd Lacia Milby on May 23, 1984 in Troy, Ohio) is a Filipino-American actor, commercial model, and recording artist. Milby grew up with a Filipina mother native to Tago, Surigao del Sur and an American father. Milby became an instant celebrity and heartthrob after leaving the Pinoy Big Brother House in November 2005. He currently appears in a Sunday musical variety show, ASAP '07, through the segment called 'The Hearththrobs' with Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz. He also rendered his version of Only You to ABS-CBN's Tagalog-dubbed Korean soap of the same title.

Milby's first major film debut was Close to You, produced by ABS-CBN subsidiary Star Cinema and co-starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. Milby also released a self-titled debut album in early 2006, which was repackaged in the third quarter of 2006.

Heartthrobs, featuring Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby at the Music Museum last February 2 and 3, has a repeat concert on March 17 following the big success of their first concert together. Milby was recently seen in the recently concluded top rating ABS-CBN primetime soap opera, Maging Sino Ka Man which garnered a 1.0% rating nationwide according to AGB Nielsen Philippines, the soap opera will have a book 2 following a big success and is tentatively schedule to be seen on September 2007. Milby is a member of ABS-CBN's elite circle of homegrown talents properly named Star Magic. He is also starred in the blockbuster movie You Got Me with Toni Gonzaga and Zanjoe Marudo and he is schedule to shoot another movie with Bea Alonzo and Kristine Hermosa. Milby just concluded his successful US tour with Piolo Pascual, Pokwang and Rica Peralejo and scheduled for another European tour before the year ends. Milby is one of the busiest and bankable talents of ABS-CBNs Star Magic.







Track List:

1. A Little Too Perfect
2. Love Of My Life
3. Buong Buhay Ko
4. Where Did You Go
5. Can't Help Falling In Love
6. Shining Star
7. Mahal Pa Rin
8. It's You All Along
9. Right Here Waiting
10. I Don't Wanna Miss A Chance
11. Where Did You Go (Acoustic Mix)
12. Buong Buhay Ko (Acoustic Mix)
13. Mahal Pa Rin (Acoustic Mix)
14. A Little Too Perfect (Instrumental)
15. Right Here Waiting (Instrumental)
16. Can't Help Falling In Love (Instrumental)

Nov 11
2007

Christmas Bossa Nova

Posted by: Rommel Santiago in Music and Dance

Rommel Santiago
Early Christmas song produced and released by Star Record Entitled: Christmas Bossanova. Sang by many various singers famous and new group of singers in the Philippines. It is one great album to have before the best holiday of the year begins.








Track List:

1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

2. The Christmas Song
3. Merry Christmas Darling
4. White Christmas
5. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6. Silver Bells
7. I'll Be Home For Christmas
8. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
9. Deck The Halls
10. Winter Wonderland
11. It's Just Another New Year's Eve
12. Auld Lang Syne
Nov 09
2007

Sarah Geronimo Latest Album

Posted by: Rommel Santiago in Music and Dance

Rommel Santiago
From Anonymous Source:

A significant event will happen to the Philippines’ favorite pop star Sarah Geronimo as she stages her second major concert. According to Viva Entertainment big boss Vic del Rosario this serves as the defining moment of the premier young artist.

In “Sarah Geronimo in Motion” the singer –actress will perform with Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, Sam Milby, Jericho Rosales, Mark Bautista, John Prats, and Comedy Concert Queen Ai Ai delas Alas. A concert series will also run in United States particularly in California, New York, Alaska, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas in August and September.

Sarah’s Music

Four years ago, the Celine Dion original “To Love You More” captured the heart of the nation. The song was popularized by the “Star For a Night’s” grand winner Sarah Geronimo in 2003 who used it as her winning piece.

Sarah was 14 years old when she garnered the glory. At such age, she wowed everyone with her powerful voice. It seemed impossible that such vocal prowess would come from a girl her age.

Her debut album, “Popstar, A Dream Come True” brought her sextuple platinum award. Incidentally, her single “Sa’ Yo” was use as campaign jingle by senatoriable and a computer school that Sarah endorsed.

Sarah’s another track “Twin Heart” was the theme song of a GMA soap opera with the same titl, top billed by Dingdong Dantes, Tanya Garcia and Dennis Trillo.

Her sophomore album “Sweet Sixteen” was a gold record in one week. “How Could You Say You Love Me,” “Lumingon Ka Lang” and the revival, “I Want to Know What Love Is” were the pop tracks that helped Sarah to gain the Most Popular Female Recording Artist by Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Award in 2005.

While performing as mainstay of ASAP, Sarah was officially lauched trhough her first major concert, “Sarah: The Other Side.”

That same year Sarah recorded songs for several consumer products including “Tunay Talaga” for top sanitary napkin ad, and“Ang Bango ng Pasko,” the yuletide season ad for a detergent powder. Sarah was slowly becoming hot property.

Also in 2005, Sarah sang the official theme for “Can Be This Love,” the launching flick of Star Circle Quest winners Hero Angeles and Sandara Park. The song attained gold record sales in only one month.

This year, Sarah will release her new album entitled, “Taking Flight.”

Sought After Singer-Actress

Sarah not only conquered the recording industry, she’s also one of the most sought after star on TV and the big screen. It started when she joined the 90s youth oriented show “Click.” When she transferred from GMA to ABS-CBN she starred in her solo program “Sarah: The Teen Princess” where she had three leading men.

Last year, she conquered the primetime with her singing and acting in the TV adaptation of “Bituing Walang Ningning” where she revived the character that Sharon Cuneta immortalized.

After her one month engagement in “Love Spell: Sweet Sixty”, Sarah is set to do one more primetime assignment this time with Jericho Rosales, “Pangarap Na Bituin.”

Sarah GeronimoIn movies, Sarah did “Lastikman”, where she played leading lady to Mark Bautista, “Captain Barbell,” “Filipinas,” and “Annie Batungbakal.” Currently, her mother studio is working out to remake “Dear Heart” that will be her major movie opposite John Lloyd Cruz.

Before being known as teen icon, Sarah already had past projects when she was a kid. She was part of “Pen Pen de Sarapen” and “Ang TV” while her first film would be “Sarah, Ang Munting Prinsesa,” where she’s one of the classmates of the lead actress – Camille Prats.

A Major Transformation

“My fans will be seeing a different me. I’ll be dancing. And my costumes will be – how would I describe it – daring and sexy,” Sarah described her July 14 concert that will start 8pm at the Araneta Coliseum.

The show promises an intense, spunky, and buoyant Popstar that will be directed by GB San Pedro with Mark Lopez as musical director. While, the music man Louie Ocampo will have a special participation.

The Anak TV Seal nominee for “Most Popular Household on Philippine Television” has become an inspiration for many aspiring singers. Sarah Geronimo has gone a long way, indeed. And there are more to conquer in Philippine showbiz, no doubt about that.




Track List:

Track Listing:

1.I'll Be Alright
2.Ikaw
3.I'm Sorry
4.Time To Let Go - Sarah Geronimo featuring Mark Bautista
5.So
6.Close To My Heart
7.What If I
8.Miss
9.I'll Be There
10.Mr. Deadma
11.Kahit Na


Nov 09
2007

Yasmien New Latest Album

Posted by: Rommel Santiago in Music and Dance

Rommel Santiago
From Anonymous Source:

After two years of absence in from the music scene, reigning Pop Sweetheart Yasmien Kurdi comes back with her latest album under GMA Records. Titled Love Is All I Need, Yasmien not only showcased her powerful vocals but her songwriting skills as well.

Yasmien Kurdi

Her composition, “Love Is All I Need” is the carrier single of the album. She shared that inspiration for the song came during the taping of her fantasy series “Encantadia”, where she spent her free time mostly daydreaming under the trees.

Yasmien is very proud of her new album because she was really involved in the production.




“Ipinagmamalaki ko po talaga ang album na ito. ‘Di ba may demo song pa iyan, doon pa lang humihirit na ako na, “Kuya hindi iyan.”

The young singer-actress said that she even debated for the songs that would be included in the album. There were even spilled over tracks meant for her debut album but because of her age at that time, the songs didn’t fit to her image.

“Iyong ibang songs ko ngayon ay mga tracks sa first album na hindi ko makanta noong time na iyon. Kasi hindi ko pa kaya at hindi pa ako maka-relate.”

The track “Hayaan Mo Na” is a creation of Sandwich band members – Mong Alcaraz and Mike Dizon. The two men also joined Alwyn Cruz and Rene Salta in producing the album.

Yasmien revived “Kisapmata” of Rivermaya, which is already penetrating the airwaves. Her version is not so far from Bamboo’s interpretation except of course, she has own singing style. Her another remake is the song “Goodbye.”

“Medyo naiiba siya, I mean ibang sound naman for Yasmien, it’s technologically advanced,” Yasmien now describing her song, “Candlelight Romance.”

Yasmien Kurdi launches second albumThe song is a danceable tune powered by electronical tricks that made the song more enchanting, just like what foreign artists like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguillera like to dish out.

“Give Me A Sign,” “Wishing Well”, and “One Day” are songs that revealed this star’s deepest thoughts and aspirations.

The sweet and youthful Yasmien is noticeable in the two cuts “Even If” and “Take Or Leave It.” The latter is similar to her signature ditty, “I Know.” “I Know” was the theme song of Korean series “Sweet 18” aired by GMA 7 before.

“Gusto kong ma-spread out iyong music ko. Sana iyong essence noong mga songs sa album ay ma-enjoy ng mga listeners.”

Yasmien is the lead star of afternoon soap opera, “Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso,” opposite new actor JC de Vera. Apart from it, she’s a regular performer on the Sunday musical program SOP. She was able to record her album in between these regular gigs and other TV guestings.

“Kunwari kapag taping pull –out. Kapag break time, aalis muna ako to record. Alis-balik ganoon.”

“Love Is All I Need ”, Yasmien Kurdi’s second album is released by GMA Records and distributed by Paragon Music Corporation and Universal Records.


Nov 08
2007

KJWAN takes on DLSU for MTV's Campus Crashers

Posted by: Rommel Santiago in Music and Dance

Rommel Santiago
Kjwan started as a four piece band from Manila that consists of Marc Abaya, Kelley Mangahas, Jorel Corpus, and Jhoon Balbuena, who wrote, recorded and co-produced their self titled album. Then guitarist, Boogie Romero, joined the band after the release of the self-titled album.

Kjwan burst onto the scene in 2003. They came down hard, raw, in your face, and coined the now-familiar catchphrase, “Bastusan na!” to signal some heavy rocking. Their hit song, “Daliri,” became an anthem to a new generation of rockers and being true to yourself became the order of the day. Three years later, at the height of the new music renaissance, Kjwan is braving a second album, 2 Step Marv, which promises to be many things more than their first.




Starting Out

Long-time friends and former high school band-mates Marc Abaya (vocals/son of director Marilou Diaz-Abaya) and Kelley Mangahas (bass/son of Mahar Mangahas) got together with fellow Ateneans Jorel Corpus (guitar) and J-hoon Balbuena (drums) to form the band’s initial lineup. They were joined in 2004 by Boogie Romero (second guitar), another high school friend and former band-mate of Marc and Kelley, soon after the release of their self-titled debut album.

Kjwan was nominated for Favorite New Artist at the MTV Pilipinas Video Music Awards 2005 for their breakthrough single “Daliri.” The song appealed to rock listeners who were fans of A Perfect Circle, Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, and grunge bands that defined early 90s rock.

The first one was a venture among good friends. Eventually, we wanted to form the ultimate band, I mean, every kid in college, everyone in high school wants to form the ultimate band. We started off as great friends and musicians who respect each other. The first album was very raw, very the-four-of-us-in-your-face with our ideas, not as whole or as focused as the new album. (Marc Abaya)