Sparkle Artists Shine at SIGNED FOR STARDOM 2023

One of the most awaited events in the country happened at the GMA Studios a couple days ago. This is "Signed for Stardom 2023" hosted by GMA's Sparkle Artist Center, and we loved seeing those who have stayed and renewed ties with the Kapuso network and its affiliates. The contract signing event also included performances from the network's stars, singers, spiels from their host influencers and appearances from their homegrown character actors which we love seeing in their various series and shows on GMA.

All in all, there were over 48 artists who got singned again, plus a few who got renewed and retained their management contracts with Sparkle. The event was hosted by Martin Javier, Rain Matienzo and guests were welcomed by GMA Netowrk's very own Chairman and CEO Attorney Felipe L. Gozon.

In the event, young GMA stars Siena Stevens, Will Ashley, Bruce Roeland, Matthew Uy, Angel Leighton, AZ Martinez, Yvette Sanchez and Shuveee Etrata got on stage in their best gowns and suits. Seeing them doing good in different GMA shows, endorsements and projects just mean they're reaping the fruits of their labor, working hard especially in honing their talents with the premier talent management company.

From champion singers, international performers and PPOP sensations, GMA is home to the most talented singers this country has ever produced. Liana Castillo, John Rex, Timmy Albert, Vianna Ricafranca, powerful Hannah Precillas, Jessica Villarubin and Guam theater star Garrett Bolden plus XOXO's Riel, Mel, Lyra and Dani went up the stage and performed several hits LIVE at the event. It proved all the more that the Filipino is world class!

Host and Influencers who are going to be part of the various planned lifestyle shows on GMA include Janeena Chan, MH Ordinllano, Maureen Schrijvers, Asnley Yap and Mica Salamanca.

Signed talented actors like Martin Del Rosario, Ashley Rivera, Kristoffer Martin, Paul Salas, Ms. Amy Austria, Maricar de Mesa, Archie Alemania and Nadine Samonte also signed with Sparkle together with already established Sparkle artists Andrea Torres, Andre Paras, Arra San Agustin, Shaira Diaz, beauty queen Celeste Cortesi, Mike Tan, Rita Daniela, Rocco Nacino, Khalil Ramos, twins Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, plus Richard Yap, Paolo Contis, Lolong lead star Ruru Madrid and popular pair "BarDa's" Barbie Forteza and David Licauco also joined the signing activity.

This is just the start of even more things to come for Sparkle and their artists. The event was also witnessed by GMA Executives SVP Attorney Anette Gozon-Valdes, Sparkle's VP Joy Marcelo. Here's to more projects with the stars who appeared at this Signed for Stardom. and yes, until next year! Congratulations to everyone who got signed, we can't wait to see more!

XOXO Unleashes New Upbeat OPM Song GLNG (Go Lang Ng Go!)

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that we miss XOXO. They're GMA's premiere girl group that's got super powerful vocals, and has very successful individual acting careers too. Members Lyra, Dani, Real and Mel started the event quite excited, showing why they're one of the most sought after performers by telling stories that made us all roll in laughter prior to them singing. They've got A LOT of personality, they can work out a crowd and get away with it. They're also great ambassadors of body positivity and about loving who you are no matter what color, race or ethnicity is. They pointed out how varied they are and proved how talent, music, encompasses everything!

This foray to OPM is somewhat a new endeavor for them. They made sure it's got dance, more upbeat than usual because it's something that is supposed to inspire you when you're down. It's something that could encourage you to learn, and leave those worries behind especially when you're with people who support you like friends and family. This is where they say "Go Lang ng Go!", here's where they performed it for us that evening!

@kumagcow UPBEAT SONG GLNG (GO LANG NG GO) RELEASED BY XOXO Under GMA Music #EntertainmentPH #tiktokshowbizreporter #ppop ♬ original sound - John Bueno

I didn't get to talk to her after the show, but she's my bias if you could say that. If you haven't seen Muriel on TikTok, you should definitely give her a follow. She's not only entertaining, showcasing her powerful vocals there, but takes time to tell different stories that touch the heart, interacting with her fans is certainly something that she does quite good, but something tells me she's gotten busy that she doesn't stream live as much anymore, but that's a good thing. It only means they're rising, doing performances not just in the country, but abroad too. 

Which reminds me, Lyra, Dani, Real and Mel will be at the Best of P-POP and S-POP Concert this coming June 11. It will be held at the Esplanade Recital Studio and is produced by AOR Global Pte. Ltd. so make sure you get your tickets prior to the show. As said, there's going to be several groups performing with them like BGYO and BINI, plus a few more Singapore based artists so make sure you get tickets at sistic.com.sg as early as now because it's going to be absolutely crazy! They also told us they're very excited to work with fellow Filipino PPOP groups which they haven't done in quite a while. Here's how our interview with them that evening!

So if you're loving what you are hearing, go stream them on Spotify and other streaming platforms where available. Again, this is produced by GMA Music (who had their executives there btw). Thank you for the opportunity to talk with you XOXO! Can't wait for more music, take OPM where you're goin!

VOLTES V Legacy's Big Bert Matt Lozano Releases 3rd Single "LIHAM"

I've known Matt Lozano for a couple of years now. When he started in the industry, we've known him for being a really emotional singer, likened to the John Mayer style we've all known to love. He's done several covers, but have began releasing a few singles including "Kwarto" under GMA Music, "Walang Pipigil" which was done in 2021, and now a new single called "LIHAM" under the same label.

LIHAM is a lot different from its predecessors. Much of it is because of the fact that he did this in just a few minutes, stemmed from raw emotions which he showed to producers later on and published with GMA Music. It's also about moving on, finding yourself, and see how you could recover from a heartbreak. Surely, this will resonate with a lot of people. He gave us a live performance of it here!

@kumagcow VOLTES V LEGACY's BIG BERT aka @mattlozanomusic sings LIHAM his 3rd single under @gmamusic #voltesvlegacy #mattlozano #EntertainmentPH #tiktokshowbizreporter ♬ original sound - John Bueno

Matt Lozano has been dreaming of this day, to finally get the fruits of his labor... especially in the acting work he's done these past few years doing Voltes V: Legacy. He's been lauded by critics in movie/TV reviews. To say he's done a great job in reprising the role of Big Bert would certainly be an understatement. He's thankful for the opportunities that are opening up for him as Voltes V: Legacy becomes a household favorite for Filipinos everywhere.

Check out our interview with him here:

I don't know if Matt Lozano is single, but if he is, he's surely going to have a lot of ladies loving him for his singing. Go stream "LIHAM" on Spotify and other streaming platforms. There's also a lyric video which they shot while recording coming out on YouTube, so make sure you're subscribed to GMA Music's YouTube channel.

Thank you Matt! I'm so happy to see how your career has taken flight. Congratulations!