Julie Anne San Jose - Deeper

Monday, August 04, 2014


Julie Anne San Jose - Deeper
She was busy entertaining reporters when I arrived at Centerstage in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. I think I''ve covered some of her events in the past for a clothing line but we never really got to talk this much during that event. I glanced at her from this view and saw someone gorgeous, someone pleasant even if I haven't really gone this intimate for an interview before. I remember how crazy people were trying to get news of her over on Twitter and it was not any different during this blog conference. I mean, who wouldn't be startled with someone this talented and nice looking. She's Julie Anne San Jose after all.


Then when she started singing, everyone paid attention. Her undeniable power, finesse and intensity just flourished with each song she dished out of that Karaoke machine. It was effortless and who would believe something this good would come out of that venue. To top it all, everyone was a little shy I think of asking her questions. So I did the next best thing KUMAGCOW can do, I hosted the show haha. Well almost, I just started asking questions holding the microphone up... like a TV show and sure enough, everybody else followed suit. One of the questions mostly asked was about Elmo Magalona because I'm sure everybody misses her pairing with the rap royalty's son. I felt that she was a little ahmm.. uncomfortable. 

Perhaps it's probably because she's been asked of it too many times. Although when I asked her, for the record... they're still really good friends and there are no rifts between them at all. I guess, being in that love team was really special to her but she had to depart from it so she could find a way to make it in the industry on her own. She also wants to be versatile so she can go to other programs without depending on the team up. After all, she's got the talent to back it up. Maybe she just doesn't want it to be saturated, having too much might make the audience a little tired of them. It has its pros and cons but she chose to be without the pairing, she's still there after that and she's even got a new album out... was it effective? I think so. I also saw that the fans still supported her til now and they've got careers that individually have become successful.


I delved much of my questions about her album and how it came about. She's been planning about this album for a long time and she presented a couple of the tracks to GMA Records this year. She's got several compositions. Although she wasn't technically trained in writing notes and all, she's got natural talent in music which she learned from lessons and her father. She knows how to play a variety of instruments too and that helped a lot. Her compositions were all written differently, but mostly it's a combination of writing the lyrics and making the accompanying music for it. When she submitted the songs, she lets the arrangers make the changes so if the lyrics or melody won't fit, they would make the necessary adjustments to make it the best possible song for her. She doesn't mind if they change the flow of it as long as the idea is there, or if it encompasses what the lyrics meant for Julie Anne. She's also happy that she was given free hand to do this and she feels that they trust her. She hopes that now more that ever, people would continue to see her and her music better than the last time she had an album. She sang one of those heartbreaking ones which she dedicated to a past love... we melted.



She's got one heck of a year and this new album would be something that she could share for people who love her, her songs and those who just want to feel love in so many ways again. This is Julie Anne San Jose's album called Deeper. Get it out on stores now.

COW

For more information about his album:
Official GMA Artist Center
Official GMA Artist Center
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

ItchyVibe: The Itchyworms Viber Sticker Launch


Itchyworms L-R Chino Singson, Jugs Jugueta, Jazz Nicolas and Kelvin Yu during the band's own Viber Sticker launch.

We had a blast last Tuesday at Route 196 in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. We were there to witness the launch of the first band, first artist to ever launch their own sticker on popular messaging app Viber. Yes, that in itself is something to be proud about... sure enough they showed us why they're one of the best bands this country ever had!


We literally were standing during the interview and asked them about this latest feat. Viber has been steadfastly supporting them all these years and they were grateful to actually do this. The artist initially had these made specifically for T-Shirts but figured it'll be perfect for the app stickers that they planned to make. These are actually one of a kind, but they gave away shirts that evening that's got the designs printed on them. It was sweet, because only a few of these will be in existence!

We also gave our thoughts about their performance during the 7107 International Music Festival because out of all the bands that played there, they were freaking awesome and FUN! I don't know any band that's got humor and music done together brilliantly. It was even natural, didn't feel that anything was staged... and yes they even performed a lot better than other international acts. I had a mistake of even saying they were "at par" when in fact, they've got a point to say they were a tad better. 


Now they also explained each sticker that they published while we were there and most of it were real deal expressions that they use everyday. They also had their own manner in saying it, of which some regarded as their private jokes. They also said they had to trim it down to 40 because most of the personal jokes might not apply to everyone. The ones left, were really pretty good. As a matter of fact, I use them now on my Viber... on a regular basis that is! :)

40 official stickers now available on the Viber Sticker Market. Image rights are credited to Itchyworms.

It's full of personality, they also use the Filipino vernacular to give it more sensible in everyday conversations which is a pretty smart thing to do. If you see the actual characters in their sticker, it pretty much is the same astronaut seen on their album entitled "After All This Time" which is also out on stores nationwide. Now, everyone can enjoy them on smartphones because as of Viber's word that evening... a lot of people already downloaded it. This is history, the first official Filipino band who ever had a sticker on the Viber Sticker Market. Oh and as if that evening wasn't already great, they went ahead and played almost all their biggest hits front and center! These things are made of dreams!


They're not just a bunch of musicians, they're totally relate-able and you wouldn't even know they're paying homage to the Beatles. I had real good fun talking to these guys because they made sense, and they're pretty serious in what they are doing. No wonder Viber believes in them! I'll surely enjoy their music at any given night. I can say I missed a lot when I didn't get to cover their album launch a few days back, but this surely has freakishly made up for it. No local tales with these bunch of guys, they're just like you and me... they've got their own day jobs, and living with their passion for music. Congratulations Itchyworms! Congratulations to Viber too for getting these guys on board! I heard this won't be the last because they've lined up a couple of surprises later this year. Make sure you download the Itchyworms sticker now on Viber's Sticker Market!

P.S. I super duper love "Ayokong Tumanda" (I don't want to age), thank you for playing that!


COW

For more information about their app:
ViberPH
ViberPH
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

https://www.viber.com

Yellow Cab x Challenge Philippines - Camarines Sur

Sunday, August 03, 2014


David Voth CEO of Leverage Sports Asia

A few days ago, we were in 55 Events Place in Quezon City to witness a special meeting of the minds. Three parties, people from Leverage Sports Asia, the governor's office of Camarines Sur and the well loved pizza brand Yellow Cab. They are putting up one of the biggest races ever done in the Philippines and it's going to happen next year, on June 14.

They've already done it in Subic last February and they found that one of the best challenges ever, now they are going to have a fast one, something where they could set their personal best as described by the race organizers. From beginners to pros, they'll have them all going to Camarines Sur's location next year. 

Governor Miguel Villafuerte of Camarines Sur
The youngest Governor that I've ever seen I guess, he's Governor Miguel Villafuerte of CamSur. He's proud to say that the province, although they were hit by the recent big typhoon were able to get everything on course in order to host the race next year. They have even  made arrangements for the accommodations, putting up an Olympic like village to cater to athletes and their families which is one of their goals. Presenting the Philippines through their province is a step up, as they show the super nice sports and adventure centered province especially the track for this race and the extremely popular wake park.

Governor Elray Villafuerte, former governor and Dad of Miguel
Former Governor Elray Villafuerte says they are proud to host this and the Triathlon which will happen next year. This will surely gain a lot of exposure to their humble province, boost tourism and get to have people interested in their history as well. It's like a win win situation.

Roy Quejada, CEO of  Yellow Cab Pizza Co.
Roy Quejada, Yellow Cab Philippines' CEO says the reason why they sponsored this even is because they share the same values and they fit perfectly with the goals and aspirations of these athletes. The partnership will also be forged in the next three years and they've helped a lot of sponsored athletes with their fares since doing triathlons would require you to tour around the world. That is a BIG help no matter where you put it.

Julian Paolo Tayag, Director of Hubble Multisport Inc.
Julian Paolo Tayag of Hubble Multisport Inc. says they are also making sure to roll back the entry prices so that a lot of local and international athletes can participate in the event. The Philippines has the warmest people and they will witness a spectacle of 729 athletes hailing from 38 countries that will include celebrities, royalties and even a real deal world champion in the person of Aussie Michael Murphy. Isn't that great?!


Registrants will also have a chance to win a trip to Roth, Germany by entering the contest here. They will be holding the Challenge Roth race there intended for athletes and their families. If that doesn't make you want to join your first triathlon, we don't know what will. This "Fastest Course in Asia" located in Camarines Sur will surely get everyone's Personal Best to it's peak. Make sure you check out the channels below to know when registration starts.

Congratulations to everyone organizing this event. We can't wait to see how this turns out. I hope I can cover this, I haven't been in CamSur actually. Wouldn't it be nice to get lost there in Challenge CamSur? Haha!


COW

For more information about their events:
challengeph
Challenge Philippines
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://challengephilippines.com.ph/

Karat World x Gretchen Barretto

Saturday, August 02, 2014



Elegance, Refinement and Timeless Beauty. These are some of the words that were lingering that afternoon when we went to the Karat World event at CAV in BGC. Karat World has been able to transcend the norms of the jewelry business by bringing in more intricate designs, thinking of consumers and making each of their products affordable by the masses. For a company made to become something that makes luxurious pieces of fine jewelry, it's not that normal to be in the price points they put in on them. From their humble beginnings in the Visayas, they're now a force to be reckoned with in the jewelry business nationwide, and now they're amping up the ante and bringing in someone that's got the same characteristics as the brand itself. Elegance, Refinement and Timeless Beauty must be only related to one person in the showbiz industry right? Your guess is as good as mine...

 
Oh yes! She's the new endorser of Karat World, the one, the only Gretchen Barretto. She was so glad she got introduced to the family that's running Karat World. Beyond the endorsement, she wanted to have a genuine relationship with them because they have been truly good to her. The photoshoot which happened a few weeks before this endorsement only spelled how understanding they were when she cancelled it the first time because of family matters. That meant a lot, the understanding that they gave her, even shooting on a Sunday where employees were supposed to take rest... she appreciated that a lot and how courtesy was still given to her. Now, she's going to make sure to promote the brand even better as they embark on Karat World's journey to greater heights as they celebrate their 20th Year in the business!


Gretchen says "You don't really need expensive things to look classy. I love the pieces I got from Karat world especially the earrings and bracelets I've seen in the shoot. My pants are from a local store and my top is expensive (then we laughed), but everything looks "sosyal" on me effortlessly. You don't have to buy expensive jewelry because at the end of the day, it's how you carry it." which I totally agree with.


She also goes on saying "Thank you" to the family that owns and manages Karat World, and thanks them as well for treating her like family. True to the brand's promise of making affordable and quality jewelry to Filipinos, Karat World will be the go to brand on wedding rings, engagement rings or for any occasion for that matter. You'll all enjoy the best international and locally designed jewelry for a fraction of a cost. Congratulations Ms. Gretchen Barretto for being the new face of Karat World in the Philippines! Watch out for the ads and bts coming on stores soon.  



COW

For more information about their brand:
karatworldph
Karat World
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.KaratWorld.net