Film Works

Film Screening Invitation: ‘Technophilia’ Screens in Las Vegas on Aug. 25, 2011

The Philippine-Korean-Iraqi 16mm short film “Technophilia” will have a screening at “RAW: Las Vegas Presents Fusion” on Aug. 25, 2011 (Thursday) at Tommy Rocker’s in Las Vegas. If you’re in the Vegas area on the said date, you’re invited to come to the event and support local artists. You can buy tickets through this link. Buying ahead of time will only cost $10 for a night of film, music performances, photography, mixed media, and performance art exhibitions, and fashion show.

“Technophilia” will start the showcase at 8:30 p.m. For more information about the film, you can check out the: trailer, film stills, behind-the-scene photos, and film blog. This film is produced by Colorwheel Media Studios through the help of the Korean Film Council, Korean Academy of Film Arts, and Korea University.

Synopsis

Inside a hangout place, the game addict boyfriend gets boxed up by his techie lifestyle, which further alters his relationship with his already fed-up girlfriend. Things become more and more mechanical as they move on.

More About RAW Artists Events

You can also check out the video of last month’s “RAW: Las Vegas Presents Illuminare” for an idea of what’s to come for the next showcase. You can also view videos of other RAW Artists events: “RAW: Los Angeles Presents Incite” and “RAW: New York Presents Artcade.”

What is RAW?

RAW: natural born artists is an independent arts organization, for artists, by artists.

Our mission is to provide independent artists of all creative genres with the tools, resources, and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity. RAW educates emerging artists through seminars, workshops, and insights to further knowledge of their industries.

RAW connects them with one another so that they may grow together, while also providing them with opportunities to give back to their own local youth communities through the arts.

We encourage the creative success of the many visionaries and storytellers of our generation.

Grassroots Showcase Events

RAW handpicks and spotlights local artistic talents in film, fashion, music, visual art, hair and makeup artistry, and performance art. With artists from all genres in each showcase, RAW events come together to form an amazing circus of creativity.

What Can You Expect when Attending the RAW Showcase?

We screen an independent film (usually a short, webisode, or music video), a fashion show from an up-and-coming local designer, a musical performance, an art gallery featuring several independent visual artists, and performance art (comedy/dance/fire dancers, you name it…). You’ll get a little taste of everything. Combine all this creativity with drinks, fun, and good company! To partake in the experience, RSVP ($10/ticket) in the “Showcases” section of the event.

Lee DeWyze Tops Crystal Bowersox in American Idol 9

Lee DeWyze Tops Crystal Bowersox in American Idol 9
The new American Idol Lee DeWyze deserves the feat for the total package that he is.
Read More

The Top 5 Best 3D Movies List

The Top 5 Best 3D Movies List
In the era of IMAX and Real 3D, the worldwide resurgence of 3D films hit the theaters with what stereoscopic 3D technology can offer
Read More

The Top 5 Worst 3D Movies List

The Top 5 Worst 3D Movies List
There are actually many movies (both animation and live action offers) that are made into 3D flicks for the heck. And not all stories or film style or cinematic treatment are best suited for the 3D medium.
Read More

U2 3D Movie Review: A Concert Experience for the Price of an IMAX Ticket

U2 3D Movie Review: A Concert Experience for the Price of an IMAX Ticket
This concert film features cutting-edge technology that gives the viewers a better-than-front-row seat experience as it establishes an uncommonly intimate and occasionally surreal bond between the legendary band and the audience.
Read More

Sa Pagdating (The Coming) Music Video by St. Francis Xavier Parish Grand Choir

Sa Pagdating (The Coming) Music Video (From Associated Content)

Sa Pagdating (The Coming) Music Video by St. Francis Xavier Parish Grand Choir
Performance by: St. Francis Xavier Parish Grand Choir
Composition by: Philip Arvin Jarilla

Acknowledgments: Hit Productions, St. Francis Xavier Parish Church
Read More

Kaibigan Music Video by Paul Arroyo

Kaibigan Music Video by Paul Arroyo (from Associated Content)

Kaibigan Music Video by Paul Arroyo
Kaibigan (Friend) Music Video. Philippines, 2009.
Composed and performed by Paul Arroyo.

Sound Engineer: Philip Arvin Jarilla

Special thanks to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Manila, Philippines) and Hit Productions (Makati City, Philippines)
Read More

Manila Bulletin and Sense&Style Feature Articles

Film Article: Phil Digi Awards

1st Phil Digi Awards Wraps Up at the World Trade Center
By: Rianne Hill Soriano | YEHEY! Contributors
17 March 2009 | 11:18 AM

The 1st Philippine Digital Music and Short Film Festival and Awards (Phil Digi Awards) wrapped up with a two-day music and film congress and red carpet night last Mar. 11 and 12, 2009 at the World Trade Center.

This joint project by Isys Business Solution and Thumbsinteractiv, in cooperation with Blue Fish Asia, aimed to discover fresh Filipino talents in the field of music and filmmaking through online film and music competitions – bringing the independent film industry to the open and market its potentials. Receiving a whopping number of entries from students, amateurs, and professional music artists and filmmakers, it boasted of over 300 music entries and 40 short film entries from rising Filipino artists.

The two-day event was a great night for Filipino film and music performances courtesy of professionals, students, and newcomers in the industry – showcasing and celebrating both professional and amateur talents. The congress featured seminars and workshops on film, animation, music, the protection of Filipino art works, and the business opportunities in the creative industry. Key topics included: artist development and management, copyrights, publishing rights, anti-piracy, finding grants, filmmaking, music recording, animation trends, film classification, original content production, among others. There were also features on independent and commercial film directors and musicians.

The winners for this year’s festival:

Music Categories

ACCESS 2 LOVE
Best Digital Album

KAMANDAG THEME by First Circle
Best Jingle Entry

2 DAYS AGO
Promising New Artist

NJEL DE MESA
Promising Male Artist

DEBBIE NICODEMUS
Promising Female Aritst

BRENAN ESPARTINEZ
Best Male Artist

YENG CONSTANTINO
Best Female Artist

ARNE MARTELINO
Best Composer

ISA’T KALAHATING ARAW by Sensitivo
Best Indie Music

SENSITIVO
Best Independent Group

CALL TO LIFE by Salamankero
Best Music Video

FREQUENCY by Emorej
Best House/Electronica Music

ANG TANGING PATNUBAY by John Paul Dabon
Best Composition

ALAY SA IYO by Era Ann Oblefias
Best Gospel/Praise Music

SAGIP SONG by Rommel Gojo
Best Contemporary Christian Music

PARIHABA by Engelbert Paculangan
Best Short Film – Fantasy/Horror

SALINGPUSA by Antoinette Jadaone
Best Short Fillm – Comedy

NAMAMAYBAY by Erwin Escalante
Best Short Film – Documentary

BAS BAYABAS
Best Animated Short Film – Kid

KUMOT NG PANAGINIP by Jedd Chris Dimaguina
Best Animated Short Film – Fantasy/Horror

PIRATA by Al Eduardo
Best Short Film – Action/Drama

LYNMAN BACOLOR
Best Independent Solo Artist

NOSEBLEED by Jason Paul Laxamana
ETC Category Winner

BUY THE BOOK: Gabay sa Ordinaryong Taong Katulad Mo by Timmy Harn
Jack TV Category Winner

That Korean On-air Experience at Arirang…

I got a call about getting on air at Arirang from Jennifer, Dorothy’s assistant around 9pm.

It was quite weird i should say… In the Philippines I was a DJ myself… (And nobody in Korea knows about it yet… maybe until now…) I went on board at 106.7 Kool and Monster Radio RX 93.1 way back my college days… And for a change, I was the one interviewed by a DJ here in Korea for their radio program Evening Groove at Arirang an hour ago… So I had the chance to experience being the interviewee for a radio show. I started sharing some of my experiences here in Korea. And Dorothy Nam and Sam Hammington are quite cool to talk to!

Thing was, there was this Korean quiz segment and I had to answer a question to see how much I knew Korea… They asked for a director since they know I’m a filmmaker and I’m in Korea for a film training program. That was tough!!! Primarily because I have a little trouble remembering Korean names… Sheeesshh!! I just thought of one of the top directors I like. And one of my favorite Korean films is Old Boy… Apparently, that’s the correct answer! Park Chan-wook!!! Lucky me!!!

And just like any other interviewee getting on air, that was a chance to say hi to some friends listening. Haha! I greeted my friends here in Korea! Fun!

Thanks so much Dorothy and Sam! It was a fun experience!!! And thanks for the coffee GC, yay!

Film Article: Pinoy Films at Korean Film Fest

Pinoy Films at Korean Film Fest
By: Rianne Hill Soriano

This year’s Jecheon International Music and Film Festival (JIMFF) exhibited a Filipino film from the Cinema One Originals, Adolf Alix’s “Tambolista” (“Drumbeat”) featuring Jiro Manio, Sid Lucero, Coco Martin, Anita Linda, Fonz Deza, Ricky Davao, and Susan Africa. The festival ran from Aug. 14 to 19, 2008 at its cozy and scenic host city, Jecheon, located in Chungcheongbuk province in central Korea. Jecheon is most famous for the Cheongpung-ho (Cheongpung Lake), a lake that captivates tourists with natural beauty that is reminiscent of traditional Korean landscape paintings.

The “Music Shorts on Track” section of the festival also featured the short film entitled “Three Boys” starring Marc Abaya, Ping Medina, and Yan Yuzon. This Philippine-Hong Kong production was directed by Leung Ming-Kai and produced by Marie Jamora.

Launched in 2005, JIMFF has become an international celebration of film set in the beautiful landscapes of Jecheon City – with remarkable music shared and enjoyed by people of varying musical tastes. For this year’s festival, it opened a number of theaters, special spaces, film camera and music poster exhibits, street performances, street mimes, dance parties, concerts, a robot-themed park, a special moving concert on a truck, and various events for film professionals, filmmakers, composers, and musicians all over the world. It catered to the audience’s thirst for musicals, music-inspired features, and music documentaries.

There were various programs for cinephiles including a hand-printing installation ceremony (an event where the hand-printed copperplate of the awardee of last year’s Jecheon Film Music Award was installed at the fountain of the Street of Culture), the Jecheon Special Talk (a free talk between audiences and the masters of film and film music), and Cinema Music Live (a cine-music ensemble composed of weekend concerts and street screenings). There were a number of musical performances staged outdoors along the shores of Cheongpung Lake while highlighting music films in each specialized program. The festival also conducted the Jecheon Film Music Academy, an educational program for young and promising filmmakers, musicians, and composers specializing in film music. The festival also inaugurated the international competition section “World Music Film Today” which presented various music films all over the world. Other sections highlighted the varying aspects of “music” cinema and the retrospectives of musicals of yesteryears.

Film Article: Sam Concepcion Goes “Kung Fu Fighting”

Sam Concepcion Goes “Kung Fu Fighting”
By: Rianne Hill Soriano

The teen music artist and Dep-Ed Ambassador for the Youth Sam Concepcion tries out for something big… and a week after, he gets the major stint. For the first time, a Filipino artist sings the theme song for a major Hollywood production. Sam sings “Kung Fu Fighting” for Dreamworks’ animated film “Kung Fu Panda.” And the Filipino audience will be privileged to hear Sam’s voice in the closing credits of the said animated feature.

According to Sam, he is definitely honored for the opportunity – being another first for the Filipinos in the entertainment industry having a break for an international project. He looks forward to more doors opening for the Filipino artists to thrive both in the local and international arena.

Everything happened so fast. From the time he auditioned to the actual recording to the shooting of the music video, things really passed by in a whim. And while working with his best efforts in every single moment that he needs to deliver for the project, things were actually just starting to sink in on him. And above all, he kept himself on the ground while giving the best quality of work to make the Filipinos proud of his feat, which is a feat for the whole country as well.

The song was remixed to suit Sam and the Filipino market. All the elements were tailor-made to match his personality and for it to fit the desires of the Filipino audience. And after the much-anticipated recording of “Kung Fu Fighting,” he readily moved on to the rehearsal of the dance choreography of the song. After the one-day rehearsal, they shot the music video the next day. And that’s another thing to look forward to: the music video boasting of a number of animated works and special effects, and of course, a number of “Kung Fu.” Expect the sight of a dragon kicking and flying with Sam and the rest of his Kung Fu trainers.

Just like the theme of the film saying: “You are empowered to achieve anything you want; and if you set your mind to it, you can be the best that you can be…” Sam’s success is a living testimony to the story’s very message. Indeed, you can accomplish what you dream for if you keep your mind and heart open for the best intentions, work hard to hone your talents, and have the courage to try out the most possible number of opportunities that come your way.

Dreamworks’ “Kung Fu Panda” is showing on June 6 through Solar-UIP.

Film Review: U2 3D

A Concert Experience for the Price of an IMAX Ticket
By: Rianne Hill Soriano

“U2 3D” is a spectacular, musically and visually superb experience simulating a front row view and beyond of a U2 concert – probably the closest you can get to the real thing at this point of time. This concert film features cutting-edge technology that gives the audience a better-than-front-row seat as it establishes an uncommonly intimate and occasionally surreal bond between them and the performers.

Every development in the history of cinema has always been about making the experience more realistic, fun, and amazing. And for over a quarter-century, U2 has been recognized not only for their musical innovation, but for their incomparable gift on reaching millions of fans through new technology while keeping up with the band’s decades-spanning catalog of great music.

As the next best thing to attending a real concert with a ticket costing about ten or even a hundred times less, this 85 minutes of closely replicating the feeling of a live gig through 3D glory makes a solid rock experience that’s still quite new to the general film audience. Now, if you could just pipe in the smell of sweat, cigarette, pot, and beer, it would then be like going to a real concert with the bonus of meeting and seeing Bono, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr., and The Edge performing upfront, then you go behind them or on top of them at the most impossible angles. From the breathtaking close-ups and panoramas to the convincing nature of the latest 3D technology, you get to watch the band members playing from a vantage point 4 feet above their heads, you get to see them face to face while reaching out to the crowd, and you get to see a wave of rocking concert-goers moving in unison inside a massive stadium lit by thousands of cellphones. Add up the 3D shots of multiple band members in the same frame with the final cut with as many as five 3D layers – this dazzling concert film exudes that true spirit of a U2 show.

The 3D visuals and multi-layering effects envelope you with a drift that fuses with the band’s surround-sound rapture. With a sound quality that is no less than impeccable, it creates a full-scale sensory high with the pleasure of its showmanship. The immersive marvel of the music and sound mix are electrifying. Truly, it transforms a great rock spectacle into something intimate as you become similarly immersed like the crowds filling the South American stadiums of U2’s 2007 Vertigo Tour as they go absolutely mad for U2 music. Their wildly infectious enthusiasm is very much apparent with their hands waving to the every beat. Indeed, marrying advanced 3D imagery and 5.1 Surround Sound with the unique excitement of a live U2 concert makes “U2 3D” such an incredible performance captured in a medium that attains unique aesthetics of immediacy and humanity from the powerful rock quartet – making it the next best thing to actually being in a live concert as of today.

Directed by Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington, “U2 3D” makes this film project more than just a nifty 3D experiment. It elevates itself into a rock solid redefinition of 3D live-action filmmaking. For now, it captures the premier band’s live shows in a way that no other medium could. And it boasts of state-of-the-art 3D experience showing the undubbed and purely live recording performances of one of the greatest rock bands, together with several of the greatest rock audiences of the world.

Shot at a number of stage acts of U2 shows in Latin America, the production employs the greatest number of 3D cameras ever used for a single project. It is the first digital 3D, multi-camera, and real-time production reflecting the band’s longstanding embrace to technology. Produced by 3ality Digital Entertainment, the film comprises footages from seven different concert performances. A massive undertaking, the filmmakers create live-motion collages emphasizing constant, overlapping, and evanescent dissolves as the curving runways allow Bono, Adam, Larry, and The Edge to move far out into the crowd and make more accessible angles for their various movements. The 3D effects inclusive of the new trick of layering the visuals to simulate shifting your focus from foreground to background is successful in making you feel that Bono and crew are within arm’s reach. While also offering plenty of footages of the rapturous crowd in a sight of a hundred thousand stoked fans, you get so close that you swoop towards Bono’s face and his outstretched hand surging through the screen and seizing your own. And to keep the 3D engagement for more than an hour of fun movie experience, the filmmakers also added animated versions of U2′s backdrop videos while capturing the ecstatic joy of a massive rock show – most notably a series of icons suggesting that the world’s major religions are one and presenting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In some ways, this 3D concert film is considerably superior to a real concert. This may vary in many aspects and points of view of people. But what mainly makes this a better option is how the sound is perfected in post-production that what you hear from your seat is the best surround sound you can get for it. Moreover, you get even closer to the band and even get on stage and beyond as the 3D images bring you to the most impossible angles and the best view of the performers that even the most pricey concert ticket wouldn’t be able to provide. Furthermore, you don’t have to put up with the rowdy drunks who may block your view or you can simply avoid hysterically sweaty and smoking crowds. For those safety points, there would also be less probability of mobs, stampedes, fights, and annoying crowd members in dope and alcohol. And amidst all these, “U2 3D” makes you feel like you’re there in the crowd, and at the same time, as close as you’ll get to being on stage with U2.

Personally, the strangers on my left while watching the film at IMAX were really enjoying the concert experience with their waving hands holding on to their lit toys and cellphones – and they were standing and moving to the beat while the visuals allow every person watching to floating above the fans and riding their energy. And I found myself singing and shouting like I would probably do in a concert!

“U2 3D” is a world class live act in its finest as of today. Taking viewers on an extraordinary cinematic journey beyond the traditional concert film experience, it has a top potential in revolutionizing digital 3D technology. The 3D format may go a long way just like how technology has developed the 2D film as of today. And with the living legend U2 pioneering on this new 3D film experience, the epic nature of the U2 songs and stage acts blend them perfectly to this larger-than-life treatment for a band composed of masterful rock performers in their top form.

“Sa Pagdating” Music Video (OST – Pera-perahang Lata)

Performed by: St. Francis Xavier Parish Grand Choir
Composition by: Philip Arvin Jarilla
Featuring: Von Arroyo and Arnold Reyes
Locations: St. Francis Xavier Parish Church, Marikina Riverbanks, Marikina Riverpark, Marikina and Antipolo streets

Director: Rianne Hill Soriano
Director of Photography: Wowie Hao
Production Designer: Joy Puntawe
Executive Producer: Rianne Hill Soriano
Editor: Rianne Hill Soriano
Asst. Director: Karla Pambid
Production Manager: Gavin Herrera
Art Directors: Armi Rae Cacanindin and Kiko Tolentino
Associate Producer: Ayeen Pineda
2nd Unit Cameraperson: Tricia Okada

Acknowledgments:
NCCA, Filmex, Unitel, Engine Room, Father Jeff Quintela of St. Francis Xavier Parish Church and the St. Francis staff, Kuya Del and the St. Francis Xavier Parish Grand Choir, Melvin, Marikina City government, Marikina Riverbanks, Streetpark Productions

Film Review: Alvin and the Chipmunks

The cute singing ‘Munks’
By: Rianne Hill Soriano

Directed by: Tim Hill
Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, Justin Long

If you are in for a light, nostalgic, and escapist fun time, ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ provides a lively and charming family comedy courtesy of its spritely mischievous and cuddly endearing little creatures Alvin, Simon, and Theodore.

Based on the cartoon series about a music group of chipmunks comprised of the cool and rascal leader Alvin, tall and quiet Simon, and chubby and impressionable Theodore, the CGI versions of these three famous and furry nut-gathering mammals cheering people up through their charismatic singing and antics turn out to be really merry and cutesy even after 50 years of existence. Indeed, they are rendered very well and gracefully upgraded into their 3D film incarnations. From the fun musical numbers to the cartoonish humor, ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ manages to entertain both the children and the adults (and the children inside the adults). Alvin and his band of little beasties are reasonably realistic and cute in their CG forms. And in this film, these three squeaky-voiced squirrels are convincingly turned into pop superstars.

With its thin plot and trite story about the animated singing rodents and how fame and fortune get the better of them, this family comedy is still a good provider of light-hearted fun. Don’t expect an artsy film, just a light pop sensation story with the fulfillment of having a loving family – both for kids and for their parents who may most likely get hooked by the nostalgia brought by these classic characters. The film is filled with slapstick and bathroom humor. It has the one solid idea of the chipmunks talking and singing – the same concept that fueled novelty recordings and two cartoon series for ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ decades ago. The bright and energetic fun really makes these chipmunks way so cute and charming that the film makes you smile – and you may even sing along with it at times.

Director Tim Hill is able to bring back good memories that veer into the formulaic Disney territory. The nostalgia really counts. And the musical numbers are generally appealing with the close harmonies and smart foot stepping to the likes of ‘Funkytown.’ Truly, the film becomes successful in maximizing the old television properties of ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ with a slick updating for such a musical-cartoon franchise.

Targeting the family audience with some satiric flavor, the script leans heavily on the pranks and big-eyed cuteness of the li’l guys, along with the slapstick offer for the young viewers and Dave’s amiable frustration as the trio’s surrogate dad being something the parent viewers can relate to. ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ provides family values and a shallow anti-exploitation message about the two sides of the music industry and showbiz as a whole. You see Alvin and the ‘Munks singing novelties, recurrent hits, and boy band stuff in their chipmunk signature voicing.

There are some fumbling parts that are just too obvious. You may get to see Alvin, Simon, and Theodore lovingly rendered as huggable CG stars, apparently sapping much of the movie’s budget to the point that such things as continuity and art direction have gone out the window. You see wretched actors clearly pretending to know what’s going on as the CG effects take place beside and around them. One example is at the after-performance party scene where Uncle Ian directly talks to Alvin – Uncle Ian’s line of sight clearly doesn’t match what he is supposed to look at. The discontinuity on Simon’s glasses is also quite obvious. Right after Uncle Ian replaces his old glasses with a new one that doesn’t really help Simon see better, you see him wearing his old glasses on the next scenes – without any problem with his sense of sight at all. And then, a few more sequences after, there goes Simon’s scene with him searching for his old glasses and happily finding it – and he finally gets back his clearer eyesight with it.

Jason Lee as Dave Seville and David Cross as Uncle Ian contribute to the building up of the chipmunks’ characters, although they don’t get to flesh out more with the treatment for their considerably cardboard roles. Alvin, voiced by Justin Long, Simon, voiced by Matthew Gray Gubler, and Theodore, voiced by Jesse McCartney, are given life with such CGI inherent cuteness that make them look like living plush toys.

‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ is an endearing effort appealing to its viewers with its animated characters of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore – all still very much lovable until now as they’ve been decades ago.

Invitation to the ‘Feminine Force: 7th Heaven’

‘Burn Baby Burn’ Rocks the Mall of Asia

By: Rianne Hill Soriano | YEHEY! Contributors
29 November 2006 | 8:54 AM

It has been a long, worthwhile wait… Indeed, ‘Burn,’ the hottest music and lifestyle magazine in town, has come out with the biggest music party of the year: ‘Burn Baby Burn’ – the Burn Music Magazine Launch Concert. This rocking event conquered the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia last Nov. 23, 2006 from 5 p. m. until midnight with non-stop music and prizes to feed the musical soul of the audience.

Popping the ears of the party people with much anticipation and excitement were a number of renowned musical acts: rock and alternative, ska, punk, reggae, bossa nova, jazz, and soul. Invading the center stage with the biggest roster of performers all in one major music event in the biggest mall of the country include performances from: Radioactive Sago Project, Sitti, Orange and Lemons, Johnny Alegre, Moonstar88, Hemp Republic, Sugarfree, Callalily, Drip, Chillitees, Itchyworms, Up Dharma Down, Hale, Sino Sikat?, Pupil, Imago, Spy, Bamboo, Jeepney Joyride, Nyco Maca, Dice & K9, Pinikpikan, 6CycleMind, Chillitees, and lots of more exciting bands and musicians living to the beat of their best and most popular tunes.

It may be one of the biggest music events to cap the year 2006, but such a great lineup is very much accessible to anyone who just presents any of the latest issues of ‘Burn’ magazine (the August-September or November-December issues). There was also an option to buy tickets from Ticketworld (Tower Records/Music One). Best of all, the party people gaining entry to this exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime event were treated with the biggest line-up of music artists amidst the loads of awesome prizes, including an Ibanez GRX 40 electric guitar with an amplifier, courtesy of Audiophile. A number of booths exhibited great products with some freebies as well. VIPs were treated with great food from Gerry’s Grille and a number of free booze of their choices. With a lineup this big, the clamor for all these became deafening in all floors of the SM Mall of Asia North Deck.

This event is made possible by BURN: The Music Magazine for Everyone, SM Mall of Asia, Motorola, Colt45, Audiophile, Bratpack, Creative, Pony, Xtreme Magic Sing, Airborne Access, MPIO, and Human, in cooperation with Gerry’s Grill, the events official food sponsor, Absolut, Maxxium Philippines, Charly Brown, Music One, Tower Records, Hero, Jack TV, UNTv, MTV, Wave 89.1, NU 107, 105.1 Crossover, Jam 88.3, 103.5 KLite, INQ 7, Hinge Inquirer Publications and the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Personal Interview with New Recording Artist Amber

Amber reveals herself like a precious gem

By : Rianne Hill Soriano | YEHEY! Contributors
4 July 2006 | 9:26 AM

After a successful show at SM Megamall last July 1, 2006, the new Viva recording artist Amber reveals herself backstage in a one-on-one interview and proves that she fits her name being a treasured gem as she is.

Tagged as the new pop jewel coming back to the Philippines after spending her adolescent years in the US, this half-Pinay, half-American talent pursues a professional singing career with the launch of her debut album ‘Feel Good Music.’ This 12-track album promotes a combination of various themes and soulful beats – from fun, upbeat and mid-tempo love ballads with some alternative pop vive and some soul and R&B turns to inspirational songs about love and appreciation. Her carrier single ‘Manila,’ which is already hitting the airwaves and topping the radio charts, speaks of the joys of living in this crowded and crazy but wonderfully unique city.

Amber (Amber Alejo Rowley) developed her vocal skills since childhood. She was born in the US but was relocated to the Philippines at age 5. At the age 14, it was tough for her to leave her friends and loved ones as she needed to go back to the US to continue her studies there. She joined a church choir back in high school and auditioned to a madrigal choir where she further honed her skills as a soprano 1 (performing the higher notes within the group). She looks forward to going back, and finally, she is back here now as a rising pop star.

Her music roots really exposed her to various types of music. But above all, her pop culture influences contributed much to her professional career now. Prior to her recording stint at Viva, she already performed with different touring groups and even did background vocals for artists like Hillary Duff. She recorded 2 singles for the movie soundtrack of ‘Playa’s Ball.’ She also had a couple of stints in Osaka, Japan where she worked as a lead vocalist for the popular rock/hip-hop stage show Enwhy. And after her feat in Japan, she went back to the Philippines seeking opportunities to serve her Pinoy roots.

Amber is definitely in focus. She is here to do her thing and fulfill her dreams. According to her, she is trying to go where she feels she’s supposed to be – seeing the door and walking through it. She is very fortunate to have the right opportunities upon her return to the Philippines and serve her dreams here. Indeed, the warm welcome from her carrier track ‘Manila’ makes her more inspired day by day as she hears it played over the radio like crazy. She is very happy that the radio stations and listeners are very supportive and favorable of her debut song. And she finds a lot of fun in doing club and mall shows and radio tours as well.

Amber’s album draws a lot of inspirations from her various experiences and artists she looks up to like Mariah Carey (paying homage to Mariah’s classic hit song ‘Hero’ by doing a rendition of it during her mall show at Megamall). And with her hit single ‘Manila,’ it becomes more than just a literal interpretation of her homecoming – it is an allegory of her great dream of finally coming back home to the Philippines – ‘I grew up here, and I have a lot of good memories in Manila,’ says Amber. Before she left the country at age 14, she had a lot of friends and loved ones to leave behind. Her great memories here have always made her want to go back. But according to her, ‘When you have a lot of things doing already as a maturing teenager with skills being honed and a career being built, you do this, you do that, and once you’re working hard, it’s difficult to go back right away…’ And when the right time and opportunity has finally come, here she is with an album about life, about experiences and about people. And now, she looks forward to doing more albums here in the Philippines as more experiences gained make her want to put them into music (she wrote 2 songs from her ‘Feel Good Music’ album).

Proud of her music video of ‘Manila,’ she wants to invite everyone to check it out at the music channels. Shot in Roxas Boulevard, she finds herself very lucky with cameos of a number of personalities including Keith Martin who played as one of his bodyguards. The concept and the whole video has become a great collaboration for her and the production team.

About her love life, right now, Amber is more attuned to her career and she is definitely single. She had been into some relationships way back in the US but she never had the chance to have a Pinoy boyfriend yet. She said that during her stay here in the Philippines, she was too young to enter into a romantic relationship. And when she was in the US as an adolescent, though she was already considering getting into relationships, their area in Los Angeles mostly have Americans and no much Filipinos had been in her midst even in school. She is open to dating a Pinoy guy and she has no exact preference with regards to dating and partnership. Her concern is not about the race nor the color but the overall attitude and the beating of her heart.

Singing is Amber’s true passion and fulfillment. And more than this, she is open to anything in this vast business as getting into TV, movies or anything that comes up to her as she knows that each opportunity keeps up to her constantly growing career. But as for now, her main focus is her singing career.

This new Viva recording artist has a true heart for the Filipino audience. Seeing her very humble, bubbly and yet matured attitude backstage, she has fluently conversed in Filipino with the words of as gratitude to people behind the mall show. Her transparency and outlook in life are something to look up to as well. At the age 20, she knows the world she has entered. She feels like that same ordinary gal named Amber. Some people tend to become different to her now since she is already a music personality; but for her, she has never really changed that much. She knows that some things tend to change because of her status now but she tries her best to make her friends and family feel that she is one and the same Amber the way they have known her. And being in the tough showbiz world as she is, she is brave enough to say that she does hope that she won’t really change negatively with her pursuit for success in this spectacular and yet harsh arena of stardom.

Personally, with my interview with Amber, my wish for her is: “May she stand out like a real jewel as what the word ‘amber’ denotes – a gem that started from a resin hardened into a soft, warm, golden spectacle and a fossil that has witnessed a lot about life and shares a part of it through its magnificent yellow color and shine. May she not change from that humility and good attitude I have seen.”

Can Amber keep up with the tough world of the industry she has started? She looks up to many artists and she especially mentioned Celine Dion as one of the greatest artists she really admires. More than a great career and an undoubtedly powerful voice, Celine�s great attitude towards life in general and her love and care for her family all inspires Amber. Hopefully, may she stand a long period of time like the gem she has been named for and the superstar she has looked up to.

Poets, writers and artists look to amber for sunny inspirations. Gemologists and jewelers desire amber for its beauty. Curators archive amber for its life-enduring splendor. And new-found friends and fans of ‘Amber’ are all invited on July 15 at Hard Rock Makati for a blast of a show meant for everyone’s entertainment.

Amber’s debut Album ‘Feel Good Music’ is now available at all major record stores nationwide and is distributed by Viva Records.

Royalty Free Music Search

Interview with Boy Band Same Same

Same Same up close
By : Rianne Hill Soriano | YEHEY! Contributors
13 June 2006 | 8:19 AM

From Moffatts to Same Same. Bob and Clint, two of the triplets of one of the most successful pop/rock bands of the 90′s are back – and they are now hitting the airwaves as the new band Same Same. They are presently here in Manila to promote their debut album ‘The Meaning of Happy’ with their latest single ‘Love Isn’t.’ And in a press conference last June 10, 2006 at Red Box Karaoke, Greenbelt 3, the 22-year old Bob and Clint reveal the what’s, why’s and how’s of their personal and professional lives as young adults and as Same Same.

Along with their brothers Dave and Scott, Bob and Clint practically grew up in a family of music lovers. The brothers started with a professional country music act in 1994 until they got the biggest break as performers when they signed to a major label recording contract in 1995 as the Moffatts. Indeed, they have come a long way. And now that they are exploring their own careers more independently, let us get up close and personal with Bob and Clint, now collectively known as Same Same.

During the interview, they revealed how they and their other brothers are still very much hooked up into playing video games. But ironically, Bob and Clint confess how sentimental and melodramatic they are when it comes to the music they listen to – they really love to listen and sing to the tunes of the likes of Chicago, the Beatles, Bryan Adams and Queen. And somehow, these have influenced the kind of music they have made as Same Same.

According to Bob and Clint, when they’re together, they would always say ‘same same’ – a sort of expression that really got into them. And later on, they took the said expression for the launch of their new career as a duo. Well, their new name matches them anyway: they are twins; they practically look the same; they both love wearing Diesel clothes; they are proud to admit they love free stuff; and they really love their sponsors… But it’s easy to figure out who’s who since Clint grew some beard and mustache while Bob has blonde hair now.

How are the guys now? This is an excerpt from the interview:

What are your inspirations for your album together as Same Same?

I think just being back together and just trying to be creative together again, you know. Everytime we spend time together with our brothers in Canada in the past few years, we never really wrote songs together. We just hang out, play video games. We really just chilled out. And I think that’s what made us closer because when we traveled together as the Moffatts, we were around each other playing for 24 hours a day. We took each other for granted. And now we know, everytime we see each other we just hang out, and it’s cool. But getting back together (as Same Same) is something we haven�t done for a long time, and we’re really having a creative time.

After working as part of the Moffatts for more than a decade, how do you work together now as Same Same?

We really listen to a lot of music together and this is what actually influences us. When we sit down together we are really able to hash the spirit. Now based in Thailand, it is something different for us really ‘coz there are lots of different musical styles there. We keep our hands pretty much on everything, the whole process. We listen to different styles. It was a great working environment – very influential to us. Making the album and playing the music by ear, we feel the great chemistry. Great experiences… a lot of fun!

Besides here in Southeast Asia, are you going to release it in a broader scale, internationally?

I think we’ll just play it by ear, we just know that we made this record over here, at this time of the year, we’ll see what happens… If we go somewhere, if it goes somewhere else, we’ll go there. But we�ll spend more time here for now.

You said you are more ‘hands on’ to the making of your album now. When it comes to the making of your music videos, how involved are you in the process?

We try to be a part of the creative process but overall we leave it up to our director. Like we worked with this Thai movie director… he treated the music video like a film, 1 shot in 10 different angles… it was really interesting, lots of fun! But we try to… as far as like the idea, it has to kinda work with us as well.

Do you consider making a music video for one of your songs here in the Philippines some time soon?

There are no plans yet right now but it would be nice! (To Same Same: Maybe you can consider that�) Absolutely! And we’re not too far away! That would be nice.

How was it working with a Filipino artist?

Lovi (Poe)? She’s great, she’s been a great collaboration for us. The first time we met her we’re in Indonesia. When she came over to shoot the video, she was totally a professional. We were having a lot of fun. She’s a very talented artist, great singer, and does her own writing as well.

Based from your recent performances, how did you find the Filipino audience now?

It was great! It was pretty awesome, kinda the first thing we did here… There was a very warm response from our fans. They are much more energetic to those audiences throughout Asia – coz a lot of them are very calm and shy…

How can you compare the experience before as Moffatts and now as Same Same?

Well, it’s a little more quiet… ‘coz it takes time, you know. I mean, with the Moffatts, we�re together for 19 years, very long process before that sort of thing happened. So we�re just having a lot of fun, what ever happens happens… But yesterday (their show at SM Mall of Asia), it was very nice!

We all know that your passion is really music, but are you considering acting too – as how a number of music artists are getting into as well?

(Response from Clint) Yeah, actually before we got into Thailand I was actually doing that. It was one of the things I wanted to do, a sort of change of pace, just try it out. But there’s too many people doing that in LA, and you really don’t get anywhere, you just keep on talking to the same people all the time on the same stuff… I rather learn in other places if there’s an offer on the table. But if you ask, it is kinda hardly now, I’m focused on this part, but acting is always something that I wanted to do.

Are there any plans of a second album already?

Absolutely! We had so much fun making this one and I think there is so much more we can do in the future and start growing with and better at.

Will there be a chance that you can perform with your brothers again?

Right now probably not because we all have the little things we’re doing. Scott is still working on a solo project for the last year in LA… Dave is just separately handled with his solo project… And if those things are all planned out, then maybe in a few years time we can go back…

Aside from writing their own songs, Same Same co-produced the album which also features the catchy singles ‘Supermodel’ ‘Stay,’ ‘Tell Me,’ ‘City Lights,’ ‘It Can’t Get Any Worse,’ ‘Strange Lover’ and the title track ‘The Meaning Of Happy.’ Their debut album ‘The Meaning Of Happy’ is now out in CDs at only P355 under Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Same Same ‘The Meaning of Happy’ Philippine Promo Tour is brought to you by PLDT My Music, official media partners ABS-CBN and MYX. Special thanks to Studio 23, ABS-CBN.com, WRR 101.9, Cinema One, Beverly Hills, Red Box, Yehey.com and Crowne Plaza the official residence of Same Same in Manila.

Music Library