Category Archives: Music

The Big Reunion: Atomic Kitten, B*Witched and Honeyz

The Spice Girls were a big influence to me. The ‘Girl Power’ tagline truly helped me in my most difficult times growing up. I would listen to their records whenever I am down. Because of my fandom, I even learned how to use the computer, surf the internet, make html websites and many, many more! In short, the Spice Girls were the ones to thank (or blame) on why you’re reading this blog now.

B*Witched, Atomic Kitten and Honeyz

B*Witched, Atomic Kitten and Honeyz

Dubbed as ‘the biggest girl band in the world’, the Spice Girls also influenced a lot of popstar wannabes to form a band and try their luck in the music industry. Britain produced a lot of pop bands. Some of my favorites include Atomic Kitten, B*Witched and Honeyz. The Spice Girls didn’t really last that long as a group (unless you include their ‘Touch’ days). It must be really tough to be in a girl band. Instant success might also result to instant downfall when not handled properly.

ITV2, a British network recently produced a documentary on six former popbands namely 5ive, Liberty X, 911, Atomic Kitten, B*Witched and Honeyz. As of writing, the show aired three episodes already and I would like to reminisce my love for these pop royalties. Let’s focus on the girls first!

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The Wreckoning: Willam Belli’s Debut Album

Drag Queens rock my world. When I am not working or traveling, I spent my idle hours watching drag queen videos, reruns of Rupaul’s Drag Race, reblogging squirrel quotes and listening to drag queen music. I don’t care if some friends of mine are annoyed with my constant mention of drag queens. If they do really care for me, they would understand and love me no matter what. #drama

I won't Rupologize for loving you, Willam!

I won’t Rupologize for loving you, Willam!

I’ve written several posts on my Manila Luzon addiction. I really love the Gaysian queens, but I also love the other talented graduates of Rupaul’s Drag Race. One of them is the workaholic Willam Belli.

I can’t remember exactly how, but I accidentally saw his music video for ‘Love You Like a Big Schlong’, a parody song inspired by Selena Gomez’ ‘Love You Like a Love Song’. The video went viral and I honestly didn’t like it at first. I find it trashy and not safe for work lol.

Among the drag queens who stepped in Rupaul’s Drag Race, I can say that Willam Belli stands out – he is extremely talented (check his acting and singing reel) and his ideas are crazy, yet he can produce a good output.

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THE CHOP – The Best Revenge from Latrice Royale and Manila Luzon!

Givin’ everything you got
Tryna’ make it to the top
Never ever gonna stop
Even if you get The Chop!

Latrice Royale and Manila Luzon, The Chop

Last Tuesday morning, I woke up early to track the live tweets of fellow Rupaul’s All Stars Drag Race viewers. There were some information leaked about the team eliminated on the third episode yet I was in denial. By lunch time here in the Philippines, my Twitter timeline is flooded by complaints about the sudden elimination of Team Latrila (Latrice Royale and Manila Luzon).

 

LATRILA serving spooky realness

 

Seriously, Rupaul?! To be honest, I am a fan of the RuJubee team (Raven and Jujubee) too and I was hoping to see Latrila and RuJubee at the Final Four of the show. I cannot believe that these teams are in the bottom two. I mean, at least not Latrila! Manila Luzon did a fantastic job in the challenges and I can say that among the contestants in the All Stars season, she is the most loved by the fans. I am not saying this because she is Filipina, ok? I am saying this because it is the truth.

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Manila Luzon, I Love You!

Guess what? I think I’m in love with a drag queen.

For the past few days, I’ve been watching some of Manila Luzon’s videos on Youtube. I think I’ve seen almost half of the videos uploaded at her personal Youtube account. I’ve also seen some of her amazing performances as shared by her fans. How I envy them because they get to see him perform live!

Manila Luzon | Karl Westerberg

 

I am talking about Karl Westerberg a.k.a. Manila Luzon from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Yes, he/she is a Filipino!

I first heard about Manila Luzon’s achievements through a gay friend. There was a time when I fell in love with the boys of Kazaky. I joined this Facebook group, where I met more Filipino fans of the Ukrainian dance group. One member shared a video of Manila Luzon’s ‘Hot Couture’. The song is so catchy that I ended up playing the video a lot of times. Some shared the video on Youtube. I don’t get why I haven’t really heard about Manila Luzon’s achievement via Philippine print media. Her talent and creativity is something to be proud of!

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Alessandra de Rossi – Music, Creativity and a Little Adrift

I love Alessandra de Rossi. I guess that is already obvious. I used to write about her and her sister Assunta in my old personal blog. I just admire her guts and talent. With Alex, it’s either you love her or hate her.

On television, she is one of the favorite antagonists. We’ve seen her as Valentina in DARNA with Angel Locsin playing the title role. When she moved to ABS-CBN, she appeared in several teleseryes and gained more fans. She transfered back to GMA-7 last year to do ‘Sinner or Saint’ with Dennis Trillo and Bianca King.

Alessandra de Rossi – ADRIFT

Early this year, she played the role of Bernadette in Legacy with Heart Evangelista and Lovi Poe. The three of them were competing half sisters in the show, but they gained true friendship offcam. I miss their trio, to be honest. Somebody produce a movie for them!

Five years ago, she appeared on the cover of FHM and released her own version of the classic song ‘Sailing’. Her dream of becoming a mermaid came true in that music video. With her switching TV networks and continuously making mainstream and indie films, Alessandra would compose her own materials with the help of some friends.

Five years in the making and almost giving up, Alessandra de Rossi’s ‘ADRIFT‘ is now out online! The best thing there is you can download the whole album for free.

Dream to Me

Among the Filipino celebrities that are active on Twitter, Alex is one of the most loved due to her funny yet striking tweets. It will make you laugh, cry and think. Chos. Add the fact that her sister Assunta and lovable mom Tita Nenita @ermatsko chats with fans too.

For the past years, Alex had been uploading some demo tracks which kept most of her followers craving for more music. I took the opportunity to send her a message via Twitter if I can send her some questions related to the album last August. I’m glad she replied and answered my queries. I love her!

If you want to know more about Alessandra de Rossi’s adventure as a musician, read on! 😀

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How Geri Halliwell Broke My Heart

Ginger Spice leaves the Spice Girls?! WHAT?!

 

On 31 May 1998, Halliwell announced her departure from the Spice Girls. Through her solicitor (i.e. attorney) she stated: “Sadly I would like to confirm that I have left the Spice Girls. This is because of differences between us. I’m sure the group will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best.”

“PS: I’ll be back”.

 

It’s been fourteen years, but I can still remember how broken-hearted I was when Geri Halliwell a.k.a. Ginger Spice left the Spice Girls. Why leave the group? Why fail your fans? Why fail me?

What’s Your Favorite Film? SPICE WORLD THE MOVIE!

In early 1998, there were rumours spreading around that Victoria Adams (now Beckham) is planning to leave the group to start a new family. Geri is considered as the leader of the group. Being the oldest and the main advocate of the ‘Girl Power’ tag, I didn’t expect that she will leave the group. I know how ambitious she was and how determined she is to make her dreams come true. I know her humble beginnings to her frustrations while growing up and finally getting that big break to be a part of the most successful girlband in the world. HOW COULD YOU?! I looked up to you yet you did this to me and the rest of your loyal fans from all over the world. You betrayed us 🙁

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‘Make it Better’ by Alessandra de Rossi Official Music Video

Are you a fan of Fil-Italian actress Alessandra de Rossi? Well, I have good news for you!

The Talented Ms. De Rossi will Make it Better

Two months ago, I blogged about ADRIFT, the debut music album of Alessandra de Rossi. For the past four years, Alex became visible on teleseryes and in some independent films. On her free time, she would meet up with some friends and collaborate with them to compose an original song. She is also active in uploading some demo tracks via YouTube and updates her Tumblr account with teaser images. There’s even insight from Themarketingheaven.com on how much money 5k views can bring in on YouTube, something every creator might find interesting.

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The Music of Alessandra de Rossi

Fil-Italian actress Alessandra de Rossi doesn’t need to prove herself in terms of acting. With a number of Best Actress & Best Supporting Actress awards and nominations under her belt, she is truly one of the most versatile performers in the Philippine showbiz industry. She is one of the few stars who can do mainstream and independent films at the same time. You always see her on TV either making the life of the protagonist as miserable as hell or she’ll make her life with her badet antics.

Alex de Rossi - Photo grabbed from http://misisdef.tumblr.com/

She is also a well-loved personality on Twitter (@msderossi) together with her Yaya. I guess the tag ‘Babaeng Bakla’ perfectly suits her. Playing the role of the street smart Bernadette in Legacy, it seems like she was able to pull of an antagonist role yet instead of despising her wrongdoings, you just can’t help but laugh and be endeared with her charm.

Anyway, did you know that Alessandra de Rossi is also a singer/composer?

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Dance With My Father

Some girls turn sentimental whenever they hear this classic hit from Luther Vandross. To be honest, I only know the title of this song. I never bothered to read the lyrics nor look for the song on YouTube or any other music site.

Until that awkward moment came along.

In one of my recent trips, I shared an impromptu videoke session with some close friends of mine. I consider it as a spontaneous thing even if the machine was rented for the family to use. The presence of three friends made it a bit more special as we sing songs for the brokenhearted, opm favorites and even random pop songs of different generation. Still, I struggled to score a bit higher. Madaya ang videoke machine!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLuP-4ZEhOE&w=420&h=315]

You just realize the meaning of songs while reading the lyrics on the screen. A good friend of mine entered his next singing piece (he is the best singer among us – suko na kami!) and just like in any usual kantahan session, we were all eager to add our selected songs.

Now it is his turn to shine (again). Before singing his ballad song. He mentioned this:

“Hindi ako nakaka-relate sa kantang ito, pero alam ko yung isa d’yan oo” (I cannot relate to this song, but I know that one of you will).

*** AWKWARD MOMENT OF SILENCE***

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In Love with Kazaky!

‘You Want Me, You Love Me, You Hate Me – I Don’t Care!’

I first saw a video of KAZAKY, a Ukrainian dance group when a friend shares one of their catwalk video on Facebook. I am just amazed on how these four good-looking guys managed to dance and strut their stuff on the catwalk with grace and poise. Wearing high-heeled shoes is not easy even for a lady, much for men. I am impressed on how the men of Kazaky do it.

KAZAKY Original Members: Oleg, Kyrille, Artur and Stas

KAZAKY Original Members: Oleg, Kyrille, Artur and Stas

I’ve been watching their music videos and live performances via YouTube for almost a week now. It is a sign that I am totally in love with this group! The original members of Kazaky are Oleg Zhezhel, Arthur Gaspar, Cyril Fedorenko and Stas Pavlov. Mid last year, Stas Pavlov (my favorite) left the group and was replaced by Francesco Borgato.

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