From left: Aia Deleon of Imago and Pointblanc performed “Talumpati” with Gloc9. The track is part of Gloc9’s “Talumpati” album which was launched recently at Eastwood Plaza. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista (for Full screen Gallery pics click on this link)

Rapper Gloc9 reaped awards for his efforts in his ‘Matrikula’ album at the 2010 Awit awards with 5 trophies: Song of the Year (Upuan), Best Collaboration, Best Rap, Best Engineered Recording for producer’s (Jonathan Ong and Robert Javier) and Best Rock/ Alternative Recording (Martilyo).

The sales of his CD are also among the top hits from the OPM charts. Gloc9 has become so popular that the single ‘Walang Natira’ from his latest album ‘Talumpati’ is available as an mp3tone. You can get it by texting WLA to 3456 (for Smart and Globe subscribers only).

(Francis Magallona Clothing Company) FMCC Cash Crew b-boyed while Gloc9 performed “3 Stars and the Sun” w Elmo Magallona. The successful event was held recently at Eastwood Plaza. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Thousands of his fans converged when Gloc9 recently launched ‘Talumpati’ at the Eastwood Central Plaza. This latest album seems to have more of a Rock Alternative flavor from the top rap artist of the country. The artists he has chosen is evidence of this: Aia De Leon of Imago and Pointblanc, Wency Cornejo before going solo was part of the successful 90’s rock band After Image, Mcoy Fundales of Kenyo, Jaq Dionicio of Kiss Jane. Gloc9 even co wrote two songs with Gab Chee Kee of Parokya Ni Edgar.

Other artists who collaborated with him in this album are: Aiza Seguerra, Yeng Constantino, Top Suzara, G Dawg (Gordon Lambatan) and Pinoy Dream Academy winner: Sheng Belmonte. for Full screen Gallery pics click on this link

Aiza Seguerra performed “Kislap” with Gloc9. The track is part of Gloc9’s “Talumpati” album which was launched recently at Eastwood Plaza. Photo by Jude Bautista.

From left: Gloc 9 and Tanya Markova’s Norma Love. They performed “Salbahe” which is part of Gloc9’s “Talumpati” album. It was launched recently at Eastwood Plaza. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Tanya Markova also worked with Gloc9 in the ‘Salbahe’ track. Tanya Markova is currently one of the hottest bands in the alternative genre. Tanya Markova members Norma Love, Iwa Motors, and Mow mow were so grateful and honored for being part of the album. Norma describes their track ‘Salbahe’, “Our song is about the downfall of Filipino society. Yung mga mahihirap na lalong pinapahirap sila. Through crime pagbibisyo, lagalag, parang walang direksyon ang buhay nila, lalo pa nilang sinisira.” Iwa Motors believes that the song is, “actually an eye opener not just for the youth but for all Filipinos.”

Sly Kane was the front act in Gloc9’s “Talumpati” album launch.

Norma is convinced that Gloc9’s work is so significant that it will be remembered in Pinoy music history, “He’s really consistent. He’s a modern poet. His current album is one of the best hip hop albums in the Phil. that we’ve heard along side works by Francis M.” Iwa appreciates Gloc9’s work, “His lyrics aren’t just about youth or love. Merong patriotism, lahat ng topics tinatackle niya. Good vibrations that’s the main message of sir Gloc. Pag na ririnig mo lyrics niya ma papaisip ka e.” for Full screen Gallery pics click on this link

(Francis Magallona Clothing Company) FMCC Cash Crew b-boyed while Gloc9 performed “3 Stars and the Sun” w Elmo Magallona. The successful event was held recently at Eastwood Plaza. Photo by Jude Bautista.

When asked why they think they were chosen to be in the album Iwa replies “it’s because of our uniqueness” Mow mow correctly assumed, “When it comes to songs we’re risk takers, si Gloc9 ganun din.” Iwa summarized by saying, “Tanya Markova’s self titled album has 21 tracks na iba ibang genre. That’s the similarity with Goc9’s album. Di kami na tatakot mag experiment, including rap r&b, jazz, reggae, rock pop and even nursery rhymes.”

From left: Gloc 9, Tanya Markova’s Norma Love, Iwa Motors, and Mowmow. They performed “Salbahe” which is part of Gloc9’s “Talumpati” album. It was launched recently at Eastwood Plaza. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Gloc9 was mobbed by fans with cell phones and cameras at the Eastwood Central Plaza. The single ‘Walang Natira’ from his latest album ‘Talumpati’ is available as an mp3tone. You can get it by texting WLA to 3456 (for Smart and Globe subscribers only).

One of the most challenging tracks to write according to Gloc9 was a love song that he collaborated with Wency Cornejo, “The whole story of the song is narrated backwards. Kelangan ko magsulat mula ending papunta sa simula. Very happy ako sa outcome. At dahil pumayag si Wency Cornejo to sing the song. Ang hook niya e‘ kung mababalik ko lang ang takbo ng panahon at kung matatanaw ko ang hinaharap sa paglingon. Sasabihin ko na mahal kita’.” He also explained his choice for the artist, “Sobrang fan ako ni Wency. Para maka collaborate ko ang vocalist ng After Image na pinakikinggan ko pa lang nung ako ay first year high school, very honored.

From left, Manila Bulletin music writer Yugel Losorata with Sheng Belmonte. Sheng performed “Walang Natira” with Gloc9. The track is part of Gloc9’s “Talumpati” album which was launched recently at Eastwood Plaza. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The high energy launch at Eastwood was something that Gloc9 attributes to Francis Magallona (considered to be the greatest Filipino Rapper who passed on last year). He related how when he was a front act to ‘sir Kiks’ at a bar during the weekday there were hardly any customers, “Medyo walang tao, anim lang nanonood. Pero nung na kita ko siyang magperfrom. Sa ganun ka liit na crowd, tagaktak pawis, bigay todo pa rin. Sinabi niya sakin kahit isa o isang libong nanoood sayo. Dapat di nagbabago ang performance mo. Simula nun na hiya ako sa sarili ko. Kung si Francis Magallona ganito ang insight pagdating dito anong karaptan ko na mag inarte? Simula nun yon ang na treat ko as pinaka malaking na tutunan ko sa kanya.”

Gloc9 performs ‘Martilyo’ with Dex Yu of Letter Day Story, in the foreground are drummers of Brigada. The collaboration earned them an Awit award for Best Rock Alternative track last 2010. Photo was taken during Gloc9’s “Talumpati” album launch at Eastwood Plaza. Photo by Jude Bautista.

(In an almost empty venue, Francis Magallona told me ‘whether it’s one or a thousand people watching, you should always give your best. I saw him sweat it out and give 100%. I was ashamed of myself, if he worked this hard what right did I have to complain? That was the greatest lesson I learned from him) for Full screen Gallery pics click on this link

From left SONY Music’s Mark Bonifacio, Neil Ramos of Manila Bulletin, writer Jamie Ortega and master rapper Gloc 9. Pic was taken after the “Talumpati” album launched recently at Eastwood Plaza. Photo by Jude Bautista

Piolo is mobbed with gifts, cell phones and cams by fans by the last song. Photo was taken at the Valentines concert entitled “Piolo Meets the Maestro Ryan Cayabyab- Love Songs and the Heart throb” at the sold out PICC Plenary Hall. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista for full screen gallery of pics click on link

There were many songs that showcased the vastly improved vocals of Piolo Pascual. But perhaps the most telling was the OPM medley which had very high notes. They were made famous by some of the most unforgettable vocalists such as Joey Generoso of Side A and even Basil Valdez. Piolo breezed through and did a very emotional “Hold On” and reached the high notes of “Tell Me.” He even did a proper homage to Martin Nievera by singing “Say That You Love Me.” It was the medley that truly put the romance in the Valentines concert entitled “Piolo Meets the Maestro Ryan Cayabyab Love Songs and the Heart throb” at the sold out PICC Plenary Hall.

Piolo is nearly swallowed by mob with gifts, cell phones and cams by fans. Photo was taken at the Valentines concert entitled “Piolo Meets the Maestro Ryan Cayabyab- Love Songs and the Heart throb” at the sold out PICC Plenary Hall. Photo by Jude Bautista

Piolo has evolved as a total performer from acting and now singing. Concerts have become a comfortable venue to show this multifaceted talent. It’s very easy to dismiss him as someone whose looks outweigh his skills. But this concert proves that he has become a musical force to be reckoned with. No less than Musical Director and composer Ryan Cayabyab said, “He has improved by leaps and bounds. He kept on working hard practicing, singing and singing. What you saw and heard tonight was the result of all his hard work.”

Piolo serenades girlfriend KC Concepcion who sat beside his mom Amelia. Could wedding bells be far behind? Photo by Jude Bautista

Girlfriend KC Concepcion sat beside his mom Amelia who flew in from California to watch the show. Was it mere coincidence that sponsors also had a subliminal message of marriage for the pair? Jewelmer may supply the ‘ring’ while in his Sun Life TVC he confesses to wanting to start a family as one of his goals. They are also connected via the SMART network. PJ as Piolo is known to friends and family dedicated several songs to KC calling her ‘Kristina.’

Sitti's so sexy even her underarms are seductive. Photo by Jude Bautista

Two of his guests include Bossa Nova Queen Sitti and Pinoy Dream Academy champ Yeng Constantino. Both of them were smitten with the heart throb during his duets with them. Sitti confessed, “Ang hirap di kiligin kung ganito ka lapit ang mukha niya sayo.(It’s hard not to feel giddy when he’s so near)” She could not resist pulling him closer at least twice.

Piolo serenades Bossa Queen Sitti. Photo by Jude Bautista

Yeng grabbed his arm and put it around her waist saying, “Dito mo ilagay ang kamay mo. (This is where you put your hand)” With a sudden pang of guilt, Yeng looks to the direction of KC and said, “Ay sorry, di ko alam nandito pala.(Didn’t know she was here)”

Yeng Constantino grabbed Piolo’s hand put it around her waist saying, “Dito mo ilagay ang kamay mo.” Sitti behind them could hardly hold off her laughter. Photo by Jude Bautista

Even the media frenzy surrounding the new power couple was not enough to distract audiences from the impressive vocals of Piolo. The maestro put together a soliloquy of Beatles songs specifically for the concert. Ryan explained it as, “Pagmumuni-muni, kwento using Beatles hits.”

Yeng Constantino was so hot in her new shorter rock star bob cut. Wish I could take her home. Photo by Jude Bautista

Again PJ’s vocals were actually higher than the original of Paul Mac Cartney. The medley included a spoken word portion of “I Saw Her Standing There”, “And I Love Her”, “My Michelle”. It was as much a tribute to Mr. C’s arrangement to PJ’s vocals which made the songs more touching, slower and more of a ballad.

Piolo showed off his remarkable vocals. Photo by Jude Bautista

The theme songs of his show “Noah” and “Lobo” entitled “Ikaw ang Aking Pangarap” were expected. But another medley that highlighted his skills was started with a Broadway tune, “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables. PJ has also had several concerts in the U.S. and may have honed his singing and stage presence while on tour. The Ryan Cayabyab singers were also guest performers. They provided the faster paced Soul classics from the Supremes and other 60’s hits.

The Ryan Cayabyab Singers livened up the concert with fast paced Soul music. Photo by Jude Bautista

For the guys, I understand the haters. How can one man have it all? He’s also a well exhibited photographer for God’s sake! He has a Pursuits Journal with his photos that’s sponsored by Sun Life.

Piolo pulls Director Joyce Bernal up the stage. Photo by Jude Bautista

I bought the pricey ticket as a dare. Here I am buying the ticket to evaluate you Piolo, let’s see how good you are as a singer. I made the mistake of buying two days before and found out that the VIP section at P 5,150.00 were long gone. I had to settle for the P4,600.00 ticket. The cheaper ones were also going fast. It would have been easier to crucify him and label him as a great actor but wana-be-singer. He proved us all wrong by preparing himself, working on his voice, the overall performance and far exceeded my expectations. The only proof is for you to go to his next show or buy his CD.

PJ said he was blessed and honored to perfrom w Mr. C. Photo by Jude Bautista

Near the end PJ thanked Mr. C, “I am blessed and honored to perform with the true Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.” He then went into a George Canseco medley, “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan”, “Kastilyong Buhangin”,“Kailangan Kita”, “Gaano Ka Dalas Ang Minsan.” The comedic part of the concert was when it only took a few seconds for the crowd to ask for an encore and PJ suddenly popped his head out the curtain smiling. He finished with an exciting, “You Know It’s You Babe” from Styx who’ll have a come back concert with Journey (who has Pinoy vocalist Arnel Pineda).

His passion for performing is so evident, it’s only a matter of time before he conquers the music charts

It’s almost funny, when you look at Piolo live on stage there’s absolutely no doubt that he’s enjoying himself. The joy is infectious. I can’t help but wonder how great he would be in theater or even a live musical. His passion for performing is so evident, it’s only a matter of time before he conquers the music charts…or maybe he already has.