Mon David and Abe Lagrimas Jr. at Fil-Am Jazz Festival

Abe Lagrimas Jr and Mon David as he renders 'Ati Ku Pung Singsing' in Fil-Am Jazz Festival at the Catalina Bar and Grill

Mon David at ANC, Balitang Europe

Gene Alcantara's report on Mon David's winning the International Jazz Vocalist Competition in London. ABS-CBN, The Filipino Channel & ANC, Balitang Europe, 2006

Event Schedules for May

May 5

“A Song for Ed” (a fund-raising concert for Among Ed Panlilio) @ San Fernando, Pampanga, 7 pm

May 9

“Vintage Jazz” with guest Tots Tolentino (Filipino Heritage Festival) @ Eastwood City, Libis, 7 pm

May 18

“Hibang sa salin-Awit”: tampok ang mga likha nina Lacaba, Granada , Ayala, Evans, Gershwin, David, Abraham… mga jazz standards, kapampangan tunes at kung anu-ano pa! @ Conspiracy Garden Café in Visayas Ave. Q.C., 9:30 pm , for inquiries call 920-6517

May 25

“Makati Jazz Concert” @ Rockwell Center , 9 pm

Event Schedules this March

March 17  (Saturday)

The Coronation Night for Mutya ng Meralco

March 24 (Saturday)

Salcedo Nights at Bel-Air Makati

With Mon David’s Quartet and U.P. jazz ensemble

Show starts at 7PM

March 30 (Friday)

Mag:Net Katipunan

Show starts at 9:30PM

Upcoming events for April

April 20 (Friday)

Earth Day Celebration

Tomas Morato Quezon City

With UP Jazz Ensemble

Show starts at 5PM onwards

E MUSIC SCENE - TOP ALBUMS IN 2006

By Jojo Panaligan

E Music Magazine

February issue

The year that was in OPM has not been a walk in the park for local labels and artists.  As if the perennial piracy problem is not enough to dampen spirits and sales, the growing popularity of downloading music is shaking up the system that, in the past, predisposed respectable measure of success.

Still, commercial is different from critical. Below (but in no particular order) are our Top 10 OPM Albums in 2006.  Some are best sellers; others did not even stand a chance of yielding a turntable hits.  But each definitely shines with quality and has impacted the scene with merits to wit.

MON DAVID

MY ONE AND ONLY LOVE

Candid Records

He swoops, he growls, he coos and scats.  What can Mon David not do?  This album proves that with unimpeachable vocal pizzazz, jazz could be made palatable even to those alien to the genre.  It’s a sin to call the remakes here as so.  Rather, these are versions that only Mon David could twist to sound like they were written especially for him.  Its masterful illusion, not delusion.

MON DAVID: MUSIC IS IN THE AIR I BREATHE

 By Dot Ramos Balasbas-Gancayco

Philippine Star

January 26, 2007

I have always been a “cry-baby”: I cry at beautiful commercials; I cried a bunch while reading the novel and watching the movie, The Notebook; I cry during testimonials for birthday celebrations of people I love and respect.  And when I listened to the album of Mon David, entitled My One and Only Love, while reading of his accomplishments, which includes being adjudged the Grand Winner in the first-ever London International Jazz Competition where he won over 107 contestants from 27 different countries, getting into the semi-final round, as the only Asian – I wept.

I wept for myself regretting why it took me as long before  listening to such a beautiful album  with Mon’s golden voice, and arrangements  and back-up music only from the country’s best artists.  I wept for all Filipinos who have failed, and continue to fail, to realize that we have here a musical genius, and that it had to take internationally acclaimed jazz musicians and respected jazz educators to show our country that he is the best in the world.  I wept for our national government for failing and continuing to fail, to give due recognition to this man who has given the country so much honor for his exemplary achievement, and who also deserves the tribute and adulation, or even more, being bestowed on some sportsmen or beauty contestants.  I wept in joy for the whole Philippine arts and culture scene for having a certain Mon David in our midst – a true artist and passionate musician who has chosen to stay in the country when he could easily earn and be appreciated abroad.  And cry-baby that I am, I continue to weep as I write this article.

How could we have taken such a gem – a world-class artist, now a world singing champion – for granted?  Here he is with us, for decades now, giving us beautiful compositions and sharing us his passion for music, and yet, it seems, we all opt for the well-packaged, less talented ones!  How in the world did we miss what all the highly esteemed jurors at that prestigious international jazz competition saw, heard and felt, that made them decide him to be the best among the best?  (According to organizers, all contenders, were of an ‘exceptionally high professional standards!’)  How could we not take good care of artists like Mon, whose whole life has been dedicated to improving his craft and touching people’s lives through his music?  And how come we put a premium on beauty contest winners who spend a year or two beautifying themselves at dermatological and slimming clinics and spas? To think, even fleeting sportsmen get more appreciation! Yet, Mon, the ever-modest person that he is, has not complained. 

My parents have always taught us six children that humility is a sign of greatness.  This I saw in Mon.  In my recent one-on-one interview with him at Celebrity Club, which is a stone’s throw from both our houses, I saw in him a man who has not changed a bit from the unassuming musician I had come across several times before.  I remember him as a member of the ‘Four Play’ band, which my then boy friend, now my husband, Paul used to watch during our “courting” days (with me doing most of the “courting”, ha ha ha!) at the then El Camarote, Holiday Inn; and the Alibi Bar, Regent of Manila.  (Those were the top choices then for live entertainment; the equivalent of today’s Boulvar Lounge and Calesa Bar).  I recall him being the drummer of the APO Hiking Society.  (Yes, he plays the drums, the guitar and other percussion instruments as well).  I also crossed paths with him, me with the Opera Band and he with the group of sterling jazz musicians including Tots Tolentino and percussionist Colby Dela Calzada.  I remember him as the mellow-voiced member of the Ang Fourgettables together with Isay Alvarez, Pinky Marquez and Dyords Javier.  I remember him saying yes to me for a PAGCOR fundraising event held at the Alegria Lounge of The Manila Pvillion Hotel to improve the detention centers of juvenile delinquents  in Manila.  Ask anyone in real live “entertainment circuit” – Mon David is looked up with highest regard.

Mon David, who incidentally has been invited to grace the opening of the new TROPEZZ at Greenbelt on Feb. 18, contrary to what others think, is not into pure jazz.  Though all the years of performing, he has become ‘one of the most flexible artists’ - open to a multitude of genres.  He can go into pop singing, R n’ B (in fact, a track in his album Soulitude was awarded best R n’ B vocal performance), classical singing and even folk singing – being very proud of his roots as a Kapampangan, with his very own version of Atin Cu Pung Singsing  and his own haunting composition Abe Mu Ku  on which he collaborated  with much-respected  UP Professor Edru Abraham.  Although he was always was always content to be at the background of more popular singers, he has remained happy as he gets fulfillment in the mere fact that he makes good music, for according to Mon himself ”music is the air I breathe.  Music is the reason for my existence.  It is a God-given gift and calling that should not be set aside but should be pursued and developed.  Come up with your identity, your own identifiable style and phrasing.  Do not copy or try to sound like others.  Work hard.  Focus. It can never be an overnight thing.  And most importantly, do something that gives you fulfillment.”  Great words coming from a great artist!

And so to Mon, let me express my sincerest appreciation for the glory and pride that you have given our country.  Let me thank you for being an example and inspiration not only to young, aspiring artists, but also to our mature musicians who have through the years continuously struggled in honing their artistry despite poor financial gains or no financial gain at all.  I thank you with all sincerity for listening to your heart and giving us great, beautiful music.

February 24: Philippine International Jazz Festival

Date:                                      February 24 (Saturday)
 

Featured Artists:                

Mon David and Johnny Alegre AFFINITY
With
Diane Schuur
Eldar
Royal Hartigan Trio
Dreamgirls

Time:                                      7 in the evening

For inquiries                          09158899189 for inquiries, please e-mail:                                    

centre@pijazzfest.com or log on http://www.pijazzfest.com

Album Review: Nice Soothing Music from Candid

by BABY A. GIL (Sounds Familiar)

The Philippine Star

December 27, 2006 

A time for peace and quiet is what we all wish for during that holiday lull after Christmas Day and before New Year’s Eve. Of course, the right sort of music helps set the atmosphere and I am happy to say that two interesting CDs from Candid Records were what did the trick for me this year.

Now I said, earlier that I listened to two CDs yesterday. One is Marcos’ and the other one is My One and Only Love by Mon David. The latter is more serious jazz stuff but I am really happy to see that David who won the 2006 London International Jazz Competition for Vocalists goes full blast into jazz with this one. Given the realities facing jazz artists in this country, it was no surprise that David dabbled in other types of music in the past. But that prize from London is the real thing and My One and Only Love is proof that he deserves every bit of it.

David takes on the whole route. He is producer, singer and songwriter in English, Filipino and Kapampangan. His own works are Let Go, ’Yan ang Pinoy! Abe Mu Ku, Nasa ’yo, I Listen to You and Soulitude. Then there are the standards which are the titles he performed in London, My One and Only Love, Skylark, Waltz for Debby, Very Early and Alone Together which he performs with the wonderfully voiced Bituin Escalante. The arrangements are excellent and David’s singing is perfection, his best ever. The guys who worked on this album really know their jazz.

MON DAVID headlines Fil-American Jazz Festival in Hollywood

Local jazz hero MON DAVID announces his participation at the 2^nd Annual Filipino-American Jazz Festival which will be held at Catalina Bar & Grill, Hollywood California on December 9 & 10.  The festival also includes other Fil-American musicians including world renowned vocal group ‘Crescendo’, sax player Julius Tolentino who performed with Natalie Cole and prize winning Fil-American pianist now based in Seattle – Mr. Victor Noriega.

The announcement were held at the glitzy Sunday afternoon as he releases his new album ‘My One and Only Love’ back to back with young singer Enrique Marcos presented by Candid Records Philippines, The Podium Mall, Crossover 105.1 with Cointreu Liquor, Remy Martin in cooperation with Astroplus and Hairshaft Salon.  The afternoon were also made special as rock icon turned jazz chanteuse Skarlet (former Myra Ruaro of Brownbeat all Stars) joined the stage with Mon David in the romantic rendition of ‘Alone Together’

After his winning performance at the London International Jazz Competition for Vocalists beating hundreds of participants from all over the globe, Mon David comes home as a ‘local jazz hero’.  He also won two Awit Awards (Best Vocal Arrangement and Best Jazz Recording for his original ‘Let Go’) and headlined the recently concluded 3-day Philippine-American Jazz Festival. 
 

Dubbed as ‘master jazz exponent’ Mon David was tapped as one of the guest performers for Ms. Kuh Ledesma’s series of shows at Mandarin Hotel’s Captain’s Bar entitled ‘Come Rain, Come Shine’ and Agot Isidro’s brazilian-bossa album for the track ‘Waters of March’.

“I’m just grateful to The Lord for this ‘gift of music’ particularly the jazz genre where I can be free to create and choose the songs and music I love to perform. I’m also grateful for the encouragement and inspiration that the industry is giving me,” David humbly said. 

Truly ‘a world class artist’, Mon David delivers his album backed up by some of the finest musicians in the country today including Colby Dela Calzada (bass), Mark Lopez (piano), Koko Bermejo (drums), Mike Guevarra (saxophone) and a multitude of guest performers and musicians including Gerard Salonga, Bituin Escalante, Arthur Manuntag, Mel Villena, Edgar Avenir and premiere sax player Tots Tolentino.

In his latest 12-track masterpiece, ‘My One and Only Love’ includes songs he had rendered at the London Jazz Competition including ‘Skylark’, ‘Waltz for Debby’ and its title track.  The album also includes 6 originals including ‘Abe Mu Ku’, ‘Nasayo’, ‘I listen to you’, ‘Soulitude’, Gary Granada’s ‘I had a dream’ and 2006 Awit Awards Best Jazz Recording ‘Let Go’.

‘The album signifies a personal journey and a unique taste in music as expressed by the jazz classics like ‘Skylark’ Waltz for Debby’ and more evergreens.’ David explains.  

‘My One and Only Love’ release in a limited special gold disc edition is Mon David’s first ‘true’ jazz album in more than a decade of musical career. ‘Ive always felt that the listeners are more daring now and prepared to listen to jazz music. They are more open and appreciative to the improvisational aspect of jazz. I personally feel there is a certain degree of responsibility as an artist to share the thing that I love doing most - the thing that gives me pure joy and fulfillment.’

Meanwhile the UK album edition release next year will include two more additional tracks including ‘Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars’ and a duet with Eileen Sison of Guarana for ‘Double Rainbow’.

Truly an exceptional and international artist, Mon David will be back for the 3-day Candid Music Festival which will be held at Mall of Asia in partnership with Cerveza Negra on December 17 and on December 21 at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-la Plaza Mall at 7PM aptly entitled ‘Christmas with a Jazz Great, Mon David’. For inquiries, please call Candid Hotline 7060457 or log on www.mondavid.i.ph and www.candidrecords.com/ph

Truly an exceptional and international artist, Mon David will be back for the which will be held at in partnership with on December 17 and on December 21 at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-la Plaza Mall at 7PM aptly entitled ‘Christmas with a Jazz Great, Mon David’. For inquiries, please call Candid Hotline 7060457.

Mon David’s ‘My One and Only Love’ marks its release

The country’s leading male jazz vocalist Mon David marks his first ‘Jazz masterpiece’ as he releases a 12 track album that includes 7 originals and 5 jazz standards rendered like no other.

The much-awaited jazz album is his 5^th masterpiece and his debut for the independent label Candid Records which includes timeless jazz covers, boasting  songs he rendered at the 2006 London International Jazz Competition for Vocalists held at the Cadogan Hall in London’s Sloane Square and hand-picked with legendary jazz producer Alan Bates. 

Aptly entitled ‘My One and Only Love’ is a personal journey of Mon’s undying passion for his music and craft. In this album, he includes his winning song pieces such as ‘Waltz for Debby, ‘Skylark’ and ‘My One and Only Love’. The album also includes Evans and Hall composition ‘Very Early’ and a remarkable duet with multi-awarded vocalist Ms. Bituin Escalante in a Dietz/Schwartz ‘Alone Together’.

The 7 originals are undeniably an instant classic which was collaborated with some of the finest musicians and songwriters in the country today including the rerecorded version of 2006 Awit Awards Best Jazz Recording original ‘Let Go’ and Gary Granada’s ‘I Had A Dream’ arranged, conducted and produced by Mr. Gerard Salonga performed with the Global Studio Orchestra.  Mon also included a Kapampangan song ‘Abe Mu Ku’ and a song of praise ‘Soulitude’ as he give thanks to the heavenly father – ‘Ama salamat sa patnubay mo aming Ama’.

In this album, Mon also displays pride and honor as he pays tribute to Filipinos and its positive qualities – resilience, hardworking, passion, cheerful, caring attitude and determination to succeed poignantly delivered in the track ‘Yan Ang Pinoy!’ who were joined by his friends and lend their voices including Mel Villena, Arthur Manuntag and Bituin Escalante.  In ‘Nasayo’, Mon David delivers a stunning masterpiece that delves with God-given talents and our responsibility to nurture, develop and share to others.

The album will be released in the UK next year with two additional tracks – ‘Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars’ and a duet with Eileen Sison of Guarana for ‘Double Rainbow’.

A true gem for the Philippine jazz music history, Candid Philippines releases ‘My One And Only Love’ in a Special Collectors Choice - Gold Disc Edition to truly enjoy the superb musicianship of world class Filipino talents.  

Undeniably, Mon David is truly a master craftsman and a dedicated artist. ‘My One and Only Love’ is released by Candid Philippines and distributed in the Philippines by Ivory Music & Video Inc.  The album release is also supported by Crossover 105.1 ‘All Smooth, All Current’. For more details, log on www.mondavid.i.ph and www.candidrecords.com/ph.

‘My One and Only Love’ album launch

November 26 (Sunday),  The Podium Lounge(2nd floor). with:

koko bermejo, mike guevarra, colby dela calzada, mark lopez with special guest Myra “Skarlet” Ruaro

This is a back-to-back album launch with young crooner Enrique Marcos - he too will be launching his latest Candid album ‘I Made it Through the Rain’

2pm - snack back opens

3pm - Enrique Marcos’ Performance

4pm - Mon David’s Performance

New Gig Schedules for November / December

Nov. 18,   8 pm       Phil-Am Jazz Festival
                                    Greenbelt 3 Fountain Area
                                    Celebration of 60 years of friendship
                                    Free show
Nov. 26,    6 pm     “My one & Only Love” album launch
                                    Podium Mall
              
Dec. 9,     8 pm            Second Annual Filipino-American Jazz Festival
               10 pm           Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood, California
Dec. 10,  4 pm             Second Annual Filipino-American Jazz Festival
               7 pm             Catalina Bar & Grill
                      
Dec. 17                        Candid Music Festival
                                    Mall of Asia
Dec. 21,                       Album promo
                                   Shangrila Mall

Reviews, write-ups & feedbacks re Mon’s musicality, his artistry, recordings & performances ….

I have known Mon David for a very long time now. We have practiced, sung, recorded, played, jammed, performed, toured and have been friends for almost as long as my APO life. There are but a few people during my whole career in music from whom I’ve learned many valuable lessons about style, artistry, talent, integrity, dedication, versatility, musicality, generosity joy and perseverance and Mon is certainly on top of this very short list.

Jim Paredes of Apo Hiking Society
Liner notes from ‘Life & Times’ album

He is a living proof of Edison’s aphorism that genius is 99 percent perspiration and one percent inspiration. At 52, he, he’s still trying earnestly to learn, he’s still trying to get a crack of perfection. A well-known and respected fixture in the jazz landscape, having played practically all the jazz joints in this country, Mon is one the most laid-back and unassuming creatures you can hope to find. To say that he does not announce his presence with trumpets is to understate things. There must be something to that Biblical story about the exalted being humbled, and humble exalted. I’m especially happy that Mon did well in a jazz competition, recognition in that one field of music having eluded us thus far. We already have Cecile Licad in classical music, a Lea Salonga in musical theater and countless divas in pop songs, all storming the world with their abilities. As do some of the truly brilliant jazz artists in our midst, who are barely able to eke out a living playing their kind of music.

Conrado de Quiros (‘There’s The Rub’ columnist)
Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 29, 2006

With so many artists competing in a slice of the same pie in the business, we often overlook the ‘true wonders’ of Philippine music. While he has earned the respect of his peers in the industry, for far too long, Mon David has stayed in the shadows of more popular, more publicized, and often less talented singers. And in light of his being chosen as the lone Asian representative to the London International Jazz Competition (one of 12 semi-finalists in a field of 107 entries from 25 countries), it is a shame that we took this long to discover what the whole world has seen in full splendor.

Jennifer O. Cuaycong
BusinessWorld
March 10, 2006

Mon is one of the finest jazz singers in the local music scene.  He is in the league of jazz greats Jacqui Magno, Richard Merck, Ray-Ann Fuentes, Tillie Moreno.  I am proud to say Mon has brought his music to higher ground.  He is one versatile artist whose talent knows no boundaries.  Mon is recognized in the industry not only as a singer but as a songwriter, musician, record producer and teacher.

Mr. Boy Abunda (‘Direct Line’ columnist)
Philippine Star
March 22, 2006

I was not very much surprised upon hearing news that Mon took up honors at the 2006 London Jazz Vocalist competition and this album shows why.  Certainly the vocal prowess is evident in all the cuts, and the selection varied and interesting.  Mon has truly come around as an artist.    From the big band energy of ‘Let Go’ and ‘Yan Ang Pinoy’ to the wordless yearnings of ‘Ama’ and the subtle urgency of ‘Abe Mu Ku’, this is undoubtedly food for the soul. Give a listen… “he speaks softly but wields a big stick’. It is an honor to be a part of this artist’s journey to completion”

Tots Tolentino
Highly-acclaimed Filipino saxophonist
Liner notes from his album ‘My One and Only Love’

Beyond awards, master jazz exponent MON DAVID is even more admirable for his artistic fortitude & resilience. Most other artists stir clear of the jazz mode because it isn’t mainstream. But Mon has embraced it with a passion that excites the musical cognoscenti and has made jazz (in its various variations & adumbrations) appeal to a wide audience.

Nestor Torre
Philippine Daily Inquirer

“….A world-class singer, possessed of exceptional pipes & amazing range that could move effortlessly from a rich manly baritone to high falsetto notes & a broad repertoire, pop ballads, jazz standards, show tunes & even the odd kundiman or two with equal aplomb…”

Eric Caruncho Philippine Daily Inquirer

“He did more than just demonstrate complete control of his vocal facility, he also shared a sensitive soul devoid of vanity and braggadocio….The singer was all heart, but his dynamic artistry was likewise in full throttle…”

Rito Asilo (writer / singer / actor) Philippine Daily Inquirer

“An excellent but underrated musician, songwriter, jazz singer and balladeer…He is the kind of singing best enjoyed during intimate moments with loved ones, like a candle-lit dinner or with both eyes closed for pure relaxation…”

“When Mon David sings “All My Tomorrows”, he gives the impression that he’s always singing it for the first time, and only for you. Why, this enduring artist even seems to be whispering the low notes to your ears, underscoring a clarity of voice that is one of his trademarks…”

Joven S. Joya Philippine Daily Inquirer

Latest update

Hi friends and music lovers,

Sorry about the long silence. i’ve been very busy since I came back from London. It’s been a wonderful, enriching experience meeting all the incredible musicians and artists from different parts of the world. It continues to inspire me to do better and further explore the wide and colorful world of musicmaking, particularly jazz. Aside from interviews, tv guestings and shows I’m back in the studio recording some new stuff. Just finished guesting in Bituin’s first major solo concert at On Stage, Makati. I was also fortunate to have been invited to open the show for the amazing guitarist Antonio Forcione back to back with our very own Cynthia Alexander at Crossroads 77. Come May 31, Wednesday, 9:45 pm, I will be doing a gig at Magnet, Katipunan with my quartet. Hope you can all join me then. Currently preparing for a solo concert at On Stage, Makati come July. Will definitely inform you about the date and other details meanwhile, Life & Times, my latest CD is still out in the market.

Thank you and be happy.

Pasok Tayo! We’re In!

Great news! Pasok na naman tayo sa finals! Ang bait talaga ng Diyos. Anim na lang kaming magcocompete bukas sa Cadogan Hall. Salamat sa inyong walang sawang  sawang pagtitiwala.

Mabuhay ang lahing kayumanggi!!!

English translation:

Great news: We’ve made it to the finals! God is really so good. There will only be six of us competing at Cadogan Hall tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your unfailing support and unwavering faith.

Long live the Filipino race! 

Now In London

Hi! I’m here in London and trying to get used to the cold. Mishka has been very generous and has allowed me to be her guest (definitely beats staying in a hotel).

Tomorrow I meet with and rehearse with the trio I’ll be performing with for the competition on Saturday. I’m quite excited to meet and bond with artists and musicians from different parts of the world. I know I’ll learn from them and grow. There’s so much to embrace and experience.

I hope if you’re in London, that  you’ll drop by and watch the competition. Looking forward to seeing you! Pray for me, ha.

My Thanks and an Invitation

I’d like to say thank you to everyone who attended my show at the Teatrino last night. I hope everyone enjoyed the night and the music. Special thanks of course to Bituin Escalante and Tots Tolentino.

For those who missed the show, I have another one coming up:

March 10 (Friday) 7pm Shangrila Plaza Grand Atrium

with  

Mark Lopez on keyboards

Colby dela Calzada on bass

Mike Guevarra on Sax

Koko Bermejo on drums
and Special Guest: Nicole

I hope to see you all there. 

Let Go

I have an album out through Candid Records called Mon David Life & Times. There are 15 tracks on this album in a mix of english, tagalog and kapampangan.

Let Go is a song that I wrote to motivate myself, overcome the negative vibes and the “rut” I had found myself in. It’s a personal mantra to move forward and focus on the positive.

On the other hand, Atin Ku Pung Singsing is a traditional Kapampangan folk song. I took the liberty of deconstructing and reconstructing this song. Probably the most familiar kapampangan traditional with  a new unconventional approach - ‘a capella” - the power of the human voice for the musical arrangement and a couple of shakers and wood blocks. I have included the full track of both these songs in my gallery for your enjoyment. I hope you like them. If you enjoyed them, as I hope you will, I hope that you will decide to get the whole album, which is made available by Candid records.

Extensions On March 8

It is exciting for me to be part of the upcoming competition. I am eager to meet and bond with the jazz singers and musicians from the other countries. It is a marvelous opportunity to learn and experience more music, especially in the jazz field.

Knowing that I’ll be leaving soon,Butch and some friends have decided to be very supportive. We have put together a show that will be my “despedida party” for the competition. I hope that you can join me on this night.

Extensions 

March 8 (Wednesday) at  9pm at the Treatrino, Promenade Greenhills

with  

Mark Lopez on keyboards

Colby dela Calzada on bass

Mike Guevarra on Sax

Koko Bermejo on drums
and Special Guests:
 
Bituin Escalante and Tots Tolentino

  I hope you will all be there.

London Jazz Competition

I would like to share my good news. I have been blessed to be among those chosen to compete in the semi-final round of the competition. The next elimination round will be on March 16, 2006. All going well, I will push through to the final round which will be on March 18.

Being a semifinalist is an honor itself. Those who joined the competition are high-profile and mostly from the United States, Australia and Denmark

I hope to make our country proud doing what I love to do, make music.