Marvin Ong

One of the many valid reasons why we must watch Repertory Philippines’ re-staging of “Sweeney Todd” is that new kid on the block named Marvin Ong. He is portraying the role of Tobias, the part played by Raymond Lauchengco in the company’s first version of the stage musical in 1982.

Marvin Ong is not actually new on the legitimate stage scene. A graduating student of Ateneo University, he played the title role in Ateneo Blue Repertory’s “Bat Boy” last April 2008. His performances in “Sister Act” (2007) and “High School Musical” (2006) with the same company were all well-acclaimed.

He was also featured in the main cast of “Mr. Noah’s Big Boat” (2004) and “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” (1998), both for Trumpets Inc. Marvin was a delegate/performer in the World Expo Bidding in Paris, France (for the Department of Tourism) in 1998.

When Repertory Philippines hosted a press conference last week, all the media people attending the affair were impressed by Marvin’s performance of a song from “Sweeney Todd.”

Veteran showbiz writer/music critic Ernie Pecho exclaimed: “At long last, here is the voice and genuine talent we have long been waiting for.”

Another respected and credible scribe, Ronald Constantino of Tempo added: “Well, Marvin has that very rare golden voice.”

Those who heard the comments agreed and it appeared that Marvin Ong will be known as the “Man with the Golden Voice,” from then on.

The multi-talented tenor has such an incredible vocal range, so he is comfortable with any musical genre. He is appreciated performing Broadway numbers as well as he is interpreting current pop hits; and even his own compositions.

Marvin was featured in the Philippine premiere of “Monday Nights, New Voices,” which was later staged in New York, last year. He was well-applauded in live concerts like “Friends of Repertory” (2008), “Inang Mahal, Umasa Ka (with the Manila Symphony Orchestra 2002), “My God, My Famiy, My Life” (2002) and “Put A Little Love In Your Heart” (2002).

Among his television works are “Epol/Apple” of the ABS-CBN Foundation, where he played Tino; “Pamasko ng Bayan” a TV ad directed by Rowel Santiago and as host of the Sky Cable Foundation’s Knowledge Channel show from 1998 to 2000.

Marvin was already very active in showbiz at a very young age, when his dad imposed that he must finish his high school first, before anything else.

“I actually started singing in family affairs when I was only five years old,” Marvin recounts. “I won in a school (Xavier) singing contest when I was 9. The next year, I was already in demand for professional engagements.”

As a recording artist, Marvin did solo parts for the “Song and Praises to Jesus,” “Lucest Lux,” and “Pamasko ng Bayan” albums.

When he was a college freshman at the Ateneo, Marvin revived his musical stage career and was appearing in at least two plays a year.

Now he is focusing on finishing his first solo album, as step to be in the mainstream music scene, in addition to playing “Sweeney Todd” and the title role in PETA’s “Juan Tamad.”

“This album is one of my pet projects at the moment,” Marvin declares. “I’m including at least two of my own compositions in the package, and we hope to release it early 2010.”

We have heard a few cuts from the forthcoming CD and we are pretty sure that Marvin Ong will be a hitmaker very soon.

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Stars come together for ‘Bagong Himig’ album

Some of the brightest stars today have joined forces with Bagong Henerasyon Foundation Inc. (BHFI) for a new project – the “Bagong Himig” CD album. Bernadette Herrera-Dy (founder of the foundation) said that the album aims to reach the youth which are the country’s hope in the future – by means of good music. With the help of the album’s compositors (Junn Sta. Maria and Lito Camo), the foundation made sure that the songs in the album will serve as inspiration and guide that are truthful and rightful for the youth. BHFI hopes to help the youth with the proceeds from the album.

The song “Galing ng Pinoy” by Yeng Constantino (of “ASAP” and “Pinoy Dream Academy” grand champion) gives happiness and inspiration with the message of giving praise to the greatness and goodness of the Filipinos.

“Barkada Habangbuhay” of the group Calsada with Lito Camo is meant for friends that are tested by time but cannot be separated by trials.

“Alon at Agos” of Alibata (band from Bicol who popularized “Maghihintay Na Lang”) is for mother Earth which we have forsaken.

OJ Mariano sung “Gandang Napapansin,” a song that talks about the beauty of Filipinas. OJ is the “Soulful Balladeer” who popularized the song “Pangako Ko” (from “OJ Mariano… Ballads” album) and is one of the SongBees of “The Singing Bee.”

Juris of MYMP (one of “ASAP’s” Sessionistas) sung “Itaga Mo Sa Bato (Di Kita Iiwan),” a song which tackles love and never-ending relationship despite many hindrances.

The song “Tanging Ikaw” by Kyla (of “SOP,” “Heart to Heart” album) is a song about guidance to a righteous life.

“Huwag Hayaang Mawala” is a song by Fil-Hispanic singer Josh Santana who popularized the song “Eres Tu.” It talks about an everlasting love to be treasured. With Josh in the duet is Kristine Petilla.

“Saludo Kami sa Babaeng Moderno” by Lito Camo with his band Calsada gives praise to all modern Filipinas – strong and courageous.

“Kabataan Tayo ang Magsimula” by Makisig Morales (with Badang, rapper with Francis M.’s group) is a song about being good example to all the youth for the betterment of the country.

The song “Bagong Henerasyon Hymn” is sung by Jessa Mae Gabon (grand finalist/SUTASI, finalist/SEA Solo Category) is an inspirational song for the youth and women.

Jessa Mae also sung “Aming Inspirasyon” (Tita Cory song), a tribute song for all the wonderful things President Corazon Aquino has done for the country.

“Bagong Himig” CD album is released by Star Records.

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Photobook for stars

A Photobook maker which makes compilation of your favorite photos within six minutes (for a 10-page book) has been launched by the Columbia digital Sales Company, and for celebrities, it is a fast way of keeping important photos.

Pamela Tan, a celebrity herself and vice president for Columbia Digital, said “that our aim has always been to offer a wide variety of top photographic products at cost-effective prices, and we are proud to introduce such an innovative product in the Philippine market.”

The Photobook maker, a first in the country, can be operated by any individual interested in photography. It’s a mobile, compact equipment – smaller than the then “photo me” – and it only occupies about three sq. ft. area.

Tan added that “as a business venture, the Photobook maker is easy to manage and operate.” While a family can have one for their own personal purposes, Ms. Tan said that it can be an add-on business for those who already have existing businesses.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Nov. 10 Chicago-based singer Merci Molina, Pauleen Luna, Jeremie Antiporda, William Uy, Ditas Lerma, Ross Ocampo, Ding Zamora, Amadeo R. Dacanay, Dionisio de Guzman, Joyce Alcantara, Nimfa D. Torres, Nena Salgado, Van June Sapigao, Dr. Filomena Luna, Corazon Tan Endozo, Vicky San Diego Ortega, Avelina dela Rea, former PRC commissioner and Rafael Rosell of Star Magic.