Ne-Yo

On Jan. 9, 2010 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Ne-Yo, the Gentleman will be back together with sexy and sassy Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Jadyn Maria for an exciting full-blast show that promises to sizzle with Eurasia, a group composed of beautiful Eurasian ladies, as their front act.

Since his debut, Ne-Yo has had five top ten songs on the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist and two number one albums on the Billboard 200. Ne-Yo has also amassed a catalog of chart-topping songs that he has written for other artists.

In 2006, he released his debut album, “In My Own Words,” which contained the US number one hit “So Sick.” Then in 2007, he released his sophomore album, “Because Of You” which contained the US top 3 hit, “Because Of You.” In 2008, he released his third album, “Year Of The Gentleman,” which contained the top 10 hits “Closer” and “Miss Independent.”

Ne-Yo’s third album, “Year Of The Gentleman,” was first released on Sept. 11, 2008, in Japan. The album sold 250,000 copies in its first week in the United States, debuting on the Billboard 200 at number two. Reviews for the album were positive: in one of which, Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone magazine wrote that “Year Of The Gentleman” is “actually a superb concept album about what a great boyfriend he [Ne-Yo] can be.”

The first two singles, “Closer” and “Miss Independent,” have peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album and Album Of The Year at the 2009 Grammy Awards, “Closer” for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, and “Miss Independent” for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song. “Year Of The Gentleman” has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of more than one million copies. The third single, “Mad,” peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In September 2009, Ne-Yo released his greatest hits album “Ne-Yo: The Collection.” The album was also released with a limited edition CD+DVD edition complete with the music videos of singles.

His latest single “I Never Knew I Needed” original soundtrack of Walt Disney pictures animated feature “The Princess and the Frog” is now available at all record bars nationwide.

Ne-Yo has also written songs for Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Anastacia, Ciara, Corbin Bleu, and Enrique Iglesias. he also collaborated with Lindsay Lohan on her new material, having already finished “Bossy,” a pre-single for her new album “Spirit in the Dark.”

In the meantime, sexy and sassy Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Jadyn Maria, born Joy Lynn Strand, was the first artist signed to Ne-Yo’s Compound Entertainment label. Strand was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico but grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. At the age of 17, Strand was signed to Sparrow Records, a Christian music subsidiary of EMI, after being spotted singing at a wedding. She appeared on the song “Never Alone (Nunca Solo)” from Avalon band member Jody McBrayer’s album, “This is Who I Am.” She was also asked to record a cover of “With or Without You” with GRITS on the U2 tribute album “In the Name of Love: Artists United for Africa.”

In 2007, Strand signed a songwriting deal with Universal Music Publishing Group, which led to her meeting with Ne-Yo’s manager and then Ne-Yo, himself and eventually signing with his label and Universal Motown after auditioning for its president in 2008. She also had a chance to perform the national anthem Universal Motown’s Finest Rock Detroit at the 2009 United Way Thanksgiving Day NFL Halftime Show.

She is a friend of Katy Perry and appeared in Perry’s music video for “Hot N Cold” as a bridesmaid. Strand co-wrote the title bonus track from Ashley Tisdale’s album, “Guilty Pleasure.” Strand is working on her album, “Man’s World,” due to be released in 2010. Her debut single, “Good Girls Like Bad Boys” was released on June 9, 2009, with Flo Rida. Another song, “Trenchcoat & Shades” was released digitally in the UK on Sept. 6, 2009.

Ne-Yo is backed up by an entourage of more than 30 artists composed of band members, dancers, lighting designers and special effects personnel.

If you haven’t thought of your Christmas present to give to family, friends and employees, avail of the amazing Christmas group ticket packages by calling 403-3433. Regular tickets available at Ticketworld and at Alchemy.

Aside from being Ne-Yo’s after concert venue, Alchemy, your one stop clubbing destination, pushes the limits on style, with special theme nights as follows: Tuesdays, Open Mike Nights;  Wednesdays, Sweet Candy; Thursdays, Alchemy Presents; Fridays, Grown & Sexy and Saturdays, Pure.

With open bar from 10 p.m. – 12 m.n. and open to accommodate everyone till 6 a.m. Alchemy also gives free bottles of wine for every group of seven. Party at Alchemy!

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Wonder Gays band launches debut album

A new singing sensation composed purely of beautiful gays who call themselves the Wonder Gays, launched recently at the Skylark Grill and Bar their debut album entitled “No Money No Money.”

They also presented a mini-concert, impersonating well-known celebrities. They have a distinct packaging compared to other gay singing bands. And their producer and manager, Lito de Guzman, conceptualized their costume and projections on stage. Lito de Guzman was for a while became a controversial figure in the entertainment industry because of her talents called the “Baywalk Bodies.” They were composed by a group of charming and sexy girls.

With the Wonder Gays, the popular talent manager is expected to cause a sensational wave in the entertainment circles. The Wonder Gays are composed of “Blue” Nina Julius Christopher Mendoza, “Pink” Valerio Papa Papa Jr., “Violet” John Paul Martin Ong, and “Yellow” Jo Sarigumba.

What is the color for? It’s the color of each other’s hairdo.

The “Wonder Gays,” individually, has pursued some college studies.

Starting January 2010, the Wonder Gays will be performing in several PAGCOR outlets.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Dec. 24 go to former Minister Jesus Hipolito, Arlene Babst, Belen Montaner, New York-based Dominique James and Menchie Portillo Peralta, Alfredo V. Palma of California, Anva Kirsten Cruz Saruca, Lourdes Carillo, Dory Bernabe, Andres V. Genito Jr., Jackie Dayrit Boncan and Marjun Isidro of U-NID-ME.