ACOUSTIC INGÉNUE. Sabrina releases sophomore album under MCA Music.

Her debut album topped the charts, her music is making waves in major establishments, she is sought-after in international territories such as Thailand and Indonesia – she is no less than Sabrina – the newest acoustic sensation to bring back people’s fancy for gentle string sounds and sweet melodies. There may have been a plethora of other acoustic artists who have emerged left and right, but Sabrina is truly the original songstress who redefined acoustic to a whole new level.

After the unyielding success of her debut album “I Love Acoustic,” a more refreshing and exciting follow-up is bound to take the acoustic fever to a higher level with Sabrina’s latest release under MCA Music – “I Love Acoustic Too!”

After the undeniable success of her first album which has achieved the gold status in Thailand and the Philippines and nearing platinum in Indonesia, Sabrina’s 2nd album vows to be more promising, integrating a more refreshing and vibrant track list and making people fall in love with gentle strings over and over again – a perfect gift for the ears this Valentine’s season.

“I Love Acoustic Too” features the OPM’s acoustic sweetheart and Awit Awards’ Acoustic Artist of the year Sabrina with her acoustic renditions of “Ms. Brightside,” “Bleeding Love,” “Insomnia,” her carrier single, “Because of You” and more! A symphony of relaxing sounds coupled with Sabrina’s sweet voice gives modern hits a unique vibe, making it truly worth listening to. With less than a month after its release, the acoustic fever rises as “I Love Acoustic Too” climbs to the top of the retail charts in the Philippines!

It is no surprise why people can’t get enough of this breakthrough offering. Giving pop hits a different twist, Sabrina transports listeners to a realm of relaxation and provides audiences a revitalizing feeling which takes them to a trail down memory lane through the songs they have grown up listening to.

Emilio Garcia is director’s fave

Award-winning actor Emilio Garcia gives another great performance in “Sagrada Familia.” This early, critics are raving over his performance as the abusive father and husband in this latest drama from Joel Lamangan who considers Emilio as his “favorite” actor.

As Johnny Asero, the deranged father who feels abandoned by his wife, Merle (played by Snooky Serna) which makes him turn his anger towards his helpless daughter, Kat (played effectively by Lovi Poe), Emilio delivers an intense performance. Johnny later on, sexually abuses his daughter and threatens his mother (portrayed by Ms. Gloria Diaz) not to interfere.

One member of the Cinema Evaluation Board feels that Emilio should be “nominated for this cautionary tale about the sacredness of family and the extremes it can lead to. It brings back memories of Vic Silayan in Kisapmata.”

Two years ago, the actor won his first Urian award for his portrayal as a homosexual inmate in “Selda.” He also won in the international Thessaloniki film festival in Greece as best actor for the same film. Garcia also collected trophies from the Star Awards and Gawad Tanglaw. Just last year, Emilio won again the Star Awards and Gawad Tanglaw for his role as a ruthless cop in “Walang Kawala.”

What’s next for Emilio? The actor returned to primetime television as he plays a king in the fantaserye “The Last Prince” for GMA-7, but in the meantime, Emilio is busy promoting “Sagrada Familia” in which he considers his role as Johnny Asero, a dream role for him. “Sagrada Familia” is the initial venture of Legalas Entertainment Production, owned by Romeo Lerit and Don Lerit, Jr. The film, which is graded A by the C.E.B. and Rated R-13, opened last week.

Hed Kandi returns to Manila

Launched in 1999, Hed Kandi has evolved from humble beginnings as a compilation music brand into the global phenomenon it is today. Delivering stylish dance music with a characteristic flair, it’s no wonder why pinoys just can’t get enough of Hed Kandi!

House music aficionados are in for a treat as Bigfish brings in the world’s most glamorous music and lifestyle brand back to Manila this week. Hed Kandi takes the stage with Peyton at the SMX Convention Center, Hall 1 & 2 on Jan. 27, at 8 p.m.

Concertgoers are in for another double treat as American pop punk band Boys Like Girls will perform before Hed Kandi in a back to back spectacular that night. This mash-up of musical styles will be one event to remember as rock n’ roll meets dance in a one-of-a-kind concert experience!

Music aficionados can win tickets by listening to my radio program Good Times with Mo, Mojo & Grace Lee on Magic 89.9 and our Killerbee provincial affiliates. For tickets and VIP tables, log on to www.bigfishmanila.com.