American Idol’s Jason Castro

Once again, another singing sensation from the famous “American Idol” contest is coming over and is bound to put a love spell on his Filipino fans. He is Jason Castro who is arriving on Thursday and will perform live at Ayala Malls this March!

Jason, who emerged third runner-up in the seventh season of “American Idol,” has won the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide with his rich tenor voice, distinctive looks, and endearingly innocent charm. This 22-year-old has proven himself to be a true winner to many other fans from all over the globe.

With both his memorable performances in “American Idol” such as his own interpretation of the Leonard Cohen-penned classic “Hallelujah” and a personal rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” topping the weekly iTunes chart, Jason has definitely left an indelible mark of his talent as a singer and guitarist. He was also one of the stars in the very successful “American Idols LIVE! 2009 Tour” that concluded the season.

After the tour, Jason moved to Los Angeles and began writing songs for his first self-titled album under Atlantic Records. With his great talent as a vocalist, songwriter, and musician, he has created an album that is an expression of himself. “I feel like the album really captures my personality,” Castro says. “People got to know me a bit on the show, so I wanted to build on that by including all these songs I’ve written about my life. I wanted to share with people the things that are meaningful to me.” His songs will surely capture the hearts of everyone and inspire them about love and acceptance.

Jason’s new album carries his first single “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again” with acoustic guitar-driven arrangements. Other songs include “This Heart Of Mine” and strummy folk-tuned “That’s What I’m Here For.” Cheerful with lilting tunes is “If I Were You,” electrifying rock songs “Closer” and “Stone,” unabashedly emotional tunes like “Love Uncompromised,” “It Matters To Me,” “You Can Always Come Home,” and a heart-stopping rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” – which was one of his best performances on Idol – are all packed in this heart-filled album.

Catch him live at these series of shows: on Thursday, March 18 at TriNoma; March 19, Glorietta 5 (with CD signing), March 20, Ayala Center Cebu and March 21, Market! Market! courtesy of Ayala Malls and Warner Music Philippines.

Fall in love right now and Download “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again” on your cell phone and get the heart-on-sleeve and toe-tapping pop ringtune when you text JC to 5677.

Jason Castro Live at the Ayala Malls is brought to you by Warner Music Philippines and The Ayala Malls.

* * *
Kart racer Matteo comes back to being Kapamilya

Commercial model and kart racer-turned-actor Matteo Guidicelli is the latest addition to the roster of stars of ABS-CBN Star Magic. Only 19, Matteo admits to having been both nervous and excited with the way things are happening to his showbiz career upon his comeback.

It is recalled that Matteo’s first taste of show business was being cast in ABS-CBN’s “Kung Fu Kids,” but after the show, he decided to go back to school to pursue his studies. He enrolled at the Columbia College in Chicago where he took up Musical Theatre but after two years, he realized he misses acting so much that he decided to come back and do it full-blast this time.

For one who never thought or imagine himself as a showbiz celebrity, Matteo’s joining the Kapamilya network and his inclusion in the new “Agua Bendita” was something very fulfilling. It’s really a very promising start for him getting to be Andi Eigenmann’s leading man in “Agua Bendita.”

In preparation for his role, Matteo underwent acting and Tagalog workshops and seriously works out to maintain his physique. He knows that to be part of the industry one has to work hard. He also knows that acting is a serious craft and so he vows to stay dedicated to his craft to make sure that one day he will see himself as one of the top actors of the country.

Matteo grew up in Cebu and started kart racing at age 11. He received numerous awards, and even held the title “Karter of the Year” for four consecutive years. Aside from this sport, he is also into motocross and horseback riding.

* * *
Maja and Sisters Napkins honor outstanding students

Dance Princess and TV star Maja Salvador recently travelled to Pozorubio, Pangasinan with Sisters Napkins to honor outstanding public school students of the province in the newly opened Magic Mall. Maja and the Sisters Napkins team also travelled to Dagupan City and Manaoag, both in Pangasinan. They were enthusiastically welcomed by huge crowds.

One of the socio-civic advocacies of Maja Salvador and Sisters Feminine Napkins is going on provincial tours nationwide to award outstanding female public school students who exemplify academic excellence and moral character. During these Sisters Napkins provincial sorties in major malls and public markets, young showbiz celebrities like Maja Salvador and others entertain audiences with songs, dances, games and Sisters Napkins giveaways after honoring outstanding students.

Aileen Go, vice president of Megasoft (makers of Sisters Napkins), said: “We are thankful to Maja Salvador for sharing the Sisters Napkins civic commitment to encourage academic excellence and healthy adolescent development among public students nationwide. Maja Salvador herself personifies the Sisters Napkins ideals of youth success, good health and women empowerment. We also congratulate the Magic Group for this opening of their 18th Magic Mall in Pangasinan under the leadership of outstanding civic leader and former Dagupan City Mayor Benjie Lim.”

Maja Salvador said she is glad to be part of the Sisters Napkins’ socio-civic endeavor of encouraging public school students to excel and to take charge of their lives. Maja said that like Sisters Napkins, she believes the young people of her generation are “the hope of the society.” Maja Salvador said that Sisters Feminine Napkins and pantyliners are good-quality products with affordable prices, and more than that, she supports Sisters Napkins due to their “positive contributions to social progress through their civic advocacies helping public school students nationwide.” Maja Salvador has turned down other commercial endorsements with products which she considers not wholesome or healthy for young people.

* * *
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on March 18 go to former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, Celeste Legaspi, US-based showbiz writer Baby K. Jimenez and realtor Eden Yap Dandan, Diana Go, Christine Michelle C. Ireman, Lara Chica, Jose Antonio Miguel B. Recio, Patricia del Rosario Bata, Mrs. Erlinda A. Sabido, Fidela Gabayno, Wilfredo M. Gerilla, and Gian Sotto of ABS-CBN Star Magic. Happy wedding anniversary to Kiel and Nini Enrique. Belated b-day greetings to Fiona Klare Miranda (March 16).