Aljur Abrenica

He is not likely to become a singing sensation or champion, but Aljur Abrenica, whose voice is considered radio-friendly and easy to sing along with, is currently re-affirming his romance with music with the release recently of his self-titled album under Sony and GMA Records and holding his first solo concert “I’m Yours” at Zirkoh Morato.

He has been making a name as actor in soaps (with onscreen sweetheart Kris Bernal) and the mo-vies but Aljur said in his recent press conference held at Boyz Bar in Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, that “I want to use all the talents that God gave me.” One of his talents is singing.

Taking note of his musical side which he showcased when he joined “StarStruck” in 2006, Sonny Music and GMA Records produced “Aljur,” composed of original songs and remakes, among them “Iisa Sa Magkabilang Mundo,” “Di Na Ako Aasa Pa,” “Kailan Kaya,” “Beauty And Madness,” and the La-tin-flavored carrier single “Sayang Sayang,” the music video of which was shot entirely at the luxurious Thunderbird Resorts in Rizal.

Prior to the release of his album, Aljur was making his presence felt in the concert circuit. He was the special guest in La Diva’s first major concert at the Music Museum.

“Aljur” is now available in major record stores nationwide.

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E.R. Ejercito is new governor of Laguna

Actor turned politician Jeorge “E.R.” Ejercito Estregan, who was mayor of Pagsanjan for three terms, was proclaimed on May 12, 2010 as the new governor of Laguna. E.R. became the first Pagsanjeno (from the 4th District of Laguna) to become governor of the province. E.R. is the son of the late actor George Estregan, brother of former Pres. Joseph “Erap” Estrada.

E.R. was proclaimed by the Laguna Provincial Board of Canvassers’ Atty. Dioscoro P. Pajutan after garnering an overwhelming 334,530 votes against the 260,440 votes of his closest rival, Laguna Provincial Administrator Dennis S. Lazaro, son of the incumbent Laguna Gov. Ningning Lazaro.

E.R. is proud and happy that he got the biggest lead in Laguna’s political history, leading by 74,090 which gave him a landslide victory “despite the fact that I was not endorsed by the INC Head Minister in Calamba, Laguna Ka Ben Sandoval,” he said.

Also proclaimed as vice governor of Laguna is the incumbent mayor of Los Baños, Ceasar Perez.

Present during E.R.’s proclamation were close friends and family including his wife, Girlie “Maita” Ejercito, who was proclaimed the new mayor of Pagsanjan.

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Musmusikwela Kids wow crowd at MM

The 11 Musmusikwela kids – who passed their intensive musical training at The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab – showed off their musical talents and gave their best stage performance before a very impressed crowd at their recently held Musmusikwela Recital at Teatrino in Greenhills.

The Music Museum scholars – Miah Isabelle Canton, Cristina de Leon, Laika Maninang, Leon Matawaran, Alyssa Mora, Darlene Louise Ordanza, Janella Salvador, Juan Miguel Santos, Stephen Tan, Ma. Danica Velasco, and Caleb John Hinanay – staged kiddie versions of kundiman, ballads, classics and pop songs that left many in the audience both teary-eyed.

The boys and girls – aged 8 to 12 – successfully completed the 10 month, 3-level course under Maestro Ryan Cayabyab from June 2009 to March this year. The project, called “Musmusikwela : Eskwelahan ng Musmos sa Musika,” was launched by the Music Museum Group when it commemorated its 20th anniversary in 2008.

Maestro Ryan Cayabyab who personally trained the youngsters together with his wife Emy.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on May 21 go to Ms. Nora Aunor, former DOLE Sec. Nieves Confessor, Ray Orosa, Ms. Lulu Tinio, Estela Palma-Mendoza, Lito Puyat, Ana Co Puno, Baby Cruz, Lor Sardovia, Evangeline Nora Mae Eugenio Sebastian, Rina O. Marquez, Pidong Tuazon, Isabela Velisano, Singapore-based Bala K. T. Bala, and London-based nurse Rene Garcia.