TOTO SORIOSO, Filscap songwriting grand prize winner

Toto Sorioso’s song of hope, “Wag Mong Isipin,” won the grand prize in the Filscap songwriting contest. Toto, former frontman of the band Sipol, wrote the song as a message of hope for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

The song was one of 12 finalists (chosen from over 500 entries) in four categories of the contest: Pop, Novelty, R&B and Rock. The panel of jurors who judged the entries was chaired by Dero Pedero (who was a Tokyo Music Festival Grand Prize winner). The other judges were songwriter Lito Camo, rock icon Mike Hanopol, inspirational diva Jamie Rivera, Star Records’ Anabelle Regalado, Jay Durias of South Border, producer Marcus Davis, Sony Music Phils.’ Rudy Tee and Cham Liu Pio of Hale.

Toto Sorioso performed his song at the finals night held at the Skydome in SM North EDSA last May 22. He went home with a cash prize of P200,000 and a trip to Sydney, Australia where he will participate in the Song Summit 2010 Conference on June 19-21. Toto also bagged the First Prize (P50,000) in the Rock Category of the competition.

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The bad guys in ‘Pilyang Kerubin’

GMA-7’s newest teleserye and anniversary offering, “Pilyang Kerubin,” starts airing Monday after “24 Oras.”

This original telefantasya stars the young loveteam of Barbie Forteza and Joshua Dionisio, two of the hottest stars of the Kapuso Network. Barbie and Joshua are very popular and well-loved especially in provincial ci-ties where they have recently visited, like Davao City and Naga City. We’ve seen it ourselves how people, young and young-once, react so warmly to their presence.

Ever since they appeared as the young Jodi and the young Cholo in “Stairway to Heaven,” in their roles in “Dear Friend’s My Christmas List” and of course “First Time,” in their first starring roles, Barbie and Joshua have successfully wowed audiences.

In the cast of “Pilyang Kerubin” are Angelika dela Cruz and Raymart Santiago as Barbie’s parents, Paolo Contis, Eddie Garcia, Joel Torre, Janno Gibbs, Maureen Larrazabal, John Lapus, Ryan Yllana, Jewel Mische, Ritchie Paul Gutierrez, Joko Diaz, Ina Feleo, Sunshine Garcia, Sharmaine Centenera, Yogo Singh, and introducing Elmo Magalona.

Eddie Garcia, Maureen Larrazabal and John Lapus play the “devils” in the show. It’s amazing how Sweet could shuffle his days from one set to another.

After “Here Comes the Bride,” Sweet is also set to do another movie with Eugene Domingo (a good friend from way back their theater days), under Regal Films and with Joel Lamangan as director.

Eugene is also planning to produce an indie movie for Sweet, “ito ang magiging launching movie ko,” he proudly revealed.

“Pilyang Kerubin” which was launched the grand way recently at GMA-7’s Studio 5, is under the direction of Andoy Ranay, with Jun Lana as creative director and head writer.

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Kris releases new album under UR

Creating quite a pleasant excitement in the music scene is Kris Aquino’s new album “Blessings of Love” from Universal Records. The topselling album presents another important phase in the life of the “Queen of All Media,” who is also now known as “Queen of Concept Albums” ever since she started recording this particular genre of CD. All her albums have been certified platinum.

Kris includes touching thank you notes in the album, expressions of gratitude to her fans who’ve continuously supported all her endeavors.

Of course, she also thanked the song artists who performed in “Blessings of Love.” Martin Nievera (“Impossible Dream”), Gary V. (“Love Is The Answer”), Jed Madela (“To Where You Are”), Nina (“You Are Not Alone”), Christian Bautista (“I Have Fall In Love With The Same Woman Three Times”), etc.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, June 7, go to Dr. John Cenica, Mrs. Eve Sarmiento, Ms. Helen Barzaga, Maria Montes, US-based artist Bobby Yalong, Bobby Ignacio, Mrs. Ester Legaspi, Sammy de Luna Jr., Mico Salvador, Robert Calupitan, Reynaldo Castaneda, Robert Rabino, Carla Marasigan, and New York-based Mrs. Adelaida Yague-Martinez…Happy wedding anniversary to Anthony L. Almeda and Aurora Raquel Arcega… Happy 31st anniversary to Crusaders Shalom Choir of Sto. Cristo Parish Church, Marulas, Valenzuela City...