The youth is known to be very lively and full of energy. They always look for ways to amuse themselves and spend their every waking hour doing something that they find interesting. They are also very passionate in what they do. And one of the things that they are very passionate about is music.

Given this, Greenhills Shopping Center thought of a way to attract the youth and give them a venue where they can channel their energy and their passion for music through the search for the Greenhills Shopping Center Sessionistas.

Launched in 2007, the search for the Greenhills Shopping Center Sessionistas has become an annual gathering of the best college bands from different colleges and universities in Metro Manila.
The contest is coined the Greenhills Shopping Center Sessionistas because the contestants get a chance to have a jamming session with top local bands. Previous guest bands include Rivermaya, Urbandub, Sinosikat?, The Dawn and Sugarfree.

Most of the contestants have simple dreams of bringing their music to a bigger stage and a wider audience. Some just want to jam with their favorite band. Others believe that the search can be their chance to be discovered. There are also those who believe that they can be the next top local band. This interesting mix of contestants makes Greenhills Shopping Center Sessionistas a much-awaited event.

Every night, there are at least three competing college bands who will try to impress a distinguished panel of judges which include regular judges, Chikoy Pura of the Jerks and Andre Soler. There is also a guest judge every session. Prizes include cash, gift certificates and a 4-night gig in Tiendesitas.

Ortigas & Company, which owns and manages Greenhills Shopping Center, believes that the success of the search is primarily a result of what they envisioned it to be – a fusion of clean fun and fresh music. They wanted to veer away from the negative things associated with band competitions and show the youth how to have good clean fun and still get a different kind of high and excitement.

Indeed, the search for the Greenhills Shopping Center Sessionistas achieves a lot more than what it aimed for. Aside from providing a venue for the youth to express themselves through music and giving them a chance to jam with top local bands, the search also proves that the fusion of clean fun and fresh music can result in an unforgettable gimmick night for the youth.

Previous winners were Southburger (2009), Project (2008) and Dalandan Soda (2007).

So, if you are looking for a Friday night gimmick, come over to the G-Strip Parking Lot in Greenhills Shopping Center on Sept. 3, 10, 17 & 24 and on Oct. 1 and join the fun at the free concert featuring the contestants and guest bands.

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A star is born, MC Madrigal

Young talents should always be encouraged to pursue their artistic careers. It may be difficult at the start, but once the momentum is achieved, the journey becomes easier and the rewards gained are more!

MC Madrigal, a sophomore student at a Montesorri school, is one such talent that must be encouraged and supported. Only 13 years old, MC has already achieved much, such as playing the role of the young Keana Reeves in “Bb. K.”

She also played as the young daughter of Coney Reyes in “Pagmamahal,” an ABS-CBN drama series.

Her singing inclination began when she was only three years old. When she watched a TV musical, she would imitate the lady performer and pretend she was the performer.

Wherever there were singing competitions in her community or nearby, she would always participate, and most of the time she would win first place, finalist or semi-finalist. During a PLDT sponsored competition, she won the top prize. Her biggest award was the grand prize during a singing competition held at the Amoranto theater on February 2009.

She also won 1st runner-up in the Sarah Geronimo-hosted musical show, “Little Big Star.”

Young as she is, MC has already a string of notable performances, and who knows, she could be the next Sarah Geronimo, or even a Charice Pempengco. MC was discovered by the Gilbros Talent Management & Promotions (gilbros_tmp@yahoo.com) which has an exclusive contract with her. Gilbros is also an accredited talent supplier for ABS-CBN.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Aug. 31, go to Ms. Ramona Ty, Jim Paredes, Zenaida Silva, Connie Gonzalez, Timothy A. Yuquimpo, Monching Fernandez, Jasper Barcelon, Dr. Inday Morales, Susan A. de Guzman, Erwin Roy, Virginia Malolos, Baby Michelle Naidas Abacan, Cherry Pascual, Monching Tabuldan, and Rachelle Ann Go…