Julien Drolon

MANILA, Philippines — After a series of shows at the Music Matters Festival in Hong Kong, French singer-songwriter Julien Drolon decided to launch his singing career in the Philippines.

Julien was once an international reporter whose passion for singing got the better of him.

Julien’s songs are a mix of different genres – funk, rock, soul – but combined with positive lyrics about peace, love, freedom and the Philippines. Julien first visited the country in 2007 and instantly fell in love with the country and its people. He came several times between 2008 and 2010 and even had an SM Mall Tour in April 2011 and performed in more than 20 venues in Metro Manila.

During his performances, the French artist mesmerized audiences with his rendition of hit OPM songs like “Sorry Na Puede Ba” by Rico J. Puno, and “Ipagpatawad Mo” by VST. According to him, singing in Tagalog is the best way to communicate with his Filipino fans.

Julien has done even more. Following the success of his first SM Tour, he and his manager Chris Librojo decided to do a music video of the song “Ipagpatawad Mo” with Jack Rufo, guitarist of Neocolours.

In August 2011, Julien and his video production team went to Paris to shoot the “Ipagpatawad Mo” (“Pardonne-Moi” in French) music video which will take viewers to some of the most renowned tourist destinations in Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame De Paris, Le Louvre and the Sacre-Coeur Basilica.

Some parts of the video were also shot in the Philippines with Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Venus Raj as guest. Her scenes were shot at the Tourne by Chef Sandralyn Hataway at The Fort Strip. Chef Sandralyn is a Filipina, a member of Slow Food USA and a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Dallas, Texas.

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Win or lose, MMP continues

Before he left to train in Los Angeles for his forthcoming fight with Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao staged his game show “Manny Many Prizes” at the Centerstage of SM Mall of Asia. He promised his fans, that win or lose, his show will continue. “Tuluy-tuloy ang ligaya at saya,” he said. They’ve taped four episodes of the show aired every Saturday after “24 Oras Weekend” on GMA Sabado Star Power. Today, the show will broadcast from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City.

When asked, Manny wouldn’t want to say in what round he’d floor Marquez if ever. “Let’s just pray na walang masaktan sa aming dalawa, at masaya ang kalalabasan ng laban namin,” he said. He and his Team Pacquiao left that day (Oct. 9) but his wife Jinkee would just follow.

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Toni releases ‘Greatest Hits’ album

Toni Gonzaga released her “Greatest Hits” album during her very successful “Toni@10: The Anniversary Concert” held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The album contains “We Belong,” “Kung Kaya Ko,” “Catch Me I’m Falling,” “Kasalanan Ko Ba?” “Crazy For You,” “I’ve Fallen For You,” “Perfect World,” “One Hello,” “Can’t Help Myself,” “I Love You So,” “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” (a duet with Sam Milby), “Suddenly” (also a duet with Sam Milby), “Only You,” and “All Me.”

In the past, Toni has recorded certified gold and platinum albums under Star Records, among them “You Complete Me,” “Falling In Love,” “Love Is,” and “All Me.”

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2nd Binalayan Festivalin Binangonan

Mayor Boyet M. Ynares of Binangonan, Rizal will launch today the 2nd Binalayan Festival running until Oct. 21.

On Oct. 17, there will be a logo making contest, bamboo handicrafts exhibit, and group dance contest. On Oct. 18 is DepEd Night; while on Oct. 19, there will be Spot Painting contest, Cooking Contest and Binalayan King and Queen coronation. A Float Parade will be held on Oct. 20 followed by “Thunderbird Musical Extravaganza.” The Binalayan grand parade and inter-barangay singing contest concludes the fiesta on Oct. 21.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 15, go to Chief Justice Rene Corona, tycoon Henry Sy Sr., Leo Baluyut, Paz Yuchengco, Cris Villahermosa, Gary C. Villanueva, Teresa Cabigao, Tessie Isidro, Dante Ponce, Mely Munoz, Mario Baluyot, Billy Formoso, Remy Go, London-based Tessie Coronel, Mrs. Ondang Sarao Virata, Gabriel Patrick G. Jimenez, Joyce Burton Titular, Jimi Cruz, Tet Andolong, Gerry Sunga, MB’s Rachel Castro Barawid and entertainment columnists Noel Asinas, and Ernie Pecho… Belated b-day greetings to Joy Velasco, Jayson B. Brizuela of SMC, Jenny Pagalilauan, Pinky Carreon and Caiths Quaimco (Oct. 13)...