Ireca Battung

MANILA, Philippines — More and more people are doing their share in promoting Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Among them  are the people behind Avida Land Corp. whose “Tunog Natin” all-OPM concert series gathers 16 promising and established Filipino artists in a compilation album, “Tunog Natin: Songs From Home.”

 The album contains 10 tracks of authentic OPM tunes – three original songs and seven covers of timeless tunes. One of the original compositions in the album is “Kay Sarap Mabuhay,” written by Myrus who said he was inspired to write the song when his father got sick.

 The two other original songs in the album are “Beep, Beep” and “Heto Ako.” The CD will be exclusively available in Astrovision and Astroplus record stores nationwide as part of the “Tunog Natin” advocacy to help revive audiences’ appreciation for OPM.

The artists tapped to collaborate in the album include Arnee Hidalgo and Tanya Markova band (“Pumapatak Na Naman Ang Ulan”), Gloc-9 and Tricia Garcia (“Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko”); Myrus and Princess Velasco (“Kanlungan”), True Faith and Sheng Belmonte (“Umagang Kay Ganda”), 1:43 (“Harana”), Jim Paredes and Faith Cuneta (“Panalangin”), Pepe Smith and rock bank Letter Day Story (“Salamat”).

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Cagayan Rep. makes  presence felt

Rep. Jack Enrile of the 1st District of Cagayan is truly making his presence felt in both the political and entertainment industry. Recently, Rep. Enrile, who is the son and namesake of Senate Pres. Juan Ponce Enrile (his mom is former Ambassador to the Vatican, the former Ms. Cristina Castaner) made members of the entertainment press happy with gifts and raffle prizes during a party at Zirkho Morato.

 The Cagayan rep, who has nine years of legislative experience in Congress, is the principal author of various important bills like the Batas Kasambahay (Magna Carta for Household Helpers), the Anti-Trust Bill, Food for Filipinos First, Increasing the Allowable Personal and Additional Deductions of Individual Tax Payers, and Credit Car Reform Measure.

 Jack is also CEO of Jaka Investments Corp. and is the foundation of the Philippine Practical Shooting Association of which he is currently president. He is married to former Rep. Saly Santiago of Bulacan with whom he has two children: Sara Simone, 19, and Samuel, 11.

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Campus Role Model  Tourism 2011 bared

A 1st year college student of the University of the East-Recto bagged the title Campus Role Model-Tourism 2011 in the recent Campus Beauty pageant Nationwide Search last Nov. 13, at SM Taytay.

 Ireca Jean Battung, the daughter of a travel agent based in Hong Kong Jolly Battung, is now preparing for her Caravan promoting the pageant and its cause “Protecting Mother Earth.” She is now being managed by RDH Entertainment Network.

 The Kiddie and Teen Models Association of the Philippines, launched June 11 at SM Masinag in cooperation with Mod’s Model Mom 2011, develops professional print, ramp and commercial models ages 5-12 years old and teens 13-19 years old. For more details visit www.facebook.com/RDHentertainment.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 17, go to boxing champ/Rep. Manny Pacquiao, former QC Councilor Aiko Melendez, Henrietta Mendez, Dr. Vivian Sarabia-Ong, Mel Valic, Ernani Cuenco Jr., Christy Praise, Cherry Yalung, Lucresia Belarmino, US-based Angelo Banaria, Pep Pep Red Vasquez, Bienvenida Crisanto, Susie P. Belen, Victoria Binondo-Collado, Angelia Joaquin Domingo, Conchita A. Gallaga, Leon Miguel, Joy V. Acuin, Reynaldo C. Federegan and Michael V… Happy wedding anniversary to Paco and Becky de Liano… GMA-7’s “Tropang Potchi” mainstays Julian and Lenlen share stories about their visit to the newly-opened Trails to Antarctica, where kids can see real penguins and experience the icy temperature of Earth’s southernmost continent. They also introduce the process of chocolate-making and take viewers to the Noel. Catch “Tropang Potchi” every Saturday, 9 a.m., on GMA-7…