Malaysian record producer Julfekar Ahmad Shah (2nd from right), with from left, Frio, Bryan Termulo and Managing Director Datuk Mohd Fauzi Zakaria

MANILA, Philippines — It’s nice to know that foreign record companies are now taking notice of the singing prowess of Filipinos.

One of these companies is represented by Julfekar Ahmad Shah, managing director of Millennium Art Sdn Bhd, who came over last week to preside over a press conference announcing chosen talents from the Philippines to form part of an album that he is recording for Asian-wide distribution.

The Filipino talents he presented included OPM artist Bryan Termulo and Nikki Bacolod, upcoming teen singers Hai Zel and Grendel de Ramos and Pinoy rock star Frio.

Julfekar caught sight of Bryan through ABS-CBN’s “Budoy Farewell Mall Show” at the SM North Skydome.

Julfekar gained success in the Malaysian music scene by writing and producing songs of various genres for several topnotch Malaysian artists like Siti Nurhaliza and Francessca Peter.

Last year, he signed a memorandum of understanding with Dream Music Sdn Bhd, another Malaysian recording company which mainly focuses on digital downloading and marketing. The said label is headed by Datuk Haji Mohd Fauzi Zakaria. Together, they formed the Dream Music – Millenium Art Label.

Julfekar was born a Sabah Tausug, known as “Suluk” in Malaysian terminology, which is closely related to Tausugs in Southern Philippines.

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Midas Hotel Welcomes Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper is coming to Manila! And she’ll be staying at the Midas Hotel & Casino along Roxas Blvd.

Cyndi became a household name during the ’80s with her chart-topping hits “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Change Of Heart,” “I Drove All Night,” “Time After Time,” “Money Changes Everything,” “She Bop,” “All Through The Night” and “True Colors.”

“I still have so much to say and share,” Cyndi said. I’m grateful for each and every day that I get to make music. As long as there’s a corner of the world where people want to hear me, I’ll be there… singing and acting and writing my heart out.”

For inquiries about Midas Hotel & Casino, visit www.midashotelandcasino.com. 

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Jessica Sanchez Is Very Filipino, Very American

Jessica Sanchez is the only Filipino finalist in this year’s “American Idol.” What makes her stand out are her style and confidence. She reminds us why names like Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengo and Arnel Pineda made it to the international scene.

Michelle Nikki Junia, a Filipino trained by American vocal coach, said: “Artists like Jessica got the best of Filipino and American influences.”

Junia decided to share her own training experiences to Filipino singers by building her own music school, STARDEV The Music School at the second floor of Paragon Plaza, EDSA corner Reliance St. in Mandaluyong City.

Junia, who claims to have trained under the same group of vocal coaches that guided Natalie Cole, Michael Jackson, Josh Groban, and Barbra Streisand, can be reached through www.musikgartenmanila.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 15, go to Mrs. Teena Sarino, Gabb Drilon, Bojo Molina, Cecille Limjoco, Lourdes Medalla, Linda Pasco, Mrs. Corazon P. Velasco, Josefa “Tita” Ejercito, Arnold Valdecañas, Remy Mercado, and New York-based Raymundo Sampilo… Happy wedding anniversary to Johnny and Baby Go of Cherry Hill Bakeshop…