JOHN RENDEZ

Rap artist and composer John Rendez is back to resume his recording career, after spending two decades of his life and putting everything personal on hold to be protector and guardian of his “best friend” Ms. Nora Aunor. Evidently, the superstar is reciprocating John’s past sacrifices for her as she now acts as his business manager.

On Oct. 1, John and Nora signed a distribution deal with PolyEast (EMI) Records, Inc. for John’s new CD album “Metaldog”/“There Can Only Be One.” A follow-up to the self-titled album John did years ago, it contains 11 original compositions of John, among them the carrier single “There Can Only Be One” which definitely refers to superstar Nora Aunor.

“The songs are not rap per se,” John said at the recent press launch of the album attended by Chito Ilagan of PolyEast Records. “It’s friendly and not anti-social, it’s Filipino music, I made it for Filipinos, and I wanted to show we’re also world-class in this genre.”

Chito added, “Ibang-iba ito that’s why we were so excited when Ms. Aunor approached us. Sa PolyEast kasi, we don’t only do all kinds of music, we also want to set a trend and John’s album will certainly set a trend. It has great potential to be a qualified hit.”

We agree with Chito, not only in believing that John is truly talented but also that this rap album is really different, that John’s songs are “socially conscious, may laman, may message.” John described his music as a level above rap, and contrary to what some people believe, rap will always be here to stay.

John added that his songs are relatable to Filipino lifestyle, and described the album farther as “very positive and worth the long wait.” The album is decidedly a mix of “high end” rap and what may be regarded as “pang-masa/hip-hop.”

John’s excitement over his album is understandable. “It’s good to be back to what I love doing most – doing rap compositions and singing them. I couldn’t think of anything more fulfilling. I can now say I’m a professional composer!”

About Nora, John said, “She’s very talented, she’s the best, she’s the greatest. She’s a master, I owe her a lot, I am her protégé, and I learned a lot from her. I will always be there for her, to protect her. She is a very important part of my life.”

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Centaur Dance Showdown 2012

The dances were bone-breaking, well-choreographed with intense focus and precision at the “Centaur Dance Showdown 2012,” the first time it was staged in the Philippines through the sponsorship of Remy Martin.

The first showdown was held at The Main Club of Seventh High. There were 23 dance groups which participated, and nine of them were chosen who will compete in the Philippine Finals on Oct. 18 for the title Best Dance Crew.

The finalists are: Exquizyth, Urban Myx, Krumpinoy, Next To Innocence, Unschooled, High-Def Cru, FMD Extreme, Xtaatic, and New System Dance Crew.

The winner will represent the Philippines in Singapore for the Asian Regional Finals where they will be vying for the top prize of US$10,000!

The first showdown were hosted by lovely Carla Dunareau and dashing Josh Bautista. Top Remy Cointreau International executives – Evan Seah and Laurent Soulat especially flew in to Manila to attend the competition.

The judges for the first showdown were Leah Marie Diaz of the Philippine All Stars, Bong Tan of the Manoeuvers, and Laurent Soulat. Flying in to join the judges for the Oct. 18 final competition is Madonna’s head choreographer, Norman Shay!

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 15, go to SM founder Henry Sy Sr., former Chief Justice Renato Corona, Paz Yuchengco, Dante Ponce, Cris Villahermosa, Leo Baluyot, Garry C. Villanueva, Teresa Cabigao, Tessie Isidro, Mely Muñoz, and entertainment writers Ernie Pecho and Noel Asinas, Billy Formoso, Mario Baluyot, Remy Go, Tessie Coronel of London, Mrs. Ondang Sarao Virata, Noel Asinas, Gabriel Patrick “Gabe” G. Jimenez, and MB’s Rachel Castro Barawid… Happy 37th anniversary to Sammy and Racquel de Luna…