Asia’s only harpist/singer, the talented Noelle Cassandra, is a proud Filipina.

Noelle Cassandra has innovated the harp with creative modernism into classical pop. “This classical crossover,” says Noelle, “moves the harp away from its traditional image of classical background music into mellow pop which I developed by integrating its restful sound with my style of ballads, jazz, and rock.”

A monthly guest on my radio program, Noelle has wowed listeners all over the archipelago with her undeniable talent! Classically trained with a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of British Columbia (Canada), Noelle is back in the Philippines, the homeland of her parents.

“My music is my diary,” Noelle says. “Through my songs I connect with people.”

She has rich sources for this “diary,” for at this early stage of her life, this 20-something excels in music; in sports (basketball and badminton – title holder for Mixed Doubles and Ladies Doubles in Yonex-Sunrise Phil. Nat’l Open Badminton Tournament 2007), and in her outreach programs – Founded NC’s Reach-Out Club for community service; fundraises for the Chinese Orphans of Beijing (BICCO) which sends Filipinos to be occupational therapists to the orphans, her mom’s project; volunteers as Music Teacher at Marillac Hills; and worked with the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii for their “Harp Hits for Healing” CD and sings at various benefit concerts.

The only harpist, singer, songwriter in Asia, Noelle Cassandra quickly made it in the local music scene. Her debut record with Dyna had five original pop ballads and two instrumentals and includes two harp and violin duets with John Lesaca. It was a finalist in the 2007 Catholic Mass Media Awards. Her composition, “Forbidden Love,” was a finalist in Awit Awards for Best Instrumental (2007). Noelle performed with Kuh Ledesma in her tribute to George Canseco, then with Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera and Josh Groban. Her Valentine shows were hits – 2008 with John Lesaca and Tots Tolentino (their show was a finalist in the 2008 Aliw Awards) and 2009 with Richard Poon and Willie Nepomuceno. Last July she sang with Jose Mari Chan and they will perform together in September 2009 at the Kasaganaan concert for the benefit of the Regina Rica Ecological Sanctuary in Tanay.

Eagerly awaited is her 2nd CD album which will be released in time for Christmas this year (log on to www.noellecassandra.com for more updates). This beautiful person has brought her beautiful harp’s glissandos and arpeggio runs in cross-over style to a very large and appreciative audience… And to see her perform live is something not to be missed.
 
Imagination turned real

Samsung, the global market leader in high-tech electronics and digital media, is the youth’s curator for their passions and imaginations with its exclusive youth-oriented campaign, Samsung I Imagine. The digital world and fashion becomes the youth’s platform to voice out and be heard as Samsung collaborated with the coolest purveyor of trends, Folded and Hung and it spelled “success” at their recent event which lauded Filipino Youth.

The Samsung I Imagine Shout-out Making Contest was done online where over 10,000 entries from students aged 15 to 25 registered and posted their shout-outs about the three categories Talk, Play, and Love. Winners of the contest get bragging rights as their shout-outs will be printed in cool and hip Folded and Hung hoodies which will be sold in Folded and Hung stores starting the first week of January 2010, proceeds of which will be donated to Samsung Hope which sends kids back to school.

The campaign culminated in an installation event dubbed as “I Imagine” featuring the visuals of renowned fashion photographer Ronnie Salvacion. TALK is represented by Erin Torrejon (DLSU), Jessica Mendoza (ADMU), Marc Catubay (Southeast Asian College), Melissa Gohing (DLSU) and Simon Atkins (DLSU) while Migo Llamas (Colegio de San Juan de Letran), Tricia Gosingtian (ADMU), Jasmine Maierhofer (Adamson University), Riki Flores (UP), and Elmer Espiritu (UE) poses for his lenses for PLAY. A video installation on LOVE with Andi Manzano (Miriam College), Jai Reyes (ADMU), Monika Sta. Maria (DLSU), Nico Salva (ADMU), and Joshua Webb (DLSU) completes the categories.

A fashion show featuring Folded and Hung’s collections rule the ramp. The 2009 Holiday Collection inspired by a collage of vintage glam and pop that features the Drummer boy look. Plus, there was the preview to The Folded and Hung’s 2010 summer collection that transcends the typical beach looks. Tribal elements and inspirations feature a fresh and young urban fashion statement that’s nothing you have ever seen this year.

Finally, the winners of the Samsung I Imagine Shout-out Making Contest will be awarded and their shout-outs, unveiled. The shout-outs were judged according to Relevance to the Chosen Category (40%), Creativity (40%), and Total number of online votes (20%). On TALK, Isabella Martinez from University of Sto. Tomas (UST) wins with her shout-out, “I imagine and I will make it happen.” On PLAY, Guillermo II Francisco also from University of Sto. Tomas (UST) wins with his shout-out “I Imagine our generation united in one beat.” Lastly, on LOVE, Phili Jacinth Dayupay from Rizal Technology University bags the prize with his shout-out “I Imagine total peace in 3, 2, 1.”

Aside from proclaiming their shout-outs to the world of fashion through Folded and Hung, the winners will also take home exciting prizes such as P30,000 cash, the Samsung Corby mobile phone, Samsung ST500 Dual LCD Camera, Samsung CLP-315 printer, Samsung LapFit LD190G TV, 5 Samsung “I Imagine” hoodies to keep or giveaway, and P10,000 worth of gift certificates from Folded and Hung. Their schools will also receive a Samsung LCD TV.

The highly successful Samsung I Imagine campaign proves that the youth wants to be heard and to make a difference. Given an avenue for them to shout-out their true passions and imaginations, they will take the chance to inspire us all and encourage us to act on what was once just an imagination.