The New Smokey Mountain is looking for singers

Back in the 90’s, the era when “text” is just an illustrated 1.5 inch x 1.5 inch cardboard that we boys flip by 3’s up in the air and then shout “pati pato’t panabla” (while the girls play 10-20 with their Chinese garters), you’re totally OP when you don’t know any song from the Pinoy pop band Smokey Mountain. That's why the song hits were quite huge back then.

For those who don’t know them (or those who deny to know them just to hide their real age), Smokey Mountain was a Filipino singing group formed by musical director, composer, conductor Ryan Cayabyab and had James Coronel, Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Tony Lambino as its original members while Jason Angangan, Chedi Vergara & Zhar Santos joined James Coronel for the second line-up after Cruz, Hidalgo and Lambino left the group.

Who can forget these lakas maka-High School lines:

“Bakit kaya nangangamba
Sa tuwing ika'y nakikita
Sana nama'y magpakilala
Ilang ulit nang nagkabangga
Aklat kong dala'y pinulot mo pa
'Di ka pa rin nagpakilala”

Hay, I just spent 30 minutes watching Youtube clips of SM and good thing I remember that I have to finish this post. I have a big crush on Geneva and Chedi back then (I’m blushing now). Anyways, just want to share the good news to this who dreams of becoming a part of the Smokey Mountain history. Not as residences huh? But as member of the new Smokey Mountain that could be your key to your future singing career.

If you’re interested, go to www.audition.ph to check if you’re qualified or not. Submission of application is until April 30. The great thing about this is that former members of SM will do the screening, interview and selection process. They will also have a reunion soon to celebrate the birth of the band 25 years ago.

So what if you’re not qualified? I have option B for you. Viva Artists Agency (VAA) is looking for new talents and they can include in future shows of Sarah Geronimo, Anne Curtis, KC Conceprion, Richard Mamuyac, errr, delete that last entry.

Just go to the VAA office at no. 61 Scout Madrinian cor. Scout Ybardaloza, Timog, QC on Aporil 5 and 12 from 10am to 3pm. Bring one whole body photo, one close-up photo and an audition piece in CD and VCD (cassette tapes is not an option, okay). And I almost forgot, you must be 11-17 years old nga pala.

So what, are you waiting for? Join now! (Lakas maka-Uncle Bob Lucky 7 Club)  

A Day with Sarah

Bigla ako kinilig when Sarah smiled back as I call her name for this shot

It's not everyday that I got invited in a presscon for a movie so I did found my self inside the Dolphy Theater at the ABS-CBN compound one Saturday afternoon.

Well, I went there for a lot of reasons anyway.  First, bonding time with fellow bloggers. Second, met with my best friend who works for the TV network. Third, checking if someone I know from Viva Entertainment (my former employer) is present in the occassion. And lastly, Sarah Geronimo will be there.

I'm not really a big fan of Sarah but she's Sarah Geronimo.  I'm sure anyone who hear her sings will be easily be an instant fan.  Plus, she's also a decent actress especially in romantic-comedy films.

with Direk Raz dela Torre

During the presscon, the spotlight is on Sarah and Gerald although they are joined by a couple of co-actors, Director Raz dela Torre and the writer and producer.  The lead stars were asked questions about the film but more on their personal lives. Both were grilled by movie reporters who would not stop throwing questions until one of them would give a "non-promo promo" answer.

But even without any promotional stunts or gimmick, this movie will be a hit.  After all, Sarah is Sarah Geronimo. Plus, you also have fans of Gerald who can also packed the movie houses. 

Come November 30, I might find again myself inside a theater but not to attend a presscon but it's still about Sarah.  I hope my wife will accompany me in watching Won't Last a Day Without You which stars the Pop Princess and Budoy aka Gerald Anderson.  One thing I'm excited about this movie is how my idol Joey de Leon  is like as Sarah's father in the film.  I can sense riot... and of course, love!