APL DE AP, KRIS AQUINO AND SAN MIGUEL PALE PILSEN: ICONS FIT FOR AN ICON

Beer market leader San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) steps up its advertising campaign this year for its flagship brand San Miguel Pale Pilsen by bringing in no other than Apl de Ap of the world-renowned group Black Eyed Peas to star in its newest commercial.

The award-winning Apl de Ap, who is also known for his advocacy on education, will be joined by no less than the Queen of All Media, Kris Aquino, in the much awaited commercial.

Apl de Ap (Allan Pineda) arrived last February 19 in Manila for a courtesy call and a press conference today with SMB President Roberto N. Huang who warmly welcomed him to the SMB family. Along with Mr. Huang is SMB’s SVP & Marketing Manager Menlou Bibonia and the San Miguel Pale Pilsen Brand team led by AVP & Group Brand Manager Erik Riola and Brand Manager Joemar Climaco.

“Every visit to the Philippines is memorable and meaningful for me. Like our other kababayans, I see to it that my homecoming is always well-spent. My visit this year is made more special by an endorsement deal with San Miguel Pale Pilsen, an iconic beer brand that I have known since I was small, a world-class product that I personally believe in," said Apl in the press conference held at the San Miguel Corporation’s Executive Dining Room in Mandaluyong.

Huang said that Apl and San Miguel Pale Pilsen make a perfect match with the two sharing similar attributes – iconic, world-class, and proudly Filipino.

“We are very honored and happy that Apl de Ap has accepted our endorsement offer. Apl and San Miguel Pale Pilsen have many things in common, both are icons, world-class, and of course, proudly Pinoy. Kung ang San Miguel Pale Pilsen ay may sarap na hindi nagbabago, si Apl de Ap ay may angking galing, talento, at kagandahang loob na hindi nagbabago,” he shared.

For her part, Kris Aquino echoed her admiration for the Pampanga-born artist who has been very active in promoting the value of education among Filipinos.

“Thank you Apl for your support to my parents’ foundation. You really are a good inspiration to all of us. Thank you for making our country proud with your music and with your heart for the less fortunate Filipino children. I am glad that you are also partnering with good-hearted companies like San Miguel Brewery Inc to benefit more students,” Kris shared.

According to the San Miguel Pale Pilsen Brand team, Apl and Kris will shoot the commercial this week, and will air the commercial in March.

Apl, like Kris, said that he looks forward to the commercial shoot.

“I am excited to do the TV commercial because the storyboard brings back happy memories of my hometown. Sana ay abangan nyo po ang bagong commercial ng San Miguel Pale Pilsen, at patuloy nyo pong tangkilikin ang produktong pinakamalapit sa puso ko,” he beamed.

Kris said that her new project with San Miguel Pale Pilsen is also a homecoming for her as she reminisced her first commercial with the best-tasting beer brand many years back.

“Thank you, my SMB family, for this wonderful opportunity. Natutuwa ako at hindi nagbabago ang ating samahan. Ako, hindi rin ako nagbago, San Miguel Pale Pilsen pa rin ang favorite beer ko hanggang ngayon,” she attested.

When asked if he also drinks San Miguel Pale Pilsen when he wants to celebrate with his friends, Apl said: “It’s really my beer brand of choice. I like its full flavor. Another great thing about San Miguel Pale Pilsen is that it has always been consistent in its taste. Masarap talaga, at hindi ito nagbabago. Kung ano ang pagkakilala ko sa San Miguel Pale Pilsen dati, ganoon pa rin ito kasarap ngayon.”

San Miguel Pale Pilsen leads the 9 world-class beer brands manufactured by SMB. The brand, which has been touted as the best-tasting beer in Asia and one of the world’s best, is known for its legendary advertising campaigns which promote Filipino values and pride. 

Four Year Strong Live in Manila

After only one year of existence, we at Built By Sonic, a small shop with a BIG sound, achieved to produce in having the best rock music / punk lifestyle apparels and merchandise available to the Philippines as well as mounting a successful event with American rock heartthrobs, MAYDAY PARADE last July 2010.

We are at it again this year, working with SONIC BOOM Philippines to create another massive and reputable Rock show that only we know how to deliver. We are bringing in American pop punk band from Worcester Massachusetts, Four Year Strong on February 17, 2012 (Friday) at White Space Pasong Tamo Extension Makati City.

Yes, we have surveyed and scoured the area to know that Four Year StrongG is definitely a band to catch and not be missed. Formed in 2001, the band released 5 albums including a 90's themed cover album called EXPLAINS IT ALL. They are currently promoting their new album, IN SOME WAY SHAPE OR FORM under Decaydance Records which is the label owned by Music Business Icon & Fall Out Boy's Bassist Pete Wentz, the album is distributed under MCA Universal Republic worldwide. FOUR YEAR STRONG have been busy touring the world, part of their music footprints are notable festivals and tours like Rockstar Energy Drink's Taste Of Chaos 2009, Soundwave Festival 2010, Slam Dunk Festival 2010, Vans Warped Tour 2010, Bamboozle 2010, Kerrang! Relentless Tour 2011 aside from this they have shared the stage with All Time Low, Mayday Parade, New Found Glory, Thursday, Faith No More, Jane's Addiction, Placebo, Paramore, Sunny Day Real Estate, Set Your Goals, Bad Religion, Hellogoodbye, Sum41 and supported Blink182 during their UK Arena event last Summer 2011.

FOUR YEAR STRONG is known for their blend of pop punk vocal melodies with a hardcore punk music stylings. They are jokingly referred to as Beardcore because of the band's facial hair but their music tends to be very fast paced and motivational as well, this genre is now populary referred to as “Easycore”.

They will be supported by Philippines best acts hailing from Cebu, FASPITCH and URBANDUB. This will definitely a night to feel alive! Team Up! Team Up! Let's all go to White Space Pasong Tamo Extension Makati City this February 17, 2012 (Friday) 8PM and witness the coming of FOUR YEAR STRONG.

See you all at SONIC BOOM SUPREME! with FOUR YEAR STRONG Live In Manila!
Tickets are at Php3,000 for PLATINUM while Php2,000 for GOLD. If you want to get VIP meet and greet, you can email tickets@builtbysonic.com and inquire on rates.

For more info, please visit this link: http://www.facebook.com/events/284921991554281/
Also check out FOUR YEAR STRONG new single, "Just Drive"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmHesQ1erHg

This rocking show is presented to you by BUILT BY SONIC and JB MUSIC
Supported by MCA Universal, Nick Automatic, Checkpoint Bar

Media Partners: Jam88.3, DIG Radio, AtTheWomb.com, Manila Concert Scene, Flippish.com, MYX.ph, Rakista Radio, BANDS Magazine

EVANESCENCE returns with self-titled, third studio album --“EVANESCENCE” released by Polyeast Records

Meet and Greet session with Evanescence on February 19, 1pm at  SM Megamall, Event Center.

In line with their first visit in the Philippines, the female fronted metal group and Grammy Award-winning band EVANESCENE has finally released their third studio production and self-titled album "Evanescence" which is now available nationwide released by PolyEast Records.

As the premiere band visits their Pinoy fans, Polyeast Records are also delighted to announce that there will be a Meet and Greet Session with where fans can have an up-close encounter with Amy Lee of Evanescence on February 19, Sunday, 1pm at SM MEGAMALL which is made possible by Polyeast Records, Ovation Productions Manila and Odyssey Music and Video.  Mechanics to be a part of the CD signing is simply buy a copy of Evanescence CD in Odyssey at SM Megamall.

Following a three-year sabbatical after the multi-platinum, worldwide success of their sophomore effort, The Open Door, the third album is produced by Grammy winning Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Rush). It contains the hard-driving anthems and introspective ballads the hard rock group has mastered since their breakout debut in 2003. Eight years after the debut album, the new 12 tracks demonstrate the growth of the band's writing style and lyrical content.

Front woman Amy Lee says, "It's about freedom," when describing the album's first single, "My Heart is Broken," a track driven by Lee's signature lyrics and piano playing. Other songs include "Lost in Paradise," which Lee calls, "The most intimate song on the album" and the hard-charging, "What You Want."

 "We can't wait to show everyone what we've been working on!  We’ve been finding ourselves, reinventing our sound, experimenting with things we've never done before and at the same time embracing the things we love most about Evanescence. This journey has made us the strongest we’ve ever been as a band, and I am in love with the music. Nick Rasculinecz is the perfect fit for this record.”

Backed by the heavy guitar sound of Terry Balsamo and pounding drums of Will Hunt, the new album is powerful and aggressive. "We've been working on this music for a very long time and seeing it all finally come together is a really amazing feeling." Lee continues, "This album is about us and also our fans. We’re combining the best of Evanescence with some new attitude and we re just dying to share it."

The inherent drama in Evanescence’s music – a kind of audio odyssey that can turn on a dime from piano-led introspection to hammering guitar – has resonated with listeners everywhere. The music’s core, which ranges from beautiful to subtle to aggressive, finds a counterpart in Lee’s passionate vocals, lyrics that forge a connection with audiences searching for identity or struggling with feelings of desire, hope love and loss.  Sales of the band’s first two albums are more than 24 million worldwide.

With what some call a meteoric rise to the top, Evanescence’s first album Fallen brought the band to global success, selling more than 17 million copies. It spawned two Top 10 singles, “My Immortal” and “Bring Me To Life,” and two Grammy^® Awards in 2003 (Best New Artist and Best Hard Rock Performance for “Bring Me To Life”).

Evanescence is Amy Lee (vocals, piano), Terry Balsamo (guitar) Tim McCord (bass), Will Hunt (drums) and Troy McLawhorn (guitar).

Catch EVANESCENCE LIVE IN MANILA on FEBRUARY 19, 2012 at the SMART ARANETA COLISEUM featuring their special guest, Bush brought to you only by Ovation Productions Manila.

EVANESCENCE albums are exclusively available under POLYEAST RECORDS and are now available at all ASTROVISION / ASTROPLUS, ODYSSEY MUSIC & VIDEO, O MUSIC, FULLY BOOKED, SM DEPT. STORES’ RECORD BARS AND LANDMARK DEPT. STORES nationwide.

Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Grand Finals

Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Grand Finals
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Aseana City, Macapagal Blvd. Paranaque City

Gates open at 4:00 PM; Program starts at 6:00 PM
Tickets are P50 each with one free Red Horse Beer
Event is open to all, 18 years and up.

Making it as Grand Finalists who will compete and get a chance to win P1Million worth of Prizes as follows:
1. Curbside – Manila
2. Mind of Clay – Legazpi City, Albay
3. Zephaniah – Baguio City
4. Leviticus - Cebu City
5. David vs. Goliath - Davao City

For Tattoo Artists
There will be a tattoo competition, demonstration and exhibit by Hollywood-famed tattoo artist and brother to Slapshock’s lead singer, Chris Garcia.

For Extreme Sports Athletes
Watch BMX and skateboard stunt riders show off their skills at the Extreme Sports Zone. There will be several competitions throughout the day for extreme sports enthusiasts and of course bands to rock to the beat of the daredevil stunts. Beginners are welcome to test how tough they are. Right outside the Extreme Sports zone is a grafitti art competition where street art is brought to life.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at any of the following venues:
1. San Miguel Head Office Gate 3, St. Francis Ave. along Megamall They may also call 632-2226 or 632-3367
2. Dickies Stores
a. Metropoint Mall
b. Farmers Plaza
c. Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall
d. Ever Grand Central
e. Ever Commonwealth

Jam with over 30 of the most astig Pinoy Rock bands such as: Slapshock, Greyhoundz, Wilabaliw, Kjwan, Razorback, Muziklaban Grand Champions: Mayonnaise (2004), Ibarra (2006), Gayuma (2007), Even (2008), Hatankaru (2009), and Light of Luna (2010), Pinoy Rock Icon Pepe Smith, Ely Buendia, The Dawn, Tanya Markova, Rocksteddy, Franco, The Chongkeys, and many more!

Rock Hosts will be led by Francis Brew and Lovi Poe

For more details, log on to www.redhorsebeer.com.

SLAPSHOCK reloads 15 year-old career in “KINSE KALIBRE”, Featuring the first single “Ngayon Na”

When SLAPSHOCK first hit the scene with “Fourth Degree Burn” 15 years ago, many automatically tossed the band aside as a part of the growing "rap metal" movement. When they emerged in 1997, we knew what to expect from them. They were a junior rap-metal band to sell thousands of albums and more likely being compared as KORN of Philippine rock scene. More than a decade on, Slapshock has effectively brought a world into the moshpit -- done it with poetry, pounding drum and bass, and a whole lot of power.

Having just released their seventh studio album under Polyeast Records, KINSE KALIBRE documents the band’s 15-year old career.  Featuring “Ngayon Na”, the album’s first single referencing some stylistic Slapshock trademarks --stomping through "Ngayon na, isigaw sa mundo… Ngayon na" gives a fiery shout-along hook while introducing some fresh dynamic sensibilities. The single’s music video is directed by Team Manila and now being aired on MYX Channel, which is running it’s number 1 seat in one month.

At this point, Slapshock's seventh studio album finds the rap-rock luminaries recording with the original line-up in over 15 years. The band includes Jamir Garcia (vocals), Lee Nadela (bass), Lean Ansing (guitars) and Chi Evora (drums). This full-length album consists of 12 tracks --produced by the band, all songs originally written by Jamir Garcia, mixed in Malaysia and was mastered at John Greenham Mastering in San Francisco, USA. Aside from working with notable artists outside the country, Slapshock also worked with Xander Angeles (photographer) and Team Manila for the album artwork who have also done many projects with the band.

With Kinse Kalibre, the band has once again found a place for reinvention, created a multi-layered and genre-smashing album set to cater more to our local market.  Jamir said, “In this album, we we’re challenged to produce something that will cater more to our Filipino listeners. This time, I have challenged myself to write five Tagalog songs”. Tracks include Kinse Kalibre (intro) Ngayon Na, Reset, Deliryo, Asal Demonyo, Burn In Hell, In The Line Of Fire, Langit, Under The Needle, Heartless, Salamin and All Hope Is Gone.

Taking seven albums to put together in 15 years and continuously building a huge fanbase against this pop-generation, Slapshock’s feat over those years was a tough ride for these four hardworking individuals. Jamir expanded, “We have released seven albums and each release gives us the pressure of coming up of something NOT better than the other but the best the band can deliver.” Following the 6^th album Carino Brutal’s commercial success, the band took another three years touring in and outside the country and was able to produce “Kinse Kalibre” that will mark their 15^th year this coming February 2012. 

Jamir also explains, “Kinse Kalibre represents our 15 years of existence as band. Kalibre means that after 15 years, the band is still here—creating what we’re known for”. However, the band indeed created a long-lasting impact-- maturing with every album but never attempted changing their sound and exploring new territory have become their least priority. How did they make it?

When the band signed their first record deal in 1998 with OctoArts (now Polyeast Records), there was no denying they were original—original sound, original brand of songwriting, original heavy rock songs being replayed for years. Jamir added, “This album sets an example of a phenomenon… because for 15 years, we have come a long way building relationships. We are the same members, we never switched music labels, we’re under the same management and we still work with the same crew. People who supported us from the very beginning are still the same people around us up to this moment. That probably made us stay stronger—we work with people we trust and people who trust the band at the same time”

Around this time, Slapshock performed at a number of high profile events, big-time endorsements, bagged numerous awards and sold thousands of albums in and out of the country. The band have proved strongly that loud modern heavy rock music could be good, and have established Slapshock as one of the most important and biggest bands of the last two decades. As Jamir ended, “Lahat ng banda dumating, andito na kami. Umalis na sila, andito pa rin kami...”

KINSE KALIBRE is now out in stores nationwide at Php 350. Special thanks to RED HORSE and DICKIES.

AVRIL LAVIGNE COMING TO MANILA ON FEBRUARY 16

Good news to all Avril Lavigne fans, as the queen of pop-punk is coming over to bring her much-awaited The Black Star Tour in Manila on February 16, 2012 LIVE at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Since Day One of her musical career, Avril has always chosen not to play it safe. When she entered the music scene at 17, the international superstar refused to resort to skin-baring come-ons, preferring to entice the record-buying public with her powerhouse voice, high-spirited melodies, and straight-talking lyrics. Staying steadfastly true to herself and putting music before image paid off both critically and commercially for the Canadian-born artist. In 2002, Lavigne shot to global pop stardom with the 6x-platinum Let Go, followed by 2004’s 3x-platinum Under My Skin, and 2007’s platinum The Best Damn Thing. Over the course of her three albums, Lavigne scored a string of international hit singles, including Complicated, Sk8er Boi, I’mWith You, Losing Grip, Don’t Tell Me, My Happy Ending,  Nobody’s Home, Keep Holding On, Girlfriend, When You’re Gone, Hot and The Best Damn Thing. She earned eight Grammy Award nominations, won seven Canadian Juno Awards, and sold more than 30 million albums and nearly 20 million tracks worldwide over the past eight years. The singer-songwriter’s songs have been used as soundtracks for such popular films like “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Bruce Almighty”, “Legally Blonde 2”, “The Princess Diaries” and “The House Bunny.”

Lavigne also launched a second career as an entrepreneur by creating a well-received fashion and lifestyle brand (Abbey Dawn), two fragrances (Black Star and Forbidden Rose), branched out into film work (Over the Hedge, Fast Food Nation), and further committed herself to the philanthropic activities she’s participated in over the years by establishing The Avril Lavigne Foundation.

With her multiple creative endeavors and impressive musical success, it’s worth pointing out that Avril Lavigne is all of 26. She may be young by veteran performer standards, but she has evolved as a person and as an artist since releasing The Best Damn Thing. Lavigne brings the maturity and insight she’s gained from her experiences to her next labor of love, her fourth and latest album, Goodbye Lullaby, which featured the chart-topping hits, “What The Hell”, “Smile” and “Wish You Were Here”.

For more details to Avril Lavigne’s The Black Star Tour – Live in Manila, call Wilbros Live at 374-2222 or the TicketNet Box Office at 911-5555.

The Greatest Hits of Blue, 98 Degrees and a1 – Live in Manila on February 25!

Witness the much-awaited concert of 2012 as three of the hottest and best-selling boy-bands coming together to perform in one concert stage in Manila. On February 25, 2012, get ready for a music spectacle and be serenaded by BLUE, JEFF TIMMONS of 98 DEGREES and a1 – live at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

BLUE, an English pop vocal group comprised of Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan, Duncan James and Anthony Costa, who are the voices behind the well-loved hits, like All Rise, Too Close, If You Come Back, Fly By, One Love, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, Guilty, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours.

a1 started making a big splash when their first single, Be the First to Believe entered the UK charts at #6 in early 1999. They had a huge amount of success worldwide with two number #1s and eighty top 10 hits, including Like A Rose, Take On Me, Readyor Not / Everytime, Same Old Brand New You, Caught in the Middle and Make It Good.

98 Degrees may have split up years ago, but its unforgettable R&B, soul, urban and contemporary pop sound lives on in vocalist Jeff Timmons. As a group, they have sold over 15 million records worldwide and achieved eight top 40 singles in the United States. The founding member of 98 Degrees will bring back their hits, like Invisible Man, Because of You, The Hardest Thing, I Do (Cherish You) and My Everything.

Note: For more details to The Greatest Hits Tour: Blue, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and a1 concert, contact TicketNet Box Office at 911-5555 or Wilbros Live at 374-2222.