Monday, April 7, 2014

Hot new band Iktus releases debut album

Iktus, the winner of the 2013 Sun Broadband Quest, is a four-piece Christian pop-rock band composed of siblings Andrei, CJ and Andrew Panaligan and Augusto Mendoza.

They have recently released their eponymous EP under MCA Music, Inc., an eight-track album that features the carrier single “IMY” along with “Hiling,” “Mahal Kita (I Love You), “Eto,” “Wag Na,” “Paalam,” and “Alaala;” and includes an acoustic version of “IMY.” The band describes their sound as alternative pop rock. As the band’s primary songwriter, Andre write songs that predominantly deal with love, hope and positivity.  “Ang gusto namin kahit hindi ka broken-hearted, ma-broken-hearted ’yung pakiramdam mo,” he said.
Iktus (the name comes from the Greek word “Ichthys,” meaning fish that alludes to Jesus Christ) was formed in 2005 while twin brothers Andrei and Andrew were still in high school. Their sister CJ joined them as vocalist in 2006. Augusto joined the following year. They honed their skills by joining band competitions. The lineup changed in 2007 and the band’s repertoire shifted from jazz to pop rock.
Aside from winning the Sun Broadband Quest contest, Iktus also joined and won recognition from other competitions 

such as the UP Fair Battle of the Bands (third place), UP Rockbakan (second place), radio station DJV’s Battle of the Bands (first place and Best Vocalist award), and NescafĂ© Soundskool, among others.

Iktus’ debut EP is now available via iTunes, Astroplus and Odyssey outlets.

The band will be at Odyssey Greenbelt 1 on May 2, Odyssey Festival Mall on May 10, and Odyssey SM Megamall on May 18.



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‘America In 3D’ At MOA


As part of its recent “America In 3D” festivities, the US Embassy Manila highlighted American music in a series of concerts at the SM Mall of Asia.
Some of the country’s top artists participated, rendering well-loved American hits in different genres: Charice and Jed Madela (pop), Luke Mejares (R&B), Razorback (rock), Flippin Soul Stompers (jazz and blues), Prasia (gospel), and The Crew (hip-hop).
The US Navy’s 7th Fleet Band, The Orient Express, also performed at the shows; while representatives from the World Championship of Performing Arts sang the Philippine and US National Anthems.
“America in 3D” is a unique road show showcasing the US Embassy and it’s programs, services, and people throughout the Philippines. The three “Ds” – Development, Diplomacy and Defense – were highlighted through colorful interaction points, displays and special informational sessions.
The US Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Philip Goldberg was present in all events and was welcomed by SM officials led by SM Store President Jorge Mendiola.

 Backroom Artists In ‘Moon Of Desire’
Backroom artists Benj Bolivar, Carlo Sawit, PJ Go and Maui Lumba are cast in ABS-CBN’s newest series “Moon of Desire.”
These young actors prepared well for their respective roles. Benj exclaimed, “I’m super excited! It’s a dream-come-true. Dati, nanonood lang ako ng mga soaps together with my family. Now, here I am, kasama na sa bagong Kapamilya show. It’s my turn na panoorin ng pamilya ko sa TV.  I promise na mas lalo ko pang pagbubutihin ang aking pag-arte para mapatunayan ko na may kakayahan ako bilang isang aktor.”
Carlo shared, “Promise, pagbubutihin ko ang aking trabaho. Sana magtuluy-tuloy na. Masayang-masaya ako.”
PJ and Maui who are also seen in the new MyPhone ad are elated to be part of the show. “Desirable din naman kami, ’di ba?” PJ joked. “Basta masaya kami,” Maui added.
They are also making their presence felt at various Pagcor Casino branches via “Not Your Ordinary Variety Show,” which also features NYOBG members Avery Paraiso, Kaye Chua, Bon Jovi Osorio, Junnel Manansala, Jennica Ollero, and Culver Padilla.
NYOBG takes centerstage on April 9 (CF Hyatt), April 12 (CF Airport), April 23 (CF Angeles), and April 26 (CF Pavilion). Joining them onstage as special guests are Krazy Chikz and other Pagcor talents.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 8, go to Louie Mamengo, Ysabel Genator, Dr. Stephanie Pili of PGH, Emma Guevara, Jenny Edlagan, Ma. Regeena Uba, Atty. Hershelyn David-Francisco, Kristine April Suarez Gahol, Estrella Luz Cabebe and Kyle Balili of Star Magic and Ernie Reyes of Phil. Consulate Gen. in Chicago, USA…