Adjeng not feeling pressured by new generation of artists

After releasing several singles last year, Adjeng couldn't be happier to release her debut album finally.

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

May 22, 2024 08:17 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Her debut album is a heartfelt expression of her experiences, conveyed through honest songwriting, authenticity, and unwavering passion for the craft.

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Adjeng (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Having been in the music industry for almost a decade, singer-songwriter Adjeng continues to thrive. She consistently releases new music and delivers captivating performances at concerts.

During the launch of her album "Unravel," held at the Red Rhino Restaurant in Ortigas, the 45-year-old singer shared that she does not feel pressured to compete with the new generation of artists.

"I just keep moving forward. I just surround myself with excellent people. I like sitting at a table where the conversation is interesting. I don't mind the pressure, basta let's just be excellent," Adjeng said during the roundtable interview. 

(I keep moving forward. I just surround myself with excellent people. I like sitting at a table where the conversation is interesting. I don't mind the pressure.) 

After releasing several singles last year, Adjeng couldn't be happier to release her debut album finally. Drawing inspiration from personal milestones and events, Adjeng reveals her vulnerable side of this project.

"I think about this album as a gift. I think about what happens in the unwrapping. That's why using the word "Unravel" is such a strong statement, but it also gives me a lot of opportunity," Adjeng mentioned.

Her debut album is a heartfelt expression of her experiences, conveyed through honest songwriting, authenticity, and unwavering passion for the craft.

She also mentioned that being in a broken state helped her to delve deeper into her feelings regarding songwriting.

"When I found myself broken-hearted, that's when things started to get deeper when it comes to songwriting, and you know what? I loved the fact of the brokenness, lalo ka pa lang mahuhulma. Because when I got my heart broken, that's when I started writing," Adjeng added. 

(When I found myself broken-hearted, that's when things started to get deeper when it comes to songwriting, and you know what? I loved the fact that in the brokenness, you can only be molded more.)

Adjeng’s newest single off the album, ‘Still Kilig,’ is a love story in its own right - one where Adjeng sings about her loving relationship with her husband and how it continues to unfold as the years go by. “‘Still Kilig’ is a song I wrote and composed during the recent FILSCAP Songwriting Camp Year 5. 

It also marks the first time I got to work with keyboardist and music producer Gino Cruz, who arranged the song. It shares my take on my marriage's recipe for kilig," she gleefully shared. More than just a recipe for excitement, it also sheds light on the ups and downs of a long-term relationship and how to keep a marriage thriving after all these years.

Bing Velasco, mother of actors Patrick and Cheska Garcia, passes away at 70

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The news of their mother's demise was confirmed by their eldest sibling Pichon Garcia through social media.

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(L-R) Patrick, Pichon, Bing and Cheska Garcia (Instagram) 

The mother of Patrick Garcia and Chesca Garcia Kramer, Maria Celeste Dahlia "Bing" Velasco, passed away on April 20.

The news of their mother's demise was confirmed by their eldest sibling Pichon Garcia through social media.

"To those who knew, loved, and cherished every moment of our mom’s vibrant and beautiful personality. Final wishes, messages, and service will be on April 26, Friday 7 p.m.” wrote Pichon.

Bing's remains will be interred at Arlington Memorial Chapels on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City on April 23. The memorial service will be held on Friday, April 26.

Cheska also took the time to post on her social media account a long tribute to her mom. She posed a series of photos of her mom with her siblings, and kids.

"I will miss you so much, Mommy. I love you dearly! I am grateful for all the precious days I spent with you. You were there for all the important events in my life, and you were also there just to hang out, relax, and talk about anything and everything under the sun. I will miss those moments, Mommy!," Cheska wrote in her post.   "I will miss holding your hand or walking arm in arm-with you. I will miss your lovely scent; you always smelled so good. I will miss your smiling face! I love you, Mommy," she said.heska's husband, Doug Kramer, also paid a tribute to his mother-in-law by recalling the moment they went to Europe and she got lost. But it was a core memory for him saying, saying how happy they were to grant Bing's dream trip. He then appealed to the public to give their family the time to grieve.

"The best mom in law anyone could have!The OG, the coolest grandma, the funniest, and one who never runs out of chika because she knows all the issues on fb (Facebook)," Doug ended his post

Rhian Ramos takes on women empowerment in advocacy film 'Miss Probinsyana'

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• At the screening of her advocacy film "Miss Probinsyana" at the Metropolitan Theater on March6, Rhian believes that giving women the same opportunities as others is a big deal for her.

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Rhian Ramos (Facebook) 

Kapuso actress Rhian Ramos portrays a strong representation of capable women in modern society.

At the screening of her advocacy film "Miss Probinsyana" at the Metropolitan Theater on March 6, Rhian believes that giving women the same opportunities as others is a big deal for her.

"I feel that women need to fight for each other, create ways for each other. I feel that whenever you are in a position of power to help another person you should do it. I believe if I'm gonna rise, I wanna take everyone with me. If I achieve anything in this world, I want all of us to shine," Rhian said.

Inspired by the true story of Marjorie Aviso, who is also the producer of the film, "Miss Probinsyana" follows the story of Marge (Rhian) who embarks on a transformative path to create change in her province.

Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the film explores Marge’s pursuit of empowering her fellow Filipinos through the world of information and communication technology.

According to Marjorie, choosing Rhian to portray her role in the film was her personal choice.

"She took it to the next level. Iyong portrayal niya sa role, she embraced it. I was lucky to be watching the first few scenes and I was like, ‘OMG, this is me. Rhian exemplifies me very much. I think it’s very important. Iyong portrayal niya ng character that brings life and brings a lot of importance to the reality of the film," Marjorie said.

(She took it to the next level. Her portrayal of the role, she embraced it. I was lucky to be watching the first few scenes and I was like, 'OMG, this is me. Rhian exemplifies me very much. I think it's very important. Her portrayal of a character that brings life and brings a lot of importance to the reality of the film) 

Rhian Ramos (left) and Marjorie Aviso (Facebook) 

Rhian said preparing for the role was challenging for her since the film tackles the corporate world.

"There's a lot of professional speak that I'm not used to, professional terms in companies I'm not used to in saying or hearing of. I also educated myself a little on mental health. This also touches not only on the challenges of the professional world but also psychologically for people," she also said.

She added that prior to making the film, she wasn't aware that people from the province don't have the same opportunities in work and education.

"Before doing this movie, there were so many untold stories na hindi rin ako aware kung gaano ka-limited ang options outside of the main cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao. Hindi ako aware na para bang ito lang ang options mo for the future. It's also like you're not free to dream. I hope a lot of women watch this and fear not the freedom of whatever they dream of," Rhian added.

(Before doing this movie, there were so many untold stories that I wasn't even aware of how limited the options outside of the main cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao were. I'm not aware that these are your only options for the future. It's also like you're not free to dream. I hope a lot of women watch this and fear not the freedom of whatever they dream of)

Rhian Ramos in Miss Probinsyana 

Rhian also mentioned that portraying one's character makes her empowered as a woman.

"When I'm acting, it takes me to another place. I know when I'm in the zone and I know if I'm not. And when you get those magic moments, it really feels amazing and that's basically what I'm doing my whole life. When I get good feedbacks also from people in what do, I feel most empowered, too," Rhian said.

"Miss Probinsyana" is directed by Jenny Pearl Bautista-Ninalga, written by Eligio Ninalga Jr. and JP Ninalga and produced by Impact Media Convergence, Inc. 

 

IN PICTURES: Meet the 20 lovely candidates of Mutia ti La Union 2024

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

AT A GLANCE

• The grand coronation of Mutia ti La Union 2024 will be held at Poro Point La Union on March 2.

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The official candidates of Mutia ti La Union 2024 (Facebook) 

In celebration of the 174th Founding Anniversary of the Province of La Union, the momentous event will highlight 20 beautiful candidates from the different regions of La Union. 

Showcasing the rich history and vibrant culture of La Union over the years, the celebration is a testament to the resilience, unity, and dedication of the people who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the province making it the ‘’Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025’’ because of its major potential in the fields of Agriculture and Tourism.

The grand coronation of Mutia ti La Union 2024 will be held at Poro Point La Union on March 2.

Here are the official 20 candidates for Mutia ti La Union 2024 in pictures:

IN PICTURES: What Pinoy celebs want for Christmas

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Dec 17, 2023 07:06 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• These celebrities may be busy with their daily schedules, but one thing puts a smile on their faces, and that is making their Christmas wish come true.

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With only a few days before we celebrate Christmas, this year has been a challenging event for all; it may be personal and career growth. This holiday season gives us hope for a peaceful and happy year.

These celebrities may be busy with their daily schedules, but one thing puts a smile on their faces, and that is making their Christmas wish come true. 

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Marlo Mortel 

"Ako ang gusto ko lang naman ngayong pasko is maging healthy yung mga tao and abangan nila yung mga bago ko na mga kanta." 

(All I want this Christmas is for people to be healthy and for them to look forward to my new songs)

Roselle Nava 

"Actually mine is very simple lang kasi we usually spend our Christmas at home, so my Christmas wish is to be with family." 

(Actually mine is very simple because we usually spend our Christmas at home, so my Christmas wish is to be with family) 

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Jose Mari Chan 

"My personal wish is to continue good health and happiness with our family, with our children and grandchildren."

Kuh Ledesma 

Kuh Ledesma 

"My Christmas wish is simple lang, magkaroon ng world peace, totoo na talaga." 

(My Christmas wish is simple, to have world peace, it's really true) 

Enchong Dee 

"Christmas wish ko? Sana manalo ng award yung GomBurZa, kasi we've worked hard for it and very excited kami for people to watch it." 

(My Christmas wish? I hope GomBurZa wins an award, because we've worked hard for it and we're very excited for people to watch it) 

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Rob Gomez 

"Ang Christmas wish ko po ay makapag-ibang bansa kasama yung daughter ko and yung mom niya." 

(My Christmas wish is to go abroad with my daughter and her mom) 

Matteo Guidicelli 

"I guess for 2024 and in the future, sana mag-baby na kami. In God's time. At the end of the day, my priority is my wife and my family. That's part of the plan."

(I guess for 2024 and in the future we will have a baby. In God's time. At the end of the day, my priority is my wife and my family. That's part of the plan) 

Dingdong Dantes

"Yung gift and Christmas wish ko is iisa lang, and that is the gift of time kasi gusto ko ng maraming oras with my family." 

(My gift and Christmas wish are the same, and that is the gift of time because I want a lot of time with my family) 

Marian Rivera 

"I really wish for the world to heal and for everything to be okay, for the children to be able to study properly. And, of course, for our family, I hope for good health and for us to continue loving each other; that's our goal."

Daniel Padilla 

"My personal wish is peace of mind. What I really want to wish for myself, and my family, and all the people I love is to have good health and a happy life." 

Sassa Girl 

"Wish ko ngayong pasko is sana magka-jowa na ako"

(My wish this Christmas is to have a boyfriend) 

Heart Evangelista

"My Christmas wish is just for everybody to be healthy, its the real sign of wealth. Health is wealth" 

Aster Amoyo 

"Of course, my Christmas wish is just not for myself. Of course, for my family and everyone, my wish is health and safety for everyone." 

(Of course, my Christmas wish is just not for myself. Of course, for my family and everyone, my wish is health and safety for everyone) 

Jak Roberto 

"Since, I'm launching a new business, my wish is sana mag succeed siya and wish ko na rin na sana dumami pa yung blessings sa career." 

(Since, I'm launching a new business, my wish is that it succeeds, and I also wish that there will be more blessings in my career)