Meet Dexter, Pilita’s discovery

Pilita Corrales is not only one of the greatest song artists the country has ever produced, she also has a keen eye and I must add, sharp ears, for potential singing stars. Think of the teen-aged Martin Nievera, whom she showed around when he first returned from living in Hawaii. Think of the very young Regine Velasquez, who emerged champ in the talent show Bagong Kampeon, that Pilita hosted with the departed Bert Marcelo. There was also Jaya, who was starting to build a career in the US of A, but whom she coaxed into returning to the Philippines. And recently, there was Dexter.

Pilita discovered Dexter during one of her frequent trips to Australia where she continues to boast of a large fan base. Impressed with the young man’s voice and musicality – he plays several musical instruments and was in the Australian production of the musical Miss Saigon – she invited the Filipino but Australian-reared Dexter to come to the Philippines and try his luck as a singer. As she did with other talents, she opened her home to Dexter, who now calls her his "Mamita," and introduced him to the right people in the music business. Now, a little more than a year later, Dexter is under contract with Viva Records and has a solo album produced by Margot Gallardo, who is best known for her work with Aiza Seguerra and The CompanY.

The same light pop sound that characterized Aiza’s recordings can be found in Dexter’s album, which is titled Puso sa Puso. The notable cuts are Bakit Nga Ba Hindi, a lovely duet with the most exciting newcomer around, the powerful-sounding Bituin Escalante, the title track Puso Sa Puso, Nawawala ang Puso Ko, a sweet tune composed by Moy Ortiz and Edith Gallardo that presents a new look on falling in love and the two songs that allow Dexter to show off his effortless high notes, Ikaw Lamang Pala, by Babsie Molina and Edith, and Laging Nagmamahal also by Moy and Edith.

I also like Dexter’s version of Chicago’s Happy Man but since this cut is not original, it is actually one of two cover versions in the album. The other one is One by One. So I think I’d allot the rah-rah’s to the songs that are truly Pinoy to give local works a better chance in the market.

The other songs included in Puso Sa Puso are Alam Kong Alam Mo, Pa’No Nangyari ‘Yon? Higit Sa Lahat, Ayokong Magtanong, Wag Kang Mag-iiba, They Know It’s Over and Nasa Iyo Na.

MTV Pilipinas Video Awards

You can now vote for your favorite nominees at the 2003 MTV Pilipinas Video Awards poll. To find out how, check out the instructions by going to www.mtvasia.com. If you have already done this before and are familiar with the rules, you can send your votes directly via e-mail to mtvpilipinas@mtv-asia.com. or by fax to telephone number 632-848-1319. Don’t forget to include your name, age, address and phone number when you send in your votes. Last day for votes is in August. The winners will be announced on Aug. 6 at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio. And don’t forget, only one vote is allowed per person.

Here are this year’s nominees:

Favorite New Artist: Ayen Laurel, Bawa’t Gabi; Imago Idlip; Kamikazee Lucky; Nina Jealous; Sugarfree Mariposa.

Favorite Group: Barbie’s Cradle All I Need; Imago Idlip; Rivermaya Wag Na Init Ulo Baby; Slapshock Numb; True Faith Deadma.

Favorite Male: Dingdong Avanzado Here to Stay; Gary Valenciano Warrior is a Child; Martin Nievera Never Say Goodbye; Ogie Alcasid Sana.

Favorite Female: Carol Banawa Stay; Nina Jealous; Pops Fernandez Kaya Pala; Regine Velasquez Sa Aking Pag-iisa; Sharon Cuneta In Your Eyes.

Favorite Song: All I Need by Barbie’s Cradle; Idlip by Imago; Jealous by Nina; Sa Aking Pag-iisa by Regine Velasquez; Wag Na Init Ulo Baby by the Rivermaya.

Best Director: Avid Liongoren for Lucky by Kamikazee; Jun Reyes for Bawa’t Gabi by Ayen Laurel; Lyle Sacris for Wag Na Init Ulo Baby by Rivermaya; Robert Quebral for Sana by Ogie Alcasid; Team Manila for Numb by Slapshock.

Best Video: Ayen Laurel’s Bawa’t Gabi directed by Jun Reyes; Imago’s Idlip directed by Margaret Guzman; Kamikazee’s Lucky directed by Avid Liongoren; Ogie Alcasid’s Sana directed by Robert Quebral; Slapshock’s Numb directed by Team Manila.