An invitation to travel

As part of the WOW Philippines Biyahe Tayo! program of the Department of Tourism to promote domestic travel, a music video titled Biyahe Tayo! was released recently highlighting the Philippines’ top tourist attractions.

This marks the first time ever that leading Filipino singers and musicians lent their services for free in putting together a music video encouraging fellow Filipinos to travel around their own country. Among the artists featured are Sharon Cuneta, Lea Salonga, Freddie Aguilar, Rey Valera, Rico J. Puno, Joey Ayala, the Apo Hiking Society, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Jolina Magdangal, April Boy Regino, Jessa Zaragosa, Paolo Santos, Nina and Rico Blanco of Rivermaya. Top Filipino rapper Francis Magalona also contributed a rap portion to the song. Providing musical accompaniment were violinist John Lesaca, flutist Jong Cuenco and Joey Ayala who used ethnic instruments to give the song a distinct Filipino sound.

The song was first heard during the launch of the WOW Philippines Biyahe Tayo! Campaign at the DOT Clamshell in Intramuros last September and was enthusiastically received by the audience. National Artist for Music Lucrecia Kasilag has nothing but praises for the song. The music video has captured the magnificent beauty of the Philippines and the superb voices of Filipino singers.

The recording has been played extensively during DOT events like the WOW Shopping Fiesta and Sports Tourism Show and the Travel Tour Expo 2004, as well as during various festivals like the Peñafrancia Festival in Naga, the Masskara Festival in Bacolod and the Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal.

The music video is a project of the Department of Tourism in cooperation with Bonamine of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

What’s Up With Lambert Lorenzo

Remember singer/actor Lambert Lorenzo? He made a name in the ’80s when he sang the theme song of the Nora Aunor starrer Andrea titled Sa Panaginip Lang. He played important roles in Amazaldy Films’ Berdugo (starring Ace Vergel and Vivian Velez) and Cine Suerte’s Alexandra, which launched the career of sex nymphet Angela Perez (remember her?).

Life was good for Lambert – Robert Gannon in real life – during those days but for one reason or another, he had to quit showbusiness. He went to Japan to work but again, he failed to make it big.

"Nalulong ako sa masamang bisyo. I was so depressed kasi sa buhay. I don’t have a family here. Wala akong kapatid. My mom died when I was very young. My dad, who‘s an American, isn’t here. Sa US siya naka-base and in fact, ngayon ko lang nga na-trace kung nasaan siya. I have never seen him. Ngayon nagco-communicate na kami and I’d probably visit him in the US middle of this year," shares Lambert.

But Lambert’s hard work and perseverance paid off for he now enjoys a comfortable life.

"When I got the chance to go back to Japan, I saved some money. Bumalik pa ulit ako to save some more. Then I worked in an office in Makati. Now, I am more serious with life. I am not getting any younger and I want to help a lot of people. Gusto kong makatulong sa mga less fortuante dahil nag-iisa lang naman ako sa buhay. That’s my mission. I just put up a convenience and video rental store in Mandaluyong City called Milvana and so far business has been doing great," he continues.

Lambert is also planning to produce small concerts, proceeds of which will go to Bantay Bata or PGH. "Minsan lang tayo mabiyayaan ng suwerte gaya nito kaya dapat lang na i-share natin with the needy," he ends.

Mabuhay ka Lambert!

Jojo Valerio’s Unang Yakap

Fast-rising recording star Jojo Valerio finally realizes his dream of having his self-titled debut album under BMG Records. His carrier single, Unang Yakap, is fast climbing the record charts and is steadily becoming one of the most played songs on radio.

"It has always been my dream to record an album. I started singing when I was 4 when my dad would bring me to his drinking sprees with his friends. I would sing Frank Sinatra’s songs and old favorites," shares Jojo.

Barely 16 but towering at 5’10 1/2", Jojo is the son of Adamson & Adamson president Menandro Valerio and wife Ronnie, who is Jojo’s biggest fan and critic.

"I want to become a very popular singer someday – just like my other singing idol Gary Valenciano," he enthuses.

There are 10 songs which include revivals like Alam Mo Ba, Isang Pangarap and Sandra. Other original cuts are May Gusto Ako Sa Yo, Dyahe Man Sa Yo, I’m Letting You Go, Everyday and Every Night, Whenever You Need Me, and The Meaning of Love. Most of the oriinal songs were composed by Alex Catedrilla.

The album is distributed by BMG Records Pilipinas and is available in records bars in CD and cassette formats.