McJim releases album for new musical acts

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from Dreams Get Real: The Search for the Next OPM Star by McJim Classic Leather, six aspiring musical acts have their dream of recording their own songs and having them released in an album turned into reality.

Fifth Dynamics, Archetype and Dream of Pearl, vocal trio JBK, and solo artists Neo Domingo and CK Arca are now certified recording artists with the launch of Dreams Get Real: The Compilation Album.

“McJim Classic Leather is committed to make the finalists of the talent search succeed by nurturing their sense of originality and authenticity — values that the leather manufacturer brand adheres to,” says project head Chris Cahilig.

Composed of songs with a catchy tune, easy-to-sing-along lyrics and an unmistakable Pinoy flavor, the compilation album puts the spotlight on the McJim Dreamers, showcasing their vocal strengths.

Cahilig collaborated with arranger Jonathan Ong in selecting songs that match the voice quality and image of the finalists. The contestants had a taste of stardom by having their singles played on over 50 radio stations, held a press conference and a series of radio and TV appearances including a special segment on MTV Pinoy.

During the finals night at Teatrino in Greenhills, JBK’s Anong Meron Ka composed by Urie Tesorio was handpicked by judge Jim Paredes for the Critic’s Choice trophy.

Another composition of Tesorio coveted the DJ’s Choice trophy. Domingo’s danceable Pagbigyan Mo Na was voted by select radio jocks as their favorite. 

Composed of Mark Cordovales (vocals), John Peterson Leyva (rhythm guitar), Eljon Nono (lead guitar), Daryl Jay Santos (bass guitar) and Aldrin Condat (drums), Fifth Dynamics performs Anyare, written by Cordovales and Angelo Katindig with the help of Cahilig. Powered by Cordovales’ strong vocals, the song is a rock ballad exploring emotions connected to an end of a relationship.

With members Joshua Bulot, Bryan del Rosario and Kim Ordonio, JBK, on the other hand, sings Anong Meron Ka. The song narrates qualities of someone special.

Domingo performs Pagbigyan Mo Na, a fast-paced pop ditty.

Composed of Alvin Traqueña (rhythm guitar), Ar John Patalay (lead guitar), Nikko Martin Francisco (bass guitar), Tricia May Casauay (vocals) and Zejemiah Gonzaga (drums), Archetype sings Di Na Biro. The emotional song retraces how friendship progresses to romantic love.

Solo performer CK Arca performs Certified Good Vibes which celebrates Filipino identity amid a lush melody.

Dream of Pearl which sings Panalo, composed by Oli Agustin of the band Letter Day Story. The band is composed of Alfonso Abrenzosa (vocals), Mark Jayson Dizon (guitar), Von Christian Vizmanos (bass) and Evan Briones (drums). The rock ballad captures the longing and happiness of someone pining for a loved one in lyrics that leaves behind a memorable imprint.

Joining the performers in the album is the boy band 1:43. The group has just launched its newest album #KalyePop (KPop), featuring the hit Hayop sa Ganda, with the song Pwede Bang Malaman and Urie’s Attack with the piece Mensahe.