Martin's first 'true Filipino album' released

Strange that Martin Nievera should say something like this. “For the first time in 25 years I can say that I finally have a true Filipino album.” He was referring to the newly released Ikaw ang Pangarap, which he considers another milestone in his successful career and which is still part of his quarter of a century in showbiz celebration.

It is a nice collection of themes from various teleseryes or telenovelas or whatever you choose to call the daily serials on local TV. The title song and carrier single is the theme from Lobo. But why call this one more Filipino then the others that came before? After all, although Martin is not known for his proficiency in Tagalog, he grew up in the US, he never had a problem making hits like Ikaw, Kahit Isang Saglit, Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin or Ikaw ang Lahat Sa Akin.

Well, it turns out that although he scores very well with Tagalog songs and he has also had huge successes with Filipino songs with English lyrics like You are My Song, Be My Lady and Say That You Love Me, he has never had an all-Tagalog album before. His CDs usually had a mix, Filipino compositions in English and Tagalog and covers of foreign songs in English. Ikaw ang Pangarap is truly his first one with an all-Tagalog song line-up.

Martin offers up a lot of songs for the teleserye buffs to reminisce with. Aside from Ikaw Ang Pangarap, the other songs included are Kahit Isang Saglit; Hanggang Ngayon; May Minamahal; Hanggang Langit; Maging Ano Pa Man (Para Sa ‘yo) from Lastikman; Magpahanggang Wakas from Vietnam Rose; Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin; Kailangan Ko, Kailangan Mo; Kailangan Kita; Nasaan Ka Man; Naghihintay; Minsan Lang; Ikaw; and Pag-uwi.

But there is more to this collection than teleserye theme songs. The CD is also a showcase of Filipino music. The songs were written by some of the best this country has to offer: George Canseco, Willy Cruz, Louie Ocampo, Ogie Alcasid, Vehnee Saturno, Arnel de Pano, Gerry Paraiso, Joey Ayala, Alvina Sy, Arnie Mendaros, Joey Albert and others. At a time when the music industry is in sub-poverty levels and merely subsisting on cover versions of foreign hits, Ikaw ang Pangarap is an inspiring reminder of what local talents can do.

It is no wonder that Martin feels truly Filipino with this album. And there is Martin, of course. This guy still has one of the best voices around and he sings every cut as though he feels and may, I add, understands every word.

Soulful Nights in September

If you are out on the town on the Fridays of September, you might want to check out Miki Hahn at Café Fiorgelatto along Timog Avenue. The lovely 20 year old is featured in Soulful Nights in September where she performs sentimental soul tunes accompanied by Mae Pascual, Gil Desiderio and Rey Santos of The Moonstrings Acoustic.

Miki has released an album under Viva Records titled That Vibe. It includes Huwag Mo Sanang Sasabihin, Oh Baby, Ugly Girl, Should I? If, Here With You, Kahit Paminsan Minsan Lang, Kahit Sandali, and remakes of You Won’t See Me Crying and I Need You Back.

Sabado Boys in Niteout

Still on something to watch this September. Sept. 20 and 26 at the Music Museum in Greenhills features The Sabado Boys in Niteout. The group is made up of solo artists who banded together to come up with a very special presentation. These are Jimmy Bondoc of the hit tune Let Me Be the One; Luke Mejares, formerly of South Border; romantic balladeer Mike Chan; human beatbox Myle Solomon, acoustic pioneer Paolo Santos of Moonlight Over Paris fame and former Freestyle vocalist and songwriter Top Suzara, famous for songs like Before I Let You Go and Sabihin Mo Na.

Each of these boys makes enjoyable music and can hold an audience on their own. But when together as Sabado Boys they provide varied fare that can entertain all types of people. Produced by Live Artists Production, Niteout also features R&B band Urbanation. Direction is by Calvin Neria while script is by Noel Ferrer. For more info and tickets, call Live Artists at 929-4568 and 929-8206, the Music Museum at 721-0635 and Ticketworld at 891-9999.