Close Up launches new band & talents

MANILA, Philippines - Close Up gives everyone another reason to get even closer with the launch of the new Close Up song Moving Closer and music video. Presented during the culmination of the Close Up Pyromusical, the song and music video feature pop-rock band Never The Strangers and Ian Batherson and Valerie Weigmann.

Through the years, Close Up has presented memorable music videos through its collaboration with top performers and it has produced classic love anthems and discovered beautiful and recognizable faces. This legacy of providing not just the confidence, but the romance and music to get people closer continues with the new Close Up song and music video.

Joining the list of well-loved Close Up artists is Never The Strangers which wrote and sang the New Close Up song. Discovered and co-managed by Rico Blanco, the band is composed of Ace Libre, lead vocalist and keyboardist; PJ La Viña, drummer; FrancisVicta, bassist; and JP del Mundo. Moving Closer carries the distinct sentimental lyrics that Close Up is known for. It will surely set the mood to bring people closer, a passion both Never The Strangers and Close Up share.

Bringing Moving Closer to life was a three-minute music video featuring Close Up’s new faces Ian and Valerie. The new Close Up couple got their first shot in the entertainment industry through reality TV shows. Ian was a finalist on GMA 7’s StarStruck and Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown, while Valerie was making waves in modeling, gracing numerous TV commercials and magazine covers, before she became a housemate on ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 2.

The launch, hosted by DJ Jessica of Magic 89.9 and DJ Rico of RX 93.1, was like a reunion of past Close Up artists Gino Padilla, Barbie Almalbis and Rico Blanco. Providing star power and lending their support for the new band, they performed their respective Close Up hits Closer You And I, Just A Smile and Come Closer. This was followed by a full concert featuring Never The Strangers and Rico.

Moving Closer is already getting many play requests on TV and radio, and the music video already has thousands of hits online.