Kapuso recording artists level up to promote new CDs

MANILA, Philippines — In today’s digitalized world, selling a physical CD is as difficult as marketing an encyclopedia set.

Yet for singers with a strong fan base and considerable track record, putting out singles or acting on the small screen, the idea is still a viable means, especially if they go the extra mile in promoting their new albums.

Kapuso stars Christian Bautista and Glaiza de Castro understood the current scenario and engaged themselves in staging special concerts to launch their latest albums.

Christian’s seventh CD was formally released by way of a concert last Sept. 29 at the Music Museum. His fans had to shell out P500 to see him perform live in a concert ambiance and go home with a copy of his CD titled Kapit.

“It’s for the fans as we reminisced some songs of mine and celebrated what we have now,” said Christian, who sat in as co-producer for the 10-track album and even co-wrote the carrier single.

Kapit, released by Universal Records, contains several duet songs, including one called Suddenly with Jennylyn Mercado. Christian recalled that the circumstances for the track’s recording led to Kapit, the song he collaborated with recording engineer Brian Lotho whom he worked with at the same studio (Sonic State in Mandaluyong) he went to upon Jennylyn’s advice.

Other duet numbers are Maghihintay which Christian performed with Gabbi Garcia; Ikaw Lamang with Morisette Amon; and Two Forevers with Jessica Sanchez who once made headlines as a finalist in American Idol (AI).

The 35-year-old balladeer is in cloud nine telling everyone that Kapit is an album he was most creatively involved in. He related, “Before, I had no idea how a song was produced and I just had to listen to a song before recording it. Now I know what I want, having learned from producer-friends.”

Another girl, Eunice Jorge, joined in as violinist for a piece titled Musika which he said is his paean to OPM.

Last month, Christian Bautista also topbilled a show at the same venue to sell his latest CD Kapit

Christian added, “The long hours of writing and producing a song will help you find yourself and find the music that will fit you.”

As for Glaiza, she will likewise be at the same venue tonight to do her own special show for her latest album titled Magandang Simulain.

The concert called Kun(g)Di Man will have as guests Gloc-9 and Mike Hanopol, the latter’s involvement to emphasize the album’s direction of covering classic OPM songs from Asin (Itanong Mo Sa Mga Bata); Aegis (Dukha); Cinderella (Bato Sa Buhangin); and Mike’s own Juan Dela Cruz Band (Ang Himig Natin).

Released by Polyeast Records, Glaiza’s Magandang Simulain will also showcase her collaborations with close friend Angelica Panganiban who wrote some of the original lyrics in the album.

She revealed, “Before, hesitant talaga si Angelica na i-share sa public na sya ang gumawa ng ilan sa mga originals ko. Di ko alam kung bakit.”

With her coming up with the melodies, Angelica penned the lyrics to tracks Ganti and London, as well as words for the lead single Sinta.

Glaiza doesn’t want to confirm if Angelica will grace the concert, yet hinted, “Pwedeng oo, and definitely may contribution siya sa concert. We’re actually working on a project na baka maisama pa sa concert.”

The 29-year-old Encantadia star is carving a career in music, releasing records independently, appearing in a rock music video and gigging around. She was the front act when an internationally acclaimed Queen tribute band went to Manila for a concert.

Also, Glaiza’s positive image led to her being chosen as ambassadress by the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc., owner and operator of Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center.