Asian pop sensation Tata Young hosted the show together with our very own comedians Randy Santiago and Michael V. MTV VJ Sarah Meier, who looked astonishingly good, was also one of the hosts. There were so many other celebrities and models that attended the event like Keith Martin, Geneva Cruz and Agot Isidro.
The award show started with a bang as Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary V., together with the Makiling Ensemble and The Manoeuvers astounded the audience. Here are my top three performances of the night:
The first on my list is The Late Isabel’s performance. The band’s lead vocalist Wawi Navarroza looked smashing. It seems that the band really tried to match the whole theme of mysticism. Finally something non-mainstream, something fresh – Goth/Dark Wave, music reminiscent of The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees – got everyone’s attention. Wawi and The Late Isabel are up and coming and they are hot!
The second is the performance by acoustic standouts Jimmy Bondoc, Paolo Santos and Nyoy Volante together with Barbie’s Cradle – definitely one of the highlights of the night. The four brought smiles to the crowd and got them singing along by paying tribute to the Eraserheads.
But like most people, I would have to say that my favorite performance is Bamboo’s. The newest rock sensation truly inspired the audience. Bamboo and the rest of the group expressed their patriotism with their song Noypi. They rocked together with The Makiling Ensemble and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Now, how cool is that? Bamboo, FYI, was also featured as MTV’s "Rising Star of the Month" for the month of February.
For those of you who don’t know, Bamboo is the singer who gave us hits like Ulan, Kisapmata and Hinahanap-Hanap Kita, together with his former band-mates, who are also doing well, Rivermaya. Bamboo is composed of talented Francisco "Bamboo" Mañalac, Nathan Azarcon (bassist), former passage members Ira Cruz (guitarist) and Vic Mercado (drummer). If you haven’t heard Noypi then you’re lagging behind. Check out this proud, purely Filipino talent Bamboo.
It was definitely a privilege to have watched them at the MTV Pilipinas 2004.
The winners of MTV Pilipinas 2004 include:
•Favorite New Artist/Group: Bamboo for Noypi
•Favorite International Act: Maroon 5 for This Love
•Favorite International Video: Black Eyed Peas for Where is the Love?
•Favorite Male Artist: Jay-R for Bakit Pa Ba?
•Favorite Female Artist: Jolina Magdangal for Bahala Na
•Favorite Song: Noypi by Bamboo
•Favorite Group: Bamboo for Noypi
•Best Indie Video: The Late Isabel for Doll’s Head
•Best Director: Avid Liongoren for Everyday - Barbie’s Cradle
•Best Video: Gloc 9 for Sayang - directed by Topel Lee.
Winners of the MTV Pilipinas Special Awards:
•Best Use of an Open Space: Paolo Santos for Mapansin
•Best Dance Sequence: Viva Hot Babes for Bulaklak
•Falsest Falsetto: Akafellas for Bongga Ka Day
MTV Pilipinas 2004 will be aired on July 24, Saturday, 3 p.m., with repeats on July 25, Sunday, 9 p.m.; July 27, Tuesday, 3 p.m.; July 30, Friday, 7 p.m.; and July 31, Saturday, 10 p.m.