Philippine Idol Gallery

Sweet Love - Mau Marcelo

2007-02-27T03:41:00.000-08:00

Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin - Mau Marcelo

2007-02-27T03:40:00.002-08:00

Mau Marcelo's Journey

2007-02-27T03:40:00.001-08:00

Mau Marcelo - On My Own

2007-02-27T03:38:00.000-08:00

Mau Marcelo - the First Philippine Idol

2007-02-04T20:01:00.001-08:00

Evergreen - Jan Nieto

2007-02-04T20:00:00.003-08:00

Pow Chavez and Aiza Seguerra

2007-02-04T20:00:00.001-08:00

Volare - Gian Magdangal

2007-02-04T19:59:00.001-08:00

Quien Sera (Sway)

2007-02-04T19:58:00.002-08:00

Balut - Mau Marcelo

2007-02-04T19:58:00.001-08:00

Love Takes Time - Mau Marcelo

2007-02-04T19:57:00.002-08:00

Impossible Dream - Gian Magdangal

2007-02-04T19:57:00.001-08:00

On My Own - Mau Marcelo

2007-02-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Flying Without Wings - Gian Magdangal

2007-02-04T19:53:00.001-08:00

Say That You Love Me - Jan Nieto

2007-02-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

2006-12-04T07:03:00.001-08:00

The Big 4

2006-12-04T07:03:00.000-08:00

Jan says I love you to Jeli

2006-12-04T07:02:00.003-08:00

Jan, Apple and Reymond

2006-12-04T07:02:00.002-08:00

Jeli and Raymond

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2006-12-04T07:02:00.001-08:00

Miguel and Apple: Mr. and Ms. Love Team

2006-12-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

Jan

2006-12-04T07:01:00.001-08:00

Gian

2006-12-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

Mau

2006-11-30T07:49:00.000-08:00

Final 3: Jan, Mau and Gian

2006-11-30T07:48:00.002-08:00

Pow was eliminated on broadway night

2006-11-30T07:48:00.001-08:00

Miguel and Pow were the bottom 2 on broadway night

2006-11-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

Jan, Gian and Miguel

2006-11-30T07:47:00.002-08:00

Miguel Mendoza on broadway night

2006-11-30T07:47:00.001-08:00

Mau Marcelo on Broadway night

2006-11-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

Lea Salonga is one of the judges in Broadway night

2006-11-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

Mau on Broadway night. She sang "And I am Telling You Im Not Going" from Dreamgirls.

2006-11-30T07:42:00.001-08:00

Jan on broadway night.

2006-11-30T07:42:00.000-08:00

Miguel on Broadway night

2006-11-30T07:41:00.001-08:00

Lea Salong on Broadway night

2006-11-30T07:41:00.000-08:00

Gian on Big Band night

2006-11-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

Miguel on Big Band night

Mr. C Loses His Cool in Another Idol Upset

2006-10-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

By KAYE VILLAGOMEZ
Article Soure: Manila Bulletin Online - http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006101877302.html

Philippine Idol" result serves upset number two in the elimination of Reymond Sajor, giving judge Ryan Cayabyab all the reasons to lose his cool Sunday night at the Idol theater at SM Megamall. Even if the "Idol" venue has yet to recover fully from Drae Ybanez’s early dismissal last week, another shocking result pushed Mr. C’s button.

"The results were dreadful!" Mr. C told the Manila Bulletin right after the results show. "The bottom three with Mau (Marcelo), Gian (Magdangal) and Reymond is shocking to say the least. These are our top guys!"

All contestants in the bottom three earned rave reviews from the judges in last Saturday’s Metropop–themed performance night. Mau sang "Ako Ang Nagwagi" by Dulce, Gian did "Give Me A Chance" by Ric Segreto while Reymond did "Be My Lady" with much justice that the "Idol" band and its musical director Mel Villena singled out his performance. Even guest judge Hajji Alejandro included Reymond, Gian and Mau in his top four performers’ list. The other one whom he named also exceptional was Armarie Cruz who performed Freddie Agular’s "Anak."
Cayabyab theorized last week when Drae got booted out prematurely that financially–equipped contestants may be having the edge over the more deserving ones. This trend rang true when Reymond exited "Idol" after a powerful performance. Mr. C placed his thoughts, "I expected the best singers to slug it out but it seems that the competition will turn into lightweight competition [in the end]. Serves the Pinoy voters right. They get what they deserve."

As a judge, Mr. C is beginning to believe their posts hardly matter when the voters seem to lose grasp of who deserves what and kept ousting exceptional finalists. "Truthfully, I don’t think our inputs matter. We are like appendices to the show! But never say die. Pinoys usually wait until it’s the end of the rope, kapag sukdulan na, dun lang gagalaw. Problem is pag laganap na ang cancer, wala nang lunas."

During the results night, the judge said on national TV that the public refuses to listen to them judges and vowed, "Titira na talaga ako next week. We were just being polite about our comments but it seems like nursery rhymes na lang ang kantahan."

But Mr. C promised he will try to stay calm next Sunday. "In the meantime it’s back to work. I should stop losing my cool and buckle down to work, not really to make tira for the sake of tira but to help everyone achieve higher standards. We’ll see how far I can stretch. I had an emotional outburst kanina, I think I will have to keep my cool."

The irony for Reymond is that he felt more deserving after he was voted off. "I felt so blessed because people believed in my talent so much. The overwhelming support I've been getting since I was eliminated has inspired me to be a better performer. I'll [still] pursue singing and write songs."

He could only credit the supporters of the other candidates as the reason he left the contest earlier than expected. "I just felt the others' supporters doubled their efforts but what's important is that I gave my very best," Reymond expressed.

HAJJI FASCINATES IDOL COUNTRY

Meanwhile, Hajji Alejandro who substituted for Francis Magalona (currently in Europe for a five–week show tour) impressed "Idol" country with his views on Saturday night’s performance show. Hajji was chosen to sit as a guest judge because of the Metropop theme as he won for Ryan Cayabyab the grand prize in the first Metropop in 1978 via the masterpiece "Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika."

Hajji not only knew what to say but also how to say it. During finalist Miguel Mendoza’s crack at "Suwerte Suwerte Lang," Hajji cautioned him with his flats, sharps and "vibratos" which he thought were noticeable. In Apple Chiu’s "Sometimes You Know" Hajji took note that it’s more important to convey the meaning of the songs first before the technique.

The no–nonsense judge also coined the term "vocal acrobatics" when a singer is giving technique more weight than feeling the song’s message first before everything. He told Apple, "Your voice is very soulful but there’s a tendency to overkill [the song]. I’m not a big fan of vocal acrobatic but I’m more into telling the story of the songs and letting people feel it through the interpretation."

Twice in the show, Ryan Cayabyab acknowledged the "very well said" comments from the guest judge who might just be that ‘missing link’ that will make a more formidable three–man commenting team. After the performance show, Mr. C was raving about Hajji even more: "Ang galing ni Hajji! I was telling them [production team] about it that I had to stand up in between breaks and express it. He’s fantastic! Kasi beterano na siya so alam na niya talaga ang sasabihin niya. Wala nga akong masabi, nauubos na at nauunahan ako ni Hajji."

Hajji was all gratitude when he learned Mr. C was all praises, "Oh! It’s a big compliment, coming from Ryan Cayabyab that’s a very big compliment. Ako naman nag–enjoy ako ngayong gabi sa totoo lang. Talagang nakita ko na buhay na buhay ang future ng Philippine entertainment with itong mga budding idols na mga ito."

Even if it was Hajji’s first time to watch the finalists, he didn’t have any problem sliding into the system and giving the finalists (whom he met days within his participation) valid, well–thought–of, significant and informative points. "Ngayon lang talaga ko na–expose sa ganito. To be honest with you nadadaan–daanan ko yan from time to time sa TV pero hindi pa ako talagang nakaupo to get to know each and every contestant," he shared with the Bulletin Saturday night.

In the same level the crowd was amazed with Hajji’s pointers, the guest judge was also taken by the overwhelming talents the finalists showed. "Talagang amazed na amazed ako kasi ang kalibre nila hindi pang amateur eh. Parang mga professionals and I’ve seen a lot of professionals of lesser caliber than these kids."

He stressed that it had a lot to do with the hopefuls’ composure and professional stance. "The way they handle themselves in the face of all the tension that goes in a singing competition and for such tender ages kagaya nila, they are able to control their emotions at hindi mo talaga nakikita yung nerbiyos. They are really into their songs kasi like I said normally, mga professional na ang mga nakakagawa nun."

Hajji said he is honored to replace Francis for a weekend. I’m very honored to sit on Francis’ behalf because he’s a very, very good friend and magaling din yan na artist–musician."
Asked whether he would want to be part of the show again as a judge, he answered, "I hope so. Kung mahaba-haba pa ang tour ni Francis, I’ll be honored to sit again for him."

LUCKY NINE?

With Reymond’s exit, the remaining finalists are Mau Marcelo, Gian Magdangal, Armarie Cruz, Jan Nieto, Ken Dingle, Apple Chiu, Jeli Mateo, Miguel Mendoza, and Pow Chavez.

Gian had been an escapist twice already since he was part of last week’s bottom four. However, another chance await the remaining nine finalists when they face another round of performances with this week’s theme "Tunog Banda, Tunog Alternative."

2006-10-16T21:03:00.002-07:00

Francis went to Europe

2006-10-16T21:03:00.001-07:00

Hadji - Francis M's proxy

2006-10-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

Reymond - the best performance last Saturday was eliminated last Sunday

2006-10-16T21:02:00.007-07:00

Gian

2006-10-16T21:02:00.006-07:00

Miguel

2006-10-16T21:02:00.005-07:00

Miguel

2006-10-16T21:02:00.004-07:00

Mau

2006-10-16T21:02:00.003-07:00

Jan

2006-10-16T21:02:00.002-07:00

Apple

2006-10-16T21:02:00.001-07:00

Ken

2006-10-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Rey and Gian - bottom 2

2006-10-16T21:01:00.003-07:00

Mau - safe!

2006-10-16T21:01:00.002-07:00

Gian in the bottom 2

2006-10-16T21:01:00.001-07:00

Rey was eliminated

2006-10-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Rey

Mau Marcelo - Crazy in Love

2006-10-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Stef was Eliminated Last Night in Philippine Idol

2006-10-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Reymond Sajor - I'd Rather

2006-10-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Ramirr - Philippine Idol Wildcard Performance

2006-09-18T03:40:00.000-07:00

Suey - Philippine Idol Wildcard Performance

2006-09-18T03:37:00.001-07:00

Mau - Philippine Idol Wildcard Performance

2006-09-18T03:37:00.000-07:00

Joseph Astor - Philippine Idol Wildcard Performance

2006-09-18T03:36:00.000-07:00

Stef - Philippine Idol Wildcard Performance

2006-09-18T03:35:00.000-07:00

Gian Carlo Magdangal - Philippine Idol Wildcard Performance

2006-09-18T03:27:00.000-07:00

Ira Marasigan - Philippine Idol Wildcard Performance

2006-09-18T03:26:00.000-07:00

Onyx - Philippine Idol Wildcard Performance

2006-09-18T03:25:00.000-07:00

Ting - Philippine Idol Wildcard Performance

2006-09-18T03:22:00.000-07:00

2006-09-10T05:08:00.003-07:00

Vote for Mau!

2006-09-10T05:08:00.002-07:00

Ira Marasigan

2006-09-10T05:08:00.001-07:00

Jelli - Bridges

2006-09-10T05:08:00.000-07:00

Vote for Pow!!!

2006-09-10T04:47:00.001-07:00

Pow delivered one of the hottest performance of the night

2006-09-10T04:47:00.000-07:00

Francis M with Jasmine Trias sitting at the front row

2006-09-10T04:46:00.002-07:00

Mau burst to tears when Ryan C stood up for her performance

2006-09-10T04:46:00.001-07:00

Jasmine Trias in Philippine Idol last night

2006-09-10T04:46:00.000-07:00

Canadian Idol Mikey Bustos graced last night's Philippine Idol

'Idol' and 'Academy' Finalists Compared

2006-09-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

Check out this very sound observation of Mr. Nestro Torre regarding the finalists of the two rival reality talent search (As published on page E1 of the September 2, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer):

LAST WEEKEND, “Pinoy Dream Academy” announced its 16 “scholars,” while “Philippine Idol” went down to its final 24. Since “Academy” was telecast on Saturday and “Idol” only a day later, the ABS-CBN talent search effectively upstaged the ABC-5 tilt, which had earlier enjoyed a head start.

Impact

What difference does a mere day make? At face value, not much -- but, its psychological impact could be substantial. As we feared, “Academy’s” fast-tracking sapped “Idol” of some of its initial time advantage, since it set the talent standard by which ABC-5’s own finds were subsequently evaluated.

That isn’t an enviable position for a talent competition to be in, that’s for sure.

But, that’s water under the bridge. The big show biz question now is: Which TV talent tilt has come up with the more promising batch of finalists? We caught both shows last weekend and came up with these comparative notes:

“Academy” has tapped “scholars” who are generally younger and more “international” in projection, with a Fil-Am, Fil-Aussie, Fil-Japanese and a beauty from the Netherlands among its 16 best bets.

On the other hand, “Idol” has come up with generally better singers. We listened to many of its top 40 bets singing solo, and all of the singers we heard sounded good.

We can’t say the same for all of “Academy’s” 16 top choices, some of whom may have been chosen for performing factors other than exceptional singing ability.

Astute choices

Thus, right now, “Idol” jurors Ryan Cayabyab, Pilita Corrales and Francis M can take a well-deserved bow for their astute choices. On the other hand, some of the “Academy” scholars still have to prove their worth in the next four months. Well, the ABS-CBN tilt’s “school” format under “headmaster” Jim Paredes will make it easier for them to improve as performers in the weeks to come...

We note, too, that “Academy’s” finalists are more varied in terms of the character types they “represent.” Was this “textured” configuration intentionally arrived at?

Aside from the “international” representation, “Academy’s” scholars also include an OCW, a Grace Nono “ethnic” wannabe, more rockers than usual, some real lookers from the Netherlands and Australia, a “plus-plus-sizer,” etc.!

This varied casting is reminiscent of ABS-CBN’s past “Pinoy Big Brother” reality shows, which also featured very mixed “housemates” -- the better to sustain viewers’ interest and to give niche audiences different types to empathize with, and root and vote for?

Emphasis

On the other hand, “Idol’s” 24 finalists were generally more homogenized in terms of looks and emphasis on exceptional singing ability.

Yes, the ABC-5 tilt does have a resident gender bender, but that’s about it in terms of exotica, and there’s no preferential treatment obvious here in terms of “textured” casting, because the singer in question is clearly a superior performer.

This weekend, “Idol” will whittle down its 24 finalists to its Magic 12. For its part, “Academy” added four more to the 16 who were announced at the end of its Cebu show. The plot thickens!

Top 24 Announcement Episode 1/2

2006-08-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

Top 24 Announcement Episode 2/2

2006-08-31T06:11:00.001-07:00

Theater Eliminations Part 1/6

2006-08-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

Theater Eliminations Part 2/6

2006-08-31T06:10:00.001-07:00

Theater Eliminations Part 3/6

2006-08-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

Theater Eliminations Part 4/6

2006-08-31T06:09:00.000-07:00

Theater Eliminations Part 5/6

2006-08-31T06:08:00.000-07:00

Theater Eliminations Part 6/6

2006-08-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

Top 40 Solos Part 2/2

2006-08-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Top 40 Solos Part 1/2

2006-08-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

2006-08-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

Ramirr Grepo also made it to Top 84

2006-08-20T23:39:00.001-07:00

Kenneth Dingle from Baguio is one of the frontrunners

2006-08-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

The cowboy and cowgirl couple have the voice and the personality to boot...but they were both booted out!

2006-08-20T23:38:00.001-07:00

Sayang siya

2006-08-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

This fashionista can sing! Believe me pero marami talagang magaling kaya di siya pumasok sa top 84

2006-08-20T23:37:00.001-07:00

Goodbye Philippine Idol! See you again next year, and the year after that...and the year after that

2006-08-20T23:37:00.000-07:00

Mary May Banawa has the style, and believe me, the voice too but because the bar is really high in Philippine Idol, she was also eliminated

2006-08-20T23:36:00.000-07:00

The controversial Jeffrey Santos (not Judy Ann's bro) said he still have 8 years to improve and he promise to audition yearly

2006-08-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

Jessie Caina is one of the fashionista group of contestants who didn't make it to the next round

2006-08-20T23:29:00.003-07:00

Zandra Tan

2006-08-20T23:29:00.002-07:00

Kimberly Grace Fernandez

2006-08-20T23:29:00.001-07:00

Edwin Lotivio Jr.

2006-08-20T23:29:00.000-07:00

Daphe Jontariego

2006-08-20T23:28:00.002-07:00

Glyde Ababa

2006-08-20T23:28:00.001-07:00

Jamie Barcelon

2006-08-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

Christina Otero