Network Wars Ceasefire -- GMA Network, ABS-CBN and TV5 unite for DOLPHY: ALAY TAWA TV special

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Musical / TV):

The network wars in the country, with the dreaded cutthroat competition around, may be considered as the most intense in recent years but forging a ceasefire isn't impossible especially for a good cause.  :)   In a rare occasion, broadcasting giants GMA Network, ABS-CBN and TV5 will unite to take part in the production and simultaneous airing of a two-and-a-half-hour TV special to pay homage to the late Philippine King of Comedy, Dolphy.

The TV special dubbed “Dolphy: Alay Tawa,” was an idea of one of Dolphy’s sons, director Eric Quizon, who had thought of coming up with a show that will not only have an entertainment value but also be a fund-raiser of sorts to continue the legacy of his late father who had helped his fellow through various foundations.

Star-studded London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony Airs Live on TV5 on August 13

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

While we were treated with an all-star cast opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics a couple of weeks ago, the whole world can expect yet another spectacular feast for the eyes as the closing ceremonies of the globe's biggest sporting event promises to be as star-studded!   Come Monday morning (August 13, Philippine Standard Time), the world will once again witness the best of the world’s athletes in a ceremony that showcases the best of British Music. Aptly called “A Symphony of British Music,” the celebration notes some of the country’s best artistic exports in the past half-century. More than 4,100 performers, including 3,500 volunteers and 380 schoolchildren will be present during the lavish gathering to cap off the quadrennial games.

And Filipinos and other nationals in country can experience the closing ceremonies The Closing Ceremonies live via TV5 starting at 4:00AM.

PhilPop Music Festival Keeps OPM Alive and Kicking -- The Next Big Filipino Songwriter to be Named on July 14!

 POTATO ON THE GO (Music):

I'll start this post with the question I asked to Mr. Ryan Cayabyab and his consequent answer during the presscon of Philippine Pop Music Festival at Resorts World Manila.  I asked, Mr. C, how's the Filipino music today.  Mr. C answered, "It's very diverse, very creative, buhay na buhay (very alive)!"  And everyone at the venue, including me, applauded Mr. C.'s remark.

While foreign music and performers still flood the airwaves and concert scenes in the country, our very own Filipino music artists strive to keep OPM (Original  Pilipino Music) alive.  Thanks to the Pinoy bands, new breed of musicians and young composers.  But the industry knows that while there are artists who keep the Filipino music alive, they still need a boost from all sectors, hence the birth of the 1st Philippine Popular Music Festival!

1st Philippine Popular Music Festival Opens Its Doors to All Filipino Songwriters

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (MUSIC):

First there was Metropop.  Then Himig Handog followed.  And then there was silence (for original creations).  Covers or revivals somehow dominated the local music scene.  But don't get me wrong, the covers / revivals fill me up, stave off my hunger, but as an avid admirer of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), I crave for new compositions.

That's why I was happy to witness when Metropop was revived and Himig Handog was created several years ago.  But for reasons I am not aware of, they both went off the air.  And as they bid goodbye to their fans, reality competitions emerged.  There are competitions for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, bands, chefs, even children wanting to be chefs but what happened with the search for songwriters?

With a local music scene widely dominated by imported music, the Filipino songwriter has become a stranger in his own land.

But once again, am happy to hear that a new search has been launched!  Prominent names from various industries have come together to spearhead the creation of the Philippine Popular Music Festival or PhilPOP!