CHILD PRODIGY’S SONG OF LOVE

Passion for music truly runs in the family of entrepreneur Rosabella Jao-Arribas. As the founder of talent management company RJA Productions, LLC, Rosabella has dedicated herself to discovering, nurturing, and promoting brilliant Filipino singers on the global stage. Her mission has always been to shine a spotlight on the exceptional talents of Filipino artists, bringing them to international audiences.
For Rosabella’s 11-year-old granddaughter, Jazzell Smith, it seems that the love for music is deeply ingrained in her blood. Jazzell began singing at a very early age, showing an innate connection to music. At just 9 years old, she began formal voice lessons, eager to develop her skills and make her mark as a young artist.
On March 14, Jazzell officially launched her first single, “Song of Love,” composed by talented songwriter, vocal coach, and vocal arranger Arnie Mendaros. The heartfelt song carries a powerful message that Jazzell holds dear. “The message of ‘Song of Love’ is to always appreciate our grandparents, to cherish them, and to value the time we have with them,” the passionate fifth grader explained. It is clear that Jazzell's music is not just about performing, but also about conveying meaningful emotions and lessons that resonate with her audience.
The youngest artist in the RJA Productions family, Jazzell looks up to several iconic singers, including Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter. These artists inspire her to continue pursuing her dream with confidence and determination.

In addition to her solo projects, Jazzell has performed at several U.S. shows alongside RJA Productions’ featured artist, Alisah Bonaoabra. Reflecting on her experiences, Jazzell shared, “When I see people appreciate my singing, especially in the shows where I perform, it makes me feel very happy and motivates me to continue improving.”
Alisah Bonaoabra also plays a significant role in Jazzell’s musical journey, not just as an artist but as her vocal coach. “Tita Alisah has played a great role in fulfilling my singing career. She is not a strict coach; in fact, she is very kind, but she makes sure I am doing my assignments,” Jazzell added.
With such dedication to music at a young age, Jazzell is off to a strong start in pursuing her dream of becoming an accomplished singer. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her parents and, most importantly, to her grandmother Rosabella, whom she lovingly calls "Nanny": “Thank you for all your support in my singing career and my life!” She also dedicates her debut single to her Grandma Denise and her two loving grandpas. Jazzell will be performing at a concert in Dublin, CA on April 26 to promote her debut single. To know more about Jazzell Smith, visit RJA Productions, LLC’s facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rjaproductions/

Misantrophe: This is not a Film Review of 'Fatherland'

Award-winning scriptwriter Roy Iglesias, known for 'Baler' and 'Asiong Salonga: The Manila Kingpin Story', penned what could have been a sweeping epic but ended up as a long-winded dramedy instead. It may not have been perfect as movie, but Joel Lamangan's direction which encapsulates his lifelong crusade against social ills is evident here.

The movie is about Alex dela Cruz' (Iñigo Pascual) search for his long-lost father (Allen Dizon), which involves astral projection and an encounter with land grabbers, goons, and corrupt politicians. Along the way, he loses his original companion (Ara Davao), and gains two, his long-lost half-sister (Bo Bautista) and an NGO worker (Kazel Kinouchi).

The strength of the film lies in Allen Dizon being game in portraying three different roles which do not make sense if taken literally, somehow do if one views his character as a metaphor for the Philippines. Like our nation, Allen first loses himself and his family because of capitalism (networking), tries to find solace in religious fundamentalism, and ends up as a queer in a queer situation of dirty local politics led by a parody of Alice Guo (Cherry Pie Picache).

What could have been improved is the storytelling, as the main character is actually Alex, and we do not know anything about him except that he is very much empathic about the situations he astrally projects in, and that he was kidnapped by his mother and taken abroad as a child. 

My favorite scene is the vice-mayor (Mercedes Cabral) getting "poked" by a dipper by the mayor. It is refreshing to watch a light-hearted scene in the midst of all the chaos and misery.

The greatest lesson learned from 'Fatherland' is that you may lose your identity and memory, but the heart wants what it wants and there is a kind of love that exists which cannot be forgotten.

When the Music Stops: A 'Sinagtala' Film Review

We don't often have movies in the Philippines revolving around singers, so it is quite refreshing to have something like 'Sinagtala', which is a fusion of music melodrama, showing in mainstream Philippine cinemas.

This almost two-hour by Mike Sandejas revolves around a group of five friends who had to face the reality of life after disbanding their band which was quite popular for a while.

Paola (Glaiza de Castro) serve as the band members' main anchor even as she lay in bed battling an illness. Her words of wisdom in her video for her friends guide them one-by-one so they are able to find their inner peace and truth amidst the deafening chaos that is their lives.

My favorite scene is the basketball showdown between Isko (Matt Lozano) and his dad (Benjie Paras). The two had really good chemistry and their father-son relationship, both the happy and sad scenes, feels authentic.

June (Rhian Ramos), Carla (Arci Muñoz), and Reggie (Rayver Cruz) also each had their solo spots: a rich hot-headed lady looking for her real father, a prostitute ashamed of how far she has fallen, and an ex-convict trying to be a good provider for his child with his former partner.

Another strength of the movie is its catchy repertoire of original songs, especially 'Rise Above' which is especially fitting for the high point in the film it was used for.

Sinagtala teaches us as long as we open our ears and listen to the music of hope all around us, through out parents, friends, and even strangers, a symphony of miracles will eventually come our way and bring us peace.

Magicvoyz First Anniversary Concert Review

Magicvoys is an all-male group who sing and dance comprised by Jhon Mark Marcia, Mhack Morales, Johan Shane, Ian Briones, Jace Ramos, Asher Bobis, Rave Obado, and the newest member, Jorge Guda. They are managed by Lito de Guzman via his LDG Productions as well as Viva ARTIST aGENCY. Last March 30, they had their well-applauded and sold out first anniversary concert show at the Viva Cafe.

The pre-show featured the song number of sexy veterinarian Meggan Marie Sinew with Johan, followed by her daring dance numbers, one of which was a belly dance with two back-up girls. Miaa Bella, who's reminiscent of Ariana Grande, belted out Rolling in the Deep with ease. The pretty and youthful Cebuana Twins sung a heartfelt rendition of Scared to be Lonely.

Beneath the faux leather body-hugging outfits, sky blue rockstar attires or the neon acid wash tops, each of the Magicvoyz' unique capability shines. Johan is obviously the vocal powerhouse. Ian and Asher remind one of campus crushes who make one's heart skip a bit with a single glance. Jace exudes the aura of a gentle but dependable boyfriend. Mhack and Rave are the tough guys who'd make you feel protected from all kinds of danger. Jorge and Marcia are the bad boys who are total softies when it comes to their lady loves.

The opening number of Magicvoyz was a popular song by Bruno Mars, 24K Magic, where they were also able to showcase their dancing skills and synchronicity as a group. As expected, one of their best performances was of their phenomenal single 'Bintana'. They also teased the crowd with 'Wag Mo Akong Titigan', leaving everybody excited for the upcoming release of their new song 'Tampo'.

Of course, all eyes were also on LDG talents Robb Guinto and Skye Gonzaga, who made the stage sizzle as guest performers in the latter part of the show.

Truly, the Magicvoyz anniversary concert was a night to remember and everybody had a good time, and are probably anticipating to see the boys in a bigger venue next time.