FEATURE: Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri

If you are an avid So You Think You Can Dance Season 7 viewer, you are probably one of those few people (including me) to have seen the Stacey Tookie contemporary routine of Billy Bell and all-star Kathryn McCormick. The storyline of the routine is about a guy who's trying to get back with his ex-girlfriend who has gotten over him after a long time. 


Although it was not Billy's best performance (Mad World with Ade was the best in my opinion), what people noticed the most was the song that was used for the routine. It was just absolutely perfect for the choreography. 


The song was Jar of Hearts from a relatively unknown artist. Christina Perri is just like other YouTube artists doing one cover after another hoping to be discovered by a recording mogul, Ellen Degeneres or Oprah Winfrey. This did not happen though. Thanks to Stacey Tookie's amazing choreography, the millions of viewers of So You Think You Can Dance were able to hear this beautiful song. 


Following that heart-wrenching performance on the show, Jar of Hearts sold 48,000 digital copies, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at #63. The song also reached #28 of Billboard's Hot Digital Songs. And within one month, the single sold more than 100,000 copies. The artist also signed a record deal with Atlantic Records. 


Christina Perri used to be just one of the millions of people who are trying to make it big in the music industry. Now, thanks to her almost 2 minute of exposure on a reality show, she is now becoming a household name. The future awaits for this emotional and inspiring artists and we just hope that she sticks to her roots and not go pop. 

Christina Perri - Jar of Hearts

MUSIC: Keystone

If you are in the mood to listen to classic acoustic rock covers, then head to the nearest Keystone gig. With Fritz Ednacot on vocals and guitar and Mark Esguerra on vocals and cajon, you are in a for a treat of great music. 

COUNTING BLUE CARS BY DISHWALLA (Keystone Cover)

Keystone can be regularly seen performing at Metrophi Bar, Metrowalk and Spasso, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

THEATRE: The Cebu Contemporary Theatre Festival 2010

On August 21, 2010, head to CAP Art Center for a night of live theatre - the only one of its kind in the Queen City of the South.


The Cebu Contemporary Theatre Festival 2010 features four contemporary stories told on stage by Cebu's very own theatre thespians and performers. 


The four stories to be performed are as follows:


1. Wedding Dance is about the intricacies of Ifugao traibal law and marriage. This is written by Pre-War poet, novelist and teacher, Amador Daguio


2. Three Angry Pigs is a short adaptation based on Wade Bradford's Twelve Angry Pigs. This is inspired by the childhood fairy tale Three Little Pigs but, in this case, this is putting the Big Bad Wolf in trial for his crimes. 


3. Dinhi na Lang Kutob ug Daghang Salamat (This is As Far as We Go, and Many Thanks) first staged in 1974 and is considered as the first Filipino play to tackle homosexuality. This is written by multi-awarded playwright and film director, Orlando Nadres.


4. May Trabaho Na Po Ako, Inay! This is based on a ten-minute play entitled Look Mom, I Got A Job by American playwright T. James Belich. This centers on the unique relationship between jogger Kari and her actor-zookeeper neigbor, Gus. 


The annual festival aims to promote theatre appreciation and the industry itself  in Cebu. The ticket price is 200 pesos. 
For reservations, please email crystalcavalierproductions@gmail.com or call 09151142317

Music: Gudti Nga Kinabuhi

How about some local sights and sounds?

Gudti Nga Kinabuhi is from local surfer-songwriter, Romel Osias and guitarist Rex Makabenta.The song was recorded in Harmony Hub in Tacloban City and mixed and mastered by Derek Delgado. The video was shot in Dulag, a local surfing spot in Leyte.


Is it just me or does the song have a Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, and John Mayer feel to it?

Gudti Nga Kinabuhi

MUSIC: Mark Villarosa

Scared of Heights by Mark Villarosa

Mark Villarosa in a London-based Filipino singer-songwriter who is currently making waves in London's indie music scene. Aside from playing in some of London's best pubs, he has also played in New York.

Born in the Philippines and raised in the UK, Mark's music can be described as soulful and lyrical acoustic/rock. He plays the piano and guitar and plays around London backed with three-piece band.

If you are in London, we recommend checking out Mark Villarosa and his band. 

 Wrong by Mark Villarosa

FESTIVAL: Cinemalaya 2010

The most prestigious Filipino independent film festival, Cinemalaya will start off tonight, July 9, 2010 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre) with Ganap Na Babae, an anthology film directed by Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos and, introducing, new director, Sarah Roxas.


Winning the short-screenplay contest, Sarah Roxas' piece is an adaptation of Mike Portes' 2004 article, Minsan May Isang Puta. When I talked to her several weeks ago, she mentioned proudly and gratefully that her crew worked tirelessly without asking her for anything. What made her go on with the film, despite the challenge of budget,  is the confidence and trust of the people around her.

Cinemalaya 2010 will also feature Art Katipunan's Si Techie, Si Teknoboy at Si Juana B. for New Breed Competition and Kerwin Go's martial art documentary, Eskrimadors as part of ANI: Harvest of the Year's Best. The festival will close on July 18. 

For more information of Cinemalaya 2010 schedule, please visit: http://www.cinemalaya.org/competition.htm

EVENT: Kids Rock: A Concert for a Cause

Some of Cebu's indie artists will perform in a concert for a cause entitled, Kids Rock, this Friday, June 25, 2010 at the Outpost. The concert is for the benefit of 700 less fortunate children. Featured artists are Cattski, Shuffled, Bethany, Undercover Grasshoppers and Rescue a Hero.