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For the past 21 years, The Filipino Express has provided the Filipino American community the best news, arts and entertainment coverage from around the United States and the Philippines.
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This website includes selected articles from this week's edition of the Filipino Express. Not all the stories published in the printed version appear on this site.
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THE mushrooming and constant growing in number of singing groups and bands come to no surprise anymore… for Pinoys are known to be born with innate musicality or, at the least, musically inclined. Whenever there are Pinoys, there certainly will be karaoke machines or any sing-along gadget, for music is always like a shadow among Pinoys --- inseparable! Bring Pinoys out of the country and undoubtedly, their music won’t be left behind.
And the way MOXIE Band was formed wasn’t any different from the rest. Born in Eatontown, New Jersey, it all started from being members of “Servants of the Lord”, a church choir jointly composed of Will Acedera (the lead guitarist), Carlos (the drummer, who was the lead guitarist before Will joined in 2003), Shon Montano (keyboard / vocals), Ian (bassist), and two of Will’s cousins (who are both guitarist and drummer). Since the members are all rockers and almost all-around players, they constantly went on jamming sessions every after each choir assignment… until they felt they satisfactorily achieve some sort of perfecting a repertoire and ready for the big gig.
The year 2004 gave birth to a promising all-Filipino band, “Banda Ni Popoy” (named after Will’s domestic moniker… since they didn’t even bother to think of something more profound) and the following year tested their performing capability by way of their much-awaited baptism of fire… that of being part of the “Pinoy Band Festival 2005”, a hometown band fest ably organized by Will and his “Kumpare” Dodo Morales, with proceeds that benefited the Bantay-Bata Foundation.
By 2006, “Banda Ni Popoy” was re-christened “Moxie Band”, (as suggested by Shon, the keyboardist) in time after two of the members quitted and formed their own group. The problem of losing a drummer and bassist didn’t last long. After a few months, Moxie got a new drummer in the person of Jason and a bassist in Bong Antonio (from the “Servants of the Lord Choir”). The band was in full force again and soon after, a number of gigs, concert openings and travels followed with a participation in one of Andrew E’s concerts as one memorable highlight
But the on-going success was aborted when their drummer, Jason, disbanded and joined “Bleud”… which posed as a serious problem again for the group. A number of applicants came to audition but the one considered backed out untimely (for living distantly and driving for than an hour) even before he was included in a major gig.
Call it a blessing! A replacement was soon found in Carlos Licas (of the “Servants of the Lord Choir”) and thereafter, the Moxie Band was solid again and actively performing. Bhelle Surban, Will’s wife and daughter of Philippine Novelty singer and comedian Max Surban, is a welcome addition to the group since the former is also a singer/songwriter like her dad. With Bhelle around, Moxie’s brand of music has eventually evolved through simple rock, hard rock, gothic metal, Manila sound (tunog- Pinoy) and what do you know? Disco!
Moxie’s roster of performances included front acts and opening numbers in a number of shows and concerts for “Parokya ni Edgar”, “Kamikazee”, “Andrew E”, David Pomeranz, “Hotdogs”, “Yoyoy Villame” and “Max Surban” and a lot more of lesser named places and events but with an equally successful and fulfilling appearances.
Known for their original ditties and compositions, Moxie, the alternative Rock/ Pop band from Eatontown, New Jersey, is one group predicted to catapult to where they are destined… stardom! Consider their string of original compositions in English and Tagalog (OPM): “Deadma”, “Magugunaw Na Ang Mundo”, “Nasaan Na?”, “Pinas”, “Ghost Of Lovers Past” and “This Love Has No End” with some of the songs available for listening pleasure on www.myspace.com/moxiebanda.
Take time out to experience a different brand of music that isn’t noise-and-nosense-beats… but definitely something that induces a certain kind of high and infectious rhythm Moxie Band could easily offer. And for as long as playing and singing bands are in, Moxie Band, the all-Pinoypride, will never be out of the music scene… for Moxie is just a shy away from being internationally recognized… just patiently awaiting for that elusive big break!
On May 17 and 18, at the Phil-US Expo ’08, watch the Moxie Band perform. It will be held at the National Guard Armory in Jersey City. For more information, please call 1.201.332.4112, 1.201.332.4973, 1.201.920.6936. Or visit Phil-US Expo website www.phil-usexpo.com.
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WHETHER you live in the U.S. or in the Philippines, music is a language that everyone understands. And, it will be music that unites Filipinos on May 17-18 at the Meadowlands Expo Center during the second annual Pinoy Musik Festival (PMF) (www.pinoymusikfestival.com. The highly anticipated 2-day event will feature live performances by top Filipino entertainers Sam Milby, MYMP, Kris Lawrence and the funny duo Pork Chop.
Though live music from some of the biggest names in Filipino music will be the main draw, there will be many opportunities for local Filipino artists to shine and perhaps get their big break in this 2-day celebration. A special pavilion for Expo de Mayo will add color to the event through the participation of select exhibitors and sponsors from the Philippine and Hispanic communities.
In addition to the headliners, Festival highlights include a search for the next great Filipino band, a karaoke/videoke competition, performances by bands representing some of the top universities in the Philippines and a songwriting competition. This event offers many opportunities fornetworking and exposure to music industry professionals, emphasized Mila Mendez, Executive Vice President of Pinoy Musik Festival.
Rounding out the event is an authentic Filipino food court, and Children's Pavilion featuring fun educational activities manned by the Association of Filipino Teachers of America (AFTA) volunteers.
The 2008 Pinoy Musik Festival will be presented by Special Edition Press, Inc. the New York City-based premiere provider of blockbuster Filipino events for nearly 15 years. The Mendez's have worked hard to showcase original Filipino music and culture, and provide avenues for Filipino talents to gain recognition outside the Philippines. The Pinoy Musik Festival is music to our ears, says Mila Mendez
For businesses that want to reach a robust audience, exhibiting at the Festival will guarantee maximum exposure for their products and services. According to the 2006 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Filipino demographic is one of the fastest growing groups in the U.S. with an estimated $52 billion purchasing power.
We expect over 15,000 attendees at this year's event, said Mila Mendez. Sponsorship packages are flexible, with packages at the Bronze, Gold, Silver and Platinum levels. The packages are not set in stone. We are open to working with businesses to create a package that best suits their needs, said Ms. Mendez.
Sponsorship packages include exhibit space, rotating video advertisement spots on the main stage screen, prominent signage at the venue and company name/logo placement in all promotional materials, such as flyers, direct mailers, TV spots and ad placement in the event journal, among many other benefits. A portion of the net proceeds from sponsorship will benefit Filipino- American Youth Services, Inc., the charitable arm of Special Edition Press. This organization works to educate parents and children on the dangers of drug abuse, smoking, and is in the process of setting up a children's library that will feature a collection of books celebrating Filipino culture.
There are many benefits to sponsoring this event. In addition to media and press exposure for your brand, businesses gain direct exposure and opportunities to interact face-to-face with this youthful audience in one place, stated Mila Mendez. Adding, Filipino-owned businesses can significantly contribute to the success of this event by exhibiting.
The 2008 Pinoy Musik Festival is more than just a concert with top Filipino performers - it's an event that brings Filipino-Americans together to celebrate their love of music and pride in their heritage.
The event is brought to you by MYX, Special Edition Press, ARYTY, Citibank, Mama Sita, Western Union, Philippine Fiesta & Asian Journal.
To sponsor, exhibit, advertise or participate, please contact (212) 682-6610 or email at milamendez@aol.com. General Admission $18 tickets are available at most Filipino stores. Limited VIP tickets are also available and can be ordered on-line at shop.specialeditionevents.com
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