Richard Poon sings hits of Burt Bacharach in new album




The country’s premiere crooner Richard Poon interprets some of Burt Bacharach’s biggest hits in her new album aptly titled “The Crooner Sings Bacharach.” This is Richard’s second album with Universal Records, after the album “Legends,” which was awarded Gold.

The album consists of 12 Bacharach classics including “What The World Needs Now,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Don’t Make Me Over,” “Close To You,” “Raindrops Keeps Falling On My Head,” among others.

“I think this is the best album I’ve ever done ever kasi even my record label executives are raving about it,” shares Richard. “It’s a nice album taas kamay ko sa mga arrangers ko.”

“The Crooner Sings Bacharach” will have an album launch this October 3, Friday, Shangrila Plaza East Wing. Advanced copies of the album will be sold at the venue.



THE CROONER SINGS BACHARACH
1. Always Something There To Remind Me
2. The Look Of Love
3. A House Is Not Home
4. What The World Needs Now Is Love
5. Alfie
6. Walk On By
7. Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)
8. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
9. I Say A Little Prayer
10. Don't Make Me Over
11. You'll Never Get To Heaven
12. (They Long To Be) Close To You

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Karylle is first celebrity endorser of Status Salon

These days, Karylle dabbles into almost everything – singing, hosting, acting, writing, musical theater, songwriting.

She is seen on TV almost everyday hosting the ABS-CBN noontime show “It’s Showtime.” She is also currently promoting her newest album “K,” under PolyEast Records.

She also makes sure that she performs onstage every now and then, Just last weekend, Karylle was one of the performers of the 45th anniversary show of the Cultural Center of the Phillippines “Musikal,” a historic coming together of more than 200 local theater performers in the country. She reprised her Sita role from last year’s “Rama Hari” revival.

With everything that keeps Karylle busy, the singer-actress-TV host is thankful that STATUS Salon has chosen her to be their first celebrity endorser.



“I really am grateful to STATUS that they gave me their full trust and confidence to be their first celebrity endorser,” says Karylle. “It feels great that I was warmly welcomed by everyone, and I now have STATUS to take care of my hair.”

She adds, “with all my engagements, na siyempre kailangan ayusin yung buhok ko, sometimes it takes a toll on my hair, so ngayon I’m happy na kasi STATUS is there na.”

Karylle, who frequents Quezon City, San Juan, Eastwood and Ortigas areas, also notes that it is good that there is always a STATUS Salon near her always.

STATUS has branches in Tomas Morato, Katipunan, Eastwood San Juan, Robinson’s Galleria plus STATUS Premiere Salon in Acropolis, Makati, and Banawe.

“We really are happy that Karylle is already part of the STATUS Salon family,” says Robina Ko, one of the owners of the salon chain. “Karylle is so beautiful inside and out, and people look up to her because of her intelligence, good heart, and beauty kaya perfect talaga siya for STATUS.”

Roseann Ko, the other owner of STATUS, also adds that, “the launch of Karylle as our endorser also signals our foray into franchising, so it’s really a big step for all of us, and we are thankful that we have Karylle.”

For franchising inquiries, please contact Mr. Paul Vicencio at 0915-8770219.

Dulce, Isay Alvarez, Sheila Francisco, Karylle lead 'Musikal'


In celebration of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ 45th anniversary, around 200 theater actors performed for what may be called the “biggest gathering of theater superstars” in history – “Musikal,” held last Friday (September 5) and Saturday (September 6) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The celebration was led by theater superstars Isay Alvarez and Robert Sena, Sheila Francisco, Dulce, and Karylle, who did not take her spot in the front line during the All-Star Finale.

Karylle’s gesture was lauded by some people who noted her humility.

A guest, who refused to be named, said, “Karylle obviously had a spot in the first row, but she was humble enough to stick to her place beside theater heavyweights like Isay, Robert, Dulce, and Sheila. Aside from her excellent performance that night, her humility and character shone during ‘Musikal.’”

Karylle performed lead roles in stage musicals like “The Little Mermaid,” “West Side Story,” and “Cinderella,” and reprised her Sita role from last year’s successful staging of Ballet Philippines’ “Rama Hari.”




“Musikal” opened with the overture by The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra with Gerard Salonga.

The revue started with musicals, which tackled old Philippines – “Walang Sugat,” represented by the comic spot “Makikiliti Kang Totoo,” performed by international musical star Sheila Francisco and Red Nuestro. It was followed by chosen numbers from “Ang Kababaihan Ng Malolos” and “San Andres B.”

The Ryan Cayabyab Singers performed a medley of songs from the musical “Lorenzo,” which elicited loud applause from the audience.

Former Sugarfree vocalist Ebe Dancel’s vocals soared in the “Rock Supremo” spot. He was accompanied by Ballet Philippines’ stars Carissa Adea, Kathrina Trofeo, and Richardson Yadao.

Children musicals came next. The segment opened with “Sandosenang Sapatos,” followed by last year’s multi-awarded “Bluebird of Happiness,” and “Batang Rizal.”

The “vaudeville” musicals were presented next with Roeder’s sexy, comic number “Titina” and the showstopping “Aba Ba Boogie,” from the 1980’s hit musical Katy with Isay Alvarez, star of last year’s revival.

The first act closed on a high note with a performance of some of the songs from Ryan Cayabyab and Bienvenido Lumbera’s “Noli Me Tangere” by the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers and the “Munting Pangarap” number of perhaps the most successful musical in recent years “Rak of Aegis.”

The second act opened with Myke Salomon’s performance of “Magsimula Ka.” Followed by spots from Ateneo’s “Sinta,” “Toilet the Musical,” and Ed Gatchalian’s “Rivalry.”

The cast of “Sa Wakas” performed next with the song “Bawat Daan.”

These numbers mirror the youth’s psyche.

The “Himala” spot was undeniably intense with powerhouse performances from May Bayot, Isay Alvarez, Cynthia Guico. and Dulce.

The mood turned gay when Myke Salomon opened the “Rainbow Segment,” with performances from “gay-themed” musicals like “Caredivas,” “Zsa Zsa Zaturnah,” and “Maxie.”

These fun numbers were followed by a revue of “Rama Hari,” perhaps the most important Filipino musical as it was made by icons of the industry – National Artists Bien Lumbera, Alice Reyes, and Salvador Bernal with the respected Ryan Cayabyab.

“Rama Hari” is based on the love story of Rama and Sita, as presented in the Asian epic “Ramayana.”

OJ Mariano (Rama) opened the suite with “Tagistis ng Ulan.” He was followed by Karylle (Sita), who looked every inch a royalty. She sang the most popular tune from the musical – “Magbalik Ka Na Mahal.” Then, a dance solo was performed by dancers from Ballet Philippines. Robert Sena joined OJ and Karylle for “Awit ng Pagsinta.”

The “Rama Hari” was greeted by thunderous applause.

“Musikal” ended with “Minsan Ang Minahal Ay Ako,” a song from the musical “Katy.” The said anthemic song has unofficially been the “theme of stage performers.” Dulce, Isay, and Aicelle, stars of last year’s revival, led all the performers in singing the song.

After that magical, emotional number, thunderous applause, and a long standing ovation greeted the more than 200 cast members of “Musikal,” further proving that the local theater industry is experiencing a new “high.”