Latest news with #IkawatAko
GMA Network
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
7 times Mika Salamanca proved her singing prowess
Whether it is just for TikTok or all-out recordings, Mika Salamanca sure has what it takes to be a singer, given her vocal chops and strong presence. She's got a unique, soft voice fit for acoustic pop songs, and often shares her covers on social media. Here are seven moments wherein Mika proved her singing prowess. 1. 'Binibini' Mika has a soft take on the song 'Binibini' by Zack Tabudlo. Accompanied by a slow piano instrumental, Mika let her genuine voice shine throughout the song's high notes in the bridge and provided some smooth adlibs. 2. 'Ikaw at Ako' Mika showcased her smooth vocals with the band Agsunta in their cover of Moira Dela Torre and Jason Marvin's 'Ikaw at Ako,' where the Sparkle star easily blended in with the vocalist's voice. 3. 'Handa Ako' The Controversial Ca-Babe-len ng Pampanga was the featured artist in Wilbert Ross' track, 'Handa Ako.' Coming in the second verse, Mika made sure to bring the feels to the song with heartbreaking yet tender and hopeful emotions. 4. 'A Million Dreams' Mika's cover of 'A Million Dreams' from 'The Greatest Showman' is among her most popular covers on her YouTube channel. With 2.1 million views as of this writing, Mika sang the song live with an acoustic piano accompaniment and put her own twist to the song. 5. 'Starting Over Again' Mika turned 'Starting Over Again' by Natalie Cole into a smooth R&B track on TikTok, putting her own spin on the cover with hints of her pop voice and soulful adlibs. 6. 'Maybe This Time' Mika impressed with her cover of 'Maybe This Time' popularized by Sarah Geronimo. For the bridge, Mika flexed that she can reach high notes while keeping her signature smooth sound. 7. 'Sino Nga Ba Siya' This would not be a complete list without Mika's iconic moment! Although she is often teased with memes and by her fellow 'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition' housemates, Mika's recent take on Sarah Geronimo's 'Sino Nga Ba Siya,' is a memorable one. Mika poked fun at her past self, but also flexed her matured singing voice, which is fit for a full song cover. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
TJ Monterde looks back at rejections, reveals he almost quit music before his rise to success
Before achieving widespread recognition, TJ Monterde faced significant challenges, including numerous rejections and financial difficulties that one point led him to consider giving up on his music career. On Thursday's 'Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,' the OPM singer admitted experiencing rejections was painful. 'Marami pero—masakit siya, 'yung mga rejections siyempre,' he said, sharing he would often receive the usual "we'll get back to you" response. A particularly heartbreaking experience involved securing a September gig two months prior to the schedule. He remembered being very excited about the opportunity; he had no other work to look forward to at the time. 'Everyday, practice ako. Pagdating ng mga one week before, biglang hindi natuloy kasi may kinuhang bigger artist kesa sa 'kin. So [that's] one of the heartbreaks sa mga una na. Hindi ka puwedeng sobrang madaling ma-hurt,' TJ said. He also struggled financially, sharing he would take on side gigs to make ends meet. 'As much as I can, nagvo-voice overs ako sa commercials. 'Yun 'yung ginagawa ko. I do voice-overs for radio and TV commercials. Nag-ho-host ako ng events kung kaya ko,' he said. His dad would even check up on him and ask how he's doing. 'There was this time na wala na talaga kaming pera. As in, wala na,' TJ said, recalling a time when he asked his friend, Makoy, if he had enough money for just dinner, as his own money from his father wouldn't arrive until the next day. Makoy managed to scrape together just enough money to buy them buy-one-take-one burgers. 'Habang naglalakad kami papunta do'n sa circle, nakatingin ako sa daan hoping that I'd find like P10 or P20 na 'Lord sana may P10 ditong makita ako para man lang may pang-soft drinks kami,'' TJ said. This made TJ question his path, wondering if what he was doing with his life was right and if he should just return home. 'Pero wala eh. There's just—every time, lagi Niyang sinasabi sa 'kin na tuloy mo lang, may pupuntahan ka. There's always a small voice. I hear it,' he said. TJ released his first single, 'Ikaw at Ako,' in 2012 and the rest is history. Among his other hit songs are 'Dating Tayo' and 'Palagi' with his wife, KZ Tandingan. In February, he had a three-night concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Perhaps TJ's story on perseverance and faith is one we need as we try to finish the week with flying colors. — Carby Basina/LA, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Don't miss out: TJ Monterde's 'Sarili Nating Mundo' concert in Dubai selling out fast
Tickets for TJ Monterde's much-awaited concert in Dubai are selling quickly, with over 80% already claimed. As the date for his performance at Coca-Cola Arena on July 13, 2025, draws nearer, fans are eager to secure their spots before they're gone. Fresh off the success of his sold-out Manila show, the award-winning Filipino singer-songwriter is set to bring his signature blend of hugot and heartfelt music to the Dubai stage as part of his world tour. Known for his deeply emotional lyrics and soothing melodies, TJ Monterde has won the hearts of millions, and this upcoming show promises to be an unforgettable experience, as it features his hit songs 'Palagi,' 'Ikaw at Ako,' and 'Sariling Mundo.' Fans can expect a night filled with soul-stirring performances, made even more special with a guest appearance by Asia's Soul Supreme, KZ Tandingan, a collaboration that fans have long been eager to witness live. Behind the scenes, renowned actor-director John Prats is set to deliver a top-tier production, ensuring an elevated concert experience for OPM lovers in the UAE. With over a billion streams on Spotify, TJ Monterde remains one of the most streamed OPM artists, proving his deep connection with fans worldwide. As his Dubai concert nears full capacity, those who haven't secured their tickets yet are urged to act fast to avoid missing out on this one-night-only event. Presented by D&R Pure Jewels and D&R Elegant Events, this one-night-only event is expected to be a milestone in Dubai's OPM scene. Fans looking to be part of this memorable evening can still grab their tickets, but with seats filling up fast, securing them now is the best way to guarantee a spot. Don't miss the chance to witness TJ Monterde live—reserve your tickets before they sell out completely!
Filipino Times
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Tickets selling fast for TJ Monterde's 'Sarili Nating Mundo' concert in Dubai
Tickets for TJ Monterde's much-awaited concert in Dubai are selling quickly, with over 80% already claimed. As the date for his performance at Coca-Cola Arena on July 13, 2025, draws nearer, fans are eager to secure their spots before they're gone. Fresh off the success of his sold-out Manila show, the award-winning Filipino singer-songwriter is set to bring his signature blend of hugot and heartfelt music to the Dubai stage as part of his world tour. Known for his deeply emotional lyrics and soothing melodies, TJ Monterde has won the hearts of millions, and this upcoming show promises to be an unforgettable experience, as it features his hit songs 'Palagi,' 'Ikaw at Ako,' and 'Sariling Mundo.' Fans can expect a night filled with soul-stirring performances, made even more special with a guest appearance by Asia's Soul Supreme, KZ Tandingan, a collaboration that fans have long been eager to witness live. Behind the scenes, renowned actor-director John Prats is set to deliver a top-tier production, ensuring an elevated concert experience for OPM lovers in the UAE. With over a billion streams on Spotify, TJ Monterde remains one of the most streamed OPM artists, proving his deep connection with fans worldwide. As his Dubai concert nears full capacity, those who haven't secured their tickets yet are urged to act fast to avoid missing out on this one-night-only event. Presented by D&R Pure Jewels and D&R Elegant Events, this one-night-only event is expected to be a milestone in Dubai's OPM scene. Fans looking to be part of this memorable evening can still grab their tickets, but with seats filling up fast, securing them now is the best way to guarantee a spot. Don't miss the chance to witness TJ Monterde live—reserve your tickets before they sell out completely!
