RED LETTER NIGHT

MY BIRTHDAY WISH

As you may or may not know, I am celebrating my birthday today. :) But more important than that is the charity show I am organizing in celebration of it. Buying tickets to this show would be the best birthday gift you guys could give me...because 100% of all the ticket sales will go directly to the Philippine National Red Cross.

I've been a busy bee working on this show and I have finally rounded up a stellar lineup of performers. "RED LETTER NIGHT" features Awit-winning R&B singer Thor, Awit-nominated band 3rd Avenue, rocker Miguel Escueta, soul child Julianne, The Out of Body Special, many other bands, and surprise celebrity guests. It will be on January 4, 2009 at Fiamma along Jupiter Street in Makati.

I don't have a poster for the show yet so I'll let you guys take a look at the ticket concept instead. :P I just got the actual tickets today, so if you are interested to buy some, email me! (alwaysdianne@gmail.com)


Thanks to all the sponsors who have extended their support to this project, especially 7107 Islands Cruise and Mossimo! Huge thanks also go out to First Gourmet Academy, Sanctuario Spa, Well of Health, UCPI, Ed Arevalo of musicrator.com, Raintree Restaurants, Cupcakes by Sonja, Gerry's Grill, and Cardinal Printing Press. A SUPERSIZED thanks to Marlon Barnuevo for designing the tickets and posters!

AND BY THE WAY GUYS...If you would like to be involved, you can help me sell tickets! They are only P350, and like I said earlier, every centavo of that will go to the Red Cross. I am awarding the person who sells the most number of tickets with a FREE CRUISE TRIP FOR TWO. Contact me on how you'd like to get started! :D

Well that's about it. I gotta go celebrate my birthday now. Hahaha! Mmmmmwah!

Radio and Mall Tour

NOV. 10, 2008 - RX Concert Series, 6 PM
NOV. 13, 2008 - RADIO TOUR

10:30 -11:00 AM........LOVE/YES FM
11:00 -12:00 NN........STAR FM
1:30 - 2:00 PM..........BRGY LSFM
2:30 - 3:00 PM..........WRR
4:00 - 4:30 PM..........MAX FM
4:30 - 5:00 PM..........WAVE
8:00 - 8:30 PM..........MELLOW
8:30 - 9:00 PM..........MAGIC (TBC)
9:30 -10:30 PM.........RT/BREWRATS

NOV. 22, 2008 - Robinsons Sta. Rosa
NOV. 23, 2008 - Robinsons Manila
NOV. 26, 2008 - Radio Guesting on Mellow, 2 PM
NOV. 29, 2008 - Robinsons Metro East
DEC. 6, 2008 - Robinsons Novaliches
DEC. 13, 2008 - Robinsons Dasmarinas
DEC. 14, 2008 - Magic 89.9 Live Na Live, 7 PM, Eastwood

HEAR! HEAR! (or read! read!)

Dianne Elise to unveil latest project

Filipinos first heard Dianne Elise when she revived the Chicago classic "You're the Inspiration." Since then she has come out with more singles including a Chris Cross cover and her own composition. This time she is returning to the music scene to make bigger waves. She just signed with MCA Music, the local arm of the Universal Music Group and the largest recording company worldwide. Dianne is now among the Philippines' most formidable acts, which include Richard Poon, Julianne, Miguel Escueta, Zoo, Pedicab, Chiscosci, Cambio and Side A. She is all set to release her sophomore album this month.

The new album is called Committed and it takes listeners through the roller coaster of love. Promising songs include a string of boy band hits and retro ballads, but the most alluring is the first track, "If You're Not the One." While the Daniel Bedingfield song was too recent to revive for some, Dianne was said to have insisted on doing her own version. The result was the ubiquitous idea to make it the first single off the album.

Award-winning director Milos Curameng took on the challenge of creating the music video for this song. The concept of the shoot had Dianne reaching out to someone that could only be barely seen. For those familiar with the director's works, it would be no surprise that he set the video to a somber tone. But with the song's debatably happy mood, a balance was struck to let the viewers decide how they want to interpret it.

The premiere for the music video "If You're Not the One" is slated to air tonight, October 26, on the Myx Music Channel at 9:00 PM. Be sure to watch as Dianne Elise unveils the next chapter in her musical journey. She shows she is committed to it in more ways than one.

HEROES!!!

Yeah I know...This has nothing to do with this blog...but I just can't wait!!!

Gee WIZ!

I had the most amazing photo shoot yesterday for my second album. The team that was gathered to do it were all wizards in their respective fields. What I'm trying to say is, they made MAGIC happen! I don't have the final pictures yet, but here's a look at what went on behind the scenes. I'm getting all giddy just remembering how spectacular it was.



Not another sentence can go on until I mention the individual who made this shoot so incredible. (Unless you count THAT sentence. Oh shoot, I did it again.) RAYMUND ISAAC!!! The name is abundant enough to be a sentence itself! He's only been in the business for over 25 years...He's only shot like half of the pics you see in magazines and billboards...He's only captured the who's who of Philippine society on cam...He's only the most brilliant photographer I've ever had the blessing to work with!




There's also the stylist who put together the beautiful garments and made them work like a delicious cocktail drink! Mervin Lazaro is stylist to celebs like Marian Rivera and he also designs clothes for several labels in the country. From the moment we first met and selected the key items, I knew we were going to jive. The outfits let me be fun and girly without being too prissy, a little more earnest when necessary, and all throughout, fierce! He knew exactly how to maximize every look without exaggerating, and that was the perfect balance.




The best part of it all was that these people--with the most phenomenal skills--also had the most down-to-earth attitudes. It was truly a joy working with them. I realize that's a hackneyed expression, but it really was a joy.



Ofcourse...I wouldn't even be able to write about this experience if it had not been for MCA Music and Real Talent. I think I've got the best people by my side and I am everyday thankful for that. This is gonna be Round 2 for me, and while I know I'm far from where I want to be, I also know that I've got what I need to get there.

P.S. Mr. Raymund Isaac, even though you had not slept for the past three days, I still thought you were a beautiful man! :X And not to mention oh-so debonair. It was an HONOR to have been your subject! :)

Please watch out for my sophomore album under MCA Music next month!



Gig Sched for August:
TUESDAYS - Aruba Bar & Restaurant, Metrowalk
THURSDAYS - Prophets Bar & Restaurant, Libertad St.

September:
TUESDAYS - Aruba Bar & Restaurant, Metrowalk
SATURDAYS - Prophets Bar & Restaurant, Libertad St.






P.S. If you are a young director with fresh ideas please email me at alwaysdianne@gmail.com. We are looking for someone to do my next music video! :)

nonsense and some sense

i'm one of those people who get a cough and cold like every three months. but since the start of 2008, i've been doing such. a. good. job. at not getting sick. that is ofcourse up until now. i could blame my lack of sleep, which in turn lowered my immune system, so that after staying at a public place, i was more susceptible to the ever so common cold. but then again, i could just blame myself for not going to bed early enough.


after realizing how sickly i am because of my poor sleeping habits, or the absence thereof, i have miraculously turned into some kind of a morning person. i may be jumping the gun in making that statement since it has only been three days. but since then, i have been going to bed at midnight. not at three, four, or five am. midnight! to top it off, i have been waking up at nine am! i don't usually wake up in the "am" at all, so that is just truly magnificent for me. and oh it feels so good to see the sun on the other side of the street. and my cough and cold which usually lasts two weeks? well...i think i'll be all better by this weekend! so congratulations are in order. i have finally listened to everyone's advice: "go to bed early."

but enough of that. i shall no longer rant about my health. don't worry...this isn't going to be one of those blogs. i don't want to bore you to tears...i do however have a few updates as long as i'm blogging away.


at the end of the year, there will be certain highlights that everyone will look back upon. being signed as an mca artist is definitely one of my highlights. i did my first gig as an mca artist during the mariah carey victory party at eastwood. and now i am recording my sophomore album with the major label. i am trying to include some of my own compositions, but a lot of people are saying that they just don't jive with the album. actually, i sugarcoated their comments. (pang doobie night daw.) i am doomed to forever doing covers. (don't get me wrong--i love the songs obviously, but i just really wish i could have people hear my originals!)


i also did my first tv commercial, which has been on my to-do list since i was like 16. i'm so happy it finally happened. oh but i can't really talk about that until they start airing it. so just watch out for it instead...

aside from the career, i was able to reunite with two of my closest friends from chicago: my best friend maria who i haven't seen in six years, and my other good friend katrina who i haven't seen in three. we escaped to boracay and were lucky enough to have good weather in a normally rainy season. even after the recent storm, boracay was still as beautiful as ever. (i had so much fun with you, maria and kat!!! memories to last a lifetime!)


before i go...let me invite you guys to watch me live. i'm back at aruba metrowalk every tuesday with my kickass band. so i'll see you when i see you. i gotta walk my dog now.

PART 2

Finally...here's Part 2. So what had kept me busy since February? I'll let the pictures and videos speak for themselves.

I did another radio tour within Metro Manila to promote my second single, "Swept Away." And I was elated to find that people love my version of the Chris Cross love song. Here I joined Papa Dudot behind the booth. I was also able to meet Papa Kiko, Papa Bear, and Mama Annabelle. Hi guys! :)

I also got the call that I had been waiting for. The one where they would ask me to sing on ASAP for the first time. "Swept Away" was featured in a medley of new radio hits, as I performed it with the big screen idol of idols, Piolo Pascual. I don't think I was ever MORE nervous than I was that day. But I am so grateful that it happened.

And did I mention I was able to meet Charice Pempengco backstage? This girl blows me away! When I watched her on Ellen, I got goosebumps! I'm betting on her and Arnel Pineda to show the world that Pinoys got talent!!!


As for other TV appearances, I also went on SBX, Walang Tulugan, and The Good Night Show to talk more about my debut album and second single. The hosts from all the shows were very warm (and some even quite out of the box). So you can tell I had a great time with all of them.

Last month I was asked to be part of an event not as a performer but as a speaker. And I was thrilled to do something like that for the first time. It was a youth summit by Ford against drinking and driving. This is one of many issues that I strongly advocate so it was hardly like work at all. (I have such a fun job.) I shared the stage with some MTV VJs and radio jocks from Magic 89.9, as we tried to lay down some hard facts about the dangers of drunk driving. SO WHILE I'M AT IT...Listen up. Er...read up. We don't have any laws here in the country against drinking and driving so it's up to US to exercise self-control! Like Brandon Boyd sang, "Will I choose water over wine and hold my own and drive?" Well, even if he chooses water, atleast...whatever tomorrow brings he'll be there. With open arms and open eyes yeah.


Last but not least, I was invited by M.O.R. to sing some songs at the Panaad Festival in Bacolod a few weeks ago. It was awesome 'cause I made some new friends along the way, got to eat some AMAZING inasal, and for the first time, I sang in the rain! (Sans electrocution ofcourse.) Too bad I wasn't able to get any photos of my performance. But I'll try to upload some pics from that trip (as soon as Stephanie sends them to me. Ahem, ahem. Hahahahaha...)! But anyway. Thank you so much to M.O.R. for having me over that weekend. It was truly a memorable experience.

Ok and if I missed out on any events or whatever, you must forgive me because I have some serious memory gaps. And guys, watch out for my third single entitled "Easier." It's MY own composition with Bobby Velasco, so I hope you all like it as much as you liked the first two. I will be shooting the video for that song in a few weeks, and ofcourse, I'll give you all the updates when I have them. :) If you're reading this...whether you're a friend or a foe, fan or a hater, thank you for dropping by. May God bless you everyday. :) PEACE OUT!

Part 1 of My Update :)

Wave just celebrated its seventh anniversary, and if you were lucky enough to be there, you would have been a witness to the incredible talent this country has to offer. Everybody who's a somebody was there. So it was very exciting for me to share the stage with some of the artists I had only admired a few years back. "Makin' It Happen @ Seven" featured artists like Jay Durias, Nina, Thor, Julianne, Luke Mejares, Amber, Urbanation, Jay-R, and a whole lot more. Happy anniversary to Wave and a million thanks for being the first station to ever play my song!


In other news, the most embarrassing and most memorable gig of my life took place a few weeks ago. I was singing my first number at the birthday party of--let's just say--someone from a very notable family...And before the song ended, I had managed to fall flat on my bottom. To my defense, the spotlight was blinding me as efficiently as possible, so I didn't realize I had already reached the end of the slightly elevated dancefloor. Arrgghh! I know I have a proclivity to clumsiness, but it sure does surface at the worst times. All I kept thinking was, "Please don't let me see this on YouTube..." And if anything at all, they should have had a sign.


Well, this is not all for my update but I'm afraid I have to stop here for now. I still need to upload more pics so I can show you what had kept me busy for the past two months. Don't forget to tune in to my weekly radio show on Wave called VINTAGE SOUL. It's on at 8:15 PM every Wednesday. And for live gigs, you can catch me at Liberty Center along Shaw Blvd. on April 11 and April 25. PEACE.

Randomness

it's february and love is in the air. for those of you who have a special someone with whom to share valentine's day, make every moment count. and when it's over, celebrate it again everyday for the rest of the year. for those of you who are single...learn to appreciate your solitude and distinguish it from loneliness. it's so ironic, but nothing is more attractive than independence. but then ofcourse that's just my opinion.

many thanks go to all those who showed their love for me in my recent mall shows. i will be dropping by robinsons cebu this saturday, february 16 for my next gig. and i have to say, i'm so excited to go back to cebu. after my first mall show there, i was able to try all the wonderful food that the city had to offer. so on my trip back, i'll be looking forward to more food trips!

after exchanging a few words with some of you during my mall shows, i learned that there are some people impersonating me on several networking sites. please be careful disclosing private information to individuals who claim to be me. you can be sure by checking the links:

www.friendster.com/iamdianne

www.dianneelise.imeem.com

those are the only public accounts i have, in addition to this blog. just giving you guys a heads up. :)

well i guess that's all for now. don't forget to tune in to my radio show, VINTAGE SOUL, every wednesday night on wave 89.1. this week i'll be featuring my cousin, carl talabis, on guitar. so keep it locked on the metro's most influential.

PEACE.

Ever Been Swept Away?

Just the other week, we wrapped up the production of my second music video for my new single, Swept Away. Some of my friends and family were able to join me in the shoot, including my mom who also made an appearance, so it was a project that has been most fun. The entire video was shot in this alley in Manila, featuring real people, and real happenings. Check it out.

Below are pics of my friends and family who, luckily for me, were free that day to offer their services as actors/actresses in my music video! :) Watch out for the cutie in yellow! He's got places to go!

The one who looks like he's doing karate in this next picture is our kick-ass director! And the guy taking a photo in the back? Oh...some obsessed fan. (Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!)

Eeewww...my face looks really chubby there. But look at Jonna in this next shot! So masungit! Hehehe!

Here are some of the residents of that street in Manila. We asked them to do some of their normal, everyday activities for the shoot. Ofcourse in front of a camera, it's always a little more difficult. But they did such a great job anyway! I most especially loved the carpenter guy...You'll see what I mean when you watch the video. :)

The next photo was taken while we were previewing what we had shot for the day. I guess we're biased, but we liked it! :D I hope all of you out there like it too!

Well, the video is out now on MYX. It aired just last week and I was surprised to see it! I thought it wouldn't be out till February, but hey, the sooner the better for me. Please support it by voting for it as many times as you can everyday! Hehehe...You can do that by keying in MYX[space]VOTE[space]SWEPT AWAY and send it to 2366.

I know it's too soon to be talking about this, but I can't wait till my next music video. With that one, you all will finally be able to hear my own composition! My first two singles have been covers, but the third one will be my very own! So there's always something to look forward to...Oh and hey! I just want to say THANKS to Billie Princesa for providing us these pictures! Hahaha! She's an old schoolmate of mine, a singer-songwriter too, so be on the lookout for her. Hey Billie!!! (Yeah, you know I gotta give my props.) CHOMP! :D

Isn't It Time?

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FANS! Wow…I never used the word “fans” before. But this is a new year so I’m going to start doing things I never used to do! Even though I missed the countdown and the new year greeted me with some bad news, I won’t let it get to me. I can’t be superstitious about that stuff. Happiness, success, and everything else that’s good is whatever you make it. So I’m taking 2008 in my hands and I’m making it mine.

With that, I’d like to invite you all to my new lineup of mall shows. This year we’re doing the rounds at Robinsons. So here’s the preliminary sked:

ROBINSONS MALL TOUR
JAN. 12 - Lipa
JAN. 13 - Metro East @ Cainta
JAN. 19 - Manila
FEB. 1 - Galleria @ Ortigas
FEB. 3 – Pampanga

This week I will be doing the music video for my second single, Swept Away. I’m really excited about it, but ofcourse I’m not going to give anything away. So just watch out for that!!!

Before I go, I just want to take this moment to say…I hope you all enjoyed your holiday celebrations. And if your New Year’s Day wasn’t all that great, it does not mean the rest of the year will be like that. We all have the choice to make our situation better than it was a minute ago. So make 2008 yours too! :D