'YOLANDA' TWO WEEKS ON: THE FUNDRAISING (MANILA BULLETIN)

source: mb.com.ph

NINA WELCOMES YEAR WITH A CONCERT AND A NEW ALBUM (MANILA BULLETIN)

SOURCE: mb.com.ph

NINA, REBORN (PHILSTAR)

source: philstar.com

GIVING IT ANOTHER SHOT (BUSINESS WORLD WEEKENDER)

SOURCE: bworldonline.com

NINA REBORN FOR 2013 (PHILSTAR)

NINA'S TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY (MALAYA)

Nina’s tribute to Whitney

Enjoy a night of classic soul and R&B in "Timeless: Tribute to a Diva," Soul Siren Nina’s tribute to the legendary Whitney Houston, slated at the Music Museum on April 14 at 8:30 p.m.

It’s no surprise that Nina wishes to serenade her audience with songs that have shaped the music industry into what it is today. Get captivated by Nina’s renditions of Whitney Houston’s classic love songs like "I Will Always Love You," "Where Do Broken Hearts Go?," "Didn’t We Almost Have It All," and "Greatest Love of All."

Tickets are now available at Ticketworld (891-9999) and at the Music Museum (721-6726).

"Timeless: Tribute to a Diva" is for the benefit of Tan Lin & Ng Oh Tee Foundation, Inc. Special thanks to Kolin Electronics Co., Sound Professionals Trading, Inc., Beatbox Professional Lights & Sounds, Pop-Ups Party Needs, Mossimo Music and Religioso.
SOURCE: malaya.com.ph

NEWS FLASH: PATTAYA ON MY MIND BY NINA (THE PHILIPPINE STAR) - APRIL 15, 2011

PATTAYA ON MY MIND

By NinaMANILA, Philippines - It was a sunny day last November when Kathleen Dy-Go of my new family, Universal Records, informed me that I was to represent the country in the 10th Pattaya Music Festival in Thailand.

I was both overwhelmed and thrilled with the news. It was, after all, my first time to represent the country in an international music festival. Aside from that, I have very big shoes to fill, both figuratively and literally, because Christian Bautista, known to have a very strong following in the Indonesia, performed there the year before.

Since November, I was counting the months, weeks and days until finally, the most awaited day has arrived — March 18, the first day of the festival.

When finally our plane landed on Thailand soil, I felt a sudden rush. It was like the universe is telling me that I’ll have an ultimate good time in my first gig in that country. True enough, the next three days were a lot of fun, not just for me but for all participants.

During the first day, I was told that this year’s Pattaya Music Festival is the biggest because it is the fest’s 10th year. And, indeed, it was one big celebration of music, talent, friendship and unity.

What a blessing to have been seated alongside some of the biggest names in the region during the press conference — Singapore’s Derrick Hoh, Japan’s Golf-Mike, Ice-Saranyu, Thailand’s Chin-Chinnawut, Japan’s Hanuman Bang, Malaysia’s Will Ng, Vietnam’s PAK, Laos’ Tik Princess, Indonesia’s Super Kidz, Korean popstar Ji-Hoon, known internationally as Rain, and Son Dambi.

That’s me with famous singer-actress NAMCHA...

During the said conference, I got so kilig when Chin-Chinnawut declared that he was such a fan of mine. Whew. More than that, I was proud to represent the country.

The next day, it was the Asian artist featured on the Galaxy Stage. I performed three songs — Someday, I Do and I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing I was so happy taking on that stage because I felt the love of the audience, which included some of our kababayan.

Aside from all these commitments, I, with all the performers, had the chance to have some bonding moments at the Hard Rock, where we were billeted.

My participation in the Pattaya Music Festival is just one of the many things that signals my gradual transformation.

Late last year, I moved to my new record label Universal Records and I consider it one of the biggest blessings in my career. In a few months, my latest album will be released, and it will showcase a new, yet familiar Nina, which I hope everyone will appreciate .

..Singaporean singer Derrick Hoh…
source: THE PHILIPPINE STAR

NEWS FLASH: NINA SHINES AT PATTAYA MUSIC FEST (MANILA BULLETIN) MARCH 30, 2011

Nina shines at Pattaya Music Fest

Nina sang 'I Don't Want to Miss A Thing,

' 'I Do' and 'Someday' in Thailand

PATTAYA, Thailand -- Singer Nina not only wowed the audience at the recently-concluded 2011 Pattaya Music Festival in Thailand but she also made some of the representatives gush over her presence.

During the press conference of the music festival, a number of performers exclaimed that they were happy to have met the Filipino singer, whose performances and music they have been following on YouTube.

“It’s overwhelming,” says Nina of the compliments she received. “I had so much fun because I know they appreciate our music.”

Nina was joined by Singapore’s Derrick Hoh, Japan’s Golf-Mike, Ice-Saranyu, Chin-Chinnawut and Hanuman Bang, Malaysia’s Will Ng, Vietnam’s PAK, Laos’ Tik Princess and Indonesia’s Super Kidz. Korean pop star Ji-Hoon, known internationally as Rain and Son Dambi also attended the festival.

Nina sang three songs at the event, including her big hit "Someday." For her participation in the festival, Nina received the “Golden key to the City of Pattaya."

Universal Records’ big boss Kathleen Dy Go, who was with Nina during the festival, said Nina’s participation in the event was enthusiastically received and it truly made her kababayans proud.

Nina is currently working on a new album, her first under Universal Records due out soon.

“Expect few pleasant surprises from this new album of mine. We’re working very hard to make this project truly groundbreaking,” Nina said.

source: MANILA BULLETIN

NEWS FLASH: A ROCKIN' GOOD TIME IN PATTAYA (THE CHINA POST) - MARCH 28, 2011

A rockin' good time in Pattaya

By Ekkarat Sukpetch

PATTAYA--This year's edition of the Pattaya International Music Festival proved as popular as ever, even though the promised appearance by the cute lads from Japanese label Johnny Junior was pulled at the last minute as a result of the twin disasters to hit the country.

That left South Korean superstar Rain to pick up the slack and he did so on Saturday night in style, emerging on stage dressed in a black undershirt and black leather vest and wearing dark shades. He opened with “It's Raining” and “Rainism” before greeting the Thai audience with a cheery “Hello Pattaya, it's been a long time. I love you. I love Thailand. I will come back next month for a concert.”

That revelation was greeted with loud screams, which continued as Rain closed out his show with “Love Song” and “Hip Song.” And even though the night was nowhere near over, about half the crowd drifted away from the Universal Stage.

South Korea's Son Dam Bi opened for Rain dressed in her sexy uniform and wound up the crowd along with four dancers. She sung her hit “dB Rider” before segueing into “Queen,” “Crazy” and “Saturday Night.” Watching her move on stage, it was easy to understand why she's known as the “dancing queen.”

One Japanese act that did make it to Pattaya was Hanuman. The band, who has long been fascinated by Thailand, played covers of Thai artists' hits including The Richman Toy's “Od Od” and “Krapao Ban Fan Yim,” Potato's “Pieng Por,” Silly Fools' “Khee Hueng,” “Ba Bor” and “Jija,” Bodyslam's “Kraam,” and Tattoo Colour's “Kohok.”

Saturday night was livelier though Friday night was probably the more crowded of the two. It was also the night for the Asian artist showcase on the Galaxy Stage, among them Filipina Nina Girado, who counts Thai singer Chin Chinawut among her fans. Malaysia's Will Ng and Fluke the Star joined up for Off Pongsak's “Thang Khang Lang Thalu Theung Huajai,” while Singaporean hunk Derrick Hoh sung a Cantonese version of Peck Palitchok's “Jai Nueng Kor Rak Aik Jai Kor Jeb.”

Laotian lass Tik showed her sexy dance movies in “New Me,” “Laew Jao Ja Sia Jai” and “Bor Hak Chao Laew.” Thai artist Ice Saranyu was up next with a cover of Pai Pongsathorn's luk thung song “Khon Ban Diew Kan” then duetted with actress Nuengthida Sophon on “Mai Long Mai Roo.”

Chin expressed his condolences to victims of Japan's tsunami and earthquake victims and asked the audience to hold their lighters aloft while singing Justin Bieber's “Tray.”

Indonesian pre-teen trio Superkidz rocked the crowd with their single “Playgirl” and a cover of Green Day's “Basket Case” before handing over the stage to Vietnam's Pak, who played a mix of rock and reggae including “Someday You'll See,” “Why” and “Let's Walk Together.”

And in a nice gesture by the organisers, donation boxes were placed around all six stages to raise funds for victims of the March 11 tragedies in Japan.
source: CHINAPOST

NEWS FLASH: NINA SHARE STAGE WITH RAIN IN THAILAND MUSICFEST (MANILA BULLETIN) - MARCH 24, 2011

NINA SHARE STAGE WITH RAIN

IN THAILAND MUSICFEST
by Kaye Villagomez

Singer Nina returned to Manila March 21 after representing the country at the Pattaya International Music Festival in Pattaya, Thailand, ABS-CBN News online reported.

At the said Asian music affair, the “ASAP” regular performed with some of the region’s bankable pop stars including Korean “Ninja Assassin” star Rain (Ji-Hoon).

Nina told ABS-CBN News upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Thailand: “Sobrang sarap ng treatment and sarap ng feeling to share the same stage where si Rain performed and a lot of artists na sobrang sikat din sa kanilang countries like Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia so ang dami ko ring nakilalang [foreign] artists.”

Nina also appeared in Thai TV shows to promote the music festival. “Sobrang sarap ng experience kasi from the time na dumating kami sa Thailand, non-stop talaga ‘yung pag-promote namin sa TV at sa radio stations.”

The experience, she said, was made more memorable because she got to be with fellow Asian acts. “Kaming lahat, kaming lahat na mga artists, so ang saya kasi parang hindi ka malulungkot kasi sama-sama kayo to explore Thailand.”

For participating at the musicfest, Nina received the Golden Key to the City of Pattaya.
source: MANILA BULLETIN

NEWS FLASH: NINA MIRATSADA SA INTERNATIONAL SCENE (SUPER BALITA - DAVAO) - MARCH 23, 2011

source: SUPER BALITA DAVAO

NEWS FLASH: NINA HOBNOBS WITH OTHER ASIAN STARS AT THAI MUSIC (MANILA BULLETIN) - MARCH 22, 2011

SOURCE: MANILA BULLETIN

NEWSFLASH: PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL HAS BEGUN (PATTAYADAILYNEWS.COM) - MARCH 19, 2011

PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2011

HAS BEGUN

Are you ready for the Pattaya International Music Festival 2011? Famous Thai singers and popular international artists will rock the music stage at Pattaya Beach.

Pattaya, 18th March 2011 [PDN]: At Hard Rock Hotel, Pattaya City, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and GMM Grammy Public Co., Ltd. held a press conference with the theme “Welcome to Pattaya” to launch the huge project – “Pattaya Music Festival 2011 ”. Mr. Krissana Kaewthamrong, Director of Foreign Advertising Department of TAT; Mr. Rewat Phonlook-in, Deputy Mayor of Chonburi; Mr. Ittipol Kunpluem, Mayor of Chonburi and Ms. Bussaba Dawroeng, the Executive Director of GMM Grammy were all present at the opening ceremony.

There were many international and Thai singers participating in the festival, including Golf-Mike, Ice-Saranyu, Chin-Chinnawut, Hanuman Bang from Japan, Derrick Hoh from Singapore, Will Ng from Malaysia, Super Kidz from Indonesia, PAK from Vietnam, Nina from the Philippines and Tik Princess from Lao PDR. The mayor was there to welcome the festival’s guest stars. As a gift, the mayor gave the key city to the 7 international artists.

The grand opening began at 7 p.m. at Galaxy Stage, Bali Hai Cape, South Pattaya. Golf-Mike and Vietrio sang the rearranging version of Klai Rung, the song of H.M. Bhumibol Adulyadej. There were also fireworks for the King’s 84th Birthday Anniversary (5thDecember 2011) “Long Live the King”.

You could watch the live broadcasting of “Pattaya International Music Festival 2011” for all 3 days and nights on Bang Channel (Cable TV and C Band Satellite System)

You can also watch the live opening ceremony on www.tourismthailand.org/festival. The recording of the opening ceremony and the first-day performances could be viewed on Modernine TV (Channel 9) on March 18th 2011, 00:45 – 02:45 a.m. For more information, call the line 1672.

source: Pattaya Daily News

NEWS: NINA GINAGAWAN NG DOCU NG KOREAN JOURNALIST (BALITA) - JANUARY 14, 2011

Next sensation sa Korea after Charice...
Nina, ginagawan ng docu ng Korean journalist
by Reggee Bonoan

Sa pressconference ng ASAP Sessionistas 20.11 Live at the Big Dome kahapon inamin ni Nina na may naririrnig siyang inquiry tungkol sa kanya mula sa TV5, pero wala naman daw pormal na offer.

Nasulat namin kahapon na miyembro ng Sessionistas na inoperan saw ng singko pero loyal sila sa ASAP XV na nagbigay sa kanila ng magandang exposure kaya mananatili sila sa ABS-CBN.

"Hindi po direktang sa akin po nag-offer, wala akong ideya, pero may mga naririnig ako," sabi ni Nina, "wala namang ninanggit din ang manager ko (kapatid niya), so siguro, wala talaga."

Aware din si Nina na malaking mag-offer ang TV5.

"For me kasi po it's not the money, importante rin kasi sa aming mga artist na tulad ko is the artistry, 'yung growth ng artist, siguro yung money secondary na lang, kung baga bonus na lang dahil malaki ang bayad.

"Pero kung mas mag0-grow ka o may greener pasture sa iba, bakit hindi? Pero as of now, okay naman at masaya po ako sa ABS at nabibigyan naman ako ng magandang exposure.

"Maganda ang samahan namin sa Sessionistas kaya masaya, ok kaming lahat," magandang paliwanag ni Nina.

Samantala, natuwa rin si Nina na ang isang linggong ticket sales ng concert nila sa Araneta Coliseum sa February 5, 2011 ay umabot na sa P1.6M. E, may four weeks pa sila para i-promote ng todo ang concert.

Nabanggit din namin na base sa survey ay sina Nina, Ricjard Poon at Aiza Seguerra ang gusto ng mga manonood. Bagay na ikinatuwa ng una.

"Nakakataba ng puso dahil isa pala ako sa gustong mapanaood sa grupo, pero it's a team effort po, lahat kami may kanya-kanyang contribution sa Sessionistas, so hindi ko puwedeng sabihing kaming tatlo o ako lang, kasi kami lahat' yun. May kanya-kanya kaming strength sa musia na nagugustuhan siguro ng tao," magandang paliwanag ni Nina.

Totoo nga bang may stalker siyang Korean journalist na pumunta rito sa Pilipinas at nakabuntot sa lahat ng lakad niya?

"Ha-ha-ha! Hindi ko po stalker 'yun, dino-document lang niya lahat ng lakad ko, lahat ng activities ko, kasi ipapalabas nila sa Korea para pagdating ko roon, Kilala na ako ng tao.

Sikat daw kasi yung kanta kong Someday, e, ni-research nila sa Youtube 'tapos nalaman na tagarito ako, sumulat sila kung pwede akong makilala at gawan ng docu. So, nakakatuwa, kasi after Charice po, ako naman yung sunod nilang iniimbitahan para mag-guest sa mga shows nila sa Korea," kuwento ni Nina.

Ang awiting Love Moves (in mysterious ways) ay umabot sa Diamond at ang Someday ay double platinum na kaya sobrang saya ng dalagang singer.

Samantala, ayon sa executive producer ng ASAP Live na si Olive Zarate, maganda ang show ng Sessionistas sa February 5 dahil more on classic songs ang kakantahin mula sa hits nu'ng dekada 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 at 2010.
source: Balita

NEWS: MEGA BIRTHDAY CONCERT (ABANTE TONITE) - JANUARY 13, 2011

KC at Sam, makapigil-hininga ang number
Zanjoe, inokray nina Ai Ai at K

by ALLAN DIONES

ANG Mega 2011 ang isa sa pinakamaganda at pinaka-star-studded na birthday concerts ni Sharon Cuneta.

Ilang taon na niyang ginagawa ang nasabing free show sa Araneta Coli*seum na b-day treat niya sa kanyang fans.

Hindi kumpleto ang selebrasyon ng Megastar kung walang special production number ang pa*nganay niyang si KC.

Isa sa pinakabonggang ginawa ni KC sa Araneta ‘yung acrobatic dance number niya kamakalawa kasama si Sam Milby.

Hiyawan ang Big Dome paglabas nina KC at Sam, na nagpakitang-gilas sa kanilang ‘air dance’ na itsura ng professional acrobats.

Kasama ng G-Force dancers at habang tumutugtog ang acoustic version ng Teenage Dream (ni Katy Perry) ay nagl*ambi-lambitin sa mahabang pulang tela si KC, lumipad-lipad sa ere, tumuwad at sumirku-sirko nang walang harness.

Si Sam din ay tumambling, nangunyapit sa tela, umikut-ikot at lumutang sa ere habang naka-black sando at labas ang muscles. Ang gandang pagmasdan ng dalawa na parehong magaan ang katawan at mukhang hindi takot mahulog.
Applauded ang makapigil-hiningang number nina KC at Sam!
***
Sa comedy portion ay may song number sina Tita Fanny, Direk Manny Castañeda at Chokoleit na pamhinta sa kanilang suot na tuxedo, pero sa loob pala ay naka-girl outfit. May duet din sina Melai at Jason.

Bentang-benta sa fans si Pooh bilang Manny Pacquiao. Klik na klik ang mga pakwela ni Pooh, na pati si Senador Kiko Pangilinan na nakaupo sa audience ay isinama sa kanyang Pacman jokes.

Sa song number ng ASAP singers ay type namin ‘yung version ni Nina ng High School Life ni Sharon, na sinamahan ng rap ni Gloc9. Okey rin ‘yung mala-pop rock version ni Yeng Constantino ng Kahapon Lamang.

Sa dami ng guests ay parang hindi matapus-tapos ang birthday concert ni Mega. May dance number ang santambak na Star Magic boys at may hataw number sina Maja Salvador, Iya Villania, Andi Eigenmann, Empress Schuck at Shaina Magdayao.
May music video na in-spoof ng mga komed*yante si Shawie with matching iba’t ibang guest na Kapamilya stars; may medley ng old Sharon songs sina Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Richard Poon, Nyoy Violante at Bugoy Dri*lon kasama si Mega; may novelty song and dance number sina Pilita Corrales, Mitch Valdez at Randy Santiago; at may video recap ng year 2010 ni Shawie na tampok sina Gary V, Zsa Zsa Padilla, KC Concepcion, Ryan Agoncillo at Judy Ann Santos. Voice over lang si Juday at walang video.

May loveteams portion na nag-duet ng Sharon love songs sina *Karylle-Jericho Rosales, Toni Gonzaga-Sam Milby at KC-Piolo Pascual. Grabe ang hiyawan ng buong Araneta kina KC at Piolo.

May song number ang birthday girl kasama ang Final Five ng show niyang Star Power; may duet sila ni Lani Misalucha (na paborito raw ni Mommy Elaine Cuneta na nasa audience); may song number din sila ni Cesar Montano; at pam-finale ang duet nila ni Sarah Geronimo (na ang tawag ni Shawie ay BK o ‘baby ko’).

Ang last solo number ni Sharon ay ang sariling version niya ng Just the Way You Are ni Bruno Mars, na sa simula ay mabagal at senti ang dating.
source: abante-tonite.com

NEWS: NINA'S GREATEST HITS CD: A COLLECTION WORTH DIAMONDS (PHILIPPINE STAR) - DECEMBER 6, 2010

Nina's greatest-hits CD: A collection worth diamonds

MANILA, Philippines - Warner Music Philippines is proud to release the Nina Diamond Greatest Hits 2002-2010 collection. In celebration of Nina’s success of being the country’s one and only female Diamond recording artist, a super special edition four-disc CD/DVD album will bring you back to the makings of a star and her journey to becoming the first female recipient of the coveted Diamond Award.

Relive and rediscover the best years of Nina’s career and how timeless hits catapulted her to success.

What makes the Nina Diamond Greatest Hits 2002-2010 even more special is its never before done packaging which is sure to surprise all Nina fans. The special-edition CD/DVD comes in a vinyl-sized pop-up package, complete with iconic photos back from Nina’s first album to the present. The phenomenal package come with 36 songs and 23 videos featuring huge hits from her four Platinum Record albums — Heaven, Smile, Nina, Nina featuring The Hits of Barry Manilow, 2 Gold Record albums — Nina Sings the Hits of Diane Warren, Renditions of the Soul, and of course, Nina Live! with its Diamond Award having sold more than 200,000 copies since its release.

Some songs highlighted in the Nina Diamond Greatest Hits 2002-210 collection are her original hits Heaven, Jealous, Make You Mine, I Do, and Someday, as well as her timeless covers of Somewhere Down the Road, Love Moves In Mysterious Ways, Through the Fire, Fall for You, Constantly, I Love You Goodbye and I Can’t Make You Love Me and I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.

The CD also comes with 18 minus-one tracks and a lyrics booklet that will take listeners to an enchanting ride with Nina.

To get Nina ringback tunes on your cell phone, just text NINA to 5677 or log on to pressplay.ph/nina/ on your mobile phone.

source: PHILSTAR.COM

NEWS FLASH: HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN (PHILIPPINE STAR) NOVEMBER 13, 2010

Happy days are here again for Nina

by Vanessa A. Balbuena

CEBU, Philippines - The Diamond Soul Siren not only entertained the crowd gathered at the Ayala Terraces’ “Think Pink Cocktails for a Cause” event with her originals and cover songs, she also shared her spotlight with the talented Cebuanos among the audience that night. Nina plucked out random people from their seats and did impromptu duets with a few gentlemen who turned out to be pleasant singers in their own right.

The concert, whose proceeds went to the iCanServe Foundation, was definitely a fun way of capping a month-long celebration of striving to be in the pink of health!

In a post-show interview, Nina said she is currently working on a new album that will hopefully be released by middle of January. "I only have two cover songs in there and the rest are originals. It's going to be sexy-soul which is like singing from the soul but when you hear it, there's a degree of sexiness to it. That's me 'eh. I'm really a singer that sings from the soul, bonus na lang 'yung sexy na part," shared the "ASAP" mainstay.

And because once upon a time, Nina was this unsure aspiring artist who almost let go of her dreams, she made certain to include in this latest project a song encouraging her listeners to pursue their goals despite adversities.

"Meron akong song dun na may message about not giving up on your dreams. Importante yun for me kasi ako, muntik na talaga akong mag-give up," she said.

It's a good thing she didn't because after her 2002 debut album "Heaven", Nina went on to sell multi-platinum records and make number one singles, released the fourth biggest-selling album in OPM history, and thus became the only female Diamond awardee in the Philippine music industry.

"I have changed a lot. From the time I came out with the 'Heaven' album, syempre bago pa lang ako nun at hindi pa ako confident and a lot of people were putting me down. I gained a lot of the confidence that I have now when I started gaining awards but not too much that it went to my head. It's confidence in my singing and performing and letting people know that I'm a singer."

On people putting her down earlier in her career, Nina elaborated on her experiences with the "palakasan" system in some networks. "For example, I wouldn't be given spots simply because new ako and there were people who were older than me that I guess were threatened. So imbes na ako ilagay, yung iba na lang."

As to being the first-ever Filipina to be featured on the Asian talk show "Asia Uncut", Nina expressed her joy at such an honor. "I felt so good. Ang goal ko lang talaga was to be known as a singer. Hindi ako artista, hindi ako model, singer talaga ako. Dream come true talaga siya kasi nasa history na. So 'yun pa lang, sobrang sarap na pakinggan."

Nina is content enough to be known simply as a singer; in fact, she's among the industry's rare personalities who have avoided crossing-over to acting, hosting and the like. All she wants to do is sing, she made that very clear.

When not doing shows, Nina keeps herself physically flexible and strong by going to ballet classes and playing a lot of tennis. Her advice to aspiring singers who wish to reach her achievements? "If this is what you always wanted to do, if this is your dream, don't lose hope. Go for it. Me, I almost gave up and if not for my faith and belief in God, I would have lost the hope that was left. So, keep on reaching for your dreams lang talaga."

Of her legal battle with ex-boyfriend Nyoy Volante's parents whom she filed an estafa case last year on grounds that they failed to pay her debts totaling to 1.4 million pesos, Nina said the case is doing okay but "medyo nagkaroon lang ng delay."

She and fellow singer Nyoy (who guests in "ASAP" every now and then) are still not on good terms, that's why there was no problem for her when another ex-BF Jimmy Bondoc, whom she's good friends with, composed the song "Utang" for his new album. The song is obviously a taunt to Nyoy.

"Before he recorded that song, he gave me the demo and nakakatawa siya. I'm not really afraid of any backlash from that because siguro it's not only for me but for everyone na nautangan din na nasaktan."

The court case and ex troubles notwithstanding, Nina revealed that she is in a happy place right now, what with a blossoming career and a stable relationship with a non-showbiz man. Asked to name a song that would best describe the current state of her heart, the pixie-haired singer lets out a small laugh before answering, "I'm happy with my life right now kaya 'Happy Days Are Here Again'..."
source: PHILIPPINE STAR

NEWS FLASH: NINA IS FEMALE RECORDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR IN THE BOX OFFICE ENTERTAINMENT AWARD - MAY 29, 2009

by Butch Francisco

The Box-Office Entertainment Awards of the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. is an award-giving body named after the late Bocaue mayor Guillermo Mendoza and the foundation helps send poor, but deserving students to school. Mrs. Corazon Samaniego, Mendoza’s daughter, is the current head of the organization and it is her mission to realize her father’s dream of giving indigent students in the province of Bulacan proper education.

Aside from films, the Box-Office Entertainment Awards group also honors popular achievements on television and in the music scene.

Below are the winners in this year’s Box-Office Entertainment Awards:

Box Office King - John Lloyd Cruz

Box Office Queen - Sarah Geronimo

Prince of Philippine Movies and TV — Gerald Anderson

Princess of Philippine Movies and TV — Kim Chiu

Promising Male Box-Office Star — Coco Martin

Promising Female Box-Office Star — Angelica Panganiban

Male Concert Performer of the Year — Martin Nievera

Female Concert Performer of the Year — Pops Fernandez

Male Recording Artist of the Year — Gary Valenciano

Female Recording Artist of the Year — Nina

Group Recording/Performer of the Year — Bamboo

Promising Male Recording/Performer of the Year — Jericho Rosales

Promising Female Recording/Performer of the Year — Frencheska Farr

Promising Group Recording/Performing Artist of the Year — Pop Girls

Novelty Singer — Willie Revillame

Love Team of the Year — Dingdong Dantes/Marian Rivera

Promising Love Team of the Year — Enchong Dee/Erich Gonzales

Dance Group of the Year — ASAP Supahdance

Child Performer of the Year — Zaijan “Santino” Jaranilla

Film Producer of the Year — Star Cinema

Screenwriters of the Year — Raymond Lee/Senedy Que/Olivia Lamasan

Film Actor of the Year - John Lloyd Cruz

Film Director of the Year — Cathy Garcia Molina

TV Program of the Year — May Bukas Pa

TV Director of the Year — Jojo Saguin (May Bukas Pa)

The Box-Office Entertainment Awards is also giving special citations to the following showbiz personalities:

Bert Marcelo Award — Pokwang

Comedy Box-Office King — Vic Sotto

Comedy Box-Office Queen — Ai-Ai de las Alas

And in recognition of their accomplishments abroad last year, the Box-Office Entertainment Awards will also honor Brillante Mendoza for winning Best Director at the Cannes and Hong Kong Asian Film Festivals and Gina Pareño for getting the following awards for Serbis: Best Supporting Actress at the 3rd Asian Hong Kong Film Awards and Best Actress at the Pacific Meridian International Film Festival for Asia-Pacific countries.

The Eraserheads Reunion Concert at the Mall of Asia that saw an attendance of 120,000 people is also being cited as the Record Breaker of the Year.

The 2010 Box-Office Entertainment Awards is being produced by Tessie Celestino-Howard of Airtime Marketing, Inc. and will be telecast on June 27 on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best.

source: Philstar.com

NEWS FLASH : (MANILA BULLETIN) SOUL SIREN SCORES HISTORIC FEAT - JANUARY 22, 2010

SOUL SIREN SCORES HISTORIC FEAT

Manila Bulletin, January 24, 2010

Vocally talented and audience favorite Nina may have bagged her career's biggest achievement with one of her albums attaining the diamond record status. Her third album "Nina Live" already sold 200,000 units, enabling her to earn the milestone no other Filipina singer has done before.

In a press gathering promoting her upcoming shows, the so-called "Soul Siren" expressed her elation over her breakthrough album's accomplishment. She even sang songs from that overachieving record and got applauses even from hard-to-please critics.

"Sobrang sarap at fulfilling for me as a singer ang honor na ito. Actually nahihiya pa ako na matawag na 'diamond star,"' she told the pool of showbiz writers at Hard Rock Café in Makati last Wednesday afternoon.

The remarkable distinction puts Nina in the company of legendary acts Jose Mari Chan and Eraserheads. It also affirms the power of Pinoys' industry-shaking affair with revivals during the past decade, with Nina, in spite of delivering a big original in "Someday," serving as a frontrunner among noted local revivalists.

No surprise that when she was asked to pick between recording past hit songs and promising originals, she chose doing revivals. She reasoned, "Lalagyan mo na lang ng vocal style ang sikat na kanta. Mas madaling maka-relate ang listeners."

Nina is set to do a pre-Valentine show with Side A and Freestyle. She assures a "different repertoire" come her two-night Music Museum show on March 5 and 6, to be produced by Asap Live! as part of "ASAP XV's" concert series for the show's 15th year on TV. "Definitely it will not be the usual repertoire that I will do at the Music Museum, lalo na't 'ASAP' ang mag-proproduce," she said.

The ex-girlfriend of acoustic star Nyoy who wrote "Someday" is described as an elite member of the famed ASAP Sessionistas. Last year, she got another big break when she guested on an international variety chat show called "Asia Uncut." It marked only the second time that the popular Star World TV program had a Filipino as guest. International actress-singer Lea Salonga was the first.

As artist, Nina hinted quite a change in direction. "Hopefully this year magkaroon ako ng album na halos lahat originals," she mentioned. Obviously she's now one artist who can ask for demand from her label and expect a positive, immediate response.

source: mb.com.ph

NEWSFLASH: VIVA'S LOVE2LOVE2LOVE IS BACK

Viva’s ‘Love2Love2Love’ is back!

By SHIRLEY MATIAS-PIZARRO

December 29, 2009

It all started with 2007’s hugely successful “Back2Back2Back” concert featuring Side A, MYMP and Freestyle. The following year saw another crowd-drawer “Love2Love2Love” with the same bands taking center stage in the same venue – the Araneta Coliseum. Both spelled success.

That is why, Viva Concerts and Events chose to bring back the successful formula of “Love2Love2Love” to be its pre-Valentine offering on Feb. 12 at the Big Dome. Only this time, Side A and Freestyle will be joined by an equally talented vocalist, Nina. Special guest artist is Princess.

Both concerts in the last couple of years transported the audience to heights of musical pleasure and this year’s “Love2Love2Love” aims to achieve the same feat in this season of hearts as their loyal patrons make it their romantic destination. Expect a repertoire that will not only thrill your romantic bones, but will also be an epitome of outstanding musicality as the artists share their finest performances on stage.

The repertoire will be infused with more love songs to cater to the season but those who were thrilled by the first two outing need not worry because the organizers assure that the show will still be as excellent as how they have seen it last Dec. 1.

So, expect Side A to churn out classic hits “Forevermore,” “So Many Questions,” “Hold On,” “Tell Me” etc. once again, as Freestyle does “Before I Let You Go,” “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang?,” “So Slow,” “Half Crazy,” “This Time,” “Time Will Reveal,” “Paano” among other hits, while Nina is set to dish out her signatures “Love Moves,” “Jealous,” “Foolish Heart,” “Loving You,” “Through The Fire” among others in “Love2Love2Love.”

So, mark your calendars. It’s a date on Feb. 12, 8 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets and Viva Concert and Events. The show is a Viva Concerts and Events production.

Tickets are available in Patron A – P2,625, Patron B – P2,100, Lower Box- P1,750, Upper Box A – P1,150, Upper Box B – P525 and General Admission- P263.