It was that one afternoon, that you are left with nothing to do but channel surf. So here I am constantly flicking the remote, hoping to find a channel that I can atleast try to enjoy. And voila! There it was… the Ellen DeGeneres show. I really don’t watch ellen, not for any particular reason except for that I really don’t watch TV, I just don’t have time.

Ellen started talking about a young lady who they flew over from the Philippines (which made it more interesting to me), who will be singing a song for them. They found her in YouTube… yes, YouTube just like many of these overnight sensations.

So there I am folding my clothes from the laundry with my mouth half open watching this young lady awe the audience from the ellen show. (even my dogs had their eyes widely open having trouble believing what they’re watching, they are both pugs).

The young lady was Charice Pempengco, and boy did she come along way after that.

After being recognized in the ellen and oprah show. Charice had sprung into popularity performing alongside big names such as David Foster and Iyaz. And then landing a gig on what looks like a recurring character on Fox’s Glee.

From a simple YouTube video… to worldwide recognition. It happens to the best of us, but it takes alot of dedication and hard work. It could happen to you! Always remember to bring your camcorder or your camera (with video capability) and start recording yourself. Hey, we’ll even share it here on the website if you want to.

Who knows? You just might be the next Charice Pempengco or Arnel Pineda.

BELIEVE!

We send out our prayers to him and his family.

I once met Francis (in person) while hanging out on a sari-sari store 2 streets away from the studio (Delgado St.) We were both eating fishballs from Mang Roque’s cart. It was in our short conversation, where I found kindness and humility in his heart. – Neil

Rest in Peace Francis M. Thank you for sharing your music!

From Wikipedia:

Francis Durango Magalona (October 4, 1964 – March 6, 2009), also known as FrancisM, Master Rapper, and The Man From Manila, was a prominent Filipino rapper, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and photographer. He is credited as being the first Filipino rapper in the Philippines to successfully crossover to the mainstream. He was also popularly known as the “King of Pinoy Rap” and was considered one of the most idolized, celebrated and influential rappers within the genre.

On in March 6, 2009, it was reported that Francis Magalona died at 12:00 noon that day, due to acute myelogenous leukemia. read more

Photography by: Francis Magalona