Weekly column by Jeff Fernando
In our solo virtual interview, EDM Artist Jace Roque revealed his latest single and music video “Forever” is now streaming and posted in all his social media platforms.
Jace said that this current project is a product of mixed emotions and inspirations combined.
“Forever” is about taking control of one’s destiny in terms of love. A lot of people believe that if it’s meant to be, it will be. But the truth is, you can’t just dream about forever. You’ve got to work hard to earn it. The Music Video is a visual representation of the lyrics. I filmed the video at SilverMoon Studio in Quezon City. SilverMoon Studio is a famous wedding studio in Korea and is the 1st Korean indoor and outdoor studio in the Philippines,” Jace said
The singer-composer admitted that the pandemic greatly affected his career as an artist.
“I wrote and produced 'Forever' in November 2019 and released it on March 27, 2020. This is my first bilingual (Tagalog/English) single. All of my singles prior to this one were all in English. Naka kasa na po lahat bago pa mag pandemic kaya tinuloy ko na lang kahit alam kong mahihirapan ako. We were supposed to film the music video on March 18. Kaso nag announce po ng ECQ noong March 15. Lahat po ng plano either na-cancel or on-hold,” he added
“Sobrang affected po emotionally and mentally because my career is my bread and butter. Kaya noong tinamaan ng pandemic yung release schedule ko. I felt depressed, confused and ang taas ng level of anxiety. Feeling ko dun na mag tatapos yung career ko.” Jace said.
But with a strong determination, the EDM artist never gave up and continued his goal of producing new music.
“Pero hindi po ako sumuko. Nilaban ko pa rin. I did everything I could possibly do under the circumstances. Nag-adapt ako sa situation kasi yun lang yung paraan para maka-move forward. Nagulat po ako na despite the global health crisis and global recession, kahit walang proper TV and radio promotions yung “Forever,” umabot pa rin po ng 700,000 views,” he said.
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Former child star Chacha Cañete dropped her Christmas single entitled “Pasko Pa Rin” under Star Music. With the holiday season fast approaching, Chacha recalled the best Christmas that she would cherish forever.
“Ang favorite Christmas memory ko is noong magkakasama kami nag mass and we spent the whole day sa Enchanted Kingdom. Favorite ko siya kasi nakasama ko ang family ko. Mahirap kasi na makumpleto kami dahil galing kami sa ibat ibang lugar meron din nagta-trabaho and like me, nag-aaral and every Christmas lang talaga kami naku-kumpleto as a family,” she said.
The former "Goin’ Bulilit" star and music international competition winner (2014 Europop in Berlin Germany and 2013 World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, California) launched her much-awaited single and music video last Nov. 8 in Youtube (Star Music Youtube channel).
The song was beautifully penned (music and lyrics) and produced by award-winning composer and record producer Jungee Marcelo. Chacha said in our exclusive interview that she feels very positive about releasing the song amid the pandemic.
“I feel very blessed for me to sing a song that helps uplift the spirits of people lalo na sa pinagdadaanan natin ngayon syempre maraming tao ang malungkot and stressed kaya nagpapasalamat din ako na nakabuo ako ng song na magpapa alala sa atin na hindi magbabago ang spirit ng Christmas no matter what struggles we are going through,” Chacha said.