They started out as virtual unknowns to the audience, with only pockets of loyal fans littering the audience. By the end of the show, every audience member was on their feet according them a glorious standing ovation!

In a nutshell, that is what regularly happened to the Philippine's premiere vocal group, The CompanY, as they embarked on their first ever USA concert tour entitled "The CompanY HITS USA Concert Tour 2003". Together with recording superstar, Miss Aiza Seguerra, The CompanY traveled coast to coast winning the hearts of our kababayans in the States.

The five week concert tour, starting March 13 up to April 20, brought The Company and Aiza to Virginia Beach, Washington DC (Lisner Auditorium of the George Washington University), Jacksonville, Florida (the elegant Florida Theater), Staten Island, New York (Manila Alley), San Jose California (Sta. Clara Convention Center Theater), Los Angeles (the historic Orpheum Theater), South San Francisco (Solita Bar & Grill), Vallejo (Vallejo Maritime Academy Theater) and La Canada, California (Degheri Performance Arts Theater of St. Francis).

In the concert's set list, this vocal harmony sextet presented a highly diversified musical performance. Variety was the order of the evening as they traversed disparate music genres with such apparent ease and consummate professionalism. From their very own OPM (i.e. Original Pilipino Music) hits culled from their 12 albums to recycled pop classics; from tour de force a cappella showstoppers to timeless standards; from classical/traditional choral music to vaudevillian comedic antics - The CompanY gave the audience an evening of quality vocal music. Moreover, the artists also endeared themselves to the audience through their humorous, frank and witty stage banter. The honest and sometimes irreverent spiels immediately established rapport between audience and artists.

"The CompanY HITS USA Tour 2003" was organized by veteran concert tour promoter, Miss Susan Lim. Musical Director was Miss Beth Martin, who played alongside fellow instrumentalists - Jorge San Jose (Ugoy-Ugoy Band), Joji Magadia (PPO) and Andre Bush (US based session player). Miss Bambi Santos of Stages & Trumpets was the tour's Road & Production Manager. All costumes on tour were created by Danilo Franco.

"We quickly realized that going on tour wasn't as easy as it sounded. Performing the concerts was pure joy to do! After waiting in the wings for 17 years, and then suddenly given the opportunity to share your music in the States, was a real thrill. The big pay off was when the audience applauded the original songs with much gusto. All that promotional work to come up with an OPM was definitely worth it. What took us by surprise was how exhausting the hotel and airport check in's and check out's were. It initially sounded so glamorous but then when you're really doing the actual thing - nakakapagod pala! - shares CompanY founding member, Annie Quintos.

"The CompanY HITS USA Concert Tour 2003" had other challenges along the way. The entourage was in Jacksonville, Florida when the Iraq War commenced. This spurred other local producers to have second thoughts whether it would be foolhardy to push through with the concerts in lieu of current world events. Thankfully, all except one producer kept the faith and pushed through with the tour dates to success.

Albeit, in the face of a few challenges, The CompanY's first US tour was a success commercially and critically.

To celebrate the success of The CompanY's first US tour, the group will have a 3 performances as part of a special series of shows at the Hard Rock Café on May 14, 21 and 28 ; all Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m.

On other CompanY news: The CompanY will be launching their 12^th album entitled, Live at the CCP! released under CCP audio products and distributed under Pop Art Music/ Viva Records. This latest release is an audio-video box set documenting The CompanY's highly successful concert at the main theater of the CCP last June 25. On the album's television launch, The CompanY's last album, Storybook*, shall also be awarded a gold record award. Storybook*, the group's first all OPM album in 6 years, has already garnered an Awit Award for Best Duo/ Group Recording performance for the a cappella song - "Gusto Ko Ng A Cappella". Furthermore, the Storybook* album has spawned the group's latest original hits - "Baka Ikaw" and "Pag Nagkataon". Finally, The CompanY is now in pre-production with their upcoming studio album entitled " Portfolio".

Or www.popartmusicmanila.com

It took the Philippine's premiere vocal group, The CompanY, 17 years to mount their very first big venue solo concert. Apparently and undeniably, it was worth the long wait for this sextet who always seemed to be underrated and under appreciated by many.

"The CompanY at the CCP!" held last June 25, 2002 was the ultimate affirmation and vindication for these versatile singers. When an SRO audience bestows on you a jubilant and decisive standing ovation, and finally requests for two more encores - - - what more sign of affirmation could a concert artist ask for!

Luckily for those who missed that momentous evening, "The CompanY: Live at the CCP!" is now released as an audio and video box set by the Cultural Center of the Philippines released under Pop Art Music/ Viva Records. The box set features an audio CD and a video CD showing highlights of the said concert.

The concert's repertoire is a mixed bag of different styles and music genres: from classical choral music to opera to their original pop hits; from vocal jazz to musical theater to a cappella showstoppers. Moreover, aside from featuring the group's vocal versatility, the concert showcases these singers as live wire performers with charismatic stage presence, witty comedic flare and palpable electric energy.

Moreover, the VCD includes two bonus featurettes: a behind the scenes documentary and a photo gallery lifted from the concert's pictorial shoot done by Patricia Carreon and Bobby Crisostomo.

Executive producers of "The CompanY: Live At The CCP!" are Dennis N. Marasigan and Melissa Corazon V. Mantaring for The Cultural Center of the Philippines/ Special Concerts Series 2002 in association with Vic Del Rosario, Jr and Vincent Del Rosario III for Viva Records. Line Producer is Margot M. Gallardo for Pop Art Music. Associate Producer is Moy Ortiz for Pop Art Music. Recorded and Mixed by Eric Apuyan.

"The CompanY: Live at the CCP!" audio-video box set is now available in music stores everywhere distributed by Viva Records.

The CompanY is Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Reuben Laurente, Andre Castillo and Moy Ortiz. The CompanY is managed by Boy Abunda's Backroom, Inc.

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Without a doubt, the first quarter of 2003 finds the country's premiere vocal group, The CompanY, blessed with many projects and shows!

For all Wednesdays of January, you can find The CompanY singing their original hits, brand new recycled pop classics and a cappella showstoppers at the Hard Rock Café, Makati. All shows start at 9 p.m.

Valentines 2003 turns out to be the group's busiest love season ever. On February 13, The CompanY together with Aiza Seguerra, Bituin Escalante and several other local artists will sing their most popular hit songs in the opening act for the Araneta Coliseum concert of ex-Boyzone lead singer, Ronan Keating.

Valentine's Day, February 14, The CompanY explores the various emotional arcs of a modern romantic relationship through contemporary love songs in a concert entitled "Modern Romance" at the Grand Ballroom of the Rembrandt Hotel. For inquiries, please call

On February 15, 96.3 Wrock and the Hard Rock Café present The CompanY in a special show entitled " The Last of the Romantics" at the Hard Rock Café. The CompanY departs from their usual Hard Rock Café repertoire to dish out sentimental pop classics, Broadway tunes, original hits and new a cappella arrangements.

For the first time, The CompanY shall be a part of the long running series - Crossover Presents at the Captain's Bar of the Mandarin Oriental (Makati) on February 20. Presented by 105.1 Crossover, The CompanY will sing adult contemporary and smooth jazz numbers together with Miss Vernie Varga and The Opera.

February 21 - The CompanY performs at the Casino Filipino Paranaque in a special concert entitled Sing! Sing! Sing! Songs from their RecycleDeluxe album series, standards, original hits and a cappella numbers are to be expected in this night filled with music and good company. This is a GPL Production.

On February 23, The CompanY launches their long awaited live album on the Channel 2 highly rated Sunday variety show - ASAP! Simply titled - The CompanY Live at the CCP! , the double CD package is an audio and video documentation of the highly successful concert of The CompanY at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines last June 25, 2002. This special package is a CCP special product distributed through Pop Art Music/ Viva Records.

Finally, another long time dream comes true for The CompanY as they embark on their first ever North American Concert Tour in March and April. Entitled "The CompanY HITS USA Concert Tour" , the group will perform their very theatrical and visual stage act in all the major cities on both the East and West Coast. Special guest artists on this tour include Mr. Jose Mari Chan, Aiza Seguerra and Carol Banawa.

By Boy Abunda

It has taken the Philippine's premiere vocal group, The CompanY, 17 years to mount their very first big venue solo concert. Apparently and undeniably, it was worth the long wait for this sextet who always seemed to be underrated and under appreciated by many.

"The CompanY at the CCP!" held last June 25 was the ultimate affirmation and vindication for these versatile singers. When your audience takes the effort to dress up, buy the ticket, go through traffic and travel all the way to the Cultural Center of the Philippines on a Tuesday night, fill up the main theater from orchestra seats to the "nose bleed" seats of Balcony 2, bestows on you a jubilant and decisive standing ovation, and finally requests for two more encores - - - what more sign of affirmation could a concert artist ask for!

In a nutshell, that's what basically happened that night! No superstar guests to fall back on, just the six of them giving out their best. It was pure joy of more than two hours of vocal virtuosity, versatility and vrillance! (oops…I think I overdid my alliterations!!!)

"The Company at CCP!" was a concert in two acts. Act 1 was entitled Back To Roots - Classical, jazz and the hits. We had a hint that we were all up for an unusual evening when a snooty voice over talent with a British accent started hurling insults at us immediately after the Philippine national anthem. When the aristocratic announcer screamed, "Game ka na ba?" (taken from Kris Aquino's highly rated game show), the entire CCP audience gamely retorted, "Game na!!!". Then without any qualms, the announcer retorted "Splendid!!!! How jolog!!"

It was at this point where I realized that this wasn't going to be your standard CCP fare.

The trademark H.R. Ocampo red curtain went up exposing an elegant stage with a jazz trio led by musical director, Miss Beth Martin. The CompanY made their entrance dressed to the nines even though it was only 8:05! For the girls - it was elegant haute couture from Mix Boutique. For the boys - black and white tuxedo with tails. The CompanY starts with J.S. Bach's Fugue in C minor but done ala vocal jazz scat and with a jazz swing beat. For a while, I thought that this was going to be the tone and order of the first act (i.e. cerebral, serious vocal music). Little did I know that the CompanY would then segue to J.S. Bach's Fugue in G Minor but performed in the style of vaudevillian slapstick complete with plastic bayongs filled with numerous props! This adaptation entitled "Cold and Fugue Season" ended with two wardens in sequined nurse caps, a stretcher on wheels and a wheel chair onstage.

Okay, I thought to myself, it's confirmed! CCP or no CCP, this obviously looks and feels like a very CompanY concert apparently. Irreverent. Kitchy. Campy. Warped.

After that gimmicky production number, it was back to business with the very fast Fugue in D Major by J.S. Bach. The CompanY performed the number with accuracy without making it obvious to the audience that the piece was technically difficult to sing, much more memorize.

A solo by CompanY Soprano, Sweet Plantado followed next. Sweet performed an excerpt from Johann Strauss' opera, Die Fledermaus (The Bat). The aria entitled "The Laughing Song" was a showcase of Plantado's wide soprano range, versatility to shift from pop to classical and her incorrigible comedic flare! Performing the solo with a handheld microphone and prancing around the stage as if tipsy, her number reminded us of the genius of the late Madeleine Kahn and the kookiness of Bernadette Peters.

CompanY tenor 2, Andre Castillo, together with CompanY alto, Cecile Bautista, joined Miss Beth Martin in a piano trio (six hands!). Andre dedicated the jazzy instrumental number entitled "Flat Baroque" to those "….creepy and freeky little elves that would loiter the pages of Aaron Thompson's Book 1, Piano for beginners!" We later learned from the programme's liner notes that "Flat Baroque" was originally performed and written by Richard Carpenter (of the brother-sister tandem The Carpenters).

Just when things were getting too traditional and "normal", the other members of CompanY reentered the stage to perform the "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Operetta" written by Ryan Cayabyab and Tats Rejante Manahan. Performed with de rigeur accouterments - white wigs (ala Amadeus and Marie Antoinette), this musical farce was definitely one of the highlights of the evening.

At this juncture of the show, The CompanY momentarily dispensed with the gimmickry and sang medleys of their original hits. The first medley comprised of songs taken from their latest album, Storybook*. "Pag Nagkataon" and "Baka Ikaw" (currently enjoying heavy rotation on radio) were the first two singles of the Storybook*.

The CompanY then segued to a medley of their past hit songs which included: "Pakisabi Na Lang", "Sana Nga Ikaw Na", "Now That I Have You", "Muntik Na Kitang Minahal" and "Everlasting Love".

I'm certain that every avid CompanY fan was waiting for portion of the show. I myself suddenly realized that the catalogue of hits of The CompanY was quite substantial.

CompanY alto, Cecile then explained to the audience that the group heeded the advice of the Apo Hiking Society to create and perform original material instead of relying of Top 40 covers. Hence, as a tribute to their fellow Ateneans, The CompanY performed a medley of Apo songs but done in the mainstream jazz style!

Even the fifteen-minute intermission break was given a comedic touch. Instead of the cold silence in the theater, the novelty music of Mrs. Miller (a grandmother who would sing rock and roll off key and off time in the '60's) was piped into the august hall of the CCP main theater.

As the red H.R. Ocampo went up for Act 2, we were surprised that there was a complete set change. The staged was transformed into an international airport transit lounge complete with moving conveyor belt, crates, hard shell steam trunks, numerous pieces of luggage, Contemporary Scandinavian furniture (c/o Bo Concept) and a faux Liquid Crystal Display showing the schedule of flights (ex. Oslo Gate 2, Lucerne Gate 6, Cubao Gate 3!).

Act 2 was entitled A Cappella Transit Lounge. Members of The CompanY reappeared onstage playing a specific character. It actually looked like a scene from one of those Agatha Christie mystery novels. Annie Quintos played a nun with repressed disco diva aspirations. Andre Castillo played a corporate type who has a penchant for getting lei'd (yes, that is the correct spelling in case you were thinking of something else). Sweet Plantado played the backpacker who loves anything Latin. Cecile Bautista played a grand dame contessa with a proclivity for earrings that look like chandeliers. Reuben Laurente played the inimitable Pinoy OCW with O.G. syndrome (i.e. over gold with necklaces from Saudi). And finally, Moy Ortiz played the punk rocker not from London but from Romblon.

The entire Act 2 was performed a cappella with only 30 second breaks between songs as the singers caught their breath and hydrated themselves. The script and acting were more improvised; witty banter and wisecracks were exchanged between the characters as the airport ambience sound droned in the background. Almost each song had a quick costume change and prop to enhance the performance of this musical travelogue.

The CompanY started Act 2 with "Rhythm of Life" from the musical Sweet Charity. "Gusto Ko Ng A Cappella" from their new Storybook* album followed. "Dancing Queen", "Da Coconut Nut", "Yoyoy Villame Medley", "La Vida Loca", "Tsismis", "Rock Lobster", "Worst That Could Happen", "Sweet Dreams", "Mission Impossible theme" and "We'll Meet Again" completed A Cappella Transit Lounge's set list.

Immediately, and without any hesitation, the entire Main Theater of CCP rose to give The CompanY an uproarious and highly deserved standing ovation. There was no hiding the fact that members of The CompanY choked with emotion as the theater audience cheered them on.

For their first encore, the singers launched into an Afrikaan inspired arrangement of Jambalaya. They kidded the audience that this is a different kind of a country song but from what country who knows?! Their second and last encore was the interactive/ sing a long number of Kylie Minogue's global dance hit - "Can't Get You Out Of My Head".

Three days later, I was still receiving texts and e-mails congratulating me for the successful concert of my artists. Having managed them since 1994, I have seen the members of The CompanY develop and cultivate not only their artistry but also their humanity as the years rolled along. I am very proud to be called their manager because they exemplify my notion of an ideal artist (if one ever really existed). People who are not only gifted by God with talent, but also artists who work extremely hard at their craft and have not gone swell headed with their continuing winning streak. To my alagas, The CompanY - Congratulations for a very successful concert and wishing you continued success!!!!!

Show Hall, 8pm

The CompanY, the country's premiere vocal group, comes home from a highly successful Pan Pacific Tour that brought the group to Singapore and Guam, U.S.A. The gauge for the tour's huge success is that all concert dates played out to a sold out (SRO) audience who rewarded this versatile vocal sextet with a jubilant and sincere standing ovations at the end of the two hour theatrical presentation.

The CompanY's concert act was a dizzying flurry of a wide range of: music genres (i.e. vocal jazz, a cappella, CompanY's own OPM hit catalogue, traditional Filipino, recycled Pop classics), 4 costume changes, props, elements of musical theater and vaudeville, comedy, effective choreography and witty banter.

 "Basically, we compiled our strongest show stoppers and presented them in a theatrical setting." explains Moy Ortiz, The CompanY's artistic director.

 The Singapore concerts, entitled "In The CompanY Of Love" were produced by the Philippine Cultural Society (of Singapore) in cooperation with Philippine Airlines. Ms Perlita Tiro, head of PCS, was thrilled with the success of the concerts held last February 14 & 15 at the elegant Jubilee Hall of the Raffles Hotel; considered as the Grand Dame Hotel of Singapore. Special guests for these concerts were Mr. Eugene Villaluz (who happened to be in Singapore due to his 3 month stint with the new musical Judah Ben Hurr) and Miss Babes Conde (a Singaporean music Diva who is incidentally a Filipina). The closing night of these Jubilee Hall concert series was the highlight of the Singaporean leg of the tour. It was here when CompanY was accorded 2 jubilant standing ovations from the audience comprising of Filipinos, Singaporeans and British nationals. February 16 saw the group performing a club gig in the very exclusive (for members only) - Tanglin Club (aka British Club). Many Filipinos in Singapore commented that The CompanY's concerts had a high profile because the group was featured at Singapore's Straits Times (twice with photos); moreover, the group also gained enough media access to do a radio promo tour in the top FM stations of Singapore.

  The Guam concert was held last February 23 at the very new Micronesia Mall Expo Hall. This time, The CompanY performed with the Philippine's newest and biggest breakthrough artist - Ms. Aiza Seguerra. The concert entitled, "Aiza and The CompanY - Live In Guam!" was produced by the Santa Barbara Catholic School under the headship of Sister Jeanette Marie Pangelinan and Assistant Principal - Sister Maria Rosario Gaite (both are under the order of Sisters of Mercy). By the end of this two hour - nonstop musical extravaganza, the 2,500+ strong audience generously rewarded the artists with a standing ovation. Guam's Who's Who - Prominent VIPs from Church, Politics, high society and big business (i.e. Emelio Uy) graced this major special event. Miss Beth Martin was the musical director for this concert.

 Currently, The CompanY will be promoting the second single from their latest album, Storybook* (Pop Art Music/ Viva Records)entitled "Baka Ikaw" (another potential giant hit from hitmakers Edith M. Gallardo and Moy Ortiz of "Pagdating Ng Panahon" fame). The song was also featured on the Regine Velasquez - Richard Gomez blockbuster film - " Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon". The CompanY also filmed their very first MTV for the said song. Storybook* was produced by multiple awardee Ms. Margot Gallardo.

 Upcoming projects for The CompanY include a summer concert series at the Hard Rock Café and the only Asian artist in the Explore A Cappella Festival in Singapore. The CompanY's annual big concert will be held this time at the CCP on June 25.

 The CompanY is Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos, Cecile Bautista, Reuben Laurente, Andre Castillo and Moy Ortiz. The CompanY is managed by Boy Abunda's Backroom, Inc.

The country's premiere vocal group, The CompanY, will embark on their first ever Pan Pacific Concert Tour this year. The CompanY will be bringing their extravagant concert act to Singapore, Guam and Hong Kong within the year. This Pan Pacific Tour is a dream come true for the country's longest running vocal harmony act who turns 17 years old this year.

"It's exhilarating to know that the group's dreams and goals are slowly but surely coming true! We just have to be very patient and know that it is all in God's time and not ours!", beams CompanY soprano - Annie Quintos.

 At present, The CompanY is on a Philippine Promo Tour of their 11^th and latest album entitled Storybook* (Pop Art Music/ Viva Records); produced by multi-awarded Margot M. Gallardo. The song "Pag Nagkataon" (written by Moy Ortiz & Edith Gallardo of the "Pagdating Ng Panahon" fame) is the album's carrier single. Storybook* is The CompanY's first all OPM album in six years. The CompanY shall visit all the SM Supermalls in the country. The Storybook* Philippine Promo Tour' schedule is as follows: Jan. 18 - SM Iloilo, Jan. 25 - SM Manila, Jan 27 - SM Cebu, Feb. 3 - SM Fairview and Feb. 9 - SM Pampangga. SM Davao and SM Southmall (Zapote) is still being scheduled. The CompanY has already performed at SM Megamall, SM Bacoor, SM Sucat and SM North Edsa. The CompanY will sign all posters, CD and cassettes after every performance.

 On February 14 & 15, The CompanY will have their special valentine concert at the Jubilee Hall of The Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The concerts entitled "In The CompanY of Love" are produced by The Philippine Cultural Society of Singapore in cooperation with Philippine Airlines. This will be The CompanY's debut performance in Singapore and they are excited to be presenting their music at the country's most elegant and oldest hotel - The Raffles Hotel; considered to be Singapore's Grand Dame hotel. Special guests for February 14 will be singer/theater actor/ record producer - Eugene Villaluz; who has been in Singapore since November 2001 as part of the cast of the new and original musical - Judah Ben Hur. This new musical also features other Filipino artists - Ms. Carol Banawa and dancer of Paolo (ex member of Powerdance). Another guest is one of Singapore's top Diva singers and musical directors - Ms. Babes Conde. Ms. Conde was the musical director for such reknown groups like The New Minstrels and Something Special in the 70's and 80's decade. Ms. Conde has now established herself as a vital and prominent force in Singapore's music scene. Last but not the least, these concerts will be a reunion for The CompanY and the original lead singer of their hit "Everlasting Love". Meus Bartolome Kaveny ,who now resides in Singapore and sings with the all female a cappella group - Nanu, will also perform her CompanY hit song with the group in the shows. This concert series will surely be a visual and musical treat featuring the versatility of this seasoned sextet.

On February 16, The CompanY performs an all English repertoire at the exclusive Tanglin Club. For this night, the Tanglin Club will waive their "for members only" rule to accommodate the concert going public to the show.

February 23 finds The CompanY in a back to back concert with last year's biggest breakout artist - Aiza Seguerra at the 2,500 seater Micronesia Mall Theater in Guam. The show is a fundraiser for Santa Barbara School . Project coordinator is Sister Rosario Gaite and Sister Jeanette Marie of the Sisters of Mercy order. The last time The Company performed in Guam was in 1999; a back to back concert with "Mister Songwriter" - Jose Mari Chan. This will be CompanY's 3^rd time to perform in Guam.

The upcoming Hong Kong shows will be a back to back music revue between The CompanY and the Lines Dance CompanY ( as headed by Artistic Director/ choreographer Ms. Para Isidro Guenino). This series of shows will be a lavish musical production that will feature the tour de force numbers of both featured artists. Moreover, additional shows for our OFW's will be included on the itinerary. The CompanY's Hong Kong shows are scheduled in the summer of this year.

Finally, The CompanY will participate in The Explore A Cappella Festival; scheduled for June 11 to 16, 2002. This prestigious festival will introduce the Singapore audience to the world of A Cappella concerts, Stand Up Comedy routines and other theatrical presentations. One of the aims of this festival is to break the perceived notion that a cappella singing is limited to the traditional confines of the school and the church.