Wish 107.5 Music Awards: A Ground-breaking Success for OPM and Charity

It may be a humble newcomer in the award-giving scene, but what Wish FM 107.5 did last night at the Araneta Coliseum is something even the big guns in the music scene can only dream of mounting.

Daniel Razon explains the rationale for Wish Music Awards before the crowd at Araneta Coliseum last January 26, 2016. (Photo: Wish 107.5 FM Facebook Page

Wish 107.5 Music Awards is a beautiful concept right from the very start. Conceptualized in partnership with UNTV, the award-giving event marries entertainment with charity. To underscore how big a thing this is, read further: it is something that has never been done before in this side of the planet or anywhere around the world.

Here’s how this award-giving thing works: Wish Awards presenters read the names of nominees and announce the winner. When called on stage, the winner receives the trophy and gives acceptance speech. Hep, wait, that’s not all! Because the winning artist’s chosen charity or foundation will also be announced to receive the P100,000 cash donation from Wish FM management.

Darren Espanto receives in behalf of World Vision the P100,000 cash donations from Wish FM 107.5. (Photo: Wish 107.5 FM Facebook Page)

And last night, this means that all the trophies (which if I was counting correctly tops 6 major awards) that Darren Espanto bagged translate to P100,000 each for his chosen charities (which, if my memory serves me right include World Vision Philippines).

A veteran broadcaster himself whose early stints in mainstream media was that of being a disc jockey along with his public service projects, Kuya Daniel said that he would like to introduce his advocacy through UNTV to the Wish 107.5 Awards.

Kuya Daniel’s objective has always been about injecting public service to his projects, such as UNTV Life. The radio station Wish FM 107.5 and its innovative blue-colored Wish FM bus are just among Kuya Daniel’s brainchild initiatives.

In fact, Wish 107.5 Awards was that once impossible dream that has nonetheless officially breathed new life as a reality, with God’s help! More than 22,000 attendees at the Araneta Coliseum witnessed this realization.

One of the Darrenatics group, “Darrenatics Team Oh My D” trooped to Araneta to witness their idol, Darren Espanto. (Photo: Wish 107.5 FM Facebook Page)

The event was even more miraculous that not only was Araneta full-packed. Fans of the nominated artists arrived to support their idols while the country’s veterans, up-and-coming, and popular personalities came to perform, if not support each other, and celebrate one night of Filipino artistry in music, and above all charity. The whole event proceeded and ended with just positivity (Wishing here next year will be even bigger, God willing!).

For many Filipinos, and as for this writer, Wish 107.5 Awards last night serves as that beacon of hope for a music industry that is reportedly ailing and feeling the brunt of its foreign musical rivals. But this event gave a big boost and magnification to what Filipino talents are capable of giving. Our artists are bar-none world-class and we can make it big worldwide given the chance!

And Wish FM is a very feasible platform to introduce them to the world stage (who haven’t yet watch of Darren Espanto’s phenomenal cover of “Chandelier” that continues to rack up millions of views as of this writing?).

The various spellbinding live performances from Darren Espanto, Morisette Amon, Darryl Ong, Jessica Reynoso, Maki Ricafort, Leah Patricio, Marlo Mortel, Brad Go, Paolo Oneza, Beverly Caimen, Juan Karlos Labajo, Sassa Dagdag, Joseph Fernandez, The Voysing, Nyoy Volante, Gerald Santos, and more, showed just a slice of what Filipinos are capable of doing in the world music scene.

(Video: MJ De Leon Youtube Channel)

Finally, what else can we say but declare that Wish 107.5 Music Awards offers a masterclass in producing an A+ musical event with a heart.

It was a historic moment that Wish 107.5 Award broke new grounds in the OPM scene. It also served as another testament to that another Kuya Daniel project that showcases originality, freshness, and undeniable inventiveness waiting to be imitated! But one thing that’s hard to replicate here is the heart of every Kuya Daniel project: SINCERITY and GRATITUDE TO GOD.

To Kuya Daniel, again, thanks be to God for introducing this amazing project! Your fervent support, selflessness and faith in OPM and Filipino talents are such an inspiration.

(Note: All photos used are produced by Facebook.com/WishFM1075)

#UNTVRepaso2015 Trends at No. 2, Kuya Daniel Reveals New UNTV Projects to Expect in 2016

Quezon City, PHILIPPINES – (December 31, 2015) Yearly, UNTV Life looks back at the events, big stories, public services and people that shaped history in a year.

Kuya Daniel hosts UNTV Repaso 2015, saying: “Kami po ay narito para magsilbi sa inyo.” (Photo credits: FB.com/UNTVLife)

This year is no different as it presents Repaso 2015 Year-End Special Presentation,albeit a news-and-rescue effort that is even bigger than the previous year.

Repaso 2015 Yearend Report this year features audio-visual presentations about the reportorial team’s coverage of disasters and calamities, health issues, the historic APEC Summit, BBL deliberations, transportation issues, President Benigno Aquino III’s last SONA, pre-election issues, and the Mamasapano case.

Prominent social pundits invited to lend their insights about the year that was include Prof. Josephine Aguilar Placido and Prof. Eleonor Briones.

Other than the presentation of AVPs, part of the program was the ceremonial deployment of all rescue units nationwide led by UNTV’s Gerry Panghulan, giving of charities to the less fortunate.

“UNTV Tulong Muna Bago Balita” is the news-and-rescue initiative of Kuya Daniel Razon, Chairman and CEO of BMPI-UNTV.

UNTV kicked off its news-and-rescue mission to assist in providing emergency and rescue relief during the traditional year-end revelry of Filipinos. (Photo: FB.com/UNTVLife

Meanwhile, among the invited performers include ASOP TV host Richard Reynoso, The Voysing, The Bueno Sisters, The Voice Philippines contestant Philippe Go, and social media sensation Myka Cloma.

Philippe Go and Myka Cloma duet of Disney song, “A Whole New World”. (Photo credit: FB.com/UNTVLife

The hashtag #UNTVRepaso2015 climbed the Philippines Trends as early as 8:30 pm, peaking at No. 2 spot and lasted for 12 hours, the next day (Friday, January 1, 2016). The hashtag registered over 45K tweets until it exited the trends list.

The hashtag trended for more than three hours during the live coverage of UNTV Repaso 2015.

From 8 pm to 12 midnight, Repaso 2015 was hosted by Atty. Reggie Tongol and William Thio.

Atty. Regie and William Thio hosted the Year-End Special UNTV Repaso 2015. (Photo credit: FB.com/UNTVLife)

As the time clocked 12 midnight, Kuya Daniel entered the rescue command center and joined Atty. Regie and William to host the special presentation.

When asked about his vision for the station in 2016, Kuya Daniel stressed that he wants to continue what UNTV has started, further improve and expand the coverage of public service.

“Kung ano ang naumpisahan, mas maimprove, mas mapalawak pa natin, [and] hopefully itong 2016 na ito, magpapasimula ang UNTV News International,” said Kuya Daniel.

(What we have started, we want to improve and expand [these initiatives]. Hopefully this 2016, the new UNTV News International would be launched.)

As Kuya Daniel added and elaborated among other projects that he want to launch in 2016, the veteran broadcast journalist said that he hopes UNTV “will start a new chapter of public service.”

For more photos, visit: the Facebook page of UNTV Life.

‘#MCGIThankfulToGOD’ – MCGI’s ITG of the Fourth Quarter of 2015 Hashtag Trends

Apalit, Pampanga – (12/25/2015) The quarterly International Thanksgiving to God (ITG) celebration of the Members Church of God International (MCGI) or Ang Dating Daan worldwide, which kicked off today, has been one of the most talked about topics on Twitter. The hashtag – #MCGIThankfulToGOD – trended for more than 5 hours on December 25th (PHT).

The MCGI live Twitter conversation’s official hashtag peaked at No. 2 spot of the Philippines Trends. (Source: @PhilsTrends)

It will be recalled, the official Twitter account of the Church of God International, @mcgidotorg, held a Twitter Live Conversation of the celebration as early as 5 am. The hashtag has been spotted at No. 4 in Philippines Trends after 17 minutes of the start time.

MCGI celebrates its International Thanksgiving to God every quarter at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, province of Pampanga, Philippines. While one of the biggest closed convention centers in the Philippines, the venue is not enough to accommodate millions of congregants.

Today, coordinating centers nationwide and around the world are being opened to accommodate members and visitors alike to participate in the event, which is being beamed via satellite and live video streaming.

Bro. Daniel delivered the first part of the topic prepared for Day 1 of the International Thanksgiving to God (Photo source: Twitter.com/mcgidotorg)

Bro. Eli Soriano, the Overall Servant to the MCGI, opened the event with his remarks. Assistant to the Overall Servant, Bro. Daniel Razon earlier opened the first part of the topic.

The MCGI International Thanksgiving to God is a three-day event, which is comprised not only of the offering of the sacrifices of thanksgiving through the singing of thanksgiving songs,. Other activities packed into three days include: consultation with Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel, charitable works, children Bible school, and the teaching of biblical topics by Bro. Daniel and Bro. Eli.

The Music Ministry led the Ang Dating Daan Chorale during the congregational singing of the International Thanksgiving to God. (Photo credit: twitter.com/mcgidotorg)

Bro. Eli’s Blog Inducted into #Bloggys 2015 Hall of Fame with 2 Awards

Bro. Eli’s blog bagged two award: the Bloggys 2015 People’s Champion and People’s Choice Award in the Society and Politics category. (Photo: Twitter.com/MrControversyX)

ControversyExtraordinary.com blog of Bro. Eli Soriano bagged the Overall People’s Champion Award and the People’s Choice Award in the Society and Politics Category of the Philippine Blogging Award on Saturday (November 21).

Organized by Essays.ph, the #bloggys2015 is an award-giving event that aims to recognize Filipino bloggers writing in a variety of niches and sectors across the Philippines.

This year’s roster of judges include Rappler founder and CEO Maria Ressa, ABS-CBN chief digital head Donald Lim, e-commerce educator Janette Toral, Nuffnang Philippines country manager Abe Olandres, and more.

Learning of the award, Bro. Eli thanked the organizers of the #bloggys2015, saying in his latest blog, “my best appreciation to the organizers of the Philippine Blogging Awards 2015 for whatever award is in store for my blog site.”

“They told me ‘it was a surprise.’ May God bless you!,” the International Evangelist wrote in his latest blog titled, “Blogging for Truth and Exposing Evil”, posted on the same date.

Through the moniker Mr. Controversy (#TheTruthCaster), Bro. Eli stressed that his writing is not meant to be awarded. “I write not to be awarded honors from humans though. If awards come, they serve to extend my purpose of reaching out to more and more.”

Bro. Eli is the Overall Servant of the Members Church of God International (MCGI). He is the host of the longest running radio, television and now Internet streaming program, Ang Dating Daan or The Old Path.

Bro. Danny Navales of MCGI received the award in behalf of Bro. Eli.

Brother Danny Navales of MCGI (center) receives the major award – Bloggys 2015 People’s Champion – in behalf of Bro. Eli Soriano. (Photo: Photoville International).

The Philippine Blogging Award was held at the SMX, SM Aura Taguig.

New Guinness World Records Title-Holder Ang Dating Daan Chorale’s Full 15-Minute Performance Now on Youtube

The official Youtube Channel of The Old Path (“Ang Dating Daan” in Tagalog) – youtube.com/theoldpath – posted today the full 15-minute performance of the Ang Dating Daan Chorale during its official bid for the “Largest Gospel Choir” title from the Guinness World Records.

The Members Church of God International, which celebrated the 35th anniversary of its radio, television and internet program, Ang Dating Daan, on October 12, 2015 at Smart-Araneta Coliseum, was the same date where the Ang Dating Daan Chorale performed before the Guinness World Records.

Before the program ends, the Guinness World Records awarded to the Ang Dating Daan Chorale the “Largest Gospel Choir” title, a new world record in its category.

The Guinness adjudicator Fortuna Burke Melhem has announced 8,688 gospel choir members participated in the attempt, which was more than double last year’s world record title holder.

On Twitter, the official Twitter account of The Old Path – twitter.com/theoldpathtv – has launched a live conversation for the launch of the video on Youtube.

The official Twitter account of The Old Path (Ang Dating Daan) has launched a live conversation to announce the online premiere of the full 15-minute performance of Ang Dating Daan Chorale during its official Guinness World Records bid.

As early as 10 AM, the hashtag #ADDLargestGospelChoir was trending at No. 8.

The #ADDLargestGospelChoir hashtag was spotted trending at past 9 AM, Sunday.

The special Ang Dating Daan anniversary program was a celebration not only of the singing of praise music for the Lord. It as well served as a venue for public charity efforts of the MCGI for the persons with disabilities or PWDs.

For their parts, Bro. Eli Soriano, the Overall Servant of MCGI, and Bro. Daniel Razon, the Assistant to the Overall Servant of MCGI, awarded P100,000 to each 12 institutions for PWDs.

Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel also gave all the attending 1,700 PWDs with their aides with cash gifts and grocery bags. Some other PWDs were given wheelchairs and raffle prizes.

Watch: 4-Minute Clip of “Largest Gospel Choir” Performance of Ang Dating Daan from Guinness World Records

The Guinness World Records has posted the breathtaking performance of the 8,688 choir members belonging to the Members Church of God International (MCGI) on its official Youtube Channel.

In the video, the Ang Dating Daan Chorale performed “Enrich the Spirit”, one of the four songs sung by the choir during its 15-minute performance at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Monday night (October 12) where it officially smashed the old record for the “Largest Gospel Choir.”

On its website, Rachel Swatman described the choir group as “a breathtaking 8,688 singers – who travelled from various local churches (of MCGI) as well as countries in the Americas and Africa – took their places in the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines and totally shattered the previous record of 4,745 people.”

They quoted Kuya Daniel Razon, the Chairman and CEO of BMPI-UNTV and Assistant to the Overall Servant of MCGI about the award, who said: “This is something that we did not intend to do – to get the Guinness Book of World Records but our hearts intended to give thanks to God and we believe that this is an additional blessing that came from the Lord tonight.”

Bro. Eli Soriano is the host of the long-time religious radio, television and internet program, Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path in English) from the Philippines. He is also the Overall Servant of MCGI

https://twitter.com/GWR/status/653584817527869440/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The Guinness World Records posted on its Twitter account about its adjudicator Fortuna Burke Melhem who it described was overcome with emotion. As of this posting, the tweet has garned 1,850 retweets and favorited 1,500 times.

Ang Dating Daan Chorale Set New Guinness World Record as the ‘Largest Gospel Choir’

The Members Church of God International (MCGI) or Ang Dating Daan Chorale is now officially a Guinness World Record titleholder for the “Largest Gospel Choir.”

“Welcome to the Guinness World Records Family,” Guinness Adjudicator Fortuna Burke Melhem said before a jam-packed Smart-Araneta Coliseum, Queazon City on October 12 (Monday night).

Ang Dating Daan Chorale bags the Guinness World Records “Largest Chorale Choir” title during the program’s 35th anniversary.

The announcement came during MCGI’s celebration of its flagship radio-television program, Ang Dating Daan’s (The Old Path) 35th anniversary, which it dedicated to the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Guinness Adjudicator Fortuna Burke Melhem announced the success of MCGI’s attempt for the Largest Gospel Choir record the same day, resulting in overwhelmed crowd reaction. It indicated that 8,688 choir members participated, smashing the former title-holder of more than 4,000 participants.

This result, which was based on he Turnstile method, was validated by the external auditing firm Punongbayan & Araullo.

More than 2,000 PWDs and their aides were given monetary gifts and grocery bags. Twelve charitable institutions that shelter and support PWDs were invited as guest of honors, and were given special VIP treatment during the program. Bro. Eli Soriano and Kuya Daniel Razon awarded P100,000 for each of the invited foundations.

Largest Gospel Choir to Perform during Ang Dating Daan’s 35th Anniversary

The longest-running Philippine radio-television religious program, Ang Dating Daan is popular not only for changing the lives of many people for the better. It also has strings of records for bringing joys to indigents through the numerous massive public service efforts it routinely mounts.

Ang Dating Daan celebrates its 35th anniversary with bid to break world records of the largest gospel choir . (Source: Facebook.com/AngDatingDaanTV

And on October 12 this year, the program will celebrate its 35^th year of broadcast through a special program, featuring the largest gospel choir of the Members Church of God International (MCGI).

This year, its theme’s tagline is “Truth. Charity. Praise.”

Organizers of the special anniversary presentation said the choristers will fill the lower and upper-level boxes of the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. There are expected 15,000 choristers to particiapte.

The 2,000-seat center area of the Big Dome, meanwhile, will be alloted for the special guests of that evening – the persons with disabilities or PWDs. Bro. Eli Soriano, the program host and Overall Servant of MCGI, wants the PWDs to occupy the center area and accommodate them with earnest care.

In MCGI, the PWDs are called very important persons (VIPs) and given higher regard. These VIPs receive the frontrow seats at the ADD Convention Centers whenever there are gatherings and congregational services.

Bro. Eli has taught the congregants of the Church of God and always reiterate that PWDs should be acknowledged, respected and treated not as nuisssance of society.

Along with the expected 13,000-strong ADD Chorale to perform at the Smart-Araneta, choristers from North America, Australia, Central and South America, United Kingdom, Asia-Oceania, and from different provinces in the country are expected to join from their respective areas.

Participants of the anniversary celebration for Ang Dating Daan shown here in one of their practice sessions at the ADD Convention Center. (Source: https://www.facebook.com/MCGI.org)

To ensure the seamless presentation of the chorale numbers as well as other content of the special program on Monday, satellite and live video streaming will be used to aid the special anniversary program.

To recall, previous anniversary celebrations of Ang Dating Daan were dedicated to the senior citizens and the indigents. Large medical-dental-legal missions also once became the centerpiece of its anniversary celebrations.

Other notable anniversary activities of Ang Dating Daan include mobilising the largest numbers of tree-planting participants, largest participants in a breastfeeding drive, coastal cleanups, feeding programs, mass blood drives, and more.

For this year, the largest gospel choir is the Ang Dating Daan group’s official bid to break world records in the “Largest Gospel Choir” category.

UPDATE: The full performance of the Ang Dating Daan Chorale can be watched on Youtube. See video below:

UNTV Raises P8-Million through Epic “Songs for Heroes 2” Benefit Concert to Support AFP and PNP

UNTV, locally-known as The Public Service Channel, has raised P8-Million through the Songs for Heroes 2 concert for the benefit of the uniformed members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

A milestone in the history of the land – one where world-class performances, stories of gallantry and heroism, big heart for the peacekeepers of the land, and public service were celebrated.

The follow-up concert after the successful Songs for Heroes 1 held in March this year marked another milestone in the history of Philippine public service and inter-private and public agency cooperation for peace and nation-building.

Present during the event held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on June 30, 2015 include Department of Justice Secretary Hon. Leila De Lima, PNP OIC Deputy Director-General Leonardo Espina, AFP Chief of Staff General Pio Catapang Jr., and Deputy Court Administrator Midas Marquez.

Other government officials who graced the special gathering dedicated for the country’s peacekeepers are Rep. Neil Tupaz, and Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon.

Bigger Donation for AFP and PNP

Chairman and CEO of Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International (BMPI) Kuya Daniel Razon has handed P3-Million checks personally to PNP Gen. Espina and AFP Chief of Staff Catapang, respectively.

Out of the total P8-million generated, Bro. Eli Soriano of the Members Church of God International (MCGI) and UNTV President Atom Henares, meanwhile, donated the additional P2-Million for the police and military groups.

https://instagram.com/p/4jw9EXpxIo/?taken-by=rgborja

To this, the PNP Director Espina lauded the International Evangelist’s efforts, saying “despite your distance, you still remembered us.”

“Thank you for remembering us, thank you for the support and aid you are giving,” added PNP Gen. Espina.

For his part, AFP Gen Catapang, who was retiring from service, was also thankful for the event organized by UNTV, saying “What a way to retire – with a concert, and with a cause!”

To recall, the first and successful Songs for Heroes concert, also held at the SM MOA Arena, was able to raise P6-Million for the families of the brave 44 members of SAF troops who perished during the Mamapasano Anti-Terrorist operation in Maguindanao.

Bigger and Better Musical Event

The concert also served as a reunion of sort among some of the country’s top musical performers and high-ranking government officials.

Filipino pop and jazz artist Kuh Ledesma headlined the concert, together with OPM balladeer Jed Madela and Asia’s Got Talent Finalist Gerphil Flores, and more. Soloists from PNP and AFP and their chorale groups also performed during the concert, along with the UP Dance Company.

Other performers include singer/songwriter Wency Cornejo, another Asia’s Got Talent finalist Gwyneth Dorado, R&B singer Ms. Arnee Hidalgo and his son, The Voice Kids Philippines’ Sam Shoaf. They shared the stage with actress/singer Jenine Desiderio, ASOP singer, UNTV’s Klasrum show host Shanne Velasco, as well as up-and-coming singing group 5^th Gen.

Independent film director Pedring Lopez directed the video sequences that was interspersed during the performances of the musical artists. Alex Cortez, UP associate producer and the incumbent creative director of the Dulaang UP, along with songwriter/producer Mon Del Rosario helmed the theatrical production segment of the concert.

MCGI is also one of the major suppporters of the first and second Songs for Heroes concerts.

To see more photos, please click here or here.

Gerphil Flores, Jed Madela and Kuh Ledesma to Perform at UNTV’s ‘Songs for Heroes 2’ Benefit Concert

Asia’s Got Talent Grand Finalists Gerphil Flores is set to headline the upcoming Songs for Heroes 2, a UNTV production to pay tribute to the country’s fallen 44 SAF heroes.

The 24-year-old Asia’s Got Talent Grand Finalists Gerphil Flores will be one of the main performers during the Songs for Heroes 2 concert. Source: FB.com/SongsForHeroes

Touted to be bigger and even more significant than the first Songs for Heroes, this benefit concert will also have OPM artists Kuh Ledesma and Jed Madela performing live.

Other musical artists invited to perform include Wency Cornejo, Jenine Desiderio, Shane Velasco, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Asia’s Got Talent kid finalist Gwyneth Dorado, The Voice Kids 1 Finalist Sam Shoaf, and 5th Gen, among other invited guests.

Moreover, some Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers will perform during the big night on June 30 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Also joining are the AFP Chorale and PNP Combo.

Looking Back at the First Songs For Heroes

Doing good will bear no evil serves as a unifying advocacy of Kuya Daniel Razon and the first Songs for Heroes concert is one of the direct applications of this cause.

The first Songs for Heroes concert aimed at raising funds for the gallant 44 families. And just before the concert ended, UNTV raised more than six million pesos, which it then turned over to the respective police and military agencies in behalf of the families.

The siblings of the bereaved families were also offered scholarship grant by the Members Church of God International Overall Servant, Bro. Eli Soriano and UNTV’s Kuya Daniel Razon.

The concert emerged out of a Twitter call of International Televangelist Bro. Eli to support and not blame the Philippine President who was then reeling from massive criticims for his handling of the fallen 44 crisis. So Bro. Eli offered to hold a benefit concert instead of resorting to means to unseat the presidency.

Songs for Heroes 2: Ang Mamatay Nang Dahil Sa Iyo

Unlike the first musical concert, the beneficiaries of the Songs for Heroes 2 will be a charitable institution that will be selected by the AFP and PNP.

Songs for Heroes 2 performers are headlined by no less than Kuh Ledesma, Jed Madela and Wency Cornejo, among others. (Photo source: FB.com/SongsForHeroes)

Theater and film director and writer Floy Quintos was tapped to write the concept of the concert while indie filmmaker Pedring Lopez directs. The musical director for the upcoming musical event is Alex Cortez, a University of the Philippines associate professor and current creative director of Dulaang UP.