The DJ who's not a DeeJay

Congratulations to Gloc 9 and Noel Cabangon for bagging the most number of awards at the recently concluded 23rd Awit Awards held at Centerstage in Mall of Asia last September 30, 2010. You guys well deserve your awards. I'll be posting the entire list of winners soon.

Noel Cabangon won several awards for his album entitled "Byahe" while Gloc 9 won several awards for his song "Upuan" featuring Jeazell Grutas of Zelle.   In his acceptance speech for Song of The Year, he gave thanks to everyone who supported and believed in his talent with a special mention to FrancisM, who he has always considered his idol.  Gloc 9 performed this Song of The Year winner "Upuan" as the finale along with Yeng Constantino and Aiza Seguera.

Over 41 awards in technical & performance categories were given away.    In addition, a new set of awards were given for artist and songs with the most online and mobile downloads.   

Other winners included Charice Pempengco, Sarah Geronimo, Bugoy Drilon, SinoSikat, Joung JV, Rhap Salazar, Kris Lawrence, Yeng Constantino, Toni Gonzaga, Franco, Jaya and Piolo Pascual.  


Here is Gloc 9's awward winning song "Upuan".

I've been accustomed to taking a backseat role or hiding behind the scenes and taking on a low profile in much of what I do.
I've been a musical arranger but been behind the scenes, with our karaoke product in the limelight. I've been webmaster and creator of several websites but been distancing myself from the websites so I don't get associated with them. Last year, I also remember being the official photographer for the prestigious Awit Awards, another behind the scenes role. And for the past 2 years, I've been one of the judges for the Awit Awards.

Not that I'm not proud of the other projects and positions I've held in the past, but being invited to judge for the Awit Awards is something I'm proud enough to announce rather than be passive about it. It's nice to be considered and acknowledged for having an ear for musical talent, not just by friends or peers but from the very industry that recognizes Original Pilipino Music, that being the Philippine Association of the Recording Industry (PARI). And through the PARI's Awit Awards, the best artists are given due recognition.

This year, it's an honor to be judging side by side with the likes of Lito Camo, Christian Bautista, my good friend TBowne from 101.1YES FM, one of my favorite musical arrangers, Jimmy Antiporda and other distinguished judges bringing experience from various aspects of the music industry. It's also interesting to see if my picks win.

Check out the article I wrote with the list of nominees, winners for the pre-awarding and a couple of pictures I took from the event.