New PPOP group Introduced by ViVA: RPM (Real Pinoy Music)
featured, ppop, RPM 7:20 PM
Carl Trazo can definitely sing. Born on August 20, 1991, Carl started singing at age six. When he was around eleven, he got a formal training at the Musar Music School in Baguio, where he played the Phantom in its production of “Phantom of the Opera.” At thirteen, his family moved to Fiji Islands. There, he joined hundreds of hopefuls in auditioning at the Fiji Talent Quest (sort of Fiji Idol). In the end, Carl was named the Grand Winner. Aside from doing theater, he also plays the piano and violin.
When it comes to dancing, Chris Salcedo is the man! Born on Christmas Day in 1990, he has made use of his God-given talent by joining dance competitions (he was part of the UE Extreme Squad), teaching gymnastics to kids, and being a member of X10, one of ASAP’s backup dancers. He has also trained with the Streetboys, but decided to forego the stint at Universal Studios Singapore in favor of his other passion: theater acting. Chris has played Ada in PETA’s teen edition of “Zsazsa Zaturnnah.” He is no stranger to TV acting either. He was part of GMA’s drama series “Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak”.
RPM boasts of its own master rapper in the person of Pio Balbuena, born on June 6, 1994. It was in third grade that he started entertaining with his freestyle rap. Pio names the late rap icon Francis M. as his influence. And just like his idol, Pio can also act. He was part of TV5’s teen drama series “BFGF” before he auditioned for Viva. He feels blessed to be given the chance to show his talent not just in rapping, but also in composing songs. Pio has written one verse each in the 12 songs included in RPM’s soon to be released album.
RPM will not be complete without the three charming girls, whom the boys consider as sisters.
Anna Luna was born on September 12, 1993. At an early age up to her present teen years, she already has a number of theater performances under her belt, such as the 2004 Aliw Award recipient , “Ambon, Ulan, Baha,” “Princess Sarah, Ang Munting Prinsesa” (where she played main antagonist Lavinia), CCP Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Quiapo, The Musical,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (where she worked with seasoned singer Dulce). Plus a movie debut in “Emir, ” the most talked about full-feature Filipino movie musical directed by Chito Roño. With her theatrical background, Anna admits that she had to adjust in the recording industry. But she’s excited that she now has a chance to be known in mainstream music industry, together with her cool co-members.
Samantha Page is the youngest in the group, born on March 6, 1996 in America. Coming from a family who loves sports, she honed her singing talent by joining the school choir. Her entry to the recording industry came as a surprise. While on vacation in the Philippines in 2009, she got discovered and was brought to Viva to audition. After singing “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, Sam immediately signed a contract with Viva. Sam is also into modeling and is open to do some acting in the future.
Among the girls, Yanna Garcia is fortunate to have gained professional dance training and experience. She was a member of G-Force, one of ASAP’s backup dancers. She started out as a ballerina at age four, and through the years learned other dance cultures, like Hawaiian, flamenco, tap, jazz, and more. As for her singing ability, Yanna got it from her mother who sang in different bands in the ‘80s. Now that she’s part of the recording industry, Yanna keeps in mind her mom Lilibeth’s advice: to take criticisms constructively to improve her craft. Yanna was born on October 31, 1992 and is a die-hard Beyonce fan.
The Album For All
With their self-titled album out in the market, RPM is proud to say that it’s something everyone will enjoy. The album has twelve OPM tracks, with varied themes but easy to relate to; there are songs for lovers and best friends, and there are those that talk about family relationships. It can even be tagged as “ultimate barkada music.”
The carrier single of the album which is “Para Sa 'Yo.” A song which will definitely urge you to groove and bounce to its beat giving you a feel good mood. The album is under the P-Pop label of Viva Records and is produced by Marcus Davis with musical contributions by Vince Alaras (former lead vocalist of South Border).
RPM is one in their desire and effort to make it known that P-Pop can be unique and not just an imitation of foreign music. They dream for P-Pop to go international as well. As long as they keep their passion, faith, and friendship intact, there is nothing they cannot achieve together.