The 2010 Musicfest Press Conference

It’s less than 24 hours ‘til their big performance here in Cebu, but the Jabbawockeez, Boyce Avenue, and Kris Allen still managed to get up close and personal with their fans during their Press Conference at SM City Cebu, Northwing Atrium. Naturally, the venue was easily crowded with screaming and adoring fans.

Kris Allen, winner of the 2009 American Idol (Season 8), was the star of the show. Born in Jacksonville, Arkansas, Kris already had a passion for music since he was in grade school; in fact, he even left his business course at the University of Arkansas in order to perform at local bars while keeping his day job as a shoe salesman. At 2007, he started producing his first album called “Brand New Shoes” and distributed about 600 copies to his families and friends.

It was also said that during his audition in American Idol, it was actually his brother who wanted to join the contest and he was just tagging along. I can still remember Simon’s words during that audition: “I think I’d give it a shot.” ;-)



Kris is actually the first AI winner who’s already married, and when asked at the PressCon if his newly acquired fame affected his marriage life, he said that it does affect his marriage life because he can’t see his wife that often however, he said that his wife is very supportive of him.

Kris was also asked about comparisons between him and the past AI winners, and he simply said, “I try not to compare myself with the others; I just try to do my own thing, I just make my own music.” He was also asked about what he thinks about the Filipinos and he said that he admires the Filipinos and that the Filipinos have a lot of heart…weeeee!!! ^_^

Speaking of which, we Filipinos should be a lot prouder coz the Jabbawockeez, winner of the first season of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew competition (in 2008), actually have, not one, not two, not even three, but four members who are pure-blooded Filipinos!! They are: Chris “Cristyle” Gatdula, Rynan “Kid Rainen” Paguio, Phil “Swaggerboy” Tayag, and Joe “Emajoenation”. These four all stayed true to their roots: “A lot of us were raised with the Filipino traditions and cultures. We make it a point to stay in touch with our Filipino fans all over the world,” Chris said. Kevin "Keibee" Brewer also added that they really appreciate the hospitality that the we Filipinos have been showing to them.

The group also recently signed a contract with ABS-CBN's weekend noon time show "ASAP" since they will be here in the country for a while.

The Jabbawockeez, named by ABDC judge Shane Sparks as "The Dance Group of BoyzIIMen", is famous not only for their unique and precise dance moves but also for their white masks which had become a trademark for the group.

Coming back from their free concert last year, The Boyce Avenue is happy to be back in Cebu for the second time: “It’s very touching to perform again in Cebu, Mahal namin kayo”, Alejandro said.

The Manzano brothers actually had their very first performance ten years ago at a high school in Florida. Eventually, they became one of the eight top artists in YouTube, where they were mostly known for their amazing covers of hit songs such as Timbaland’s Apologize, Leona Lewis’ Bleeding Love, and Neyo’s Because of You among many others.

Alejandro, Daniel, and Fabian were actually separated temporarily when Daniel went to Harvard Law School. But Daniel’s love for music constantly called for him and in 2004, they got back together where Alejandro wrote their first original song called “Find Me".

The boys were also asked if they have sibling rivalry especially that the three of them are often compared to each other, and they said that naturally, it does happen to them every now and them “but it’s all the same flattering if compared”. Alejandro also added that their respect for each other is still intact and it’s in fact an honor to be compared with each other.

The Musicfest 2010 Philippine tour kicks off tonight at 8pm at the SM City Cebu North Open Parking 2. Tickets are available at Ticketworld (255-4041), SM, Metrocard Club Cebu, Ayala, Formo, Vudu, and Mango Square Mall.

See you at the concert!! ;)