La Diva | |
---|---|
![]() From left to right: Maricris Garcia, Jona Viray and Aicelle Santos | |
Background information | |
Origin | Manila, Philippines |
Genres | P-pop, R&B |
Instrument(s) | Vocals |
Years active | 2008–2015, 2020 |
Labels | Sony Music [1] GMA Music |
Past members | Jona Aicelle Santos Maricris Garcia |
La Diva was a Filipino pop girl group, first established for the now-defunct musical variety-show SOP . The group is composed of two winners and a runner-up of Pinoy Pop Superstar . The line-up was originally composed of Jona Viray, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia. The group's final line-up included only Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia; Jona departed the group on December 15, 2013. La Diva has sold more than 20,000 albums in the Philippines, and earned several achievements including Awit Awards and two PMPC Star Awards for Music. These successes lead the group to being the fourth best-selling female group in the Philippines behind the Sexbomb Girls, Aegis and the Mocha Girls. They are known for the 2012 hit "I Know He's There," which was featured in the OST of Legacy .
The group revealed that they officially retired on February 10, 2020, as their last performance on Zirkoh to pursue Viray, Garcia, & Santos more as a solo career.
In May 2008, it was confirmed that the GMA Artist Center would be forming a female music trio called La Diva. With its "Three of a Kind" segment, the musical variety show was ready to introduce a new generation of "divas."
Member Jonalyn Viray noted that a meeting for the creation of La Diva was held as far back as January 2008, with the stipulation that each member of the group would maintain their own identity, conducive to their eventual solo careers. While the members of La Diva aren't exactly certain of how the group was formed, they did cite their past experience on the singing competition, Pinoy Pop Superstar , as their common link. Viray and Garcia were Grand Champions of the first and third seasons, respectively, and Santos was the runner-up of the second season.
From October 24–28, 2011, La Diva was invited to guest on three shows in Indonesia. They performed hits such as "I'm Yours" and "Empire State of Mind." On the now-defunct talk show, Showbiz Central , it was reported and confirmed that La Diva were going to begin working on an international album. [2]
The group's first self-titled debut album was released, and a promotional tour was made at major record bars across the Philippines in November 2009. The album contained 10 tracks, including covers of the songs "Apologize," "Angels Brought Me Here," "I'm Yours," "Best of My Love," "Stand Up For Love," and "Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan," and original tracks including "Kasiping Ka" (the album's carrier single), "One Last Goodbye," and "Rosalinda." [3]
(born February 24, 1985) is a Filipina soul, R&B, pop and jazz singer-songwriter, actress, and pianist, who first emerged in the Philippine music scene as a contestant in a nationwide search for the Philippines' next big singer on the first season of ABS-CBN's Star in a Million . She has been dubbed the First Undefeated Pinoy Pop Superstar for achieving eight-straight wins on GMA 7's Pinoy Pop Superstar, and was hailed as the Philippines' "Ballad Princess." She is now known as the one and only "Soul Flair Songstress." She is the oldest member of the group.
(born September 26, 1987, in Caloocan, Philippines) is a Filipino singer and actress best known for winning the third season of Pinoy Pop Superstar. She first auditioned for the premiere season of the same show, but did not emerge as a finalist. Two years later, she won the competition with her rendition of Barry Manilow's "One Voice" during the Grand Finale held at Araneta Coliseum. She was the 3rd Pinoy Pop Superstar champion. Her voice is distinctly similar to that of the Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, thus earning the title of "Divine Princess." She is the second oldest member of the group, and now the "Queen of GMA Teleserye Theme songs."
(born November 15, 1989, in Marikina, Philippines) is a Filipina singer and occasional actress. She is the 1st Pinoy Pop Superstar Grand Champion, winning the competition with her soulful renditions of the classic "It Might Be You," and Whitney Houston's "Run To You." She also received five gold medals and three plaques at the 2006 World Championships of Performing Arts. She is known for her belting prowess. As the youngest member of the group, she had earned the title of the Philippines' "Soul Princess."
La Diva's debut album produced a distinct mixed style of reggae, belting-pop, novelty and dance tracks. Thematically, La Diva's music highlights female independence and empowerment, specifically in such songs as "Angels Brought Me Here" and "Best of My Love." The trio offers a blending of vocal styles: Viray's soprano, Garcia's mezzo-soprano, and Santos' alto ranges respectively.
La Diva was known for their "belting" vocals and "sexy" styling. Their label, Sony BMG Philippines, described the group as a "pop group characterized by bold, bright outfits, and big, catchy hooks punctuated by rap verses and an 'in-your-face swagger.'"
La Diva has recorded R&B/novelty/pop tracks with styles encompassing urban, contemporary and dance-pop genres. They have named former R&B female group Destiny's Child and fellow Filipina singer Regine Velasquez as among their influences.
Though the group was experiencing a string of success, Jonalyn Viray decided to leave on December 15, 2013, to pursue growth opportunities as a solo artist. Her departure was announced via GMA Network 's Facebook page. Viray's departure left Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia as a duo.
After Viray's departure, the remaining members of the group, along with their management, took a year-long hiatus. Though initial plans for a follow-up album fell through, in late 2014 the duo continued to make guest appearances on various GMA Network shows. Julie Anne San Jose made occasional appearances with the duo, temporarily replacing Viray during guest appearances and performances in early 2015. Eventually, the group faced management issues leading to a failed album, eventually leading to the duo's disbandment on June 13, 2015.
At present, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia are still artists of GMA Network, making cameo appearances in some of the network's programs. Jonalyn Viray eventually signed with Star Music, launching her career as a solo artist under the stage name, Jona.
Pinoy Pop Superstar is a Philippine television reality competition show broadcast by GMA Network. Hosted by Regine Velasquez, it premiered on July 3, 2004. The show concluded on June 2, 2007 with a total of 3 seasons.
Richelle Ann Mallari Loyola-Avanzado, better known by her stage name Jessa Zaragoza, is a Filipino commercial model, singer and actress. She is known as the "Phenomenal Diva" and "Jukebox Queen of the 90s" for her first studio album Just Can't Help Feelin in 1997 with the hit carrier single "Bakit Pa?" which became a hit ballad in the Philippines during 1997–1999.
Jonalyn Roxas Viray, known mononymously as Jona, is a Filipino singer. She was catapulted to mainstream prominence after she emerged as the first grand champion of Pinoy Pop Superstar.
Gerald Padua Santos is a Filipino singer and actor. He was the grand champion of Pinoy Pop Superstar on GMA Network in 2006 and dubbed as "The Prince of Ballad". He played Thuy in the Miss Saigon UK/International Tour 2017–2019 by Cameron Mackintosh Productions logging in 553 performances, and in the Miss Saigon Denmark Production 2023. In 2021, he was awarded Stage Performer of the Decade by BroadwayWorld Philippines (2011-2020) for his performances as Pedro Calungsod in San Pedro Calungsod The Musical. For his role as Doc Willie Ong in I Will: The Musical (2022), he won Best Lead Actor in a Musical in the Aliw Awards 2022. He's also a 2-time "Entertainer of the Year" in the Aliw Awards (2020) (2022). Gerald also has several film credits under his belt.
Aicelle Anne Coronel Santos-Zambrano is a Filipino singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress who first emerged in the Philippine music scene as a contestant in Star in a Million. She has been known as the "First Undefeated Pinoy Pop Superstar", when she achieved eight straight wins in GMA Network's Pinoy Pop Superstar, She is an International Stage Diva who played Gigi in Miss Saigon, "Eat Bulaga's Traffic Diva", and known as the one and only "Asia's Soul Flair Songstress".
GMA Productions, Inc., doing business as GMA Music, is a subsidiary of GMA Network, Inc. and is engaged in the production, marketing, and distribution of music and concerts. GMA Music is a member of PARI and has the distinction of having two Diamond Record awards in the highly competitive music scene.
Maria Cristina Yu Garcia-Cruz, professionally known as Maricris Garcia-Cruz, is a Filipino singer and actress. She came to prominence after winning the third season of Pinoy Pop Superstar. She is the Philippines' Divine Siren.
Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan is a 2008 Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Based on a 1982 Philippine film of the same title, the series is the ninth instalment of Sine Novela. Directed by Gil Tejada Jr., it stars Marvin Agustin, Camille Prats and Diana Zubiri. It premiered on June 23, 2008 on the network's Dramarama sa Hapon line up. The series concluded on November 7, 2008 with a total of 100 episodes. It was replaced by Saan Darating ang Umaga? in its timeslot.
Mahal Kita is the debut music album of Pinoy Pop Superstar 2008 grand champion Maricris Garcia.
Songs From Home is Lea Salonga's all-Filipino album (OPM) performed during a sold-out 2-night concert at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay on September 12 and 13, 2003. The album includes some of the Philippines' most well-known artists.
Marie Frencheska Mae Tobias Farr-Jose is a Filipino actress, singer and model. She was the Are You the Next Big Star? grand champion along with Geoff Taylor.
Julie Anne Peñaflorida San Jose is a Filipino singer and actress. She is dubbed as the "Limitless Star" for her singing prowess and achievements. She is currently an exclusive artist of GMA Network.
Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan may refer to:
Celeste Kalugdan LegaspiGallardo is a Filipino singer, actress, film and theatre producer, and an advocate for artists' rights. Her singles and albums reached gold or platinum status during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. She is the daughter of National Artist for Visual Arts César Legaspi. She has been one of the founders of the following artist organizations: Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), Culturtain Musicat Theater Productions, Performers' Rights Society of the Philippines, and the OPM Archive. She is married to Nonoy Gallardo, an advertising director and one of the premier Original Pilipino Music composers.
Legacy is a 2012 Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Jay Altarejos and Andoy Ranay, it stars Heart Evangelista and Lovi Poe. It premiered on January 16, 2012 on the network's Telebabad line up replacing Amaya. The series concluded on June 1, 2012 with a total of 98 episodes. It was replaced by Makapiling Kang Muli in its timeslot.
Krizza Nikka Neri is a Filipina singer. She won at Protégé: The Battle for the Big Break, a singing competition on GMA Network.
Maybelyn dela Cruz-Fernandez is a Filipino actress and politician based in the Philippines. She was former child star and popularly known as the daughter of Nova Villa in Home Along Da Riles, a comedy series that aired on ABS-CBN. She served as city councilor of Dagupan from 2010 to 2019.
Ang Ating Musika was a concert residency by Filipino singer Regine Velasquez at the Aliw Theater in Pasay. The residency began on November 9 and concluded on November 24, 2007, after completing six shows. The set list featured all OPM numbers that were curated from the catalogue of Filipino composers and songwriters. These included material from George Canseco, Ryan Cayabyab, Rey Valera, and Basil Valdez, among others. The show was produced by Aria Productions, with GMA Network as its broadcast partner. Velasquez served as the stage director, while Raul Mitra was chosen as the music director. Martin Nievera, Jona Viray, Aicelle Santos, Maricris Garcia, and Kyla performed as guests. Reviews for the shows were generally positive, receiving praise for the theme and Velasquez's live performance.
Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? is a 1982 Filipino romantic drama film directed by Danny Zialcita and co-written by Zialcita and Tom D. Adrales. It stars Vilma Santos, Hilda Koronel and Dindo Fernando. Released by Viva Films on November 25, 1982, it was a box office success, and was the highest-grossing film of the year. Critic Justino Dormiendo gave the film a positive review, praising Zialcita's direction and the entire cast's performances. It won six FAMAS Awards, including Best Screenplay, Best Story (Adrales), and Best Musical Score.
Filipino singer Jona has released two studio albums, one extended play and fifteen singles. In addition, her songs have been used in 23 films and television series. In 2005, she won the television talent show Pinoy Pop Superstar and released her solo debut album On My Own the same year. It was certified Gold by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), selling 15,000 units in the country. In 2013, she released her debut EP Jonalyn Viray under Creative Media Entertainment. Upon release, it became one of Astrovision/Astroplus best sellers and spawned the commercially successful single "Help Me Get Over". The song won 'Song of the Year' at the 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music and earned nominations at Myx Music Awards.
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