Myx Awards 2008: Predictably Kapamilya

Author: Neil Ray Ramos
Column: Life & Entertainment

It started late, far from its supposed 8 p.m. opening. And to think we were told to come as early as 5 p.m.; nonetheless, we were glad that once it began, it got right down to business.

No doubt, director Rowell Santiago did a good job making the 2008 MYX Music Awards, held a few days ago at the Meralco Theater, a fun and entertaining affair.

ABS-CBN pulled all stops to ensure its biggest stars graced the show and with special numbers to boot. Yet, the awards, now in its third year, offered no surprises. The same artists/stars that won major awards last year were the same that won many of this years major awards.

Sarah Geronimo and Erik Santos again bagged trophies (including one each for best female and male artist of the year, respectively) as Spongecola, winner in last years favorite group category, won the same award this year. Christian Bautista and Rachelle Anne Go, also winners in the past won an award for Best Collaboration.

While the awards were predictable, its organizers visibly tried to veer away from what was expected.

Chicosci, the underdog group who many thought MYX viewers dont like at all surprisingly won over Bamboo and Callalily. The latter, like 6cyclemind, went home empty handed despite their much-vaunted popularity.

Another unexpected win was that of Sam Concepcion who edged out older (and some say better) artists like Julianne and Bloomfields. Billy Joe Crawford besting local boy Gloc 9, Seven Shots of Wisdom and Andrew E. caused a lot of raised eyebrows as well.

MYXs choices seemed to have reflected the channels audience demographics. There seemed to have a noticeable attempt to spread out the citations more evenly and it left many with the same it was alright but far from satisfying aftertaste similar to the Pacquiao vs. Marquez match earlier this month.

Notable sidelights include Nancy Castiglione doing a cool, little techno number that served as an introduction to her supposed reinvention as dance princess. She did look capable singing while doing her sexy moves, but it remains to be seen if people would like her new image. The reception she got that night was lukewarm at best.

The Kitty Girls tried to raise temperatures with an overdose of muscle-controlled moves. They nearly succeeded but not quite.

Many were surprised at Vina Morales change of costume. She came in a sexy backless number that was as revealing on the back as well on the front but she did a sudden costume change to a conservative number for her song-and-dance act.

Game show babe Valerie Concepcion, race driver Gaby de la Merced and Mens Magazine fixture Bianca King were there as well.

The girls in the crowd got their share of Velveta with Will de Vaughn, Jay-R, and Jon Avila proving very much a delight for the camera wielding, shrieking girl and gay fans at the red carpet reception.

Highlights included the rousing intro courtesy of a revolving cast of singers that included Jed Madela, McCoy Fundales (formerly of Orange and Lemons now known as Kenyo), Aia de Leon (of Imago) and Julianne singing duets with their virtual partners.

Black Eyed Pea Apl. de Ap did a fabulous number (from his soon to be released solo album) with beauteous Fil-American DJ Mia. It was one of the more memorable moments in the awards night.

Ebe Dancel (Sugarfree), Jett Pangan (The Dawn), Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Kyla, Janno Gibbs, Vina Morales, Jaya and brothers Paolo and Gabriel Valenciano did a number for Gary Valenciano, the recipient of the Magna Award.

Source: Manila Standard Today