Finally! My list of my “must-have” albums for this year is now complete. Last week, I unexpectedly saw the limited edition of Jason Mraz’s “We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things” in SM Makati. I am happy that I did not buy it online because it will cost me twice the price.

And yesterday was the much awaited day for all The CompanY fans like me because they already launched their album, “Group Hug”, The CompanY’s tribute to all legendary groups who left their marks in the music history.

Standing in the bus from Cavite to Pasay, and walking from Robinson’s Galleria to Shangrila Mall were all worth it… I arrived at Shangrila at exactly 6:00pm that’s why I have to stand up at the back already. Filharmonika at Sir Gerard Salonga came in first at the stage, where they played a medley of traditional Christmas songs. Yah, Christmas was in the air last night. Later on, The CompanY entered singing an impressive cover of The Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour”. They sang songs from their new album. And if I have to describe my feeling while they are performing… it’s “nakakakilabot… nakakatinding balahibo… sobrang galing”.

I waited for them to sing other songs included in the album, most especially “Bohemian Rhapsody”. I have known the song when “The Fugees” had a cover of the song. I just realized recently that this is a hard song to do. “Side A” has a good version of this song too. When I read that The CompanY did their own version of the song too, I knew it that they can do it… and I wasn’t wrong. It was a job well done!

They also sang the only original track from the album, “Nandito Pa Rin Tayo”. It’s such a nice song. I somehow get emotional whenever I hear this song. It’s perfect.

“Group Hug” is an audio/video CD. It contains “Nandito Pa Rin Tayo” music video, directed by Chuck Guttierez. The video was nicely done. And as they say, it is the best The CompanY’s video to date. Here is the track list of “Group Hug”.

1. Nandito Pa Rin Tayo (Music Video)
2. Magical Mystery Tour (The Beatles)
3. Blame It On The Boogie (The Jacksons)
4. You’re The One/I Just Fall In Love Again (Carpenters)
5. Play That Funky Music/Superstition (Wild Cherry)
6. Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen)
7. Should We Carry On (Airplay)
8. More Today Than Yesterday (Spiral Staircase)
9. Take A Chance On Me (Abba)
10. Boogie Wonderland (Earth, Wind And Fire)
11. Walk In Love (The Manhattan Transfer)
12. All Apologies (Nirvana)
13. Nandito Pa Rin Tayo
14. Nandito Pa Rin Tayo (Minus One)

What makes this album a “must-have” album? It’s The CompanY, plus Filharmonika and Gerard Salonga as the conductor. Do I still need to explain? Haha.

After the show was the “meet and greet” portion. I did not manage to get good pictures huhu, but I had my CD autographed by all the members of the group.

Here is a nice story…

Ms. Annie signed my CD, she asked for my name and the spelling. I thought she heard me right, till I saw that she wrote, “Rowenn”. Hahaha. Ms. Sweet, Ms. Cecille, and Mr. Jay signed too. And what an honor for me to have Gerard Salonga signed too!

The last one to sign my CD was Sir Moy Ortiz. While I was in the line, I was thinking if I have to introduce myself “Hi Sir, I am your friend in Multiply, etc”. But I did not bother to tell him so.

He looked at me then he stood and said to me, “Kilala kita!!! Hmmm… Row….”, and I said “Rowell”. He said, “Yah, Rowell! Ka-Multiply! Finally! How was it? Did you like the show? Thank you for coming!”. I forgot what I answered him. Haha. But the feeling is so nice for a Moy Ortiz to know someone like me. Hehe. These guys are really down to earth.