Tom Rodriguez and Dennis Trillo crosses over their ‘MHL’ success
to the recording scene
The pairing of Tom Rodriguez and Dennis Trillo on primetime TV via “My Husband’s Lover,” broke convention but it also stole the hearts of millions of Filipinos. Not only did this unlikely twosome made their characters Eric and Vincent one of the most adored couples on national TV, but their welcome arrival on the scene came at a time when the hotly contested issue of gay marriage continues to rage on. The “My Husband’s Lover” tandem confronted stereotypes to open up the overlooked idea that love is universal in whatever form it takes. And it manifests even on their new record, “TomDen.”
Crafted with the intent to tell Eric and Vincent’s story in a format that is just as authentic as on the screen, the duo exhibits a generous helping of romance through tender tunes under the guidance of seasoned producers and songwriters.
Opening track “One More Try” sets the tone of the album. It shows the duo’s resolve underneath the delicate ballad, harmonizing and intertwining their warm vocals to complement the lovely musical arrangement.
Immediately after the initial duet, Tom and Dennis exchange emotionally honest songs that appear to be meant for each other if taken from the “My Husband’s Lover” context. ”Ikaw Ang Sagot,” which was chosen to be the theme of the upcoming Kapuso primetime Koreanovela ”A Hundred Year Legacy,” finds Tom displaying an underlying ability to be a promising singer. Dennis, meanwhile, holds his own on the equally romantic “Kailanman” where he allows himself to be vulnerable without sounding soft.
Equally engaging is “Photograph” that signals a change in direction of the lyrical themes. Its sparkling guitar and piano combo belies the ballad’s allusion to a lost love filtered convincingly through Tom’s beautifully restrained vocals.
Following in a similar vein is ”It’s Over Now,” one classic effort with a choral background and a plaintive Dennis belting about heartbreak and coming to terms with the reality of a love that has since burned out.
While the songs’ arrangements throughout the record appear to be cut from the same cloth, they make up for it with emotionally direct and rich themes. ”Hey It’s Me” and ”Stay” are both engrossing, merging lyrics about chance encounters and crossing paths with fantastic adlibs and memorable hooks.
Clearly, the finest tracks are the duets but in the closing number “Forever” written by Louie Ocampo and Martin Nievera, Tom and Dennis are at their most ambitious. Delivering a confident performance, the duo played up the bright melodies and enigmatic chorus with spirited voices. ”Forever” is currently enjoying favorable airplay in pop radio stations in Metro Manila and provincial cities nationwide.
It’s a satisfying finale to a tale of two men out for a happy ending. This collection of ballads feels genuine, focusing on matters of the heart to take listeners on Eric and Vincent’s journey. But at the same time, constructing Tom and Dennis’ identities as promising singers in their own right.
Just a day after ”TomDen” was made available on digital format, it debuted at the 9th slot on iTunes Philippines’ Top Albums chart, based on full album downloads. The following day, it topped the chart.
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Dingdong Dantes in ‘Wish Ko Lang’
Dingdong, Candy On ’Wish Ko Lang’
Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes pays tribute to the Philippine Marines, and comedienne Candy Pangilinan goes undercover in search of a Good Samaritan on GMA’s “Wish Ko Lang”, Nov. 2.
The recent conflict between government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga changed several lives forever. Among them is Private First Class Edgardo Jose of the Philippine Marines, who is still recuperating in the hospital after being mortally-wounded in battle. Valiant soldiers like PVC. Jose are modern-day heroes – people who would readily risk life and limb for the motherland. This Saturday, Dingdong, lead star of primetime show “Genesis,” visits these unsung heroes and prepares a surprise in honor of their valor.
In observance of Halloween, Filipinos often flock to cemeteries to commemorate the memories of their dearly departed. The eerie mystery surrounding Halloween-inspired “Wish Ko Lang” to team up with comedienne Candy Pangilinan in finding this Saturday’s Good Samaritan. Candy dresses up as a person with hypertrichosis or werewolf syndrome to try and look for the grave of her departed “mother.” Who will help this “Taong Lobo?”
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings, Nov. 2, go to former Rep. Lynnette A. Punzalan, former actress and magazine editor Jenny Syquia, singers Jaime Blanch and Mell Salas, Engr. Remigio P. Biazon, Anthony Ramos, Alexander Asuit of PCSO PR Dept, Yolanda Ibuna Fajardo, Frederick R. Sibug, Mark F. Gavino, Norshie Sali, Jenny Trinidad Fernandez, Llorick Vincent Leguarda Tompong, Ezekiel Joshua Dimaguila and multi-awarded broadcast journalist Arnold Clavio of GMA-7’s “Unang Hirit”…
TomDen thrills fans with release of new GMA records albumSource: Mb.com.ph (November 01, 2013 at 10:00PM)
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