Josh Santana Releases Solo Album By Star Records January 16, 2005

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Actor/singer Josh Santana has a lot to be proud of these days. After going on a short hiatus from his showbiz career to continue his studies (he's on his third year as an AB English Major at FEU), he's back once again to pursue his other dream. His fans will surely be glad to know that his much-awaited self-titled solo album has just been released. Boasting of ten diverse tracks, this album aptly showcases what Josh is all about.

What kind of music can Josh's fans expect from his album? A variety of changing moods and sounds -- from the romantic ballads "Di Ko Kaya", "Nasa'n Ka", "Maibabalik Ko Ba" and "Ikaw Lang Pala" to the R&B-flavored "Muli" and "Pagka't Sa Pangarap". From the mid-tempo easy listening tracks "Mahal Naman Kita" and "Can't Help Fallin'" to the upbeat and danceable ditty "Mahal Na Mahal". Multi-awarded and famed album producer/songwriter Jonathan Manalo produced the album.

His first single "Di Ko Kaya" is an instant hit on radio, storming the airwaves and quickly garnering top requests. Renowned television and music video director Connie Macatuno directs the music video for the song.

A multi-media talent, Josh is a TV, music and film icon in his own right. He started his showbusiness career with the boy group Boyztown. Soon after it disbanded, he succumbed to the lure of the boob tube and the silver screen with a cameo role in the feature film Kung Ikaw Ay Isang Panaginip and a guest role in the youth-oriented show Berks. His biggest acting break was the lead male role in the teleserye Bituin, wherein he played a popular and highly successful recording artist.

Proving that life imitates art, Josh's singing career soon exploded after Bituin ended. He was launched as a solo recording artist by way of the three-in-one male compilation Solo (which as of press time is certified GOLD), wherein he shared top billing with Divo Bayer and King.

Officially dubbed as the Prince of Songs, Josh's already established fan base would surely receive his own recording effort with the same ardor as they have the Solo album and his TV career. And for sure, he will also be able to attract even more followers. Based from the exceptionally great reception his first single is getting, Josh need not worry. His album has the makings of a certified hit!

Despite Josh's busy schedule -- what with juggling between his studies and career -- he maintains a sunny disposition and a pleasant personality. Rarely, if at all, can you see him with a frown on his face. "I have been singing since I was a kid -- in school, in church… I have really fallen in love with singing. For my album, I was given creative freedom in choosing the songs, in doing my own style. I wasn't dictated upon and for an artist like me, that matters a lot. I enjoyed making this album and I'm sure my fans will be able to relate to it."

Josh Santana is available on CDs and cassettes at record stores nationwide and online via Titik Pilipino, released under Star Records. Get only the original!

Key Philippine beach destinations are set to become the favorite beach-wedding locations for Taiwanese couples ahead of Hawaii.

Ireneo Reyes, director for tourism of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (Meco) in Taipei, said his office will aggressively promote Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Davao, and other island and coastal?areas to Taiwanese tourists as an alternative to Hawaii.

“The beauty of our beaches remains one of our major draws for Taiwanese. Many couples looking to get married abroad do so in Hawaii, but Philippine beaches can more than hold their own, especially when cost is factored in,” Reyes said.

He said beach wedding is one of the major themes to be exploited by the Department of Tourism and Meco in their attempt to get a bigger slice of the outbound market of Taiwan in time for the long vacation during the Chinese New Year in 2010.

The Taiwanese also showed interest in dive sites, golf and Filipino schools offering the English language program.

During a recent travel fair in Taiwan, Filipino participants in the fair were able to get a total of 221 confirmed bookings for group tours and more than 800 queries.

In the first three quarters of the year, the number of Taiwanese visitors to the Philippines declined by 14 percent to only 77,126, from 90,104 in the same period last year, but this is expected to rise yet again with more interest from Taiwanese tourists in the country’s destinations.