IF ONLY...

Since Ilongga artist Sheila Barrios and Ilonggo rapper Zpinx Angel have been collaborating in several songs already, they decided to once again combine their musical talents for another rap ballad, this time with another Mix Ilonggo Crew artist Priceless in 2011. The song was originally written by Zpinx Angel and intended the important parts of the song for Sheila to suit her soulful voice. The song talks about possibilities of love between a guy and girl who were not meant for each other. What comes next is the dream that one day, the guy will be able to have the girl in his life for good. It's another sad song with hiphop rap flavor provided by Zpinx Angel and Priceless, and Sheila gave her heart in singing the melodic parts. The song will be included in the upcoming 2013 full mixtape album of Sheila entitled "Ginpalangga."

WAITING AGAIN

It started as a crazy plan for RSLPhoenix and Sheila to record a collaboration song with Harry Quiambao one day in the M.I.C. Studio. Harry who is a good friend, gave in to the challenge though he knew he is not a pro-singer. Sheila and Harry started to familiarize the lyrics which was written by RSLPhoenix and is supposed to be the unrecorded second single of Ilonggo 3nity (Sheila was part of the trio together with Reyn and Cherry Callao). After 2 hours of practice, Sheila and Harry decided to record the song in the studio.Inspired by the emotional lyrics of the song, Zpinx Angel who is responsible in managing the recording decided to include an instant rap that he wrote. The recording was finished for one night and after a few days, the song was mixed and finalized by Zpinx Angel. Harry doesn't claim that he was a pro-singer but he enjoyed being part of the song since he is leaving for his personal work abroad, leaving Sheila and Zpinx another instant collaboration. The song is a meaningful track that talks about tireless and endless waiting for someone you love, and would be willing to sacrifice everything for that love to work out. This track is included in the upcoming mixtape CD album of Sheila Barrios set for 2013 release.

MOVING ON

After meeting Zpinx Angel, a rising Ilonggo rapper and member of Mix Ilonggo Crew (M.I.C.), a new collaboration song was recorded by the 2 Ilonggo artists. The rap song with emotional beat is an inspiring song about having hope and moving on with life no matter how hard the adversities. Zpinx Angel wrote mostly the song's lyrics and was even more made catchy with Sheila's wonderful rendition of the chorus. Though the song was not released in local FM stations in Iloilo City and Bacolod City, still it inspired a lot of Ilonggo youngsters who shared and listen to the song in youtube. They even performed the song in various events and gigs including Padi's Bar for Ilonggo artist Earl Nite's album launch, Plazuela de Iloilo for "Sarap Magbago Ilonggo" concert, Ilonggo artist gig during Dinagyang 2010 at Iloilo Provincial Capitol Grounds and many others. The song will be part of Sheila's mixtape CD album that will be released next year.  

SONG FOR MOTHERS

A few hours before Sheila left Bacolod City after her first visit in the "City of Smiles" and series of radio-TV interview in September 2010, Ilonggo rapper Zaril invited her to record the lend her vocals in his unreleased songs entitled "Salamat Iloy." The song was already finished but the rapper is looking for a vocalist that would fit in the lyrics and record the song. Realizing how meaningful the song about giving tribute to mothers, Sheila gave her heart in recording the vocals and even adding back-up styled vocals in the rap part that made the track sentimental. They recorded it in the mobile studio of 6100 group composed of good friends rappers Zaril, Poy and B-boy enthusiast Patrick Bucabal. It was more than a week after the song was finalized and released in Bacolod City's popular FM stations. The song quickly caught the attention of listeners for its plain heartfelt message that immortalize the love of mothers for their children and what more, it is sang in Ilonggo dialect. Not only in radio stations, the song was a viral hit and shared through mobile phones that soon reached other parts of Negros Island and Iloilo. The song gave Sheila another unexpected hit through this song. Today, the song is now very popular anywhere and somehow a recognizable Ilonggo song that has a unique message than usual romance-inspired rap songs, this time it's a heartfelt message to all the mothers out there who love their children unconditionally.  The song will be included in Sheila's Ilonggo mixtape CD album that will finally be released next year.

SECOND SURPRISE

After the unexpected success of Sheila's first single "Ginpalangga," RSLPhoenix decided to release a second song entitled "Sa Handum Na Guid Lang" that they recorded at SYK Unit studio. The lyrics of the song was mostly written by Sheila herself and RSLPhoenix. The song was first heard in Bacolod City FM stations in October 2010 and was immediately requested by radio listeners. There was even a claim from iFM Bacolod that the song quickly climbed in the top 10 hit chart of the station and reach number 1. It was another unexpected surprise for her knowing that this song was well-accepted in Bacolod City and Negros. The popularity of the song gave way for her to be invited to visit Bacolod City's popular FM stations and had several live interviews. In Campus Radio Bacolod, she was given the chance record her first radio advertisement and featured as one of the rising Ilonggo artists in GMA Bacolod's local TV program "Isyu Subong."

UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

It's almost 3 years since Ilongga artist Sheila Barrios joined the trend of popularizing Ilonggo music and released her first song "Ginpalangga." An independent music video for the song was made using ordinary gadgets and relied with simple creativity of RSLPhoenix team was posted in youtube. A few months after the song was played in local FM stations especially in Campus Radio Iloilo, the song gained the interest of Ilonggo listeners. The song gave Sheila her first nomination as Best Female Artist in the 2010 Ilonggo Music Awards organized by M.O.R. 91.1 and ABS-CBN Iloilo. The growing popularity of the song reached Bacolod City, Negros Island and other parts of Western Visayas. The song was the start of great blessings that came in the life of a simple Ilongga girl with the gift to inspire the new generation of Ilonggo music lovers, an opportunity she never ever expected to happen. One of those blessings was her chance to be able to gain a 4-year college scholarship, and included as one of the minor cast, 1st line producer and theme song singer  in the 2012 Sineng Pambansa entry, Ilonggo film "Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa." This 2013 after a long delay and anticipation, RSLPhoenix Music will finally released a compilation mixtape album of her Ilonggo hits song and unreleased tracks that will be available very soon.

Sheila @ Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa SM Cinema Screening

An Ilongga diva, as Ilonggo filmmaker and Palanca Hall of Fame writer Peter Solis Nery would often call her, Sheila Barrios was honored to be invited to be a part of this definitive Ilonggo movie 'Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa' which Nery himself written, produced and directed this year. The movie is an entry to the 1st Sining Pambansa National Film Festival in July held at Davao City and will be submitted to the Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece this November by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Sheila played the role of a female contestant in a singing contest scene with lead actor and Ilonggo singer, Eman Abatayo in the movie. She performed her original song "Nabatyagan" and was also hired to become the 1st Line Producer of the movie working behind with director Peter Nery.
The movie's first Iloilo screening was held last September 5, 2012, 4-6 pm at SM Cinema Iloilo. Sheila together with the whole cast and crew of the movie greeted their friends, supporters and Ilonggos who shared their time with them in viewing the Ilonggo movie they worked hard to finish. The screening was an instant success proving that this is just the start of wonderful journey for the movie with a lot of reason for Ilonggos to be proud of in terms of tourism, cultural appreciation, original Ilonggo music, and the emerging local Ilonggo movie industry.

This movie is just the beginning of Sheila's wonderful experience as an artist.

 

Sheila Barrios @ Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa

PETER SOLIS NERY’s ILONGGO FILM SET FOR SCREENING IN ILOILO AND SINGAPORE

“Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa (Love in the Time of the Bakunawa),” the full-length feature film debut of Ilonggo literary icon Peter Solis Nery will have its gala premiere screening at SM Cinema 3, SM City Iloilo on Wednesday, September 5 with two schedules 4p.m.-6p.m. and 6p.m.-8p.m. with tickets available for Php100 at the venue.

The movie is scheduled for international screening at La Salle College of the Arts in Singapore on Sunday, September 9 at 3 p.m. as part of Singapore Portraits. A day before the Iloilo screening of the movie, Tuesday, September 4 at 2 p.m., Nery will have a book launch at Al Dente Restaurant at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center. The multi-awarded Ilonggo writer who will be honored with a First Place and a Second Place wins (Children’s Poetry Category) at 2012 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards on September 1 at Manila Peninsula Hotel is optimistic to launch his books-- the novel version of the movie and his Imelda Marcos-inspired book “If the Shoe Fits.” 
While steep with Filipino values and commentaries on issues like poverty, tourism, social and ecological responsibilities, the movie is really a classic love story that entertains more than moralizes. Under the deft hands of Nery, the movie, which stars Pinoy Dream Academy alumnus Eman Abatayo, upcoming actress Priscilla Fontana, and sexy actor-model Jet Alcantara, has raised the bar for Hiligaynon films, and regional filmmaking in the Philippines. Other featured Ilonggo talents in the film are Sol Fernadez School of Dance, Low Nook Dance Company and a cameo by Ilongga artist Sheila Barrios. Co-produced by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the film was a finalist at the 1st Sineng Pambansa National Film Competition in Davao City last July.  The movie is also recommended for the Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece this November and will be screened at the 6^th Karay-a Arts Festival on October 19 at San Jose, Antique.  For updates, check out www.facebook.com/loveinthetimeofthebacunaua or visit www.petersolisnery.com. 

Sheila performs for a Book Launch

Ilongga singer Sheila Barrios was recently invited to perform for the Book Launch of Palanca Hall of Famer awardee, Ilonggo writer and film director Peter Solis Nery last September 4, 2012, 2pm at Al Dente in Sarabia Manor Hotel complex. Nery launched two books—the English novel version of the movie “Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa” where Sheila had a cameo role and her song “Nabatyagan” is one of the soundtracks, and “If the Shoe Fits,” a Palanca award-winning play about former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos.

Sheila performed “Dance with My Father” which Nery dedicated for his late father and her song “Nabatyagan,” the movie’s soundtrack.

Sheila @ RMN to Promote Ilonggo Movie

Ilonggo artist Sheila Barrios together with Ilonggo filmmaker and multi-awarded writer Peter Solis Nery, film producer Randy Graydon and movie cast Liezel Rose were special guests at RMN’s Sunday Special program last September 3, 2012 to promote their movie “Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa” [Love in the Time of the Bakunawa]. The film had its Gala Premiere Screening at SM Cinema 3, SM City Iloilo on September 5, 2012, 4-6pm and 6-8pm. The movie will also premiere at La Salle College of Arts in Singapore on September 9, 2012.

“I am very pleased to be a part of this movie as an Ilonggo artist. I’m thankful for director Peter Solis Nery for believing in my talent, giving me a cameo role and making my song one of the theme songs of the movie,” says Sheila on air. They were interviewed by program host, Raymar Lawayon and Tina Mayor.  

Sheila @ The News Today promoting Indie Film

Ilonggo pop artist, Sheila Barrios was recently featured at The news Today to promote her first indie movie cameo entitled Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa (Love in the Time of the Bakunawa) showing on September 5, 2012 at SM Cinema 3 in SM City Iloilo with two scheduled screening- 4-6p.m. and 6-8p.m. Sheila performed her Ilonggo song Nabatyagan (Feelings) in the movie. Her song is also considered as the second theme song of the movie. The movie is scheduled to premiere in Singapore on September 9, 2012 and recommended for Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece on November. The Ilonggo movie is produced, written and directed by Ilonggo literary icon, Peter Solis Nery.

Ilongga  Sings her way to Indie Film

An interview with Sheila Barrios

(Published in The News Today, The Daily Guardian, The Watchmen Journal and Panay News)

Music might be one of her passions that made her became a significant Ilonggo artist in Western Visayas but for Sheila Barrios, being featured in a mainstream independent movie ‘Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa’ [Love in the Time of the Bacunaua] is another feather to her cap. Since her Ilonggo song ‘Ginpalangga’ was released in the internet, local FM stations in Iloilo and then spread throughout Western Visayas, a lot of people took noticed of her soulful voice. Somehow her popularity became an unexpected sensation among young Ilonggos who are fond of supporting local independent music. She was nominated as Best Female Artist at 2010 Ilonggo Music Awards by ABS-CBN Iloilo.

When Palanca award-winning Ilonggo writer and debuting film director, Peter Solis Nery started his online search for cast and talents in his first full-length film ‘Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa,’ a finalist for Sineng Pamabansa National Film Competition and co-produced by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, he immediately took noticed of Sheila’s singing talent in facebook and youtube. He immediately offered her a cameo part in his movie as a singing rival to the film’s lead actor Eman Abatayo. Her soulful rendition of her original song entitled ‘Nabatayagan’ [Feelings] in the movie convinced the Ilonggo director to consider it as the second theme song of the movie. Likewise, she was also appointed as first line producer and production assistant during the 6-day movie shoot in Dumangas, Iloilo and white sand beaches of Guimaras.

“Being part of this movie is a great honor for me as Ilonggo artist. I was surprised when Peter Nery approached me in facebook. I am also very thankful for choosing me as one of his staff and making my Ilonggo song the soundtrack of the movie,” says Sheila who is currently an academic scholar at the University of Iloilo and taking up Hotel and Restaurant Management. She is thankful to God for giving her a lot of blessings with the success of her other Ilonggo songs such as ‘Sa Handum Na Guid Lang’ and ‘Salamat Iloy’ not only played in Iloilo but as far as Bacolod and Negros.

When asked about her inspiration for her song ‘Nabatyagan’ featured in the movie, she has these words to say: “The song is about falling in love to the right person that truly cares for you and loves you unconditionally.” Since her cameo part in the movie is a singing competition with lead actor Eman Abatayo, she didn’t felt any pressure because he was very appreciative. She also pointed out that the whole cast and crew became a one big happy family who supported each other.

“As part of the production staff, there was really pressure because we had to finish the movie in 6 tiring days and sleepless nights.  But as we go on, we realize that our bonding and friendship on the set helped us tackle the hardship,” she expressed. The movie was also co-produced by Hopeboat Films based in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. who stayed in Iloilo for more than a week to shoot the movie. This coming August 26, 4PM at CAP Auditorium, Sheila together with the whole cast and crew of the movie will once again reunite to attend the Gala Premiere of ‘Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa.’ The film was recently recommended by the Film Development Council of the Philippines to the Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece.

So, what’s next for Sheila Barrios after the movie premiere? “I will continue to chase my dream of finishing my studies and explore new places. Maybe I’ll also take part in any future projects of our talented director Peter Nery and Hopeboat Films. And I hope to finish and release a full-length independent album very soon this year,” Sheila enthused, a true Ilonggo artist by heart. Check her out at www.facebook.com/sheilabarrios. ‘Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa’ is slated for Gala Premiere on August 26 at CAP Auditorium with 2 screenings—4PM-6PM and 6PM-8PM, visit www.facebook.com/loveinthetimeofthebacunaua for updates   

"Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa" premieres in Iloilo

Sheila Barrios together with the major cast of the Ilonggo movie "Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa" (Love in the Time of the Bacunaua" is excited for the gala premiere on Septempber 5 at SM Cinema 3 of SM City Iloilo with two screenings -- 4-6p.m. and 6-8p.m. The movie is an entry to the 1st Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival last June 29- July 3, 2012 at Davao City. It was co-produced by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, US-based Hopeboat Films and Ilonggo film director Peter Solis Nery who also wrote the movie's screenplay. The movie was recently recommended for Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece this coming November. The movie cast include Pinoy Dream Academy alumnus and Ilonggo singer Eman Abatayo, TV actress-model Priscilla Fontana and sexy actor-model Jet Alcantara. It also featured Ilonggo dance talents such as Sol Fernandez school of dance and Low Nook Dance Company. Sheila was a featured Ilonggo artist in the movie who performed her original Ilonggo song "Nabatyagan" (Feelings) and is also the film's second movie soundtrack. 

Iloilo River song was Praised at International River Summit

Sheila Barrios together with other Ilonggo music artists such as Irish D., Cherry Callao, M.I.C. Muzik, SYK Unit, Stan and Mz. JT who recorded the song "Aton Manggad" (Our Treasure), a special track dedicated to promote the preservation and protection of Iloilo River was given a citation and praise during the 1st Iloilo International River Summit. The event was also attended by Philippine President, Benigno Aquino. Independent Ilonggo music producers RSLPhoenix wrote the lyrics of the song and M.I.C. Muzik's Zpinx Angel and Joemarie Regacho produced the music. Sheila is one of the four lead vocalists of the song with rap interludes from selected Ilonggo rap artists. The song became the theme song of "Sinadya sa Suba" (Festival of the River) of Iloilo City last May 2011 and Run for Iloilo River, an eco-friendly campaign project of JCI Metro Iloilo Dinagyang.


"Last year, a group of young Ilonggo singers and musicians wrote and performed a theme song for the emerging movement to protect the Iloilo River. Written in the local language, the title of the song is “Aton Manggad.” In English, that means “Our Treasure”. Indeed, these young music artists have captured the wisdom of the ages. The rivers are our treasure. Let us care for them with the same dil...igence and devotion that they nurture us."-----These are the significant words taken from the speech of Mr. Manny Pangilinan, special guest speaker at the 1st Iloilo International River Summit held at the Centennial Resort, Hotel and Convention Center last June 1, 2012. 

Sheila's Cameo in "Gugma sa Panahon sang Bacunawa"

Ilonggo pop singer, Sheila Barrios is getting excited for the official screening of the film "Gugma sa Panahon sang Bacunawa", a film by Ilonggo director/writer/producer Peter Solis Nery and entry to Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival on June 29- July 3, 2012 in Davao City. Sheila had a cameo role in the movie performing her next single "Nabatyagan" (Feelings) and was also chosen as the second theme song of the film. The song will be released in FM station in Western Visayas very soon.

Sheila shot a Cameo scene for a Movie

Ilongga Diva, Sheila Barrios shot a cameo scene for the movie “Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa,” a film written, produced and directed by Ilonggo literary Icon, Peter Solis Nery last April 13, 2012. The movie is one of the official entries for the First Sineng Pambansa National Film competition by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. The movie is scheduled for a major screening in Davao City on June 25-29. Sheila was fortunate to be invited and became one of the supporting casts of the film. Also she was hired as production assistant in the film. The film had its official shooting schedule last April 9-14 in key locations at Dumangas, Iloilo and the island province of Guimaras. The film is also co-produced by Hopeboat Films, a US-based movie production headed by cinematographer OJ Baclig and film editor Mike Bruner. In the film, Sheila portrayed the role as one of the contestants in a singing contest alongside with the main cast, Eman Abatayo, also an Ilonggo artist and former Pinoy Dream Academy alumnus.

Sheila’s unreleased song and upcoming single “Nabatyagan” (Feelings) was chosen as the second soundtrack of the movie and re-titled as “Dulce’s Theme,” the female lead character portrayed by rising model-TV star Priscilla Fontana.  

Sheila @ Tatak Ilonggo MTV Launching

Sheila Barrios together with the whole RSLPhoenix artists launched their Cable TV show at Tatak Ilonggo Channel 41 of Skycable Iloilo last February back to back with ABS-CBN Iloilo's swimsuit event during the Paraw Regatta Festival held at Joe III Garden in Villa, Iloilo. They performed cover English songs that entertained the crowd and touched their hearts with some of their Ilonggo hit songs. This is the teaser clip of the full episode that is now aired in Skycable Iloilo Channel 41.

Sheila set for Cameo Role in a Movie

Sheila Barrios will be playing a cameo role in the movie Gugma sa Panahon sang Bacunawa, a film by Ilonggo literary icon Peter Solis Nery set as entry for 1st Sineng Pambansa International Movie expo this June 2012. She will perform her unreleased song "Nabatyagan" in the film and also set to be the 2nd theme song of the movie. The shooting of the movie started last April 9 until April 14 in different locations in Iloilo. The recently had a radio interview together with the film's cast and US-based crew at RMN Iloilo last April 8 to promote the project to Ilonggos.

Sheila performs @ UI U-day celebration

Ilonggo artist Sheila Barrios recently performed a special opening number at the University of Iloilo’s grand University Day celebration last February 17, 2012, 5PM at the university ground. The grand finale of the weeklong U-day celebration of UI highlighted their theme “The Power of ONE.” Sheila performed Lady Gaga’s hit song “Just Dance” with more than 20 back-up dancers. She showed her versatility as not just a local Ilonggo artist but as a pop singer onstage.

Sheila joined UI U-day Vocal Solo Contest

Sheila Barrios recently joined the University Week Literary Musical contest in the University of Iloilo representing the College of Arts and Sciences last February 15, 2012, 3PM at the university auditorium. She performed the gospel song “Flower in the Rain” by Jaci Velasquez. Last September 2011, Sheila won the vocal solo contest of the College of Arts and Sciences week. Thus, she represented the college for the U-day Lit-Mus contest. Sheila was declared Second Place in the U-day singing contest and the Firs Place goes to the representative of the College of Nursing. For Sheila, singing contests enhanced her talent and confidence. It doesn’t matter if she win or lose, what’s important is her passion to grow as an artist and the experience she got along the way.

Sheila celebrates Valentine’s Day @ Phil. Coastguard Party

Ilonggo artist Sheila Barrios with Cherry Callao recently celebrated Valentine’s Day last February 14, 2012, 7PM at Philippine Coastguard Valentine’s Party in Bo. Obrero in Lapuz, Iloilo City. Sheila and Cherry performed karaoke hit songs that provided great musical entertainment to the crowd. They also performed their Ilonggo hit songs at the end of the party.

Sheila Barrios "Ginpalangga" Album Teaser

A Teaser of Ilonggo songs from Sheila Barrios upcoming full mixtape CD album this 2012.

Ilongga Divas release first single “SAY”

As a pop trio of unique voices and talents, Ilonggo pop songstress Sheila Barrios, Irish D. And Cherry Callao known as Ilongga Divas finally released their first group single online titled “SAY.” These three artists under RSLPhoenix Music that will now have its own Cable TV show titled “RSLPhoenix MTV” aired at Tatak Ilonggo Channel 41 of Skycable Iloilo will soon shoot an official music video of the song. “SAY” is co-written by RSLPhoenix with the help of the three Ilongga Divas who mesmerized young Ilonggos with their hit singles in FM radio, online and bluetooth-sharing cellphones. For half a year, Sheila, Cherry and Irish toured different places in Iloilo and Bacolod to promote their passion for Ilonggo music. Now, with their very own first single written in English lyrics, these young divas showed their full potential in music. Sheila and Irish are also the two VJs of RSLPhoenix MTV. The song is soulfully written to inspire young people to believe in falling in love and moving on. With “SAY,” they wanted to try new style of songs written in English. The song is included in the repackaged version of “Ilonggo POP Infinity,” the compilation CD album of RSLPhoenix Music released independently. Currently the song is played exclusively at Campus Radio Bacolod and will soon be promoted in other FM stations in Iloilo and Bacolod.

View and “like” SAY at youtube and facebook, Ilonggo pop music is surely here to stay with the Ilongga Divas.