Cherry @ Ilongga Divas’ music and advocacy

According to Webster, a diva is defined as a “glamorous and popular female pop singer or personality.” With the recent popularity of Ilonggo music and artists in the local pop music, three unique pop voices were heard in FM stations with their heart-warming songs and became instant sensations both in Iloilo, Bacolod City and as far as Rockhampton City, Queensland, Australia. These local recording artists are Sheila Barrios, Irish D. and Cherry Callao dubbed as Ilongga Divas. 18-year-old pop songstress Sheila Barrios whose popularity started with her unexpected hit songs “Ginpalangga” and “Sa Handum Na Guid Lang” since last year has gained prominence in the local music scene. 16-year-old Irish D. is a young diva who recently released her first single “Ikaw” believes she’s got what it takes to be an Ilonggo pop singer by winning several singing contests. 18-year-old Cherry Callao is not just a sexy diva but her popular singles “Ikaw Guid Lang” and “Kasubo” is a proof of her talent. They are also the voices the track “Aton Manggad, the theme song of “Sinadya sa Suba” Iloilo River Festival and Run for Iloilo River by JCI Metro Iloilo Dinagyang last May.

Under the management team of RSLPhoenix Music, these three Ilongga pop divas recently staged a successful mini-concert at Gaisano City Events Center last July 16, 2011 from 2:30-5:00PM. They performed their original Ilonggo songs and selected English cover songs to an enthusiastic crowd. Ilonggo rap group Urban Mobztaz, rappers Zpinx Angel of Mix Ilonggo Crew and Ezzy are guest artists of the show. Before the show ended, they performed “Aton Manggad” as a song to inspire Ilonggos to protect and save Iloilo River.

The event is organized by RSLPhoenix Music in cooperation with JCI Metro Iloilo Dinagyang and Phil Nihon Jinzai Hakken Foundation. Co-presented by University of Iloilo-PEN, Hi-World Consultancy, Captain Dads Resto, itravel Philippines, Akon Salon by R-quim Empedrad and M.I.C Muzik. Panay News is the official media partner of the event.