Cagayan
—  Province  —
Flag Official seal of Cagayan Seal
Motto: gobyerno ti umili
Map of the Philippines with Cagayan highlighted
Coordinates: 18°26′35″N 121°48′39″E / 18.44306°N 121.81083°E / 18.44306; 121.81083Coordinates: 18°26′35″N 121°48′39″E / 18.44306°N 121.81083°E / 18.44306; 121.81083
Country	Philippines
Region	Cagayan Valley (Region II)
Founded	1581
Capital	Tuguegarao City
Government
• Governor	Alvaro Antonio (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
Area
• Total	9,295.75 km2 (3,589.11 sq mi)
Area rank	6th out of 80
Population (2007)
• Total	1,072,571
• Rank	24th out of 80
• Density	120/km2 (300/sq mi)
• Density rank	60th out of 80
Divisions
• Independent cities	0
• Component cities	1
• Municipalities	28
• Barangays	820
• Districts	1st to 3rd districts of Cagayan
Time zone	PHT (UTC+8)
ZIP Code
Spoken languages	Ibanag, Ilocano, Itawis, Tagalog, English

Cagayan (/kɑːɡəˈjɑːn/kah-gə-YAHN), the "Land of Smiling Beauty", is a province of the Philippines in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Tuguegarao City and is located at the northeastern corner of the island of Luzon. Cagayan also includes the Babuyan Islands to the north. The province borders Ilocos Norte and Apayao to the west, and Kalinga and Isabela to the south. Cagayan province is distinct from the city in Mindanao named Cagayan de Oro, and is far away from Cagayancillo of Palawan or Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi Island in the Sulu Sea.

Present day chroniclers say that the name was derived from the word “tagay,” a kind of plant that grows abundantly in the northern part of the province. Thus, “Catagayan” which means a place where the tagay grows abundantly was shortened to “Cagayan,” the present name of the province.

History[link]

In 1581, Captain Juan Pablo Carreon came to Cagayan with one hundred fully equipped soldiers with their families by order of Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñaloza, the fourth Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines, to explore the Cagayan Valley and to force the conversion of the natives to Catholicism as well as to establish ecclesiastical missions and towns throughout the valley. This was the first batch of Spanish settlers in the Cagayan Valley who introduced Spanish culture and Latin civilization, subverting native culture, customs, and tradition.

On June 29, 1583, Juan de Salcedo traced the northern coastline of Luzon and set foot on the Massi (Pamplona), Tular, and Aparri areas. The Spanish friars soon established mission posts in Camalaniugan and Lal-lo(Nueva Segovia), which became the seat of the Diocese established by Pope Clement VIII on August 14, 1595. The Spanish influence can still be seen in the massive churches and other buildings that the Spaniards built for the spiritual and social welfare of the people.

With the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1898, ending the Spanish-American War, America took over the Philippines and influenced the culture, most notably in agriculture and education as well as in public works and communications. At the close of the 18th century, there were 29 municipalities in the province of Cagayan. When the Philippines came under American sovereignty in 1902, 35 municipalities have been founded. Since then, however, on account of the tendency at centralization and shifting of population as a result of the opening of roads and public agricultural lands, only 29 municipalities now remain.

Beginning the Second World War, the air raid of the Japanese fighters and bomber planes was invaded, bombed and destroyed around the province of Cagayan and founded in 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces entered in Cagayan.

During the Second World War under the Japanese Occupation, over several pre-war infantry divisions and regular units of the Philippine Commonwealth Army was re-established from 1942 to 1946 at the general headquarters, camps and garrisoned here the province of Cagayan and begins the battles and invasions for the Anti-Japanese Operations in Cagayan Valley included to sending the province of Cagayan and Isabela and helping the local soldiers of the 11th and 14th Infantry Regiment of the USAFIP-NL, the local guerrilla fighters and the U.S. liberation forces was defeated and fought against the Japanese Imperial forces from 1942 to 1945.

The Battle of Cape Engaño on October 26, 1944, is held off Cape Engaño. At the time, when American carrier forces attacked the Japanese Northern Force to end and became the conclusion of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The Japanese lost 4 carriers, 3 light cruisers and 9 destroyers.

In 1945, the combined United States and Philippine Commonwealth ground troops together with the recognized guerrillas took in Cagayan by the attack from the Japanese troops during the liberated in Cagayan province was under the Filipino soldiers of the 1st, 2nd, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, 1st Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary and the 11th and 14th Infantry Regiment of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines – Northern Luzon or USAFIP-NL from the Battle of Cagayan Valley during the Second World War.

The Hotel Delfino siege is a bloody coup attempt happened on March 4, 1990, when suspended Cagayan governor Rodolfo Aguinaldo and his armed men of 200 seized Hotel Delfino in Tuguegarao, Brigader General Oscar Florendo, his driver and four members of the civilian staff, and several other people were held hostage for several hours. A gunfight was launched to kill Aguinaldo and his men but one of the suspended governor's men was found dead in a checkpoint shootout, Brig. Gen. Florendo and 12 others were also dead and 10 more wounded. Aguinaldo is also slightly wounded in a car gunfight until eventually escaped and hid into the mountains.

Geography[link]

The province is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east; on the south by Isabela province; on the west by the Cordillera Mountains; and on the north by the Balintang Channel and the Babuyan Group of Islands. About two kilometers from the northeastern tip of the province is the island of Palaui; a few kilometers to the west is Fuga Island. The Babuyan Group of Islands, which includes Calayan, Dalupiri, Camiguin, and Babuyan Claro, is about 60 nautical miles (110 km) north of Luzon mainland.

The province comprises an aggregate land area of 9,002.70 square kilometers, which constitutes three percent of the total land area of the country, making it the second largest province in the region.

Cagayan has 28 municipalities and one city divided into three congressional districts. It has 820 barangays. Tuguegarao City (as of December 18, 1999) is the provincial capital, regional seat, and center of business, trade, and education. It has a land area of 144.80 square kilometers and a population of 120,645 as of 2000.

A color-coded division of the province according to District. The symbols are indicated in the picture.

City[link]

• Tuguegarao City

Municipalities[link]

Demographics[link]

The majority of people living in Cagayan are of Ilocano descent, mostly from migrants coming from the Ilocos Region. Originally, the more numerous group were the Ibanags, who were first sighted by the Spanish explorers and converted to Christianity by missionaries. This is why the Ibanag language spread throughout the area prior to the arrival of Ilocanos.

Aside from Ilocanos and Ibanags, Malauegs, Itawits, Gaddangs, groups of nomadic Aetas, as well as families of Ibatans who have assimilated into the Ibanag-Ilocano culture make Cagayan their home. More recently, a new group from the south, the Muslim Filipinos, have migrated to this province and have made a community for themselves. In addition to this, Tagalog-speaking people from the Southern Luzon have also settled in the area. Because of this influence from other majority groups like the Ilocano from the west and the Tagalog from the south, the smaller ethnic groups living in the valley could potentially go extinct.

Economy[link]

Agricultural products are rice, corn, peanut, beans, and fruits. Livestock products include cattle, hogs, carabaos, and poultry. Fishing various species of fish from the coastal towns is also undertaken. Woodcraft furniture made of hardwood, rattan, bamboo, and other indigenous materials are also available in the province. The Northern Cagayan International Airport is a planned airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan. The airport will be built to support the Cagayan Special Economic Zone in northern Cagayan, which also serves seaborne traffic through Port Irene. The airport project will involve the construction of a 2,200-meter runway, with a width of 45 meters, following the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Once completed, the planned international airport can accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus A319-100 and Boeing regional jets of comparable size.^[1] SM City Aparri will soon be built once the towns of Aparri, Santa Ana and Lal-lo attained its cityhood.

Tourism[link]

• Duba Cave (Baggao) - is not only a wet river cave but a swimming cave. Almost all passages with water, which is about 70% of the way to the Skylight Falls, have large breakdowns or walls without handholds along the side so the only way through is to swim. Because of this, it is highly recommended that personal floatation devices (PFDs) are used by all entering the cave. This will ensure a safe return trip especially after the long swims in.

• Rio Grande de Cagayan (Cagayan River) - the Philippines’ mightiest watercourse – the longest and widest river in the country. Small streams originating form Balete Pass, Cordillera, Caraballo and Sierra Madre Mountains meet other streams. It passes from Aparri traversing Isabela as far as Aurora Province.

• Claveria Coast - "The Coastal Paradise of the Cagayan North"

• Callao Cave (Penablanca) - a cave with seven chambers. It is one of the best known tourist attractions of the province. It is located in Barangays Parabba and Quibal, Peñablanca, near Tuguegarao, the capital city of the Province of Cagayan. It has a natural cathedral located at the first chamber, which was turned into a chapel by the local people. The conditions inside the cave cause stalactites and stalagmites, particularly in the deeper chambers. Every chamber has natural crevices, which let light get into the cave, serving as illumination for the otherwise dark areas of the place.

• Magapit Bridge (Lal-lo) - "The golden gate of Cagayan". It is Asia's first suspension bridge, built in 1978. It spans the Cagayan River at Lallo and is 0.76 kilometers long. The hanging bridge links the first and second districts of Cagayan going towards the Ilocos Region via the scenic Patapat Road.

• Calvary Hills (Iguig) - consist of 11 hectares of rolling hills. It features larger-than-life concrete statues in tableau settings of the 14 Stations of the Cross, depicting Jesus Christ’s suffering and death on Mount Calvary.

• Basilica Minore Nuestra Senora de Piat (Piat) - "Primary Pilgrimage Center of the North". The patroness of Cagayan Valley housed at the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat, has become the religious fulcrum of people wanting for favors of any kind. Visitors may view her history at the Basilica Museum which houses an extensive collection of religious items and Our Lady’s vestments and accessories.

• Bukal ng Buhay (Piat) - "Spring of Life". Said to be a miraculous water that can heal diseases of any kind. It is located below the hill where the Basilica of Our Lady of Piat stood.

• Sta. Ana Beaches - from pristine blue waters and fine sand, to rolling hills and enchanting colonial structures, to mystical caves and endearing people. It is dubbed as “Untouched Paradise”, “Gateway to the Pacific”, “Game Fishing Mecca”, “Luzon’s Last Frontier” and “Marine Sanctuary”.

• Kalesa (horse-drawn carrier) - In Cagayan, kalesas are common, especially in Tuao and many other municipalities. In Tuguegarao City, they are mixed in traffic with private cars, motorcycles, sidecar motorcycles, jeepneys, trucks, and bicycles.

• Calayan Island (Calayan) - The island-town which is only a two-hour boat ride from Aparri. It is rich in natural attractions like excellent beaches, archeological sites, endemic flora and fauna, virgin forest, crystal clear blue waters, plus the hospitable and gentle people with colorful history.

• Ar-Aro Cave (Gattaran) - Nobody from among the old-timers of Barangay Naddungan, with a population of not more than 800, remembers how this cave got its name as the Ar-aro cave. Only a few locals, particularly fishermen, know the place. And it was discovered by some of their old folks only as a fishing ground for eels and Araro, a freshwater fish.

• Kalamudinan Falls (Baggao) - located 26 kilometers from the center of Santa Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan. More than 100 meters high and rich of shrimps (locally called udang) and fishes.

• The Malaueg Church (Rizal) - located at the Poblacion of the town. The church was preserved completely by UNESCO and undergo restorations. The church is made entirely of stones that was designed originally by Spaniards.

Others: Since Cagayan faces the Pacific Ocean an extensive shoreline sprawls along the coastal towns of Sanchez Mira, Sta. Praxedes, Claveria, Buguey, Buguey, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, and the Islands of Palaui, Fuga, and Island Municipality of Calayan. Sanchez Mira, Claveria, and Sta. Praxedes have facilities for excursion stays while Fuga Island is being developed as a world class recreation and tourism center. Whale watching at the Calayan Islands are the most sought after and scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are the most famous in Palaui Island in Sta. Ana. The airstrip at Claveria could be used as a jump-off point to Fuga Island.

There are a lot of recreation and things to do in Cagayan for tourist and locals alike with its famous Sambali Festival celebrated throughout and in commemoration of its founding. Activities in the province are unlimited with its green surroundings, floras and faunas, caves and historical churches. Also there are lots of nice places to stay such as the Governors Garden Hotel, Hotel Candice, Hotel Roma and Hotel Kimikarlai all in Tuguegarao City.

Claveria is also blessed with a wealth of scenic attractions which include the following: the Lakay-Lakay Lagoon, the rocky formation along the Camalaggaon Caves, the Roadside Park overlooking the Claveria Bay, Macatel Falls with its crystal waters that run in abundance throughout the year, the Pata Lighthouse that offers a breathtaking experience, and the Claveria Beach Resort along the serene white sand coasts.^[2]

Notable Residents[link]

• Juan Ponce Enrile - he served as Justice Secretary and then Defense Secretary under the Marcos regime. He later became one of the leaders (along with General Fidel V. Ramos) of the 1986 People Power Movement that drove Marcos from power. Enrile has continued to be a prominent politician since then; he has been President of the Senate of the Philippines since November 2008.

See also[link]

• Cagayan de Oro
• Our Lady of Piat
• Malaueg Church
• Cagayan Rising Suns

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Cagayan

• Official Website of the Provincial Government of Cagayan
• WOW Philippines – Cagayan
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• 2000 Philippine Census Information
• 2007 Philippine Census Information

	Ilocos Norte	Batanes / Balintang Channel (Luzon Strait)
	Apayao		Philippine Sea
		Cagayan    East
	Kalinga	Isabela

v t e Political divisions of the Philippines Capital Manila National Capital Region Autonomous region Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Provinces Abra Agusan del Norte Agusan del Sur Aklan Albay Antique Apayao Aurora Basilan Bataan Batanes Batangas Benguet Biliran Bohol Bukidnon Bulacan Cagayan Camarines Norte Camarines Sur Camiguin Capiz Catanduanes Cavite Cebu Compostela Valley Cotabato Davao del Norte Davao del Sur Davao Oriental Dinagat Islands Eastern Samar Guimaras Ifugao Ilocos Norte Ilocos Sur Iloilo Isabela Kalinga La Union Laguna Lanao del Norte Lanao del Sur Leyte Maguindanao Marinduque Masbate Misamis Occidental Misamis Oriental Mountain Province Negros Occidental Negros Oriental Northern Samar Nueva Ecija Nueva Vizcaya Occidental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Palawan Pampanga Pangasinan Quezon Quirino Rizal Romblon Samar Sarangani Siquijor Sorsogon South Cotabato Southern Leyte Sultan Kudarat Sulu Surigao del Norte Surigao del Sur Tarlac Tawi-Tawi Zambales Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay Former Provinces Agusan Ambos Camarines Camarines Cotabato Davao Kalinga-Apayao Lanao Lepanto-Bontoc Manila Mindanao and Sulu Mindoro Misamis Moro Province Negros Negros del Norte Occidental Leyte Oriental Leyte Samar Shariff Kabunsuan Surigao Tayabas Zamboanga Other subdivisions Island groups (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) Regions Cities Municipalities Barangays Legislative districts Territorial disputes North Borneo (Sabah) Scarborough Shoal Spratly Islands

Casting Crowns
Casting Crowns performing in 2011 on the Come to the Well Tour.
Background information
Origin	Daytona Beach, Florida, USA
Genres	Contemporary Christian Christian rock Soft rock
Years active	1999–present
Labels	Sony BMG/Beach Street/Reunion (U.S.) Sony Music Philippines (Philippines)
Website	castingcrowns.com
Members
Mark Hall (lead vocals) Juan DeVevo (lead guitar) Hector Cervantes (rhythm guitar) Melodee DeVevo (violin, backing vocals) Megan Garrett (piano) Chris Huffman (bass guitar) Brian Scoggin (drums)
Past members
Andy Williams (drums)

Casting Crowns is a Grammy Award and Dove Award winning Contemporary Christian/Christian Rock band. Casting Crowns was started in 1999 by youth pastor Mark Hall at First Baptist Church in Downtown Daytona Beach, Florida^[1] as part of a youth group. He now serves as a lead vocalist. Later they moved to Stockbridge, Georgia and more members joined creating the band now known as Casting Crowns. Some members of the band currently work as ministers for Eagles Landing First Baptist Church in Stockbridge, Georgia.^[2]

History[link]

Formation and self-titled debut[link]

Christian rock group Casting Crowns began as a student worship band in Daytona Beach, FL, in 1999. Led by singer, songwriter, and youth pastor Mark Hall, the group initially included guitarists Juan DeVevo and Hector Cervantes and violinist Melodee DeVevo. The group relocated to Stockbridge, GA, in 2001, adding Chris Huffman on bass, Megan Garrett on keyboards and accordion, and drummer Andy Williams. This augmented version of Casting Crowns released two independent albums on CD, both of which were well received in the Atlanta area. Both independent albums were efforts on the part of Mark Hall and the rest of the group as outreach projects for youth in the area.^[3] The group won the GMA regional songwriters competition at Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida in both the "Best Song" and the "Best Artist" categories in 2004. Although the group was not searching for a record label, one of the group's albums found its way into the hands of Mark Miller, lead singer for country group Sawyer Brown, who was struck by Casting Crowns' driving pop/rock style and Hall's vocal delivery of his hard-hitting but devout songs. Miller signed Casting Crowns to his fledgling Beach Street Records, a division of Reunion Records with distribution by the Provident Label Group, making Casting Crowns the first artist signed to Beach Street Records.^[4]

Mark Miller took the group into the studio along with co-producer Steven Curtis Chapman, himself a popular artist on the CCM musical scene. The resulting eponymous album, Casting Crowns, was released in 2003 on the Beach Street imprint. The album quickly made them one of the fastest selling debut artists in Christian music history. The album's third single, "Voice of Truth", spent a record-breaking fourteen consecutive weeks at #1 beginning in 2003. "Voice of Truth" is also by the trailer and the ending from the movie Facing the Giants. The album was certified platinum in 2005,^[5] and in 2011, the group received their first gold certification for a single for the song 'Who Am I' from their debut record.

[edit] Lifesong and Lifesong Live (2005-2006)

Lifesong followed in 2005, debuting at #9 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. The album had three singles: “Lifesong”, “Praise You in this Storm”, and “ Does Anybody Hear Her?”. "Lifesong" spent nine weeks in the top spot, with "Praise You in This Storm" remaining at #1 for seven weeks. Apart from being successful in the charts, Lifesong earned Casting Crowns their first Grammy Award for their work on the album in 2006.

In 2006, the group released Lifesong Live, which included live performances of songs from their studio album Lifesong.

[edit] The Altar and the Door and The Altar and the Door Live (2007-2008)

The band's third studio album The Altar and the Door debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart^[6] and #1 on the Hot Christian Albums chart upon its release in August 2007. Ten weeks after the album’s release date, it was certified gold by the RIAA.^[7] On September 27, 2007 the band embarked on the ‘Altar and the Door’ tour with Leeland and John Waller . The tour was highly successful, grossing $4.4 million ticket sales.^[8] Casting Crowns broke their own record in 2007 when the single "East to West" from The Altar and the Door hit sixteen consecutive weeks at #1. The song ended up enjoying the top spot for a total of nineteen weeks, now their most successful single to date. "Slow Fade" was also released as a single, and was included in the soundtrack of the Kirk Cameron film Fireproof.

In 2008, Casting Crowns scored their eighth number one hit with "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", a track from their newly-released Christmas album entitled Peace on Earth.

[edit] Until the Whole World Hears (2009-2011)

In early 2009, drummer Andy Williams left to pursue a further calling with blessings from the band. The drummer was replaced with Brian Scoggin and his red locks of hair, an irony Mark mentions on tour.

Casting Crowns was one of the only American bands to ever have been invited to North Korea. They attended the 2009 April Spring Arts Festival in Pyongyang where they performed with The Annie Moses Band. This was Casting Crowns second time invited to the Festival sponsored by Global Resource Services, the first time being in 2007.^[9][10] On August 30, 2009 Casting Crowns performed on Huckabee, Mike Huckabee's political show.

Casting Crown's fourth major studio album, Until the Whole World Hears, was released on November 17, 2009, debuting at #4 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 167,000 copies in its first week alone, setting a new record for the highest Christian album debut in history.^[11] It was certified gold within 4 weeks.^[12] The title track and first single from the album became the groups ninth #1 single in January 2010. Before the album was released, the band went on tour with Matt Redman for the fall Until The Whole World Hears Tour. They went on the first spring leg of the tour with Kutless, and toured with Tenth Avenue North on the second spring leg.

In April 2010, Casting Crowns won the Dove Award for Artist of the Year, their first ever win in that category. A music video for the title track of Until the Whole World Hears was posted on the band's YouTube page on August 23, 2010.

The track Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) was released as a single in 2011 and reached #1 on Billboard Christian Songs during the week of April 23, 2011.

[edit] Come to the Well (2011-present)

Casting Crowns' latest song, "Courageous", was released as a single on July 19, 2011. The music video for the song was released on June 13, 2011 and promotes the film Courageous. The song was featured on their latest album, Come to the Well, which was released on October 18, 2011.

Ministry[link]

Casting Crowns frontman Mark Hall calls the band's work a ministry akin to what the world would call "preaching to the choir." In keeping with The Great Commission, Hall describes their music as a "ministry of discipleship."

Four members of Casting Crowns currently minister at Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, GA where they play during the Contemporary Worship service on Sunday mornings. They do the band part-time around their full-time work of mentoring teenagers at the church.^[2] They often tour from Thursday- Saturday so that they can be home for church on Sunday morning and Wednesday night.^[13]

Members[link]

Current[link]

• Mark Hall – lead vocals and songwriter (1999–Present)
• Hector Cervantes – lead guitar and background vocals (1999–Present)
• Juan DeVevo – guitar and background vocals (1999–Present)
• Chris Huffman – bass and background vocals ^[14] (2001–Present)
• Megan Garrett – piano, keyboards, backing vocals (2001–Present)
• Melodee DeVevo – violin, backing vocals, cello (1999–Present)
• Brian Scoggin – drums (2009–Present)

Former[link]

• Andy Williams - drums (2001–2009)

Books[link]

• Lifestories by Mark Hall
• Your Own Jesus by Mark Hall
• The Well by Mark Hall

Producers/Executive Producers[link]

• Steven Curtis Chapman - Producer for album Casting Crowns
• Mark A. Miller - Producer for albums Casting Crowns, Lifesong, The Altar and the Door, and Until The Whole World Hears
• Terry Hemmings - Executive Producer for album Lifesong, The Altar and the Door, and Until The Whole World Hears

Discography[link]

Independent albums[link]

• 2001: Casting Crowns
• 2002: What If The Whole World Prayed

Studio albums[link]

• 2003: Casting Crowns
• 2005: Lifesong
• 2007: The Altar and the Door
• 2008: Peace on Earth
• 2009: Until the Whole World Hears
• 2011: Come to the Well

Live albums[link]

• 2004: Live from Atlanta
• 2006: Lifesong Live
• 2008: The Altar and the Door Live
• 2010: Until the Whole World Hears... Live

Music videos[link]

• American Dream
• Does Anybody Hear Her
• Slow Fade
• Until the Whole World Hears
• Courageous
• Just Another Birthday
• Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Achievements[link]

• Career sales have exceeded 5 million records.
• Voted CCM Readers' Choice Awards "Favorite Band", "Favorite New Artist" and "Favorite Album" in 2005.
• "Lifesong" voted "Inspirational Single of the Year" by online music fans in the 2005 CCMSingles.Net Awards.
• "Praise You in this Storm" was the fifth most played song of 2006 according to R&R magazine^[15]
• "East To West" voted "AC Single of the Year" and "Inspirational Single of the Year" by online music fans in the 2007 CCMSingles.Net Awards.
• Casting Crowns was the most played artist on Christian Radio in 2007, according Radio & Records Weekly charts (12/10).
• Casting Crowns is the second fastest Christian band in history to have their first two albums certified platinum, the fastest being Jars of Clay.^[7]

GMA Dove Awards^[16]

Grammy Awards^[17]

References[link]

1. ↑ Norris, Jane (18 May 2009). "There's No Slow Fade in the Forecast for Casting Crowns". The Daily Progress. http://www.dailyprogress.com/cdp/entertainment/music/article/theres_no_slow_fade_in_the_forecast_for_casting_crowns/40282/. Retrieved July 4, 2009. 
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} "CASTING CROWNS SETS SALES RECORD AS HIGHEST DEBUTING CHRISTIAN MUSIC ARTIST IN SOUNDSCAN HISTORY; UNTIL THE WHOLE WORLD HEARS FIRST-WEEK SCANS EXCEED 167,000". Jesus Freak Hideout. 25 November 2009. http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2009/11/25.CASTING%20CROWNS%20SETS%20SALES%20RECORD%20AS%20HIGHEST%20DEBUTING%20CHRISTIAN%20MUSIC%20ARTIST.asp. Retrieved 1 December 2009. 
3. ↑ Owen, Linda (2005 November). "Casting Crowns’ "Who Am I"". Christianity Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2005/novdec/14.13.html. Retrieved 2009-10-15. 
4. ↑ Herman, Michael (2004). "Overnight Sensation". Christianity Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2004/castingcrowns-0204.html. Retrieved 2009-10-08. 
5. ↑ "RIAA - Gold & Platinum Searchable Database". RIAA. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH. 
6. ↑ "Casting Crowns ‘The Altar and the Door’ Debuts at No. 2". CCM Magazine. 2007 September. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11553550/casting%20crowns/. Retrieved 16 September 2009. 
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} "The Altar and the Door Certified Gold by RIAA in Ten Weeks". CCM Magazine. 2007 September. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11553550/casting%20crowns/. Retrieved 16 November 2009. 
8. ↑ "Casting Crowns Dominates Christian Music in 2007". CCM Magazine. 2007 December. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11562037/casting%20crowns/. Retrieved 16 November 2009. 
9. ↑ Young, Eric (2009-04-21). "Casting Crowns Heads Home After North Korea Trip". Christian Post. http://www.christianpost.com/article/20090421/casting-crowns-heads-home-after-north-korea-trip/index.html. Retrieved 2009-10-23. 
10. ↑ French, Rose (2009-04-11). "Musicians hope to ease tensions in North Korea". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/states/tennessee/2009-04-11-2447326404_x.htm?loc=interstitialskip. Retrieved 2009-11-16. 
11. ↑ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2009/11/25.CASTING%20CROWNS%20SETS%20SALES%20RECORD%20AS%20HIGHEST%20DEBUTING%20CHRISTIAN%20MUSIC%20ARTIST.asp
12. ↑ http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2009/12/21.CASTING%20CROWNS%20CERTIFIES%20RIAA%20GOLD%20IN%20FOUR%20WEEKS.asp
13. ↑ http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/mark-hall-of-casting-486668.html
14. ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCH-qjbwcIw
15. ↑ As played on the January 7, 2007 Weekend 22
16. ↑ "Dove Awards History Artist: Casting Crowns". Gospel Music Association. http://www.doveawards.com/history.php?x=artist. Retrieved 2009-11-16. 
17. ↑ "Grammy Award Winners". The Recording Academy. http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx. Retrieved 2009-11-16. 

External links[link]

• Casting Crowns official site
• Casting Crowns Artist Profile on Christian Music Review
• The Altar and the Door album review on Christian Music Review
• Casting Crowns on WorshipSong
• The Altar & The Door Tour 2009 concert review from NewReleaseTuesday.com

Rico Blanco
Blanco during a live performance.
Background information
Birth name	Rico Rene Granados Blanco
Also known as	Rico Blanco
Born	March 17
Origin	Manila, Philippines
Genres	Alternative rock, Pop rock, Progressive rock, Electronic rock, Synthpop
Occupations	Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Arranger, Dancer, Actor, Host, Multi-instrumentalist
Instruments	Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard, Bass, Synthesizers, Drums, Percussions
Years active	1993–2007 (with Rivermaya) 2008–present (as a Solo artist)
Labels	Warner Music Philippines
Associated acts	Rivermaya
Website	Official site
Notable instruments
Keyboards Fender Stratocaster Gibson SG Robot CF Martin D28 Analog Synthesizer Drums Bass Godin Guitars

Rico Blanco is a Filipino singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur.

Career[link]

Rico was one of the founding members of Filipino rock band Rivermaya, in varying roles as vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist, and main songwriter from 1993 to 2007.

Aside from his songwriter credits in his solo album and in Rivermaya, Blanco also arranged and wrote music for various side projects such as the United Nations MDG theme "Tayo Tayo Rin", The Philippine Department of Tourism theme "Biyahe Tayo" (both of which were performed by veteran Filipino musicians, such as Freddie Aguilar, The Apo Hiking Society, Lea Salonga, and Sharon Cuneta). He also co-wrote a theme song for the Southeast Asian Games, "Posible".

Rico Blanco was also a stage and film actor. He starred alongside Noel Cabangon and Joey Ayala in the Music Museum and 1970s Bistro production of Jesus Christ Superstar and also starred alongside Epy Quizon and Christopher de Leon in the independent film Nasaan si Francis?. He is also the voice behind Ryusuke (Ray) Minami in the Philippine edition of BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad. [4] He also directed several music videos, won an award for his work as musical scorer/arranger for HIT Productions. Blanco also dabbles in oil painting and photography.

Among the albums Blanco produced are Slapshock's Project 11-41, Sugarfree's Sa Wakas, The Dawn's Salamat (Millennium edition single), Teeth's I Was a Teenage Tree and Rivermaya's Free album which won him a NU Rock award for Producer of the year. Blanco also used to host MYX Live. He also composed scores for many commercials & other various corporate functions around the Philippines.

In May 2007, Blanco announced his departure from Rivermaya. His last performance with Rivermaya was on May 4, 2007 at the Metro Bar (wherein two other high profile Filipino bands opened the show, Pupil and Sandwich; two spin-off bands of the legendary pop-rock group Eraserheads). It was coincidental that Rico’s first gig as singer for Rivermaya was also held at the Metro Bar (formerly known as "Kampo"). Furthermore, first ever Rivermaya gig (where Blanco was keyboardist) was in Las Piñas City in 1993 where the band was the opening act for Eraserheads.^[1]

In 2007, he launched a clothing line for a clothing brand in the Philippines, Human.^[2] He also spent his time with philanthropic work. In late 2007 he came out of retirement to sing for the Sumilao farmers who walked 1,700 km from Bukidnon to reach Department of Agrarian Reform in Metro Manila. Blanco also wrote and produced an electronic dance music song titled "Control" for the album of Nancy Castiglione.

In 2011, Blanco co-wrote the song "Chemistry" with Solenn Heussaff for the latter's self-titled debut album.^[3]

Solo artist[link]

On June 12, 2008 Warner Music Philippines, launched Rico Blanco's first single “Yugto” which marked his entry in the Filipino music industry as a solo artist. Critics and music fans immediately hail it as a "neo-epic".^[4] The song won a host of awards, among them 4 major Awit awards including Song of the Year.^[5] His first album titled "Your Universe" was released on August 8, 2008 (08/08/'08). The 10-track CD is a unique fusion of diverse sounds, among them the ethno-rock "Yugto", the heart-tugging title track "Your Universe", the rockabilly/punk feel of "Ayuz", the sweet, Pinoy-folk "Para Hindi Ka Mawala", and the sing-along anthem "Antukin".^[6] Also notable is his return to his roots as a keyboard player as evidenced by the infusion of synthesizer and electronic elements throughout the album. Incidentally, Warner Music Philippines are known for disbanding bands and turning their respective lead vocalists into solo artists.

Currently, Rico's live band is usually composed of Robert de la Cruz (of Queso and Skychurch) on drums and Ricci Gurango (formerly of Hungry Young Poets and Mojofly) on bass, while Rico plays guitars and keyboards. Many other session musicians join him on stage from time to time.

In November 2008, Blanco won the "Vocalist of the Year" award in the NU Rock Awards. In December 2008, he was heralded RX93.1 "OPM Solo Artist of the Year. He also opened for Myx Mo 2008 and performed "Yugto". Aside from his band, The Mandaluyong Children's Choir, Manila Symphony Orchestra, Kulintangan musicians (headed by Malou Matute), and various Percussionists (headed by Iggy de Dios), all performed with him. The opening set was touted to be the biggest in the event's history.

In February 2009, he won as "Best New Artist" in the MYX Music Awards 2009. Then, Blanco was picked by Unilever Philippines to re-write and sing a version of the regional campaign song of Close Up toothpaste, released a single entitled "Come Closer".

Rico sang together with Imago vocalist Aia de Leon, and Sandwich frontman Raimund Marasigan, on “Ako ang Simula”, the theme song for a campaign which calls on Filipinos, especially the youth, to actively participate in the 2010 elections.

When super typhoons ravaged the Philippines in September 2009, Rico responded quickly by writing and recording and releasing "Bangon", to raise awareness and ultimately, funds to help the victims of the typhoons. Rico gave away the song as a free download to give hope to the victims, salute the heroes and inspire people to continue helping. Blanco also said that he is waiving all royalties due to him for the mobile downloads of the song, which he will instead give to affected families.^[7][8]

In December 2009, Blanco launched his new music video for the single "Ayuz", it features his dance tribute to Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, with Cristine Reyes as special guest.

In May 2010, Blanco was announced to be on the cast of ABS-CBN's newest supernatural-political thriller TV series Imortal which stars John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin, Blanco also sang the song "Kahit Walang Sabihin" for the said TV series. This was followed by the launch of Rico Blanco's very own company, Balcony Entertainment, in cooperation with Warner Music Philippines.

The same year, Rico Blanco launched his first album "Your Universe" in other Asian countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong. The Asian release featured a new single "Neon Lights", the song quickly gained the number 1 spot in Hong Kong charts beating other artists such as Justin Bieber, Wonder Girls and Mika.^[9]

In March 2011, Sesame Street Philippines went into partnership with Blanco to launch the new education campaign called Sesame Street "Kid Ako". The campaign will launch in schools which will use Sesame Street books and videos to help encourage learning among kids at an early age. Blanco is also set to make two songs for the campaign.^[10]

Rico is set to release his second solo album in early 2012.^[11]

Musical influences[link]

At a young age, Rico listened heavily to his uncle's records which included The Beatles, jazz and 1970s rock. He moved on to appreciate late 1970s to 1980s punk rock, post punk, synth pop and new wave artists (mostly from the U.K.) such as XTC, The Cure, The Smiths, U2, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, OMD, Tears for Fears, Ultravox, New Order, Madness, Terry Hall, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Midnight Oil (Aus), among others. He also listened to Filipino artists such as Deans December, Violent Playground, Identity Crisis, Urban Bandits, Joey Ayala, among others. The music he listened to while growing up is largely credited for his musical style.[5]

Endorsements and Business interests[link]

A trendsetter, Rico Blanco and his wide influence has always made him one of the most sought after endorsers. He has already endorsed brands in telecom, fastfood, clothing, home entertainment, alcoholic beverages, and chocolates among many others.

Rico Blanco is also a partner in Capone's Makati with Mark Escueta (former bandmate in Rivermaya) and many others, and also Aruba Metrowalk, two restaurant/bars located in Metro Manila. He also currently serves as the company President of Time in Manila club in Makati Avenue.^[12]

In 2010, Rico established Loudbox, an audio production/post studio mainly catering to the Advertising industry. His business partners are Manuel Legarda of Wolfgang, Sach Castillo, Allan Feliciano and Edsel Tolentino.^[13]

Also on the same year, following his endorsement in Human clothing brand, Rico launched his own brand named Koboi, located at San Juan City, Metro Manila.

Appearances[link]

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

Singles[link]

Awards and recognitions[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Blanco's Official Website [6]
• Blanco's Official Facebook Artist Page [7]
• Blanco's Official Blog [8]

Vice Ganda
Birth name	Jose Marie Viceral
Born	(1976-03-31) March 31, 1976 (age 36) Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Medium	Stand-up comedy, television, film, music
Nationality	Filipino
Years active	1999–present
Genres	observational comedy, satire
Subject(s)	everyday life, current events, pop culture, human sexuality
Influences	Roderick Paulate, Dolphy, Allan K, Joey de Leon
Notable works and roles	Gandang Gabi, Vice!, It's Showtime, Praybeyt Benjamin, Petrang Kabayo

Vice Ganda (born March 31, 1976) is a Filipino stand-up comedian, television host and actor. He is best known as the main judge on ABS-CBN’s talent show It's Showtime and the host of Gandang Gabi, Vice!.
He is declared as 43rd Box Office Entertainment Awards, Phenomenal Box Office Star & Male Concert Performer of the Year, in the year 2012.

He is also known for his lead roles in commercially successful films Petrang Kabayo and The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin which became the highest-grossing film in Philippines.^[1][2][3]

He gained popularity for his comic routines, for which he uses observational comedy on typical “Pinoy” lifestyle and his use of situational irony and sarcasm when reacting to Filipino culture & behavior and human sexuality. He is the first openly gay endorser for a major product in the Philippines, which is Globe Telecom in the Philippines.^[4][5]

Early life[link]

Vice, Jose Marie Viceral, is the youngest of five children. He grew up in the neighborhood of José Abád Santos Street in Manuguit, Tondo, Manila. His father, a barangay captain, was murdered when he was young prompting his mother to work as a caregiver abroad leaving them by themselves. He obtained his college education at Far Eastern University studying Political Science.^[6] Around the age of 19, Vice was writing and performing his stand-up comic routines in comedy bars in Ermita, Manila.

Career[link]

Stand-up comedy[link]

Vice launched his stand-up career in Punchline and The Library, whose manager Andrew de Real gave him the screen name “Vice Ganda”.^[7] There he spent several years developing his materials in the comedy clubs. Vice’s career began to build after appearances on television and reviews from tabloid columns. He worked alongside fellow comedians Chocoleit, Pooh, John Lapus and Rey Kilay.

Television career[link]

He appeared in several TV series and sitcoms 'Dyosa under the direction of Wenn V. Deramas. Vice also had another supporting role in the drama series Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik.

His biggest break came in 2009, when he became part of Showtime, a talent search program which made him a regular host/judge until present. His life story of being bullied as a young closeted gay has also been featured in the drama anthology, Maalaala Mo Kaya.^[8] Aside from Showtime, he is currently hosting his own Sunday talk show, the consistently top rated Gandang Gabi, Vice!.^[9] Currently he is under the management of ABS-CBN, handling him is business unit head Deo Endrinal^[10] after being managed for four years^[11] by local entertainment columnist/host Ogie Diaz.^[12]

Film career[link]

Vice starred in minor roles until in 2009 where he appeared alongside Vilma Santos and John Lloyd Cruz in the film In My Life, depicting a story of a young Filipino gay couple struggling life in New York when one of their parents tries to live with them. A year later he starred in a comedy film, a remake of Petrang Kabayo.^[13] It proved to be a hit when it was released.^[14] The following year, Vice starred in Praybeyt Benjamin with Derek Ramsay directed by Wenn V. Deramas. The movie became the first local film to reach 300-million Pesos in ticket sales and proved to be an even greater box office success than Petrang Kabayo.^[15] He is presently under contract with Viva Films.^[16]

Music[link]

On June 15, 2011, Vice released his first studio album, Lakas Tama. The album was released under Vicor Records and featured mostly pop and novelty songs including "Palong Palo" written by Callalily frontman Kean Cipriano.^[17] He is also included in the compilation album of Showtime released by Star Records.

Filmography[link]

Television[link]

Film[link]

Discography[link]

Studio album[link]

Compilation album[link]

Awards/ Nominations[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Vice Ganda Website
• Vice Ganda Official Facebook profile
• Vice Ganda Official Twitter account