Gian Magdangal

Infobox musical artist 2
Name = Gian Magdangal
Background = solo_singer


Img_capt = Gian Magdangal at GMA Network Center
Birth_name = Giancarlo Alzate Magdangal
Born = birth date and age|1981|11|18
Origin = Parañaque City, the Philippines
Genre = Pop, R&B, Musical
Occupation = Singer
Years_active = 2001-present
Instrument = Vocals
Label = GMA Records
Associated_acts = SOP Rules
Kundirana

Giancarlo "Gian" Alzate Magdangal [http://www.philippineidol.com/features/features1206_5.html Guy with a Big Heart] Philippine Idol features section] (born November 18, 1981 in Manila, Philippines [http://www.philippineidol.com/contestants/contestants_gian.html Gian Magdangal Contestant Profile] Philippine Idol official website] ), is a Filipino singer, performer, and theater actor currently signed to GMA Network. A former boy band member, he rose to prominence as one of the runners-up of Philippine Idol in 2006. Magdangal was dubbed during the competition as the "Livewire Idol".

He is a cousin of actress and fellow singer Jolina Magdangal.

Biography

Early life and career

Magdangal claimed that he started to sing when he was 2 years old, as he was singing lullabies to his grandmother. He grew up listening to Broadway musicals, Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, and Brian McKnight. Seeing his potential as a singer, he was sent to undergo voice lessons at St. Scholastica's College's Conservatory of Music. [http://www.philippineidol.com/contestants/contestants_gian.html Gian Magdangal Contestant Profile] Philippine Idol official website] He also received vocal training from Trumpets Playshop, Sweet Plantado, Mon Faustino, Audie Gemora, Freddie Santos, and Carlo Orosa. [http://www.abc.com.ph/features/features013107_jangian.html Gian and Jan Face-off] ABC-5 official website, features section]

Magdangal's early musical exposure was during high school in La Salle Green Hills when he became part of the Kundirana. It was there where he realized how singing can touch and change lives. [http://www.philippineidol.com/features/features1206_06.html Web Exclusive: Interview with Gian Magdangal before the Grand Finals Night] Philippine Idol features section] During his stint in Kundirana, he perfected his craft in music while still balancing a busy lifestyle as a stage actor in his school's drama club. He was also a member of Tiples de Sto. Domingo, an all-boys choir based in Quezon City. [http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=86220 The sound of Tiples] Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 2, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)] [ [http://services.inquirer.net/mobile/07/10/29/html_output/xmlhtml/20071001-91788-xml.html Angelic voices for La Naval] Inquirer Mobile, October 1, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)]

While in college at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, taking up Business Administration with a major in Computer Application, [http://www.philippineidol.com/contestants/contestants_gian.html Gian Magdangal Contestant Profile] Philippine Idol official website] Magdangal became part of a boy band quartet known as , which was formed by Gemora, along with his college friends. The group had their share of success compiling two albums under Star Records and Viva Records (wherein there were only three member left). One of their songs, "Sukob Na", became a rainy season jingle for ABS-CBN. After three years, the group decided to disband with Magdangal being the only active musician. He formed a band "Gian with Industriya". [http://www.philippineidol.com/features/features1206_06.html Web Exclusive: Interview with Gian Magdangal before the Grand Finals Night] Philippine Idol features section]

After graduating from college in 2003, Magdangal joined Trumpets Music Academy, a company which produced numerous theater plays in the metro in which he gained more exposure in acting. His theater credentials include the musicals Footloose [ [http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2005/08/30/SCTY2005083043218.html "Footloose the Musical" on stage from Sept. 2-25, at Meralco Theater] Manila Bulletin, August 30, 2005 (accessed November 5, 2007)] , The Little Mermaid, and Once On This Island [ [http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/02/03/SCAU2006020355423.html A phenomenal tale at 'The Island'] Manila Bulletin, February 3, 2006 (accessed November 5, 2007)] .

During his training in Trumpets Music Academy, he accidentally entered a workshop for Advanced Musical Theater, when he was enrolled for the basic workshop. Plantado, the workshop's facilitator at that time, accepted Magdangal in her class where he was introduced with different players in the musical industry who eventually became his trainers. He said that theater training taught him confidence, discipline, humility, and teamwork. He believed that one should not pursue a career in entertainment simply for the money. [http://www.philippineidol.com/features/features1206_06.html Web Exclusive: Interview with Gian Magdangal before the Grand Finals Night] Philippine Idol features section]

However, Magdangal discontinued his singing career to give priority to his family. He disbanded Gian with Industriya and entered the corporate world. [http://www.philippineidol.com/features/features1206_06.html Web Exclusive: Interview with Gian Magdangal before the Grand Finals Night] Philippine Idol features section] Before auditioning for Philippine Idol, he was working as a Marketing Events Officer [http://www.philippineidol.com/contestants/contestants_gian.html Gian Magdangal Contestant Profile] Philippine Idol official website] for Smart Communications. [http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=300886&type=1 Napagod sa pag-ibig] Pilipino Star Ngayon, February 6, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)]

"Philippine Idol"

Magdangal said that Philippine Idol was like "a calling" to return to music. However, he felt that the competition was not meant for him because of conflicts between his work and the audition dates. He only found an opening at the Cebu auditions, but he was short of money. He eventually flew to Cebu City with the help of sponsors in time for the final leg of the auditions, [http://www.philippineidol.com/features/features1206_06.html Web Exclusive: Interview with Gian Magdangal before the Grand Finals Night] Philippine Idol features section] where he sang "The Last Time" by Eric Benét. He wore a gray coat, which he considered as his good luck charm, all throughout the audition and theater eliminations. [http://www.philippineidol.com/contestants/contestants_gian.html Gian Magdangal Contestant Profile] Philippine Idol official website]

When Magdangal got into the Top 24, he took a leave of absence "without pay" from his work. [http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/11/24/ENTR2006112480529.html Gian Magdangal’s game plan in ‘Idol’] Manila Bulletin, November 24, 2006 (accessed November 5, 2007)] This was to avoid suspicion that Smart Communications, which was a major advertisement sponsor of Philippine Idol, was backing him up.

He failed to make to the Top 4 during the Men's Semi-Final Round, and had to go through the Wildcard phase to enter the Top 12 Finalists.

The judges often compared Magdangal (who studied in a De La Salle school) with fellow finalist Jan Nieto (who studied in Ateneo de Manila University), calling it "the new Ateneo-La Salle rivalry". They are also compared to the rivalry between Filipino singers Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano during the 1980s. [http://www.abc.com.ph/features/features013107_jangian.html Gian and Jan Face-off] ABC-5 official website, features section] Entertainment writers even predicted that Magdangal and Nieto would vie for the title. [ [http://www.pep.ph/blogs/pepeye/?p=7 ‘Philippine Idol’ fearless forecast: Gian vs. Jan] Pep Eye, Philippine Entertainment Portal, November 24, 2006 (accessed November 5, 2007)]

He was placed at the Bottom 4 or Bottom 3 twice. Although Magdangal was praised by the judges for his vocal talent, he is often criticized for his lack of emotional depth when performing his contest pieces. [http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/11/24/ENTR2006112480529.html Gian Magdangal’s game plan in ‘Idol’] Manila Bulletin, November 24, 2006 (accessed November 5, 2007)]

He admitted that there were several physical changes in him during the competition, such as losing weight from 180 pounds to 162 pound at 6' 1", [http://www.philippineidol.com/features/features1206_06.html Web Exclusive: Interview with Gian Magdangal before the Grand Finals Night] Philippine Idol features section] as well as getting sick days before the finale that he had to undergo medication. [http://www.philippineidol.com/features/features1206_12.html Gian Magdangal, after Philippine Idol] Philippine Idol features section]

He placed runner-up to eventual winner Mau Marcelo in a hotly contested voting verdict made by the public.

Post-"Idol"

Magdangal received P250,000 as prize for being a runner-up on Philippine Idol. He said that he gave part of it to pay family debts and some of it went to his savings. [http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=300886&type=1 Napagod sa pag-ibig] Pilipino Star Ngayon, February 6, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)]

Weeks after the competition, Magdangal signed a non-exclusive contract with GMA Network and had been a regular talent in its Sunday noontime variety show SOP Rules. [ [http://www.pep.ph/guide/216/SOP-lets-go-of-co-hosts-for-major-revamp "SOP" lets go of co-hosts for major revamp] Philippine Entertainment Portal, January 22, 2007] However, a stipulation in Magdangal's contract states that he is not supposed to mention "Philippine Idol" in any of his appearances on GMA Network, and this has been noticeable since his first appearances. [When Magdangal guested on talk show "Mel and Joey", he mentioned that he joined "a singing contest".]

Magdangal, along with fellow Idol finalists Jelli Mateo and Pow Chavez, were included in a list of Most Promising People of 2007. He was described as the year's Christian Bautista, if not even better. [ [http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=41338 Promising people] Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 3, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)]

Together with his fellow Idol finalists, Magdangal performed in a concert held in Araneta Coliseum on March 23, 2007. [ [http://www.philippineidol.com/index.html Philippine Idol main page] Promotion of Idol concert as posted on Philippine Idol website]

He performed in Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant in 2007, where he serenaded the finalists. Magdangal also guested in a fund-raising concert entitled "From the Soul...For the Mind", which benefited non-government organization Family Farm Schools. [ [http://www.yehey.com/lifestyle/nightlife/article2.aspx?id=26235 From the Soul…For the Mind: A fundraising concert to benefit Family Farm Schools] Yehey! Lifestyle section, May 30, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)] He performed in a concert headlined by Tiples de Santo Domingo, in which he was a member, in Philamlife Theater on September 15, 2007. [http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=86220 The sound of Tiples] Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 2, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)]

He won Best Performance by a New Male Artist at the 20th Awit Awards on August 2007 for his song "Himala" that was part of the Philippine Idol Top 12 Album. [ [http://www.awitawards.com.ph/winners.html List of Winners in Major Categories] 20th Awit Awards (accessed October 31, 2007)]

Magdangal was included in Candy Magazine's list of "Candy Cuties" for 2007. [ [http://www.pep.ph/articles/13807/Hottest-celebrities-make-it-to-Candy-Magazine's-list-of-Candy-Cuties Hottest celebrities make it to Candy Magazine's list of Candy Cuties] Philippine Entertainment Portal, September 13, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)]

He also guested in the Philippine version of Celebrity Duets, wherein he performed with socialite and self-proclaimed "eventologist" Tim Yap.

Plans for his solo album, under GMA Records, is currently in the works. [http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=300886&type=1 Napagod sa pag-ibig] Pilipino Star Ngayon, February 6, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)]

He is currently part of the Manila cast of Steges' production of West Side Story, where he plays the lead role of Riff. Riff is the best friend of the character Tony, which is played by Christian Bautista.

Personal life

Magdangal used to date actress Aiza Marquez before Philippine Idol, but they broke up during the competition. Marquez accuses Magdangal of spreading negative rumors about her and becoming "a changed man", which he denied [http://www.pep.ph/articles/13396/Aiza-Marquez-Gian-Magdangal-Sheree-triangle-still-chafes Aiza Marquez-Gian Magdangal-Sheree triangle still chafes] Philippine Entertainment Portal, August 6. 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)] although admitting that he did not have time for Marquez during Idol. [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/51516/Viva-Hot-Babe-Sheree-dating-singer-Gian-Magdangal Viva Hot Babe Sheree dating singer Gian Magdangal] GMANews.TV, July 18, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007, written in Tagalog language)]

He is currently dating actress and singer Sherre Bautista-Agustin, a former member of Viva Hot Babes, who incidentally was a close friend to Marquez. [http://www.pep.ph/articles/13396/Aiza-Marquez-Gian-Magdangal-Sheree-triangle-still-chafes Aiza Marquez-Gian Magdangal-Sheree triangle still chafes] Philippine Entertainment Portal, August 6. 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)] The two met during a production of "The Little Mermaid" in 2001 and began dating in December 2006. [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/51516/Viva-Hot-Babe-Sheree-dating-singer-Gian-Magdangal Viva Hot Babe Sheree dating singer Gian Magdangal] GMANews.TV, July 18, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007, written in Tagalog language)] Magdangal, a known conservative, supports Sheree's career despite her sexy image and daring roles she portrays on her movies [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/15097/Gian-Magdangal-fully-supports-Sheree-in-her-daring-roles-and-sexy-image Gian Magdangal fully supports Sheree in her daring roles and sexy image] Philippine Entertainment Portal, October 11, 2007 (accessed November 5, 2007)] . Sheree, who is seven months pregnant, and they are expecting a child together. Their child, Gian Hailey was born on May 7, 2008. [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/95368/Gian-Magdangal-talks-about-one-week-old-son-with-Sheree GMA NEWS.TV, Gian Magdangal talks about one-week-old son with Sheree] ]

Award

"'

Gian was chosen Most Promising Male Singer by the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation at the 38th Box-Office Entertainment Awards held on May 13, 2008. [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/95368/Gian-Magdangal-talks-about-one-week-old-son-with-Sheree GMA NEWS.TV, Gian Magdangal talks about one-week-old son with Sheree] ]

ee also

*"Philippine Idol" - for the list of Magdangal's song performances during the competition.

References

External links

* [http://www.gianmagdangal.net Gian Magdangal Official Website]
* [http://www.friendster.com/2095719 Gian Magdangal on Friendster]
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/philidol_gian/ Gian Magdangal on Yahoo! Groups]
* [http://www.igma.tv/shows/sop/cast#Gian-Magdangal Gian Magdangal's cast profile on SOP Rules]
* [http://www.candymag.com/candytv/boys/?vid=229 Gian Magdangal's rendition of John Legend's "Ordinary People" for Candy Magazine]