THE 1995 IMOC YEAR-END ACCOLADES

by : IRLAN C. SARAJAN


The IMOC Chart Department takes a task of unprecedented magnitude - an accurate accounting of singles that have had the most outstanding chart performance from early December 1994 to end of November 1995. Without further ado, it’s our pleasure to present the key events and the Musical Highlights of the Year 1995 …


After five years of music journey, the IMOC Chart, a barometer of future musical trend, is still active in its endeavor, widening horizons year after year. Wrapping it up, we’ll pause back on an action-packed year covering various music genres. As it was in 1994, the last twelve months proved to be a period of success for the music community and likewise several musicians were spotlighted with priceless memories of commendable efforts.

As usual, Pop genres acts have been habitual victors while first-time contenders battle each other to reach as high as they can and remains on chart as long as they can. Apparently, powered singles had amazingly logged longer chart foothold compared to previous years releases.

THE STORY FROM THE TOP…After years of debating how Danish acts achieve fame and fortune beyond the confines of their own linguistic border, MICHAEL LEARNS TO ROCK came up with the answer. The band had the longest year in memory dominating the IMOC Chart with the Song of the Year, “OUT OF THE BLUE” & a six-week chart-topper, “THAT’S WHY (You Go Away)”. They were accelerated to this year’s “IMOC HALL OF FAMER”, edging out local band Eraserheads, who likewise topped the OPM line up. Much more, two bestselling albums within the year, “COLOURS” and “PLAYED ON PEPPER” helped propel MLTR to their first ever IMOC Year-end Victory.

Posting a strong second place, local band ERASERHEADS issued their rawest and most exciting work-to-date chart-bounding between alternative and pop. Despite of the failure to duplicate the landslide victory of Afterimage last year, the band is able to log phenomenal records in IMOC Chart history earning the Band of the Year honors. Yes, Ely Buendia & the group top OPM artists and took the sweepstakes awards for combined single and albums activity. Multi-successful “Circus” finished a powerful first ahead of other album releases while four singles – two chart-toppers are listed in the year-end ranking. Indelible concert “Combonation” locally staged with True Faith elated Eraserheads to further heights capturing the pulse of live-wire scenario.

On top of winning the New Act plum – group category, RIVERMAYA had a prolific year with self-titled debut release. The Album eventually racked up string of hits spurred by substantial boost from radio. Debut cut, “Ulan” placed them onto a buzzword status & rock-fused ballad, “ 214 ” moved up to claim the band’s first chart-topping victory.

One of the main surprises of the year is the Swedish Act whose music truly captured the hearts of Pop music enthusiasts. Although the duo never reached the # 1 spot in the weekly countdown, ROXETTE’s “VULNERABLE” feat. Per Gessle on vocals, had a long chart run of 27 weeks and ranks # 3 for the year. It was indeed an incredible year for them whose IMOC chart feat only fell @ #25 via “Joyride” wayback in 1991. Another surprising entry, DEF LEPPARD hit the headlines with greatest hits release entitled, “Vault”. Powered by tremendous response from rock aficionados, “WHEN LOVE & HATE COLLIDE” zooms up to the top 10 in the final countdown with barely two months of IMOC peak hitherto.

Laced with passion and vocal earnestness, VANESSA WILLIAMS triumphs anew with her second year-end Top Female Honors in IMOC Chart history. Trackin’ back, she made a resounding success via “Save the Best for Last” in 1992. This year, sinewy rendition of Pocahontas Theme, “COLORS OF THE WIND” catapulted her back on top. Another success story of the year is the return of STEVIE B whose captivating voice rings strongly with “DREAM ABOU YOU”. Melodic ingenuity of the song earned him the Top Male Artist of the Year.


A groundswell of new recording artists is evident this year both in the U.S. and in the local scenario. Young and aggressive acts truly felt the first impact of their efforts and leading the line up HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH whose debut outing “Cracked Rear View” is the bestselling album in the U.S.. Alluring JORDAN HILL made an impressive debut with a movie theme from “Casper” aptly titled, “Remember Me This Way”. Her passionate voice is similarly compared with Mariah Carey’s angelic thrust. Asian act THE LIZARDS’ CONVENTION increased their international profile with an updated treatment of “Wooden Heart”. In the local front, ORIENT PEARL creates a buzz with its sublime debut, “Pagsubok”; COLOR IT RED via emotionally-charged “Paglisan”; hard-edged TEETH with “Laklak”; PUT3SKA with catchy “Manila Girl” and lastly, one of the year’s most impressive breakout, DJ ALVARO is accorded as the first female rock artist to score the year-end Top OPM Female Act and Top Female New Act at the same time.

Formidable vocal ensembles have apparently stormed the local airwaves. Churning out hot R & B singles, acapella exponent BOYZ II MEN spearheaded the line up with ALL-4-ONE, PORTRAIT, 4PM, KULCHA, IV EXAMPLE and a lot more. Giving refreshing touch to R & B standards, TLC becomes a cornerstone act serving up charttopping vibes in the U.S. while British group ETERNAL made a splash via crystal-clear vocal harmonies on “Oh Baby I”.


In the world of dance music, German act THE REAL MCCOY concocted an irresistible recipe for discophiles with rave-injected string of hits. Other acts that successfully penetrated the dance mainstream marketplace include ROULA (Lick It), INI KAMOZE (Here Comes The Hotstepper), APACHE INDIAN (Ragga Muffin Girl), 30 FINGERS (Short, Short Man), NICKI FRENCH (Total Eclipse of the Heart), SAINT & CAMPBELL (Oh Carol). And towering them all, LOS DEL RIO stepped into the spotlight with “MACARENA” reaching the top of the IMOC Chart. Notably, no other artist could ever match their success since the release of “Dying Inside” by Timmy Thomas couple of years ago.


In terms of hard rock/ alternative acts, the year belonged to GREEN DAY, HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH, COLLECTIVE SOUL, U2, SOUL ASYLUM, THE BLACK CROWES, LIVE, BLUES TRAVELER, GOO GOO DOLLS, BETTER THAN EZRA, WHITE ZOMBIE, RADIOHEAD, SHERYL CROW, ALANIS MORISSETTE, NATALIE MERCHANT, VAN HALEN, SOUNDGARDEN, MELISSA ETHERIDGE, RED HOT CHILI PEPPER and a host of others. Absolutely, everyone got an earful of powerful headbanging metal and resounding alternative treat with their 1995 releases. Topping them all, THE CRANBERRIES reprised last year’s alternative credits with two charttopping singles, “Ode to My family” & “Zombie”. The band consistently shatters conventional notions of alternative recording.


1995 saw the grandiose comeback of Superstars who have had creative surge in the history of global pop culture. Yearning fans are definitely in hysteria with the return of the THE BEATLES via “ The Beatles Anthology”, MICHAEL JACKSON via “HIStory”, MADONNA via “Something To Remember”, MARIAH CAREY via “Daydream”, JANET JACKSON via “Design of the Decade” and WHITNEY HOUSTON via “Waiting To Exhale” OST.. Their distinct musicianship truly covered wide range of musical styles from a richly textured heritage. Indeed, a showdown of musical virtuosity.

Much more at random, the year saw the rebirth of previously issued singles with the release of various retrospective albums from venerable artists. The gold rush days for OPM acts seem to continue and flourish in the local airwaves while local bands gain an unprecedented momentum in the concert scenario. Irish Acts U2 and The Cranberries topped the MTV Europe Awards while local band AFTERIMAGE garnered the most in the First Katha Awards with the band’s “Tag-Ulan,Tag-Araw” Album & “Habang May Buhay” single. 1995 is also the year of accelerated technological development that could change the way music and videos are delivered via CD-rom while CD remains a viable format of audio listening.

After a dozen of innovative years, the nation’s first creative pop station, Monster Radio RX 93.1 has impressively caught the attention not only of radio listeners but the IMOC Nook as well. It earned distinct honors as IMOC Radio Station of the Year with balanced programming.

Here’s the rundown of the 1995 IMOC Year-End Accolades …

1. Hall Of Famer : MICHAEL LEARNS TO ROCK
Hot Single Of The Year – “OUT OF THE BLUE”
Best Selling Albums – “COLOURS” & “PLAYED ON PEPPER”

2. Band of the Year : ERASERHEADS
Album of the Year – “CIRCUS”
Rock Single – “MAGASIN”
Local Concert – “COMBONATION” with True Faith

3. Female Artist : VANESSA WILLIAMS
Movie Theme – “COLORS OF THE WIND”

4. Male Artist : STEVIE B
5. New Acts : Group – RIVERMAYA; Solo – DJ ALVARO
6. Rock Group : DEF LEPPARD
Rock Ballad : “WHEN LOVE & HATE COLLIDE”

7. Alternative Act – THE
CRANBERRIES
Alternative Single – “ODE TO MY FAMILY”

8. R & B Act - BOYZ II MEN
R & B Single – “ON BENDED KNEE”

9. Inspirational Singles
a. “PAGLISAN” by Color It Red
b. “PAGSUBOK” by Orient Pearl
10. Cover Version : “ WOODEN
HEART” by Lizards Convention
11. Dancetrack : “MACARENA” by Los Del Rio
12. Experimental Lyrics : “TIPO KONG LALAKI” by DJ Alvaro
13. Best Video : “TAKE A BOW” by Madonna
14. Concert of the Year : “JANET JACKSON MANILA STINT”
15. Music trend : Greatest Hits Releases


Regardless of inclination, music serves as the universal language every enthusiast can relate to. Thus, IMOC Nook plays vital role in providing MINUS ONE readers music news and evolution carrying ideas and chart consuming passion in music publication. As summed up, 1995 is another remarkable year – a year of struggling.. a year of growing.

With this final recap, IMOC Nook & Chart offers its gratitude to all chart-conscious friends whose favorable remarks serve as inspiration for us to continue our main thrust.

THE 1993 IMOC YEAR-END ACCOLADES

BY : IRLAN C. SARAJAN


THE 1993 MUSICAL TRIUMPH!


End of the Year in Pop Music is always seen as a momentous event for us music and chart-conscious aficionados. Truly, the feelings are more intense as we await for the final countdown of our favorite hits from the various music stations in the Metropolis. We are also thrilled to be aware of the music newsmakers and events unfolded within a period of twelve months.

In line with this special edition, THE IMOC NOOK unveils this year’s crowning glories …

1993 is another breakthrough year in Pop Music history. Music talents overflowed contributing smash hits which solidify their bids for the year-end recognition. Instantly appealing mellow songs with lasting impact in the local airwave, continue to soar year after year. Songwriters are still inspired with musical pieces that evoke matters of the heart. Apparently, textured rock ballads and songs layered with acoustic strumming reign supreme with this year’s derby of chart-topping singles.

As testimony to its staying power, “BED OF ROSES” by BON JOVI is the third rock ballad in a row to rule the year-end Chart Supremacy. Megahits “More than Words” by Extreme and “Sometime Love Just Ain’t Enough” by Patty Smyth/Don Henley, shared similar feats in 1991 & 1992 respectively.

Keeping energy level up, fast songs with dancey & tribal drumbeats also scorched up the local charts. Disco habitués would absolutely be delighted to hear and gyrate with powered dancetracks such as “ DYING INSIDE” by Timmy Thomas, “TWO PRINCES” by Spin Doctors & “REGRET” by New Order over the dance floors.

Black music proponents tried to spearhead a whole change for the image of rap music by blending reggae and hip hop beats. It peaked once more and spawned a host of realities. It reflects frustration and observations of the people over social issues and the significance it holds in the local community as exemplified by Arrested Development’s “ MR. WENDAL” .

Most acclaimed Pop Female Superstars Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Madonna & Janet Jackson dominated the U.S. Countdown. Setting the record straight, Carey landed her 9th consecutive #1 hit entitled “Dream lover” – the longest running #1 smash (9 weeks) todate. Surprisingly, prominent pop figures heated the big screen as well. Houston for “ Bodyguard”, Madonna for “Body of Evidence” & Jackson for “Poetic Justice”.


Impressing the locals with unique mixtures of Pop and R&B, Sisters With Voices (SWV), Brian McKnight, Vanessa Williams, Shai & En Vogue laudably rendered their own romantic brand of soul. Expose’s three-part harmony reached the local music pedestal as Wilson Phillips failed to crack a major hit. Music from TV series “The Heights” and “ Beverly Hills 90210” produced a string of easy listening and upbeat tunes while TV heartthrobs The Heights, Joey Lawrence & Jeremy Jordan infiltrated the music spectrum with a bang.

Venerable returning artists Duranduran, Air Supply, Rod Stewart, Tears For Fears, Bryan Adams, U2, Expose & Tiffany proved they are worth to be heard again. Alternative rock to pop crossover groups Spin Doctors, Soul Asylum, 4 Non blondes, The Proclaimers, Blind Melon took us all by surprise with their astonishing hits. Reggae music strikes back initiated by prolific reggae group UB40 followed by notable new acts like Snow, Shaggy & Innercircle.

Headbanging is definitely “in” as heavy metal coregroup finally fitted into the programming slots of local radio. Successful line up includes Bon Jovi, Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Aerosmith, White Lion, Metallica, Ugly Kid Joe, Mr. Big, Faith No More, Firehouse, Poison, red Hot Chili Peppers, Damn Yankees, Def Leppard and a whole lot more.

Taking musical cues from a variety of sources, local artists’ efforts finally paid off as music buffs recognized their stuff. Ex-Kundirana, Rannie Raymundo tops the list and hailed as one of the finest male solo to emerge this year. Ravishing beauty, Toni Daya pursued musical career and undoubtedly convinced music enthusiasts she’s got vocal qualities to boost. Another soulful chanteuse, Ella May Saison topples all other local female acts with her sinewy interpretation of “Til My Heartaches End”. Groups like True Faith, Artstart and Eraserheads successfully landed a place in the alternative pop’s cutting edge.

Building the biggest momentum in the local music scenario, Introvoys overwhelmingly conquered the top with string of hits from this year’s #1 local album, “Breaking New Grounds” and knocked off all other local artists with OPM Artist of the Year” credit. Judging from the group’s success, The Universal Motion Dancers (UMD), became an unstoppable force in the energetic dance community. Not to be left behind, Gary Valenciano returns with a tremendous dance album “Hataw Na” which accelerates his bid for musical immortality.

Worthy of praises and adoration, Leah Salonga is the lone artist to make it big in the international market. From broadway hits Miss Saigon & Les Miserables to Alladin Theme, “A Whole New World” and spellbinding vocal performance in the Oscars Awards Night plus the release of her international debut album under Atlantic Records are some of the musical highlights she earned this year. Diminutive Dessa revs up victoriously at Voice Of Asia Contest in Kadzhiktan, Russia while scintillating Viktoria continues to receive favorable feedback from MTV Asia. With all the musical triumphs by our own homegrown talents, we may conclude OPM acts are definitely competitive in this field of endeavor.

Finally, here’s the 1993 Musical recognition

*** MERITORIOUS ACTS & SINGLES OF THE YEAR ***

IMOC HALL OF FAMER - BON JOVI
Album of the Year – Keep The Faith
Hot Single of the Year – “Bed Of
Roses”
Female Artist – Whitney Houston
Cover Version: “I Will Always Love You”
Male Artist – Brian McKnight
OPM Artist – Introvoys
OPM Single – “Will I Survive”
OPM Album – Breaking New Grounds
5. Metal Group – White Lion
Metal ballad – “You’re All I Need”
Alternative Rock Group – Spin Doctors
4 Non Blondes

New Act – Rannie Raymundo
Dance Artist – Universal Motion
Dance Track – “Dying Inside” by Timmy Thomas
Rap Artist – Arrested Development
Rap Single – “Mr. Wendal”
Inspirational Singles:
“You Were There” by Southern
Sons
“ What’s Up” by 4Non Blondes
Best Videos:
“Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey
“Runaway Train” by Soul
Asylum
Most Recognized Returning Act -
Duranduran
Concert of the Year – Bryan Adams’
Live in Manila
Music Trend – Unplugged



RADIO MONITOR ‘93

Countless hits emerged this year coupled with controversial and sold out concerts and hit videos. Uptempo rockers to soaring ballads and electrifying Pop Acts took the airwaves by storm. This is what we got! The power of music, our lifeforce and absolutely IMOC Nook is the place to keep abreast of the music world.

So what’s Radio Monitor ‘93? Well, it’s a glimpse from the past in the Pop Music scenario. An in-depth analysis of each song that topped the local radio playlists . Without further ado, let’s line them up now …

BED OF ROSES by Bon Jovi – a stark ballad where Jon Bon Jovi reiterates that short-term happiness is not enough compared with someone who’s truly sincere and whom you can be contented to live with the whole life through.
YOU WERE THERE by Southern Sons – unveils a dreamlike storyline which only a book of love could restrain the passage of time. It creates a sense of oneness and serenity that goes with the melody.
WHAT’S UP by 4 Non Blondes-an endearing song that understands one’s innermost thoughts. A message filled song dedicated to fallen souls.
YOU’RE ALL I NEED by White Lion-interpreted with intense emotion that unleashes the significance of loving faithfully and brings to reality what an inspiration can do.
DYING INSIDE by Timmy Thomas-Meeting the first time & eventually fell in love is undeniably a great feeling & experience in anyone’s collective memories.
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU by Whitney Houston.-An awesome song with emphasis on love longevity despite of inevitable twist leaving one behind.
SOMETHING TO SAY by Harem Scarem-Dredged up from the past, it depicts the need to talk wholeheartedly before leaving separately.
WILL I SURVIVE by Introvoys – relates holding back one’s feeling yet aims to win someone else’s heart
PLEASE FORGIVE ME by Bryan Adams- A heartfilled song emphasizing humility in asking forgiveness. The source of strength comes from everyone’s heart.
ONE LAST CRY by Brian McKnight-melodramatic song reflecting tale of lost love, extreme disappointment over relationship.

The 1992 IMOC YEAR-END ACCOLADES

IMOC TOP40 CREW

THE 1992 I.M.O.C.…
THE FINAL ANALYSES!


From the MINUS ONE Music Spectrum, it’s a special edition of the INTENSIFIED MINUS ONE COUNTDOWN. Yes, this is our annual wrap up for the recently concluded year in Pop Music …THE TOP 40 SONGS OF 1992.

The Joint A.I.R. Force Crew has been working overtime sifting through each hit. Tracing back, every week Jani Linear unleashes Metro Manila’s forty most wanted singles based on local airwave and at the end of the year crewmembers calculate the 40 biggest hits of all. Survey period runs from early December of 1991 to end of November 1992.

This year, it’s a great batch meaning the result has been phenomenal. There are about 250 singles that cracked the weekly countdown and what’s more amazing is the fact that seven cuts hit the # 1 longevity mark of four to six weeks. As expected, foreign acts spearheaded the chart and love songs peaked more than any other sound categories. More so, dominating Top Man, Top Woman, Top Group / Duo emerged magnificently and tracks with visionary qualities overflowed. Acoustic pieces set the trend towards chart success while remakes, samplings & rap music are still the stepping- stone towards an artist’s breakthrough.

Finally, sold-out concerts – foreign and local alike, techno dance music & slightly heavier sounding songs, Madonna’ voyeurism, Bruce Springsteen’s return, Prince Charles and Lady D’s break up, Ramos & Clinton’s successful bid to presidency. Barcelona mania & a lot more apparently highlighted the year.


Dubbed as the “Year of the Acoustical Ballads”, here’s THE 1992 MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS. Let’s line them up and count them down …

IMOC HALL FAMER – ARIEL RIVERA
ALBUM OF THE YEAR – ARIEL RIVERA
HOT SINGLE OF THE YEAR – “SOMETIMES LOVE JUST AIN’T ENOUGH”
BEST DUO – PATTY SMYTH/DON HENLEY
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Female : VANESSA WILLIAMS
Male: RICK PRICE
OPM ARTIST – GARY VALENCIANO
OPM SINGLE - “GAYA NG DATI”
BEST METAL GROUP- GUNS N’ ROSES
METAL BALLAD – “NOVEMBER RAIN”
GROUP OF THE YEAR - COLOR ME BADD
NEW ACT – GENEVA CRUZ
DANCE ARTIST – COLOR ME BADD
DANCE TRACK – “ STARS” by SIMPLY RED
RAP ARTIST – SALT N’ PEPA
RAP SINGLE – “LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX”
INSPIRATIONAL SINGLES:
1. THAT’S WHY-GARY VALENCIANO
2. “SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST” – VANESSA WILLIAMS
BEST VIDEOS – 1. “REMEMBER THE TIME” by MICHAEL JACKSON 2. “SOMETIMES LOVE JUST AIN’T ENOUGH” by PATTY SMYTH/DON HENLEY

CONCERT OF THE YEAR:
1. Local: “SHOUT” - GARY V.
2. Foreign: “UNDER MY SPELL” – PAULA ABDUL
COVER VERSION – I’LL BE THERE” by MARIAH CAREY
EXPERIMENTAL LYRICS – “YOU DON’T LOVE ME ANYMORE” – WEIRD AL YANKOVIC

THE 1991 IMOC YEAR-END ACCOLADES

JOHNNY B. GOODE: After long days of scrutinizing, researching, tabulating, analyzing & so on…THE DIGITAL A.I.R. FORCE finally laid down the IMOC Special Edition, our exclusive wrap up of the Top 40 songs of 1991. Absolutely, the feeling is more intense as we present this year’s Musical Highlights.

JANI LINEAR: So how does this unique magazine come up with its TOP40 singles of the year? Well, the results were based on a weekly Top 40 as ranked by the soundscanning ability of the A.I.R.FORCE crew. Each chart starrer gets points and the song with the most number of points goes to # 1. Bonus points were awarded for every week in the Top 10 and @ # 1. Plus songs with special recognition as HOTTRACK, EARPICK, FLASHMAKER, HOTSHOT DEBUT & WILDCARD.

DARKMAN: After considering the listeners’s response over the local aiorwave and MINUS ONE readers’ feedback, we sum up all the songs’ weeks on the chart and come up with the final ranking. If two songs ever tied for points then we weigh in the peak position of the song and its longevity on the chart. See how simple that is! To start the ball rollin’, here’s our Master of Ceremony..MC M.D.

MC M.D. : Yo! We’re gonna look back to the forty biggest hits of the past year. The most popular songs of 1991 according to the year-end ranking of the INTENSIFIED MINUS ONE COUNTDOWN. We noted the biggest hits from the Top Artist of the Year, all the mega giants of music and triumph and chart-topping tunes, counting down to the most popular Song of the Year… # 1 for 1991! So hang on tight we’re about to blast to the entire galaxy of the year’s biggest, most colorful hits …

IMOC Hall of Famer : WILSON PHILLIPS – the longest charting act with four Top 40 smash singles, two of which peaked @ # 1.

Hot Single of the Year : “MORE THAN WORDS” by Extreme – a mellow track from a virtually unknown band, touches everyone’s heart with its powerful voice & guitar prowess.

Artist of the Year
Female : MARIAH CAREY – IMOC’s Top Woman with three enormous singles in the year-end countdown & two albums over IMOC Albums Chart.

Male : BRYAN ADAMS – A come-backing Canadian Rocker who hit a new mark via Robinhood’s OST, “(Everything I Do) I Do it For You” – the biggest movie theme of the year.

OPM Artist of the Year : GINO PADILLA – most successful local act of the year with “Closer You & I”

Group of the Year : EXTREME – Surprisingly, the one & only metal band to hit the Top40 & hit number one for six consecutive weeks.

New Act of the Year : CATHY DENNIS – the most promising act via “Too Many Walls”
Dance Track : “EMOTIONS” by Mariah Carey
Dance Artist : C & C MUSIC FACTORY
Rap Single : “MAHAL KITA”
Rap Artist : ANDREW E.
Best Videos : “BLACK OR WHITE”- Michael Jackson; “PROMISE OF A NEW DAY” – Paula Abdul
Concert of the Year : “VANILLA ICE – Extremely Live!”
Inspirational Singles : “SHOUT FOR JOY” – Gary Valenciano; “VOICES THAT CARE” – Voices That Care
Outstanding Cover Version : “DANIEL” – Wilson Phillips
Outstanding Experimental Sound : “SADENESS Part I – Enigma



THE I.M.O.C. YEAR-END SPECIAL was produced by the magnanimous charisma of MINUS ONE MUSIC MAGAZINE in conjunction with the A.I.R. FORCE Crewmembers ALLAN-IRLAN-RANDY & RONALD.

Until we meet again as we look forward to another bright musical year – 1992.

Remembering...The IMOC Nook & Chart

by : IRLAN C. SARAJAN


After an extensive tabulation of ballots received from MINUS ONE Readership, THE IMOC NOOK finally unveils the Chart of All Time Accolades covering five years of musical triumphs…1991 to 1995.

Well, the Official Result is definitely worthnoting highlighting the acts and singles’ current appeal despite the lapse of time. Apparently, the result appears to be a bastion of masculine supremacy. Only nine out of forty represent the women sector. Without further ado, read on …

Five years have come and gone so quickly but music memories of the past remain impressively substantial. Year after year, an act is recognized for commendable effort in the music world. This time, a wider range is covered to make it more challenging and exciting.

Based on the readers’ feedback, a resounding YES is bestowed upon acoustic guitar-anchored, “MORE THAN WORDS” by EXTREME. Compelling single is hailed as “IMOC Chart-topping Single of All Time” besting all other No. 1 hits for the past five years. On the other hand, MICHAEL LEARNS TO ROCK earns the Chart-topping Group of All Time credit spawning four No. 1 with “OUT OF THE BLUE” reaching as high as runner up slot on hot singles derby. Creating impact on male category, Canadian BRYAN ADAMS captures the honors via second runner-up, “EVERYTHING I DO (I DO IT FOR YOU) & “PLEASE FORGIVE ME”. Last IMOC accolade, Top Female Act of All Time is accorded to MARIAH CAREY for an impressive remake of “I’LL BE THERE” landing @ No. 24. She beats Patty Smyth (Though @ No. 9) in view of the other IMOC No. 1 single not falling the Final list.

Interestingly, other significant turn-out is further unveiled. In terms of percentile on the singles collective performance within a particular year, 1994 overwhelmingly ranks first with a 22.52% music range. (1992 – 22%, 1993 – 20.31%, 1995 – 20.10% and 1991 – 15.07% ). Based on weighted average year 1993 tops the list with an average rate of 91.625% followed by Year 1995 with 90.68% (Others: 1991-90.667%, 1994-90.333 and 1992-88.222%) Lastly, based on local distributors performance, POLYCOSMIC Records has the strongest foothold with 10 singles making it in the final rundown. First and second runners-up are captured by OCTO-ARTS/EMI Phils., & BMG Pilipinas with 9 & 7 respectively.(Others: Warner Phils – 6; Sony Music, Dyna & Universal Records with 2; Ivory & Alpha Records with respectively. All mathematical analyses are actually derived from the FINAL 1996 IMOC Chart of All Time based on official voters’ input. No other basis is considered. Therefore, results reflected herein are the choices made by the chartconscious MINUS ONE READERSHIP. (Data were gathered by MINUS ONE MUSIC MAGAZINE and tabulated by IRLAN C. SARAJAN.

A Blast from the Past!!! ...An IMOC Chronicle

A Blast from the Past!!!...an IMOC Chronicle

How much YOU and your BEST BUDDY really have in common? How far would you go to help a friend? Would you like to know an amazing story of FRIENDSHIP that will surely inspire everyone? then brace yourselves and surf our blogsite …


Finding true friends is the best thing that can happen in everyone’s life…and definitely true with US!

In celebration of “IMOC FRIENDSHIP – 20 Years of Spirited Camaraderie”… WE hereby share an inspirational story highlighting that special bond …IMOC - A Blast from the Past !!!


Going back in the early YEAR of 1990 over the pages of the Top-Rated MINUS ONE MUSIC MAGAZINE, unveils the beginning of an organization that has become synonymous with excitement, civic activities and sustained fraternal excellence… a history marked by concerted hardships, joyful moments and bitter-sweet memories.


Marking its beginning …one Sunday afternoon , 28th day of January 1990, at the Makati Cinema Square, unleashed a special union of musically-inclined enthusiasts as well as radio and songhits afficionados. Interestingly, the core group met in front of the record bar known as “The Music Nook” with MINUS ONE Music Magazine as a form of identification. Members headed to a Residential Place along Kalayaan Avenue, Makati which eventually became the official headquarter.

Not long after that very first day , INTEGRATED MINUS ONE CLUB, INC.> with its founding members Neil Undaloc, Amadeus Tilan, Thino Dulay, Myles Lariosa, Arnulfo Cuizon, Carl Ning and Irlan Sarajan, had made long strides in achieving its vision. Since then, IMOC joiners were able to foster that harmonious, cordial and fraternal brotherhood.


Summer of 1990 had been a memorable stage of acquaintances. Everyone was a bundle of energy who tirelessly put together an air-tight package of games, jokes and laughters during Sunday meetings conducted at The Greenbelt Park, Ayala Center. During this period, IMOC members tremendously increased and club officers were poised for a major upswing.


Apparently, the club’s growth was reflected during the Election day at the Manila Film Center and the Club Inauguration at the Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife on 13th May, 1990. The group played fun-filled games and finally got it “on” during the encores. It was indeed a great feeling to be one of them and eventually witness how the club reached its proper perspectives.

The Club social interactions with the less privileged were manifested during the Earthquake Victims Rehabilitation on the 22nd of July 1990 coursed thru DZRH Radio Station and the distribution of the solicited “Used Clothes” for indigent families thru “Pamaskong Handog” on the 16th of December 1990 at La Concordia College, Manila. These warrant the efforts exerted by the supportive members who wish to conduct bigger charitable projects.

Our initial success had a dark side as well. Indifferences, contradicting views, bad weather condition to mention a few were actually problems resulting to a huge uproar over our plans. At any rate, glad to know members were still around despite the obstacles along the way.


A remarkable turning point unfolded when IMOC earned its juridical personality as a Non-Stock Non-Profit Organization on the 17th Day of October 1990 per SEC Reg. No. 182719. The recognition has truly added a new dimension in achieving its organizational goal. The Club Incorporators include Irlan Sarajan, Amador Labsan, Alfredo Tilan, Benito Cesar Tan, Myla Lariosa, Dulce Cervantes, Jeanette Cortez, Apat Subido, Agustin Dulay, Kim Dumawal, Alf Lagrisola, Corazon Asis, Cherrie Bagtas, Arnulfo Cuizon & Marciano Insierto. The official document was duly signed in the presence of MINUS ONE Music Magazine editor Mr. Ariel P. De Ocampo & columnist BJ Cabaluna. The landmark processing was done by Amador Labsan.



On the 23rd of December 1990, worth-remembering IMOC Christmas Get-Together was held at Seaside Home Compound, Parañaque. It was an overnight to remember attended by regular members, MO Staff Maro Callo and BJ Cabaluna. The program commenced with an opening prayer by the President Irlan C. Sarajan then followed by an Open Forum. The Dance Party kicked off at around 9:00 PM ‘til early dawn with Audio Spectrum Mobile as coordinated by U2Jhing Cortez.


Another get-together was concerted at the President’s Place, Makati on the 30th of December 1990 in celebration of the coming year. The group was grateful with the presence of POWER 105 DJ Bob King, made possible by member Dodie Asis. During these momentous occasions, alternative courses of actions for club betterment were discussed accordingly.


January 27, 1991 marked the First Year Anniversary Celebration of the most-sought club of MINUS ONE Music Magazine. A very meaningful occasion for spirited loyal members who had been with the group since inception days. The joyful celebration was hosted by the ever-infectious Amadeus Tilan which took place at the IMOC Headquarter, Makati

1st of March 1991 unleashed the birth of the Official Club Newsletter over MINUS ONE pages. The managing editor, Ariel P. De Ocampo named it INTEGRATED MINUS ONE CLUB NOOK and delegated the responsibility to the Club President for its continuous existence. To entice Minus One Readership and radio enthusiasts as well, INTENSIFIED MINUS ONE COUNTDOWN was born vis-à-vis with the Joint A.I.R. Force Crew on board. With this regular column, members and MO readers were provided with regular club & music chart updates, artists features, music trivias, singles & album reviews and in-depth song analysis via Radio Monitor & M.O. Spinsheet segments.

Summer of 1991, IMOC was in full swing again reviewing procedures in accelerating the current club status. Cognizant of the vital roles, new set of officers actualized plan of actions that would provide the basis for an effective and popular response from interested parties.



On a more enlightening development , the Charitable Project “Halubiluan sa Damas” (Asociacion De Damas Filipinas - a settlement house for the abandoned children ) was conceptualized. The group scored another success on the 28th of April 1991 when this very heartening experience unfolded. Members spontaneously extended their support with entertaining activities, group presentation and parlor games. The duo tandem of Dodie Asis and Bhogs Romero played significant roles for the fast-tracking of the said project.

In line with the club continuing commitment, IMOC concluded its “Mt. Pinatubo Project” on the 12th of July 1991. Spearheaded by the club leadership and dedicated members with Randy Dela Vega, Alfie Tilan & Alf Lagrisola who had been instrumental for the distribution of solicited relief goods via DZEC’s Relief Operations in Legaspi Village, Makati.


December 28, 1991, the people who worked behind the scenes, jointly celebrated IMOC Christmas Party at the Lagrisola’s Residence, Manila. The momentous occasion was highlighted by parlor games capped with novelty items as prizes & the traditional exchange of gifts. Despite of the minor indifferences, nevertheless, the celebration turned out to be a memorable one. Prior to this event, members conducted “Yuletide Caroling” and proceeds were used to augment fund allocated for future projects.

On its 2nd Year Anniversary which was celebrated on February 16, 1992 at the Seaside Home Compound, Parañaque, IMOC under the Presidency of Dodie Asis had recognized the Top Honorees for their distinct personalities and widespread popularity ( based from the votation conducted 2nd February 1992). To test the IMOC Spirit, big part of the program was allotted in sharing everyone’s opinion regarding IMOC affiliation.

On 22nd of March 1992, IMOC yielded a convincing NEW MEMBERS’ AFFILIATION DAY. After months of struggling, sincere members had proven their merits amidst all uncertainties. With their presence, the club itself successfully deflated her myth in the eyes of those who undermined their efforts.

The remarkable meeting was spearheaded with a solemn prayer by Allan Salmorin then eventually followed by an opening remarks from the President Dodie Asis regarding IMOC changes, terms and current condition. Furthermore, ex-President Irlan C. Sarajan gave emphasis on member’s sincerity in his keynote address to the attendees. The outcome of this occasion had a lot of authenticities and reflection of what the club went through.



Lifting IMOC to a higher ground, the group conducted A Spiritual Recollection on April 12, 1992 at the IMOC A.I.R.Quarter, Noveleta, Cavite. Resource speaker, Bro. Olan Tonsay proceeded with the idea to have a nuts & bolts interactive session on pursuing the objective of this spiritual workshop. Moreover, the guest speaker rendered encouraging words on how to cope up with various problems besetting the club, the people we are dealing with and the importance of the Family.



Looking like the good old days, members played once more fun-filled games and surprises. Most significantly, the culminating activity of distributing “Pink, Blue & Green Letters” manifesting an in-depth reflection of everyone’s inner-self as well as relationship with one another. The occasion was highlighted by the group’s song rendition of “ If We Hold On Together”



Summer scorchin’ are absolutely fun to reminisce and members always look forward to this kind of event with much vigor and great anticipation. The First IMOC Summer Outing was held at Villamar Beach, Noveleta, Cavite. The group converged at Lawton, Manila. The year after, the club hied-off in the heart of the pristine Matabungkay Beach Resort, Lian, Batangas ( courtesy of the Lagrisola Family.) It was indeed a sight to behold watching the vista of waving waters while members braved the waves with shouts of glee. Bonfire, picture taking, fun-filled human pyramid, sumptuous food and the hospitality extended to us are memories truly worthremembering.



“ Every organization has its own vision, mission and goal for it to be successful. Through the years gone by… everyone knows we made history that will last in our hearts forever ”

Today, WE, the inner-core of The INTEGRATED MINUS ONE CLUB , envision IMOC as an “Association of Friendship & Goodwill” fulfilling its social responsibility with one another! A Million Thanks for being O N E !!!


- IMOC@Facebook 2010 Edition

The IMOC Nook 1991

Embarking on a new endeavour is always a challenge for me since the beginning...and tracing back exactly twenty years ago , my association with the most-sought MINUS ONE MUSIC MAGAZINE is synonymous to a one of a kind opportunity shared by “somebody” ( who knew nothing about me yet entrusted me to explore more)… a learning experience in writing (which I gained and placed me to where I am right now)...the leadership and respect earned within( and passed on to another ) and most significantly…a fruitful endeavour as a whole of meeting different people who eventually shared lives and destined to be part of the called “ IMOC Family”.


As the Club turned 20th year this January 28, 2010 … The IMOC never-ending story unfolds a new chapter as we bring back the past ( where every-MINUS ONE-music afficionados then, joined together for a common cause ) …and by the Power of the Internet vested upon us, we are hereby reconnected to commemorate the spirited camaraderie, to call upon "YOU" who shared with us… to inspire people and let them know …that there was once upon time a story behind MINUS ONE pages

(Column Conceptualized by AEY/IRLAN 1991)

The Genesis of It All

HAVE you been offered a job that fits your qualifications, dreams, and passion to a T? Let me tell you that rarely anything else can match the surge of excitement that'll come to you as you listen to big promising plans and picture in mind each detail that can get underway if pieces will fall in its proper places. After all it's not every day that a dream job may be offered one's way. 

This was exactly how I recall that day in 1985 when the blueprint of a soon-to-be-born music magazine was presented to me ►the chosen captain. The desire within me to put ideas into action was so intense. Part of me wants to take the ship off the beaten path while the other part just wants a smooth sailing voyage. Lest we forget, the route this virgin ship is set to sail on in the mid-80s have long been conquered and traveled up and down by pioneers, veterans, and other unforgiving dream breakers in the songhits industry. Yet the youthful stubbornness of this absolute beginner want none of that loser's attitude. In my mind's eye I can make this my one moment in time. Put my heart into it and just let the dreams in my head play on.  And so off to sea the M.O. ship braved the odds. Through good or bad times and a few growing up pains, the music magazine eventually found a life of its own. Its determined will to accommodate and satisfy every reader's request supplied the oxygen that kept it breathing, while the seemingly endless task of delivering the expected goods every other week became an outlet of expression for me. And as weeks turned into months and months into years, M.O. discovered the route that lead to a successful formula. A personalized, unique formula concocted, appreciated, lived and loved by the greatest avid music lovers and followers, writers and artists, contributors and musicians who had undoubtedly made each voyage an enjoyable cruise and memorable experience for everyone. Without a doubt, it cemented a lasting bond between its fans and editorial staff.

We found out early in life that presents that come with ribbon always catch attention and praise. I consider I.M.O.C. the ribbon to my gift to the music world we all ♥ love.