It’s not surprising that Jolina has already achieved so much at a very tender age.
Baptized as Maria Jolina P. Magdangal 17 years ago, both her parents are very successful in their chosen field of endeavors.
Her dad, Generoso M. Magdangal, Jr. is the chief operating officer of Milestones Consultancy Services and is a consultant of San Miguel Corporation. Her mom, Paulita P. Magdangal is a bank executive and comptroller of Milestones Consultancy Services.
After a brief stint in Ryan Cayabyab’s children singing group called 14-K, Jolina moved on to greater heights as a solo artist in the field of showbiz.
Gifted with the rare qualities of an international star, Jolina recently appeared in the pilot episode of "Hot Rock Candy Band," a foreign TV series to be shown in the Philippines, Japan and other Asian countries and also in the United States (this year).
Jolina is a most sought after commercial model with the Sunsilk and Newtex ads as her most well-known exposures. She’s also the signature image model for the Beverly Hills 90210 shirt collection.
Universal Records conducted a year-long search joined by hundreds of young hopefuls – where Jolina was unanimously chosen as the winner.
Her being signed as a Universal Records contract artist is also one remarkable feat achieved by the 17-year-old charmer.
Jolina’s debut Universal Records album, "A Wish Comes True," is now out in the market nationwide (available on cassettes and compact discs). Its carrier single "Sana," a composition by Florante, is fast becoming a favorite of the leading DJs, who’ve predicted that the song will be one of 1996’s biggest opm hits!
Jolina, the new ‘Princess of Pop,’ will surely expand her ever-growing audience through her own collection of beautiful songs" Kung Masasabu Ko Lang (Jade Nicdao), Where Are You (Ben Escasa, Deng Escasa), Super Typhoon Ka (Brando Juan), Kung Ikaw Lang Sana (Jimmy Borja), Count The Stars (Trina Bellamide), I’ll Never Let You Down (Mario Lajarca II), This Morning On The Radio(Ben Escasa, Jimmy Borja), Kung Iibigin Kita (Tata Betita), When You Dance With Me (Ben Escasa, Jimmy Borja).
A natural crowd drawer, Jolina has topbilled in numerous live concerts all over the country: the lattest was the Jammin’ and Movin’ show staged at the Ayala Center, in Cebu City.
Already a leading TV personality among the new breed of young entertainers, Jolina is a mainstay of "Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata" and "ASAP" – in addition to her own hosting on Ang TV’s "Payong Kaibigan" portion. She has also appeared – playing leading roles – in several popular TV drama series.
The multi-talented artist is just waiting for a right vehicle in her launching movie under Star Cinema. The teener with that winsome smile and beautiful voice is really out to bring happiness to more people through her numerous talents.
album review by David Gonzales taken from Philippine Daily Inquirer 1998
THIS YOUNG JOLINA HAS DEPTH
Jolina Magdangal may not sing the most adventurous music around, as her repertoire consists mostly of the passionate, easy-listening love song that appeals to many Filipinos, but she has a voice and style that promises to withstand the test of time.
There is an abundance of teenage singers in the Philippines, many of whom don't have much talent and quickly fade out. Though no longer a teenager at 20, Magdangal, already a veteran on the music scene here, is still very young, but her singing and delivery reveals an impressive depth, and promises to develop even further as time goes by.
In the US and Europe, it's a big deal when a teenage talent hits big simply because it doesn't happen very often. An artist such as American teenage country singer LeAnn Rimes is special because her voice astonishes with its beauty and depth. In the Philippines, however, teenage singers are a dime a dozen.
(Granted, there is a recent trend in America toward very young singers in the rhythm 'n' blues field such as Brandy and Monica, but they still don't dominate the music scene, and pop newcomer Britney Spears is heralded because she is so young, something out of the ordinary. It will be interesting to see if these singers have lasting power.)
Magdangal, however, has a voice and delivery that deserves the attention it gets. In addition, it's highly likely Magdangal could sing the type of music that appeals to international audiences, who usually prefer a more challenging music than the easy-listening style that dominates the Philippine music scene.
On the other hand, there's a chance these songs just might appeal to an international audience. Five of the tracks on "Jolina," such as "Sana'y Kapiling Ka" and "Kapag Ako Ay Nagmahal," were first performed by Magdangal in various movies in which she starred. Four of the songs are the original film versions, while "T.L. Ako Sa'Yo" is a re-recorded version.
Another song is a remake of the American hit "Paper Roses," which Magdangal first sang on a TV program, "Maalaala Mo Kaya," and the version on the album is a new studio recording. Thankfully, "Paper Roses" is the only remake of an American song on the album, and sounds appealing. Still, it's too bad that "Paper Roses" wasn't written by a Filipino composer.
(The current trend in the Philippines toward releasing albums heavy on American and European hits is sickening, and of no value to an international audience, aside from the fact that foreign composers want their royalties.)
The opening "Laging Tapat," also the first single released from the album is an excellent ballad, containing an emotive melody passionately sung by Magdangal. "T.L. Ako Sa'Yo" and "Parang Nalimot Mo Na" are also very nice love songs. Again, this is the type of music (passionate, easy-listening love songs) that sells bug here, but may not sell as well in other countries.
A listener gets the feeling, though, that Magdangal could negotiate more adventutous music if given the chance, and perhaps future albums will allow her to stretch out a bit more. Perhaps she may even want to try her hand at songwriting, and contribute some lyrics and perhaps some melodies.
In addition, Star Recording certainly hedged its bets on Jolina by including so many songs already before in films. A better indication of Magdangal's drawing power and talent, as well as the record company's creative powers will come when she releases an album consisting of entirely new material.
album review by David Gonzales
taken from Philippine Daily Inquirer
THIS IS NO KIDDIE STUFF
Soundtrack albums have allowed record companies in the United States to capitalize on a built-in audience. Some of the year's biggest hits were issued on soundtracks, including the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" from the "City of Angels" soundtrack, and Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" from the film "Armageddon".
Who can forget the biggest film hit of them all, "My Heart Will Go On," from the massive-selling soundtrack to "Titanic." In the Philippines, the soundtrack to the film "Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang?" is also a commercial success, having achieved platinum status and...
...reading of "Kapag Ako Ay Nagmahal" and the melodic "Kanino Ba?" (the latter composed by Freddie Saturno). Magdangal is one of that rare breed: a teenage singer (and actress) with real talent.
The songwriting exhibited throughout the album is topnotch, and in that regard, the star of this musical show is composer Larry Hermoso, who wrote all but two of the songs. The importance of strong songwriting cannot be stressed enough, and without good songs, it is near impossible to have a good album.
Another fine song is "Sa Ilalim ng Puno ng Sayote," composed by Raymon Kutch and performed by the Blusero Band, and is propelled by sincere harmonies, interesting guitar work and charming percussion. There isn't a bad song in the album, and two contributions by girl group Girl Talk are also nicely done.
Still, this soundtrack would benefit from more upbeat numbers to provide diversity and balance, and most of the songs and musicianship lean toward the quite side. Nonetheless, the album is a nice collection of songs, and emerges a winner.
taken from star records website
Care for a mega-dose of funky electronica club music? Wait no more and brace yourself for the heart pounding beat of dance music as Jolina Magdangal releases her latest album under Star Records, aptly entitled 'RED ALERT: All Hits Dance Remix. As the title implies, the album compiles 12 of Jolina's greatest hits but this time with a very techno or very Jolina so to speak twist.
The songs were digitally re-mastered, giving the songs a new techno-electronica flavor that every groove/disco buff would surely enjoy. Treat your ears and get your body movin' with the ultimate adrenaline rush that you'll get from every cut of the album such as: 'Laging Tapat (Deep House Mix), TL Ako Sa'Yo (Tookie Mix) and Angel For Life (Classical Filter Dub) among many others.
Over-all concept of the album was thought of by Jolina herself. Prior to the production of the album, Jolina thought of coming up with this one. She wanted something unique and that would be befitting the events when this album was still on its production. So she thought of the title 'Red Alert' and began working on the creative concept for the album from the design of the outfits, photos, and the special tin can packaging for the CD.
article taken from Star Studio Magazine
In only a few days after its release, JOLINA SINGS THE MASTERS' has gained praises not only for its impressive repertoire but also for its unique cover and packaging. The album comes in a special box designed with a shot of Jolina, photographed by indemand fashion lensman Tom Epperson. Inside, you will the album inlay with photos of Jolina wearing creations of top designers Katrina Goulbourn, Dita Sandico-Ong, Pia Regala-Hebron, Richard Papa, Tippi Ocampo and Michi Calica-Sotto. The photo shoot was styled by Jenni Epperson. Jolina's make-up was done by Jing Monis and Krist Bansuelo from the famous Propaganda group. The album cover concept came from Jolina herself and from Daddy Jun Magdangal while the album packaging was conceptualized and art directed by Star Records' Raymund del Rosario. Packaging design and layout was done by Joel Soriano.
The album starts with the song Million Miles Away by Robert More. This Joey Albert original is one of Jolina's all-time favorite songs. This song talks about a girl's longing from the love of her dream man who is a movie star. Some people think that Jolina might be singing this song from an inverse point of view. Well, you might think the same way after listening to the song No Letting Go by Trina Belamide. Trina, who is considered one of the industry's young songwriting greats, composed this song after spending long hours of listening to Jolina's love stories. Could it be that Daddy Jun's little girl is finally in love?
The album's carrier single Kahit Di Mo Pansin, was written by certified hitmaker Vehnee Saturno. Vehnee wrote two other songs in the album, namely, Ako'y Umiibig and Langit Ang Ibigin Ka, which Jolina sang with upcoming boy group 17:28. Ka Freddie Aguilar wrote the song Bulung-bulungan while Freddie Saturno composed the song Higit Ba Siya Sa AKin. Danny Tan and Gary Granada joined forces for the song Ang Tangi Kong Minahal.
Ace hitmaker Jose Mari Chan wrote a new and soothing songs for Jolina called What is a Sweetheart. This album also features songs from Willy Cruz (Iyong-iyo Pa Rin and Sana'y Maghintay Ang Walang Hanggan Lyrics by Baby Gil) and George Canseco (Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan).
It's a reunion of sorts for Jolina and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab for the song Kahit Ika'y Isang Panaginip Lang. We all know that Jolina started in the business through Mr. C's children's group 14K. But just when you think you've got the country's best, this album gives you Teach Me to Fly and How Will I Know, both composed by international singer-songwriter David Pomeranz.
Indeed, Jolina Sings The Masters' is Jolina's best album to date. Jolina and the people from Star Records cannot contain their excitement about it. It is evident that Jolina and Star Records poured a lot of passion and effort to create of this album. And with all the great minds that collaborated for this release, this album is really worth having.
