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Paul Umali (of 604)- From East to west, from beginnings to new ones. It was in early summer of 1994 when I first met Paul Umali at his High School, De La Salle Catholic School. My cousin, Robert, had asked me if I would like to perform for his graduation. I agreed and later met Paul, along with other singers--Vincent, Manuel, Johann (I can't remember the other guys' names--it's been so long since). Paul always had a talent for making any song sound great; he brings his creative flair and resource of ideas to every project. I remember when I first wrote a song called "By your Side" and he just floored me with his expressive singing! The only challenge was singing the high octave "C", which to this day is still the most difficult part of the song to sing. We ended up changing the key and yet, it still sounded great! Paul's voice almost reminds me of Jp Sunga's and Keith Javier's: Young, romantic and expressive yet uniquely different. We performed the song in front of a large graduation crowd at a St. Clair Catholic Church. It was very well recieved. His group took the Toronto crowd by storm, when they were formed as "The Sounds of Sweetness". They were featured on Philippine Sundae (A Toronto-based Filipino television show.) Reagan Regozo, Jp Sunga and others have worked with them in the past, both on stage and in the studio. The group was based in Vancouver, performing in front of large audiences and opening for various acts such as 98º and California-based Pinay. They are now working on their first official project in Hamburg, Germany. Their website tells more (a lot more!). Paul's come soooo far in so little time and believe me--he can sing that octave "C" note now! (Just listen to 604's song "Even Now" and you'll be amazed at the vocal range!) Now that's absolutely results with magical power! Man, he and his group are, without doubt, the most amazing, most expressive vocal group I've ever heard. No wonder they started out with the name "sounds of sweetness"; their voices are a phenomenon--very nuturing, very etheral, very pure and soulful. Paul, if you plan to retire your voice anytime soon, can I have it? You've got an awesome voice! It's been long, long time since I last spoke to Paul, but his group's successes speak louder over distances afar. He and his group will always be a part of our Canadian family and they will always be in our hearts. I still consider myself blessed to call him a friend and good buddy. He's very encouraging, empowering and inspires you to do better than your best--a great motivator, an optimist with a sentimental heart. He is an inspiration. Congratulations 604! Make us proud! You can check out the 604 website at: http://www.pogiproductions.com/604/home.htm Booya-Universal Records website: http://www.booya-music.com
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