Singer Paul Michael and girl group JaPH Dolls have one thing in common: They want their music to inspire listeners.

Paul Michael (Photos by Manny Llanes/Manila Bulletin)

Paul, former frontman of several showbands bands before striking out on his own, shared his song “Marino” — about a sailor’s life — is story he certainly relates to.

“It’s not easy making sacrifices but for the love of family, we seafarers do it,” he said. “In my song, I talk about some of the challenges we face, even feeling homesick and the struggles of working in an alien environment.”

Though born to a prominent family in Lucban Quezon, financial crisis hit them hard, forcing him to become an Overseas Filipino Worker.

He dedicates his upcoming album to dreamers and survivors, who remain focused on their priorities.

JaPH Dolls

Paul is thankful to HomeWorkZ Music, record company of Philippines King of R&B Jay R, for helping make his dream as music artist come true. For “Marino,” Paul was nominated in different award-giving bodies, including Star Awards.

As for JaPH Dolls, a five-piece all-female sing and dance act with Filipino and Japanese members, they want to serve as musical “bridge” between the two countries. Rei Minagawa, Rika Sakuma, Risa Murayama, Riyo Nishijima, and Ruri Yamamoto are into pop music. Their debut song is “Magdamagan.”

The girls underwent extensive training for almost two years, before they were introduced to the public.

In terms of handling basher, JaPH Dolls try to take everything in stride, saying that it means they are getting noticed by people. The members live together, hence the strong bond that shows in their performance.

The girls of JaPH Dolls want to collaborate with Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, and Iñigo Pascual given the chance.