By Elton Lugay

NEW YORK – From the moment Chapter 2 hit NYC four years ago with their harmony-infused musical style, people knew right away there’s something special about this group.

The band won Artist of the Year (Triple A Division) for its original song “Real Me” at the 2006 L.A. Music Awards, where the now wildly successful Black Eyed Peas was first recognized.

The group performs at various entertainment venues from Las Vegas to New York and Atlantic City, doing front acts or back-up for Filipino superstars such as Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera.

Through the years Chapter 2 has evolved from being a pop/acoustic vocal group to an extremely versatile, high-energy full band ensemble, adding pieces that fully complement their amazing vocal harmony.

Dennis Sy, Chapter 2’s band leader and lead male vocalist, said 2010 has been a specially busy and fulfilling year for the band. Apart from the regular gigs and the many inquiries to have C2 appear at private events, plans are also underway for an EP release of all original material in the very near future for Chapter 2.

Worth mentioning too was a project in line with the May 10 Philippine elections - a grand scale collaboration of Fil-Am artists in NY and NJ in performing an updated version of the classic song “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” written by Jim Paredes of the Apo Hiking Society. This video, dubbed “Handog NY Pilipino sa Mundo 2010 - The Halalan Version,” went viral on You Tube.

On June 25, Chapter 2 returns to its pop/acoustic roots in celebrating the 112th Philippine Independence at the Philippine Consulate on Fifth Avenue with the show, A Special OPM Night with Chapter 2. It will be a one-night only event. The band performs all original Pilipino music. Special guest will be the Sounds of Manila. For ticket information, call 212-417-0419.

Chapter 2 is composed of :

Cutuy Herrero (vocals), the daughter of film and stage actor/comedian Subas Herrero of “Champoy” fame. She made her NY debut in 1997 in Noel Gamboa’s production of “Manila Nights.” She’s been performing with various bands throughout the New York-New Jersey area.

Grace Hernandez (vocals) may have petite frame but her vocal range packs a wallop.

Dennis Sy (vocals, songwriter) was a member of the N.Y. singing group Alibata before going solo. He had two solo concerts in N.Y., and performed for Banig at her City Center concert, and Kuh Ledesma's Atlantic City show.

Noel Tampac (musical director/acoustic guitar) is the resident comedian and the heart and soul behind the band’s well recognized pop/acoustic harmonies. Noel got his musical training at the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music and has been conducting church choirs since.

He conducted the first Filipino American Choral Competition held at Lincoln Center in NY during the ‘90s.

Carlo Tampac (lead guitar) – “Cool and suave” describe Carlo’s guitar playing and stage presence. He started as an acoustic singer/songwriter early in his career.

Sheldon Magbanua’s (bass) prowess with the guitar has allowed him to play both bass and lead for various professional bands and brought him various playing gigs around Asia.

Ken Villafranca (keyboards) studied at the Brooklyn College Music Conservatory. He was a pit musician (keyboards and bass) for various Mayi Theaterstage productions.

Wenchie Olitan (drums) started at a very early age. He can play multiple instruments but decided to stick with percussions.

He’s involved with recording music for R.L. Stein’s ‘Goose Bumps,’ and has been playing with various bands throughout the New York Tri- State for 10 years now.

A Special OPM Night with Chapter 2 is presented in part by GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, Serendipity Hype Productions, Carousel Pinoy, Planet Philippines Boston and Pommes Frites. Visit chapter2band.com for more information.