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In a historic moment for OPM and Pinoy rock, Rivermaya took centerstage at the recent MTV Asia Awards 2006 ceremonies, at the 5,000-capacity Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Thailand.

It was the first time for a Filipino band to be invited to perform, and the first time any Filipino artist was privileged to perform a solo-spot number in the five-year history of the MTV Asia Awards.

The glittering roster of international performers included rock icons Korn, Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child, Daniel Powter, top U.S. band Hoobastank, as well as pop superstars from across Asia, including Teriyaki Boyz of Japan, Seven of Korea, Vicky Zhao of China, and Tata Young of Thailand.

Performing its massive hit, ''You'll Be Safe Here'', Rivermaya was accompanied by the Royal Thai Army Orchestra's string section, amidst a magical mix of state-of-the-art lcd and graphic effects. The band that has been hailed as ''Ang Banda ng Bayan'' by fans across the Philippines was introduced by Kelly Rowland as the artist ''set to cross continents.''

Before taking the stage, Rico Blanco, lead vocalist for Rivermaya, exclaimed in an MTV interview, ''This one is for the Philippines!''

The intensely moving performance visibly captivated the audience, composed of music industry movers and shakers - record labels, media (tv, radio, print), as well as musicians from every genre, who had flown in from all over the region to attend what is rated as one of the biggest annual music events in Asia.

The awards show is beamed across Asia and reaches 400 million households, or an estimated 1 Billion viewers.

Accolades were unanimous for Rivermaya's stunning performance at the event.

Charmayne Yap, Director for Talents & Artists Relations for MTV Asia said, ''Rivermaya did an awesome performance and this not only comes from MTV, but everyone else that watched them at the show. Kudos to Rivermaya! After Asia sees them on our show, they might just be the next big thing!''

The Bangkok Post raved that ''the most outstanding showcases were by (Japanese superstars) Teriyaki Boyz and by Rivermaya. Rivermaya did the Philippines - and Southeast Asia - proud with a strong stage presence and a beautiful tune enhanced by a string section.''

Attending the ceremonies was Philippine Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Narciso Rodriguez who said, ''Words cannot describe how I felt witnessing Rivermaya take the stage in such a world-class setting, with the creme de la creme of Asia in the audience - it was overwhelming!''

Mark Cailles, manager for UK rock band Placebo who was in Bangkok for the launch of the band's new album, Meds, also sent his congratulations to the band saying that Rivermaya's performance ''made (his) night.''

Peter Bullard, managing director for MTV Japan noted that ''Rivermaya's performance was at par with the best of any international act in the U.S. or Europe - you could put the band anywhere in the world and they would be outstanding.''

Chris Hermosisima of NU 107, the country's leading rock station, said, ''Rivermaya just elevated the local band scene to a higher level - we are so proud of them!''

As a double triumph, Rivermaya was also named Philippines' Favorite Artist 2006, making it the second year in a row that the band has taken home the gold. Only one artist per country receives the honor each year. Votes are tallied from across Asia, and this year's votes amounted to 14 Million. Rivermaya has also won the Favorite Group award a record-breaking three times at the MTV Pilipinas Awards, in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

Accepting the award, Rivermaya thanked ''all the bands and fans who worked hard in the spirit of bayanihan to make 2006 a great year for Filipino music.''

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