MANILA WILL BE THRASH METAL MECCA AS THE BAY STRIKES BACK TOUR BRINGS TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL AND EXODUS TO THE PHILIPPINES!
Though there are a legion of successful heavy metal acts that have reached various heights of fame and notoriety, there are only a few that have earned the title as being “genre-defining…” And as far as thrash metal is concerned, there are names in the game who have long cemented their status as being the originators by laying out the blueprint for the timeless sound and the fury that reigns strong to this day.
TESTAMENT. EXODUS. DEATH ANGEL. Three legendary names any true-blooded metal fan would know and love. Emerging from the widely revered 80s underground thrash metal scene in the San Francisco Bay Area, all three bands unknowingly helped create a sound that was a hybrid of the New Wave of Heavy Metal British Heavy Metal and fast, street-style punk that laid the foundation to some of the most important sub-genres and artists that would follow.
It is this same foundation and formula that influenced and helped catapult The Big Four of thrash – Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer – into the global superstars they are now: all through a grassroots/D.I.Y. sensibilities like worldwide tape-trading (way before there was the internet…), incendiary live shows that many considered to be almost-religious experiences, and a worldwide sense of community, even with the absence of radio airplay and airtime on MTV.
And now, PULP LIVE WORLD is bringing the experience to Manila this 2023!
Slated to invade our shores on September 21st 2023, The Bay Strikes Back Tour Manila – the long-overdue show to end all metal shows of the year – will be held at the Skydome at SM City North EDSA.
Filipino fans will surely be excited to hear that tickets are affordable, and if they’re fast enough – they can upgrade their tickets to avail of a limited number of meet and greet slots for each band. Tickets officially go on sale this June 24th, 2023 at 12 noon via SM Tickets outlets nationwide or online via www.smtickets.com.
Check out the seat plan and ticket prices below:
VIP – Php 6,000
General Admission – Php 5,500
Meet & Greet Upgrade – Php 5,500 per band
Ticketing charges apply.
Without sounding too extreme, it is safe to say that no self-respecting metalhead would dare miss this show – this is the ultimate experience any fan of the genre can ask for, and for the uninitiated, the best chance to experience and LEARN first-hand where it all started for thrash and heavy metal. Make sure you’re there for this historic event, brought to you by PULP Live World.
The eclectic pop track is penned by Benj Pangilinan himself, and produced by Grammy-nominated artist Xerxes Bakker!
Benj Pangilinan forges his own path in the music industry as one of Sony Music Entertainment’s newest recording artists in 2023.
Coming from an esteemed lineage of established actors, music icons, and prominent entertainers, the promising newcomer is keen on proving skeptics wrong with an impressive debut that digs deep into young romance and nostalgia.
His new single “Love, That’s Rare” gazes wistfully at the complexities of love while acknowledging its effect on shaping one’s worldview—for better or worse. Benj wrote a song that transported him back to a specific time and place, helping him make sense of the conflicting emotions he was experiencing at the time.
“I wrote the song a while back, and to be honest, I’m not entirely sure why,” Benj shares. “Lyrics and melodies come in like a thief in the night. It’s all about knowing how to catch and record those creative flashes.”
Grammy-nominated Xerxes Bakker, who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Imagine Dragons and Snoop Dogg, is responsible for producing the track. Incorporating ‘80s soft rock spectacle with electronic flourishes, Xerxes gives Benj Pangilinan a playground to showcase his versatility and songwriting chops while ensuring that the structure is sturdy enough to weather the cracks. The result is a fine piece of contemporary pop that will surely stick around for quite a while.
Benj recalls how immediately comforting the experience was, after meeting Xerxes for the first time. “There was an immediate click. After some conversation, you already knew the visions were aligned. In terms of a production standpoint, it’s all about coming to a mutual understanding of the vision for the song and developing that trust with each other.”
Benj Pangilinan’s “Love, That’s Rare” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Live Nation is thrilled to announce the Melbourne-raised artist RINI in Asia! RINI is set to perform in Manila on 19 July 2023 at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier as part of his PAST THE NAKED EYE 2023 TOUR.
Justerini Sandoval, also known as RINI, is a singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist who hails from Melbourne, Australia. RINI’s presence has become an online sensation with the release of his most recent extended play (EP), titled “After the Sun.” He has over 20 million plays on Spotify alone, over 550 thousand subscribers on YouTube, and over 200 thousand followers on Instagram and Facebook combined.
As a Filipino-Australian artist, his sound has been influenced by Frank Ocean, Daniel Caesar, Kehlani, Bryson Tiller and The Weeknd. Within the short span of a year, the young up-and-comer’s growth on a personal level bleeds into his music, delivering us material that not only would hit the charts, but is full of profound meaning, a rarity scarcely found in the climate of today’s industry, some might call this EP an emerald. The EP is a soulful and euphonious sunset story that mainly talks about the beauty of women and the sweetness of another day, an appreciation of life. ‘After The Sun’ in its entirety is a love letter to life, and serves as a reminder to live it with the ones we love.
From the vocals to the words to the beats, everything the Melbourne artist does is a masterpiece. Rini has worked and played with some of Melbourne’s best artists, like Billy Davis, Jordan Dennis, Blasko, and Deandre Brackensick, since he first got on stage.
The 24-year-old songbird’s seductive falsetto and soul-stirring voice showed his songwriting’s emotional depth. His flowing, passionate approach transforms everyday details into romantic neo-soul visions. After emerging as a spectacular new talent prepared to prosper in today’s R&B market, RINI is laser-focused on pushing the frontiers of modern music with his unique approach, gathering over 376M plays across platforms and averaging 2.2M monthly Spotify listeners.
As we see him today, RINI is ready to showcase a new side of his artistry with UltraViolet, his sophomore EP arriving this Fall. “[UltraViolet] comes from a different place, of different influence,” says RINI. “It’s bolder, more upfront and a more dauntless version of RINI that translates into the sound of the EP. I’ve taken a different approach sonically and I could say that I’m taking a risk with some of the songs simply because it’s different to the usual vibe that you would expect to hear from me but that’s really the whole point of it. UltraViolet is the product of this.” UltraViolet is a pivot from the narrative introduced with RINI’s debut album, unearthing another side of his artistry that mirrors the changes he’s experienced since the pandemic. Unlike anything he’s released before, this project sets the tone for a new chapter in his sonics – one that is confident and courageous.
Tickets to public will go on-sale on Wednesday, 31 May at 12pm local time onwards via SMTickets.com and outlets nationwide. Visit livenation.ph for more details.
In its third K-Pop concert after-party, K-Pop Stans for Good Governance (KS4GG) raised P25,000 for UNICEF Philippines’ nutrition programs.
On February 4 and 5, KS4GG and fans of the K-Pop group ENHYPEN, known as ENGENES, celebrated the group’s successful sold-out MANIFESTO concert with That Feeling When in Manila: Manifesto in Manila After Party.
“Your energy is really different!” ENHYPEN members praised Filipino ENGENES for their immense crowd participation during the three-day show. True enough, as the group’s ‘Go Big or Go Home’ song suggests, ENGENES were still able to showcase their brightest smiles and radiant energy to sing and dance after hours at the party.
Donations raised from the event will be channeled to help vulnerable Filipino children get the nutrition they need to survive and thrive. The transparency report of the event can be accessed through this link: bit.ly/TFW_LIQREP.
Atlantic Records is proud to announce BARBIE THE ALBUM, the groundbreaking and star-studded musical companion to the highly anticipated summer event film Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The soundtrack campaign kicks off today with the electrifying first single “Dance The Night” from 3x GRAMMY® Award-winning global superstar Dua Lipa, who also makes a special appearance in the film. “Dance The Night” was produced by Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt and the Picard Brothers. The sexy, fit for summer track can be heard in the film’s global official trailer, which launched earlier today, and arrives alongside a dazzling official video featuring a special appearance from Barbie writer/director/executive producer Greta Gerwig (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”) – watch HERE. BARBIE THE ALBUM is now available for pre-order HERE and arrives in stores and at all online retailers on Friday, July 21st in conjunction with the theatrical release of the feature film.
Photo courtesy of Tyler Hampton
BARBIE THE ALBUM will feature new tracks from an unprecedented lineup of artists including Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice, Lizzo, KAROL G, Charli XCX, PinkPantheress, Ava Max, Dominic Fike, Khalid, The Kid LAROI, Tame Impala, HAIM, GAYLE and FIFTY FIFTY feat. Kali. Barbie star Ryan Gosling also joins the robust roster of soundtrack artists with his iconic original song performed as his character, Ken. See below for full tracklisting.
BARBIE THE ALBUM continues the hugely successful partnership between Atlantic Records and Warner Bros. Pictures. The two companies previously teamed up for 2020’s BIRDS OF PREY: THE ALBUM which spawned the RIAA Certified 2x Platinum smash “Boss B*tch” by Doja Cat, along with the 2016’s GRAMMY® Award-nominated SUICIDE SQUAD: THE ALBUM, which topped album charts in over 70 countries around the world, including two consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200, and featured the RIAA Certified Diamond hit “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots.
BARBIE THE ALBUM was executive produced by internationally renowned DJ and Oscar, Golden Globe and 7x GRAMMY® award winning artist and producer, Mark Ronson and Barbie writer/director/executive producer Greta Gerwig. The soundtrack album was Produced and overseen by Atlantic Records’ West Coast President, Kevin Weaver (Soundtrack Album Producer of The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad, Daisy Jones & The Six,Birds Of Prey,Furious 7, The Fault in Our Stars, The Fate of the Furious) and Atlantic Records’ EVP and Co-Head of Pop/Rock A&R,Brandon Davis. Named by Rolling Stone as a “soundtrack guru,” Weaver is a GRAMMY® Award winner and five-time nominee, who has produced numerous multi-platinum soundtrack projects that have amassed tens of millions of albums sold worldwide. Additional key players involved on the project include Soundtrack Album Co-Producers, Brandon Creed and Joseph Khoury, as well as the BarbieMusic Supervisor and Album Executive Producer, George Drakoulias.
ABOUT BARBIE
To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken. Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a Heyday Films Production, a LuckyChap Entertainment Production, an NB/GG Pictures Production, a Mattel Production, Barbie. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in theaters only nationwide on July 21, 2023 and internationally beginning July 19, 2023. Directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie stars Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell. The film is written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach, based on “Barbie” by Mattel, and produced by David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner. The executive producers are Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams. The film’s music supervisor is George Drakoulias, with music by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt.
BARBIE THE ALBUM
TRACKLIST
Lizzo – Pink
Dua Lipa – Dance The Night
Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice – Barbie World (with Aqua)
EXO-SC came to Manila, leaving with a promise to come back and bring EXO back to the Philippine concert stage!
The best-selling subunit of South Korea, EXO-SC, was here, and EXO-L gathered in an all-out SOLD-OUT show and dominated The Big Dome.
Park Chanyeol and Oh Sehun, more commonly known together as EXO-SC, a subunit from the hailed “K-Pop Kings” EXO concluded their Asia fan concert tour in Manila, Philippines on May 20, 2023. The duo finished strong with the EXO-SC BACK TO BACK FANCON TOUR with hit after hit songs and memorable moments that crowned Philippines as the favorite crowd of the group with their palpable and unwavering energy.
Look back on that incredible Saturday with EXO-SC— a first of hopefully more events with the EXO members this year.
Closer to You: Press Conference with Sehun and Chanyeol
Ahead of the fan concert, the press and lucky fans who won in a raffle met EXO-SC for an exclusive press conference that revealed more of the duo’s relationship, personalities, and plans.
When asked about recalling the time when they were partnered up to form a sub-unit and how did they feel about appearing as a duo in public, Sehun said that at first, he didn’t think that SM Entertainment was serious about putting them together in a group but it’s been 5 years and he’s looking forward to creating more projects and activities to present to the fans.
Touch basing on Sehun’s acting career, he was also asked that if given the chance to choose a character to portray, what kind of character he would like to do. The singer-actor expressed he has a lot of characters he wants to portray and asked Chanyeol what would he recommend Sehun to play in a role. Chanyeol thought Sehun has sharp features on his face so it would fit for him to play a killer role. A playful tease from the fans ensued saying that they would volunteer for Sehun to end them to which Sehun just laughed at.
Still on the topic of acting, Sehun who is currently playing Goo Yoo in an ongoing drama “All That We Loved” talked about how he prepared for the role. He’s currently in his 30s (Korean age) and was aware of the gap between his age and his character’s age so the dilemma was how he was going to prepare for the role. Sehun said that had to make a proper recollection of what he was like in high school, or when he was a young eighteen-year-old to be able to fit in the role. He focused on his innocence, how he looked liked, and how he used to focus on his friends. What a great method of acting!
Chanyeol, who is also an actor, appeared in the film “The Box,” and he stated that if given the opportunity to act again, he would want to take on a quiet character. He said it would be amazing to get a character that is only quiet because he constantly gets roles that need him to run, get hurt, or fall.
When asked about pre-show rituals, Chanyeol shared that they have to do his vocalizations and he has to release his voice. He also does a little stretching and he emphasized that he always prays before performances. EXO-SC teased the fans about the fan event itself, saying they have a lot in store for the EXO-Ls and that they should only see it for themselves to appreciate it. The response to this was positive, and you can already sense how enthusiastic everyone is about the show!
Chanyeol and Sehun also ebbed the curiosity of the fans as to what they do during their free time on which Chanyeol mentioned that he likes to go exercising and go to the gym and ride his bike, especially now that the weather in South Korea is getting nice. He also mentioned he rests at home as needed and Sehun agreed and added his sentiments about having to rest just like everyone else during his free time. He likes eating, watching movies and just simply resting at home and doing absolutely nothing. We all need downtime, don’t we?
Chanyeol took the initiative and responded when we asked what they are most appreciative of about being in EXO-SC and what they have discovered about one another as a sub-unit. Chanyeol said he is very grateful because, they can experiment with various musical genres, and having someone to travel with during tours makes everything less lonely. He also realizes that Sehun has varied perspectives and interpretations, which helps widen his understanding. Sehun’s observations, according to Chanyeol, have broadened his perspective.
Chanyeol was also asked what form of music he wants to make as a composer, and he stated that there isn’t really a certain genre he wants to tackle, but rather that he just wants to try out different types of music and believes that they haven’t revealed everything they have. He also expressed that he’s doing a lot and working on different kinds of music because he really wants to show more to the fans what he can do.
When asked about what is the secret to having a long-lasting career, Chanyeol shared that the key is to have fun and not consider what they do as a job. He said that if they did that, they would have been exhausted a long time ago. He also heartwarmingly shared that his relationship with the EXO members is more of a family and they are his very close friends. This is why they are having so much fun, and has helped them carry on longer as they go on with their career.
You can clearly see that EXO has formed an unbreakable brotherhood relationship.
Next Station: Manila
EXO-SC was impressed and enthused on the energy EXO-L gave during the whole duration of the show. Sehun said that the Filipinos are the best and are expecting a lot coming to the country which Chanyeol followed with how they couldn’t even hear themselves because the crowd is too loud! Only in the Philippines do international stars continue to repeat this. The Big Dome was literally trembling as EXO-L pound their feet in along with the screams, bringing back EXO concert memories.
Chanyeol impressed the crowd by speaking in Filipino during his opening greeting saying, “Magandang gabi! Nag-enjoy ba kayo? Kayo ang best! Mahal kita!” Sehun said that feel like they’ve been in the country around 30,000 times as many as they feel that they’ve been in the country more than they can count! Almost feels like home right?
The beauty of a fan con is getting to know the idols more than their music. Starting with a segment called “Catch Up Talk” where they shared personal pictures from their phones. Sehun shared pictures of him swimming in a pool from a different country which Chanyeol titled the picture, “Sea Seal” and a picture from the set of “All That We Loved”, where he’s doing a stunt where he is upside down in monkey bars, which Chanyeol also titled “Elementary School Student.” Chanyeol said Sehun looked like an elementary student in the picture.
When it comes to Chanyeol’s pictures, he shared a cute picture from the Singapore Airport on their way to the Philippines for their fan concert. Sehun titled this photo, “Fan (of) Teddy Bears.” Chanyeol shared a picture of his feet in a jacuzzi in a hotel room in Singapore, with a yacht view. Sehun flexed and titled the photo, “It’s a nice day today, what boat should I buy?”
They also played a game called “Can You Hear My Heart” and answered questions to assess their compatibility, indicating that they are more similar than they seem. They also participated in various brotherly competition games “Unang Tang Tang Relay” such as “sipa” (a traditional Philippine sport) and bottle flips.
Sehun won the competition and was incredibly happy to win against Chanyeol, who is a known competitive person. Chanyeol had to suffer the penalty which is to put stickers on his face. A very cute Chanyeol came out of this with his dimple showing and the fans seem to enjoy this rather than see it as a penalty. As the winner, Sehun get to sample Filipino delicacies such as “sapin-sapin,” “pichi pichi,” and “Biko” which Sehun and Chanyeol seemed to love as they emptied the whole plate!
They also teamed up and chose their activity based on the Ladder Game, inspired by their most awaited, most requested variety shows, and did hearts for all the sections for the fans to see. At this point, the fans couldn’t contain their excitement as the duo showed picture-worthy heart poses. If you think this was cute, they even wore bunny headbands and hopped on stage like bunnies. (Writer’s note: I swear this was too cute to handle!)
One of the results of the ladder game was Chanyeol doing one of the most memorable performances of the night. This was when Chanyeol took his guitar and dedicated the birthday celebrations to a song dear to the hearts of Filipinos, Yeng Constantino’s “Hawak Kamay.” EXO first performed this song in 2013 on their very first visit to the country and have been performing snippets of it ever since. Fans nearly lost it when he sang his own version of Radiohead’s “Creep” in response to their request for another song to play. It was even an extended rendition of the song, making it even more remarkable!
Of course, Sehun did his own thing, and as EXO’s lead dancer, he performed a random play dance of all popular EXO songs. Among these songs are “Love Shot,” South Korea’s KPOP National Anthem “Growl,” the sensual “The Eve,” (Writer’s note: Kinda lost it here), and, at the request of fans, he also danced “Love Me Right,” which was joined by Chanyeol near the end of the song.
The One and Only Game is about Chanyeol and Sehun customizing tumblers for two lucky fans of the night. The two fans were selected by raffle. Sehun just wrote his name while Chanyeol drew his famous fruit representation, a pair of cherries! Take note that these are one of a kind!
A Setlist worth 1 Billion Views
EXO-SC’s setlist for the night was strong as they have a music discography that was strong itself. The duo kicked off the show with “What a Life,” a song from the same-titled EP “WHAT A LIFE,” which smashed records for the sub-units in KPOP back in 2019. The duo did not disappoint in making EXO-Ls roar from the start with a lighthearted and carefree melody that talked about youth and how good life should be. They also performed “Borderline” another song from “WHAT A LIFE” and 1 Billion Views from their first full album “1 BILLION VIEWS”, which is one of the most awaited performances of the night. The Filipino EXO-Ls flexed their vocals when the bridge hit and sang not a tune out of place. The SeChan duo seemed very happy about this and expected that the Filipino EXO-Ls will deliver! (As Filipino concert crowds always do!) They also performed “Fly Away”, which showed a little intimacy as from the duo as it slowed down the night.
The duo also sang “We Young,” their debut song together before being labeled as EXO-SC, or as regarded as the birth of EXO-SC. It was only performed as an unreleased track as part of the concert at the time, but owing to public demand, the song was released as a single on SM Station.
“Rodeo Station” was also jammed by the Filipino EXO-Ls, also a very requested track from the sub-unit. A playful and fun song plucked from their first album “1 BILLION VIEWS” and teased the fans about the night ending. Of course, they couldn’t end the night just like that so they tested the power of EXO-L’s screams and once more appeared for an encore for the song “Just Us 2” from their first EP. The duo ended with a high note with a lot of memories with the EXO-Ls.
Just Us 2: Creating a Perfect Harmony with EXO-SC and EXO-L
It wouldn’t be a fan con without the fans and their fan project. Dressed up to the glam and showing a sea of yellows, EXO-Ls made their country proud again by singing every lyric of the songs the duo sang the whole night, which Sehun even said was the most memorable moment for him to hear the fans sing the songs in full Hangul. The Filo EXO-Ls went on extra mile by dedicating a cover of 1 Billion Views to the duo after the crowd picture was taken
“Why are you guys so good at singing? It’s because you’re fans of the best singers too!” – Chanyeol to Filipino EXO-Ls
Like idols like fans indeed! PHIXOs who have been supportive of EXO since day one did not fall short on energy, enthusiasm, and dedication that seem to just bring out EXO in their most heightened state. Indeed, you will notice that international fans want to go here in the country because there ain’t no party like a Filipino EXO-L party!
Chanyeol seemed to enjoy too much in staying in the Philippines that he wants to buy a property in the country! He said he wants to stay here because he wants to see the beaches and the islands as they expressed in the press conference earlier that day. Next fan project: Chanyeol’s House and Lot? The Filipino fans are just that infectious in joy and love for music that whatever it is, you know that in the world, Filipinos are generally the best crowd and Filipino EXO-Ls are not an exception, whether it was just two members or the full group visiting.
The duo has constantly promised that they are coming back and they have never broken that promise before, next time with the full group! So I guess EXO-Ls has no rest and have to prepare very soon for the comeback!
Whatever the future holds, you will find the EXO-Ls just two steps behind the multi-faceted group despite all the struggles and hindrances in their career that can’t seem to bring them down. A decade-long career has proven that EXO is not a group you mess with, especially when they just keep on breaking their own records and are already in the phase of just doing the love and joy of making music and inspiring fans and idols alike. We’re sure that the industry will stop again for the much-awaited full group comeback for the “KPOP Kings” as they always have and we can’t wait for the return of the Kings as the tingi version of the group will finally end and where we can see the full group say, “We Are One!”
The EXO-SC BACK TO BACK FANCON TOUR IN MANILA was presented by PULP Live World and Happee Hour. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invitation.
The much-anticipated Coachella-inspired music festival, “RAKRAKAN FESTIVAL 2023” will take place on June 10 and 11, 2023, in Clark Global City, Pampanga. They officially revealed their final band lineups and stages. The annual music festival in the Philippines, which covers a diverse spectrum of music genres such as rock, metal, hip-hop, OPM, pop, and others, continues to pique the interest of music fans worldwide.
RAKRAKAN Festival’s official band lineup release has a superb lineup of established musicians and young talent. This year’s RAKRAKAN aims to be a memorable experience for music enthusiasts of all interests and inclinations. The festival’s lineup becomes more dynamic with each batch release, creating a vibrant and exciting ambiance for attendees.
RAKRAKAN 2023 has three major stages: PEACE, LOVE, and MOSH STAGE. LOVE stage performers for day 1 will be RICO BLANCO, ZILD, DILAW, DIONELA, BANDANG LAPIS, CARISA, MOONSTAR88, GRACENOTE, 6 CYCLEMIND, and IMAGO. UNIQUE, BLASTER, ADIE, MRLD, DECEMBER AVENUE, SILENT SANCTUARY, KEAN, MAGNUS HAVEN, KIYO for day 2, and many more will bring the fire to the LOVE stage in the 2-day event.
FRANCO, GREYHOUNDZ, WILABALIW, TYPECAST, BASTI ARTADI, RAZORBACK, THE YOUTH PILIPINAS, SIAKOL, and WUDS will perform on the MOSH stage on Day 1, and URBANDUB, MAYONNAISE, TUBERO, QUESO, CHELSEA ALLEY, CHICOSCI, DONG ABAY, 123 PIKIT, SAYDIE, and PHILIA for Day 2, and expect more!
PEACE stage Day 1 performer will be CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE VOWELS THEY ORBIT, HEY JUNE, SIMILAR SKY, BETTER DAYS, NEVERTHELESS, SUNDAYSPECIAL, MOM’S CAKE, PEDICAB, and YUN. For Day 2, there will be C H N D T R, WRITTEN BY THE STARS, ONE CLICK STRAIGHT, CALLE ONSE, THE CHONGKEYS MUSIC, LION AND THE SCOUTS, SAGIP ADIK FOUNDATION COMBO, ENGKANTO, BROWNMAN REVIVAL, JAH DELA CRUZ, and a lot more for these stages!
It’s not just about the final line-up of bands and performers, but about the entire two days of experience and exciting activities at the 2023 RAKRAKAN Festival, where you can camp, listen to music, go on fun rides, learn to skate, or perform and be discovered on the open jam stage, among other exciting activities!
Make sure to avail your tickets now also to secure your spot in our FREE BUS TRANSPO point-to-point (Manila-Clark-Manila) to enjoy HASSLE-FREE LONG WEEKEND ADVENTURE for those who have purchased 2-day tickets in any category: GEN AD, VIP, S-VIP. For free transportation, terms & conditions apply!
Tickets are still available at affordable prices: General admission tickets now at P1199 while VIP tickets are priced at P1999, and S-VIP tickets at P2999. All ticket types provide access to all festival activities. Tickets available at https://bit.ly/rakrakan2023tix
Stay tuned for updates via the festival’s official website www.rakrakanfestival.com and social media accounts to discover more thrilling additions and secure your spot at RAKRKAN Festival 2023.
A top-caliber Korean celebrity Lee Sung Kyoung is making her way back to Manila!
Supermodel turned actress Lee Sung Kyoung will reunite with her Filipino fans for a fan meeting titled, 2023 LEE SUNG KYOUNG ASIA FAN MEETING IN MANILA [BE CLOSER], happening on July 8, 2023, at 5 PM at SKYDOME.
The 32-year-old star rose to popularity in 2016 after the release of “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo,” a coming-of-age drama inspired by an Olympic gold medalist. Her titular role became a phenomenon in and out of South Korea, inspiring pop culture moments like the expressions “Swag!” and “Do you like Messi?”
In more recent years, the actress drew attention for her leading role in “Dr. Romantic 2,” where she earned a Best Actress nod at the 2020 Asia Artist Awards. As a result, her beloved character “Cha Eun-jae” returned for the third and ongoing season of “Dr. Romantic.”
Next month, she will begin her Asia Tour starting in Tokyo and Taipei, and then in Manila and Seoul come July.
As her second time holding a fan meeting in the Philippines, fans can expect more spectacular surprises from the multi-talented performer. Moreover, the much-coveted ‘Hi-Touch’ perk returns wherein Sung Kyoung gives all attendees a high five.
Ticket selling begins June 4, 2023, at 2 PM via https://www.cdmentertainment.ph. Prices range from PHP2,950 to PHP8,450 with a variety of fan benefits. For more details, visit CDM Entertainment’s official social media accounts.
“2023 LEE SUNG KYOUNG ASIA FAN MEETING [BE CLOSER]” is presented by APPLEWOOD and CDM Entertainment.
Called “her most daring music yet” by Rolling Stone, Gag Order (produced by Rick Rubin, with Kesha as executive producer), has been self-described as a “post-pop” full-bodied collection that flows like a stream-of-consciousness journey through the psychedelic dark depths of the human psyche, followed by basking in the cleansing light when finally reaching the surface.
Pre-release tracks “Eat the Acid” and “Fine Line” have hinted at the pop star’s artistic reinvention, with The Fader calling the former a “cautionary psychedelic anthem” while Bustle complimented the latter’s lyrics as “a jaw-dropper”. Elsewhere on the album, Kesha ruminates on her struggles with panic attacks on “Living In My Head”, finds peace in the fallout of facing one’s fear on “Happy”, and on “All I Need Is You” shares an ode to unconditional true love (aimed at her beloved cat Mr. Peeps).
Gag Order feels like an emotional exorcism, unearthing and facing the darkness in oneself, brought to life with experimental, otherworldly production and lyrical vulnerability, unlike anything the artist has written before. On Gag Order, Kesha confronts her own reflection and finds empowerment in her own voice, with beautiful, heart-aching results.
In a recent album manifesto (read HERE via Nylon), Kesha shared that “Without the darkness, there is no light. So I let my darkness have the light. I can’t fight the truth. Life is difficult and painful. It is for everyone,” adding that “An artist doesn’t exist to make others happy. I believe an artist gives voice, motion, and color to the emotions we all have. The good emotions, and the unmanageably fucking miserable ones.”
Kesha has sold more than 14 million total album equivalents worldwide, has approximately 6.9 billion audio streams and 1.7 billion video streams worldwide, and has had 9 Top 10 hits on The Billboard Hot 100, including four # 1 singles at Top 40 Radio – “TiK ToK,” “Your Love Is My Drug,” “Die Young,” and “Timber.”
Kesha’s new album, Gag Order is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
IVE is coming to the Philippines for their first fan concert tour!
Starship Entertainment’s hottest new girl group IVE will make their way around Asia this 2023 in their first-ever fan concert tour titled IVE THE FIRST FAN CONCERT.
On February 20, 2023, Starship Entertainment announced IVE’s multi-leg tour around Asia, starting in Seoul and Japan. The group will bring their fan concert tour to several cities, including Manila this coming June 17, 2023.
IVE, composed of members Gaeul, Yujin, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo, was formed in 2021 and made their debut on December 1, 2021, with the single album Eleven. They gained popularity and rose up the music charts with their 2022 single “Love Dive” which became the best-performing single of the year in South Korea and won Song of the Year at the Asia Artist Awards, Golden Disc Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards, and Melon Music Awards.
On April 10, 2023, the group released their first studio album, I’ve Ive, which includes 11 tracks, including the pre-release single “Kitsch” and lead single “I Am”.
DNM Entertainment, in partnership with IN2UNE Entertainment, has announced that IVE will hold the Manila tour-leg, IVE THE FIRST FAN CONCERT <The Prom Queens> in Manila, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum this June 17, 2023, at 5 p.m.
The tour promises to be unforgettable to DIVE, who will watch them on their first tour. It’s a show you don’t want to miss!
Tickets are available via TicketNet outlets nationwide and via www.ticketnet.com.ph. Ticket prices are as follows:
SVIP Seated – Php 12,075
Patron – Php 9,975
Lower Box A – Php 8,400
Lower Box B – Php 6,825
Upper Box – Php 4,725
Prices stated above are inclusive of ticketing charges.
Check out the seat plan and fan benefits here:
IVE THE FIRST FAN CONCERT <The Prom Queens> in Manila is brought to you by DNM Entertainment and IN2UNE Entertainment.
Attendance is a must! The cast of My School President will meet you in August!
The energetic and vibrant members of My School President squad will be organizing their inaugural extracurricular event in Manila, entitled My School President 1st Fanmeeting in Manila on August 5, 2023, at the University Theater of UP Diliman in Quezon City.
My School President is a fascinating Thai Boys Love (BL) series consisting of 12 episodes that beautifully captures the essence of youth and love. The storyline revolves around a young aspiring musician Gun, played by “Fourth” Nattawat Jirochtikul, who is also the newly assigned head of the music club of their high school.
He, along with bandmate friends, aims to win the Hot Wave competition to bring back their club’s reputation. This endeavor leads to conflicts with the student council president Tinn, played by “Gemini” Norawit Thiticharoenrak, who threatens to cancel their activities due to its lack of contribution to the school’s achievements.
As their rivalry intensifies, their friendship deepens, relationships form, and a series of exciting and dramatic events unfold, prompting viewers to reflect on their own high school experiences. Beyond its cheerful and lively facade, the plot delves into mature and sentimental themes, complemented by catchy songs, lively musical performances, and captivating dance routines in every episode, ensuring an engaging and uplifting viewing experience.
The nine-ensemble of “Gemini” Norawit Titicharoenrak, “Fourth” Nattawat Jirochtikul, “Winny” Thanawin Pholcharoenrat, “Satang” Kittiphop Sereevichayasawat, “Ford” Allan Asawasuebsakul, “Prom“ Theepakon Kwanboon, “Captain“ Pheerawit Kollkang, “Mark“ Pakin Kunaanuwit, and “Aun“ Napat Patcharachavalit, is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to connect with their fans this August. It promises to be an evening filled with music, dance, and pure enjoyment!
Participants will have the chance to engage in various activities based on their club roles, such as group photos, hi-touch sessions, receiving signed posters, and even receiving event IDs with lanyards for an added touch. Additionally, all attendees will be presented with an official event poster and a souvenir card to commemorate their presence at the event.
#MSPFMinMNL GENERAL TICKET SELLING FAQ AND STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE 📣
Khun Noos, please be guided by the following FAQs and Step-By-Step Website guide for tomorrow's ticketing!
Don’t miss out on the excitement and select your preferred club roles! The pre-selling of tickets will take place on May 20 and 21 through CDM Entertainment. Following that, general public ticket sales will commence on June 24 via https://events.wishusluck.site/.
My School President 1st Fanmeeting in Manila is presented by Wish Us Luck Entertainment. Stay connected by following their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
Are you ready for this? We hope you are cause you’re in for a ride as SB19 opens a new era with “GENTO”!
Multi-awarded Filipino boy group SB19 drops their latest single “GENTO,” giving fans a glimpse of what is to come for the group’s much-awaited “PAGTATAG!” era.
“GENTO” places SB19’s bold talent and confidence into the spotlight, highlighting their strength and versatility as a group. The song offers a catchy wordplay, effortlessly weaving ganito (like this), ginto (gold), and gento, the Caviteño word for ganito. It delivers a powerful message of their growth as a group, after years of refinement—just like gold.
For this single, SB19 draws inspiration from transformational change—how incremental and everyday acts lead to success and change. Often, it is the little, simplest acts that lead to triumphs.
SB19 continues to set an example of hard work and perseverance as the group continues their path toward dominating the local, and global, music scene. Five years since their debut, SB19 continues to test—and break—limits with their unconventional sound and unbounded talent.
Get ready for SB19 to take you on a journey. The new single sets the path for the group’s upcoming new EP release “PAGTATAG!” and offers the promise of new sounds and unexplored genres that will surely pique the interest of audiences.
This officially marks the start of the “PAGTATAG!” for SB19. Fans can expect groundbreaking sounds in the days to come—and an exhilarating ride as the group embarks on their second world tour. The award-winning group is set to kick off their world tour at the Araneta Coliseum on June 24 and 25 and will have multiple stops in cities across the Philippines, United States, and Canada. Ticket selling will begin on May 21 at 12 noon through TicketNet outlets nationwide or through www.ticketnet.com.ph.
“GENTO” is available now on all DSPs and streaming services via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.
TRACK INFORMATION Performed by SB19 Composed by Radkidz Produced by Radkidz and Simon Servida
THE PHENOMENAL POST-HARDCORE OUTFIT YOU ME AT SIX INCLUDES MANILA IN THEIR TRUTH DECAY TOUR 2023 THIS JULY!
It’s no secret that Filipino music fans are some of the most loyal, passionate, and energetic in the entire world – never afraid to bare their undying love and support for their favorite artists with the loudest cheers, screams, and sing-alongs to each and every word of their favorite tunes.
And this goes for rock fans especially, which is why anyone can bet that internationally acclaimed pop-punk/post-hardcore group YOU ME AT SIX’s upcoming show here in Manila is set to be yet another amazing show for the proverbial books – a show no serious aficionado of the genre (or fan of rock music in general, that is…) would want to pass up.
Scheduled to happen on July 6th, 2023 at the Skydome SM North Edsa, the band – made up of vocalist Josh Fransechi, guitarists Chris Miller and Max Heyler, bassist Matt Barnes and drummer Dan Flint – simply had to include the Philippines as one of its main stops here in the region for their Truth Decay Tour 2023, after local audiences left a lasting impression on the group when they first played the country as headliners for PULP Live World’s Bazooka Rocks 3 festival back in 2014.
And this time, they’re coming back with even more hit singles under their belt and an even louder show.
Hailing from Weybridge, Surrey in England, the five-piece band was officially formed in 2004 and had their first taste of success via their debut album Take Off Your Colours, as critics dubbed the band to be “the UK’s answer to Fallout Boy,” and other media predicting that the band would reach the same heights as American influences and counterparts like Newfound Glory and Panic At The Disco. And the group exceeded most predictions and expectations in the subsequent decade not only with chart-topping singles but with an explosive live performance and touring ethic. The band has since released seven full-length studio albums and numerous singles, including their recent 2023 release Truth Decay this 2023, which includes powerhouse anthems like “God Bless The 90s Kids,” “Deep Cuts,” Mixed Emotions” and “heartLESS.”
Those singles, along with vintage live favorites like “Bite My Tongue,” “Room To Breathe,” “Loverboy” and “No One Does It Better” guarantee that their stop here in Manila will be one of the most eagerly awaited rock shows this year.
So fans better save the date and secure their tickets, which officially go on sale on June 3rd, 2023 via SM Tickets outlets nationwide and online through www.smtickets.com. Bring a friend and spread the word: You Me At Six is coming!
Check out the seat plan and ticket prices below:
VIP – Php 4,500 (inclusive of meet & greet for the first 200 purchasers)
General Admission – Php 3,500
The prices indicated above are exclusive of ticketing charges.
For more information and updates, interested parties can log on to PULP.PH and/or follow PULP Live World’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – 18 MAY 2023 – Netflix revealed today that Chris Hemsworth, who returns as Tyler Rake in EXTRACTION 2, is coming to Manila on June 5. Director Sam Hargrave will join Chris for the APAC red carpet premiere of the highly anticipated action and adventure sequel.
In the video, Chris teased fans about his visit. “I’ll be flying to Manila this June for the premiere of EXTRACTION 2 where I play Tyler Rake. I don’t want you to miss out so please come join me. It’ll be fun.” The blockbuster actor shared his excitement, adding, “Can’t wait to see you all there soon. Take care.”
After barely surviving the events of the first movie, Rake is back as the Australian black ops mercenary, tasked with another deadly mission: rescuing the battered family of a ruthless Georgian gangster from the prison where they are being held.
Hemsworth reunites with director Sam Hargrave, with Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO producing and Joe Russo writing. Golshifteh Farahani reprises her role from the first film, with Adam Bessa, Olga Kurylenko, Daniel Bernhardt and Tinatin Dalakishvili also co-starring.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
This is a sequel to the first film that was based on the graphic novel ‘Ciudad’ by Ande Parks, from a story by Ande Parks, Joe Russo & Anthony Russo, with illustrations by Fernando León González. EXTRACTION 2 is produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, Chris Hemsworth, Patrick Newall and Sam Hargrave, with Jake Aust, Benjamin Grayson, Steven Scavelli, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely as executive producers.
EXTRACTION 2 premieres on June 16, only on Netflix.
INTERNATIONAL POP-PUNK GIANTS MAYDAY PARADE FULFILL THEIR PROMISE TO RETURN TO CEBU THIS 2023!
Aside from the natural beauty of the land and its people, Cebu has always been regarded as one of the top destinations for good music and great musicians and artists… but it would be too long of a list to enumerate all the great songs and bands that have come from there, so we’ll cut to the chase and give you the awesome news straight up: MAYDAY PARADE will be returning to Queen City of the South!
That’s right: this October 28th, 2023, Cebuanos are in for the ultimate treat as the pop-punk/emo giants are scheduled to perform all of their greatest hits at the Sky Hall Seaside Cebu – and it’s definitely one of the most-anticipated events that will take place this year, especially since it was none other than singer Derek Sanders who promised Cebuanos that they would return after their first successful show in 2019.
So it’s nothing short of amazing that the band is making good on that promise this year.
The alternative/emo icons – comprised of lead vocalist/pianist Sanders, guitarists Alex Garcia and Brooks Betts, bassist Jeremy Lenzo and drummer Jake Bundrick – last visited Cebu in 2019 (a show also produced by PULP LIVE WORLD) and made quite the impression as they put on an excellent show, fueled by some of their biggest anthems like “Jamie All Over,” “Miserable At Best,” “Jersey,” “Oh Well, Oh Well” and “Piece of Your Heart” to name a few. The evening was a spectacular one, filled with cheers and sing-alongs to the band’s extensive discography of infectious singles.
And they’re ready to do it all over again.
Formed in 2005 in Tallahassee, Florida, Mayday Parade always had the knack for combining catchy melodies, heartfelt lyricism, and humongous and anthemic choruses. Their 2006 debut EP Tales Told by Dead Friends sold over 50,000 copies on its own, without any label or outside support. With seven full-length albums under their belt to date, the group set itself apart from its contemporaries with its non-stop touring and furious live performances that were both fiery and downright impressive.
The upcoming show in Cebu will be their sixth visit to the country.
So Cebuano music fans, don’t miss this opportunity to let loose and sing along with Mayday Parade! Tickets will go on sale on May 27th, 2023 via SM Tickets outlets nationwide and through www.smtickets.com.
Check out the seat plan and ticket prices for the Cebu show below:
VVIP – Php 8,500
VVIP ticket
Soundcheck access
M&G photo opportunity
ID pass with lanyard
Souvenir show card
Priority entrance
VIP A – Php 4,000
VIP B – Php 3,000
For more information and updates, interested parties can log on to PULP.PH and/or follow PULP Live World’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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