PLAY LINE FRIENDS Pop-Up Store in METRO MANILA is about to open in SM Megamall this September 23 with numerous well-loved character IPs including LINE FRIENDS, BT21 and TRUZ. At the same time, the store will be launching the most-awaited LINE FRIENDS and NewJeans collaborated IP official merchandise collection in the Philippines.
PLAY LINE FRIENDS is the second retail brand of LINE FRIENDS. The Pop-Up will also feature a wide range of merchandise inspired by NewJeans’ 2nd EP, Get Up.It will include the new character “bunini”, a name derived from NewJeans’ bunny symbol (Tokki) combined with LINE FRIEND’s popular IP “minini.” The bunini characters made a surprise appearance in NewJeans’ new music video of ASAP.
A variety of merchandise such as minini plushies, keyrings, photo albums, phone grips, sticker packs, and baseball caps, as well as mobile messenger stickers will be available at the pop-up. Aside from that, the Powerpuff Girls-inspired items and more will be launched as well.
The PLAY LINE FRIENDS Pop-Up Store is also scheduled to release more products that the fans will love. These include sticons, cell phone cases, and airpod cases exclusively. These merchandises will let the fans customize the products according to their style.
Make sure to mark your calendars! The Pop-Up will only be open for a limited time only from September 23 to December 23, 2023. The store is located on the 5th floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall. The store will also feature a section filled with NewJeans merchandise, promotions and exclusive items such as paper dolls, transparent photo cards and small fans.
Get updated with our new drops at PLAY LINE FRIENDS Pop-Up in Manila with the hashtag #PLAYLINEFRIENDS on Facebook and Instagram!
Fall Out Boy Live in Manila on December 9, 2023, 8pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum by Live Nation Philippines.
Get ready, Manila! The countdown is on for Fall Out Boy’s highly anticipated concert at the Araneta Coliseum on December 9. After a decade-long wait, the band is set to deliver an unforgettable night of high-energy performances and nostalgic hits.
Fans have been eagerly anticipating Fall Out Boy’s return to Manila, and the band is ready to make their comeback one for the books. Known for their infectious blend of pop-punk and alternative rock, Fall Out Boy has gained a dedicated fanbase worldwide with their catchy melodies and introspective lyrics.
This concert marks a special milestone for the band, as it will be their first performance in Manila in ten years. With such a long-awaited reunion, you can expect the energy in the air to be electric as fans from all over the country come together to celebrate their favorite band.
Fans can look forward to an unforgettable setlist, featuring classics like “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” “Dance, Dance,” and “Thnks fr th Mmrs.” But that’s not all – Fall Out Boy has also been known to surprise fans with unexpected covers and deep cuts from their extensive discography. So be prepared for a few surprises throughout the night.
Fall Out Boy’s live performances are renowned for their energy and charisma, and this concert promises to be no different. Frontman Patrick Stump’s powerful vocals, Joe Trohman’s thundering guitar riffs, Pete Wentz’s infectious basslines, and Andy Hurley’s thunderous drums will come together to create an explosive and immersive live experience.
The band has expressed their excitement about returning to Manila, and they are ready to give their all to their dedicated Filipino fans. This concert is not just a celebration of their music, but also a testament to the enduring connection between the band and their fans.
So mark your calendars and get ready to sing your heart out. Fall Out Boy is back, and they’re bringing their explosive energy to the Araneta Coliseum on December 9. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-decade opportunity to see them live. It’s going to be a night to remember!
Fall Out Boy Live in Manila Ticket Prices: Floor Standing – P7,250 Patron – P10,750 Lower Box Premium – P9,250 Lower Box Regular – P8,250 Upper Box – P3,500 Gen Ad – P1,750
HORI7ON showcased their immense growth during their first headlining concert Friend-SHIP [Voyage to Manila] at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Fans of HORI7ON called “Anchors” were fired up to give the boys a warm homecoming party with ardent cheers. Presented by DNM Entertainment, the show drew in many loyal Anchors as well as a lot of new fans.
After being the top contestants in ABS-CBN’s reality TV show Dream Maker, HORI7ON was formed with members Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus. From then on, they have been booked and busy. They did a series of local mall shows in February, held a fan meeting at the New Frontier Theater in April, went to Korea for training in June, and released their first album titled Friend-SHIP in July.
Subsequently, they made history by being the first all-Filipino group to debut in major Korean music shows like KBS Music Bank, MNET M Countdown, and SBS Inkigayo. On top of that, they also received their first nomination for topping the weekly chart of SBS The Show.
HORI7ON during the press conference held at the Novotel ahead of their first solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum. (Photos by Emman Elefan)
Managed by the Korean entertainment company MLD and ABS-CBN, HORI7ON is making great strides toward being a global pop group as shown during their concert last Saturday. The stage set-up was at par with regular K-pop events – with huge LED screens as the backdrop and an extended walkway to the center. The production did not skimp on the props – the lights, confetti, and fireworks were all in sync during their performances. Even better, HORI7ON’s vocal prowess and fluid choreography shone all throughout the evening.
HORI7ON blasted off with their fiercer songs “Meteor”, “DASH” and “Tiger” which easily got Anchors on a craze. Their vibrant lead single “SIX7EEN” was an obvious crowd favorite with the crowd vibing to the catchy “la la la la la” part.
“Salamat! Sa airport pa lang, grabe na ‘yung energy na binigay niyo. I just want you guys to promise us na ganyan yung energy niyo hanggang matapos. We have so much in store for you tonight,” leader Vinci said in the early part of their set. The boys were visibly ecstatic in greeting the crowd, repeatedly expressing how much they missed their Filipino fans.
Another highlight of the concert was their flashy solo performances which showcased each member’s individual prowess and charm. For their unit stages, they dished out “Death or Paradise” and “How You Feel” with the special appearance of Haeun of Lapillus. NEW: ID, a new All-Filipino group set to debut in Korea, also graced the stage.
Photos by Emman Elefan
HORI7ON also paid homage to their K-pop seniors by treating fans to astounding covers of TXT’s “Sugar Rush Ride”, ENHYPHEN’s “Drunk-Dazed” and SEVENTEEN’s “Super”. As a bonus, they even performed a cover of SB19’s “Gento” and said they admire the group for their contribution to bringing the Philippines to the global stage.
The show also had its touching moments. After the group performed “Mama”, a ballad dedicated to their mothers, a surprise video message from their parents was played. Some members couldn’t hold back their tears. This was followed by “Salamat” which they dedicated to Anchors.
As the members keep saying, they are proud to represent the Philippines in the global pop stage. They are very grateful to their Filipino Anchors for their unwavering support.
HORI7ON has come a long way in only the span of a year. They have released an album, performed in major Korean music shows, and received their first nomination in a Korean weekly music chart. Now that they successfully wrapped up their first full concert in Manila, we can definitely expect more from them in the near future.
Globe is elevating the Pinoy festival experience with its 4th G Music Fest on September 16 at the Ayala Circuit Makati Open Grounds.
As part of the much-anticipated annual G Day celebration, this year’s event promises an unforgettable blend of music, creativity, and technology, all while championing sustainability.
With this comeback, G Music Fest transforms itself into a music and creator festival where music meets creativity, old meets new, and where digital meets real.
Attendees will be treated to performances from G Music Fest’s first-ever all-local lineup, a dynamic mix of OPM legends and rising stars in partnership with Warner Music and Sony Music. The festival boasts a stellar all-Filipino lineup of artists such as Urbandub, The Itchyworms, December Avenue, I Belong To The Zoo, Lola Amour, Dilaw, Bini, PLAYERTWO, Paul Pablo, Sugarcane, Mayonnaise, Ace Banzuelo, Nobita, Munimuni, Joem, Syd Hartha, and Drag Race PH sure to give a musical experience that will resonate with every generation.
“Our vision for this year’s G Music Fest is to create a space where music, creativity, technology, and sustainability converge. We want to celebrate the rich tapestry of Pinoy talent while also showcasing the innovations that make such celebrations possible,” said Globe Rewards Senior Manager and G Day Program Lead Peter Ramirez.
Diving deeper into the realm of creativity and community building, the Creator Hub is set to be another festival highlight. Visitors can immerse themselves in DIY experiences, including a Live Mural Show, Gudi Drip Studio, and a Busker Stage. The paint-and-sip activity through Drip Splash also promises a fusion of art and relaxation, making it a must-try for all.
The festival aims to push the boundaries of digital art, offering everyone a chance to interact with installations such as Sketch To Life, the Digital Art Tunnel, Caption Cam, and the Immersive Art Cube, celebrating the fusion of art and technology.
G Music Fest will showcase the future of technology with Globe’s 5G applications. Guests may also enjoy immersive AR/VR games via 5G Pixel Play. Partnerships with brands like BENCH and MYX Global will further elevate the experience, offering engagements like the DJ lounge.
While enjoying the music, festival-goers can also indulge in a gastronomic journey with a diverse range of food options that will be available at the event: Better Than Ice Cream (BTIC), Kurimu, Pocofino, Jamba Juice, Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Pickup Coffee, Shakeys, and Army Navy. Plus, with official alcohol partners Coca-Cola and San Miguel Brewery, the festivities are sure to be in high spirits.
G Music Fest also aims to set a new standard in implementing sustainable practices in events. Not only does it aim to limit the use of single-use plastics among vendors, but it is also promoting a BYO (Bring Your Own) initiative for festival-goers, with water refilling stations brought by Klean Kanteen scattered across the venue.
Globe also formed a collaboration with Ayala Logistics through Integrated Waste Management, Inc. (IWM), to ensure proper waste segregation, collection, and post-processing with priority for diverting wastes away from landfills through recycling and recovery, as well as deploying gender-neutral and water-efficient portalets.
Festival-goers will also have a cleaner transport choice with Globe deploying electric shuttles to and from the venue through its official shuttle partner, Global Electric Transport (GET). Pickup points will be at Alabang Town Center, One Ayala, and TriNoMa starting at 10 AM.
Join G Music Fest on September 16 in celebrating passions, creativity, and connections. It’s a day of music, art, and memories you won’t want to miss.
The 2023 Asia Artist Awards in the Philippines is welcoming a star-studded lineup of artists at the Philippine Arena on December 14, 2023.
The 2023 Asia Artist Awards is building up its roster of stars as the date for the highly awaited award ceremony approaches. The AAA 2023 is being presented in the Philippines for the first time by StarNews Korea, the Asia Artist Awards Organizing Committee, TONZ Entertainment, and PULP Live World. The Philippine Arena will host the much-anticipated performance on December 14, 2023, which promises to be the most stunning celebration ever.
NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, BOYNEXTDOOR, and ZEROBASEONE were the first artists confirmed to attend AAA 2023. IVE’s Wonyoung returns as the host for this year’s AAA, happening on December 14 at the Philippine Arena. Kang Daniel and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin will also take charge of hosting duties at the award show.Kim Seon Ho, Ahn Hyo Seop, Moon Ga Young, Kim Se Jeong, Lee Dong Hwi, Lee Jun Hyuk, Cha Joo Young, and Lee Eun Saem join the lineup of the AAA 2023 in the Philippines.Kim Jae Joong, Dindin, Lee Young Ji, Dreamcatcher, KARD, Ash Island, YAOCHEN, STAYC, Kep1er, TEMPEST, and Lapillus will attend the AAA 2023 in the Philippines.Lee Jun Ho, Jung Sung Il, Kim Young Dae, Lee Jung Young, Moon Sang Min, Yoo Seon Ho, Ahn Dong Goo, and Park Jae Chan have confirmed their attendance at the AAA 2023, joining the roster of actors and K-pop acts that will light up the Philippine Arena on December 14.MORE ARTISTS for AAA 2023: SEVENTEEN BSS, SB19, Kingdom, LUN8, ATBO, ONEUS, and HORI7ON will grace the highly-awaited grand debut of AAA in the Philippines.EXO’s Suho will illuminate the stage of the 2023 Asia Artist Awards in the Philippines as part of its star-studded lineup.AKMU will also grace AAA 2023 in the Philippines, marking their return to the country after more than a year.The 100th I Love You and Signal Kentaro Sakaguchi will attend the AAA 2023.Ballerina actor Kim Ji Hoon joins the stellar lineup of the 2023 Asia Artist Awards.Philippines’ very own stars, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, Kathryn Bernardo, and Daniel Padilla, will illuminate the AAA 2023 on December 14 at the Philippine Arena. Lim Young Woong will join the stars that will brighten the Philippine Arena on December 14 as the singer confirms his attendance at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards.Ben&Ben and WHIB will join the festivities on December 14, 2023, at the Philippine Arena as they grace the AAA 2023.
The 2023 ASIA ARTIST AWARDS IN THE PHILIPPINES is presented by PULP Live World, StarNews Korea, the Asia Artist Awards Organizing Committee, and TONZ Entertainment.
These Netflix titles paint a realistic view of marriage in all its messy, complicated, and beautiful glory.
There is no shortage of films and shows about love and romance. The entertainment industry thrives on our insatiable appetite for narratives that leave us feeling excited, if not hopeful, for how our own “love stories” will unfold.
Yet, these narratives are not always rays of sunshine and rainbows or the occasional meet-cute. Romance, most especially the aspect of marriage, encompasses a myriad of things. It’s the “perfect” blend of (hard) work and commitment, and everything in between.
So from a modern, celebrated classic to a divisive new release, here are five films and shows on Netflix that offer diverse perspectives on marriage.
If you want a film that’ll leave you pondering deeply about marriage, look no further than this Noah Baumbach classic—the hard-hitting, critically acclaimed drama Marriage Story. This film chronicles the marriage and eventual divorce of stage director Charlie (Adam Driver) and his actor wife Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and draws inspiration from director Noah’s own experiences dealing with divorce. Marriage Story offers a vivid, sobering reminder of what marriages can look like once the rose-colored glasses are gone and the initial ‘relationship high’ has worn off. It weaves a raw, unfiltered narrative of marriage, rightfully earning its place as one of the most realistic film portrayals of divorce and of course, marriage.
If you’re a fan of soap operas, this one’s for you. Remarriage and Desires is an 8-episode Netflix revenge K-drama that delves into the gritty world of the remarriage market, starring Kim Hee-Seon as Seo Hye-Seung. Filled to the brim with ingredients that make the perfect revenge story—drama and scandal—the show offers an intriguing exploration of a highly-regarded aspect of South Korean culture, with marriage holding significant cultural and social importance in the country. The first episode perfectly sets what’s to come, inviting viewers to witness just how vicious high-class matchmaking can be, a realm only a few of us are really familiar with.
Marriages are a lot of work—even ‘fake marriages’. This is the central plot of Purple Hearts. The movie takes us on a journey into the lives of struggling musician Cassie (Sofia Carson) and marine Luke (Nicholas Galitzine), who, driven by their personal agenda and mounting financial troubles, enter a fraudulent marriage of convenience. The film presents the perfect recipe for a struggling yet triumphant romance and even begins with one of the most favored tropes out there: enemies to lovers.
This groundbreaking series follows suburban couple Jack (Greg Poehler) and Emma (Rachel Blanchard) who want to spice things up in their marriage. They meet Izzy (Priscilla Faia), a student and part-time escort whom they both fall in love with and eventually take as their lover. Sounds complicated? Well, because it is. You Me Her spotlights the polarizing world of polyamory, and marriage, in a fresh and engaging way. Throughout the episodes, we not only witness how the trio navigates a world that views their union as taboo but we’re also invited to see how they handle relationship highs and lows, just like conventional couples.
For many, marriage troubles usually start a few months or years after the wedding. But getting all that early on—in the middle of your honeymoon, no less—is probably not the most ideal. Yet, that’s exactly what happens in What If to Billie (Alessandra de Rossi) and Jecs (JM de Guzman), musician newlyweds who become stranded on a private, secluded island during a storm. The setting forces them to deal with their unresolved issues and their biggest “what ifs”. What follows is an honest portrayal of just how messy marriages can be no matter where you are on that journey and finally provides a glimpse into the harsh realities tied to commitment.
MLD Entertainment’s new Filipino boy group New:ID is ready for their debut with confident determination!
MLD Entertainment opened the social media channels of their newly introduced boy group, New:ID, and is now in heavy preparations for debut targeted by the end of the year.
With the opening of their channel, the revealed logo video had a glitch effect together with the name New:ID, catching the eyes of many. Curiosity is rising because it has the names and other information of the members in various shapes.
New:ID is a group formed with 5 members, Thad, Wilson, Jom, L, and Macky who showed a prominent presence in the Korea-PH collaborative survival audition program “Dream Maker” like HORI7ON. The boys received a lot of love and support from global fans during the airing and are now about to take on a new challenge as they debut.
Photo: MLD Entertainment
As much as New:ID was able to show their different talents on the final stage of “Dream Maker”, people are excited for their upcoming global movements.
New:ID is set to show their colorful content before their official debut and is now heading on to their countdown.
Haven’t you heard? SEVENTEEN is doing stadium tours now, and the Philippines will once again witness it happen at our very shore.
S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino return to the Philippine concert stage to bring SEVENTEEN TOUR “FOLLOW” to Bulacan on January 13, 2024, at the Philippine Sports Stadium.
After creating history with BE THE SUN IN BULACAN, where they became the first K-Pop group to hold a solo concert at the Philippine Arena, the boy group will make history once more with FOLLOW TO BULACAN, where they will be the first musical act to hold a solo concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium.
Live Nation Philippines has announced additional details regarding the concert, including the seat plan and ticket prices.
Tickets to FOLLOW TO BULACAN will go on sale on the following dates via SM Tickets:
CARAT Membership Pre-sale on November 9, from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
UnionBank Pre-sale on November 10, from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
General On Sale on November 12, 12 noon
Check out the seat plan and ticket prices below:
VIP Gold A & B – Php 19,000
VIP Silver E & F – Php 18,500
Floor Standing C & D – Php 14,750
Floor Standing E & F – Php 14,250
Floor Standing G & H – Php 13,550
Bleachers Premium 1 – Php 11,550
Bleachers Mid 1 – Php 10,050
Bleachers Center 1 – Php 8,550
Bleachers Premium 2 – Php 8,550
Bleachers Mid 2 – Php 6,550
Bleachers Center 2 – Php 4,550
The prices are inclusive of ticketing charges.
SEVENTEEN will perform at FOLLOW TO BULACAN as part of their current concert tour, which will also stop in Bangkok on December 23, 2023, and Macao on January 20 and 21, 2024.The tour began on July 21 and 22 at the Gocheok Sky Dome and continued on September 6 and 7 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.
Prior to the rest of Asia, the boy group will perform in Japan in November and December in Saitama, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
Since their first Asia tour, Shining Diamond, in 2016, SEVENTEEN has routinely included the Philippines in their tours. The nation hosted the conclusion of their first world tour, Diamond Edge, in 2017. Then, in Ideal Cut in 2018 and Ode To You in 2020, Philippine Carats witnessed their return to the Philippine concert stage.
The boys visited the Philippines again after more than two years to perform two sold-out Be The Sun performances in Manila in October 2022. Two months later, on December 17, 2022, SEVENTEEN made history in the Philippine Arena with Be The Sun in Bulacan.
SEVENTEEN TOUR “FOLLOW” TO BULACAN is presented by Live Nation Philippines.
Get a chance to win the opportunity to buy two (2) orchestra tickets to HAMILTON at an exclusive P1,600 Lottery price. Hamilton Musical at The Theatre at Solaire from September 17 to November 26, 2023.
FAQs
HOW DOES THE LOTTERY WORK? The Lottery is a chance to win the opportunity to buy two (2) orchestra tickets to HAMILTON at an exclusive PHP 1,600 Lottery price.
The lottery is not a chance to win free tickets.
HOW MANY TICKETS CAN I ENTER FOR? Each lottery slot is for two (2) tickets. Please note that you cannot purchase a single (1) ticket on the lottery if you win.
WHERE DO I SIGN UP FOR THE LOTTERY? Entry for the HAMILTON Ticket Lottery is only via TicketWorld. No purchase or payment is necessary to enter or participate. All those signing up for lottery must use the email address associated with their active TicketWorld account.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I ENTER THE LOTTERY? There is no limit to the number of individual lotteries you can enter. However, a one entry per week limit will be applied.
WHEN IS THE DRAW FOR THE LOTTERY? The lottery will open at 10:00 am every Monday and will close for entry at 11:59pm the Wednesday prior for the following week’s performances.
Winners will be notified via email at 12 noon every Thursday for the upcoming week’s performances. Winners will have until 12 noon the following day to confirm and purchase their HAMILTON Lottery tickets.
HOW DO I CLAIM MY LOTTERY TICKETS? Winners will be sent an email and provided a one-time-use promocode and link that will be applicable to the eligible performances of the week. Winners can enter the promo code online at the Hamilton Lottery Page on the TicketWorld website, or they can quote the promo code at the participating TicketWorld outlets.
R&B Royalties Kyla and Jay R reigned over the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City for their reunion concert titled Back in Time. Presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions, nostalgia was palpable all over as the crowd, mostly composed of millennials, was treated to a fabulous concert with two of the most talented OPM artists.
With their distinctly airy yet smooth vocals, Kyla and Jay R were some of the most popular singers in the early 2000s. They were regular performers in GMA’s noontime show SOP which ran every Sunday from 1997 to 2010. There, they often shared the stage as singers and even had their stint as actors as part of the love team called “JayLa”. Beyond this, the two have been musical partners, composing and making music together. Twenty years since then, their love team might be no longer, but their solid musical chemistry is still very much alive.
When the lights went out, Jay R burst through the stage with Ne-Yo’s “Closer” followed by Kyla who then performed Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy”. Together, they performed “Back in Time” which was composed by Jay R.
Accompanied by an incredible live band, each artist had their solo stage first. Jay R whipped out his best moves with his best hits including “Parachute”, “Kung Mahal Mo Siya” and “Bakit Pa Ba”. He also introduced his new song “Blessed”.
Kyla’s stage performance was stellar with “Making Me Crazy”, “On the Wings of Love”, “Hanggang Kailan” and her breakthrough hit in 2000 “Hanggang Ngayon”.
”Ever since I met this woman 20 years ago, she elevated me in so many ways — as a singer, as a performer, as a person even. Ky, she gives great advice,” Jay R said in between their duet.
“I feel the same. You’ve done the same for me. We’re very close friends,” Kyla replied.
Kyla also fondly reminisced about their first meeting which apparently is a subject for debate for the two of them. According to Kyla’s memory, they met at SOP wherein a towering Jay R accompanied by a bodyguard greeted her with “Wazzup”. Meanwhile, Jay R always thought they first met during their Christmas stage in SOP. Regardless, the two concluded that it was the show that solidified our partnership as musicians.
Kyla and Jay R shared the stage again, one banger after another. Songs like “My Boo” (Usher ft. Alicia Keys), “Hate That I Love You” (Rihanna and Ne-Yo), and “Broken Vow” and “Say That You Love Me” had the crowd singing along with them.
The show was a pleasure to watch from beginning to end. Like its title, it really did take us back in time. Jay R has this natural swag which is matched by his soulfully airy vocals. Graceful as she is, Kyla’s vocals are powerful and distinctly colorful. Together, they make a great team, and seeing that unfold again in 2023 was terrific.
It was a blast of laughter, music, advocacy, and art at the 123 Block, Mandala Park at Mandaluyong as Linya-Linya Land (LLL) made its triumphant return after four long years. Co-presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions, the event featured a diverse line-up of stand-up comedians, artists, and musicians.
At the side of the stage, artists’ booths were set up. Pol Medina Jr. had his Pugad Baboy comic saga and some mugs for sale. As a bonus, fans could also get their merchandise signed by him and snap a photo with him as well. Edwin Tayao, known for his jeepney signage art, was also a crowd favorite as he was taking requests on the spot. Rob Cham was also frequented by guests to have their live portraits drawn.
LLL’s advocacy partners including AHA Learning Center, Angat Buhay, and The Learning Lab at Bantayog ng mga Bayani also had their booths set up at the venue. Muralist AG Saño and Linya-Linya co-founder/painter Panch Alvarez were also seen painting live art as the main stage was abuzz. Their finished artworks were later auctioned off, the proceeds to be donated to their advocacy partners.
Stand-up comedians from Comedy Manila took the stage to incite a whirlwind of laughter from the crowd. You’d probably heard them in podcasts or seen them in noontime shows and television ads, but seeing them weave their magic live was a differently wonderful experience altogether. Jeleen Cubillas, Victor Anastacio, Nonong Ballinan, James Caraan, and GB Labrador shared their candid yet insightful takes on religion, politics, and popular culture.
Of course, leave it to Linya-Linya Land to feature a spectacular group of musicians. Autotelic was the first musical act to hype the stage. They performed “Gising”, “Takipsilim” and “Laro”.
With an acoustic guitar in hand, Nica Del Rosario paid homage to her musical influences by covering Kitchie Nadal’s “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” and Spongecola’s “Jeepney”. She also performed “Tala” and “Rosas”.
The mood took a slight turn for the solemn and the romantic when Johnoy Danao, backed by a three-piece string orchestra, took the spotlight. Who knew “Right Time” and “Ikaw at Ako” could sound more poignant?
It was the rowdy kind of fun as Cheats rocked out during their set with songs like “Machine Jr.” and “Accidents”. Linya-Linya co-founder Ali Sangalang joined them onstage during their last song.
It was around 11 PM when Ebe Dancel took the stage, but the crowd was rejuvenated by his presence. He never fails to have the crowd singing along to “Prom”, “Bawat Daan” and “Burnout”.
In LLL 2023, we got to experience live comedy, live art, and live music all in one day. Can’t wait for what next year’s going to bring!
Special thanks to Linya-Linya and Gabi Na Naman Productions!
Following his recent return with new tracks ‘Blindside’ & ‘A Year Ago’, James Arthur today announces his fifth, brand new studio album Bitter Sweet Love – out January 26th, 2024 on Columbia Records.
As well as featuring the two recently released singles, Bitter Sweet Love is James back to his very best, producing thirteen bites of world-class music. After being on stage, it struck him how his fifth album should sound. A sold-out crowd was singing along to his hits, immersed in the emotion that James could hear in his own voice.
Within days of the tour ending in the States, James began sessions with different producers to see who could click with his vision. His final stop was in L.A. with Steve Solomon, with whom he co-wrote his 2016 megahit ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’.
Back in Britain, James attempted to write with more producers, but none came close to his bond with Steve, who flew over to finish the album at Miloco Studios in South London last summer, and produce a mature body of work, full of depth and oozing the impeccable songwriting quality that has defined James’s esteemed career to date.
The Middlesbrough-born, recent Brit Billion-certified artist has scored 4 top 10 albums, with 2016’s Back From The Edge hitting the Number 1 spot and over his career has collaborated with the likes of Anne-Marie, Sigala, Rudimental, Marshmello & many more.
James is one of the world’s biggest streaming artists, with over 38 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’ became his breakthrough hit in the US. It was officially the UK’s most-streamed song in 2016 and has gone on to be enjoyed via 4 billion streams while the song’s official video has achieved 1.5 billion views on YouTube. Earlier this year, the track became his first RIAA Diamond Single with 10 million certified units – making James one of just 100 recipients of an RIAA Diamond Single certification in the program’s history.
Other huge hit singles include: ‘Impossible’, ‘Can I Be Him’, ‘Sun Comes Up’, ‘Naked’, ‘Empty Space’, ‘Rewrite The Stars’, ‘Falling Like the Stars’, ‘Train Wreck’ and ‘Lasting Lover’, which are all certified platinum records. The song ‘Cars Outside’ is currently becoming another global hit for James.
Back from the Edge was released on October 28, 2016, and entered the UK Albums Chart at #1. James’ last album, 2021’s It’ll All Make Sense In The End, was a lockdown project recorded at home that leaned heavily on programmed beats.
“The more albums you make and the more success you have, the more the pressure tends to be upon you. But I genuinely felt like a kid again, just making music I loved, not worried about trying to please everyone.”
The 2023 Asia Artist Awards, set to be held in the Philippines in December, has confirmed its hosts.
IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, Kang Daniel, and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin will serve as the hosts for the world’s most prestigious awards show, 2023 ASIA ARTIST AWARDS IN PHILIPPINES.
StarNews Korea, the Asia Artist Awards Organizing Committee, TONZ Entertainment, and PULP Live World present the award show for the first time in the Philippines. The highly anticipated show will be held on December 14, 2023, at the Philippine Arena, promising the most magnificent festival ever.
With her polished hosting and upbeat charm, Jang Wonyoung, who has been in charge of presenting AAA for three years, is anticipated to set the atmosphere, together with Hanbin’s youthful and boyish charms and Kang Daniel’s distinctive attractiveness and experience as an MC.
The 2023 Asia Artist Awards, which were first hosted in 2016, is Korea’s first integrated awards program that honors actors and singers. Global talents from outside of South Korea attended and grabbed the audience’s interest in the past years. The award show, which has established itself as the top worldwide awards presentation, consistently provokes a passionate reaction.
NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, BOYNEXTDOOR, and ZEROBASEONE have confirmed their appearances and were named as the first attendees. Expectations are rising as international actors and singers are planned to be revealed as guests one at a time.
The two-day festival aims to give back to the indie music community in Cebu by fostering inclusivity and representation with tried-and-tested methods that work well in a DIY setting!
Taking center stage with an electrifying twist, September Fever returns with a two-day festival that puts a spotlight on the regional independent music scenes in the Philippines.
Now in its sixth year, the event reformats into a Music Talks and Showcase Festival, improving its programming with a more grassroots-leaning, pro-independent music approach while providing an opportunity for budding and self-sustaining musicians to explore the ropes of the industry and learn from key resource speakers in the music business.
September Fever Festival Director Karl Lucente explains, “In a nutshell, this year’s edition of September Fever Music Festival is a dynamic blend of electrifying performances, informative discussions, and a strong sense of community. It’s a moment when music takes center stage, artists shine, and audiences come together to celebrate the power of creativity and the love of music.”
Day 1: Music Talks and Networking Night
Music Talks, a new segment that was introduced by September Fever this year, is designed to empower and educate the participants on the crucial aspects of the industry. Curated by The Rest Is Noise PH, the forum will cover four main topics and has invited speakers from the scene to discuss the nitty-gritty of DIY ethos with tried-and-tested methods to communicate one’s music brand: Music Marketing and Branding (Ian Urrutia from The Rest is Noise PH and NYOU Consultancy); Music PR and Media Pitching (MC Galang from The Rest is Noise PH and AXEAN Festival); Artist Perspective: Touring Local (Mich Paclioga of Loop PH); and Music Production (Tim Marquez of One Click Straight).
“Beyond the performances, the festival is now introducing a series of engaging music talks,” shares Karl Lucente. “These talks feature industry experts who share valuable insights and advice, particularly for those embarking on their musical journey. From practical tips to behind-the-scenes stories, these discussions provide a wealth of knowledge that can guide aspiring musicians and enthusiasts alike.”
From music marketing and branding strategies to navigating the complexities of music production, these guest speakers will share practical insights and valuable tips that can truly make a difference in one’s musical journey. “Additionally, they’ll shed light on touring in our own land from the artist’s perspective, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make a mark on the global stage,” Lucente reveals.
Following ‘Music Talks,’ the event seamlessly transitions into an insightful Roundtable Discussion that provides invaluable expertise on industry-related topics pertaining to the promotion of local artists. This discourse also proposes the unification of production teams from diverse regions, forming the foundation for September Fever’s 2024 Regional Caravan. Esteemed music producers, production leaders, and industry experts gather to chart a path that transports VisMin’s artists nationwide while championing the indie music movement—a convergence of creative energies where innovation meets collaboration, shaping the future of VisMin’s indie music scene. The Roundtable Discussion will be attended by various professionals in the Philippine music scene: KC Salazar of Indie CDO (Cagayan de Oro); J Martino “Bobbi” Olvido of John Bottles (Cebu); Sandy Kiamko of Holodeck (Davao); Philip Biboso of Southlab (Koronadal); and Josh Alipe of Sapphire (Cebu).
Day 1 is then capped off with a Mixer/Networking Night that aims to connect the press, industry leaders, musicians, entrepreneurs, creatives, and VIP attendees with the goal of fostering meaningful collaborations and opportunities for the artists. Cebu-based rising artists Lolita Grey and Franciskoe will be performing, followed by a DJ set by the Baihaus spinners.
Day 2: Showcase Festival
While Music Talks lays the groundwork for aspiring musicians in the local indie scene, Day 2 presents a celebration of music excellence featuring some of the most notable names in the Philippine music scenes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—be it independent, mainstream, or anything in between.
This year’s September Fever Music Festival artist lineup consists of Cebuano acts Coloura, Kali Hoods, Tomorrow For Sure, Renzo Sy, Sansette, and Wonggoys. They are also joined by guest acts from all over the Philippines: Aira Casti, KRNA, Loner, One Click Straight, Oh, Flamingo!, The Itchyworms, and DJ Love.
Lucente emphasizes that the curation for the showcase format aims to highlight the vibrant tapestry of the Philippine music scene as represented by the eclectic and diverse lineup representing various regions in the country. “This comprehensive approach blends education, entertainment, and cultural exchange, ensuring attendees enjoy the performances while gaining enriching insights for their own musical pursuits,” he adds.
September Fever Music Festival VI is made possible with the partnership of The Rest is Noise PH, Filla Killa, Black Straw Prod Co, and Missing Scene. The music talks and showcase festival will take place on September 22 and 23 at From Here and Draft Punk in Cebu City, respectively.
For more updates on the festival, follow September Fever Music Festival on:
September Fever is a yearly event initially curated to showcase electronic music but has transformed to become an annual celebration of Cebu indie music and other acts from the Philippines. In this sixth iteration, September Fever aims to become an even bigger event, bringing together acts from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to showcase and uplift the best local indie music.
Manila went on an evolution genre journey with Turnover, as no rain nor storm stopped them from capturing the Philippine concert scene on the last day of August!
The Virginia Beach locals, Austin Getz, bassist Danny Dempsey, guitarist Nick Rayfield, and drummer Casey Getz, took off with their Turnover Asian Tour 2023 in Manila in SM North EDSA Skydome and squeezed in more than a decade-long year career in one night.
The Filipino crowd, as always, resonated right with the band with a few familiar faces in the crowd of our very own music scene and showed that we are still deeply connected to the rock genre, despite the rise of pop music in the country.
Synths and Low Light Bulb Feels to Almost Mosh Pits
The band started their act with their latest album, Myself in the Way, tracks that were released last year, effectively putting the crowd in the right mood with their synth play, which is almost somnolent and puts you in a trance. They plucked “Stone Station,” “Tears of Change,” the album title track, “Myself in the Way,” and “Mountains Made of Clouds” from the album. In addition to the setlist was one of the crowd favorites that released the audience from its trance and gave a nod to the band’s early loved genre, which are “Cutting My Fingers Off” and “Humming,” both from their 2015 album, Peripheral Vision. Perhaps this is the band’s most loved and most popular album as this isn’t the last song of the night they played from the LP.
The vocalist Austin Getz greeted the Filipino audience gave the crowd the classic “Mabuhay!” and thanked the crowd for always welcoming them into the country. Some tracks from the Good Nature album also made their way onto the stage, a happier tune the band has previously experimented on with good feel songs like “Super Natural,” “Pure Devotion, Plant, and What Got in The Way. This got the crowd excited and it was evident that the band’s best attraction to the crowd was their fast-paced tracks as tracks from another album full of happy drive feel songs took over the Skydome and made the patrons dance with Plant Sugar, Number on the Gate and Much After Feeling, all from the album “Altogether.” Sneaking into the middle of all this beautiful chaos was their single “Humblest Pleasures.”
The vocalist noted that he feels like the Filipino fans are their long-time friends with the number of times they’ve been back in the country and still welcomed warmly, with the fans still able to sing along with their old and newly released tracks.
The night was then taken over by Peripheral Visions tracks like “New Scream,” “Diazepam,” and the band’s most streamed track on Spotify, “Dizzy on the Comedown” which gives extreme levels of nostalgia. Songtell has described this song as “about being in a tumultuous relationship and yearning for connection beyond the way things have always gone.” And it does. It’s impossible not to connect to this song and it has been a universal agreement among the song’s listeners that it has hit them on a core memory.
And how can you let go of the band after they sing that? The Manila crowd who is always notorious for asking for more asked the band to sing another track for the encore, which almost turned the crowd into a mosh pit with a heavier guitar riff and faster pace than most of the songs of the night, another track from Peripheral Visions, “Take My Head.”
It’s clear that the band has found a home in the country when they said they will come back again as part of the closing words of the concert and band followers cheered on. They even asked for more songs after the encore and insisted that they didn’t want to let go of the pop rock and indie rock band that captured an audience in our country, chasing that high feeling for shoegaze and nostalgia.
Words and Photos by Arielle Elep
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