In the Philippines, acronyms aren’t just confined to boardrooms; they find their way into the heart of music. Filipinos, known for their love of succinct expressions, infuse songs with clever acronyms, turning melodies into linguistic puzzles.
Singer-songwriter Vilmark continues the tradition with his latest single, “INOWY (I’m Not Okay Without You),” a soul-stirring and powerful ballad that delves into themes of loss and finding the strength to move forward.
“INOWY (I’m Not Okay Without You),” is under GMA Music and is currently available on all major digital platforms.
A song that serves as a sequel to his previous song “Lisan,” INOWY is a deeply personal project for Vilmark, who wrote it as a way to cope with the death of his father in 2022.
At the online media launch for the single, Vilmar explains, “This song is about sharing with people that it’s okay not to be okay. Because it’s a phase that you need to go through to move forward and start anew. Until you accept the reality that you’re not okay, you’ll keep masking your true feelings. I wrote this song from a place of pain, but I hope it can bring comfort and hope to others who are going through tough times. It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s important to remember that we are not alone.”
He also shared some of the challenges he faced while creating this song, with the primary one being that it is the first English song he has written.
VILMARK’S SONGS AS SOUNDTRACKS Vilmark’s earlier composition, “Lisan,” gained further recognition when selected by Jennylyn Mercado for her latest GMA Prime series, “Love. Die. Repeat.,” with Xian Lim.
Expressing his gratitude for the unexpected opportunity, Vilmark recalled, “I was so excited. I watched Ms. Jennylyn sing the song on All-Out-Sundays. She told me that it was a beautiful song and was perfect for ‘Love. Die. Repeat.’ He hopes to have the same thing happen with “INOWY (I’m Not Okay Without You),”
Despite working as a full-time engineer on a night shift, Vilmark continues to balance his professional life with his passion for music.
The artist looks forward to the future, expressing the desire to release more singles, working towards a full album. He also dreams of having his own concert someday and would like to write songs for other songs!
Vilmark’s dream collaboration is with Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose, and he hopes to write a duet with her.
For more updates on your favorite Kapuso artists, just go to www.gmanetwork.com
The sonically captivating track marks another collaboration with his real-life brother Josue of Radkidz, who also co-produced viral hits “Determinado” and “Gento”.
After championing the resurgence of the rap-rock genre with the release of “Determinado” a few weeks ago, SB19’s PABLO continues to exceed expectations with another banger that doesn’t sound quite like anything he has released so far.
On “AKALA,” the P-Pop star drops a hard-hitting track that blends hip-hop sensibilities with trap beats and atmospheric production. Sonically captivating and heartfelt, PABLO surprises at nearly every turn with a song that hints at a new level of creative inspiration—songwriting and production-wise.
The track also marks another collaboration with his brother Josue of Radkidz, who is also responsible for co-producing his previously released track “Determinado,” and SB19’s viral smash “Gento.”
PABLO, on the other hand, brought improvements in structural developments and dynamics and penned the majority of the lyrics. He shares, “I added some singing parts and a hook and gave the song a resolution in terms of musical arrangement. We wanted it to be a song that’s easy to listen to and sing along to, just like how it is when friends gather and sing together.”
According to PABLO, “AKALA” was conceived during the pandemic when Josue had him listen to one of his beats with a partially written verse about finding an escape from getting wasted. While both of them have different perspectives about alcohol consumption, the SB19 leader and main rapper found it intriguing and interesting enough to revisit the track and improve some parts of it.
“Even though we have different practices in terms of drinking, we agree on the idea that alcohol is not the answer to problems,” the talented multi-hyphenate explains. “I asked him if I could also write my verse in the song and tweak some parts, and he agreed. I didn’t want the song to just be about getting wasted, so I thought of a way to introduce my perspective by rearranging the letters of ‘alak’ and that’s how ‘Akala’ materialized. My mother also pitched in a line in the song and it made more sense.”
The breakout artist behind La Luna sums it all up: “Everything that I have released so far features intense and heavy instrumentation, but ‘Akala’ follows a completely different direction this time around. It has a more laid-back, dreamy vibe to it.”
PABLO’s “AKALA” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Get ready for an intimate evening filled with beats, rhythm, and electrifying performances by South Korean artists PEAKBOY, HYESUNG, and DAUL, collectively known as the AIRPLAY CREW, as hi! Events brings Airplay In Manila on February 3, 2024, at DD Nightclub in Quezon City.
PEAKBOY: A Multifaceted Sensation
Prepare to be captivated by the multifaceted talent of PEAKBOY. Not just a rapper, but also a TV personality, record producer, DJ, and singer-songwriter, he has made a significant mark on the South Korean music scene. With a discography comprising 3 EPs, 13 singles, and collaborations with notable artists, his dynamic presence extends beyond music, featuring on popular television shows like Hangout with Yoo and In the Soop: Friendship Trip alongside his celebrity friend group, the Wooga Squad.
HYESUNG: The Musical Maestro
HYESUNG, a Spotify-verified artist with over 28K monthly listeners, is a distinguished producer, musician, and DJ. Renowned for his collaborations with various Korean artists, he has produced notable covers, including BTS V’s rendition of It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas. His versatility shines through as he plays multiple instruments, creating an immersive and unforgettable musical experience.
DAUL: Setting the Stage Ablaze
Managed by SEL Records, DAUL is a South Korean producer and DJ with a remarkable track record. Boasting millions of plays on platforms like Apple Music and SoundCloud, DAUL has become a mainstay in the international music scene. His collaborations with top-tier brands and renowned DJs at events and festivals testify to his exceptional talent.
Their recent performances in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Japan have garnered acclaim, and now, Manila is set to witness the magic they create together.
Don’t miss Airplay In Manila with two amazing ticket experiences:
Beloved global superstars BTS will do whatever they can to show how much they love their fans. From song tributes during Festa season to cartoon companions like TinyTan, the group is serving yet another memorable fan experience – this time, on the virtual reality stage.
Together with The Fact Music Awards and YiZ Entertainment, Araneta City is entering the BTS Universe with the B★VERSE “BTS, Singing the Stars” Exhibition – the first in Manila and only in the City of Firsts!
B★VERSE is an exhibit that will allow ARMYs to witness the evolution of BTS as a group and as individual stars in a totally enchanting exhibit. The exhibit, which had been launched previously in Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand, is now set to be held in the Philippines starting May 17 to August 15, at Level 4 of the New Gateway Mall 2.
PH ARMYs will be treated to an immersive exhibit experience, starting with a VR Room that vividly recreates BTS’ iconic TMA stages from 2020 to 2022. ARMYs who enjoyed BTS’ individual concepts for their album BE or their Photo-Folio projects can look forward to the Seven Planets section, which feature themed rooms personalized for each member showcasing their photos and videos.
Additionally, ARMYs will experience dazzling moments symbolizing the unique connection between BTS and their fans through a mapping show and have the chance to explore the past winners of The Fact Music Awards from 2020 to 2022.
Set your hearts on fire with love for BTS and catch the official teaser for the exhibit on January 29, which will be played on LEDs all around Araneta City. ARMYs can also check B★VERSE Manila’s official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok for both the teaser and more information. Tickets will be available soon on Ticketnet Online.
To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, please visit www.aranetacity.com. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.
The new album, ‘Everything I Thought It Was’ is to be released on March 15th!
Multi-award-winning artist Justin Timberlake releases his new single “Selfish” alongside the music video via RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment.
The pop-infused offering is driven by its infectious melodies and features his iconic soulful vocals. Written by Timberlake, Louis Bell (Taylor Swift, Post Malone), Cirkut (Maroon 5, The Weeknd), Theron Thomas, Amy Allen and produced by Timberlake, Louis Bell, and Cirkut, “Selfish” is the first taste of solo music from Justin since his 2018 Man of the Woods record.
The video, directed by Bradley J. Calder (SZA, Tinashe), brings the introspection of the song to life by pulling back the curtain on the production process and blending the line between performance and reality. It’s a raw and honest portrayal of Justin as an artist and person.
Justin’s sixth studio album Everything I Thought It Was is out March 15th. Pre-order HERE.
About Justin Timberlake:
Justin Timberlake is a multi-talented entertainer, recording artist, record producer, songwriter, and actor. Throughout his career, he’s sold over 54 million albums and 63 million singles globally, and a further 70 million records as the lead vocalist of *NSYNC.
Justin has won ten GRAMMY Awards across the pop, dance, and R&B genres, including his successful solo albums Man of the Woods, The 20/20 Experience, FutureSex/LoveSounds, and his debut solo album, Justified – as well as his collaborations with Jay-Z. He’s garnered over 23 billion audio and video streams globally and won four Emmy Awards for his memorable stints on “Saturday Night Live.”
On the big screen, he’s lent his voice to DreamWorks’ animated franchise phenomena TROLLS, including the third installment, 2023’s TROLLS BAND TOGETHER. His hit record “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” from TROLLS was nominated for “Best Original Song” at the 2017 Academy Awards.
Justin Timberlake’s new single “Selfish” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment/Columbia Records. Watch the music video here.
Includes tracks ‘A Year Ago’, ‘Blindside’, ‘Just Us’, Homecoming’, ‘Sleepwalking’ & Bitter Sweet Love
Brit Billion-certified artist James Arthur releases his fifth studio album, Bitter Sweet Love, on Columbia Records.
Featuring superb offerings in ‘A Year Ago’, ‘Blindside’, ‘Just Us’, Homecoming’, ‘Sleepwalking’ & the album’s upbeat title track Bitter Sweet Love, the new record is James back to his very best, producing thirteen bites of world-class music.
The singles have been lighting up the airwaves over the past few months, and this past weekend saw James as a guest on Sunday Brunch, with an appearance on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on BBC 1 this Saturday. All the action follows a series of in-store performances across the UK this week that saw James showcase stunning acoustic sets to fervent fans.
James Arthur 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.
2024 will also see a major world tour, in which multiple dates including UK arenas, sold out instantly, including London’s Wembley Arena, with The O2 now added. This was then followed by the announcement of a massive homecoming show at Middlesborough’s Riverside Stadium on Saturday 8th June 2024. This will be James’ biggest headline show to date and will see him joined by special guests McFly and Lauran Hibberd.
James Arthur is one of the world’s biggest streaming artists, with over 38 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. He 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.
‘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’ off the new album is currently becoming another global hit for James. James Arthur’s fifth studio album, ‘Bitter Sweet Love’ is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment/Columbia Records.
Love, a universal and multifaceted emotion, has been a subject of fascination and mystery for generations. Despite that, however, it isn’t overrated. LUVCON 2024, taking place on February 10, 2024, at the SM SkyDome, is the first Thai-centric event that explores the intricate tapestry of love in all its forms, with a special focus on the power of music to convey the complexities of human emotion. Through four captivating acts brought together for a one-night concert, LUVCON 2024 offers attendees a unique opportunity to delve into the depths of love’s mysteries and celebrate its enduring influence.
Kicking off LUVCON 2024 is the fascinating sounds of the Thai alternative pop duo, Tale, to the stage. Their music has resonated with audiences through memorable contributions to projects like “Love Revenge” and “Von.” Tale’s melodies and lyrics resonate with the essence of love, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to dive into the enchanting realm of falling in love.
Chapter 2: To Love and Take Love with Boy Sompob
Chapter 2 of LUVCON 2024 is about the remarkable Thai singer, Boy Sompob. Known for his heart-touching contributions to beloved series and movies such as “Love Sick: The Series,” “Until We Meet Again: The Series,” and “Love by Chance: The Series.” Boy Sompob’s evocative melodies and thought-provoking lyrics guide attendees through the intricacies of both giving and receiving love, employing the universal language of music to convey the profound emotions associated with it.
Chapter 3: Home with Three Man Down
In Chapter 3, LUVCON 2024 is the dynamic Thai pop rock band, Three Man Down, celebrated for their chart-topping hits like “Fon Mai Mai Dream of an Ex-Girl” and “If You Really Love Me.” Love extends its reach far beyond romantic relationships, and Three Man Down’s music embodies the sense of belonging and comfort that love provides. Attendees will witness how love crafts a profound sense of “home” within families, friendships, and communities, all through the medium of music.
Chapter 4: Burning Passion with Boss Chaikamon
In the enthralling fourth chapter, the spotlight turns to the charismatic return of Boss Chaikamon to Manila this 2024. Revered for his soul-stirring renditions of the OSTs from the captivating drama series “Love in the Air,” including the title track and “My Strongest Love,” Boss Chaikamon is set to ignite the stage with an unparalleled passion that will enrapture the audience. With a voice seamlessly blending sultriness and charm, Boss Chaikamon becomes a magnetic force, drawing the audience into a world where emotions are vividly painted through the transformative power of his music, creating an immersive experience akin to the fervor of burning passion.
Chapter 5: Mourning/Morning with Tilly Birds
For the closing chapter of LUVCON 2024, coming back to Manila is the Thai alternative band, Tilly Birds, known for their songs “Same Page” and “Just Being Friendly.” Their music serves as the backdrop for a contemplative exploration of the dual nature of love, where both joy and sorrow coexist. Through their powerful melodies, Tilly Birds eloquently illustrates how these contrasting emotions can aid in coping with loss, embracing healing, and discovering the transformative potential of self-love and new beginnings.
LUVCON 2024 is a one-night concert dedicated to unraveling the profound intricacies of love in all its forms, with music as a guiding light. Join us at the SkyDome on February 10, 2024, for an immersive celebration of love in all its enchanting forms. Tickets are currently available at http://events.wishusluck.site with prices ranging from PHP 2,000 to PHP 15,000 and offer various perks such as meet and greet, group photo, and hi-touch.
LUVCON 2024 is proudly presented by Wish Us Luck and GV 99.1.
Get ready for a musical journey through time as the internationally acclaimed cast of The Simon and Garfunkel Story, bring their sensational performance to Manila! The night promises to be nothing short of unforgettable, filled with the timeless melodies and classic hits that have captivated audiences around the globe.
You will surely love this West End hit performance so save the date for this special concert, happening this March 2, 2024 at The Theatre at Solaire.
The Simon and Garfunkel Story is a globally acclaimed musical tribute to the iconic duo, spanning over 55 years of their timeless classics with unparalleled authenticity. The show not only chronicles the history of Simon & Garfunkel but it also includes favorites like, “Mrs. Robinson”, “The Sound of Silence”, “Cecilia”, “Homeward Bound” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
This successful production has left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide, having performed in over 50 countries. Including three 9-month-long tours across Canada and the USA, SOLD OUT shows at the prestigious LONDON PALLADIUM, and a week-long residency at VAUDEVILLE THEATRE in London’s West End. The group was also able to perform in front of many celebrities including Art Garfunkel’s son James. Moreover, The Simon and Garfunkel Story has just celebrated 10 years on tour.
*All prices are exclusive of a ticket service charge. Ticket sales for The Simon & Garfunkel Story are available from Solaire Box Office, Ticket World outlets and Online www.ticketworld.com.ph
Presented by Concert Republic, join the conversation online using the hashtag
LiveMusicManila, #TheSimonAndGarfunkelStory, and #TheSimonAndGarfunkelStoryMNL.
For more concert updates, check out Concert Republic’s website at www.concertrepublic.com or the following social media accounts. Concert Republic
Coming off of his successful events in Japan and Taiwan, Build Jakapan Puttha is set to bring his highly anticipated fan meeting to the Philippines.
To ramp up the excitement, organizer CDM Entertainment has upgraded the fan benefits for the VIP ticket tier. Fans now get to have a 1:10 photo with Build on top of Hi-touch, Soundcheck, and Official Poster.
Scheduled for January 28, 2024, 6PM at Skydome, “Build 1st Fanmeeting in Manila” marks a milestone event for the Thai singer-actor as this will be his first solo event in the country. Since going solo last year, Build has seen enormous success in his endeavors including “The Reborn” concert which heralded his return to the limelight after months of hiatus.
Adding up to his burgeoning solo career, Build just announced his comeback to the big screen for Infinity, dubbed to be a daring collaboration between Thailand and China this 2024.
The new year is shaping up to be an exciting one for Build with fans having a lot to look forward to, starting with “Build 1st Fanmeeting in Manila. ”Tickets are available via https://www.cdmentertainment.ph.
For regular updates on the event, follow CDM Entertainment’s social media accounts.
“Build 1st Fanmeeting in Manila” is presented by CDM Entertainment.
Beloved global superstars BTS will do whatever they can to show how much they love their fans. From song tributes during Festa season to cartoon companions like TinyTan, the group is serving yet another memorable fan experience – this time, on the virtual reality stage.
Together with The Fact Music Awards, Araneta City is getting borahae-fied with the B★VERSE “BTS, Singing the Stars” VR Exhibition – the first in Manila and only in the City of Firsts!
B★VERSE is an exhibit that will allow ARMYs to witness the evolution of BTS as a group and as individual stars in VR. The exhibit, which had been launched previously in Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand, is now set to be held in the Philippines starting May 17 to August 15, at Level 4 of the New Gateway Mall 2.
PH ARMYs will be treated to an immersive exhibit experience, starting with a VR Room that vividly recreates BTS’ iconic TMA stages from 2021 to 2022. ARMYs who enjoyed BTS’ individual concepts for their album BE or their Photo-Folio projects can look forward to the Seven Planets showcase, which feature themed rooms complete with photos and videos of each BTS member.
Additionally, ARMYs will experience dazzling moments symbolizing the unique connection between BTS and their fans through a mapping show and have the chance to explore the past winners of The Fact Music Awards from 2020 to 2022.
Set your hearts on fire with love for BTS and catch the official teaser for the exhibit on January 29, which will be played on LEDs all around Araneta City. ARMYs can also check B★VERSE Manila’s official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok for both the teaser and more information. Tickets will be available soon on Ticketnet Online.
To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, please visit www.aranetacity.com. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.
Laufey: A Night At The Symphony with The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra on May 28 and 29, 2024, 8pm at the PICC Plenary Hall presented by Karpos.
Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey makes music that is the byproduct of rich cultural heritages and mixed musical influences. Inspired in part by her mother, a classical violinist, Laufey took up piano and cello early on. But it wasn’t until deep-diving into her father’s record collection, consisting of jazz artists Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, that she launched into her musical journey.
Laufey Live in Manila Ticket Prices: SVIP – P5,990 VIP – P5,450 Loge – P4,370 Balcony – P2,750
Bulacan turned NEO CITY last Sunday with the return of NCT 127 to the Philippine concert stage with their third world tour!
Bringing the NCT 127 3RD TOUR ‘NEO CITY: BULACAN – THE UNITY to their Philippine NCTzens at the Philippine Sports Stadium on January 21, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan finally returned to the nation after more than a year apart. As he is currently on leave for health reasons, member Taeil was not present for the show.
A magnificent concert production, THE UNITY IN BULACAN featured the boy group performing their songs with energy and flair throughout. The show included lavish light displays, pyrotechnics, stage effects, decorations, and a stunning set design. The concert, which marked the boy group’s first stadium performance since embarking on their world tour, was rock solid, no flaws, with the moon shining brightly and the stars, in the color of neo pearl champagne, lighting up the stadium.
Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan descended onto the stage in all-white ensembles and opened the concert with a stirring introduction. This was followed by consecutive stages of “Punch,” “Superhuman,” and “Ay-Yo.” Without pausing, the boys launched into “Crash Landing,” “Space,” “Time Lapse,” and “Skyscraper.” The stadium was filled with an unparalleled and exquisite mood as the lights of the Neo Bong illuminated it.
Having taken the stage with powerful performances, NCT 127 introduced themselves with their signature greeting, “To the world, 여긴 NCT! Hi, we are NCT 127!” One by one, the members greeted NCTzens, expressing their longing for the Philippines and their desire to provide their fans with a joyous concert and unforgettable experiences. “We did a rehearsal this morning. The sky was amazing, but the nighttime with you, guys, is even better,” said Jaehyun.
“Magandang gabi! It’s been a long time, right? We really, really, missed you, guys, Philippines, really, really. We finally made it, right?”
TAEYONG
High spirits, NCTzens showed their undying support for their beloved boys who kept giving amazing performances of “Parade,” which was exquisitely matched with rainbow confetti, “DJ,” “Yacht,” and “Je Ne Sais Quoi.” It was truly the perfect ocean view. To interact with their fans more closely, the members also made efforts to circle the stage.
Even so, NCT 127 continues to dazzle, emerging from the stage atop fire trucks for “Fire Truck” and performing with a passion that matches the boisterous applause from the stadium’s audience. Whilst “Fire Truck” had everyone on their feet, “Sit Down” had the crowd sat, jaw-dropped and enthralled. Even as everyone sought to recuperate from the constant delivery of heated and fired-up stages, the boy group lost no time in proving to the Philippine concert stage that NCT 127 is the biggest hit on the stage tonight with “Chain” and “Cherry Bomb”.
At a little slower pace, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan delighted NCTzens with their lovely vocals in the songs “Gold Dust,” “Fly Away with Me,” “White Lie,” and “Love is Beauty.” Then, dressed in all red, they returned to the stage and lit it on fire once more with “Simon Says.” Probably one of the most anticipated stages of the evening—”Tasty”—was performed rock solid, no flaws on the raised stage surrounded by chairs. There was no time to take a breather from the boys’ outstanding performance on each stage as they went on to “Favorite.”
As NCTzens prepared to delve into the triple-threat performances, the Philippine concert audience once again demonstrated their dominance over the concert scene with the 127 squad opening off the set strong with “Kick It”. Two baddies, two baddies, one Porsche filled the stadium in “2 Baddies”, before the boy group ended the set with the iconic move, my motion in “Fact Check”.
The encore stages gave NCTzens “Angel Eyes” and NCT 127’s newest song, “Be There For Me”. Before saying farewell, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan conveyed their sincere appreciation to Philippine NCTzens “for sharing this wonderful moment” with them. They also gave a shout-out to their eldest hyung, Moon Taeil.
“We love you very much. Thank you for sharing this wonderful moment with us, under this beautiful moon. MOON TAEIL, we miss you too. Thank you, Philippines! We’ll be back! Remember, NCT 127 will always, ALWAYS, be there for you!”
JOHNNY
Along with that, the boys pledged to support their fans no matter what and to return as soon as the chance sprung up. “We will come back to give better performances. Until then, you will wait for us, right? You will really wait for us, right? See you again next time! PHILIPPINES, I LOVE YOU!” said Haechan.
“It was such a beautiful, beautiful night tonight… The next time we’re here, I think we should have at least two days! Thank you so much for being patient, for sending us support from afar… We really love you. Thank you!”
MARK
Additionally, they expressed their gratitude to the Philippine NCTzens for their continuous support and strong enthusiasm during the evening’s performances. “Because of you guys, we felt so touched tonight. Thank you all so much. Thank you all for the great energy,” Jaehyun said. “Last, but not the least, I’ll always be right here doing my best. I hope you all be there for me. Thank you!”
Taeyong also stated his admiration for NCTzens’ support and his desire to interact with them frequently. “We can’t meet often, but you guys always support us and give us a lot of energy. It really makes me happy. I want to say, really, really thank you so much. We really love you, Philippines! I really want us to meet often…” Yuta expressed his gratitude for the applause that kept him going throughout the show. “Actually, my body condition was not really great, so I was worried. But because of your cheers, I was able to finish it safely. We cannot come here more often, but thank you so much for your support. Love you, guys! Thank you!” Echoing his members’ sentiments on the remarkable energy of the crowd that night, Doyoung said, “Actually, I heard your amazing loud voice, so when you go home, please take care of your voice. Drink a lot of water please. We promise to come back to the Philippines again. Please support us. Thank you!”
“I’m actually taking unforgettable memories tonight. We will take this energy as an element so we can perform better in other countries as well. I think I’ll never forget your energy. Thank you so much for your valuable time and we’ll make sure to come back next time if there’s an opportunity. Thank you so much!”
JUNGWOO
NCTzens prepared a variety of fan support for NCT 127 in addition to their energetic and proud cheers for the boy group. These included a banner project with the words, “I’ll be there for you, and sing along as we promised.” Fans also brought banners with messages for the members and adorable photos.
Under the lovely moon and the brightest NCTzen stars, NCT 127 3RD TOUR ‘NEO CITY: BULACAN – THE UNITY was an unforgettable night. NCTzens left the concert with amazing memories of an evening of a lifetime, a hope to meet again, and a promise to always be there for each other—like their last song of the night, “Promise You”—thanks to the boys’ outstanding performances and the magnificent stage production that heightened the excitement for the boy group’s highly anticipated return to the Philippine concert stage.
“I’ll be there for you, and sing along as we promised.”#NEOCITY_THE_UNITY_in_BULACAN is a wonderful memory on this beautiful, beautiful night with NCT 127 and NCTzens lighting up the Philippine Sports Stadium neo pearl champagne 💚
NCT 127 3RD TOUR ‘NEO CITY: BULACAN – THE UNITY was presented by DNM Entertainment and In2une Entertainment. Special thanks to DNM Entertainment for the invitation to the event.
On January 14, the best of OPM gathered at the 9th Wish Music Awards (WMA) at the Araneta Coliseum for an evening of celebration, recognition, and of course, good music. Hosted by singers/celebrities Christian Bautista and Karylle, and popular content creators Inka Magnaye and Justine Luzares, the show was a spectacular display of how much the Filipino music industry has grown over the years.
Boasting a massive stage, set up with huge LCD screens and moving lifts reminiscent of elaborate K-pop concerts, WMA elevated the standard of local shows. The OPM community was treated to state-of-the-art lighting and effects that were on par with international concerts.
Top artists from a diverse list of categories were awarded for their invaluable contributions in the music industry for 2023. The winners were determined via online voting as well as via panel decision. Each winner was awarded a trophy and P25,000 while their respective chosen beneficiaries also got P100,000. Among the evening’s big winners were Josh Cullen, SB19 and Flow G.
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Here’s a quick rundown of the awards and performances during the 9th Wish Music Awards.
Starting the show on a high, anthemic note was rock band Dilaw with their electrifying performance of their hit songs “Orasa” and “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)”.
Wish Ballad Song of the Year – “Kisame” by Rhodessa
Wish Hip-hop Song of the Year – “Rapsta” by Flow G
Wish Rock/Alternative Song of the Year – “Parola” by Moonstar88
Wish Contemporary Folk Song of the Year – “Musika” by Dionela
Things took a wild turn when Josh Cullen graced the stage to perform “Get Right” and “Wild Tonight”. His sharp dancing skills and overflowing charisma got A’TIN screaming for more. As one of the evening’s big winners, he climbed the stage 5 times to accept awards (3 on behalf of SB19 and 2 for himself as a solo artist).
Wish Song Collaboration of the Year- “Tingin” by Cup of Joe and Janine Tenoso
Wish R&B Song of the Year – “Di Na Babalik” by Leanne & Naara
Wish Pop Song of the Year – “Palagi” by TJ Monterde
Wish Contemporary R&B – “Paki Sabi” by Sunkissed Lola
KDR Icon of Music and Philanthropy – William Guido
KDR Icon of Music Excellence – Martin Nievera
As a tribute to the KDR Icon of Music Excellence winner, Cup of Joe performed a modern rendition of Martin Nievera’s classic songs. The veteran singer is also celebrating his 40th year in the music industry.
Wishclusive Contemporary Folk Performance of the Year – “Bawat Piyesa” by Toneejay
Wishclusive Ballad Performance of the Year – “Ligaya/Ang Huling El Bimbo” by The Huling El Bimbo Cast
Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year – “I Want You” by SB19
Wishclusive Contemporary R&B Performance of the Year – “Pano” by Zack Tabuldo
Lola Amour and Clara Benin shared the stage for their collaboration song “Closer than Before”. Lola Amour also performed one of the most viral hits of 2023 “Raining in Manila”.
Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year – “Gento” by SB19
Wishclusive Rock/Alternative Performance of the Year – “Uhaw” (Tayong Lahat) by Dilaw
Folk pop band Ben&Ben serenaded the crowd with “Paninindigan Kita” and “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay” which easily inspired a karaoke singing party in the Big Dome. All nine members of the band were in good spirits as they thanked the crowd for 2023 and wished for a better 2024 for everyone.
Wishclusive Hip-hop Performance of the Year – “Rocksta” by Felip
Wishclusive Collaboration of the Year – “So Close” by Spongecola and Morissette
Spotify RADAR Philippines Artist of the Year – MRLD
Spotify Kalye X Song of the Year – “Elevate” by Jeff Grecia
Spotify Kalye X Artist of the Year – Flow G
Pulling out all the stops was rapper and Spotify Kalye X Artist of the Year Flow G whose stage production deserved an award by itself. He made his grand entrance while sitting on an elevated golden throne, surrounded by all the trophies he had won. On his right was an orchestra, on his left was a live band. Performing “High Score” and “Rapsta”, his embellished stage was equally matched by his spitfire rap performance that left everyone in awe.
Wishers’ Choice – Josh Cullen
Wish Breakthrough Artist of the Year – Josh Cullen
Wish Group of the Year – SB19
For the finale, Rico Blanco took over to perform his latest single “Sayong sayo (Papel, Gunting, Bato)” followed by the classic “You’ll Be Safe Here” which felt like an apt ending song to an awesome evening.
2023 was another extraordinary year for OPM. We saw an influx of independent young artists that thrived in creating music in their own stories and in their own voices, reaching and influencing millions of people. Wish Music Awards did an exemplary job in honoring these talents as well as veterans in the field of Filipino music and giving them a bigger and grander stage. We hope the next show will be even grander than ever!
Heartdisk from Manila and all around Asia gathered in excitement at the SM Skydome on January 20, eagerly anticipating the Naughty Babe 1st Fan Meeting featuring the charismatic Thai BL pair, MaxNat.
Known for their captivating on-screen chemistry, Max Kornthas and Nat Natasitt, popularly known as MaxNat, have left a mark in the hearts of viewers through their roles in beloved Thai BL series such as ‘Cutie Pie‘ and ‘Close Friend.’ However, it was the spin-off drama, ‘Naughty Babe,’ that took the fandom by storm. In this enthralling series, Max and Nat stepped into the spotlight as the lead couple, weaving a new narrative that made the audience swoon and glued to their seats.
The fan meeting began with Max and Nat singing ‘Love x 3’ from the OST of Naughty Babe. As the pair were eager to connect with their fans, Max and Nat descended to the front rows, sharing sweet treats and warm smiles, creating an intimate atmosphere from the start with their Heartdisk.
The air buzzed with enthusiasm as MaxNat greeted their Filipino fans, radiating charm and genuine affection. The ‘Meet My Babe’ Q&A ment added a dose of humor into the event, with the duo answering questions about Filipino slang, bringing laughter from the audience.
In the spirited ‘Follow My Lead’ game, Team Nice, led by Nat, emerged victorious in the game, which was similar to the whisper challenge. The crowd enjoyed the friendly competition, further bonding with MaxNat during the night.
Photos from Wish Us Luck Entertainment
The fan meeting also highlighted Max and Nat’s charms as Max sang “From Now On” and Nat performed to the energetic beats of “Naughty Boy”. Fans were in for a delightful surprise when Max joined Nat on stage, showcasing their adorable chemistry together.
The ‘Can You Be My Babe?’ Q&A ment delved into the depths of MaxNat’s connection, revealing the nuances of their bond as partners onscreen. As they candidly shared moments that made their hearts race, the audience felt an even stronger connection to the lovely duo.
The ‘Heartdisk Relay’ game added a playful twist, with Max securing a win and both stars joyfully embracing a creative punishment. The heartwarming VCR tribute by Heartdisk, accompanied by flowers and a cake, showcased the profound impact MaxNat had on their fans.
As a heartfelt gesture to their Filipino Heartdisk, MaxNat serenaded the crowd with “Hanap-Hanap,” originally sung by the local artists Nadine Lustre and James Reid. The night continued with a fan benefit session, giving lucky attendees an exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with their beloved MaxNat.
Naughty Babe 1st Fan Meeting in Manila was presented by Wish Us Luck Entertainment. Special thanks to Wish Us Luck for the invitation to the press conference and event.
All good things don’t come easy. Or in the case of EBE DANCEL’s highly anticipated 20th anniversary celebration of Sugarfree’s sophomore release Dramachine, great things need a tad more time to finally be right.
Multi-awarded and critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, Ebe Dancel, took to social media yesterday and announced that due to personal health reasons, the show – originally slated for a January 26 date – would be rescheduled a little over a week later. Though it was an unexpected announcement, excited fans were supportive and quick to wish Dancel a speedy recovery.
It was two decades ago, that a collection of songs was released by a band that was steadily rising to the top, yet still unaware of the impact that the album would have on both music fans and the overall landscape of local music. Songs that simply were painfully honest, melodically soaring, and lyrically on-point in capturing the sentiments and emotions of a generation that was going through the very same aches of growing up its chief songwriter was going through.
The band was Sugarfree. At the helm was its chief songwriter Ebe Dancel, and that album was Dramachine.
Now an accomplished solo artist with a ton more OPM classics under his belt, Dancel will be taking a trip down memory lane and will be treating fans to a night of nostalgia and bittersweet anthems that will surely have audiences singing along (and maybe even shedding a few tears…).
Featuring an impressive lineup of songs in Dancel’s extensive repertoire of hits and favorites, the celebrated album will be performed in its entirety, including standout hit singles like “Prom,” “Hari Ng Sablay,” fan faves like “Kwentuhan” and tearjerking anthems like “Kandila,” “Tulog Na” and “Kwarto” among others. Dancel will be joined by an impressive cast of musicians, including former Sugarfree drummer Mitch Singson. Jam Quijano will be opening the evening as well.
Asked if he had any inkling during the album’s creation that those songs would forever resonate with listeners decades later, Dancel humbly states: “I don’t think I have an answer for that – they were just songs written by an average guy about everyday life… I never thought of the songs to be arena songs or anthems – I just made sure it was something I could sing along to.”
When further asked how the creative process for Dramachine was, Dancel shares: “I remember we were touring almost every day for weeks – we’d be in the studio writing and recording, then rush to a gig in the evening and would come back to the studio after to see what we could finish. It was fun, and because we were young, we could bounce back from anything… and it was produced by Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala, who gave us the freedom to do what we wanted.”
Truly, this is a show that no serious die-hard would want to miss. Presented by BALCONY ENTERTAINMENT, tickets for the show are now available online via event partner BACKSPACER RECORDS (https://bit.ly/dramachine20), but they’re going fast – regular tickets are at PHP 1,200.00 and special tickets which include the vinyl and official merchandise are still available at PHP 3,300+.
“It’s a celebration of the album that introduced us to the whole country,” Dancel says when asked what fans can expect from the show. “Come for the songs and the memories – eat, drink, and sing-along; throughout the years, the fans are still what keeps me in the industry… this show will also kick off my 25th year in the business: I am eternally grateful that there are a lot of reasons for all of us to celebrate.”
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