The Queens are finally here! Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles, in association with GMG Productions, today confirmed the full company for the upcoming SIX the Musical International Tour.
The company of queens include Billie Kerr as Catherine of Aragon, Yna Tresvalles as Anne Boleyn, Liberty Stottor as Jane Seymour, Hannah Victoria as Anna of Cleves, Lizzie Emery as Katherine Howard, and Eloise Lord as Catherine Parr. They are joined by alternates Izzy Formby-Jackson, Lorren Santo-Quinn, Erin Summerhayes, and Milly Willows.
GMG Productionsโ CEO Carlos Candal shared his enthusiasm for the cast, โWe know fans have been eagerly waiting for this moment, and we couldnโt be happier to welcome the new SIX queens to Manila. Filipinos will be thrilled to see them take the stage with unmatched energy, talent, and passion to tell this extraordinary story.โ The hit production has been met with widespread critical acclaim since its first staging in 2017. The UKโs Daily Telegraph declared it โThe best the West End has to offerโ, and USโ New York Times described it as โpure entertainment.โ
SIX tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII, who step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the modern-pop inspired musical brings these historical figures to life, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars in their own right. Audiences are taken on a journey through the lives of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, each telling their own story and reclaiming their own narrative.
Created and written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, with direction by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage. Choreography is by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, with set design by Emma Bailey, costume design by Gabriella Slade, and lighting design by Tim Deiling. Sound design is by Paul Gatehouse, with musical orchestration by Tom Curran, and musical supervision by Joe Beighton.
SIX the Musical will run in Manila for a strictly limited season from October 4 to 20 at The Theatre at Solaire, with tickets on sale exclusively through TicketWorld. The Manila Season is produced by GMG Productions. For updates and exclusive announcements, visit www.gmg-productions.com or follow us @gmg.productions
Thai actresses Freen Sarocha and Becky Armstrong continue to dominate the GL scene as their recent movie, Uranus 2324, premiered in the Philippines last July 7.
The event drew a huge crowd with fans even bringing banners with special messages for the girls. In a video shared by the organizers, the fans rave about Uranus 2324 and how it showed a different side of Freen and Becky.
Non-fans are similarly impressed with Lakwatsera Lovers, an online platform for movie enthusiasts, giving a nod to โFreen and Beckyโs impeccable chemistryโ that made the film more enjoyable.
Thanks to the successful premiere, fans can enjoy Uranus 2324 for a longer time with a nationwide screening starting this July 17 in select cinemas.
IVE, the six-member girl group from Starship Entertainment, returned to the Philippines this year for the Manila leg of their ‘SHOW WHAT I HAVE’ concert, presented by Live Nation Philippines, on Saturday, July 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Since their debut in 2021, IVE has captured global attention, with two members gaining initial fame from a popular survival show. Their appeal has only grown, making them beloved worldwide.
Photos by Jasper Lucena, provided by Starship Entertainment
IVE opened their much-anticipated concert with “I Am,” followed by “Royal” and “Blue Blood.” Each member then introduced themselves: Liz, Leeseo, Yujin, Wonyoung, Gaeul, and Rei. Gaeulโs energetic floor checks hyped up the audience, setting the tone for the night.
Following the introductions, they performed “Blue Heart,” “Cherish,” and their debut hit “Eleven.” Another VCR transitioned to the next part of the show, where the girls, now in sparkly pink outfits, performed “Shine With Me,” a song dedicated to their journey with their DIVES.
Rei, Gaeul, and Wonyoung stayed on stage while the others took a break. Wonyoung shared that “Blue Heart” was written for those with broken hearts, and the trio chatted about Filipino food. Wonyoung mentioned fried bananas, Gaeul talked about fruits, and Rei enjoyed turon. They playfully named themselves the “Banana Girls.”
Yujin, Leeseo, and Liz returned, allowing the โBanana Girlsโ to step out too. The new trio continued the food discussion, with Liz praising our halo-halo, Leeseo talking about ube ice cream, and Yujin mentioning chicken adobo. They also discussed their outfits, with Liz dubbing herself the “Manila Princess.”
They then performed “Lips,” “Mine,” and “Off the Record.” Leeseo and Yujin engaged with the crowd, doing the Small Girl challenge. Leeseo shared her favorite outfit of the night and commented on the passionate energy of the Manila DIVEs, felt from the very first moment they emerged on stage that night.
The solo and collaboration stages began with Gaeul performing “7 Rings,” Rei singing “Every Summertime,” and the duo performing “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls. Liz and Wonyoung delivered “Reality,” and Yujin and Leeseo performed “Woman Like Me.”
As the concert neared its end, a VCR played before the group returned for a series of hits. They changed into black outfits for “Hypnosis” and “Accendio.” Leeseo noted PH DIVEsโ love for “Accendio,” and Gaeul and Wonyoung mentioned how well they fit the songโs concept with their pigtail hairdos. Rei and Gaeul shared a playful moment from their earlier performance where they lovingly kissed each otherโs cheeks.
The night continued with their title tracks “Love Dive,” “Kitsch,” “Baddie,” “After Like,” and โHEYAโ, which drew loud cheers. During the fan interaction part where each fan gets the chance to be featured on the LED screen, one little lucky DIVE was captured dancing energetically to “After Like” on the LED screen. The encore began with “OTT,” and they took a group picture with a banner prepared by their PH DIVEs.
Photos by Jasper Lucena, provided by Starship Entertainment
In their final ment, Rei expressed excitement about returning to Manila, Gaeul connected with fans who attended their last concert, and Wonyoung promised a swift return. Yujin noted the loud cheers, Leeseo expressed happiness at meeting the fans again, and Liz shared her high expectations for the night, which were met twice as much.
The encore song “All Night” was repeated multiple times, driven by the boundless energy of PH DIVES, perfectly ending the night with this energetic song.
IVE THE 1ST WORLD TOUR <SHOW WHAT I HAVE> IN MANILA was presented by Live Nation Philippines. Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines.
Effortlessly charming and endlessly funny, K-Pop star Onew had Jjingus crying and laughing at his GUESS! fanmeet on July 4. The New Frontier Theater sparkled in the famously bright and beautiful pearl aqua colors of the SHINee fandom for the group leaderโs first solo world tour since debuting in 2008.
Onew kicked off the evening with “Circle,” the title track from his album of the same name. Performances were few and far between, with Zairo on guitars as the sole accompaniment. He also performed “Sign” and concluded the night with an unreleased track titled “All Day.”
True to its name, the GUESS fanmeet was full of surprises. Segments ranged from sharing TMI of his recent photos and his favorite tunes (Harry Styles’ “As It Was” and SHINeeโs “Love Like Oxygen,” both of which he sang snippets of), to drawing the Banaue Rice Terraces and Chocolate Hills, discussing style choices, playing party games, taking on a dance challenge, and sharing personal fun facts.
Onewโs natural humor and playful banter kept the audience entertained throughout the night. At one point, he humorously referred to the green Chocolate Hills as matcha chocolate. When asked to share a message for his Filipino fans, he wittily responded, โI always say be happy, but youโre already happy, so letโs consider this sectionโฆ nothing.โ His contagious enthusiasm was evident from the moment he walked onstage, as he giddily jumped and matched the host’s energy. He even fell to his knees in laughter when asked to say, โPogi Akoโ (I am handsome).
A notable highlight of the evening was the hi-bye session, typically reserved for those with the priciest tickets, which was extended to all attendees regardless of ticket tier. Everyone had a quick second to see Onewโs beautiful eye smile up close.
Onew, along with SHINee, has been in the industry for 15 years, a major feat accompanied by adversities. He recently returned from a year-long health hiatus in April 2024, simultaneously announcing his separation from his long-time label. This fanmeet marked his return to Manila since his last visit in 2017 with SHINee for the One K Global Peace Concert. For Jjingus, his return, no matter how long it takes, is always worth the wait. As their banners proudly declare, โWeโre Not Going Anywhere.โ
SB19, who recently made headlines by surpassing 100 million views on their official lyric video for โMAPA,โ is back to โTHE FIRST TAKEโ with a new performance of another hit song.
Following their viral hit “GENTO,” which they performed during their debut on the YouTube channel โTHE FIRST TAKEโ on July 1st, their second performance video for “MAPA” premiered on July 15th (Monday) at 9:00 pm, Manila time.
For their second performance on THE FIRST TAKE, SB19 will showcase the emotional song “MAPA,” a stark contrast to the explosive “GENTO.” In this performance, attention should be given to their performance and heart-warming lyrics dedicated to their parents and parent figures.
โWeโre excited to share a different version of MAPA to the local and international audience through THE FIRST TAKE,โ shares SB19 in a press statement. โWeโre honored to showcase Filipino music on a music platform with a reputable track record of elevating the global presence of the artists performing. Mad props to THE FIRST TAKE for giving us a chance to impart a piece of our cultural and music sensibilities in ways that could be challenging but exciting.โ
โTHE FIRST TAKEโ is a Japanese YouTube channel that invites top singers and artists from all over the world to perform a song recorded in one take. Videos on โThe First Takeโ are filmed in a studio, with shots of the performing artist and a microphone, set to a background usually white.
SB19 on the other hand, is the first Southeast Asian group and the first Filipino to be invited to the influential music media outlet. They recently trended on X after announcing their return to โTHE FIRST TAKE.โ
SB19, who held their first concert in Japan at Tokorozawa Sakura Town on April 29th (Monday) and achieved great success, continues to grow their fandom both domestically and internationally. Following their debut performance of “GENTO” on “THE FIRST TAKE” as the first Filipino artists to be featured, the video has surpassed 2 million views. In response, the members released a thank-you video to their global fans, saying, “We were able to come this far thanks to the support of all the A’TIN.” This generated even more attention ahead of their return.
Check out their gratitude post about their recent performance of โTHE FIRST TAKE.โ
๏ผผ๏ผผ๏ผผ๏ผผ๏ฝ๏ฝ๏ฝ๏ฝ๏ฝ๏ผ๏ผ๏ผ๏ผ
ใ㊗️200ไธๅๅ็็ช็ ด🎉
๏ผ๏ผ๏ผ๏ผ๏ฝ๏ฝ๏ฝ๏ฝ๏ฝ๏ผผ๏ผผ๏ผผ๏ผผ
THE FIRST TAKEใงใฎใGENTOใ ใใใฉใผใใณในใ200ไธๅๅ็ใ็ช็ ดใใ#SB19 ใใๅใณใฎใณใกใณใใๅฐ็🗯
— ใฝใใผใใฅใผใธใใฏๆดๆฅฝ 🌞 (@INTSonyMusicJP) July 8, 2024
About โTHE FIRST TAKEโ
โTHE FIRST TAKEโ is a YouTube channel that captures the performance of musicians and singers performing in a single take.
The channel started on 15 November 2019 and has now hit 9.69 million subscribers (as of 7 June 2024). Total views have exceeded 1.4 billion, and content has been viewed from over 220 countries and regions around the world. Growing as a comprehensive music platform, new initiatives have been launched and become viral content. THE FIRST TAKE INTERNATIONAL features international music stars such as Harry Styles, Avril Lavigne, V from BTS, Jason Chan, and Jolin Tsai, having them give their 1TAKE performance exclusively on the channel.
Follow โTHE FIRST TAKEโ on socials: Website: https://www.thefirsttake.jp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_firsttake Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_FirstTake X: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_first_take THE FIRST TIMES: https://www.thefirsttimes.jp
ABOUT SB19
SB19 is a multi-awarded five-member boy group from the Philippines. The group is composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin and debuted in October 2018 with their single โTilaluha.โ They gained popularity with their second single โGo Upโ. Since their debut, SB19 has amassed fans (AโTIN) across the globe and was recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as the Philippine Youth Ambassador. The โSBโ in SB19 stands for โSound Break,โ which represents their aspirations of disrupting the music scene and bringing Filipino music and culture into the international spotlight. SB19 broke into the global spotlight as the first Southeast Asian and Filipino act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards as Top Social Artist in 2021. They are also the first Filipino act to land on the international Billboard Social 50 and Next Big Sound Charts. Their latest release, “GENTO”, debuted at #8 on the Billboard World Digital Sales Charts.
SB19 is self-managed by 1Z Entertainment, a company built and managed by the members of SB19.
Puregoldโs Thanksgiving Concert proved to be the music event of the year, setting a tough act to follow. In a grand celebration of Original Pinoy Music (OPM), the remarkable Panalo stories behind wonderful talents, and Puregoldโs many years of making victories happen, the retail giant recently hosted the spectacular Nasa Atin Ang Panalo concert at the Araneta Coliseum.
Held on July 12, 2024, this musical extravaganza, which fans eagerly waited for in the past few months, showcased some of the finest and most loved artists of todayโs OPM scene, working together to create beautiful music.
The star-studded event featured spectacular performancesโand, to the fansโ delight and surprise, collaborationsโfrom headliners SB19, BINI, Flow G, and SunKissed Lola. OPM enthusiasts and loyal Puregold customers were also treated to appearances by renowned artists Gloc-9 and Skusta Clee, adding even more excitement to the highly anticipated night.
The concert also featured a refreshing lineup of front acts, including Letters from June, Esay, and Kahel, who warmed up the stage and captivated the audience with their unique sounds and artistry.
The surprise collaborations between the artists served as the highlight of Puregold Nasa Atin Ang Panalo Thanksgiving Concert, with each headliner segment featuring a collaboration with another artist.
On the concertโs success, Puregold Price Club Inc. President Vincent Co expressed his pride and gratitude: “The Nasa Atin Ang Panalo Thanksgiving concert marks another significant milestone for Puregold. Celebrating 25 years of success and 500 stores, we have also forged a path for others to create their own Panalo stories. This event is our way of showing appreciation to our loyal shoppers and the community that helped us get here.”
More than just a showcase of musical powerhouses, Nasa Atin Ang Panalo was a Thanksgiving event celebrating Puregold’s milestone of reaching 500 stores in its 25th year. It was a night dedicated to the companyโs beloved customers, hardworking employees, and supportive partners.
In the weeks leading up to the Nasa Atin Ang Panalo concert, Puregold teased and released original music created in collaboration with the concert headliners. This treat provided AโTin, Blooms, Flow G followers, Dolores, and hip-hop and rap fans with exciting new music videos from their favorite artists.
Stay tuned in! Subscribe now to Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok for more updates.
July 12th, 2024 โย ย Canadian pop singer and songwriterย JESSIAย announces her new EP,ย ‘Okay With Every Part,’ย out July 19th, and releases her new single, โDifferent People.โย
Itโs been a milestone year for JESSIA who bravely transitioned to releasing music independently after parting ways with her label. Taking her future into her own hands, she presents her first independent project, ‘Okay With Every Part’. The 6-track EP includes hit songs like โThe Woman You Areโ, โCare About Meโ, and โHeโs a 10โ, as well as three brand new tracks.
JESSIA opens up about her first independent project: โLosing a label and a relationship within the span of 3 months shook me. I felt shame, rejection, anger, frustration, but also freedom, adventure, passion, and resilience. As much as I didnโt want to, I had to learn to accept and move through these new obstacles. Each song on this project represents a pivotal moment in my journey to finding peace and confidence again. This EP represents me accepting the good and bad parts of life so that I can look back and say, Iโm okay with every part.โ
Out today, โDifferent Peopleโ, one of the new tracks from the EP, is an emotionally resonant breakup anthem. โItโs about the no-contact stage of a breakup and all the intrusive thoughts that go along with it,โ JESSIA explains of the relatable concept behind the song. โThis song is for everyone resisting the urge to pick up the phone and text their ex. Instead of calling him, put this song on at full volume and go for a midnight drive.โ
About JESSIA
With over 375 million collective global streams, JUNO Award-winning pop songstress JESSIA has taken the music industry by storm, capturing the hearts of fans across the world with her raw talent, dazzling pop melodies, and heart-wrenching lyricism. She made her explosive introduction in 2021 with the viral single, โIโm not Prettyโ in collaboration with elijah woods. Racking up hundreds of millions streams and views, the single caught the attention of Grammy-nominated artist Bebe Rexha, who later joined JESSIA on the track remix. She kept the buzz going with the release of her debut EP, โHow Are You?โ, which was met with widespread support from iHeart, SiriusXM, and Billboard.
In 2023, JESSIA bravely transitioned to releasing music independently. Last year also saw JESSIA take her music on the road with an Asia tour supporting OneRepublic and a sold-out Canadian tour with Dean Lewis. With her undeniable talent and steadfast determination, she has garnered a global fanbase including India, Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
July 12th, 2024 โ Today, Toronto-based multi-platinum artist and producer elijah woods reveals his newest single, โ2 thousand 10โ.
Blending nostalgic pop soundscapes with early aughts rock undertones, โ2 thousand 10โ is a relatable anthem about longing for the magical simplicity of being a kid. Lyrically and sonically, the song captures the essence of youthful freedom; โThe songโs energetic undertones give it pace and relatability to anyone who has ever wanted to relive their best childhood memories,โ says elijah. โWe had so much fun writing this song and I think that feeling is reflected in the final version.โ
elijah woods is a multi-faceted, multi-platinum pop artist, singer-songwriter, producer, and recording engineer. Known for wildly catchy melodies, vivid lyrics, and a signature crisp, accessible production style, his music has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Experiencing unparalleled growth as an independent artist, heโs amassed over 250 million streams across his songs.
With multiple platinum and gold records to his name, 4x JUNO Award nominations and a SOCAN 2022 Pop Award, elijah woods is an artist on the cusp of worldwide stardom. โ2 thousand 10โ arrives on the heels of elijahโs sold-out Asia tour. The tour, which wrapped up at the end of last month, saw elijah headline showsin major markets like Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore, open for Niall Horan in Jakarta, and perform at them Seoul Jazz Festival alongside acts like Lauv, Jeremy Zucker, and JP Saxe. Reflecting his popularity in Asia, elijah woods’ top global streaming countries include #1 The Philippines , #4 Indonesia , #5 Malaysia , #7 Taiwan , #8 Thailand , and #10 Singapore.
Listen to โ2 thousand 10โ here: elijahwoods.lnk.to/2thousand10
July 12th, 2024 โ Fresh from the RADWIMPS WORLD TOUR 2024 โThe way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace,โ singer-songwriter and RADWIMPS frontman, Yojiro Noda, is thrilled to release the new song โLAST LOVE LETTERโ from his solo album, ‘WONDER BOYโS AKUMU CLUB’, set for release on September 25. Listen here: https://lnk.to/LASTLOVELETTER
The album is a collection of Nodaโs personal story with a total of 13 tracks, including โEVERGREEN feat. kZmโ, released this April, which features much acclaimed Japanese rapper kZm and โKATATOKI,โ a collaboration track with American rapper J.I.D featured on the game โLike a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Nameโ. Noda shares, “I am releasing my first album as Yojiro Noda. I became a band member of RADWIMPS at the age of 15, and while the band remains the core of my musical existence, I started to wonder what itโs like to play around carelessly and freely and swim through the ocean of sound with the approach that I can only try at present time. So for the past 2 years, when I found time, I created music, trying out different things and ended up with these 13 songs through struggles and many moments when I almost gave up. The process was fun. I wasnโt trying to write good songs, but I think I created a great album. I want to thank Kuwahara and Takeda who participated in a few of the tracks, and HOLLY for giving me the idea to start working on this album.โ
As part of this exciting release, the Limited Edition CD comes with a T-shirt featuring the original character “AKUMU-KUN” created by the manga artist and illustrator Posuka Demizu. Originated from Nodaโs idea to express his solo project with an icon that can freely embody his music, through numerous exchanges of ideas between Demizu and Noda, the one-and-only โAKUMU-KUNโ came into life as universal and invincible character based on the image of Noda as a model. The Vinyl edition of the album and worldwide digital release are also set for September 25 with more info to be revealed soon.
โLove is deeper than the ocean and bigger than the universe.โ The FreenBecky ship is still very much alive and sailing. As the movie tagline goes, not only has it reached outer space, but it has also gone to the depths of the ocean.
Uranus 2324 is a romantic sci-fi movie starring the prominent Thai actresses Freen Sarocha and Rebecca Patricia โBeckyโ Armstrong. Kath (Becky) is a freediver who comes home to Thailand after living in the United States. Lin (Freen) is a world-famous astronaut aboard the Uratis Space Station. The two were lovers in their younger days but were eventually separated due to their personal circumstances. In a freediving competition, Kath encounters a life-threatening situation underwater wherein she discovers that she can cross time and space. She then pursues Lin in different timelines and universes so they can reconnect with each other.
Presented by CDM Entertainment, Philippine Concerts had the privilege of watching the exclusive early premiere of the movie at the SM North Skydome on July 7, only a day after it premiered in Thailand. FreenBecky fans were lively as usual, queuing hours in advance, dressed in their customized ship shirts and waving their banners. Ticket holders were also given exclusive merchandise including a photobook, bracelet, holographic photocards, poster, and a commemorative ticket.
Even without us telling you, every FreenBecky fan knows that this movie is a must-watch. Without spoiling the story, weโll give you a rundown of the highlights of Uranus 2324.
Watch out for the special effects and the wonderful scenery.
One central point of the story is Linโs experience at the Uratis Space Station, and the movie gives justice to this vision. According to an interview with the director, the budget for the movie amounted to 2 million dollars. With that much, the production did its best to capture the wonders and the feel of outer space. Except for that, the movie also featured the breathtaking sceneries of rural Thailand with its lush yet rustic landscapes.
Youโre in for a journey.
Strap yourselves in for a long ride as the movie runs for a total of 2.5 hours. The coupleโs journey encompasses many timelines so you have to keep your eyes peeled for the small details and your heart ready for some heart-breaking moments.
The FreenBecky Chemistry
Of course, fans were very excited to see the romance unfold in the story, they cheered and screamed when the couple expressed their affection in the movie. Since their debut as leads in Gap The Series two years ago, the actressesโ chemistry has continued to blossom and it greatly shows in the movie.
Youโll be in for a surprise.
We promised we wonโt spoil so weโll keep this short: the story has a lot of plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seats. Youโll definitely get to see new sides of Freen and Becky as their characters are thrown into situations you would not expect.
Another milestone for Freenbecky!
Theyโve come a long way since we first saw them in their first fan meet during the last episode watch party of Gap The Series. Since then, theyโve snagged a hefty number of brand advertisement deals from prominent local and global brands. Now, theyโre starring in a romantic sci-fi movie which is set to be shown in different parts of the world.
Uranus 2324 will be shown at SM Cinemas nationwide starting July 17. Donโt miss it!
Japanese alternative rock band Hitsujibungaku made their Philippine concert debut at the Eastside Events Place on July 6.
Composed of vocalist and guitarist Moeka Shiotsuka and bassist Yurika Kasai, assisted by drummer Yuna from the band Chai, Hitsujibungaku played an 18-song setlist of their most recent hits. (Their original drummer Hiroa Fukuda has been on a hiatus since May.) Presented by The Rest is Noise and Gabi Na Naman Productions, the show marked the bandโs first stop in Manila for their first-ever Asia Tour, drawing in a good number of J-rock and anime fans as well as music enthusiasts.
Hitsujibungaku, which translates to โsheep literatureโ, started in 2011 when the members were still in high school. In their early days, they played covers of bands like Chatmonchy and Sambomaster. It was not until 2017 that they started releasing official EPs. They gained local acclaim by releasing their songs โ1999โ and โNingen Dattaโ in 2019. Recently, their name started making waves globally when their song โMore than Wordsโ was featured in the Shibuya Incident Arc of the wildly popular anime series Jujutsu Kaisen.
Starting with a short instrumental snippet from โYokanโ followed by โAddictionโ, the trio played each track. Their setlist was predominantly composed of their songs from two of their most recent albums. From their latest album 12 hugs like butterflies, we also heard โhonestlyโ, โGO!!!โ, โShinkokyuโ and โFOOLโ. From their 2022 album our hope, they played โLuckyโ, โhopiโ, โOOPARTSโ and โMayoigaโ which were among the crowdโs favorites that evening.
The Filipino crowd also got to be one of the first crowds to hear the gritty, angsty riffs of โBurningโ performed live as it was only released 3 days before the concert as the closing theme of the anime series Oshi No Ko. Of course, a high point of the show was when they played โMore than Wordsโ back-to-back with another stand-out track โHikaru Tokiโ which had everyone dancing and singing along.
The audience also sang โHappy Birthdayโ to Moeka who celebrated her birthday on July 3. โIโm having a lot of fun. Thank you for the warm welcome,โ Moeka said in Japanese near the end of the concert. She did, however, come with a curious arsenal of Filipino phrases. From the typical โKamusta kayo?โ, โMahal ko kayoโ and โsalamatโ, she also said โGusto ko ng San Mig at Red Horseโ and โMasarap ang pancitโ, much to the delight of the crowd. Small update: She shared a can of Red Horse with a band member post-gig, as posted in a photo in her Instagram story.
Seeing Hitsujibungaku live in Manila, in a rather intimate venue, was a great way to spend a Saturday evening. It was a rare opportunity as well since not a lot of Japanese artists stopped by the Philippines for their world tours. As someone who knew them from their song in Jujutsu Kaisen, I found their music to be a treasure trove of alt-rock tunes that I could keep going back to in my regular playlists. Hoping for more Japanese acts in Manila soon!
Special thanks to The Rest Is Noise and Gabi Na Naman Productions
by Sandra Mae Laureano
Setlist – Hitsujibungaku Live in Manila Yokan (Instrumental) Addiction Sabaku no kimi e honestly GO!!! Burning Lucky Shinkokyu Kiniro hopi OOPARTS Mayoiga Eien no Blue More than words Hikaru Toki FOOL Aimai de iiyo Wonder
Actress-singer Belle Mariano is back with a new extended play (EP) โBELIEVE,โ a collection of inspiring tracks about accepting oneโs fate, overcoming pain, and making big dreams and an exciting prelude to her sold-out concert of the same name happening this July.
The mini-album has five songs including โBiglaan,โ โPakisagot,โ โLittle World Changer,โ โI, Save, Me,โ and โApelyido,โ all produced by StarPop label head Roque โRoxโ Santos.
Belle is set to perform these tracks in โBELIEVE: The Belle Mariano Birthday Concertโ happening on July 13 (Saturday), 8 pm at The Theatre at Solaire produced by ABS-CBN Events and StarPop. Fans may also catch its livestream via iWantTFC mobile app and website or through iWantTFC Tickets for only P599.
Joining Belle as her special guests are Donny Pangilinan, Moira dela Torre, Denise Julia, and Martin Nievera.
The Kapamilya star couldn’t contain her astonishment at doing a concert as big as this at this time in her life. “Hindi ko siya na-visualize. It was too grand for me,” Belle said in disbelief.
โI used to sing in the videoke with my lolo and it feels like Iโm not just fulfilling my dream, Iโm also fulfilling his,โ she added.
Preparing for the musical event however has made her have more faith in her capability as a performer. She said, โThe process of the concert made me believe in myself. This marks a growth of who I am in the industry.โ
She is also introducing a more mature sound and storytelling in her latest music offering.
โBiglaan,โ which speaks of destiny finding its way to bring something more than what is expected, serves as the โBELIEVEโ EPโs focus track. Another empowering track, โLittle World Changer,โ is a dreamy ode to a young personโs big aspirations.
โPakisagotโ is about a girl weeping in prayer and demanding answers on why terrible things happen to good people, โI, Save, Meโ is about processing heartache and false hope, and โApelyidoโ is about that special moment when one finally finds the right person.
As a music artist, Belle opened up about how she wants to be remembered whenever music listeners hear her songs.
โI want to make the listeners, the audience, believe in themselves,โ she said.
โBELIEVEโ EP follows the New Gen Phenomenal Actressโ previously released albums โDaylightโ and โSomber and Solemn.โ Among her hit songs are โSigurado,โ โKahit Na, Kahit Pa,โ โTanging Dahilan,โ and โBugambilya.โ
This year, she received the Listenerโs Choice award in Billboard Philippinesโ Women in Music and was named Spotifyโs Lullaby Artist Awardee.
Belleโs โBELIEVEโ EP is now out on various streaming platforms.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – July 10, 2024 –ย On Tuesday, July 9, 2024,ย Netflix Philippines ramped up promotions forย PULANG ARAW,ย the countryโs biggest historical series of 2024, with a star-studded event at The Peninsula Manila Hotel attended by celebrities, press, content creators, and VIPs. Lead starsย Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco,ย andย Alden Richardsย seized the spotlight to celebrate the occasion, accompanied by the supporting cast who also graced the red carpet.ย
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Donned in their 1940s garb from the show, the main cast gave the guests a preview of what to expect inย PULANG ARAWย and their characters. Speaking to the audience, Alden, who plays Eduardo dela Cruz, shares that the project has been a long-awaited endeavor for him and the production team, โNabanggit na po ito sa akin ng aking boss na si Ms. Annette (GMA Executive Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, President of GMA Films and GMA Worldwide) sampung taon na ang nakakalipas.โ (โThis was mentioned to me by my boss, Ms. Annette, ten years ago.โ) He also emphasized how profound the impact of the story is in showcasing the experiences and reality during that sensitive period, which he feels many from this generation are unaware of, โI think this is the most relevant and most important story of 2024.โย
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Barbie, playing the character of bubbly Adelina dela Cruz, appreciates that they were able to spotlight vaudeville inย Pulang Araw,ย taking it as the perfect metaphor for finding joy in the midst of difficulties.ย โKahit sa buhay, kahit na anong kinakaharap mong problema at paghihirap, lahat โyun ay kakalimutan mo, kasiย the show must go on,โย (โEven in life, no matter what hardships you face, youโd forget them all, because the show must go on.โ)
Photos courtesy of Netflix
Sanya feels that the narrative was shaped by the experiences of Filipinos who went through that hardship during World War II,ย โIto ay pagbabalik tanaw. (…) Itong kwento ay hindi para ibalik sa kanila โyung sakit, kundi ipalinaw sa bagong henerasyon kung sino โyung mga dapat bigyan natin ng respeto at kung bakit tayo dapat magpasalamat sa kalayaang merong tayo ngayon.โย (โThis is a look back. This story doesnโt aim to rekindle the pain, but to remind the new generations of those to whom we owe the gratitude for the freedom we enjoy today.โ) This sentiment was shared by Alden,ย โโyun โyung isa sa mga pinanghahawakan ko din. Magbalik tanaw sa kung sino ba ang tumulong saโting makamit โyun.ย (โItโs one of the things I treasure most in this series: looking back on the people who contributed to that freedom.โ)ย While doing it (the show), it makes me more proud to be a Filipino.โ
Because of how heavy the subject is, Alden shared that he struggled to detach himself from the more heavy scenes, especially since he views it as a way of honoring the people who fought and survived for the countryโs freedom, โI consider this project as my most important project. Itโs a legacy that weโll be tellingโthe untold legacy of Filipinos during World War II.โ The sentiment was echoed by Barbie, โNgayon ko lang naranasan โyung ganto sa show; nadadala mo talaga siya pagkatapos, so kelangan mo talaga ng few minutes to really shake it off eh, kasi pabigat talaga ng pabigat โyung mga nangyayari.โ (โThis is the first time Iโve experienced something like this; you carry it with you even after filming wraps, so you need a few minutes to really shake it off because of how heavy the scenes are.โ) What helped, according to her, is how detailed their scripts are and how they allowed her to stay in character, understand Adelinaโs depth, and grasp that period better.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
For David, who plays a Japanese character named Hiroshi Tanaka, his characterโs internal conflict is one of the most interesting things about him, โItโs a battle of the brain and battle of the heart.ย And pinaka-conflictย niya is kung pipiliin niya ba โyung bayan niya o โyung minamahal niya,ย which is Adelina.โย (โHis biggest conflict is choosing between his country or his loved one, which is Adelina.โ)
Sanya believes her character Teresita is the โembodiment of courage and survivalโ. โPara sa akin โyun โyung katangian ng isang magiting na babae, na hindi lang noong panahon ng mga Hapon o ng digmaan, kundi sa panahon ngayon ng mga makabagong Teresita. Na patuloy lumalaban sa mga pagsubok, sa mga panga-abuso, sa pangmamaliit. Na lumalaban para sa kanilang karapatan,โ (โFor me, thatโs the main characteristic of a brave woman, not only during that period, but even today, a time of modern-day Teresitas. They continue to fight the challenges, the abuse, and the oppression. They fight for their rights,โ) She also shared her privileged experience of conversing with actual comfort women as part of the preparation for the role, which added a profound layer to her portrayal.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Fresh from the success of another historical series which cemented their love team, Barbie and David, more popularly known asย BarDa, talked about their experiences working together again inย Pulang Araw. For David, one particular scene made him realize how different Barbie is in this show,ย โโyung iksena na nag-I love youย ako kay Barbie, dun ako may nakitang kakaiba. Napakagaling ni Barbie Forteza bilang aktres.โย (โThe scene where I told Barbie I love her, I saw something different there. Barbie Forteza is a brilliant actress.โ). On the other hand, Barbie not only commended him for his Japanese-speaking skills but also applauded David for the growth in his passion for acting,ย โNatutunan niyang mahalin โyungย craft. (…) Ibang David Licauco po talaga ang mapapanood natin dito,ย and Iโm just very proud of him.โย (โHe learned to love the craft. (…) Weโll get to see a different David Licauco here, and Iโm just very proud of him.โ)
Photo courtesy of Netflix
With vaudeville being a crucial element of the show, especially for the lead actresses, both Barbie and Sanya detailed their most unforgettable filming moments for these scenes, โTap dance classes,ย bago pa man magsimula ang taping. Ang saya ngย experienceย kasi sobrang lapit sa puso ko si Sanya.โย (โTap dance classes, even before we started filming. The experience was fun because Sanya is someone I hold close to my heart.โ) Sanya was equally enthused with the experience, cherishing the moments she spent training with Barbie,ย โKumakanta habang nagta-tap danceโumaarte habang nagta-tap dance.ย (…)ย Masarap sa feeling na meron kaming bagong natutunan para sa palabas na ito.โย (โSinging while tap dancingโacting while tap dancing. (…) Itโs a great experience to learn something new for this show.โ)
Alden traces Eduardoโs transformation into an indomitable man to his primary motivationโlove. The love for his dreams, his family, the person he wants to pursue, and for friendship. โLahat tayo ay may ganon eh; lahat tayo may gustong ipaglaban sa buhay at gagawin natin ang lahat para makamtan โyun.โ (โAll of us have something like that; all of us have something we want to fight for and weโll do everything that we can to achieve it.โ)
To conclude the press conference, the supporting cast composed of Sef Cadeyona, Aidan Veneracion, Neil Ryan Sese, Jay Arcilla, Ashley Ortega, Mikoy Morales, Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap, Angelu de Leon, and Epy Quizon headed to the stage to introduce their characters and hint at their relationships with the main cast, teasing viewers with their intriguing connections.
The day ended with a screening of the pilot episode, followed by a teaser that revealed what viewers can expect in the upcoming episodes.
Nearly 200 representatives from various media outlets across the country, content creators, GMA Network representatives, as well as VIPs directly involved in the showโs production took part in this celebration.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
PULANG ARAWย premieres first on Netflix starting Friday, July 26, 72 hours before free TV airing
About PULANG ARAW
Pulang Araw chronicles the lives of Adelina (Forteza), Teresita (Lopez), Hiroshi (Licauco), and Eduardo (Richards) during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Find out how the characters navigate an intricate web of loyalty, betrayals, sacrifices, and resilience amidst the backdrop of a war ravaging the country.
PULANG ARAWis directed by Dominic Zapata and written by Suzette Doctolero.
The Running Man cast met Filipino runners at the “RUN 2 U” IN MANILA fan meeting, keeping their word to return to the Philippines!
At the SM Mall of Asia Arena on July 6, 2024, Jee Seok Jin, Yu Jae Seok, Kim Jong Kook, HAHA, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan returned to the Philippines to meet up with Filipino Runners, who greeted them warmly and joyfully once more. The members of Running Man, the longest-running entertainment program in South Korea, returned their hospitality by expressing their gratitude and admiration for their Filipino fans.
The Running Man Philippines ensemble, which includes Mikael Daez, Kokoy Do Santos, Angel Guardian, Glaiza De Castro, Buboy Villar, Lexi Gonzales, and Miguel Tanfelix, kicked off the fan gathering with a variety of performances that electrified the audience.
The show, which is currently in its second season, excitedly revealed HAHA from its most recent episode during the fan meeting.
Moving on to the main event, the lights went down and, in a scene reminiscent of the previous year’s, the venue eruptedย into wild applause. As Yu Jae Suk entered the stage to the sound of BTS’s “Spring Day,” the applause intensified. The Nation’s MC of South Korea constantly bowed and waved to everyone with humility and thanks. The other members, HAHA, Yang Se Chan, Song Ji Hyo, Jee Seok Jin, and Kim Jong Kook, came out on stage one by one to carry on the serenade.
As they continued to show their fans how much they were valued, their humility and gratitude reverberated loudly. Throughout the event, “Salamat po” was said often, accompanied by kind glances and beaming smiles for the fans, who returned the favor with applause and enthusiastic waves.
A spring day blossomed last July 6 for fans of Running Man as Jee Seok Jin, Yu Jae Seok, Kim Jong Kook, HAHA, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan made true with their promise to come back to the Philippines 🩵
— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) July 8, 2024
The hosts for the evening, Ryan Bang and Kring Kim, who also hosted RUNNING MAN: A DECADE OF LAUGHTER 2023 IN MANILA, opened the fan meeting with an official welcome and allowed the cast to greet their Runners personally using the Filipino phrases “salamat po” and “mahal kita.” Cheers, that rang out loud and proudly across the audience, demonstrated the typical Filipino concert/event crowd flair of making sure their favorite stars knew how thrilled they were.
The fan meeting also provided an opportunity for Filipino fans to witness the cast’s chaotic interactions during their interview segments and games. The members’ strong relationship, which has grown over the years of their many years together, was joyful to see. Running Man, which debuted on July 11, 2010, will celebrate its 14th anniversary in July of this year. Filipino runners gave the group a cake and a banner project as a means to celebrate this achievement and pledged their unwavering support for Running Man.
Always and forever, Philippine Runners will RUN with U 🫶
Jee Seok Jin, Yu Jae Seok, Kim Jong Kook, HAHA, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan reunited with their Filipino fans in #RUN2UinMANILA, opening the show with BTSโs โSpring Dayโ and performing solo and unit stages. Likeโฆ pic.twitter.com/GgW7t0ALIN
— Philippine Concerts (@philconcerts) July 6, 2024
The Running Man ensemble’s performances ensured that the excitement never faded. Song Ji Hyo kicked off the performances with “Bam Yang Gang” by BIBI. After that, Jee Seok Jin gave a solo stage performance of “All of Me” by John Legend. Yang Se Chan wowed the crowd with his rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” while rocking a full Freddie Mercury cosplay. HAHA proceeded next, inviting SRG to join him on stage for their collaboration, “Ice Bottle,” featuring U-KWON.
Kim Jong Kook sang his hits “One Man” and “Spring Has Come” to a delighted crowd in Manila. Yoo San Seul, Yoo Jae Suk’s trot singer alter ego, made a special appearance at the fan meeting and sang “Redevelopment of Love.”
In addition to performing individually, the Running Man cast collaborated to present their unit performances on the Philippine concert stage. “Kalla” and “DANG DIGGI BANG” by Yang Se Chan and HAHA fuelled the excitement even further. “We Need to Talk” by SpartAce Couple, Song Ji Hyo and Kim Jong Kook, set the mood for kilig.
Returning to the stage with “Beach Again,” Song Ji Hyo, HAHA, and Jee Seok Jin were followed by Yu Jae Suk, HAHA, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan, who took the spotlight with “Y.”
The members then took a moment to give Filipino Runners their sincere messages, expressing how happy they were to have met them and making a vow to come back again. Before bidding their final goodbyes, the members sang Running Man’s theme song “I Like It”, their new song, DAY6’s “Time of Our Life”, Kim Jong Kook’s “Loveable”, and RGP’s “Busan Vacance”.
RUNNING MAN: “RUN 2 U” IN MANILA concluded with expressions of thanks and promises to get together once more. It unveiled new memories to be cherished for a lifetime and a commitment to continue running together always and forever.
Davao emo kids, rock fans, and everyone in between, get ready to dust off your band tees, slip into your skinny jeans, and dive headfirst into the ultimate emo revival with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus!
THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS is coming to town for their first-ever concert in Davao, and theyโre set to light up the stage at the SMX Convention Center on September 11, 2024!
For many of us who grew up in the 2000s and 2010s, THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS wasnโt just another band. They were the soundtrack to our most intense emotions, our teenage angst, and the rollercoaster ride of young adult struggles. Their music became our anthems, echoing our deepest feelings and giving voice to our unspoken thoughts. Their powerful lyrics spoke to us then and still resonate today! And this upcoming concert is your chance to scream those words at the top of your lungs alongside fellow fans who get it, who feel it, and who live it just like you did!
Formed in 2003 in Middleburg, Florida, THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS quickly became a staple in the emo and alternative rock scenes. Their debut album, โDonโt You Fake It,โ hit us hard with songs that touched on everything from love to social justice. Remember the feels from โYour Guardian Angelโ and the rebellious fire of โFalse Pretenseโ? Thatโs the music that defined our generation! And guess what? Theyโre still rocking with the same raw energy and passion. Ronnie Winter (lead vocals), Joey Westwood (bass and vocals), Josh Burke (lead guitar), Randy Winter (rhythm guitar), and John Espy (drums) are ready to give you an electrifying performance. Their 2020 release, The Emergency EP, proves they still have that timeless appeal, connecting with new listeners and long-time fans alike.
So, Davaoeรฑos, whether youโve been a fan since the early days or youโre just discovering their music, this is your chance to see them live! Imagine the lights dimming, the crowdโs roar rising to a fever pitch, and then, the first chords of your favorite song fill the air, thatโs an epic moment! Whether itโs the heartfelt ballads that bring back memories of your first heartbreak or the high-energy anthems that make you feel invincible, THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS is ready to take you on an unforgettable musical journey. And hey, if one night isnโt enough, you can catch them again at the SM North EDSA Skydome in Quezon City on September 12, 2024.
Tickets for THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS ASIA TOUR 2024 LIVE IN DAVAO go on sale starting July 14, 2024, at noon PH Time. You can grab your tickets at SM Tickets outlets nationwide or online at smtickets.com.
This show is powered by SKESH Entertainment and PULP Live World. Follow PULP Live Worldโs social media accounts and visit pulp.ph for more updates.
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