The walls of the SM Skydome echoed with thunderous applause as the American rock band, Saosin, unleashed a sonic storm, igniting the stage with an unforgettable performance last November 3.
Kicking off the electrifying, full-house evening—the first of the two-day concert of Saosin in Manila—was the Thai alternative metal band Defying Decay. They roused the crowd, setting the adrenaline to fever pitch and laying the groundwork for an explosive night of rock euphoria.
Amidst an atmosphere crackling with anticipation, Saosin exploded onto the stage, delivering a powerhouse opening with hits like “It’s Far Better to Learn,” “Sleepers,” “Lost Symphonies,” and “Bury Your Head.” Lead vocalist Cove Reber took a moment to express profound gratitude to the Filipino fans, acknowledging their unwavering loyalty over the years. Memories of their last show in Manila in 2010 intertwined with the present, the fans’ voices echoing the passion that bound them together.
Reber’s words resonated through the venue as he delved into the band’s journey, recognizing the evolution shared with their fans over the years, despite the ebb and flow of life.
The night roared on with Saosin’s explosive rendition of Smashing Pumpkins’ “Zero” and their own hits like “I Can Tell,” “7 Years,” and “Voices.” Yet, it was their song “You’re Not Alone” that shook the very foundations of the arena, ending the evening in a triumphant crescendo.
SAOSIN LIVE IN MANILA was presented by PULP Live World. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invitation to the show.
The loudest screams last October 31 or Halloween night are not in horror houses nor in theaters for a horror movie, nor any Halloween Party but it’s on SM North Edsa’s Skydome with Silverstein as they returned to the Philippines after 3 years!
The Canadian rock band from Burlington Ontario, which was a part of the emergence of the pool of rock and emo music of the early 2000s, shook Manila again, highlighting their hits of 20 years of music in one night.
Band members Josh Bradford, Paul Koehler, Shane Told, Billy Hamilton, and Paul Marc Rousseau, brought the house down as it clashed again with the “emo capital of Southeast Asia”, proving again that this was never a phase with us, as mosh pits, wall of Death and non-stop singing with the band blanketed the night.
Our Heroine
Silverstein did not hold back in being loud that night as they matched the energy of their fans who waited for them to come back. The setlist was carefully curated and connected with the rock/emo enthusiasts, with screamo attached that just mutes all senses you get when you listen to it.
“We told you it wouldn’t take us 10 years to come back!” vocalist Shane Told told the crowd during one of the many many pauses they had that night to interact with the fans. They recalled that the last time they were in the country while singing on stage was during the deadly eruption of Taal Volcano last January 2020. For safety, all flights going in and out of the country were barred and they remained in the country longer than anticipated. “It could have been worse but we f*cking love it. You guys were the kindest, and sweetest people ever so thank you for having us back here, and thanks for being with us tonight!”
The crowd was on the edge throughout the evening and wanted to set loose with the band as they kept on promising that there would be the opportunity to let it go and unleash everything with a Wall of Death. A wall of death is a type of moshing in which the audience splits into two parts on either side of the venue, before each side runs towards the other, crashing the two sides together. We don’t see this that often in our country as safety was always a big thing in concerts here, sometimes even more than necessary but as the night went deeper, the songs got wilder, and more songs were sung with all the lyrics by the crowd. It was never surprising to see the Filipino crowd sing in perfect lyrics with the artists, even shocking the band with how perfect and in sync they were all throughout the evening. Like we swallowed the whole music catalog of Silverstein for breakfast like it wasn’t decades worth of music.
It was the pandemic that stopped the band from coming back here sooner as all artists have, and the ensemble did not fail to thank the Filipino fans for their support during the worldwide lockdown. “By the way, thank you so much for all the love you gave us during the pandemic… all the live streaming we did… we heard you, we saw you, we video called some of you, it’s a beautiful thing to know, we had that love. When we were sitting at home, with nothing else to do, our show here in Manila was the last thing we were thinking!”
The band was having so much fun on stage that they opened drinks and called to the crowd, “Tagay!?” Cheers indeed as it’s obvious that the Philippine bug got this band good, who even asked if anyone had dried mangoes in their pockets while remembering that those were the tastiest snacks they had in the Philippines!
Misery Made Us
“All the hardships in life, all across the world… we all found something together and that is music,” Shane called to the crowd. “That is the scene, that is this community. So for us to be here, halfway across the world and everyone in this room who is smiling right now is what it’s all about.”
A bit of a hiccup with the sound system stopped the show for a bit but the band took the opportunity to talk to the crowd instead, and they expressed that they never took any of the moments they had in the music industry for granted, pointing out they’ve been doing this for 22 years already.
Two decades and more in the music scene and all the tours they’ve done all across the world and the Filipino fans still reigned impressive as Shane stopped singing during a part of one of the most known songs, “My Heroine” and let the crowd sing. A frenzied, “Oh my god!” from Shane and the rest of the band’s awe that a crowd didn’t need any backing from the vocalists for the lyrics was truly a spectacle. The most awaited mosh pit happened during “Smile in Your Sleep” and it was nothing but a respectful chaos. Everyone pushed and pulled but after the song ended, the camaraderie and respect for each other showed, clapped each other’s backs, and threw high fives to each other who joined in the chaos.
The Wall of Death was orchestrated by Shane Told himself and the crowd was more than ready to clash as the final song, “The Altar/Mary” took over, as it’s the final moment to let go of everything. Witnessing a display of what Silverstein’s music can do to the crowd with its powerful finish, you will see again that rock/emo was never just a phase and all it needs is a reminder that it is part of who we are as the sad generation that coped with music and healed together in the trauma bond we all shared during the 2000s.
We will always be the emo kids, and artists like Silverstein are there to remind us that we all made it to this day and all it took for us to cope were sad songs, eyeliners, tight band t-shirts, fists in the air, and long bangs. Stitches with hearts and angst music anyone? We know you’re up for that. Long live the emo kids.
SETLIST
Ultraviolet Retrograde Burn It Down Giving Up It’s Over California American Dream Ideas of March Bankrupt Infinite Bad Habits Massachusetts Poison Pill One Step Closer My Heroine The Afterglow Live Like This
Rock your hearts out and burn the stage with the most legendary riffs you wouldn’t want to miss as SLASH, featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, brings The River Is Rising – Rest of the World Tour ‘24 to Manila!
SLASH will perform live in Manila on March 12, 2024, at the New Frontier Theater, with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators for The River is Rising – Rest of the World Tour ’24.
Stay tuned for more information to be released regarding the show via MakeItLive.
Presented to you by PEACE Integrated Marketing, SIN YE LONG, Jasper Entertainment Production, and MakeitLive Asia.
Ito Kashitaro made his Philippine concert debut at the Brooklyn Warehouse in Sampaloc, Manila. The sold-out show was presented by the Japan Foundation Manila, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The tickets for the event were free, and the clamor for them was so intense, they got sold out shortly after they were released.
The Japanese singer started out doing covers for anime theme songs on video streaming platforms as early as 2011, but over the years, he has steadily built up his career by creating and writing his own songs. With his distinctly emotive singing style, his poetic yet sincere lyrics, and his trademark kitsune/fox mask, he has earned a sizable following in Japan and overseas.
For those who don’t know him yet, he sang the ending song “VITA PHILOSOPHICA for the recently released anime series My Happy Marriage.
Getting to Know Ito Kashitaro
Philippine Concerts was one of the few media outlets that was part of the interview with Ito Kashitaro during his visit, and we were in for a treat. Although he always wears his fox mask during his live performances and public appearances, he surprisingly faced us without it.
One of the most striking things about him is his sincere manner of speaking. He was assisted by a translator throughout the interview, and he made it a point to speak slowly, making sure that his words would get across well.
He can also be very candid when responding, expressing himself freely, like a friend telling a story. When we asked about the Filipino food he had tried during his visit, he gave quite a long list. “Sisig is number 1,” he immediately exclaimed. He also remembered trying Sinigang, Bistek (beef steak), Pancit, Kaldereta, Paella, and Squid with Gata, noting that they were all delicious. (FYI: he did remember the actual names of most of the dishes. For the few that he didn’t, he described the taste and the ingredients which the translator was kind enough to identify.) To add to that, he had sampled Halo-Halo and said that the serving was bigger than he thought. Even the ever-popular Jollibee was mentioned later on.
As a songwriter, Ito Kashitaro explained he takes inspiration from everything – all kinds of music and situations. For instance, if he finds a certain injustice in society, he channels his emotions into creating songs. When we asked about his songwriting process, he said he can write the melody and the lyrics at the same time, which is quite frankly a feat for any musician. He usually conceptualizes songs while walking around outside.
Ito isn’t one to play favorites with his song repertoire. He said that once he releases a song to the public, it has his stamp of approval and he likes that particular song just as much as the others in his catalog. “Every time I perform a song, the experience I get from it is the best. I feel so blessed whenever I sing so I can’t choose between them,” he explained.
Regarding future collaboration with international artists, he narrated that there had been plans before, but he is not sure when or if they will ever be released. He noted that he would be performing a duet with Armi Millare later that evening, so he cited that as one international collab.
Other trivia: His current favorite manga is March Comes Like a Lion by Chica Umino. If he were to cosplay an anime character, it would be Nobita from Doraemon. Not a trivia, but we got to hear an acapella sample of “Ark of Memories” (which sounded amazing, by the way).
The Live Experience
Armi Millare was the opening act for the evening. Previously known as the frontwoman of UDD, she is now paving her way as a solo artist. Her set that night marked her 2nd appearance since she released her new single two days ago. Trading in electronic rumbles for a more hushed and jazzy vibe, her music is now minimalist with delicate streaks that are solemn yet resounding. “Somewhere in Between” and “Roots” were among her new tracks. As a nostalgic trip for older fans, she played a stripped-down version of “Oo”, “Indak” and “Tadhana”. She even impressed the crowd when she played koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument, during her set.
When the lights turned off for Ito Kashitaro, the thrill within the crowd was palpable, with everyone cheering and chanting his name. Everyone was taken by surprise when he made his entrance, donning his trademark kitsune mask. The first lines that came out of his mouth were the lyrics for “Gurenge” which was originally performed by LiSA and easily recognized by the crowd as the 1st opening song of the widely popular anime series Demon Slayer. As if in a karaoke, the audience sang along loudly to it.
The first part of his setlist were tracks from anime theme songs including “Silent Minority” (from Trapped in a Dating Sim), “VITA PHILOSOPHICA” (from My Happy Marriage), “Ark of Memories” (from Deca-Dence) and “The Country in the Sun” (from Princess of the Bibliophile). Since the beginning, Ito sang with such passion, that the intensity of his voice reverberated throughout the venue.
“I was looking forward to today because It’s my first time in the Philippines. Being here is something I could only dream about. I want to sing my hardest so that you have a great time,” he said upon introducing himself to the crowd. Before resuming his set, he chimed in, ”Filpino food is very delicious.”
For the second part of his set, he called on guitarist Yoshinori Shibata to accompany him. The acoustic stage was more intimate as his vocals were more raw. As he performed his songs like “Pierrot”, “The Starry Night Promise” and “Life is All About Goodbyes”, fans were delighted to sing along, clap and wave their hands on beat.
A strict no photography and videography rule was implemented throughout the concert. For us Filipinos, it might have been unthinkable, but it is common practice in concerts in Japan as part of basic etiquette. Fortunately, the audience members that night were more than happy to cooperate.
Everyone was just appreciating the music and their moment with the artist as it happened, making the concert all the more immersive and memorable. Ito Kashitaro’s passion for singing was equally matched by the crowd’s uproarious and warm energy that was sustained up to the end of the evening.
He also prepared special gifts for his Filipino fans. “I heard that there’s a song that is cherished in the Philippines,” he mentioned in the middle of his set. He said he tried to memorize the song and asked everyone to sing along with him to the lines ‘lachara chara chara’ which was recognized by the audience as SB19’s ”MAPA”. The lyrics were in Filipino and he sang it remarkably well. Later on, as revealed during the interview, he also shared the stage with Armi Millare for his song “LEATHER COVER” which they both sang flawlessly.
He then performed “Shojo Rei”, and “magic music” and for the encore, “Parabola – Galileo’s Dream”.
“Tonight is one of the best nights of my life! I’ll do my best to return to the Philippines. Please come see me again next time,” he said in appreciation to the crowd. He repeatedly bowed and joyfully expressed his gratitude to everyone present.
“I believe music transcends language barriers. For today’s concert, I hope the Filipino audience can overcome that wall, and that we get to enjoy music together,” Ito Kashitaro said during the press interview when asked about his message to his fans. In more ways than one, he succeeded in doing that. Despite the language barrier, many of his longtime fans were able to sing along with him effortlessly. Even casual attendees were able to have a good time just by experiencing the music live.
Not one, not two, but three shows swept the Philippines as Mayday Parade held three concerts in Manila, Cebu, and Davao and made waves of nostalgia and emo music we love the band for.
Mayday Parade successfully completed three shows with a kick-off concert in Manila where they filled up New Frontier Theater on October 27, 2023.
The Tallahassee, Florida-based rock band with members Derek Sanders, Brooks Betts, Alex Garcia, Jeremy Lenzo, and Jake Bundrick healed yet again the inner emo we all needed healing that night, with hits after hits the band has released for their 18 years in the music industry.
Anywhere But Here
The setlist they played was nothing short of what we expected and even more as the band also made sure that they told us what we meant to them over the years.
“I don’t know what we did to deserve you guys… what an incredible feeling,” vocalist Derek Sanders told the crowd, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard a crowd sing as loud as you guys are singing right now. Thank you so much!”
The band pointed out as well that it has been 5 years since they touched the Philippine shores, pointing out the pandemic that stopped the world and said, “It has been way too long since we got here!”
It has been way too long for a Mayday Parade parade here. To prove their influence and to show off to the world that they still have loyal fans here, the Filipino fans sang over a technical difficulty with the speaker and continued to sing with the band like they were on karaoke and there was no technical turmoil ongoing. The band showed professionalism and didn’t even waver for a second in playing, and the crowd did the same. It was an incredible sight, seeing a musical relationship so solid that no force would interrupt nor stop their bubble of musical exchange.
One of the notable performances of the night was when they slowed down the setlist with Derek Sanders sharing some intimate thoughts he had that he knows the fans can relate to. “I don’t usually talk about my personal life but it’s been difficult for me so this means a lot performing in front of you guys.” He shared and took the keyboard with their drummer Jake for “Three Cheers for Five Years”, one of their oldest songs. One of the best things about a band that has been playing this long is they are harnessing their energy from a source that is deep within each of the band and the fans have gone through over the years. That’s why every song hits hard, even if it’s slowed down and solemn.
“I feel like EMO music is alive in 2023!” That indeed is true as the ensemble continued to sing through the setlist and delightedly pointed out that the band was formed in October 2005. “That’s 18 years ago! To be able to still be doing this, traveling to Manila? Thank you guys for the love.
Bands these days do this small peek-a-boo treat for adults where they tease the fans a little bit and “leave” and then come back for an “encore.” Mayday Parade skipped all that. “This is the part where, maybe we would… you walk off stage and if you guys wanted me to come back and do a couple more. But can we just kinda skip that part and hang out and play two more songs for you guys?” They did and they ended the night on a high with “Jersey” and “Jamie All Over” which put the band on the map.
“This has been an unbelievable experience, thank you so much for the love. Thanks for singing so loud, thanks for being in this room with us. Thanks for supporting live music and rock and roll in 2023! We’re Mayday Parade, we love you all very much. We will come back and see you as soon as we possibly can!” Derek said last as we’re sure they got that Manila bug that will want them to keep on coming back for more. No other crowd in the world is as dedicated and as loud as we are and judging by the full house crowd for the Mayday Parade that night, it shows that no Mom, EMO music is not just a phase; it’s a part of our lives.
Setlist
Oh Well, Oh Well
More Like a Crash
Anywhere but Here
Kids of Summer
If You Wanted a Song Written About You, All You Had To Do Was Ask
When You See My Friends
Piece of Your Heart
Girls
It’s Hard to Be Religious When Certain People are Never Incinerated by Bolts of Lightning
I’d Hate to Be You When People Find Out What This Song Is About
Three Cheers For Five Years
Miserable at Best
Terrible Things
Stay
Kids in Love
Got Me All Wrong
You Be The Anchor That Keeps My Feet On The Ground, I’ll Be The Wings That Keep Your Heart In The Clouds
Dear Heart The Concert reunited one of the most adored love teams in the nation—Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion—back together on the Philippine concert stage, seemingly making the impossible possible.
There were a lot of emotions percolating last October 27 — and even in the days preceding up to the much-anticipated day. For thousands of admirers of Gabby Concepcion and Sharon Cuneta, Dear Heart The Concert was an unbelievable event that they eagerly anticipated and persevered to come true.
Fans of the two superstars filled the SM Mall of Asia Arena. An endearing film showcasing the team-up’s history launched the evening to thunderous applause, contagious enthusiasm, and a hint of anxious tension as soon as the lights went down. Fans were given glimpses into the story that was Sharon and Gabby’s lives behind the scenes by those who were close to the couple and saw their story come to life, such as veteran actress and Sharon’s aunt Helen Gamboa, Vic Del Rosario, the founder of Viva Communication, and their friends Zsa Zsa Padilla and Jackie Lou Blanco.
ShaGab graced the Philippine concert stage, belting out a collection of songs that defined their story on and off screen. Sharon Cuneta, resplendent in her white gown, began the evening with a moving rendition of Lani Hall’s “I Don’t Want You To Go”. Gabby Concepcion performed the timeless song “Kumusta Ka” by Nonoy Zuñiga on stage with Sharon.
Tonight, we will be Gabby and Sharon.
Sharon Cuneta
The popular love duo proceeded with the show, singing songs like “Kamusta Ka?” by Rey Valera, “P.S. I Love You” by Sharon Cuneta, and “Never Ever Say Goodbye” by Nonoy Zuñiga. The event was made more enjoyable by Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid, who joined ShaGab on stage for an interview and performances of “Nandito Ako” by Ogie Alcasid and “One More Try” by Kuh Ledesma.
Then, Sharon Cuneta performed a medley of official soundtracks from her projects, including “Maging Sino Ka Man,” “Kahit Konting Pagtingin,” “Pangako,” “Bituing Walang Ningning,” “Mahal Mo Pa Ba Ako,” “Ngayon at Kailanman,” and “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas,” in honor of her works and the people she has collaborated with over the years, alongside Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos, and Jeremy Glinoga.
When he performed “Mula Sa Puso,” “Iisa Pa Lamang,” “Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal,” “Manila,” and “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko,” Gabby Concepcion unleashed his inner performer.
Sharon then made a comeback to the stage, performing “Bakit Ikaw Pa Rin,” “Sa Hirap at Ginhawa,” and “Pati Ba Pintig Ng Puso.” She and Gabby were reunited in “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako”. When the two played “Dear Heart,” the official soundtrack of the film that launched ShaGab, nostalgia permeated the MOA Arena even more.
KC Concepcion, who also narrated the VCRs, joined her parents on stage, and warmth swept over the audience. The family’s reunion for the momentous occasion was touching, as it marked not only a turning point for the Philippine entertainment industry but also for Sharon, Gabby, and KC, who all confessed that they had hoped and prayed for it to happen.
We never stopped loving you. You were never the problem.
Sharon to KC
The mother-daughter duo sang “Ikaw” by Regine Velasquez before the trio performed “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder. KC also sent her parents sincere messages expressing her appreciation and affection for them both. “Para po itong isang panaginip talaga. I was sitting with the audience and I just thanked God, I thanked the Lord na nagkaroon tayong time na ganito,” said KC.
You both are my Dear Heart.
KC Concepcion to Sharon and Gabby
Sharon and Gabby sang the iconic tunes “Tayong Dalawa” and “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko.” Overwhelmed with appreciation for the unwavering support they have received from their fans, the duo took the stage once more to delight the crowd before calling it a night and wrapping up Dear Heart The Concert.
The Dear Heart The Concert served as a monument to the thousands of fans who waited patiently for years for the reunion of their cherished love team, Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion. The euphoria that greeted the announcement was further reinforced by the passionate support that made it possible for an arena filled with the capacity to see the reunion of the love team that embodied a generation. The stories that followed were replete with exuberant recounting of the history that was made and the memories that were formed that evening, even as the concert came to an end.
Dear Heart The Concert is produced by NY Entourage Productions and WEU Events Management Services. Presented by InLife, MWell, and BingoPlus. Co-Presented by Philippine Airlines, Okada Manila (Official Residence Manila), NUSTAR Resort and Casino (Official Residence Cebu), and LBC Express, in cooperation with Aboitiz, Katinko, McDonald’s, and Aivee.
Special Thanks to AsiaPrime, Botejyu, Mandarin Sky, SM MOA Arena, and SM Tickets (Official Venue). Media Partners are Philippine Star, Inquirer.net, POP, Bandera, Cebu Daily News, Philippine Concerts, Home Radio 97.9, 106.7 DWIZ News FM (Cebu), Win Radio Manila, and Win Radio Cebu.
American R&B singer Brent Faiyaz will embark on his first Asia tour in January 2024.Faiyaz will be coming to Asia armed with his latest album, 2022’s Wasteland – the follow-up to his well-received debut, Sonder Son, which dropped in 2017.
It’s A Wasteland Tour will kick off in Tokyo on January 24th, followed by Seoul, Manila, Hong Kong and Singapore. The Manila stop of his Asia tour will take place at the New Frontier Theater on January 28. Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the exclusive Live Nation Philippines Pre-Sale on Monday, November 6 from 10 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. (local time). Register for presale access at www.livenation.ph. The general sale will start Tuesday, November 7 at 12 p.m. (local time) via SM Tickets.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit livenation.asia and livenation.ph.
IT’S A WASTELAND TOUR IN ASIA The Garden Hall, Tokyo – January 24 Myunghwa Live, Seoul – January 26 New Frontier Theater, Manila – January 28 Rotunda 2 Kitec, Hong Kong – January 30 Capitol Theatre, Singapore – February 1
ABOUT BRENT FAIYAZ
Twenty-seven-year-old Maryland crooner Brent Faiyaz plans on living forever with his introspective yet relatable lyrics. He slinks between heroism and villainy like bushes in a wooded path; as do we all, since the cocky heartbreaker and vulnerable repentant are usually one and the same. Growth is walking along a twisted path through the darkness, but with Brent as your witty companion, you won’t know where you will end up.
After the success of the F*ck The World in 2020 and a huge collaboration year in 2021 with Tems, Drake, Tyler The Creator, Baby Keem & Meek Mill, Brent made history with his 2022 album Wasteland. The RIAA Platinum album marks the highest-ever chart position for an independent R&B artist for its #2 debut on the Billboard Top 200, and it features RIAA 2x Platinum singles “Dead Man Walking” and “Gravity ft. Tyler, The Creator” as well as RIAA Platinum single “Wasting Time ft. Drake & The Neptunes.” Its latest single “All Mine” hit #1 on Urban Radio, marking Brent’s highest showing on the chart. Brent was nominated for the 2022 AMAs and Soul Train Awards and is nominated for the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Brent’s catalog has surpassed 4 billion streams.
The longest-running metal festival in Southeast Asia returns! And in true PULP-style, the musical mayhem is only getting bigger, louder, and better for Filipino fans of true hard rock and metal.
Dubbed PULP Summer Slam XX: Worlds Collide, the event – which happens next year on March 23rd, 2024 at the famed Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City- not only aims to keep the fine tradition of delivering the best artists the genre has to offer, but also to continuously elevate the overall concert experience for rock fans, through an impressive display of lights, sound, and perks like exclusive meet n’ greet packages for diehard aficionados.
PULP Summer Slam XX boasts of an all-international lineup of 10 internationally acclaimed bands coming from all corners of the globe: from Italy, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE will be delivering a frighteningly impressive set of symphonic and technical death metal, while Sau Paolo Brazil’s CRYPTA is an all-female death metal outfit that has been making waves in the worldwide metal community. From Seoul, South Korea, genre-bending all-female rock outfit ROLLING QUARTZ will surely add a healthy dose of both sonic and visual candy to the lineup, and Japan’s PROMPTS are raising the flag for melodic heavy metal. And from various cities of the United States, bands like LA DISPUTE (a post-hardcore group from Grand Rapids, Michigan), FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY (a New Jersey-based deathcore band), OF VIRTUE (metalcore from Lansing, Michigan) will be bringing various sounds and styles with their unique takes on the subgenres under the heavy metal umbrella, including show co-headliners like metalcore cult legends CODE ORANGE and modern punk rock band STORY OF THE YEAR, a surefire favorite that emerged and quickly rose to worldwide popularity during the early part of the millennium.
Headlining the festival to bring the metalcore thunder from down under is PARKWAY DRIVE, arguably one of the biggest Australian underground metal bands the world has ever seen. Hailing from Byron Bay, New South Wales, the band – featuring vocalist Winston McCall, guitarists Jeff Ling and Luke Kilpatrick, bassist Jia O’Connor, and drummer Ben Gordon – Parkway Drive is definitely anticipated by many fans, as this would be their second time in the country, the first show being 12 years ago in 2011 which was also produced by PULP Live World.
“I had thought of ending PULP Summer Slam on its 20th year but I’ve changed my mind… metal shall live,” PULP Live World Productions CEO Vernon Go simply shared, when asked for his thoughts about the upcoming event. Himself a heavy metal fan, he and PULP Live World have been responsible for bringing in the biggest names in the genre over the past two decades, like Megadeth, Lamb of God, ArchEnemy, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Death Angel, Killswitch Engage and many, many more – bands that no other company would dare to touch or invite to the Philippines.
Without a doubt, PULP Summer Slam still holds its rightful reputation as being the most legitimate metal festival for Filipino fans since its first installment in the year 2000. It has become an annual mecca of sorts, where fans from all over the country – and the world – gather to celebrate and support both artists and each other to keep the flame of the worldwide heavy metal scene burning bright.
Tickets to PULP Summer Slam XX: Worlds Collide go on sale worldwide on October 31st, 2023 at 10 am PH time via PULP Tickets, SM Tickets, and TicketNet outlets and online. PULP ROYALTY Tickets will only be available through pulptickets.com or by emailing royalty@pulp.ph. So be sure to spread the word and raise them horns! PULP Summer Slam is back! See you at the Slam!
For more information and updates, keep tuned in to PULP Live World social media pages and pulp.ph.
Surreal and superb, The Corrs defied time with their intoxicating tunes!
22 years after their last concert, the Irish family band, The Corrs, returns to the Philippines for a sold-out two-day concert at the Araneta Coliseum last October 21 and 22.
While it was a dreamlike reunion, the concert did not just highlight the classic concert stage of The Corrs. The Filipinos at the event also had their own concert moments singing along with the group’s hit songs.
Setting the mood right, Andrea, Sharon, Caroline, and Jim engrossed the crowd with a fascinating stage of “Only When I Sleep,” “Give Me A Reason,” and “Summer Sunshine“.
HAPPENING NOW: It's a night of sweet music nostalgia here at #TheCorrsinMNL2023!
Greeting the enthused fans, The Corrs sincerely thanked the faithful fans who were as ardent as when they met them over two decades ago.
“Mabuhay Manila! Magandang Gabi. Masaya kaming makabalik dito! (Hello, Manila! Good Evening. We are happy to be back!) We are so happy to be back here. It’s been quite a while like over 20 years. The welcome you gave us was unforgettable.”
On a business to charm their fans, Andrea promises an amazing night of reminiscing the good old times.
From taking the audience on a trip down memory lane remembering old crushes and flames in “What Can I Do,” “Don’t Say You Love Me” and a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Little Lies”.
Showcasing their unique musical prowess, Andrea, Sharon, Caroline, and Jim had gifted concertgoers with “Little Wing,” “No Frontiers,” “Ellis Island” and “Haste to the Wedding.”
They also awed the crowd with their rendition of “Joy of Life” and “Toss the Feathers. It was a fusion of delightful rhythms with the sibling musicians playing their respective instruments.
Coupled with the energy of the lively crowd, the concert hit a spree of exciting highs when the band belted fan favorites “Radio,” “Queen of Hollywood,” and “Dreams”.
Reaching the final stage of the concert, the siblings unite with the crowd in bringing the best of “I Never Really Loved You Anyway” and “So Young”.
Aside from transporting the eager audience to the group’s throwback hits, The Corrs also took them to remember some of their best youth moments.
Making sure the concert night remains a core memory for the fans who love them dearly, The Corrs summoned the power of music and brought everyone to remember their fondest young love memories on their “Runaway” stage.
Capping off the splendid evening was an electrifying stage of “Breathless”.
All throughout the concert, The Corrs and their cherished Filipino fans communicated by sharing beautiful music together.
Remarkably, just as the songs signify the decorated career of The Corrs; their music holds special meaning as soundtracks to the best times of their fans when they were young.
Attention, Manila! Spotify is bringing the KALYE X Concert to Manila – FREE for Spotify users*
After electrifying the Queen City of the South where Bisaya Hip-Hop royalties Midnasty and Cookie$ unveiled their Spotify Single ‘Wa Na Wa’, and igniting the hip-hop scene in Davao with Mindanao-raised hip-hop collective Morobeats and their hit ‘Kendeng’, the Spotify’s KALYE X concert series is now heading to its grand finale in Manila.
The KALYE X Manila concert will star hip-hop legend Gloc-9, together with rising lyricist Ramdiss and flow master Hero, where they will unveil the final track of the three first-ever original Filipino hip-hop Spotify Singles as part of KALYE X. Dedicated to fostering collaborations between artists, fans, and the community, Spotify KALYE X spotlights the unique flavor, depth and diversity of Pinoy hip-hop.
Manila, mag-ingay!
In partnership with Wish 107.5, Spotify’s KALYE X Manila concert is set to rock Circuit Event Grounds Makati on 28 October 2023 (Saturday). And here’s the best part: entrance is absolutely free! To join the hip-hop celebration, you must be 18 years old and above, and have the following: your pre-registration QR code, your Spotify account, and a valid photo ID with your birthdate. Make sure to follow the Kalye Hip-Hop playlist, too!
Gates will open at 4:00 PM for Spotify Premium users, giving them an exclusive sneak peek at the artist soundcheck, while free users can start entering the venue at 5:30 PM. The night promises exciting performances by Gloc-9, Hero, and Ramdiss, plus a line-up of other activities to keep the energy flowing:
Kalye City Xypher (16 Bars Challenge) hosted by Rekta sa Kalye
Live Graffiti by Trip63
Exclusive KALYE X merch giveaways to 10 lucky winners!
Meet and greet opportunity with Gloc-9, Hero, and Ramdiss (for Spotify Premium users only)
Don’t miss the grand finale of KALYE X in Manila, and join us in celebrating Pinoy hip-hop. Visit the #SpotifyKalyeX Manila event page for more information and stay tuned for exciting updates. And be sure to tune in to the Kalye Hip-Hop playlist for more exclusive content and all the very best of Pinoy Hip-Hop.
Note: The event is for Spotify users aged 18 and above only.
The Mall of Asia Arena was illuminated in vibrant shades of pink, green, and aqua on October 13 as three prolific K-Pop acts — Hyoyeon, Yugyeom, and Taemin came together for K-Magic Live.
Hyoyeon of Girls’ Generation graced the stage with electrifying dance anthems, including “Picture,” “Deep,” “Second,” and “Dessert.” Known for her exceptional dance skills, she showcased her precise and energetic moves. Hyoyeon’s first visit was way back in 2015 when she joined Girls’ Generation for the Best of Best in the Philippines concert. Most recently, she was here in 2020 for a DJ set at House Manila. KMagic marked the first time her fans had the pleasure of seeing her perform her solo releases live.
Given the rarity of her visits, the audience didn’t let her belated birthday pass unnoticed, serenading her with warm wishes. Hyoyeon reciprocated the love, engaging in cheerful banter with the crowd. When asked by host Denise Laurel about a place she wanted to visit in the Philippines, a fan playfully shouted, “Sa bahay namin [to my house]!” which sparked laughter throughout the venue. In response, Hyoyeon promised, “Tonight I’m going back and I don’t have enough time but next time, I’ll make sure that I have enough time to visit your house.”
For her final performance with “Sober,” Hyoyeon took on her singer persona, focusing on a more intimate stage sans choreography, as she gracefully moved around, leaving her fans with a lasting memory of the evening.
Yugyeom charmed his way into everyone’s hearts with his effortless cool demeanor. His setlist was the most extensive, featuring a total of 12 tracks, including his latest release, “LOLO,” and an unreleased single titled “Always Ready.”
He amped up the energy during the final segment of his performance, joining his dancers for a string of hard-hitting tracks “Hard Carry,” “119,” and “Who You,” which involved numerous water bottles being sprayed on fans and even on Yugyeom himself.
The GOT7 singer moved around the stage, wowing with his seamless dance moves, boyish charm, and coy smiles. In a gracious moment, he expressed gratitude to his fans as well as that of his fellow headliners. For those who may have been unfamiliar with Yugyeom before the concert, he certainly left an indelible impression and won them over that day.
Taemin’s debut solo performance in the country made him the undeniable star of the show. His magnetic presence had fans following his every move, running after wherever he was on stage. From sultry to edgy to deeply emotive, he effortlessly transitioned through hits “Move,” “Criminal,” and “Idea.” To add a twist, he embraced a different mood with the ballad “Hypnosis” before concluding his set with “Advice.”
Hailed as the “idol of idols,” Taemin shared his appreciation for the artists who look up to him, recognizing their inspiration much like he has drawn from others throughout his career. He also made it known how much he cherishes his fans, saying “Shinee World is my pride”.
Taemin requested fans to support his upcoming solo comeback, “Guilty,” slated for release on October 30. He described the track as “real spicy” and teased a few seconds of the melody. He also revealed plans for upcoming schedules, promising fans something to look forward to in the coming days. Beyond the horizon, he announced he would love to return with the rest of Shinee if the opportunity opens.
K-Magic Live marks OctoArts’ first foray into K-Pop concert production, and it’s clear that there’s room for growth in future events. Still, each act brought its own color to the stage – Hyoyeon invited the audience to dance with her, Yugyeom provided a laid-back vibe, and Taemin offered a mesmerizing audiovisual spectacle. The prevailing sentiment was that their performances left audiences wanting more, and they were always welcome to return for longer sets.
Words by Marijo Endriga
K-Magic Live was presented by OctoArts Entertainment. Special thanks to OctoArts Entertainment for the invitation.
LONG AWAITED NEW ALBUM, PORTALS, DEBUTED AT #2 ON BILLBOARD 200 — MARTINEZ’S THIRD CONSECUTIVE BILLBOARD 200 TOP 10 ALBUM AVAILABLE NOW VIA ATLANTIC RECORDS
Multi-platinum alt-pop phenomenon Melanie Martinez will embark on her first Asia tour in January, bringing her worldwide PORTALS Tour to Asia. The tour will kick off on January 19 in Tokyo, followed by Seoul, Manila, and Singapore.
The PORTALS Tour – which will see Martinez exclusively performing as the otherworldly new creature rebirth of her alter ego “Cry Baby” – just played to completely sold-out venues across North America, and hits Mexico, Europe, and the UK over the next few months.
The PORTALS Tour celebrates the recent arrival of Martinez’s blockbuster new album, PORTALS, available now in an expanded deluxe digital edition featuring three additional new tracks HERE. The album became Melanie’s highest charting debut on the Billboard 200 upon its release earlier this year, arriving at #2 – Martinez’s third consecutive Billboard 200 Top 10 album debut.
PORTALS includes the hit singles, “VOID” and “DEATH,” both of which made history as Martinez’s first original songs to debut on the Billboard “Hot 100.” “DEATH” is joined by a cinematic companion video – directed, conceived, and costume designed by Martinez herself – which trended at #1 on YouTube’s Trending “Top Music Videos” chart and now boasts over 31M official views. The song was first teased with a series of eerie clips revealing the rebirth of Martinez’s character “Cry Baby,” quickly sparking a frenzy of theories and garnering over 115M views across all socials. The track and its compelling companion visual earned praise from the likes of Billboard, which raved, “The avant-garde pop auteur creates bold, expansive worlds with each project…While the dramatic five-minute track can be connected to her artistic reawakening, the kinetic drums and electronic elements will also make listeners feel reborn, too.”
MELANIE MARTINEZ: PORTALS ASIA TOUR will take place at the World Trade Center on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Live Nation Philippines’ members can secure tickets first during the exclusive LNPH Pre-Sale on Wednesday, October 18 from 10 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. local time. Register for presale access at livenation.ph. General sale will start Thursday, October 19 at 12 pm local time at www.smtickets.com and SM Tickets outlets. For details and ticket information, visit livenation.ph.
ABOUT MELANIE MARTINEZ
Melanie Martinez is a multi-platinum, 14 billion-streaming alt-pop phenomenon. Her newest release, Portals, is her highest-charting album to date with a Billboard 200 #2 debut. The album features the official first single “Void,” written and produced by Martinez, along with “Death,” her first original song to debut on Billboard’s Hot 100 and her biggest first-week streams to date.
Portals marked the 28-year-old singer-songwriter-filmmaker’s first full-length release in nearly four years, following her 2.4 billion-streaming, RIAA Gold-certified second album, K-12. A sensation upon its release, K-12 entered the Billboard 200 at #3, debuting at #1 on the Alternative Album chart and #1 on the Soundtrack album chart. Hailed by Forbes as “a perfect conceptual album in the streaming age,” K-12 also served as a soundtrack companion to an eerily enchanting musical film written, directed, and starring Martinez, debuting as the sixth highest-grossing film in the U.S. on the day of its September 3, 2019, theatrical release, with one-night-only screenings in over 425 cinemas in 32 countries. It now boasts over 113 million views on YouTube.
Martinez truly set forth on what has proven a remarkable creative journey with her 2015 debut album, Cry Baby, amassing over 6.5 billion worldwide streams along with 2x RIAA Platinum certification. Martinez continues to bring her vision to an array of diverse enterprises and has also shown herself to be an unforgettable live performer via sold-out headline tours and festival performances around the world.
The Iconic Love Team returns to the spotlight in a threefold spectacle!
The echoes of fervent fan wishes have been heard, and the result is nothing short of cinematic magic. This year, the Philippine entertainment industry will witness a historic moment as Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion reunite for “Dear Heart 2023.” This is monumental since it has been in fans’ dreams for years.
Spanning decades, the bond between Sharon and Gabby, both on and off-screen, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Their return to the stage symbolizes not just a reunion of two of the country’s most iconic stars, but the coming together of a nation longing for this nostalgic moment.
A Three-Part Celebration of a Legendary Pair
The centerpiece of this spectacular reunion, a grand concert, is set to take place at the SM MOA Arena on October 27, 2023. The electric atmosphere of the evening promises heartwarming performances, reminiscent melodies, and an experience that will take many down memory lane.
While the main attraction is undeniably the reunion of Cuneta and Concepcion, Dear Heart The Concert will also feature a lineup of special guests to be announced in the coming weeks, adding excitement and anticipation to the already star-studded event.
But the magic doesn’t end there. This concert is just the beginning.
A special VIP Night, set against the backdrop of the dazzling Okada Manila’s Grand Ballroom, will occur on October 30, 2023. This will be a golden opportunity for fans to revel in an exclusive ambiance, sharing unforgettable moments with the legendary duo.
For fans in the South, “InLife’s Dear Heart in Cebu” is slated for November 17 at the NuStar’s Convention Center. This ensures that the legacy and magic of the Sharon-Gabby tandem touches every corner of the country.
Secure Your Seat in this Historic Love Team Reunion
Dear Heart 2023 stands as a testament to the lasting legacy of Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion, and to the fans that have stood by them through the years. Together, let’s go head over heels as we relive and rekindle the emotions we all had watching the love team.
For Dear Heart The Concert on October 27, 2023, at SM MOA Arena, more seats were added! Tickets can be purchased at SM Tickets Outlets Nationwide or through www.smtickets.com.
For Dear Heart VIP Night on October 30, 2023, at Okada Manila, secure your tickets from the Dear Heart Ticket Booth at Okada Manila or connect with the NY Entourage Productions team through these numbers: 0977 081 1006 (Globe) and 0999 909 7610 (Smart).
To secure your tickets for InLife’s Dear Heart in Cebu on November 17, 2023, at the NuStar Convention Center, reach out to Cathy Ngo at 0999-1084162 or 0917-1777469, Beatriz Cabahug at 09257771843, or NY Entourage Productions at 0977 081 1006 (Globe) and 0999 909 7610 (Smart).
Stay Updated with Dear Heart 2023
Further details will be announced through our official channels and social media handles:
Facebook: Dear Heart 2023
Instagram: @DearHeart_2023
Twitter: @DearHeart2023
Join the conversation using: #DearHeart2023 #DearHeartConcert #DearHeartVIPNight #InLifeDearHeartCebu #ShaGabMegaReunion
Dear Heart The Concert is produced by NY Entourage Productions and WEU Events Management Services. Presented by InLife, MWell, and BingoPlus. Co-Presented by Philippine Airlines, Okada Manila (Official Residence Manila), NUSTAR Resort and Casino (Official Residence Cebu), and LBC Express, in cooperation with Aboitiz, Katinko, McDonald’s, and Aivee. Special Thanks to AsiaPrime, Botejyu, Mandarin Sky, SM MOA Arena, and SM Tickets (Official Venue). Media Partners are Philippine Star, Inquirer.net, POP, Bandera, Cebu Daily News, Philippine Concerts, Home Radio 97.9, 106.7 DWIZ News FM (Cebu), Win Radio Manila, and Win Radio Cebu.
Dear Heart VIP Night is Co-Presented by Okada Manila (Official Residence Manila).
InLife’s Dear Heart in Cebu is Co-Presented by NuStar Resort and Casino Cebu (Official Residence Cebu).
Against the Current has found a home on the Philippine stage as they have returned to the country for the sixth time, delighting Filipino rock fans with another world tour, Nightmares and Daydreams last October 8, 2023, at SM North EDSA Skydome, presented by PULP Live World.
Against the Current, which consists of Chrissy Costanza, Daniel Gow, and Will Ferri, seems to have a Pinoy bug fever that they can’t get enough of and that their fans can’t get enough of either. They had to return and not miss the Philippines as their stop.
Legends Never Die
A tour-hour-long concert took the place of a setlist by Chrissy Costanza, Daniel Gow, and Will Ferri, along with their touring bassist David Whitmore, who played their most popular and nostalgic songs plucked from their decade-long discography under an incredible rock atmosphere that embraced both the band and the crowd.
An electrifying playlist ensued, while the band interacted with the crowd, who to their surprise, found fans who had been present since their first show in the country.
“How are you doing Manila? It’s been a while since we’ve been here, 5, 6 years?” recalled their vocalist Chrissy. “I think I was 17 when I came here the first time!” She talked to a fan on the barricades who mentioned they were only 15 when the band came here and it’s evident that the band has formed a solid fanbase in the country with fans who never miss an attendance whenever they bless Manila with their music.
A playful banter throughout the night took place with the band and the fans, and a switch up with the band’s drummer, Will played an acoustic guitar with the song “‘Chasing Ghost.”
A notable stage was when they played, “Legends Never Die” as their encore opening, easily being their most popular track, the anthem for League of Legends Worlds 2017, and currently the game’s most played original anthem track.
Check out the full ‘Nightmares & Daydreams’ setlist here:
“good guy”
Wildfire
again&again
jump
Strangers Again
Personal
Running with the Wild Things
blindfolded
silent stranger
lullaby
Paralyzed
Another You (Another Way)
Roses
Almost Forgot
Chasing Ghosts
Voices
Gravity
Wasteland
that won’t save us
Legends Never Die
weapon
Will the Against the Current come back? If they came back the 6th time, what would stop them from coming the 7th time, especially with the Pinoy crowd’s always on-another-level concert energy, never failing to leave a mark on any artist’s memory in every concert stop? The fans sang along, jumped along, lost themselves on important high moments, and sang back to ATC when they were asked to sing along to the song “weapon”, their closing song, to sing the song back to the band, with a promise they will never give up. Enough motivation to go on your daily lives? We daresay it is.
Words and Photos by Arielle Elep
The AGAINST THE CURRENT ‘NIGHTMARES & DAYDREAMS’ 2023 World Tour in MANILA was presented by PULP Live World. Special thanks to PULP Live World for the invitation.
Niall Horan returns to the Philippine concert stage for the Manila leg of The Show: Live on Tour!
Niall Horan heads back to Manila in 2024, bringing his third concert tour, The Show: Live on Tour, to his Filipino fans on May 13, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. More details on the seat map, VIP packages, and ticket purchase guidelines will be announced by Live Nation Philippines.
Tickets to the concert will go on sale on the following dates:
Fanclub Pre-sale: October 16, 3PM-11:59PM
LNPH Pre-sale: October 17, 3PM-11:59PM
General On Sale: October 18, 3PM
The Irish singer-songwriter is super pumped to bring his brand new tour to his Filipino fans as it will mark his return to the local concert scene since his Flicker World Tour in 2018.
Along with his tour, Niall will also bring new songs to the stage. Following the release of his debut album, Flicker, Niall has been on fire, releasing hit after hit with his latest album, The Show, making waves on various music charts in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among others. You can jam out to awesome tunes like “Slow Hands”, “Nice To Meet Ya”, and “This Town”, and from his latest album, “Heaven” and “Meltdown”.
Niall Horan was also a part of the legendary One Direction, selling over 80 million records and touring like crazy. Now, with The Show, he is taking his career to a whole new level and he’s ready to give his amazing fans a show they’ll never forget. Get ready for some pop, rock, and folk vibes because this is gonna be one epic concert!
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