AltG Records’ Baguio-based singer-songwriter Plume bares his soul and emotions in his second single “Panggap,” set to release this August 30 on digital platforms worldwide. The track explores the theme of masked emotions and the quest for genuine happiness.
The inspiration behind “Panggap” stems from the story of an individual struggling and pretending to be happy. Plume explains, “The main inspiration for the song is about someone who’s trying to pretend to be happy. While he is pretending, he’s trying to find someone to pretend with, and as they go on with their lives and journey, they eventually learn to be happy together without having to pretend.”
A personal experience also influenced the creation of Plume’s track. “There was a day when I was having a bad day, and I was talking to someone who was also feeling down. Instead of telling her I was also in a bad mood, I pretended I was fine and just tried to cheer her up so that at least one of us would feel better.”
One of the most striking lines from “Panggap” is “Tumawa ka lang, ngumiti ka lang na tila wala nang bukas pa.”
“I wanted the listener, or in this case, the person in the story, to just be happy. You don’t have to pretend. Just be happy. If you can smile, just smile. Live your life to the fullest, as if it’s your last day to be happy. So why not do it right now?,” says Plume.
Through the song, he hopes to inspire listeners to embrace their true emotions. “I hope that those who are pretending to be someone they’re not or hiding their true feelings, that when they listen to this song, will be inspired to be true to themselves. If you’re sad, cry. If you’re happy, laugh. I hope this song encourages people to be honest with their emotions,” he ends.
“Panggap” will be available on all major streaming platforms starting August 30.
If you’re a regular in EDSA, then for sure you have caught a glimpse of the dazzling Nadine Lustre in a stunning golden dress. Her elegance is captivating, reaffirming why she truly deserves the title of El Presidente!
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing – Nadine’s message, “Are you ready to play, sing, and dance?”
It had our team guessing about Nadine’s next move. “Based on her message and the look of the clip, one idea is that Nadine is releasing a new hit with a playful vibe soon!”
One thing’s for sure – Nadine is brewing something BIG, and we’re on the edge of our seats waiting for the reveal!
Have you heard any whispers about this #NadinePlaySingDance? Share your thoughts and let’s unravel this mystery together! #NadineHasSpoken
After her bubbly debut single “Just Enough” in 2021, Sparkle artist Mikee Quintos returns with a new single under GMA Playlist, “Senyales,” now available on digital platforms worldwide.
“Senyales” explores the uncertainties of a blossoming relationship, drawing inspiration from the singer-actress’ real-life romance with her current boyfriend, Paul Salas. The song’s cover art is based on a real photo of them before they officially became a couple.
Mikee dedicates the song to him, especially the titular lyric “Ilang senyales pa ba?” as she recalls how long it took Paul to realize that the feelings were mutual.
“Minsan kasi ayaw natin sabihin ng diretso, gusto natin mauna sila umamin,” she explains with how girls tend to opt for roundabout confessions of love. “Medyo ang tagal din ng senyales ko kay Paul bago niya makuha na gusto ko na rin siya.”
The singer-actress also hopes to bring back the easy sing-along songs from the 90s and 2000s with the relaxing vibes of “Senyales.” “It’s pop, but not like upbeat pop. It’s relaxed pop. I imagine people listening to it when they drive.” Mikee states that she misses songs anyone can sing from start to end, which she wants to achieve with her new single.
“Senyales” is Mikee’s second single under GMA Playlist. Although she is still a relatively newcomer to the music industry, she admits that the new single is a step closer to the fulfillment she seeks in her music. “I feel more comfortable and relaxed with this song and this genre.”
As a singer, Mikee notes many factors in her songs, such as getting her message across and if she is being heard. “Iba ‘yung naririnig sa pinapakinggan. Pinapakinggan ba ako, gusto ba ako pakinggan?” As a music lover, Mikee hopes her listeners can connect with her songs the same way she does when she listens to other songs.
“Senyales” resonates with people who struggle to express their overwhelming feelings. “Yung hindi nila malabas kaso pumuputok na yung feelings nila with love. Ito yun. This is that song.”
Listen to Mikee’s single “Senyales” on all digital platforms beginning July 26.
For more information about your favorite Kapuso stars, visit www.gmanetwork.com
With a voice that stirs the soul, Sparkle artist Mitzi Josh introduces her debut single under GMA Playlist, “Could Get Used To You.” Now available on digital platforms worldwide, the acoustic ballad feels like an embrace – warm, comforting, and filled with love.
The song captures the feeling of finding someone you can’t imagine life without, making it a perfect addition to a wedding playlist.
“The first time I heard it, sobrang na-in love agad ako,” shares Mitzi. “It’s been a while since I recorded it and I’ve been dying to share it with everyone. I can imagine this song being played at a wedding – that kind of love song.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Rina Mercado, paint a picture of a couple deeply in love and comfortable with each other’s company. Although Mitzi has previously contributed to the soundtrack of GMA’s hit series “Royal Blood” with the song “Balik,” “Could Get Used To You,” is her first official single and Mitzi is more than eager to focus on her music career.
“I’m torn between acting and music, but for now, I want to concentrate on my music. I’m excited to explore different genres and showcase my growth as an artist. I want to join musicals and my dream role is to be ‘Joy’ of ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical.’ I’d also love to try out for international musicals.
Prepare to be swept away with Mitzi Josh’s “Could Get Used To You,” under GMA Playlist, now available on major streaming platforms worldwide.
For more information on your favorite Kapuso singers, visit www.gmanetwork.com
Don’t miss out on the hottest concerts in the city for FREE this August.
Quezon City, August 19, 2024 — Music fans from across the metro are in for quite the treat as Eastwood City announced two exciting concerts hitting the stage this month of August.
On August 21 at 7PM, the Eastwood City Central Plaza will come alive with the electrifying sounds ofLauren Spencer Smith. The British-born artist rose to fame in 2020 as the standout finalist on American Idol and recipient of a Juno Award nomination for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year. Her viral success on TikTok, coupled with the chart-topping single “Fingers Crossed,” solidified her as a must-see artist among music’s hottest rising acts.
The concert fun is not all over as SUD will be having their SUD Anniversary Concert on August 23 at 7PM, at the Eastwood Central Plaza to celebrate the band’s impressive 13-year journey in the Philippine music scene. Known for their dynamic alternative rock sound, SUD has garnered a loyal following with their emotive lyrics and moving performances. Over the years, the band has established itself as a key figure in the local music industry, earning acclaim and adoration from OPM fans across the nation.
Both shows are FREE of charge, giving everyone in the community the chance to check out the entertainment capital of the city’s latest concerts.
Eastwood City, the pioneer township of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Retail Asia Awards Winner for Mall of the Year 2024, stands as the entertainment capital of Quezon City, offering a vibrant mix of residential spaces, world-class retail and dining establishments, dynamic alfresco spaces, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
For more updates on the latest happenings, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call their hotline at 8-462-8888 or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram (@MegaworldLifestyleMalls), and TikTok (@megaworldlifestylemalls).
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Emo Night Manila (ENM) is thrilled to announce its largest emo and pop punk party yet, happening on September 7, 2024, at the Brooklyn Warehouse. The DJ-based dance party will feature anthems from the 2000s, bringing together emo and pop-punk fans for an unforgettable night of music and camaraderie.
In a spectacular collaboration with Emo Night Bangkok, ENM is set to elevate the emo experience to new heights. This marks an exciting milestone as Emo Night Manila continues to grow since its humble beginnings in a small Poblacion bar. What started as an intimate gathering has evolved into one of Manila’s most anticipated events, consistently selling out and now drawing attendees of up to 900 guests.
Following a successful anniversary celebration in June, which saw two full-house shows in Boracay at Exit Bar, ENM’s reputation for delivering electrifying experiences is firmly established. The recent transition from small bar shows to larger events, including one sold-out show at Baked Studios, Makati, underscores emo culture’s lively and enduring appeal in the Philippines.
ENM was born alongside the recent emo revival, with the return of beloved bands like Saosin, Simple Plan, Silverstein, Boys Like Girls, and Fall Out Boy to Manila. The demand for these shows highlighted Filipinos’ undying love for the genre, and Emo Night Manila has since become a cherished space where millennials can relive their teenage years and Gen-Z can experience the excitement of emo culture for the first time.
Emo Night Manila is more than just a party; it’s a welcoming and accepting space where personal expression thrives. Guests are encouraged to dress as casually or as thematically as they wish, with the focus solely on enjoying the music and connecting with fellow fans. The event offers a rare opportunity in Manila to embrace alternative culture and fashion in an open and inclusive setting.
Joining the festivities will be guest DJs Fahmy and Polina from Emo Night Bangkok (@emonightbkk), who will bring their unique flair to the turntables, adding an exciting international twist to the event.
For more details and to secure your tickets, follow Emo Night Manila on Instagram @emonightmanila and visit emonightmanila.helixpay.ph. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible night of music and nostalgia!
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 Productions’ CEO Carlos Candal shared his enthusiasm for the cast, “We know fans have been eagerly waiting for this moment, and we couldn’t 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.” The hit production has been met with widespread critical acclaim since its first staging in 2017. The UK’s Daily Telegraph declared it “The best the West End has to offer”, and US’ New York Times described it as “pure entertainment.”
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
July 12th, 2024 – Canadian pop singer and songwriter JESSIA announces her new EP, ‘Okay With Every Part,’ out July 19th, and releases her new single, “Different People.”
It’s 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 “The Woman You Are”, “Care About Me”, and “He’s a 10”, as well as three brand new tracks.
JESSIA opens up about her first independent project: “Losing 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 didn’t 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, I’m okay with every part.”
Out today, “Different People”, one of the new tracks from the EP, is an emotionally resonant breakup anthem. “It’s about the no-contact stage of a breakup and all the intrusive thoughts that go along with it,” JESSIA explains of the relatable concept behind the song. “This 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.”
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, “I’m not Pretty” 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, ‘How Are You?’, 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 – Today, Toronto-based multi-platinum artist and producer elijah woods reveals his newest single, “2 thousand 10”.
Blending nostalgic pop soundscapes with early aughts rock undertones, “2 thousand 10” 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; “The song’s energetic undertones give it pace and relatability to anyone who has ever wanted to relive their best childhood memories,” says elijah. “We had so much fun writing this song and I think that feeling is reflected in the final version.”
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, he’s 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. “2 thousand 10” arrives on the heels of elijah’s 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 “2 thousand 10” here: elijahwoods.lnk.to/2thousand10
July 12th, 2024 – Fresh from the RADWIMPS WORLD TOUR 2024 “The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace,” singer-songwriter and RADWIMPS frontman, Yojiro Noda, is thrilled to release the new song “LAST LOVE LETTER” from his solo album, ‘WONDER BOY’S AKUMU CLUB’, set for release on September 25. Listen here: https://lnk.to/LASTLOVELETTER
The album is a collection of Noda’s personal story with a total of 13 tracks, including “EVERGREEN feat. kZm”, released this April, which features much acclaimed Japanese rapper kZm and “KATATOKI,” a collaboration track with American rapper J.I.D featured on the game “Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name”. 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 it’s 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 wasn’t 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.”
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 Noda’s 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 “AKUMU-KUN” 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.
“Ano ba talagang mas gusto ko? Ang beer na ‘to o ang pag-ibig mo?” In this case, The Itchyworms can tell you that you can have both.
The Itchyworms will be holding a grand launch of their craft beer on July 13 at the 123 Block, Mandaluyong. The event will also feature live performances by Ebe Dancel, Ciudad, Blaster, The Revisors, and of course, the band themselves.
On June 21, Jugs Jugueta, Jazz Nicolas, Kelvin Yu, and Mikey Amistoso held a press conference over charcuterie, beer, some wine, and lots of laughter. They spoke about the process of creating their craft beer, their plans, and how they kept the band going after all these years.
Beer and/or Pag-Ibig
Staying true to their well-loved hit, The Itchyworms created two beer flavors: BEER and PAG-IBIG. Blonde ale BEER has a bold, fruity taste while Hazy IPA PAG-IBIG has a more floral, bitter taste (yes, exactly like love). PAG-IBIG will also get you drunk sooner with its 6.5% alcohol content compared to BEER’s 5%.
You can enjoy each flavor depending on your preference, but here’s an additional tip from The Itchyworms: Mix them for a unique flavor. They specifically sell the beer in packs of six so people can taste both flavors.
The origin story
It was 2006 when “Beer” became a mainstream hit across the Philippines. When Jazz composed the song, one thing he considered was his father’s advice: “Gumawa ka ng kanta na kahit ‘yung tambay sa kanto masasabayan.” The band’s first album Little Monsters Under Your Bed in 2001, being primarily filled with English songs, did not get as much acclaim as they wanted. He thought that drinking beer was something that the usual tambay could relate to, and the same goes for lots of people. Jazz was not exactly a beer aficionado, but he knew one of the main reasons people drink: love (and its woes). The idea started and grew from there.
Fast forward to 2024: The band was ultimately inspired when they attended a wedding wherein the couple gave cans of beer with customized packaging and flavor. They figured they could also do the same so they contacted Flatfoot Brewing Co., the company that made the beer, and proceeded with making their idea a reality.
Besides, The Itchyworms wanted to do something different than just releasing regular merch like shirts, caps, keychains, etc. In the OPM scene, a few bands have made songs dedicated to beer like Parokya ni Edgar with “Inuman Na” and Teeth with “Laklak”, but none of them has released their own beer yet. They wanted to be the first to do it.
The Cupid vs. Bruce Lee artwork
The artwork on the beer labels was created by Aidon Panlaqui, a longtime collaborator and friend of the band. In line with The Itchyworms’ wacky side, BEER featured a Bruce Lee replica holding a keg of beer while kicking Cupid. PAG-IBIG, meanwhile, had the opposite – Cupid was the one doing the damage.
Legit check!
Will the beer be a limited-edition thing? Will it be sold at groceries and stores nationwide? The Itchyworms’ beer, sold as a six-pack, is currently available in their official online shop. For now, they made 500 cans of each variant “to meet the MOQ (minimum order quantity)”, Kevin said. To pile on the fun, Jugs added that “if they sign the beer package, people could sell it at a higher price on eBay as it is a limited edition item.”
On a more serious note, The Itchyworms’ beer is currently going places. The band has already done trial runs during their gigs at ‘70s Bistro and Saguijo wherein they received favorable reviews. On top of that, Chef Charles Montañez, the brain behind Alegria Manila, reached out to Jugs to express his interest in including The Itchyworms’ craft beer in his next Degustation menu.
Future Plans
Making musicals based on an OPM band’s discography is one of the recurring trends lately (i.e. Parokya’s “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy” and the Eraserheads’ “Ang Huling El Bimbo”. Will The Itchyworms follow the same route? The band replied that there were offers on the table, but none had materialized yet.
They are also set to perform abroad, including Qatar in July and a Canada Tour in November wherein Chino Singson will be joining them. (Chino is the lead guitarist of the band. He migrated to Canada in August 2022, but he remains to be a member of the band.) They are set to release a song titled “Bakit Di Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?” soon.
An upcoming collaboration with Jungee Marcelo is also in the works.
Words of Wisdom
The Itchyworms have been in the industry for more than 20 years, and they have managed to stay together. What is their advice to the young, aspiring musicians?
“Wag na silang tumuloy para mabawasan kalaban namin,” Kevin jabbed.
Jazz gave a heartfelt answer, “Always strive to stand out. Do something that no one else is doing.” Jazz is also mentoring younger talents. His son is part of The Revisors, one of the bands that will be playing during the grand launch.
Jugs shared some advice that Ogie Alcasid told him once. “Think of it like a marathon instead of a sprint,” he said. “Kasi, di naman kami yung best pero kami yung laging andon.” He explained that their consistency in making music together helped in the success of the band.
Kevin added, “ ‘Yung pagbabanda, goes beyond the 40 minutes to the 1 hour that you’re on stage. Kung di mo kasundo yung mga kasama mo, mahirap. Kami, we didn’t start out as good friends but eventually, naging parang pamilya na rin turing namin sa isa’t isa.”
“Kami ni Jazz, best friends. Ewan ko lang sa’yo,” Jugs interrupted him as laughter filled the room.
Mikey also joined the conversation, “Testament din ako diyan kasi may rule sila nag pag may papalit kay Chino, kailangan matalik din nilang kaibigan. Di naman ako magaling pero kinuha pa rin nila ako.” He is also the frontman of Ciudad. He became part of The Itchyworms when Chino migrated to Canada.
—
The Itchyworms are set to hold the grand launch of their craft beer on July 13 at the 123 Block. For only P999, their six-pack beer plus an awesome night of live music for two people. Join the fun and get your tickets at bit.ly/beeropagibig.
HORI7ON’s unstoppable ascent to the global stage continues with their first-ever appointment as brand ambassadors following their debut!
The worldwide speaker company JBL Philippines has selected Group HORI7ON as its brand ambassador.
Members of HORI7ON, Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus, attended the official JBL event “JBL Legendary Sound, Epic Moments” that took place in Cebu, Philippines, on the evening of the 2nd, according to their agency, MLD Entertainment.
HORI7ON expressed their excitement over being chosen as the JBL Philippines ambassadors during the formal announcement. They said, “We are delighted and honored to collaborate with a high-quality brand like JBL. As a group of people who love music, we believe this is a perfect partnership. We look forward to the upcoming exciting and thrilling opportunities with JBL, so please stay tuned.”
HORI7ON, the new faces of JBL Philippines, demonstrated their alignment with the brand by taking part in the ceremonial contract signing and ambassador designation ceremony. Along with performing a range of stages, they share their intense enthusiasm as global rookies by performing songs like “LUCKY” and “SIX7EEN,” which were just released.
First appointed as brand ambassadors following their debut, HORI7ON is anticipated to partake in a range of activities that will indicate their dynamic future pursuits. The public’s curiosity about their inexorable development is growing as they spread their global impact throughout Korea and the Philippines.
It is expected that HORI7ON, having cemented their status as a leading K-POP group in the Philippines, will carry on with their endeavors in a number of domains in the future.
After twelve years of operations, the SM Mall of Asia Arena continues to evolve and maintain its status as home of the biggest events in Manila. Since its grand opening on June 16, 2012, the team behind this “eye-conic” venue continuously delivers unforgettable experiences for everyone.
It has indeed been achievable due to world-class events and employees’ efforts in providing customer service excellence—the DNA that shapes the company’s present growth. As the SM MOA Arena reflects on its 12-year success, the company wants to highlight customer service excellence as its strong foundation.
Going beyond the patrons’ needs and expectations is always a priority at the SM MOA Arena. From staging quality events with partnered clients to assisting attendees with their needs until the show’s end, the team ensures the highest quality of service. As part of the “eye-con,” they consistently step into their customers’ shoes and see their point of view so they can give them the best experience possible.
The SM MOA Arena’s iconic eye-shaped structure symbolizes the vision of holding events that are a “feast for the eye”. It also features the Media Mesh, the giant LED billboard that advertises upcoming events.
A state-of-the-art venue that captivates worldwide audiences
The SM MOA Arena was designed with an eye-shaped facade to deliver the message that all events held will be a “feast for the eye.” The versatile venue can alter its seating layout and center stage to cater to a variety of events, ranging from music concerts, fan meets, sports events, and family shows.
Moreover, the SM MOA Arena is where the eyes of the world witnessed monumental events. From hosting the 2015 Papal Visit and other religious congregations to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Gala Dinner, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit, and other intergovernmental forums for corporate social responsibility (CSR) events like Gabay Guro, the venue makes it possible to hold the most notable events of local and international interest.
As part of the SM MOA Arena’s CSR program, it partners annually with SM Cares and Autism Society Philippines to host the Angels Walk for Autism, with its culminating gathering held at the SM MOA Arena. This year, over 24,000 advocates including esteemed leaders SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans T. Sy, SM Supermalls’ President Steven T. Tan, and SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Marketing Hanna Carinna T. Sy showed support and solidarity for the autism community.
To maintain its world-class standards, the SM MOA Arena has been undergoing a three-year upgrade program of its facilities that started in early 2022. Prior to the hosting of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, SM Prime Holdings (the SM MOA Arena’s parent company) allocated more than US$ 10 million to upgrade key features like its turnstiles, center-hung scoreboard, Media Mesh, PA system, dugouts and back-of-house rooms, spectator seating, internet connectivity, 5G capacity, among others. All these improvements are to ensure it stays ahead of the growing demands of world-class events. Training and personnel improvement programs are also a key focus of the management as they reinforce its customer service excellence.
The SM MOA Arena employees proudly work together to provide excellent customer service to patrons for the final phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Remarkable milestones for the past 12 years
2012: Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way Ball” tour debuted at the SM MOA Arena, which opened a world-class venue for the Filipino people and headlined JLO, Jonas Brothers, David Guetta, Nicki Minaj and Big Bang for the rest of the year.
2013: The SM MOA Arena ensured all efforts were made to host major sporting events such as NBA Global Games (the first and only NBA-sanctioned event in Southeast Asia), FIBA Asia Championships, UAAP Basketball and NCAA Basketball opening, and UAAP Volleyball. International artists Aerosmith, Alicia Keys, Paramore, Linkin Park, Swedish House Mafia, Pitbull, Super Junior, 2PM, and Psy also performed in 2013.
2014: The SM MOA Arena unveiled the Media Mesh—a 700 sqm. LED digital billboard that is considered the first and biggest one in the country. With a promise to showcase world-class shows, the venue headlined BTS, 2NE1, Mariah Carey, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift with the amazing talent of OPM icon, Gary Valenciano’s electrifying “Arise” concert.
2015: The SM MOA Arena welcomed prominent world leaders such as Pope Francis and members of the APEC. The team also ensured the success of the first-ever UFC Fight Night Manila and International Premier Tennis League where world’s tennis icons Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal wowed the crowd. All of these while serving the fans of Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé, Maroon 5, Incubus, Backstreet Boys, Chris Brown, The Vamps, The 1975, and more.
2016: The SM MOA Arena emphasizes its dedication to hosting family shows such as the 2nd Monster Jam Live and Disney On Ice, which played at the venue for the first time. Top-tier fans of Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Selena Gomez, Il Divo, and EXO, enjoyed celebrating with their idols for the rest of the year. Internationally sanctioned FIVB and FIBA competitions were also held during the year.
2017: The SM MOA Arena hosted several international beauty pageants including the 65th Grand Coronation Night of the prestigious Miss Universe competition. Britney Spears, Shawn Mendez, Ariana Grande, Seventeen, The Chainsmokers, and Regine Velasquez were the top billers for the year. Cirque du Soliel and Disney On Ice continue to bring delightful moments for Filipino families.
2018: The year the SM MOA Arena gave homage to parent company SM, which celebrated its 60th anniversary for providing “AweSM” experiences for every Filipino family. It was also the year when Filipino fans witnessed the spectacular two-night performance of Celine Dion, one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Other top billers include Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Katy Perry, Sam Smith, Paramore, Niall Horan, Seventeen, Super Junior, iKON, Winner, and EXO.
2019: Year of proud and long-standing affinity to the SM group, as the SM MOA Arena hosted Blackpink, Twice, EXO, Josh Groban, Maroon 5, Lany, Shawn Mendes, Boyzone, and the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
2020: The SM MOA Arena was repurposed as a mega swabbing facility in partnership with the national government through the Bases Conversion Development Authority and the Philippine Red Cross to contribute to the nation-building mission of helping everyone navigate the global pandemic.
2021: The SM MOA Arena launches the #ArenaSafe program. Guided by international protocols, being safe while enjoying live entertainment and sports events was a consideration for the venue.
2022: Uplifting the venue’s standards to accommodate more events was the goal for the SM MOA Arena after transitioning out of the pandemic bubble. Since then, the venue has hosted over 150 shows, including Lany’s sold-out, five-day concert, as well as global chart-topper Billie Eilish’s first Manila show.
2023: Continuously, the SM MOA Arena strives to be the best when hosting top-tier events such as FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Group and Finals Phase, Volleyball Nation’s League, and Disney On Ice 100th Year Celebration.
Stronger together for a brighter future
After more than a decade, the future looks even brighter for the SM MOA Arena as it welcomes its doors to more versatile events in the coming months and years. For the first time ever in the Philippines in June 2024, the SM MOA Arena assembled the stage for Marvel Universe LIVE!—an action-packed stunt show with cutting-edge special effects and immersive video projection that many families enjoyed!
The SM MOA Arena team, the SM Tickets employees, together with agency-based personnel assemble to provide outstanding customer service and memorable family moments during the two weeklong shows of Marvel Universe LIVE!
The SM MOA Arena’s commitment to delivering unparalleled customer service remains for the second half of 2024. Recently, the team has geared up for the electrifying Men’s Volleyball Nations League and they are now preparing for more exciting K-pop group performances, world-class concerts of Filipino talents, and the sold-out Hillsong Church London Worship event. Come the festive season in the latter part of the year, Disney On Ice will be ready to skate back with a new enchanting show.
The SM MOA Arena and SM Tickets team beamed with pride and joy as they gathered for “Disney On Ice 100 Years of Wonder” in 2023. With their collective effort, they provided magical experiences for families and Disney fans.
Besides having a customer-centric approach, the team’s strength is based on assurance, readiness, efficiency, niftiness, and adaptation. Working together with many hearts and minds, the SM MOA Arena continues to be a strong organization that is always ready to give the best arena experience as they change the game and elevate entertainment for their patrons.
HORI7ON, “in their career high”, sweeps the top spot as “Male Idols Who Shined in the First Half of 2024”!
HORI7ON has been named as the ‘Male Idols Who Shined in the First Half of 2024.’ Forbes Korea, in collaboration with the global fandom platform Idol Champ, held the 6th FKA (Forbes Korea K-pop/K-entertainer Awards) from May 16 to June 12.
In the vote conducted among global K-pop fans, HORI7ON (Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus) clinched the top spot in the ‘Male Idols Who Shined in the First Half of 2024’ category at the 6th FKA.
Despite the fierce competition with 12 other teams that represent K-POP, HORI7ON secured the final victory with an overwhelming vote share of 68.64%, demonstrating their strong fandom and formidable global power.
Formed through the Korean-Filipino joint survival audition program ‘Dream Maker,’ HORI7ON officially debuted last year with their full-length album ‘Friend-SHIP.’ They have been making remarkable strides in the K-pop market since their debut, winning three trophies at local and international music awards and topping global music charts.
Recently, HORI7ON released their first single ‘LUCKY,’ showcasing the fresh high-teen concept, and have been actively promoting it in both Korea and the Philippines. With the addition of the final victory at the 6th FKA, global music fans are eagerly anticipating HORI7ON’s next moves as they continue to reach new career highs.
Meanwhile, HORI7ON, unstoppable with their success, plans to continue their diverse activities.
Photo credit: MLD Entertainment.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
