Due to the incredible response from the Filipino audience, GMG Productions is delighted to announce the final extension dates of Cameron Mackintosh’s globally acclaimed new production of Boublil & Schönberg’s MISS SAIGON in Manila. The production will now run until May 12, 2024 at The Theatre at Solaire.
GMG Productions’ CEO Carlos Candal commented, “We’re beyond thrilled with the excitement and enthusiasm that the Filipino audience has for Miss Saigon, that we’ve now made the decision to extend the production for one more final week. We’re eager to welcome more people to be able to experience the classic production.”
The Miss Saigon Asian Tour is led by Abigail Adriano as Kim, Seann Miley Moore as the Engineer, Nigel Huckle as Chris, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, Kiara Dario as Gigi, Sarah Morrison as Ellen, and Lewis Francis as John.
More Filipinos also join the cast as Manila auditions were held for the role of Tam last January. Local children Anderson Bonita, Keone Buenaluz, Dylan De Ocampo, Enzo Isaac, and Cassidy Lorenzana were chosen to portray the character of Kim’s son on stage.
Miss Saigon has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French lyrics by Alain Boublil, with additional lyrics b Michael Mahler. The new production is directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt. The production design is by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley based on an original concept by Adrian Vaux; costume design by Andreane Neofitou; lighting design by Bruno Poet; projections by Luke Halls; sound design by Mick Potter; and orchestrations by William David Brohn. Music supervision is by Alfonso Casado Trigo and Guy Simpson.
New and final MISS SAIGON show dates have been released and are now available exclusively through TicketWorld. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness MISS SAIGON, landing at The Theatre at Solaire on March 23, and must close on May 12.
The Asian Tour of MISS SAIGON is produced by GWB Entertainment. The Manila season is produced by GMG Productions, co-presented by Union Bank of the Philippines, with Philippine Airlines as the Official Airline Partner. For updates and exclusive announcements, visit www.gmg-productions.com or follow us @gmg.productions.
In 2023, the local music scene witnessed an influx of incredible music and promising artists. Some of these talented new musicians started performing at small venues and gradually made their way up to huge festivals and arenas, providing a glimpse into what the future of Filipino music holds.
Looking ahead to 2024, we can expect the emergence of a new generation of talented artists as Yellow Room Music — led by Monty Macalino (Mayonnaise), one of the most renowned musicians in the Filipino music industry– announces the signing of new artists from various genres. Each artist brings their unique style into the spotlight, promising to make an impact in the music industry.
“Sobrang ganda ng music industry ngayon, sobrang lawak na ng landscape. Napaka swerte ng panahon ngayon because of the digital streaming. Pwede kang kumita sa maraming social avenues at marami na di-discover lalo na mga local acts, nagkakaroon na ng direct collaboration with foreign artists. Now is the time to take advantage of that availability and possibility,” Monty Macalino shared.
Yellow Room Music Philippines was established in 2013 as an independent music label by the Filipino rock band, Mayonnaise. After working with bigger labels for over a decade, the band released their music independently. In 2021, the label rebranded and changed its name to YR Music. The new name was chosen to highlight exceptional talents in the music industry and expand its roster of artists.
“For Yellow Room Music in 2024, we’re definitely releasing more materials for up and coming artists as well as mga artists na meron nang pangalan na ma-solidify pa sa industriya,” Macalino added.
Be on the lookout for these local musicians, ranging from well-known names such as SUD, Autotelic, and FIONA to promising newcomers like Ultraviolet, NaÏV, and Tamara. They are all set to significantly progress in the music industry this year. Step inside their thought processes, then explore Yellow Room Music’s new roster of talents, as each story has a sound all its own.
AUTOTELIC
Autotelic is a popular pop-rock band that has cemented its standing in the local music scene. The band debuted in 2016 with the release of the album “Papunta ‘Pabalik’” under MCA Music, which eventually received a platinum record certification. This success led to the release of their 5-track EP “Takipsilim” in 2018. Both albums received accolades from Awit Awards and Star Awards for Music. In June 2021, Autotelic released their latest single, entitled “Iwan.”
The band was formed in 2012 and consists of Josh Villena (guitars/vocals), Neil Tin (guitar), EJ Edralin (synth), Timothy “Pabs” Vargas (bass), and Gep Macadaeg (drums). Autotelic has become one of the most decorated outfits in the age of social and streaming, replete with citations from mainstream channels (Awit, Myx, Jam 88.3), independent critics (Vandals on the Wall), and even brands (Jack Daniel’s).
SUD
When one of the tracks from SUD’s debut album in 2016, “Sila,” their only Tagalog song at the time, was able to penetrate the mainstream audience – it was one of the first local indie artists to do so. The five-piece act from Metro Manila has released music with genres ranging from alternative soul, alt-rock, indie pop, and alt-pop/ballad. Other hits include “Dumadaloy” (2021), “Baliw” (2019), and ”Di Makatulog” (2017). The band’s current lineup consists of Sud Ballecer (vocals, guitar), Kohl Aguilar (keyboard), Carlos de la Fuente (saxophone), and Raisa Racelis (bass).
FIONA
FIONA’s musical prowess was showcased when they emerged as the overall champion of Sky Cable’s Bikes Boards Bands in 2013, proving their ability to deliver exceptional live performances.
Fast forward to 2024, and the band has just signed a deal with Yellow Room Music, to release their upcoming second EP – a fresh approach with the same distinctive intensity that defines the group.
FIONA is a power-pop alternative rock band established in 2010. They’ve performed with notable Filipino artists and international sensations such as Love Me Butch, Dia Frampton, Tiffany Alvord, and Tanner Patrick. Their hits include “Better Together” (2016), “Panganib,” and “Charades,” paving the way for their self-titled EP album. They’ve also released “Haraya” in 2019 and “Goodbye” in 2022. You may check FIONA’s music here.
ULTRAVIOLET
ULTRAVIOLET recently released a new song called “Paraiso” via Yellow Room Music. When asked about the inspiration behind their new single, Raina, one of the band’s composers, said they wrote “Paraiso” as a reminder that we can take a break from reality and escape to our paradise whenever we need it. “As a writer who sometimes experiences an existential crisis, I wanted to share this message with others. We are all human, and taking care of ourselves is important,” Rayna added.
Hailing from Las Piñas, ULTRAVIOLET comprises Rayna Dane Dela Cruz as the lead vocalist, Emman Ramos as the guitarist, Vesper Gareza as the bassist, Ronn Balmedina as the drummer, and Marco Salvacruz as the keyboardist. The band was formed in November 2022. They describe their music as pop-funk with a touch of psychedelia.
On Feb 23, dive into NaÏV’s latest single with Yellow Room Music, “Ikaw Lang Talaga”– a heartfelt expression of deep love, capturing that moment when you just know someone is ‘the one.’ As described by the synth-pop trio, the song is a musical journey dedicated to those experiencing the early stages of love – where logic takes a back seat, and you find yourself surrendering to the overwhelming feeling of affection. “If you’ve ever wondered why that special someone stands out, ‘Ikaw Lang Talaga’ beautifully encapsulates that sentiment. Let the music speak to the unspoken emotions of love in its purest form, “ the band added.
Naiv’s music is a unique blend of synth-pop characterized by vibrant melodies and hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Based in Metro Manila, NaÏV is a band formed by three talented individuals, Mae, Gynn, and Joe, who came from different backgrounds but shared a common love for music.
TAMARA
Tamara’s career took off at 18 when she won a jingle competition. There, she caught the attention of Champ Lui Pio from the famous rock band Hale. Since then, she has performed at various events and bars, showcasing her skills as a singer and songwriter. In 2019, she debuted with the single “Ngayon,” a love song she wrote when she was 17. Tamara has collaborated with bands like Hale and Soapdish. Tamara is eager to demonstrate her musical talents whenever possible. You may check out Tamara’s songs here.
With her starring role in DAMSEL, an upcoming Netflix original film, Millie Bobby Brown is slowly moving away from the Upside Down while preserving her tight bond with the streaming service.
After her success with the Enola Holmes franchise, the young actress will be making her first Netflix original film, a fantasy film. The streamers’ new sizzle video has given DAMSEL a new poster and a little bit of extra footage as Netflix begins to tease their 2024 lineup of original movies.
DAMSEL centers on Elodie, who discovers herself imprisoned in a cave with a fire-breathing dragon following a shocking betrayal. Elodie accepts that no one is going to be able to save her and knows that she is the only one who can guarantee her own existence.
As Princess Elodie, Millie Bobby Brown takes the lead. Together with her are the following actors: Ray Winstone from The Departed, Ricky Guillart from Dear Earth, Brooke Carter from The Peripheral, Nick Robinson from Jurassic World as Prince Henry, and Angela Bassett from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as Elodie’s stepmother Lady Bayford. Additionally, the actors Sam Sharma (Operation Cobra), Elmano Sancho (Filha da Lei), Erickson Santos Gomes (Quer o Destino), Sonya Nisa (Red Rose), Saif Mohsen (They Cloned Tyrone), and Shohreh Aghdashloo (The Expanse) will all make appearances in different roles.
Are you ready to welcome YoonA back to the Philippines? Save the date, Philippine S♡NEs!
South Korean singer and actress Im Yoon-ah, better known by her stage name YoonA, is set to land in Manila to meet her Filipino fans for YOONA FAN MEETING TOUR : YOONITE in MANILA on March 1, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center, Manila.
Presented to you by SM Entertainment, Fan Connection SEA, Slow Monday Studios, and CNCA, tickets are available at www.slowmondaystudios.com with the following prices:
BLOCK A SVIP: PHP 10,500.00
BLOCK B: PHP 8,500.00
BLOCK C: PHP 6,500.00
BLOCK D: PHP 3,500.00
Ticket holders may enjoy and win a Hi-Bye, signed official poster, signed photocard, an exclusive gift from YoonA, an official poster, or an official photocard depending on the tier that fans will choose.
Catch our shining star who is about to burn brighter as she unites with Philippine S♡NEs! Here’s YoonA’s special message for you all, expressing her excitement to meet Philippine S♡NEs this March.
Luve blossomed beautifully at the SM Skydome as Build Jakapan and his Beyourluve created delightful memories during the actor’s first solo fan meeting in the country!
Build Jakapan, the beloved Thai actor and musician, enchanted Filipino fans with a memorable evening at the SM North Edsa Skydome during his 1st Fanmeeting in Manila. The event, filled with heartwarming moments and surprises, left fans thrilled and touched by Build’s genuine connection with them.
Build kicked off the event with a spirited performance of “Be Your Luve”, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Greeting his fans with the Filipino words “Mabuhay Philippines! Namiss ko kayo!” Build expressed his gratitude, remarking, “Thank you for having me.”
The evening unfolded with captivating segments, beginning with “Biutiful Life,” where Build took his fans on a journey through his past year, sharing cherished moments and insights. From reminiscing about purchasing his beloved bike, “Krila” meaning “Wing,” to expressing his warmth towards Filipino fans, Build’s authenticity resonated deeply.
Amidst cheers, Build shared personal milestones, including the purchase of his new home, and his plans to release “Be Your Luve” in multiple languages, a testament to his global appeal. With humility and humor, Build described his role in Infinity in one word: “POGI”, much to the delight of his fans.
Build performing for his Filipino fans 🫶 He said he was feeling unwell today, but seeing his fans made him feel better 🥹
Despite not feeling well before the fan meeting, Build’s spirits were lifted by the warmth of his fans, showcasing the special bond between him and his supporters. Demonstrating his versatility, Build wowed the audience with a soulful saxophone performance of “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You,” leaving fans in awe of his talent.
Looking ahead, Build revealed his goals for 2024, including filming a new series, made possible by the unwavering support of his Beyourluve fans.
In the segment “Best Biu,” Build shared his aspirations for the year, emphasizing his dedication to his craft and the importance of finding peace and blessings in his career journey.
The “Biusion Board” segment brought touching moments as Build read fan messages and wishes, showcasing the deep connection between him and his devoted fanbase.
Buildtyful by Build tonight here at the SM Skydome 💙
The evening continued with the mesmerizing performance of “Buildtyful,” followed by the interactive game “Super Biu,” where Build showcased his childhood passion for drawing, drawing closer to his fans.
A highlight of the night was the touching PH VCR project, where Build expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his fans, affirming their special place in his heart.
As the night drew to a close, Build surprised his Filipino Beyourluve with a soul-stirring rendition of “Pano by Zack Tabudlo,” leaving fans with hearts full of love and memories to cherish.
Build Jakapan’s 1st Fanmeeting in Manila was more than just an event; it was a celebration of love, talent, and connection, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans, and a promise of more beautiful moments to come.
“Build 1st Fanmeeting in Manila” is presented by CDM Entertainment. Special thanks to CDM Entertainment for the invitation to the event.
Words by Gwyn Marie M. Javier; Photos by Lyka C. Malicdem
CHECK OUT THE FIRST FULL CLIP OF BRIDGERTON’S TWO-PART THIRD SEASON, COMING THIS MAY AND JUNE 2024
It would seem Miss Featherington has spent plenty of time studying the eyes of Mister Bridgerton. One can only question what will ever come of it…
We’re finally getting word from The Ton more than a year and a half after the premiere of Bridgerton Season 2. The third season of the spicy romance drama that is available on Netflix will return this year. Fortunately for us, the program has provided us with an early peek at the upcoming season, which will focus on the relationship between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington.
Bridgerton Season 3 arrives in two parts with Part 1 premiering on May 16th and Part 2 on June 13th.
Today, during the Next on Netflix event, Netflix and Shondaland released a first look at footage featuring Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) from the upcoming third season of Bridgerton.
To learn more about what is in store for this social season, RSVP here for Netflix and Shondaland’s Global Fan & Press Event on February 14 with exciting news from Executive Producer, Shonda Rhimes, showrunner Jess Brownell, author of the original Bridgerton novels, Julia Quinn. They will be joined by cast members Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, and Martins Imhangbe.
Follow the tunnel, into the magical and mystical portals as Melanie Martinez becomes a four-eyed nymph creature that’s stuck between Earth and the afterlife.
Melanie Martinez, who is “back from the dead”, brought her fairyland “Portals Tour” to the World Trade Center last January 23, 2024, and for the first time, the multi-platinum artist performed in the Philippines—presented by LiveNation.
It had been a long time coming but she finally included the Philippines in her Asian leg for the tour, as Filipino Earthlings raised hand banners that said, “We’ve waited nine years for this!” And it was worth it as there were not enough words to easily describe her concert, truly one of a kind.
‘Littlebodybigheart’
Tangled in the spider-web of her indescribable gimmick, the ‘SOAP’ singer, successfully took Manila into her dimension and proved that she was not any other artist in the industry when she put on her fairy mask on stage and committed to it while performing her long-awaited setlist to the Manila stage. As concert-goers, we have seen artists from across the world, but there was no one like Melanie Martinez. She took the ethereal ambiance from the world she envisioned her fairy character lived in while she brought in her uniquely haunted tracks from her ‘Portals’ album and brought them to life on stage. It was a sight. It was a mesmerizing sight. Melanie is an effective storyteller and every song was well-thought-out on how it was going to translate in her theater.
Not only the artist but her band, and her dancers embodied and belonged in her void, as well as her fans. Fans always dress up during concerts; with cute outfits, or a themed colored dress code but the Philippine Earthlings, just like their mother nymph, did not JUST dress up. They came in with elven ears, some with incredible costumes and clothes that matched the Faerie Soiree ball.
The whole setlist brought in surprise after surprise, with visualization from the VCR that matched the songs; even the butterfly confetti that showered the crowd looked incredible. It was also a battle of the larynx with her fans as expected of the Filipino crowd to belt everything from the catalog of their favorite artist. ‘The Contortionist’ star professed her love to the crowd, as she said, “Manila, you’re the best! Thank you so much!”
Overall, the event was a distinctive experience, just like listening to her music which took a whole different direction from her previous works. All her Philippine fans now ask is for the Trilogy Tour, her fifth international tour so they can experience playing in her dollhouse.
Manila, Philippines – Metal heads rejoice! Corey Taylor, the iconic frontman of Slipknot and Stone Sour, is finally coming to Manila and is set to take the stage at the New Frontier Theater on Monday, April 1, 2024!
Known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Corey Taylor is no stranger to metal & rock fans worldwide. With a career spanning over two decades, he has amassed a dedicated global following, and his live performances are nothing short of legendary. Fans can expect an evening filled with his biggest hits, both as a solo artist and as frontman of Slipknot and Stone Sour.
The upcoming concert promises to be a highlight of Manila’s 2024 music calendar, with a setlist that spans Taylor’s illustrious career and showcases his versatility as a musician and entertainer. From chart-topping hits like “Through Glass”, “Duality” and “Before I Forget” to hits from his solo album, “CMFT” and “CMF2”, Corey Taylor is going to deliver an unforgettable night of rock & roll!
Tickets for the Corey Taylor Manila show are now available for purchase through www.InsigniaPresents.com or at any Ticketnet outlets nationwide.
For more information and updates on the event, please visit www.InsigniaPresents.com or follow us on social media @InsigniaPresents
Due to insistent public demand, the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC), or simply Korus, returns to the UP Theater on February 17, 2024 (Saturday) for “Sama-Sama Together Again” — a repeat of their sold-out 60th anniversary show. This year’s show is made more special as past and present UPCC members are singing together to raise funds for various worthy causes. UP Concert Chorus Alumni Association (UPCCAA) President Atty. Dot Gancayco says, “The proceeds will fund the various socio-civic activities of the UPCCAA, the establishment of a formal UPCCAA choir, and help defray the costs of the current UPCC members as they represent the Philippines in their 25th International Goodwill and Cultural Concert Tour in 2024.”
Followers of the beloved university choir will recall that 2023’s “Sama-Sama Together” marked 60 years of the UPCC with tunes of various musical genres such as liturgical, classical, opera, Filipino folk, Broadway and pop, and songs performed in UPCC’s trademark choreographed a capella. Rave reviews poured in with no less than National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab a.k.a. Mr. C describing the concert as “unparalleled.” Mr. C. explains, “Alumni homecomings are a dime a dozen and can wield thousands of participants, but the UPCC is unique. They all sing, move in unison, dance in choreographed splendor and have fun. Pati the audience had fun. And the tradition continues.”
The upcoming concert brings back all six decades of UPCC batches—whose ages range from their teens to their 80s—including singer-comedienne Nanette Inventor, past conductors Dr. Joel Navarro and Dr. Ed Manguiat, and current UPCC conductor Prof. Jai Aracama, among many other illustrious UPCC alumni.
UPCC alumnus Rico M. Mortel, who is directing “Sama-Sama Together Again”, says “This year, we are standing for the continuation of the legacy of excellence and creativity in the next generation of UPCC performers. The alumni will surely return to the stage with the same gusto and enthusiasm, but the current batch will shine even brighter this time around.”
“Sama-Sama Together Again” Concert Chairperson Atty. Shaina Ramirez encourages UPCC friends to buy their tickets early. She says, “The repeat is also for those who were not able to watch last year because the concert sold out three weeks before the show date.”
Direk Rico adds, “This show is really for those folks who missed it (both the audience and the performers) the last time and could not wait for another five years or so to see the UPCC alumni take the stage again. I think it will be even better the second time around.”
For inquiries about “Sama-Sama Together Again,” contact Lowell Reyes at 09228050471 or email upccalumniassociation@gmail.com. For updates about UPCC, like and follow the UP Concert Chorus Facebook page.
A Killer Paradox presents the story of an ordinary man, who finds himself killing evildoers, and a detective tenaciously in pursuit of him. The main key art shows the contrast between Lee Tang (Choi Woo-Shik) and Jang Nan-gam (Son Suk-Ku) at a homicide scene. Lee looks horrified, standing under the rain while holding the hammer he used to commit his first murder. Detective Jang examines the murder scene, hinting at the tense events that will soon follow.
The story begins when Lee Tang, a submissive man who doesn’t normally fight back, accidentally kills a person. Haunted by fear and guilt, Lee is constantly on edge, and the detective, Jang Nan-gam, is suddenly on his tail. The psychological warfare is carried out between the two with Jang keeping a close eye on changes in Lee’s demeanor.
Just as Lee decides to turn himself in, the news that comes on instantly changes the atmosphere: The victim of Lee’s first murder is a malicious serial killer. There’s a noticeable shift in Lee’s character, evolving from a murderer into a condemner. The plot explores themes such as morality, justice, and personal transformation, with Lee’s evolution from a regular guy to a self-proclaimed judge of justice.
A Killer Paradox is based on the original webtoon of the same name, written by Kkomabi, whose story garnered substantial attention for its gripping and shocking narrative. The series adaptation is brought to life under the expert direction of Lee Chang-Hee (Hell is Other People, The Vanished), renowned for his exceptional talent in handling genre features.
Is he a God-appointed hero or a villain who will undergo judgment? A Killer Paradox will be released globally on February 9, only on Netflix.
Information
Title: A Killer Paradox
Original work: A Killer Paradox (Written by: Kkomabi)
Directed by: Lee Chang-Hee
Written by: Kim Da-Min
Starring: Choi Woo-Shik, Son Suk-Ku, Lee Hee-Jun and others
Produced by: Showbox, Let’s Films
Distributed by: Netflix
Release date: February 9, 2024 (Fri)
Official website: https://www.netflix.com/Akillerparadox
MANILA, Philippines – Get ready to experience the most alluring magic this March as Australia’s highly anticipated worldwide sensation comes to the Philippines to heat up the stage with their one-of-a-kind live performances.
Produced by Trifecta Brand Lab, Magic Men Australia takes center stage with 10 of its hottest male performers for unforgettable nights of temptation, mystery, and allure on March 16 and March 17 at Newport World Resorts (formerly known as Resorts World Manila).
Founded in 2014, Australia’s Magic Men has been gaining a massive cult following due to their reputation for delivering top-tier entertainment that combines the art of seduction with sensual choreography, ultimately making them Oceania’s largest and No. 1 male revue show in the adult entertainment industry.
With their breathtaking blend of magic, dance, and charisma, Magic Men transports audiences into a world of fantasy and delight. From mind-bending fantasies to pulse-pounding dance routines, each moment of the show is crafted to leave spectators on the edge of their seats, craving more.
Featuring a diverse cast of performers, including worldwide sensation Will Parfitt, Jaxon Human, Ceazr Smith and Carlos Fang, these men are sure to showcase their magnetic stage presence, igniting the senses of the Filipinos, awakening their imagination, and leaving a long-lasting impression even after the curtains have closed.
For more information and the latest updates on Magic Men Australia in the Philippines, follow Trifecta Brand Lab on social media at Facebook, X, and Instagram.
As part of its thrust to bring the most immersive live experiences to Filipino fans nationwide, mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is powering up this year’s most anticipated fan meet, the Park Hyungsik 2024 Asia Tour FM “SIKcret Time in Manila” on Feb. 17, Saturday, 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
As a special treat, exclusive discounts and free tickets await Smart subscribers in three easy ways:
Top-up at any participating SM Malls. Smart subscribers can also secure a silver ticket by topping up with Magic Data 399 and 499 offers at SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, and SM Araneta City from February 2 to 10. A specific number of top-ups is required to qualify for the silver ticket at the fan meet.
Redeem tickets using points on the Smart App. Smart Prepaid and Smart Postpaid subscribers may also use their points to redeem tickets on the Smart App. Prepaid subscribers must have an active subscription to Magic Data+
Park Hyungsik is one of South Korea’s biggest superstars. He is currently playing the lead role in “Doctor Slump” opposite Park Shinhye.
In the top-rating drama, he plays the role of star plastic surgeon Yeo Jeongwoo who falls into the worst slump of his life.
The show currently holds the No. 1 spot for the Top 10 TV shows on Netflix across 11 countries including the Philippines.
“It has been such a long time since I last visited,” the actor said through an exclusive interview with Philippines media held January 9. “I have prepared a lot for this fan meet. I will make sure to give a memorable “SIKcret Time” for the Filipino fans to remember.”
The actor started his acting career back in 2011 and has appeared in multiple K drama series including The Heirs (2013), High Society (2015), Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016), Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017), Suits (2018), Happiness (2021), and Our Blooming Youth (2023).
In 2022, he appeared in the HYBE reality show In The Soop: Friendcation which also featured Park Seo-joon, Choi Woo-shik, Peakboy and V of BTS, as the fivesome known as the “Wooga Squad” embark on a four-day vacation trip together.
In 2023, Park Hyungsik delighted fans in a cameo: reprising his role as An Min-Hyuk with co-star Park Bo-young who plays Do Bong-soo in Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023).
Park Hyungsik: 2024 Asia Tour Fan Meeting “SIKcret Time in Manila” is presented by Smart and organized in the Philippines by MQLIVE in partnership with P&STUDIO and TONZ Entertainment (Korea).
It was The Rose’s third time in Manila, yet seeing them again felt like seeing them in a brand new light.
Korean rock band, The Rose, composed of Kim Woosung, Park Dojoon, Lee Jaehyeong, and Lee Hajoon, brought their Dawn to Dusk Tour at the Araneta Coliseum on January 26.
From playing venues like Samsung Hall for their We Rose You Tour in 2019 and Skydome for their Heal Together Tour in 2023, the band was now headlining the Big Dome. Flocked by a hefty number of their fans called the Black Roses, the show featured most of their newer tracks from their 2023 album DUAL plus a few songs from their older EPs, showing off the quartet’s immense growth as artists and performers.
As the lights went out, a loud buzzing shrill from a synth was heard, immediately putting the crowd into a daze. When Woosung belted out the words, “Take me to the dark” from their opening song “Eclipse”, the effect was immediate – everyone was frenetically singing and cheering. The song, which originally sounded more sluggish and downcast in the album, became more electric and upbeat. It was as if the song took on a whole new meaning live. That, among other things, was one of the many things that made the experience of seeing The Rose worth it.
Their setlist, composed of 23 songs, highlighted the recently released tracks from their new album. The synth-pop-infused melodies of “You’re Beautiful”, “Lifeline” and “Nauseous” got the crowd dancing. Meanwhile, their older tracks like “RED”, “Take Me Down”, “I.L.Y.” and “Sorry” were welcome stepbacks to their past. Things turned slightly sentimental for songs like “Angel”, “Definition of ugly is” and “She’s in the Rain”.
“You guys are truly, truly Filipinos because everybody here is a good singer, I can tell,” Woosung told the crowd that screamed every word as they played “Back to Me”. “I can see that you guys are filling in half of this concert with your voices so thank you for that!”
Indeed, Filipino Black Roses’ support was so overwhelming, that even Woosung dubbed the concert “The Rose featuring Black Roses”. They did their homework, memorized the songs, and sang their hearts out. They even prepared fan projects which included a banner event and a cloth-waving event.
Before playing “Sorry”, Woosung reminisced that it was the song that started their story as a band. They started playing together 7 years ago in Hongdae, a known area for busking and arts in Seoul. Their first show was a place that had around 20 people in the audience, most of which are their friends. “After 7 years, we are here in front of you guys in Manila, sharing our energy, sharing our music,” he said while scanning the size of the crowd. “We also believe that music is healing, music moves people’s hearts, and music finds people that need them. Thank you so much for coming!”
Likewise, it was a pleasure to see The Rose again and in a bigger venue this time. It’s amazing how they incorporated different electro-pop elements with their blend of pop-rock music which makes their songs easy on the ears and stadium-ready. Along with this, the quality of their show has also leveled up with a more elaborate stage design and lighting. All in all, it is a highly enjoyable show!
by Sandra Mae Laureano
Special thanks to Ovation Productions and AEG Presents Asia
In the Philippines, acronyms aren’t just confined to boardrooms; they find their way into the heart of music. Filipinos, known for their love of succinct expressions, infuse songs with clever acronyms, turning melodies into linguistic puzzles.
Singer-songwriter Vilmark continues the tradition with his latest single, “INOWY (I’m Not Okay Without You),” a soul-stirring and powerful ballad that delves into themes of loss and finding the strength to move forward.
“INOWY (I’m Not Okay Without You),” is under GMA Music and is currently available on all major digital platforms.
A song that serves as a sequel to his previous song “Lisan,” INOWY is a deeply personal project for Vilmark, who wrote it as a way to cope with the death of his father in 2022.
At the online media launch for the single, Vilmar explains, “This song is about sharing with people that it’s okay not to be okay. Because it’s a phase that you need to go through to move forward and start anew. Until you accept the reality that you’re not okay, you’ll keep masking your true feelings. I wrote this song from a place of pain, but I hope it can bring comfort and hope to others who are going through tough times. It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s important to remember that we are not alone.”
He also shared some of the challenges he faced while creating this song, with the primary one being that it is the first English song he has written.
VILMARK’S SONGS AS SOUNDTRACKS Vilmark’s earlier composition, “Lisan,” gained further recognition when selected by Jennylyn Mercado for her latest GMA Prime series, “Love. Die. Repeat.,” with Xian Lim.
Expressing his gratitude for the unexpected opportunity, Vilmark recalled, “I was so excited. I watched Ms. Jennylyn sing the song on All-Out-Sundays. She told me that it was a beautiful song and was perfect for ‘Love. Die. Repeat.’ He hopes to have the same thing happen with “INOWY (I’m Not Okay Without You),”
Despite working as a full-time engineer on a night shift, Vilmark continues to balance his professional life with his passion for music.
The artist looks forward to the future, expressing the desire to release more singles, working towards a full album. He also dreams of having his own concert someday and would like to write songs for other songs!
Vilmark’s dream collaboration is with Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose, and he hopes to write a duet with her.
For more updates on your favorite Kapuso artists, just go to www.gmanetwork.com
The sonically captivating track marks another collaboration with his real-life brother Josue of Radkidz, who also co-produced viral hits “Determinado” and “Gento”.
After championing the resurgence of the rap-rock genre with the release of “Determinado” a few weeks ago, SB19’s PABLO continues to exceed expectations with another banger that doesn’t sound quite like anything he has released so far.
On “AKALA,” the P-Pop star drops a hard-hitting track that blends hip-hop sensibilities with trap beats and atmospheric production. Sonically captivating and heartfelt, PABLO surprises at nearly every turn with a song that hints at a new level of creative inspiration—songwriting and production-wise.
The track also marks another collaboration with his brother Josue of Radkidz, who is also responsible for co-producing his previously released track “Determinado,” and SB19’s viral smash “Gento.”
PABLO, on the other hand, brought improvements in structural developments and dynamics and penned the majority of the lyrics. He shares, “I added some singing parts and a hook and gave the song a resolution in terms of musical arrangement. We wanted it to be a song that’s easy to listen to and sing along to, just like how it is when friends gather and sing together.”
According to PABLO, “AKALA” was conceived during the pandemic when Josue had him listen to one of his beats with a partially written verse about finding an escape from getting wasted. While both of them have different perspectives about alcohol consumption, the SB19 leader and main rapper found it intriguing and interesting enough to revisit the track and improve some parts of it.
“Even though we have different practices in terms of drinking, we agree on the idea that alcohol is not the answer to problems,” the talented multi-hyphenate explains. “I asked him if I could also write my verse in the song and tweak some parts, and he agreed. I didn’t want the song to just be about getting wasted, so I thought of a way to introduce my perspective by rearranging the letters of ‘alak’ and that’s how ‘Akala’ materialized. My mother also pitched in a line in the song and it made more sense.”
The breakout artist behind La Luna sums it all up: “Everything that I have released so far features intense and heavy instrumentation, but ‘Akala’ follows a completely different direction this time around. It has a more laid-back, dreamy vibe to it.”
PABLO’s “AKALA” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
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