Heartdisk from Manila and all around Asia gathered in excitement at the SM Skydome on January 20, eagerly anticipating the Naughty Babe 1st Fan Meeting featuring the charismatic Thai BL pair, MaxNat.
Known for their captivating on-screen chemistry, Max Kornthas and Nat Natasitt, popularly known as MaxNat, have left a mark in the hearts of viewers through their roles in beloved Thai BL series such as ‘Cutie Pie‘ and ‘Close Friend.’ However, it was the spin-off drama, ‘Naughty Babe,’ that took the fandom by storm. In this enthralling series, Max and Nat stepped into the spotlight as the lead couple, weaving a new narrative that made the audience swoon and glued to their seats.
The fan meeting began with Max and Nat singing ‘Love x 3’ from the OST of Naughty Babe. As the pair were eager to connect with their fans, Max and Nat descended to the front rows, sharing sweet treats and warm smiles, creating an intimate atmosphere from the start with their Heartdisk.
The air buzzed with enthusiasm as MaxNat greeted their Filipino fans, radiating charm and genuine affection. The ‘Meet My Babe’ Q&A ment added a dose of humor into the event, with the duo answering questions about Filipino slang, bringing laughter from the audience.
In the spirited ‘Follow My Lead’ game, Team Nice, led by Nat, emerged victorious in the game, which was similar to the whisper challenge. The crowd enjoyed the friendly competition, further bonding with MaxNat during the night.
Photos from Wish Us Luck Entertainment
The fan meeting also highlighted Max and Nat’s charms as Max sang “From Now On” and Nat performed to the energetic beats of “Naughty Boy”. Fans were in for a delightful surprise when Max joined Nat on stage, showcasing their adorable chemistry together.
The ‘Can You Be My Babe?’ Q&A ment delved into the depths of MaxNat’s connection, revealing the nuances of their bond as partners onscreen. As they candidly shared moments that made their hearts race, the audience felt an even stronger connection to the lovely duo.
The ‘Heartdisk Relay’ game added a playful twist, with Max securing a win and both stars joyfully embracing a creative punishment. The heartwarming VCR tribute by Heartdisk, accompanied by flowers and a cake, showcased the profound impact MaxNat had on their fans.
As a heartfelt gesture to their Filipino Heartdisk, MaxNat serenaded the crowd with “Hanap-Hanap,” originally sung by the local artists Nadine Lustre and James Reid. The night continued with a fan benefit session, giving lucky attendees an exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with their beloved MaxNat.
Naughty Babe 1st Fan Meeting in Manila was presented by Wish Us Luck Entertainment. Special thanks to Wish Us Luck for the invitation to the press conference and event.
All good things don’t come easy. Or in the case of EBE DANCEL’s highly anticipated 20th anniversary celebration of Sugarfree’s sophomore release Dramachine, great things need a tad more time to finally be right.
Multi-awarded and critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, Ebe Dancel, took to social media yesterday and announced that due to personal health reasons, the show – originally slated for a January 26 date – would be rescheduled a little over a week later. Though it was an unexpected announcement, excited fans were supportive and quick to wish Dancel a speedy recovery.
It was two decades ago, that a collection of songs was released by a band that was steadily rising to the top, yet still unaware of the impact that the album would have on both music fans and the overall landscape of local music. Songs that simply were painfully honest, melodically soaring, and lyrically on-point in capturing the sentiments and emotions of a generation that was going through the very same aches of growing up its chief songwriter was going through.
The band was Sugarfree. At the helm was its chief songwriter Ebe Dancel, and that album was Dramachine.
Now an accomplished solo artist with a ton more OPM classics under his belt, Dancel will be taking a trip down memory lane and will be treating fans to a night of nostalgia and bittersweet anthems that will surely have audiences singing along (and maybe even shedding a few tears…).
Featuring an impressive lineup of songs in Dancel’s extensive repertoire of hits and favorites, the celebrated album will be performed in its entirety, including standout hit singles like “Prom,” “Hari Ng Sablay,” fan faves like “Kwentuhan” and tearjerking anthems like “Kandila,” “Tulog Na” and “Kwarto” among others. Dancel will be joined by an impressive cast of musicians, including former Sugarfree drummer Mitch Singson. Jam Quijano will be opening the evening as well.
Asked if he had any inkling during the album’s creation that those songs would forever resonate with listeners decades later, Dancel humbly states: “I don’t think I have an answer for that – they were just songs written by an average guy about everyday life… I never thought of the songs to be arena songs or anthems – I just made sure it was something I could sing along to.”
When further asked how the creative process for Dramachine was, Dancel shares: “I remember we were touring almost every day for weeks – we’d be in the studio writing and recording, then rush to a gig in the evening and would come back to the studio after to see what we could finish. It was fun, and because we were young, we could bounce back from anything… and it was produced by Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala, who gave us the freedom to do what we wanted.”
Truly, this is a show that no serious die-hard would want to miss. Presented by BALCONY ENTERTAINMENT, tickets for the show are now available online via event partner BACKSPACER RECORDS (https://bit.ly/dramachine20), but they’re going fast – regular tickets are at PHP 1,200.00 and special tickets which include the vinyl and official merchandise are still available at PHP 3,300+.
“It’s a celebration of the album that introduced us to the whole country,” Dancel says when asked what fans can expect from the show. “Come for the songs and the memories – eat, drink, and sing-along; throughout the years, the fans are still what keeps me in the industry… this show will also kick off my 25th year in the business: I am eternally grateful that there are a lot of reasons for all of us to celebrate.”
Japanese pop-rock trio SKYGARDEN, comprised of Ryoichi “Ryo” Rivera Nagatsuka, Hiro Ozaki, and Iwaki “Iwa” Maegawa, is back with a brand-new single under Alt G Records entitled “HISTORIA,” which is now available on all digital platforms.
The JaPinoy rock song follows the trio’s debut single “KOKOA,” and promises to capture hearts once again with its message of love, loss, and finding strength in the past.
“Historia” is a deeply personal song for the band, inspired by member Iwa’s past relationship. It tells the story of two college sweethearts who are forced to break up due to the challenges of the pandemic. Despite their love for each other, Iwa decides to let his girlfriend pursue her dream of working abroad, sacrificing his own happiness for her future.
“It took me two years to move on from that relationship, and I will always love her. In those two years, I moved here in the Philippines, and we started SKYGARDEN. It was a really big decision, but I’m okay now. Sometimes, I think what would happen if I chose a different path,” shares Iwa.
“Even though Iwa and his girlfriend love each other, there’s this situation that made them break up,” explains Ryo. “Iwa lost his job during the pandemic, and he doesn’t want to hold her back. So, he makes the difficult decision to let her go, even though it hurts him deeply.”
Hiro, on the other hand, narrates the group’s experience recording the song for the first time in GMA Music’s studio. “It was our first time, and GMA Music has really good equipment. It made us appreciate the song even more, especially with the guidance of Sir Kedy Sanchez (GMA Music’s Artist and Repertoire Manager and in-house producer).”
The song is not just a tribute to Iwa’s past love, but also a message of hope and resilience. It encourages listeners to embrace their own “historias,” the memories that shape who they are, even if some of them are bittersweet.
The music video directed by Njel de Mesa, set for release on January 26, will further amplify the song’s message with a cinematic portrayal of the story.
Dive into SKYGARDEN’s “HISTORIA” when it drops this January 19 on digital platforms worldwide.
For more information on your favorite GMA Music artist, visit www.gmanetwork.com.
Canadian multi-faceted pop artist elijah woods announces his first ever Asia tour!
The multi-platinum pop artist, singer-songwriter, producer, and recording engineer, elijah woods is bringing his ilu 24/7, 365 tour to Asia. The tour will begin on May 13, 2024 in Singapore, followed by Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Tokyo, and Taipei. elijah woods expressed his excitement about touring in Asia for the first time: “I’m absolutely stoked to kick off my first tour in Asia. I can’t wait to play my music for the first time and share this incredible moment with everyone.”
elijah woods : ilu 24/7, 365 tour in manila will take place at The Podium Hall on Monday, May 20. General sale will start on Wednesday, January 31 at noon local time on smtickets.com and its outlets.
For a complete tour, and ticket information, visit livenation.asia
elijah woods is a multi-faceted, multi-platinum pop artist, singer-songwriter, producer, and recording engineer. With each new release, woods delivers endless reminders that there are layers to his artistry that even he has yet to discover. Known for wildly catchy melodies, vivid lyrics, and a signature crisp, accessible production style, elijah has cemented himself as one of pop’s most exciting solo stars and a keenly sought-after collaborator.
With multiple platinum and gold records to his name, 4x JUNO Award nominations, and a SOCAN 2022 Pop Award, elijah is an artist on the cusp of worldwide stardom. In 2021, he spent over 39 weeks in the top 5 on Billboard’s Canadian Emerging Artist Chart and is now garnering international buzz with fans from all over the globe. Experiencing unparalleled growth as an independent artist, he’s amassed over 350+ million streams and counting. He also swiftly sold out his first-ever cross-Canada tour in the Fall of 2023, a testament to his fast-growing and wide-reaching fanbase.
With 3 EPs under his belt already, as well as a steady stream of new singles, elijah continuously proves himself as a brilliant artist with an inimitable commitment to his craft. His single “24/7, 365,” from the ‘bright orange everglow’ EP, became an instant fan-favorite, gaining an average of 3M+ streams a week and charting in countries throughout Asia, underscoring his growing global appeal.
The good news is finally here, EXO-L! Baekhyun is heading back to the Philippines to bring you his first solo Asia Tour!
EXO’s Baekhyun will make his comeback to the Philippine concert scene with his first-ever solo concert, making him the first EXO member to do so. The upcoming concert is part of the singer’s 2024 BAEKHYUN <Lonsdaleite> ASIA TOUR which begins at the KSPO Dome in Seoul on March 16 and 17.
Wilbros Live will release more details regarding the Manila stop of the Asia Tour soon.
Lonsdaleite is Baekhyun’s first offline solo concert and Asia Tour since his debut 12 years ago and his first solo concert in three years after his online concert, BAEKHYUN: LIGHT in January 2021. The EXO member also presents Lonsdaleite as his solo artist entrance into KSPO DOME. Additionally, through the concert, he becomes the youngest male solo artist to hold a concert at the venue.
Through the tour, Baekhyun will perform 23 shows in 13 cities in Asia, namely Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Manila, Chiba, Fukuoka, Taipei, Kobe, Sendai, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. He will showcase his many strengths as a solo artist and present a new side of himself that is stronger than diamonds.
Before his Asia Tour, the singer will meet his fans in South Korea through a national fan meeting tour, Snack Party. He kicked off the fan meeting tour in Seoul last January 20 and 21. He will then greet his fans in Gwangju on January 27 and Busan on February 3.
Prolific actor-rapper Elijah Canlas and chart-topping singer-songwriter TONEEJAY will be joining SCRUBB: Live in Manila on February 10, 2024, at the 123 Block in Mandaluyong City, from 6 p.m. onwards.
Elijah is the mononym of award-winning actor Elijah Canlas, who has done several critically acclaimed films and TV series, including the crossover smash Senior High. Aside from major acting feats, he is embarking on his music career as a hip-hop artist, with his new song “kilala kita” going viral as of late.
TONEEJAY is a fast-rising solo artist who used to be the lead singer of Munimuni, one of the most prominent folk-pop bands in the Philippines. His new single “711” has reached No. 1 on the Spotify Philippines Top 50 for several weeks and continues to gain viral traction from various streaming and social media platforms.
Both award-winning artists will be performing as guest acts to the Thai duo’s highly anticipated set, which will feature songs off the official soundtrack of 2gether: The Series, which stars global BL icons Vachirawit Chivaaree (Bright) and Metawin Opas-iamkajorn (Win).
Aside from the OST, Scrubb is set to entertain Filipino fans with new and old materials spanning six studio albums that they’ve produced throughout the course of their career. To date, Scrubb has graced several sold-out shows in Bangkok and key cities across Asia. The internationally renowned music act is composed of Thawatpon Wongboonsiri and Torpong Chantabubpha.
Tickets to SCRUBB: Live in Manila are now available for fans to purchase: bit.ly/scrubbmnl.
According to event organizer GNN (formerly known as Gabi Na Naman Productions), fans can buy tickets at Ticketmelon for the following tiers: SVIP tickets at PHP 5,200, VIP tickets at PHP 3,200, and Gen Admission tickets at PHP 1,800. Both SVIP and VIP packages have fan benefit inclusions with varying perks.
SCRUBB: Live in Manila is presented and produced by GNN, in partnership with KATINKO and 123 Block.
CenterPlay, City of Dreams Manila’s contemporary entertainment bar, puts OPM (Original Pilipino Music) group The CompanY in the spotlight for this month’s Concert Series. The highly anticipated one-night-only concert on January 31 at 9 p.m. is set to highlight the award-winning vocals of Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos, Sweet Plantado, and OJ Mariano.
The CompanY was formed in 1985 and is best known for their contemporary jazz and a capella repertoire. The four-member OPM vocal harmony group is behind hit songs “Muntik na Kitang Minahal”, “Now That I Have You”, and one of the well-loved and bestselling ballad “Everlasting Love”, which also garnered the group various awards. With a musical career spanning almost four decades, the quartet earned the “Asia’s Premiere Vocal Group” title and has shared the stage with international starts including The Manhattan Transfer, Jim Brickman, Michael Bublé, Noel Pointer, and John Ford Coley, among others.
Local artist Highschool Playlist and DJs are also set to perform alternately from 8:00 pm to 1:30 am on the same night.
At CenterPlay’s monthly concert series, guests can reserve a seat or a table with consumables starting at P2,500 ordered from the menu comprised of bar knosh, burgers, fries, and beverages. Designed for the ultimate entertainment experience, CenterPlay is built with a snack and cocktail lounge around the stage and offers light meals, signature cocktail concoctions, beers, wines, and juices.
The CompanY’s live concert at the integrated luxury resort is the fourth presentation in CenterPlay’s Concert Series, following the sold-out concerts of OPM icons Rey Valera, Ice Seguerra, and “Soul Siren” Nina in 2023.
For upcoming performances at CenterPlay, located at the focal point of the luxury resort’s main gaming floor, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com. For more information, visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.
SM North EDSA is bringing nostalgia back in a celebration of Emo Music in February!
Come and take in the timeless melodies of the Emo era and celebrate nostalgia at the EMO FEST FAN GATHERING on February 11, 2024, 4PM, at the SM North EDSA Skydome! Gates open at 11AM.
We’re honoring the core of Emo music—from meaningful lyrics to unadulterated feelings and celebrating with fans through a trip down memory lane. Plus, witness amazing performances all night headlined by two major icons of the local emo scene, Typecast, and Chicosci, front acted by Cloie Lorezca, Rosima PH, Aios!, Mayumi, Dear Juliet, and Jirah Anne Barres.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Live performances by local Emo Bands
Exclusive Emo merchandise booths
Exciting giveaways throughout the event
Here’s how to get your EVENT PASS and PHYSICAL TICKET:
Pin location to SM North Edsa & find the coupon under Deals Near You
Swipe to redeem Event Pass
Show your Event Pass at the Ticket Booth near Starbucks, Skygarden along with any P500 single or accumulated receipt from any SM North Skygarden tenants and SM Cherry Congressional tenants from January 19, 2024, to February 11, 2024, and get (1) ONE Emo Fest Fan Gathering Physical Ticket. Registration is open from January 19, 2024 – February 11, 2024.
The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 came to a close on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Philippines with the crowning of new DOTA 2 and VALORANT esports champions and electrifying performances from some of the Philippines’s most talented artists. This year’s edition of the Asia Pacific Predator League was a major success with sold-out arenas and online spectators tuned in via the Predator social media channels during the two-day event. From the 26 teams competing for top honors in the Dota 2 and VALORANT, Blacklist Rivalry and Team Secret emerged victorious and lifted the prestigious Predator Shield in their respective categories.
“The success of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 is indicative of the strength of the region’s growing esports community and the Predator brand devices’ ability to support intense gaming sessions when playing the most popular titles,” said Andrew Hou, President of Acer Pan Asia Pacific Operations. “I would like to extend my congratulations to the tournament winners and my heartfelt appreciation to all the players, fans, and staff who make this yearly event possible.”
Dota 2 Highlights
Blacklist Rivalry prevailed over fellow Filipino team Execration in the Dota 2 grand finals. Abed “Abed” Yusop was in incredible form, averaging 8.5 kills and 14 assists in the series to spearhead the offense of his team. They were successful in shutting down Execration’s star Mark “Bob” Urbino, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat for team Execration and another second-place finish in the Predator League grand finals for two consecutive years.
As this year’s DOTA 2 Champions, Blacklist Rivalry will be going home with a cash prize of USD$ 65,000, while Execration will receive $20,000. Third and fourth finishers in China’s Team Aster and IHC Esports from Mongolia will also receive USD$ 7,500 each for their impressive showing. VALORANT HighlightsTeam Secret came into the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 as the favorites and exceeded all expectations. They were in full control of the Japanese side FAV gaming during the final, with Adrian “invy” Reyes continuing to be the brightest spot for the team. Team Secret, also known as the “The Adobo Gang” among its fans, has won its first LAN trophy and Predator Shield since the inception of its VALORANT team.
Team Secret goes home with the USD$ 65,000 prize pool, while FAV Gaming wins USD$ 20,000 for their performance. Third and fourth placers BOOM Esports from Indonesia and Team Flash from Vietnam also receive USD$ 7,500 each.
Intel MVP Award
Merits were given to exceptional players who stood out amongst the competition during the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024. For Dota 2, it was awarded to carry player Polo “Raven” Fausto while in VALORANT it was awarded to duelist player Jeremy “Jremy” Cabrera. Both players take home an extra USD$ 10,000 prizes as well as the Intel MVP Award Trophy for their individual performances.Beyond the live esports action, the audience was also treated to world-class entertainment composed of the Philippines’ brightest stars, including Acer ambassadors SB19 and Sarah Geronimo. There were also meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors Cong TV and the Team Payaman boys, burg, KuyaNic, Chibiby, Maggiekarp, amaratv, Een Mercado, Kang Dupet, and cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao.
Felip and Ylona Garcia were the opening acts for Day 1, exciting the crowd with their exhilarating performance. This was followed by numbers from Urbandub and Al James, and with a special appearance by TV personality Donny Pangilinan. Day 2 was just as impressive with amazing performances from Josh Cullen, Sandwich, Spongecola, Pablo, and KZ Tandingan, who sang the Predator anthem, “It Lies Within”.
Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 Host Announced
The next Asia Pacific Predator League will be held in Malaysia, with the qualifiers starting in late 2024 and the grand finals to be held in early 2025.
For more information and updates about the Predator League, visit the official website www.predator-league.com. VALORANT
Our cosmos is coming back! B.I will return to the Philippines for an exclusive event with Privé Alliance in March.
South Korean singer-rapper Kim Hanbin, better known by his stage name B.I, is set to take over the runway to meet his Filipino fans with global fashion brand Privé Alliance on March 4, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Get a chance to be a part of “Privé Alliance Meets B.I” in Manila when you purchase exclusive fan packages from Privé Alliance, including hoodies, shirts, or caps from any Privé Alliance collection, a goodbye session, photocards, and more!
Presented to you by MakeitLive, the fan packages are available at www.makeitlive.asia from January 18, 2024, to February 15, 2024. All ticket tiers are reserved seating with the following prices:
PRIVÉ VIP FLOOR: PHP 11,500.00
PRIVÉ VIP PATRON: PHP 9,500.00
LOWER BOX PREMIUM: PHP 7,500.00
LOWER BOX REGULAR: PHP 4,500.00
UPPER BOX: PHP 3,500.00
The merchandise redemption period will run from February 3, 2024, to March 3, 2024, at the MakeitLive Office from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, February 18, 2024, at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 1 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and on the day of the fan meet at the SM Mall of Asia Arena from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
B.I first entered the industry as a South Korean boy band member in 2015. In 2021, he debuted as a solo artist under his self-founded label 131 Label and has since marked his presence in the music scene not just as a singer, dancer, and rapper, but also as a songwriter and producer.
The multitalented artist’s collection with Privé Alliance, launched in 2023, explores the theme of youth and growth as he conveys his perspective on the different shades of love.
Founded in 2017, Privé Alliance is a unisex streetwear label that is widely known for its unique concept of collaborating with artists for every collection. The brand is one of many that was “influenced by music and streetwear, and has largely been adopted by luxury-street subcultures.”
Get Ready To Be Loved as MakeitLive brings Privé Alliance Meets B.I to Manila! #BILovedInManila #PriveAlliancexBI
With his debut solo concert tour, The Other Side, Mark Tuan makes a remarkable comeback to the Philippine concert scene after nearly five years.
The first solo performance of Mark Tuan in the Philippines, which showcased his other side to his fans who came to celebrate his comeback to the local concert scene, brought the GOT7 tingi era to a perfect finish last January 14 at the SM Skydome.
The MARK TUAN “THE OTHER SIDE” ASIA TOUR IN MANILA, featuring a set list of more than 20 songs, was a once-in-a-million experience that highlighted his artistic ability and artistry. With songs from his debut studio album, the other side, he kicked off the event with “after hours (interlude)”, “save me”, “change up”, “exhausted”, and “at my low”. After that, he welcomed his Filipino Ahgase and thanked them for joining him on his maiden tour. “It means a lot to have you on my first tour,” he stated.
Mark Tuan is the final member of GOT7 to visit the Philippines in what fans have dubbed the “GOT7 tingi,” alluding to the members’ solo trips to the country following their Keep Spinning concert in 2019. In 2022, Youngjae, BamBam, Jackson, Yugyeom, and Jay B made their individual comebacks to their Philippine Ahgases. In 2023, Jinyoung followed suit by holding his own solo fan meetup. BamBam and Yugyeom also made a comeback to see Ahgases live. And at last, Mark returned to our side in 2024 and finished the checklist in time for GOT7’s tenth anniversary on January 16.
The singer said that he was aware of the members’ visits and had been told that he was the last to appear to finish the set. “I’m sorry it took a while,” he said. It was absolutely worth the wait, nevertheless, as the artist did not hold back in providing the audience with an unforgettable evening.
Afterward, Mark Tuan performed more songs from the other side album, including “let u go“, “far away”, “last breath”, “my life”, “broken”, “selfish”, “hard 2 love”, “more”, “2 faces”, “lonely”, “my name”, and “imysm”. He was accompanied in “2 faces” by wesdaboy, who also worked the crowd up before the show began by performing tracks from his own album, down bad but upright. Additionally, Mark performed many tracks from his most recent album, Fallin’, including “Your World,” “Fallin’,” “Everyone Else Fades,” “Night Still Young,” and “Carry Me Out.” Ahgases also saw him play “One In A Million,” a song he performed with Sanjoy, and “Never Gonna Come Down,” a song he recorded with BIBI for the Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings.
Mark Tuan received great memories, including several fan projects, from Ahgases, who gave him a lot of love. Via a video presentation, the fans relived different GOT7 memories and expressed gratitude to Mark for coming back and to the members for continuing GOT7.
“Thank you for coming back to us—your home. From being the hyung of six boys, you embarked on your own journey and found your colors. And we want to say that you shine in it—even more radiant than ever. You shared a piece of who you are through your songs, and those songs really resonate with us. It is as if you also know what we are going through. Even though you were on the otherside of the world, you did not leave us alone. You wish that you could be better for us. You wish you could’ve done more, but we want you to know that you are more than enough. This is your destiny—to be the artist that inspires and shines brightly, especially on stage. Keep up what you are doing. We’ll always be here to support and be proud of you. We’ll be your Ahgases, while you’ll be our one in a million, until our last breath. Every Filo Ahgase has been waiting for you! We missed you so much. Maybe you also heard our voice from far away. From the other side, you’re now here, right before our eyes. So, in this moment, from the front to the back, we’ll scream out loud.”
Mark assured the supporters that he would always be around and thanked them for their kind words and special projects. “I’m here now. I’m here with you, guys. I want you guys to know that I’m gonna be here for you guys. And also, the rest of the six boys are going to be here for you guys too. As long as you guys know that we’re still GOT7,” he said. With grateful bows, he bid farewell to the crowd that had cheered loudly for Mark and his team.
MARK TUAN “THE OTHER SIDE” ASIA TOUR IN MANILA was presented by PULP Live World and Happee Hour. Special thanks to PULP Live World and Happee Hour for the invitation.
SEVENTEEN and Philippine Carats once again made their mark in Philippine concert history as they wrote a new first with SEVENTEEN TOUR FOLLOW TO BULACAN!
When CARAT declared, “No matter where we go or who we meet, in the end, it’s SEVENTEEN,” they meant it wholeheartedly, and FOLLOW TO BULACAN was a monument to the steadfast love and support of the fandom who proudly colored the Philippine Sports Stadium last January 13 and 14 with colors of rose quartz and serenity—as in all the venues that saw SEVENTEEN on the Philippine concert stage since 2016.
The country was a witness to the growth of S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, Dino, and the Philippine Carats. They have come a long way since their two-day SEVENTEEN 1st Asia Tour 2016 Shining Diamond at The Theatre at Solaire, a 1,740-seat auditorium. Each time they visit the Philippines, they write a new chapter in the history of the local concert scene. Through BE THE SUN in Bulacan, they became the first K-Pop group to perform a solo show at the Philippine Arena, the largest indoor arena in the world, in 2022. Now, they’ve made history by being the first musical act to perform two consecutive shows at the Philippine Sports Stadium, as well as the first K-Pop group to perform in a stadium.
From the opening to the closing acts, SEVENTEEN once again dominated the Philippine concert stage. Their outstanding showmanship, enticing stage presence, endearing personalities, and love for their fans were all on display, and all of this was complemented by a visually spectacular stage production.
(Photo courtesy of PLEDIS ENTERTAINMENT)
Once again demonstrating the unrivaled high energy of the Philippine concert crowd, Carats gave fierce cheers as SEVENTEEN took the stage at the Philippine Sports Stadium. The highly-awaited FOLLOW TO BULACAN began with the blazing “Super” stage, one of the lead singles of South Korea’s best-selling album, FML. Then, the boy group performed “Don Quixote” for the first time in person and brought back “Clap” to the local concert stage.
The members—aside from leader S. Coups and Jeonghan, who were unable to attend the concert due to their current recovery from injuries—greeted the crowd with their trademark “Say the name, SEVENTEEN!” before individually saying hello to their fans (leading the horanghae “cult” membership renewal, in Hoshi’s case) and expressing how much they missed Philippine Carats. “We missed you, guys, so much! We’re glad to be back. From soundcheck and right now, you, guys, are crazy, honestly. We really love your energy. Let’s have fun tonight,” said Joshua. Astonished by the number of people in attendance and the unwavering enthusiasm of the crowd, the members devoted their introductions to expressing their gratitude for the support demonstrated by the large number of fans who attended.
“Let’s make fun memories tonight,” encouraged Philippine superstar Dino who reciprocated the loud cheers with a sample performance of his solo song, “Wait”. And in classic SEVENTEEN concert style, the members taught Carats a special chant for FOLLOW TOUR.
With everyone getting set to plunge back into the performances, SEVENTEEN unleashed their timeless hit song “Don’t Wanna Cry,” their pulsating lead single “F*ck My Life” from FML, and the powerful Director’s Cut title song “Thanks.” Carat bongs lit up the stadium, giving the space a starry night sky that complimented the stage lights and fireworks to perfection.
A SEVENTEEN concert is never complete without the unit stages. The vocal team’s Joshua, Woozi, DK, and Seungkwan signaled the beginning of the unit stages with “Dust” and “Pinwheel”. Warming the hearts and bringing tears to the audience’s eyes, the members concluded their performances with a tribute to Jeonghan: “Jeonghan-hyung, hanihae!” Wearing suits, the performance team’s Jun, Hoshi, The8, and Dino left fans speechless as they scorched the stage with a double dose of the much-missed “Highlight” and the eagerly awaited “I Don’t Understand But I Luv U.” The hip-hop team, tasked with capping the unit stages, did not let down, dazzling the audience with a blazing entrance in red and their scorching performances of “Back It Up” and “Fire”.
(Photo courtesy of PLEDIS ENTERTAINMENT)
The boys’ enjoyable parade of performances of “HOME;RUN,” “Left & Right,” and “BEAUTIFUL”—with the members’ lovely “Manila Carats” preceding every “beautiful” lyric and DK’s “Mahal ko kayo” towards the song’s end—kept the party going as they took Philippine Carats to the FOLLOW FESTIVAL. Amidst the loud and clear reverberating “쿵치팍치, 쿵쿵칞팍치, 예” throughout the stadium, the boy group also debuted their newest lead single, “God of Music,” on the Philippine concert stage. The Going SEVENTEEN theme song made a delightful cameo appearance on the local concert scene and concluded the act with smiles.
Sadly, after the unit stages, Seungkwan had to miss the remainder of the performance due to health issues. Even though he tried his hardest to keep up with the concert, the condition he has been experiencing since the morning has made it tough for him to take part in the remaining portions of it. Carats led Seungkwan’s singing parts and chanted his name to make sure he knew how much they loved him.
Carats were treated to a beautiful rendition of “April Shower” by SEVENTEEN, which was followed by a beautiful and touching rendition of “Kidult,” one of the concert’s most anticipated songs. The stadium came to a halt, soaking in the moment and letting the rush of emotions wash over them as DK delivered his high note flawlessly.
SEVENTEEN delivered on the promise they made in Be The Sun in Bulacan to become the brightest existence and not hold back anymore. With 2023 being their biggest year, the boy group welcomed 2024 with Grand Prize awards, best-selling artist accolades, and a new page of history written. (Photo courtesy of PLEDIS ENTERTAINMENT)
The boys then gave strong and engrossing performances of “Anyone” and “Good to Me,” channeling SEVENTEEN racers. The audience was then treated to brief performances of songs not on the set list, like BSS’s “Fighting,” “Dar+ling,” “Mansae,” and “SOS.” With much excitement, Hoshi demonstrated the “SOS” challenge made by a Philippine Carat. Additionally, FOLLOW TO BULACAN had the honor of hosting the Philippine concert stage debut of Pi Cheolin, the peasant who became the CEO of BOMG, widely known as the alter ego of Philippine superstar Dino. The CEO, who recently performed as a rapper for the first time at the Golden Disc Awards, displayed his talents on his “Fighting” collaborative stage with MinSeokSoon.
The stage was set ablaze when “HOT” returned to take center stage. The breathtaking pyrotechnics show brought even more excitement to the already intense performance, making the Philippines’ fireworks capital well-represented.
(Photo courtesy of PLEDIS ENTERTAINMENT)
SEVENTEEN sang “Run to You,” “Together” in English, and “To You” as they made their way around the stadium on moving carts for the encore, getting closer to their Carats in each section. Wonwoo said, “It’s so nice to see your faces.”
Then, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Vernon, and Dino gave Carats their parting words, thanking the audience for coming to the show and enjoying themselves to the very end. Carats joined Hoshi in delivering his well-known goodbye speech, having also committed it to memory. The performance leader said, “Thank you.” “I’m really happy today because I am with Carats. Please don’t be sick and please stay healthy. I hope we can meet again. Thank you so much for today. Salamat po.” Wonwoo said.
DK also expressed his gratitude for getting to perform in a stadium. The8 agreed, recalling their performances in the arena in 2022 and the one they are in now—a stadium filled with Carats. “We dreamed of performing on a bigger stage, in a stadium. Because of Carats, we achieved that dream. Mahal ko kayong lahat,” he stated.
“It’s been such a long time since we last came here. We missed you so much, honestly. Every time we come here, your energy is amazing. We always have a great time with you, guys, so we wanted to be back. And, we’re back now. We came to such a big stadium because of you guys. Hopefully, today is a really great memory for you, guys. We’ll be back so don’t worry. Mahal ko kayo!”
JOSHUA
Mingyu and Woozi shared their closing statements in Filipino, saying “mahal ko kayo” and vowing “babalik kami para sa inyo.” Vernon hailed the evening as an “amazing night.” “To perform in this huge stadium with all you guys here was such an amazing thing,” he stated. Reiterating Vernon’s words, Dino described performing in the stadium among Carats as an honor.
“Maraming salamat po! I want to express my gratitude in every different language to you, guys. Because of you, you gave me happy memories and allowed me to live happily every day. Thank you so much for having fun with us. Maraming salamat po!”
JUN
Carats didn’t pass up the chance to show the members how much they are loved and appreciated by creating a banner project dedicated to their favorite boys, SEVENTEEN IS OUR FOREVER HEADLINER, as well as a birthday banner and song for Seungkwan.
With “HIT” and seemingly never-ending “Aju Nice”, SEVENTEEN and Carats jumped along to the music with the greatest fervor, feeling every second and every moment of the realization of a shared dream — to take on bigger stages together.
“You are our headliner, always!”
DINO
(Photo courtesy of PLEDIS ENTERTAINMENT)
SEVENTEEN IS OUR FOREVER HEADLINER. History has been once again written by SEVENTEEN and Philippine Carats as the boy group makes their mark once again in Philippine concert history as the first musical act to hold a solo concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium with FOLLOW TO BULACAN. No matter where we go or who we meet, in the end, it’s SEVENTEEN. Indeed, Philippine Carats did, welcoming S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino to the Philippine concert stage every time, on every tour. SEVENTEEN’s every visit to the Philippines has become a new page of history written with their Philippine Carat proudly coloring every venue with rose quartz and serenity since 2016.
Wherever CARAT goes, SEVENTEEN will be there. See you again, Carats! And on every tour, SEVENTEEN never failed to make the Philippines a stop, returning to their Philippine Carats—from their first Asia tour, Shining Diamond, in 2016—the only two-day stop—to wrapping up their first world tour, Diamond Edge, in Manila in 2017, then Ideal Cut in 2018, becoming the last stop of Ode To You in 2020, reuniting in Be The Sun in Manila in 2022, making history at the Philippine Arena with Be The Sun in Bulacan that same year, and once more writing another first in Philippine concert history in 2024 with FOLLOW TO BULACAN.
Until the next “Say the Name, SEVENTEEN!” on the Philippine concert stage with S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, Dino, and the Philippine Carats.
The article includes events during Day 1 of FOLLOW TO BULACAN. Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines.
Cignal Play, the Live TV channels app of Cignal TV, Inc., recently launched an exciting promo wherein Premium and Premium Plus subscribers will get a chance to win tickets to watch the year’s most anticipated fan meet, Park Hyungsik 2024 Asia Tour “SIKcret Time in Manila” on 17 February 2024 (Saturday) 7PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
To qualify for the raffle, Cignal Play registered and new users are required to subscribe to an active PREMIUM (P149/month) or PREMIUM PLUS (P399/month) subscription from January 12 to February 5, 2024, on the all-new version of the app or via the Cignal Play website.
Cignal Play Premium and Premium Plus subscribers can now enjoy an expanded array of K-POP/K-DRAMA content, which includes tvN Movies Pinoy, tvN Premium, and KBS World live TV channels. Additionally, subscribers gain access to a variety of other entertainment channels, such as HBO, HBO Signature, and Cinemax for movies, as well as HGTV and Food Network for lifestyle, Nickelodeon, and Animax to name a few.
Cignal Play’s latest update now provides a higher quality entertainment experience anytime and anywhere which you can now easily subscribe to via in-app purchase or credit/debit card payments via web.
Once subscribed to Premium 149 or Premium Plus 399, users will get the chance to win either a pair of platinum or gold tickets to the event. A total of 50 platinum and 25 gold winners will be chosen via raffle with Premium 149 subscribers getting 1 raffle entry and 2 raffle entries for Premium Plus 399 subscribers. Winners shall receive the full fan premium benefits to the event such as free poster, photocards, postcard with note and a chance to see the Park Hyungsik up close during the hi & bye session.
Just download the app (available on Google Play or the App Store).
Cignal pay TV postpaid users who also subscribe to an active Pinoy and Asian Theme pack during the promo period will also earn a raffle entry.
A ROYAL K SUPERSTAR Park Hyungsik rose to fame starring 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 embark on a four-day vacation trip together
More recently, Park Hyung-sik 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).
Next, he’ll play the lead role opposite Park Shin-hye on Doctor Slump as Yeo Jeong-woo, a star plastic surgeon who falls into the worst slump of his life.
“It has been such a long time since I last visited,” the actor said during a recent online interview with select members of the press. “I have prepared a lot for you guys. I will make sure to give a memorable SIKcret experience for Philippine fans to remember.”
Park Hyung-sik: 2024 Asia Tour Fan Meeting “SIKcret Time in Manila” is organized in the Philippines by MQLive in partnership with P&STUDIO and TONZ Entertainment.
The event is presented by Smart Communications Inc. and co-presented by McDonald’s. Cignal Play and Cignal TV are official ticket sponsors.
Variant Productions and Tala Entertainment are presenting NUMINOUS X ASINTADA AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2024 and bringing it forth to the Land Down Under! Prepare for a stellar music experience featuring a lineup of some of the Philippines’ best rap and reggae artists.
The tour is headlined by premier rapper and wordsmith GLOC-9, who is known to be a contemporary music icon whose lyrics dare speak mostly about social justice issues, and collaborates with the country’s most respected musicians and performers, which cuts across all genres — from rock to RnB, pop to folk, and even world music.
CHOCOLATE FACTORY, 5-piece charismatic reggae collective from Pampanga who popularized hits like “Kung Ika’y Akin”, “Ilalim”, and “Letra”, are also joining in the lineup of this upcoming tour.
Together with the two hitmakers, the following critically acclaimed Pinoy rappers and singers are also going to be at the Australian Tour to complete the nights of rhythm and rhyme:
SKUSTA CLEE FLOW G SHANTI DOPE JOHN ROA OMAR BALIW HELLMERRY HERO
“I’m honored to finally be producing the first ever Pinoy Rap and Reggae Tour here in the Land Down Under! The reception from our Kababayans here, so far has been incredible. We can’t wait to showcase more Filipino talent here in Australia!” – Joel Cabides, CEO of Variant Productions
NUMINOUS X ASINTADA AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2024 will be happening on the following dates and venues:
March 10 – Metro City Concert Club, Perth, Australia
March 12 – The Northcote Theatre, Melbourne, Australia
March 17- The Metro Theatre, Sydney, Australia
March 18 – The Princess Theatre, Brisbane, Australia
Tickets available at www.vrntpd.com
Presented by: Variant Productions Tala Entertainment Daybreak Entertainment Media Zion Productions
Supported by: Numinous Philippines Asintada Mgmt and Prod Inc. ImmiCo Consultancy
SB19’s PABLO is back with another bop! Blending hip-hop with rock music influences, the prolific songwriter/producer teams up with his brother Josue on this astounding new jam.
Filipino singer-songwriter/producer Pablo blurs the line between hip-hop and rock on the new single “DETERMINADO,” his first offering this year under Sony Music Entertainment.
Produced by his brother Josue, the genre-averse track pushes experimentation as far as it can go while retaining the La Luna act’s distinct qualities as an artist who is comfortable in his own identity and sonic direction.
Speaking highly of his favorite collaborator, PABLO praised Josue for infusing game-changing ideas during the incubation period of the track and allowing him to shine with a solid production style that doesn’t necessarily have to be confined to trends.
“We’re a team, we always work hand in hand, always learning from each other, and drawing inspiration back and forth,” said the multi-talented soloist. “We grew up in the same environment so we just vibe and connect easily.”
Integrating dense instrumentation with gloomy synths and booming, confrontational beats, “DETERMINADO” not only impresses listeners with its scale and ambition but also reveals a different side of the SB19 vocalist and main rapper: someone who finds moments of vulnerability and strength in the face of chaos. In the words of PABLO himself, “It’s a realization when we find the courage to actually do what we want, and what kind of artist we aspire to be. We are confronting our fears and roadblocks, but still moving forward.”
Determined to jumpstart a new phase in his career, PABLO is more confident in his undertaking as a musician, going to a sonic space that remains untouched even by his contemporaries and peers.
He adds, “Our music is not just the output; it’s a collective of all the micro-things that happen behind the scenes and throughout the process. We are more assertive now. Also, this song marks a departure from our previous releases; it’s a blend of hip-hop and rock genres.”
Aside from “DETERMINADO,” PABLO is also gearing up for a more exciting 2024. He’s looking into dropping more solo releases apart from his work with SB19, and possibly a debut album to be released soon.
As the prolific artist puts it, “Again, going back to the song title, we are indeed on this journey. I have so many things planned to do in 2024, and definitely one of those is to release my own album.”
PABLO’s “DETERMINADO” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
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