Subscribers worldwide can now experience performances, highlights, and behind‑the‑scenes access in real time
Today, Disney+ and Hulu announced that Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and Lollapalooza will stream live across both platforms for the first time, giving audiences around the world access to some of the year’s biggest live music moments in real time.
Now in Hulu’s sixth year of offering subscribers exclusive front-row access from the comfort of their home, the addition of the Disney+ global livestream further enhances Hulu’s historic run of streaming these Live Nation festivals by offering globally shared live events that can be watched simultaneously across continents.
“Music festivals are among the most electric, can’t-miss moments in culture, and now Disney+ and Hulu subscribers around the world can experience the excitement,” said Lauren Tempest, Head of Content Planning & Partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company. “As we continue to extend our live offerings, we remain committed to bringing fans the biggest, most iconic moments right as they happen, and are thrilled to bring that vision to life with Live Nation.”
These festivals join Disney+ and Hulu’s expanding slate of live programming, making the services daily destinations for fans to stream the can’t-miss live content they love – from cultural moments to news and sports – as music fandom becomes increasingly global. The 2025 Live Nation Living for Live Global Study* reported that 73% of fans say that they are listening to more international artists than they used to, while 85% agree that live music now transcends borders and languages.
“Music festivals used to be experiences reserved for the people who could physically be there,” said Kevin Chernett, EVP, Head of Global Media Partnerships at Live Nation. “Now they’re becoming global live moments that fans want to experience together in real time, no matter where they are in the world. Expanding this partnership with Disney+ and Hulu allows these festivals to reach music fans at an entirely different scale.”
This year, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival takes place June 12 – 15, and Lollapalooza July 31 – August 3. Additional details about the livestreams will be available ahead of each festival.
Three of the country’s leaders in entertainment, Newport World Resorts, VIVA Communications Inc., and The Philippine STAR, team up anew for Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical. At the forefront of this partnership are Newport World Resorts Executive Chairman Kevin L. Tan (center), VIVA Communications Inc. Founder and Chairman of the Board Vicente “Boss Vic” del Rosario Jr. (left), and The Philippine STAR President and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte (right).
Original Filipino musicals continue to take center stage as Newport World Resorts, VIVA Communications Inc., and The Philippine STAR reunite to stage Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical. The new musical, set to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, features the timeless hits of the Hotdog band.
Leading the collaboration are Newport World Resorts Executive Chairman Kevin L. Tan, VIVA Communications Inc. Founder and Chairman of the Board Vicente “Boss Vic” del Rosario Jr., and The Philippine STAR President and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte. This marks the second major theatrical venture among the three companies following Bagets The Musical, which debuted as a large-scale adaptation of the iconic 1984 Filipino film.
“At Newport World Resorts, part of our thrust has always been to support world-class productions that champion Filipino artistry and bring our stories to bigger stages. We look forward to bringing this proudly Filipino production to life and creating another meaningful entertainment experience for our audiences,” shared Tan.
Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical is set to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical follows the story of an ambitious sales clerk who sneaks into the glamorous disco scene to chase her dream of becoming a fashion designer and risks losing herself in the process. Blending iconic OPM tracks, fashion, and nostalgia, the production reimagines the Manila Sound era for a new generation of theatergoers.
The continued partnership of Newport World Resorts, VIVA Communications Inc., and The Philippine STAR reflects the growing momentum behind original Filipino theater productions and large-scale collaborations within the local entertainment industry. Learn more about the artists and the production through Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts), VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), and The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bkd-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.
TOAST The Best of BREAD will be performing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on August 12 and at The Waterfront Cebu City Hotel on August 15, 2026. With a surprising fidelity rarely heard from a live tribute band, TOAST is often described as “spot on” to Bread’s original recordings. Audiences everywhere rave about how closely their live performances sound like the cherished records they listened to back in the day.
Bread virtually invented soft rock in the early Seventies, and the group’s biggest hits – “Make It With You”, “If”, “Baby I’m-A-Want-You” and “Everything I Own” – remain staples on lite-rock radio.
People’s comments to TOAST’s concerts were like “I’ve had a lot of exposure to Bread’s music and I’m telling you, what an awesome show these guys put on! Truly amazing!”, “It was as if it was Bread themselves performing! Over the top amazing! Brought back so many memories”, “I loved how they paid tribute to David Gates and Bread. Really classy show”, “We sang, we laughed, we cried, we loved every minute! Can’t wait to see them again”.
Other Bread hits to be performed by TOAST include “Aubrey”, “Sweet Surrender”, “It Don’t Matter To Me”, “Clouds”, “Mother Freedom”, “Everything I Own”, “Guitar Man”, “Games Of Magic”, “Lost Without Your Love”, “Goodbye Girl”, among many other Filipino favorites.
Tickets prices to TOAST’s “feel-good” concerts that are sure to bring all the memories flooding back are P5800, 4800, 3800, 2800, 2300, 1800 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and P4500, 4000, 3,500, 2500, 1500, 1000 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. Special guest is Noel Cabangon. Tickets available through ovationtickets.com. Presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with Blast TV.
Japanese boy group BE:FIRST is officially bringing their highly anticipated world showcase tour to the Philippines this year, with Manila confirmed as one of the key stops for the BE:FIRST WORLD SHOWCASE 2026.
The six-member act will perform on October 3, 2026 at the New Frontier Theater as part of the group’s first large-scale international showcase run across Asia and North America. The Manila stop follows performances in Bangkok and Taipei before the group heads to New York later in October.
Fans in the Philippines can expect a live set featuring tracks from the group’s recently released digi-pack BE:FIRST ALL DAY, which includes the songs “BE:FIRST ALL DAY” and “Rondo.” The showcase also arrives during a milestone year for the group as they celebrate their fifth anniversary in the music industry.
The announcement comes after a series of major career achievements for BE:FIRST, including their first-ever stadium concerts at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo held on May 16 and 17. The group is also set to open for Janet Jackson in Tokyo this June.
Reflecting on their growing global reach, member Manato shared his excitement about continuing to perform internationally following their previous world tour.
“For many listeners outside Japan, it may be their first time seeing us live, so I hope we can show an even more evolved version of the six of us,” he said.
Presale access for the Manila show will be available exclusively to Live Nation Philippines members on May 28 from 12 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. General ticket sales will begin on May 29 at 12 p.m. through TicketNet Philippines and its outlets.
The BE:FIRST WORLD SHOWCASE 2026 marks another major step in the group’s expanding international presence as they continue introducing their music and performances to audiences around the world.
Filipino girl group KAIA is currently making waves online after their high-energy live performance of “Take Down” by HUNTR/X and their original track “You Did It” rapidly gained traction across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), drawing praise from international fans and music communities alike.
The viral clips—taken from their recent Backyard Live Spotlight performance—highlighted the group’s live vocals, harmonies, commanding stage presence, and explosive performance energy, earning reactions from fans across multiple fandoms, including K-pop and P-pop audiences.
One viral post alone surpassed over 2 million views, generating thousands of reposts, quotes, and engagements, with many viewers calling KAIA “criminally underrated” and praising the group’s ability to deliver a world-class live performance.
Composed of members Angela, Charice, Sophia, Alexa, and Charlotte, KAIA debuted in 2022 and has steadily built a reputation as one of the Philippines’ strongest live-performing girl groups. Their recent surge in online attention marks a significant breakthrough moment for the group and further reflects the growing international interest in P-pop.
The momentum comes shortly after KAIA’s participation in the ASEAN–Korea Music Festival: ROUND in Philippines 2026, the large-scale international music festival produced by KBS World TV in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, where KAIA represented the Philippines alongside leading local and Korean artists.
As part of the festival, KAIA also collaborated with fellow P-pop groups HORI7ON and 1st.One for “Sulong,” the official theme song of ROUND Festival Philippines 2026—a powerful anthem celebrating unity, youth culture, and the growing connection between Southeast Asia and Korea through music.
“Sulong” continues to gain attention following its official release and broadcast promotions econnected to the festival, further positioning Filipino artists within the expanding ASEAN–Korea cultural exchange movement.
The recent virality of KAIA’s performance is seen by many fans and industry observers as another major step forward for P-pop’s continued rise internationally, proving that Filipino artists can compete on the global stage through performance excellence, artistry, and authenticity.
From viral clips to international festival stages, KAIA is quickly emerging as one of the standout names shaping the next generation of Asian pop music.
Concert Features Composer John Williams’ Score Performed Live to Film by the Filharmonika OrchestraConducted by Gerard SalongaSeptember 5–6, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire!
Film Concerts PH presents Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert, featuring composer John Williams’ GRAMMY®-winning score performed live to the film. Audiences will experience the triumphant conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy performed by the 85-member Filharmonika Orchestra, led by Gerard Salonga, on September 5–6, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire. Following successful presentations of Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert in September 2024 and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert in August 2025, Film Concerts PH continues its Star Wars concert series with the saga’s celebrated finale.
Since the release of the first Star Wars movie almost 50 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects, and timeless musical scores composed by Williams.
The film and its RIAA® gold-certified soundtrack feature eleven score cues created by legendary Academy Award® and GRAMMY® Award-winning composer, John Williams.
As the Empire prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star, the Rebel Fleet counters with a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel.
Whether revisiting a cherished classic or discovering it for the first time, audiences of all ages are invited to journey to a galaxy far, far away this September.
Pre-sale access begins on May 8 at 10:00 AM, exclusively for members of the Film Concerts PH community. To gain early access to tickets, register now at https://www.filmconcerts.ph/community.
Public ticket sales will start on May 19 at 12:00 PM via Ticketworld.com.ph.
Legendary Filipino music icon Jose Mari Chan is set to stage a major concert at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Titled “Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart,” the concert takes its name from the singer-songwriter’s first single.
“Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart” marks several milestones in Jose Mari Chan’s remarkable career.
It will be his first concert alongside rising stars Kolette Madelo of Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11, Tawag ng Tanghalan champion Lyka Estrella, and Tawag ng Tanghalan 1st Duet Grand Champion and the latest Your Face Sounds Familiar grand winners JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano.
It will also be his first performance at the newly renovated PICC, which underwent major upgrades last year, including new wood wall finishes, ceilings, doors, and seating, as well as state-of-the-art lighting systems and enhanced acoustics.
More importantly, the concert serves as a reminder of Jose Mari Chan’s enduring status as a timeless balladeer, and celebrates his musical legacy beyond the widely recognized “Christmas In Our Hearts” phenomenon.
As producer QR Events Solution Inc. proudly states:
“More than a concert, ‘Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart’ is an invitation to slow down, remember, and feel… a night of elegance, warmth, and world-class musical storytelling led by one of the Philippines’ most beloved musical icons.”
Tickets for “Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart” are now available online via TicketWorld:
Universal Music Group (UMG) Philippines ushers Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) into a bold new era, bringing music and esports together for a more immersive fan experience. In partnership with MPL PH, the league now comes with its own soundtrack, rallying behind the call “Palag Na ’To” and embracing the competitive spirit fueled by the Lakas ng Pinas.
From left to right: Enzo Valdez, Managing Director of UMG Philippines, Filipina singer and UMG Philippines artist Janine Berdin, Jane Camille Dela Cruz, Head of Marketing, Esports, Philippines, at MOONTON Games, and Lee Viloria, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, Esports, Philippines, at MOONTON Games.
Leading the charge is Janine Berdin, Island Records Philippines artist, songwriter, and a genuine MLBB player, who will debut the official MPL PH theme song. A self-written anthem rooted in her real passion for the game, the track captures the energy, grit, and identity of the MPL PH community. Known for her powerful vocals, Berdin steps into the esports spotlight with a sound that reflects both her artistry and her experience as a player. What sets this apart is her authenticity, as she is not just performing for gamers but is part of the scene herself. A Hanabi main who has ranked on the leaderboards, she brings real credibility into the collaboration. Her involvement reflects Lakas ng Pinas that defines the MPL PH community.
“Super excited ako to finally share this song with the community. As someone who genuinely plays MLBB, this project is very personal to me—it brings together two worlds I truly love, music and gaming. I poured my heart into this track, and I hope every player and fan can feel that energy and passion. Para sa lahat ng patuloy na lumalaban, whether in rank games or on the e-sports stage, this is for you—PALAG NA ‘TO!” Janine Berdin shares.
As the league’s official music partner, UMG Philippines plays a key role in defining the sound of the Season 17 Playoffs. The partnership introduces a new layer of storytelling, where music amplifies the emotions behind every clash, comeback, and championship moment. This collaboration aims to transform the league into a more immersive entertainment experience that goes beyond the game. Fans can expect more than just matches at the MPL PH Arena and MPL Festival. For the first time, live performances from rising OPM artists will be integrated into the esports experience.
Building on this momentum, Janine also highlights how meaningful it is to bring her voice into a space she genuinely belongs to, creating a track that resonates with both players and fans while celebrating the spirit of competition and community. “Music transforms gaming into something far more immersive—it doesn’t just accompany the action, it amplifies every emotion, heightens intensity, and turns each moment into a lasting experience,” said Enzo Valdez, Managing Director of UMG Philippines. “We’re incredibly excited about this partnership and look forward to building deeper collaborations with UMG artists that will keep pushing culture forward and connecting with fans in bold, new ways.”
This creates a dynamic environment where concerts and competition come together under the banner of “Palag Na ’To.” By blending high-stakes gameplay with music and live performances, MPL PH evolves into a full cultural platform for Filipino fans. It is no longer just about watching matches, but about feeling every moment. The experience extends beyond the arena into a shared space for community, creativity, and expression. Each moment reflects the passion and energy of the league’s growing fanbase.
Jane Camille Dela Cruz, Head of Marketing, Esports, Philippines, at MOONTON Games, said: “As MPL Philippines enters its 17th season, showcasing Filipino excellence in esports, and MLBB celebrates its 10th year, shaping the Filipino gaming culture, this collaboration celebrates the journey of MPL Philippines and the community that has grown with it. We thank Janine Berdin, Island Records Philippines, and Universal Music Group Philippines for bringing fans together into the spotlight by connecting gaming, music, and youth culture. With its own new soundtrack, MPL Philippines becomes more than an esports league. It now becomes a cultural experience brought to life by the entire MPL PH community across players, fans, and supporters.”
This collaboration reflects a bigger movement centered on the intersection of gaming, music, and youth culture in the Philippines. Both UMG Philippines and MPL PH are committed to deepening fan engagement by connecting with audiences through shared passions. MLBB has long been more than just a game for Filipinos. It is part of everyday life, from casual play to global competition. By giving the community its own sound, MPL PH strengthens its identity as more than just a league. It becomes a shared cultural experience that fans can hear, feel, and truly be part of, powered by Lakas ng Pinas.
Manila, Philippines — GMG Productions in partnership with UnionBank staged the gala night of the internationally acclaimed rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar last May 5, 2026 at The Theater at Solaire. Media, influencers, theatergoers and music fans turned out for a night to remember celebrating one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most enduring works.
This production is yet another milestone of UnionBank’s long-standing partnership with GMG Productions that has brought over 10 major theatrical experiences to audiences in the Philippines. The partnership’s past highlights have included Hamilton, Miss Saigon, Dear Evan Hansen and The Friends Experience. With these initiatives, UnionBank remains committed to supporting the growth of live entertainment in the country and bringing world-class cultural performances to more people.
Jesus Christ Superstar, told from the point of view of Judas Iscariot, explores the final weeks of Christ’s life. It deals with such serious topics as loyalty and betrayal, doubt and faith, the price of fame, and human frailty. Rock, opera, soul. The Manila staging combines all three, with a strong live band that includes electric guitars, driving drums and strong vocal performances.
Leading the cast are: Gab Pangilinan as Mary Magdalene Luke Street as Jesus Javon King as Judas Ethan Hardy Benson as Pilate Grant Hodges as Caiaphas Kodiak Thompson as Annas
The star-studded gala brought together leading personalities from the arts, culture and entertainment sectors, highlighting the cultural importance of the production in the Philippines. National Artist for Literature There was Ricky Lee, the master storyteller who has defined generations of Filipino storytelling. National Artist (dance) Adding historic gravitas was Alice Reyes, the trailblazing figure in Philippine ballet and theater who had played a significant role in earlier local stagings of the rock opera. Fresh from her victory, the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski caught the spotlight on the red carpet in her first major public appearance as title holder.
Audiences can look forward to such iconic songs as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and the emotional “Gethsemane.” The musical, by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice, has won critical acclaim and major awards (Tony, Grammy and Olivier) in successful runs in London, North America and Australia.
UnionBank cardholders enjoyed the privilege of early access to an exclusive presale from November 3-6, 2025 and a 10% discount on tickets when public sales opened on November 8, 2025. Such benefits highlight the bank’s commitment to providing its customers with more than just financial services with enhancing lifestyle and cultural experiences.
The Manila run of Jesus Christ Superstar is scheduled to run until May 31, 2026. UnionBank and GMG Productions have already announced their next collaboration: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical, coming in July 2026.
This partnership signifies a common commitment to enhancing the Philippine cultural scene by bringing world-class performances to local stages, thereby cultivating a deeper appreciation for live theater and music among Filipinos.
With anticipation building for their biggest headline show to date, Cup of Joe is entering a defining new era with the release of their brand new EP, Sandali. The six-track project arrives just weeks before the highly anticipated SANDALI: Cup of Joe Fest happening on May 23, 2026 at the Philippine Sports Stadium — a milestone concert expected to gather thousands of fans in celebration of the band’s meteoric rise.
The North-grown hitmakers continue to reach new heights following the massive success of their album Silakbo, while also earning international recognition with a nomination at the Music Awards Japan 2026 for “Multo” under the Best Song Asia category. But before they take over the stadium stage later this month, Cup of Joe offers fans a glimpse into their current creative chapter through Sandali — a body of work shaped by shared experiences, personal growth, and the quiet lessons learned along the way. According to the band during a recent press conference, the EP reflects the maturity they’ve gained both as artists and as individuals navigating life together.
Designed with the energy of a live crowd in mind, Sandali feels tailor-made for the massive singalongs and emotional moments that fans can expect at Cup of Joe Fest. The EP opens with the powerful titular track “Sandali,” an anthem of resilience and loyalty, before moving into the nostalgic coming-of-age themes of “Pamahiin.” It then slows down with the emotional weight of “Kung Payagan” and “Lalayo,” eventually culminating in “Isang Daan,” a stirring anthem about overcoming fear and choosing a path forward. Together, the tracks create a cohesive narrative that mirrors the band’s journey — one that fans will soon witness unfold live onstage.
While Silakbo explored the raw and unpredictable stages of grief, Sandali emerges as a brighter, more hopeful continuation of that story. The band retains the soulful vulnerability and melodic storytelling that defined their earlier work, while embracing playful synths, bigger hooks, and a more urgent rhythmic energy fit for a stadium crowd. As Cup of Joe prepares for one of the biggest concerts of their career, Sandali stands as both a celebration of how far they’ve come and an invitation for listeners to grow alongside them.
The virtuosic Brazilian-Japanese guitarist will also perform tracks from his solo album, ASATO.
Mateus Asato is bringing his world tour to the Philippines in 2026. Considered one of the most prominent guitar players of the modern era, the renowned musician will be holding a special show at Aster Events Place in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City, on July 31, 2026.
Produced and presented by GNN, Mateus Asato Live in Manila will feature performances of songs from his highly anticipated debut solo album, ASATO, as well as fan favorites. His self-titled record, which was released in February this year, doubles as a sonic travelogue that combines jazz, pop, and R&B influences with a prolific level of artistry and technique.
Prior to solidifying his global reputation as a virtuosic Brazilian-Japanese guitarist, Mateus Asato has collaborated with some of the biggest pop superstars, from Bruno Mars to Selena Gomez. As a fully fledged solo artist, he was often praised for his soulful guitar playing, earning accolades from several music media, including Guitar World Magazine’s list of the “TOP 10 Guitarists of the Decade,” Total Guitar’s “TOP Guitarists Right Now (2020),” and Guitar World Magazine’s “Hottest Guitar Players In The World (2022).
John Mayer recently called him “one of the best guitar players around,” alluding to his signature flawless technique that shatters conventions of the current guitar mold.
Tickets to Mateus Asato Live in Manila are now available via Ticketmelon, with the following tiers.
VIP (PHP 1,850)
Inclusive of 1:1 photo op, live autograph, A5 poster, and early access
Late-night thoughts just found their new soundtrack—Oh Stella! is officially signing with KDR Music House, marking the start of a new era for the Metro Manila-based band known for turning raw emotions into unforgettable music.
The ballad-alternative rock band, composed of Antonio Vivo and Gelo Santos on guitars, JM Santos on vocals, Bien Garcia on bass, and Johanan Fernandez on drums, continues to build a sound that resonates deeply with today’s generation—honest, emotional, and unapologetically real.
More than just a band, Oh Stella! creates music that feels like a companion. Through stories woven into their songs, they explore emotions that are often hard to express—serving as a friend to those who feel alone, a safe space for those who need comfort, and a reminder that even in uncertain moments, things will eventually fall into place.
Kicking off this new chapter, Oh Stella! is set to release their first single under KDR Music House, titled “I Guess.”
The track dives into the quiet heartbreak of missed chances—the kind that doesn’t come from loud goodbyes, but from the words left unsaid. It tells the story of letting someone slip away, and the slow realization that some feelings never really leave.
“I Guess” lives in that familiar in-between—when you convince yourself you’ve already moved on, but your heart keeps circling back. When memories feel distant, yet never fully gone. When the hardest truth to face is that no matter how much time has passed, you’re still not over them.
With a sound that speaks directly to late-night thoughts and unspoken emotions, Oh Stella! is set to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level as they begin their journey with KDR Music House.
And if you’ve ever found yourself replaying a moment you wish you could change—“I Guess” might just be the song you didn’t know you needed.
U.S.-based singer-songwriter Maya releases “ROMANTICIZE,” a new collaborative digital single with rising Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert, out 13 May 2026. The official music video premieres the same day at 8pm JST on Maya’s official YouTube channel.
A fully English-language mid-tempo ballad built around the concept of romanticizing the past, “ROMANTICIZE” was co-written and co-produced entirely on the day of Maya and Rol3ert’s very first session together. The track is produced by Tokyo-based beatmaker and producer A.G.O, anchored by floating synths and minimal beats that give space for Maya and Rol3ert’s interlocking vocals to take centre stage.
Written from the perspective of two people on either side of a relationship that has already ended, “ROMANTICIZE” draws on intimate, everyday details — a guitar, polaroids, a hair tie, a bunk bed — to ground a deeply emotional story in something tangible and real. The song captures the quiet human tendency to polish painful memories until they become beautiful, and to long for moments that once hurt.
The vocal interplay between Maya and Rol3ert is central to the song’s emotional architecture. Maya’s fragile, transparent tone opens the story; Rol3ert’s voice carries a quiet heat that shifts the perspective. In the chorus, the male voice reaches out — “do you feel the same?” — and receives only an ambiguous response. The back-and-forth mirrors the push and pull of memory itself: unresolved, bittersweet, and impossible to let go.
The music video, directed by Taichi Nakazawa and set in an airport, extends this nostalgic, in-between feeling — a location that inherently evokes departure, distance, and the bittersweet weight of goodbye.
MAYA ON THE SONG:“This song is built around the concept of romanticizing the past, with a strong sense of narrative throughout. As a songwriter, I care most about how much of myself I can weave into a piece. I intentionally incorporated everyday objects from my own life — like a guitar, a hair tie, polaroids, and a bunk bed — while crafting a fictional story about two people whose relationship has fallen apart, leaving space for listeners to imagine parts of their story. The past is fragile — it fades over time. Even memories filled with complicated emotions begin to look beautiful as they lose their sharpness. You may even find yourself longing for moments that once hurt.”
ROL3ERT ON THE SONG:“We completed both the lyrics and the track on the spot during our very first session with Maya. So we really valued those in-the-moment flashes of intuition and impulse, and carried that mindset through to the very end of the process. Through our conversation, we quickly recognised shared feelings between Maya and me, and the theme fell into place right away. Because of that, I think the song clearly captures the necessity — and the power — of people from the same generation coming together to create and express something collaboratively.”
Rol3ert has been building rapid and organic momentum across Southeast Asia. His breakout single “(how could i be) honest?” charted on viral charts in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, earned heavy rotation on Singapore’s 987FM, and peaked at No.5 on Singapore’s Shazam charts — resonating especially with younger listeners for its emotionally direct songwriting in English, a quality that cuts across language barriers in the region.
His subsequent single “savior” was selected for Spotify’s New Music Friday in 22 countries, and his sold-out headline show at Shibuya WWW X in Tokyo underlined his growing status as a live artist. He performed at MUZ’POP JAM 2026 in Seoul in March, his first overseas performance, and is set to perform at SUMMER SONIC 2026 in Tokyo on the Spotify Stage. He has also been named one of Japan’s 25 representatives in Rolling Stone’s global “Future of Music” project, and was selected for Spotify Japan’s RADAR: Early Noise 2026.
With listeners spanning Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, the United States, Brazil, and beyond, Rol3ert continues to establish himself as a Japanese artist with genuine global reach.
About Maya Maya is a high school singer-songwriter currently based in the United States. She first gained wide attention through acoustic cover videos on TikTok — her rendition of Vaundy’s “napori” exceeded 7.15 million streams, while her cover of Grover Washington Jr.’s “Just the Two of Us” surpassed 5.12 million streams — reflecting a fanbase with strong resonance across Asian music communities globally. In 2024, her voice caught the attention of renowned Japanese composer and producer Yoko Kanno, leading to her feature on “Blue feat. Maya” for Honda’s global campaign. She was also featured on m-flo’s revival single “HyperNova” and performed for a crowd of approximately 20,000 at SUMMER SONIC 2024. Her debut single “Red Lights,” released in August 2025, reached No.4 on J-WAVE’s SAISON CARD TOKIO HOT 100. She has since continued to expand her profile, performing on the soundtrack of director Mamoru Hosoda’s film alongside Ayumu Matsuda of RIKON.
Following viral covers surpassing 4 million views, he broke through with “(how could i be) honest?” and “savior”, both regional viral hits with over 500,000 Spotify streams in the first month. His latest single “savior” achieved #1 on the Billboard Japan Heatseekers Songs chart.
At just 20 years old, Rol3ert is emerging as one of Japan’s most exciting new talents, drawing attention for his bold vision and growing presence on the global music stage.
Globally renowned pop group Westlife announces the Asia leg of its much-awaited tour ‘WESTLIFE 25: The Anniversary World Tour’ with a concert in MANILA on January 20, 2027 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets will go on-sale on May 15 Friday, 12PM via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.
Running from September 2026, the tour promises a euphoric, hit-filled set spanning their extraordinary career, featuring timeless ballads and global chart-toppers. It kicks off with a 13-date residency in Dublin this September before heading across the UK and Europe, marking their first headline continental run in two decades.
Westlife today release their monumental era-defining album 25 – The Ultimate Collection, a celebration of their record-breaking 25-year journey at the very top of global pop. The album is available across multiple formats including 1CD, 2CD deluxe, 1LP, Amazon Exclusive 1LP picture disc and cassette. Listen HERE.
The release follows “Chariot”, written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Will Reynolds, and co-written and produced by Steve Mac and features on the new album alongside recent release “Your Love Amazes Me”. The collection brings together 21 of the band’s most beloved songs including “You Raise Me Up,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Flying Without Wings” alongside brand-new material recorded by all four members: Shane, Nicky, Kian and Mark.
Westlife said: “This year marks 25 years since we started this incredible journey together and it still feels like only the beginning. The support from our fans has been unbelievable, and to celebrate with this world tour, new music, and a brand-new album feels truly special. We can’t wait to see you all on the road and share this next chapter together.”
About Westlife
Over the last 25 years, Westlife have become one of the most successful pop groups of all time. Their music has been streamed over 3 billion times globally; they’ve achieved 36 No.1 albums worldwide, 14 UK No.1 singles (ranking only behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles), sold over 55 million records, surpassed 1 billion YouTube views, and sold more than 6 million concert tickets around the world. The Wild Dreams Tour sold over 1.2 million tickets alone. The band have performed over 200 shows since their reunion in 2019 across 30 countries. Westlife remain the UK & Ireland’s top-selling album group of the 21st century.
Singer-actor Inigo Pascual returns to recording with his new single, “Ikaw at Ikaw,” his comeback project with ABS-CBN’s premier record label Star Music.
“It feels like I’m coming back to my home. I can easily say that Star Music, they were the people that really saw the potential in me from the very beginning and they allowed me to create music, to even discover that I can be a composer. Sa kanila talaga nanggaling ang confidence ko when it comes to music,” shared Inigo.
He composed “Ikaw at Ikaw,” which is about finding oneself coming home to a loved one who has never lost their affection. The song was also inspired by his homecoming to the Philippines after moving back and forth between the country and the United States for his international career. It was arranged and produced by Gabriel Tagadtad.
“I wanted to go back to my roots, I wanted to go back to how I started as a musician,” he said.
ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo shared their excitement about Inigo’s homecoming.
Jonathan said, “Inigo will always be family. Hindi naman talaga siya rin umalis sa amin. His songs, his music stayed with us. S’yemre pag narinig n’yo ang ‘Dahil Sayo,’ it will always be the signature of Inigo released under Star Music, and right now it’s like a full circle moment, and alam ko he will keep releasing songs under his home label.”
“Ikaw at Ikaw” is included in Inigo’s forthcoming album, which is expected to drop later this year and will feature several tracks penned by the singer-songwriter himself. Fans can also look forward to the release of the song’s music video, filmed in Batangas, happening soon.
Inigo has also popularized the songs “Balang Araw,” “Catching Feelings,” “Mr. Nice Guy,” and more, and sang the official Philippine version of Coco’s soundtrack “Remember Me.” He has previously released an international album “Options,” under Tarsier Records, before starring in the Hollywood series “Monarch.”
Check out Inigo’s “Ikaw at Ikaw,” now available on music streaming platforms. For more details, follow Star Music on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
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