With his wide array of new songs, FELIP led us through the next chapter of his musical career as a soloist, with a concert named after this first full-length album release-7sins.
Giving life and scenery on a newly-built venue, Space at One Ayala, A’TIN and Sisiws (as FELIP’s fans are called) flocked and gave their warmest support for FELIP.
Picturesque Set up
From medieval stage design resembling the underground to magnifying sounds of thunder with a narrative voiceover to flashing lights varying the mood per song, the viewers appeased not only their ears with FELIP’s music but also their eyes with his team’s craftsmanship. More than a concert, everyone witnessed an exhilarating art exhibit.
Diverse Repertoire
Known for his introverted personality, FELIP used his music to channel his inner thoughts, along with the acceptance that we as humans are bound to commit mistakes. From this perspective, the concert circled a diverse repertoire.
Like his fiery red hair, he set the stage on fire with unique performances, showcasing his genre versatility at the same time. He opened the show with a heavy metal-themed “Foes” and “Envy”, took a mellow break with “Greed”, then a sensual take with Belgian singer and fellow composer Cyra Gwynth with “Lust”.
After their collaboration song, Cyra stayed in the solo spotlight with her songs, “1+1” and “Cut The Bs”. He returned on center stage with holographic lights as he sang “Pride” paying homage to his Visayan roots. A different level of artistry wowed the audience, as he performed “Gluttony” with a dancer covered in filth, along with musician pals Player Two. After the trio’s solo set, Felip shared the stage with them for a quick ment and an on-the-spot sample of their song, “Pagdali.”
The last set of 7sins songs revolved around “Wrath”, a sample of an additional song in the album entitled “Tokyo,” another banger “Sloth” and the emotional “Ache”, with dancers covered in white clothes.
Closing off the feast were his songs “Kanako” played in the background and his first EP named COM•PLEX tracks “Rocksta” and “MicTest”. With a shower of confetti and curtain call including guests Cyra and Player Two, FELIP thanked everyone including his team for the event’s successful run.
This concert is presented by Warner Music Philippines.
PULP Spaces+ is thrilled to unveil an exclusive sneak peek of the highly anticipated Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition, set to open on August 3, 2024, at Level 3, Gateway Mall 2. This immersive experience will run until October 27, 2024, offering fans a unique opportunity to step into the captivating world of Demon Slayer.
The exhibition features a variety of themed zones that transport visitors directly into iconic scenes from the beloved anime. Fans will be able to explore Mount Fujikasane, the House of Demons, the Mugen Train, Kimetsu Academy, and several other interactive photo spots. These previews shared on PULP Spaces+’s social media accounts, have already sparked excitement among fans eager to experience the first Demon Slayer exhibit in the Philippines.
Adding to the anticipation, a special Meet and Greet with a Tanjiro mascot will be held on August 3 and 4. The first 200 people who register each day will have the chance to meet and take photos with Tanjiro, making the opening weekend even more memorable.’
Tickets for the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition are available at pulptickets.com, SM Tickets, and TicketNet. Don’t miss this extraordinary event – see you there!
The bustling halls of SM City Cebu Activity Center were filled with music, excitement, and fierce competition as the auditions for the Karaoke World Championships (KWC) Visayas leg took place on 21 July 2024. Aspiring singers from all over the region gathered to showcase their vocal talents, all vying for a chance to be crowned the next Karaoke World Champion.
The New Channel (TNC), in collaboration with Praxis and True Creators Studios, has once again turned the stage into a battleground filled with electrifying performances of aspiring singers from across the region. The competition was fierce! Each contestant brought their A-game, showcasing not only their vocal prowess but also their captivating stage presence, bringing a diverse range of styles and musical passions to the stage. The judges including KWC Philippines co-producers, Apple Manasala of TNC, Gladys Basinillio of Praxis, and Mercy Joy Mesina of True Creator Studios, undoubtedly had a tough decision on their hands as they narrowed down the pool of talented contestants to select the winner who will compete in the national finals.
After a tough competition, Francis Alinsonorin, a 22-year-old freelance make-up artist and singer from Naga City, Cebu, emerged victorious, impressing the judges and audience with his exceptional vocal talent, stage presence, and incredible rendition of “Nosi Balasi.” Jovie Loon and Veronica Jañola also delivered incredible performances, earning them the 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up titles, respectively. Francis’ victory not only brings pride to his hometown, Naga, Cebu but also secures his spot in the finals. He will now advance to the next round of the competition, representing Visayas on a national stage. More so, the journey for all contestants continues, and the future of the KWC looks brighter than ever, with the promise of even more spectacular performances to come.
The success of this event was made even more possible with the generous support of brand partners and sponsors: SM Online, Sante Barley Max, Hapee Toothpaste, Everest Appliances, Katinko, Unisol, Quanta, Tiffany Chocolates, Break, Piccadeli, Basecamp by PowerMac, Yello Hotel, KWC’s home venue, SM Supermalls; and publicity partners: WRock, Big Radio, Radio Totoo, Energy FM, Exodus Incorporated, Love Radio, and Win Radio.
As both Mindanao and Visayas leg winners prepare for the next round, the search for the Karaoke World Champion 2024 continues! The next stop for the audition is the Luzon leg which will be held at SM Pampanga on July 27th. Followed by the Metro Manila leg on August 3rd at SM Caloocan.
The culmination aka grand finale which is set to be a star-studded affair, featuring guest performances by renowned Filipino singers Hazel Faith, and Maki, among others is happening on August 16th at the SM North EDSA Skydome.
LA-based alternative R&B duo Emotional Oranges are thrilled to announce their first-ever Asia shows with stops in Manila, Jakarta, and Seoul this August 2024. Fans in these cities can anticipate experiencing the duo’s experimental and futuristic sounds and captivating performances live for the first time.
Emotional Oranges will headline their first Manila show on August 23, 2024, at the Space at One Ayala. Tickets are available for purchase via www.insigniapresents.com.
Having collaborated with the likes of Vince Staples, Big Piig, Kiana Lede, Chiiild, and more, Emotional Oranges have left an indelible footprint on modern music since debuting with their hotly received tracks “Motion” and “Personal”, which immediately sparked a cult following.
Since then, their music has been featured on shows such as Love Island and Gossip Girl, sold-out shows in the US and Europe, and built a passionate fan base across the globe. No stranger to Southeast Asia, Emotional Oranges’ Top 10 Streaming Markets worldwide include the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Not much is known of the LA-based R&B-Pop male/female duo, but it has been speculated that when Adele’s vocal coach and Drake’s engineer met at a bat mitzvah in 2017, the band was instantly born. A+V, described by critics and fans alike as experimental and futuristic, is the physical manifestation of alternative r&b, soul, and funk.
Provocateurs extraordinaire, Emotional Oranges have been unanimously lauded everywhere from Complex, Highsnobiety to Hypebeast, Rolling Stone India, Billboard Indonesia, and more. They have established themselves as one of the most exciting new acts without ever even revealing themselves.
Houston superstar, keshi, announces headlining Requiem World Tour in support of his sophomore album, Requiem, which releases September 13th via Island Records.
keshi —the acclaimed Houston-born singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist— announces that he is set to embark on a headlining world tour this fall and winter in support of his forthcoming sophomore album, Requiem.
by Angella Choe
The 35-city tour will touch down at many of the world’s most iconic arenas throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Kicking off October 6th at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, the tour stops include New York’s Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, San Francisco’s Chase Center, and more, before heading overseas to Europe in December, Australia/New Zealand in February, and Asia in February and March.
keshi’s REQUIEM WORLD TOUR, with boylife as a special guest, will happen at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on March 4, 2025, Tuesday.
Artist presale begins Monday, July 29th at 10AM local time, with various presales running throughout the week ahead of public on-sale on Friday, August 2nd at 12PM local time.
Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in the Philippines from July 30th, 10AM until August 1st, 10AM. Preferred ticket access is available to World & World Elite Mastercard cardholders in the Philippines on August 2nd, 12PM. Visit www.priceless.com/music to find out more.
Live Nation PH members can secure tickets during the Live Nation Presale on August 1st, Thursday, from 12PM until 11:59PM local time. The general sale will start on August 2nd, Friday at noon local time via SM Tickets. For more information, visit livenation.ph.
The world tour announcement comes on the heels of keshi’s latest release, “Say,” and the announcement of his anxiously awaited new full-length record, Requiem, which will be released on September 13th via Island Records. “Say,” the album’s first single and video, introduces the sonically grand world keshi is building on Requiem. It has become keshi’s fastest streamed record, reaching 1M plus listens on Spotify alone within the first day.
In recent years, keshi has become a streaming force, racking up over 11 billion streams across his trilogy of EPs and debut album, Gabriel, released in 2022. The strength of his catalog has allowed keshi to tour the world repeatedly, selling out shows globally and continually elevating his live productions and performances. Raising the bar yet again after last year’s two sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York and The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, keshi manifested the soundtrack for the packed stadium stages that he’ll grace later this year and beyond.
Prior to his forthcoming performance on August 31, 2024, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Korean indie pop singer-songwriter 10cm had an online press conference where he discussed his career and tour.
Having made his stage debut in 2010, 10cm, whose real name is Kwon Jungyeol, is among the most recognizable K-Drama OST singers of his generation. His hit soundtracks from Queen of Tears, Hotel Del Luna, Crash Landing On You, and Our Beloved Summer have helped him make a name for himself in the music business. He has performed well in a number of Asian nations and earned the Best Collaboration Award at the esteemed Melon Music Awards in 2022.
In conjunction with his 2024 Asia Tour in Manila, a number of media members had the honor of meeting 10cm via Zoom conference call. When asked how he prepared for this world tour and how he felt about starting a concert tour, 10cm replied that he was surprised to learn that Manila would be a stop on the tour. He also expressed his hope that his fans would enjoy the upcoming concert and that he would meet his Filipino fans, for whom he has prepared a number of touching and exciting performances.
Additionally, 10cm was asked about the kinds of memories he wanted to take with him from Manila and his thoughts on hosting a concert there. He expressed his desire for a successful performance in the country, saying that he wants his audience to be delighted by his shows and return for more of his concerts in Manila.
10cm is extending an invitation to all to witness his performance on August 31, 2024, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay.
Indie-folk band Munimuni held their concert titled Alegorya at the UP Theater on July 20, in celebration of their latest album of the same title.
It is the third major concert of their career, and their biggest one yet. Presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions, the show drew a crowd of more than a thousand people composed of Komunidad (their fanbase name) and music enthusiasts.
Composed of Adj Jiao (guitars/vocals), John Owen Castro (flute/vocals), Jolo Ferrer (bass), Josh Tumaliuan (drums), Ben Ayes (guitars), Munimuni went far and beyond normal concert expectations to make sure that the three-hour show would be a worthwhile musical experience.
Even before the show started, the stage effects were on point. Entering the theater felt like entering a cave. In the background of the stage, stacks of blocks were illuminated by light radiating from water, as the sound of water droplets echoed mellifluously.
When Munimuni first appeared on stage, the five members played in their usual band set-up, starting with “Ako Lang Ba?”, a song that opened the descent to the preeminent emotion of the first part of their setlist: sadness. This was followed by tracks from their latest album Alegorya such as “Kapayapaan”, “Isang Araw ang Lumipas”, “Alat” and “Sikat ng Araw”. Adj asked the crowd in jest if they could still take more sadness after this, a comment which made the crowd laugh. The mood lightened up a few shades afterward when they played “Matimtiman”, “Kalsada”, “Dito Muna Tayo” and “Maligaya”.
The show went on a short break as the stage set-up was adjusted to accommodate their unplugged set, as well as their backing chamber orchestra. The members shared that this was the kind of set-up they were accustomed to when they were starting out since they did not have a drum kit at the time. Decked in all-white fits, Munimuni sat side-by-side in front of the stage and proceeded to play “Tanikala”. Joining them after were their special guests: Sofia Abrogar in “Pagsibol”, Clara Benin in “Tahanan” and Keiko Necesario in “Oras”. Each singer’s distinctive vocal color matched by the string arrangement made for some goosebump-inducing moments in the concert.
Their setlist also gave a spotlight to their heavier, angrier tracks such as “Respeto”, “Alegorya”, “Bukas Makalawa”, which culminated into the cathartic blend of the somber “Tiwala” and the discordant “Alpas”.
Veteran singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis later joined Munimuni on stage to perform “Tupa”, a collaboration song off their latest album. Before their performance together, Owen got a bit emotional while taking the time to thank the crowd. “Itong buong concert na ‘to, it is a step of faith for us. Di namin ma-imagine na more than 1,000 people are here to celebrate our music,” he said with a shaky voice. Barbie cheered on the band, saying that she and her husband are big fans of the band.
“Maraming salamat sa pagpunta,sa pagcelebrate kahit di ito parang normal celebration,” Adj also told the crowd. “Di lang siya celebration ng album, pero ng pagiging tao, ‘yung halaga ng buhay ng tao.” Adj further explained that their purpose as a band is to inspire hope in people – the kind that gives people a reason to keep living. “Ang pag-asa, nandiyan siya, isang magandang salita, isang magandang konsepto. Ebidensiya siya na lumalaban ka, na may hangad ka para mabuhay,” he said.
By all means, Munimuni’s Alegorya went beyond the concept of a usual album launch/concert. The UP Theater was the perfect venue for it as it was primarily the kind of show that demanded the audience to be still, to listen, and to take in every detail. From the get-go, it was evident that the band put every ounce of thought into giving the concert a strong visceral impact, a feat they achieved by fine-tuning the acoustics, synching the lighting to each track, coordinating with a chamber orchestra, and more.
The acoustics of the venue sounded so crisp and clean, making the string arrangement all the more stirring. The lighting direction was orchestrated so meticulously, that it felt like they were dancing to the melodies of each song. The setlist was arranged as if it follows a narrative that gradually unravels – one that begins with sadness, continues in hope, and ends in love/togetherness. The three hours were undoubtedly long, but it was a captivating journey, and every minute of it was valuable.
For the finale, Komunidad raised their orange lights as they sang along to the Munimuni anthem “Marilag”, a loud, magical moment in a show that was marked with solemnity. The band was about to leave the stage, but the audience called for an encore. The jovial “Bukang-Liwayway” officially closed the evening.
We got beer, loaded with a lot of music during The Itchyworms’ Beer O Pag-Ibig Grand Launch at the 123 Block on the evening of July 13.
Presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions, the event turned out to be a success as all the beer packs, composed of two spectacular flavors: Beer and Pag-Ibig sold out a few hours before The Itchyworms started the show.
Starting the party were the newcomers The Revisors, whose two members are Jazz Nicolas’ sons. The youngsters played a catchy mix of pop-rock reminiscent of the ‘90s. This was followed by Blaster and the Celestial Klowns who dished out a psychedelic blend of disco rock. Indie rock veteran Ciudad also entertained the crowd with favorites like “Get You Closer” and “My Emptiness”
When Ebe Dancel took the stage, he congratulated The Itchyworms for having their craft beer line. He shared that when Sugarfree was starting, they would often be in the same lineup in bar gigs. Whatever spare money they had, they used it to buy beer after gigs. Ebe played “Prom”, “Bawat Daan” and “Mariposa”.
The stars of the evening, The Itchyworms, showcased their extensively diverse musicality. Jugs Jugueta, Jazz Nicolas, Kelvin Yu, Mikey Amistoso, and Weckl Mercado were on top of their game as they played track after track, including newer material like “The Silence” and “Panic in My Mind”, a cover of The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” and B-sides like “Pariwara” and “One Ball”.
The Itchyworms thanked the audience for supporting their beer venture and for coming to the show. “Daig pa namin San Miguel, nagsold out yung beer namin,” Jugs joked. They also said that they will be producing another batch soon.
Of course, the audience went wild when it was time for the all-time Itchyworms faves “Love Team”, “Buwan”, “Gusto Ko Lamang sa Buhay”, “Akin Ka na Lang” and the much celebrated “Beer”. The band was supposed to cap off the night after that, but they gave in to the crowd’s jeers for another song which turned out to be the bittersweet “Di Na Muli”.
Netflix has just unveiled a trailer for its highly anticipated Filipino film “Lolo and the Kid,” featuring the talented Joel Torre and the rising star Euwenn Mikael Aleta from “Firefly.”
A video captures the duo swiftly leaving a residence, likely after committing a theft, as other footage reveals them in different attire during the night, carrying away numerous bundles of items. Beyond the usual routines, the characters seem to relish their moments of togetherness, whether it’s visiting an amusement park, spending time at the beach, or exploring thrift stores.
Joel’s character, as the grandfather, appears to be unable to fulfill this responsibility. Joel’s character immerses himself in a captivating tale, while a clip shows Kid encountering an unfortunate accident. This leads to a series of clips showcasing the duo enjoying each other’s company, highlighted by a heartwarming rendition of Kenny Rogers’ “Through the Years.”
The trailer revealed brief appearances from Markki Stroem, Meryll Soriano, Joem Bascon, Shaina Magdayao, and Alfred Vargas, along with a special participation from JK Labajo.
The two main characters share their feelings for each other on a bus ride, and the title card appears as they strike a pose with sunglasses in Manila, accompanied by the song “Through the Years” playing in the background. The film is helmed by Benedict Mique. “Lolo and the Kid” will be available to stream on Netflix worldwide starting August 7.
Netflix’s “Bridgerton” will delve into the romantic journey of Benedict Bridgerton, a perennial bachelor played by Luke Thompson. Having been less prominent in recent seasons, Benedict is poised to emerge as the next Bridgerton sibling to find their soulmate. The season continues with Benedict’s search for a mysterious woman he encounters at a masquerade ball. Little does he know, she is actually Sophie Beckett, a woman from a humble background.
Netflix has officially confirmed that Benedict’s love interest remains unchanged, and it is the same woman. Get ready for an exciting new season of “Bridgerton”! Season 4, as it will reveal the transition of Benedict’s to the lead role, which is a significant development considering his previous three seasons on “Bridgerton,” where he played a supporting character.
Following the exciting news of Bridgerton’s Season 4 renewal, fans have been eagerly anticipating the announcement. At this time, we have no further details to share on the start of production or returning, other castmates and premiere date are yet to be disclosed, as of press time. Welcome to the marriage mart, Benedict!
“What I’m going for is a relentless, huge pop punch to the face. I want people to be like ‘oh my god, I didn’t expect that’ – but then want to listen to it again.”
JADE, a.k.a. Jade Thirlwall of multi-platinum selling, BRIT Award-winning pop phenomenon Little Mix, releases her highly anticipated debut solo single, “Angel of My Dreams.”
JADE co-wrote ‘Angel of My Dreams’ in LA alongside Steph Jones (Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso), Pablo Bowman (Calvin Harris’ Miracle), and producer Mike Sabath (RAYE). The track is a frenetically shapeshifting, gloriously OTT banger that explores her love/hate relationship with a pop industry she’s been at the heart of since 2011.
“I didn’t want to do a safe first single, that was important to me,” JADE states. “I’m setting the tone of who I am as an artist on my own. I want people to hear it and be like ‘what the fuck is that song?’. My worst nightmare is for someone to hear my song and go ‘that’s nice’.”
The lyrical themes are brought to life via an eye-popping video that takes the song’s playful storytelling and blows it up into big neon letters. Directed by Aube Perrie (Harry Styles, Megan Thee Stallion), and filmed over four days (“the budget was budgeting” laughs JADE), it’s a visual feast, inspired by the Fifth Element, Showgirls and Black Swan, that stars various versions of Jade all scrapping for the spotlight.
“There’s 11 looks in the video! The concept is sort of rags to riches It was emotional actually because for one bit I’m busking and walking past a Sainsbury’s Local. When I was 16, I would stand outside my local Sainsbury’s and sing Christmas songs.”
It’s been a long, carefully chosen path to get to ‘Angel of My Dreams’. When Little Mix announced their hiatus in 2022, JADE started to set her solo career in motion across multiple studio sessions with collaborators including MNEK, Cirkut, Lostboy, RAYE, Lauren Aquilina, and Dave Hamelin alongside Mike, Steph and Pablo. ‘Angel of My Dreams’ immediately jumped out as the lead single. Built around a cheeky, knowing sample of Sandie Shaw’s 1967 hit ‘Puppet on a String’, lyrically JADE wanted to reflect on her time in an industry that has brought her both unimaginable highs and deep lows.
“It’s about how obsessed I am with the industry – so there are lyrics like “love when you call me a star” – but also there’s the dark side that comes with that. It’s not as glam as it seems.” The sample, which JADE had wanted to use in a song for years, was chosen very specifically. “In the beginning of our career you do think you are this puppet, but at the same time it isn’t true – we wrote a lot of our songs, and we were behind a lot of what we put out there. I resented that as a statement. So it felt natural to take that and show that it can be true and untrue at the same time.”
The track is Jade delivering Big Pop Girl Energy. It is, as she says, doing the most; it’s OTT, it’s ridiculous and it’s gloriously WTF.
“This dawn of pop girls giving people everything is so exciting. It couldn’t be a better timing for my music. I’m so proud of it and I can say that with chest. The fans have waited long enough so now we just want to give it to them”.
Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello: Originally from Rome, Marcello is direct, confident, and values simplicity. He’s substantive but never flashy — true to the roots of his family’s company.
Thalia Besson as Genevieve: Laurent’s 20-something daughter from a past relationship, who’s just moved from New York City to Paris to start her career. Her bright, eager demeanor immediately endears her to Emily, who’s thrilled to have an American expat to mentor. But their similarities may end up complicating Emily’s life — both professionally and personally.
Rupert Everett as Giorgio Barbieri: The owner of a global interior design firm based in Rome. Giorgio makes it his business to know everyone else’s business, and to be the life of every party. He’s been friends with Sylvie for decades.
Anna Galiena as Antonia MuratorI: Marcello’s mother, the matriarch of the Muratori family, and the head of the family business. Antonia presides over their small village by building up the community and taking care of the people who live and work there. Even in uncertain times, Antonia is committed to maintaining the company’s soul.
Raoul Bova as Giancarlo: A charming, self-assured, successful Roman commercial director who used to be Sylvie’s film professor.
Emily in Paris Season 4 will be split into two 5-episode parts, with Part 1 premiering on August 15, 2024, followed by Part 2 on September 12, 2024.
Synopsis: After the dramatic events of Camille and Gabriel’s misbegotten wedding, Emily is reeling: She has strong feelings for two men, but now Gabriel’s expecting a baby with his ex, and Alfie’s worst fears about her and Gabriel have been confirmed. At work, Sylvie is forced to confront a thorny dilemma from her past for the sake of her marriage, and the Agence Grateau team navigates personnel shakeups. Mindy and the band prepare for Eurovision, but when funds run dry, they’re forced to get thrifty. Emily and Gabriel’s chemistry is undeniable as they work together towards a Michelin star, but two big secrets threaten to undo everything they’ve dreamed of.
Creator / Executive Producer / Writer: Darren Star
Executive Producers: Tony Hernandez, Lilly Burns, Andrew Fleming, Alison Brown, Robin Schiff
Co-Executive Producer: Stephen Brown, Grant Sloss, Joe Murphy
Producers: Ryan McCormick, Raphaël Benoliel, Lily Collins, Jake Fuller
Starring: Lily Collins (Emily Cooper), Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (Sylvie Grateau), Ashley Park (Mindy Chen), Lucas Bravo (Gabriel), Camille Razat (Camille), Samuel Arnold (Julien), Bruno Gouery (Luc), William Abadie (Antoine Lambert), Lucien Laviscount (Alfie)
Produced by: MTV Entertainment Studios, Darren Star Productions, and Jax Media
The energy was electric as Watsons gathered the biggest names in the P-Pop scene for the press conference of the highly anticipated Watsons Playlist: The P-Pop Power Concert.
Superstars SB19, Alamat, HORI7ON, G22, and Kaia thrilled fans with exclusive updates and teasers for the concert set to take place on August 18 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The 2024 thrust of Watsons Playlist is all about supporting and empowering the P-Pop scene – bringing together P-Pop groups and fan communities for an epic celebration of music. “This 2024, we want to give the spotlight to the amazing P-Pop talents that we have – thriving in both the local scene and the global stage. It is our responsibility to support these talents as they banner Pinoy pride worldwide,” said Jared De Guzman, Customer Director of Watsons Philippines and Head of Watsons Playlist. “Through Watsons Playlist, we also get to reward our Watsons Club members with a free concert when they can look good, do good, and feel great with Watsons.”
During the press conference SB19’s Josh shared his excitement: “Masaya po kami kasi noong nagsisimula pa lang ang P-Pop, hindi pa nagkakaroon ng mga ganito kalaking events. Ngayon, mayroon nang tulad ng Watsons Playlist na willing magbigay sa amin ng ganitong klaseng plataporma para ipamalas ang mga talents naming mga P-Pop artists.”
SB19’s Justin added, “Ngayon for P-Pop na talaga ang concert ng Watsons Playlist, nabibigyang pansin na ang mga P-Pop groups ngayon.” Ken echoed this sentiment, “ang ganitong platform ay sobrang laki ng tulong sa P-Pop community para mas makilala pa globally.”
A feel-great night to remember
The Watsons Playlist artists enjoyed reconnecting with each other and their fans, including A’Tin, Magiliws, Anchors, Bullets, and Zaias. It was an evening for the P-Pop community. SB19’s Stell said, “We’re very excited na makasama kayo kasi yung mga ganitong klase bihira ito mangyari. Sa mga ganitong klaseng event lang tayo nabibigyan ng pagkakataong magkasama-samang lahat.” Justin described it as a celebration and reunion.
HORI7ON’s Marcus expressed the group’s honor at participating, “This is actually our first time to attend something like this. Definitely an honor to do it alongside other P-Pop acts. We’re very honored, and definitely, we’ll do our best!”
Surprise look-good stages from the hottest P-Pop groups at the Watsons Playlist
The artists promised unstoppable back-to-back performances for the Watsons Playlist concert to deliver a feel-great experience.
“We treated all of the concerts and performances that we’ve had before as a conditioning for the upcoming Watsons Playlist,” said Alamat’s Jao. “Trust us, may niluluto kaming bago! We’re preparing a lot of surprises for you.”
Kaia’s Angela added, “May prinepare kaming new choreography, and new arrangements of our songs. We’re also preparing for our upcoming EP kung saan ipapakita namin sa Watsons Playlist.”
G22’s AJ and Alfea teased, “We just finished our meeting the other day. We have production numbers na bonggabels. Since first time namin sa Watsons, we’re giving our very very best, the toppest of the best.”
One of the concert’s highlights will be the collaborations among the artists – this year, Watsons Playlist will feature not one, but two major collaborations.
SB19’s Josh said, “Nakakatuwa po kasi may mga exciting collaborations po ahead, sa mga bagong areglo, mga bagong pinaghahandaan dito sa big stage ng Watsons Playlist,” revealing the a grand collaboration between SB19, Alamat, and HORI7ON.
Justin stars in the music video, along with Nicole Omillio of One More Chance stage adaptation and RJ Cruz of The Juans.
Justin delivers another track with an unfiltered creative pulse. The promising P-Pop star releases “kaibigan,” an anthemic track that finds the sweet spot most solo artists only dream of staying true to their roots while harnessing their fully realized potential.
The song channels the agony and frustration of expressing one’s true feelings to a friend—a familiar premise that ends with an intriguing twist to its brand of storytelling.
“To be honest, there’s no actual or specific inspiration behind the song,” Justin reveals. “I wrote this tune from the perspective of an observer and wanderer: a person who enjoys movies with a coming-of-age slant.”
Radkidz collab
Layered with sonic complexities and refreshing builds, “kaibigan” simply defies expectations by giving Justin more room to experiment. Credit goes to Filipino production duo Radkidz (SB19’s Pablo and his brother, Josue), who reconciled Justin’s pop sensibilities with their envelope-pushing ideas. Both Pablo and Josue worked with Justin on his previously released solo tracks, “surreal” and “sunday morning.”
“Similar to surreal, I let them hear my demo in its ukulele version,” Justin shares the production process behind his new track. “At first, it was more of a solemn and calm song, but as we navigated deeper through the collaboration and explored the material and its story, we came up with something that ripped out the emotional layers in the latter part.”
The charismatic member of SB19 specifically praised Radkidz for guiding him toward honing his sonic instincts while sticking to the brief.
“They added some interesting builds on the bridge and made me even scream towards the end. I personally don’t see myself doing that, but there’s always a total payoff in accepting the challenge without giving in to your sense of inhibition. I’m actually thrilled with the final output.”
About the music video
SB19’s Justin himself conceptualized the visual narrative that accompanies the track’s release. While he is responsible for the flow, the talented multi-hyphenate doesn’t want to take all the credit for the MV, as he takes pride in the collaborative nature of filmmaking. He shares captainship with his team, particularly in coming up with the storyboard and the shot list.
“For the direction of the MV, other than the rough storyboard, we make sure the producer knows the story behind it and what feeling we want to convey. I even sent movies and not just music video pegs for them to really understand what we wanted to achieve,” the 1Z Entertainment act adds.
The music video for “kaibigan” stars theater actress Nicole Omillio, who recently made headlines as Basha on the stage adaptation of the hit movie One More Chance, and RJ Cruz of alternative pop band The Juans.
The concept of the MV captures the complexities of human connection. As the team puts it, the newest single from justin is a reminder that some things are better left unsaid: “kaibigan is an embrace for the unrequited.”
Justin admits, “To be honest, the music video is very easy to digest. And that’s what I want: for people to relate to it and feel the story of the music and the music video.”
Justin’s “kaibigan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.
PhilPop Himig Handog releases a 12-song compilation on streaming platforms worldwide! Maki, Moira, Johnoy Danao, Ice, VXON, Ferdinand Aragon, and more, join this year’s esteemed roster of interpreters.
PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Competition has released a compilation featuring the top 12 songs that made it to the final round.
The diverse selection of fully produced tunes was handpicked by the two music institutions (PhilPop and Himig Handog), who have made history by teaming up to find the next wave of global superstars and industry titans.
According to Jonathan Manalo, the creative director of ABS-CBN Music, the final roster of tracks was determined through a rigorous adjudication process. The selection of songs involved direct consultation with the songwriters to determine the creative direction of their respective material and identify collaborators who aligned with their overall vision for the competition.
Manalo explains, “We then shortlisted possible interpreters for each track, and a lot of things had to be considered or fall into place. The next steps include choosing an artist that fits the genre and production schedule. We couldn’t simply pick someone based on name value. They had to make sense in terms of style, the songwriter’s vision, and overall commitment to the song, among others.”
Some of the artists who interpreted the songs include chart-topping R&B sensation Maki, award-winning singer-songwriters Moira and Johnoy Danao, folk-pop icon Ice Seguerra, recording pop artist Jolianne, Cebuano pride Ferdinand Aragon, P-Pop boyband VXON, and newcomers: KHIMO; Lyka Estrella, Annrain, and Geca Morales; Kurt Fick; Noah Alejandre; Shantel Cyline and Extrapolation; and FANA and Tiara Shaye.
Dinah Remolacio, PhilPop Executive Producer, also emphasized the importance of finding the right team of producers when developing the final version of the songs.
“Respect for language was also taken into consideration as we wanted artists who naturally spoke the languages that are not necessarily Tagalog and not someone who would pretend to sing in a language that he or she wasn’t familiar with. Overall, the production was a process that required a lot of components to fall into place, as well as a lot of patience and dedication. But we’re excited for people to finally hear these songs.”
The shortlisted entries explore the different facets of OPM in a modern, globalized setting while retaining its unique storytelling style and individuality. Based on the final output alone, the pioneering batch of PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Competition stays true to its unwavering commitment to promoting OPM on a scale that’s never been done before: break new territories and captivate the international audience with music that is distinctly global yet very Pinoy.
As Manalo puts it, “The Top 12 have been very proactive and collaborative in their tracks. They really care about the final output of their songs, and there’s a drive to achieve their vision for their respective tracks. There was definitely a conscious effort, not just to make these songs globally competitive but also to make them a beautiful reflection of this generation’s stories and context. I think what we’ll hear for this batch is a representation of the current landscape of OPM that’s very diverse, young, and vibrant.”
Remolacio adds, “I think you can expect a fresh batch of pop songs that have the ability to break borders globally and represent the diverse but interconnected culture of our country. We hope that through these tracks, our local fandoms will be proud of our music, and we hope that these songs will strengthen the local music scene and the music breaking borders movement.”
Check out the Top 12 entries in alphabetical order:
ATM Composer: Francis Contemplacion Interpreter: Ice Seguerra
Buhi Composer: Keith John Quito Interpreter: Ferdinand Aragon
Dili Na Lang Composer: Relden Campanilla Interpreter: Jolianne
Ghostwriter Composer: Kevin Yadao Interpreter: KHIMO
PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Festival is an initiative of PhilPop Music Foundation and Himig Handog and ABS CBN Music. This year’s game-changing event remains unwavering in its obligation to come up with innovative approaches in music-making and songwriting that are at par with international standards. The event is co-presented by Maynilad Water Services, Inc., Smart Communications, Inc., and in partnership with TuneCore.
Stream the top 12 on Spotify and all digital streaming platforms worldwide.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
