Philippine Concerts

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  • FreenBecky Holds 5th Fan Meeting in the Philippines: 6 Highlights

    FreenBecky Holds 5th Fan Meeting in the Philippines: 6 Highlights

    Popular Thai actresses Sarocha Chankimha (nickname: Freen), and Rebecca Patricia Armstrong (nickname: Becky) returned to Manila to meet their fans in the Philippines for the 5th time. Together, their ship name is known as “FreenBecky”.

    The New Frontier Theater was filled with people from a diverse demographic set – from students to working-class folks to members of the LGBTQIA+ society, as well as fans from foreign countries.

    The duo is the lead couple in the GL show “GAP: The Series” which has amassed around 600 million views on YouTube a year after it debuted. Since then, their ship has become a worldwide frenzy, with active fanbases in the US, Oceania, and Asia. They have also won many awards in Thailand including Couple of the Year, Rising Star Award as well as Best Series for their show.

    Filipino fans went all out to show their love for Freen and Becky. Around the venue, a truck running a video ad for Freen was seen, it read “Welcome Back, Girlfreen!”. The NFT screen also showed a longer video sequence for the show with warm messages for the stars like “Welcome Back Home, Bunso!”. Upon entering the venue, it was hard to miss the elaborate floral decoration in the photo wall backdrop. Fans took snaps with the life-sized cardboard cut-outs of FreenBecky. People were also wearing customized FreenBecky merchandise shirts, headbands, lightsticks, and banners – you name it, fans mostly prepared it.

    Here are 6 highlights of FreenBecky’s fan meeting.

    1. Freen and Becky delighted the crowd with their wonderful duet and solo songs.

    Making their grand entrance, they performed a duet of “Marry Me” and “Because of You” which are songs from “GAP: The Series” OST. For their solo songs, Freen did an adorable rendition of “Girlfreen” while Becky regaled the crowd with “Pantone”. Fans also sang along to “No More Blues” and “At My Worst” (Pink Sweat$ cover).

    2. Since this is their 5th show in the Philippines since 2023, they are very familiar with Filipino culture. The pair seemed to be fond of Filipino dishes. Freen asked for suggestions from the crowd, to which many answered balut, penoy, and halo-halo. Becky said she wanted to try adobo and halo-halo again.

    When asked what they missed most in our country, Freen immediately said she missed their fans. Becky agreed with her and added she wanted to try going to the beach and shark diving.

    Freen and Becky also took the time to thank the fans for the warm welcome, starting from their arrival at the airport up to the fan projects during the show.

    3. Favorite scene from GAP: The Series?

    Freen took a while to answer, seemingly thinking about the best answer. She finally decided to go with the beach proposal. Becky went with the wedding scene because according to her, she liked wearing the wedding dress.

    4. In one of the randomly picked fan questions, Freen and Becky were asked a lot about their friendship outside work.

    One of the questions was: what do they do during their free day? Becky, who is currently a university student, would catch up on school work or play her favorite sport, tennis. On the other hand, Freen told the crowd that she would just sleep, take walks with her dog Fluffy, and do pilates.

    Freen was also asked about her favorite memory of friendship with Becky. She recalled a moment when they were not working, they just sat on the bed together and talked about life. The host took this as a cue to tease them for acting very sweet together, a sentiment which was echoed by their fans.

    5. One of the most introspective questions during the fan meeting was: If given the chance to look to the past or the future, which would they choose?

    Freen replied she would not choose either. She would rather stay in the present.

    Meanwhile, Becky wants to go to the future to see what she will become – if she got to go shark diving, if she has graduated yet, if she got to act in an international blockbuster movie yet. She talked as if wondering about the many possibilities.

    6. Freen and Becky are supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Since a good number of their fanbase is part of this community, FreenBeck’s vocal support for them was a good gesture. Assisted by a Thai translator, Freen spoke with conviction, “You only live once and you can be who you want to be.” Becky seconded this, “Be proud of who you are. You have the right to love anyone you want to love.”

    At the end of the show, Freen revealed that she wasn’t feeling 100% but she tried her best for the fan meeting. She said she was very thankful for the fans’ unwavering support. “I know fans think of us like home. On a good or bad day, you can come back to us. We’ll keep going together as a family,” Becky told the crowd.

    For the finale, it was the ultimate kilig moment for fans when the pair sang “Pink Theory” while holding hands. Colorful streaks of confetti floated around the theater as Freen and Becky smiled and waved to the fans.

    Special thanks to Wilbros Live!

    by Sandra Mae Laureano

  • Miss Saigon’s Timeless Themes Find a home in the heart of Manila!

    Miss Saigon’s Timeless Themes Find a home in the heart of Manila!

    “Miss Saigon” The widely acclaimed musical that tells the tragic love story between an American GI named Chris and a Vietnamese girl named Kim during the Vietnam War. Set in the tumultuous backdrop of Saigon in the 1970s, the musical explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the harrowing impact of war on individuals caught in its crossfire.

    Manila has been a significant stop for “Miss Saigon” productions since the Philippines, with its own history intertwined with the Vietnam War era, that provides a unique perspective for audiences experiencing the show in Manila. The emotional depth of the storyline resonates with many Filipinos, given their own experiences of war, love, and sacrifice.

    1. Relevance – During the press conference, the cast discussed how the show is still relevant in 2024, saying, “We’re still seeing the emotional tolls of war going on in the world, and this shows better after 35 years, and we’re still seeing how relationships are shaped and affected by war, and so I think it’s something that we wish we weren’t seeing anymore. When we turn on the TV and see what’s going on around the world, it’s still happening. We still haven’t learned our lessons. We are still living in a world of war. The show flawlessly staged this scene. Kim, Chris, and The Engine-Queer were able to put the audience into the emotion that the show required.

    1. Empowering and Inclusiveness and the Asian Representation – As Claude-Michel Schönberg said, when he came to the Philippines, he heard a voice he had never heard before. It’s beautiful, and it’s amazing! Without the Philippines, the show will not open. You were born into a soup of talents. All thanks to this comment, and thanks to Miss Saigon for putting the Philippines on the map. The Asian representation in the cast was overflowing, as Seann Miley Moore said, Asian excellence and this cast are giving Slay-Asian pride. Even at the stage during the opening night, it was amassed, making each Filipino audience feel the big Asian pride. “I am actually involved, and this culture is quite close to my heart,” Nigel Huckle shared. “When I was really little, I lived in Singapore, and I had a nanny who lives in Ilo-Ilo. In 2016, we brought her to see the show, and we reunited after almost 20 years, and she’s coming here again to see the show!” I was nurtured by a Filipino so early in my life, and I’m learning and loving being in the Philippines.”
    1. Creativity and Freedom – During the press conference, the cast revealed that they had the freedom to fully embody their roles, setting a promising stage. Seann Miley Moore, who played the engineer, definitely steals the show by giving some tagalog quips! He added his own flair and a touch of Filipino authenticity to 1 of the segments. The cast members’ performances were heartfelt and captivating, taking the audience into the emotional journey of each of the characters. The set design, costumes, and choreography all come together seamlessly to transport the audience to the war-torn streets of Saigon.

    Manila audiences should brace themselves for a rollercoaster of emotions, from the passionate love between Chris and Kim to the heart-wrenching realities of war and its aftermath. The musical’s powerful message about the enduring power of love in the face of adversity will strike a chord, especially for a country that understands all too well the struggles and sacrifices of wartime love. The musical’s impact goes beyond entertainment, as it will leave a lingering sense of awe and reverence. The musical’s legacy lives on as this is not just a theatrical production – it is a powerful reflection of the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience that resonate with audiences and serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of storytelling.

    The cast of the Miss Saigon Asian Tour is led by Abigail Adriano as Kim, Seann Miley Moore as the Engineer, Nigel Huckle as Chris, Laurence Mossman as Thuy, Kiara Dario as Gigi, Sarah Morrison as Ellen, and Lewis Francis as John. Miss Saigon’s Manila stop runs from March 23 to May 12, 2024.

  • Conan Gray announces Run of Asia Dates on Found Heaven on Tour

    Conan Gray announces Run of Asia Dates on Found Heaven on Tour

    Mastercard Presale – Saturday, May 4at 10am Local to Sunday, May 6 at 10am

    Live Nation Philippine Members – Sunday, May 6 at 12pm – 11:59pm

    General On Sale Begins on Monday, May 7 at 12pm

    Conan Gray has announced the Asia dates of his worldwide Found Heaven On Tour hitting 9 cities in Asia. The Asia tour kicks off on August 23 at LaLaLa Festival in Jakarta, before continuing with dates in Manila, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo and Osaka.

    Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in the Philippines starting from May 4, 10am local time until May 6, 10am local time. Preferred ticket access is available to Mastercard cardholders in the Philippines on May 7, 12pm local time. Visit www.priceless.com/music to find out more.

    The Live Nation PH Members’ Pre-Sale is on Monday, May 6, from 12pm to 11:59pm local time. Finally, the General On-sale will start on May 7 at 12:00pm local time. For more information, you may visit the LNPH website at www.livenation.ph

    Conan Gray’s highly anticipated third studio album, FOUND HEAVEN was released on April 8th via Republic Records and was co-produced by the legendary Max Martin (The Weeknd, Adele, Ariana Grande), Greg Kurstin (Adele, Beck, Sia, Pink), and Shawn Everett (Kacey Musgraves, The Killers). Listen to FOUND HEAVEN HERE.

    FOUND HEAVEN debuted with some of Gray’s highest chart positions to date, including peaks at #1 on the Billboard Vinyl Sales Chart, and #2 on the Billboard Album Sales Chart. It reached an impressive #14 spot on the Billboard 200 Chart.

    FOUND HEAVEN is made up of thirteen tracks that pay homage to 80’s pop music. Gray’s range can be heard in tracks like the standout “Bourgeoisieses” as well as the previously released singles “Alley Rose”, “Lonely Dancers”, “Killing Me”, “Winner”, and “Never Ending Song”.  The singles alone approached 130 million global streams, and received critical praise from Billboard, RollingStone, UPROXX, Vogue, and more.

    Watch Gray’s recent live performances of “Alley Rose” for Good Morning America HERE and Jimmy Kimmel Live! HERE.

    FOUND HEAVEN ON TOUR 2024 DATES: ASIA

    Fri, Aug 23                           – LaLaLa Festival, Jakarta

    Sun, Aug 25                        – Smart Araneta Coliseum, Manila

    Tue, Aug 27                         – AsiaWorld-Expo, Hall 10, Hong Kong

    Fri, Aug 30                           – Nangang Internaitonal Exhibition Center, Hall 1, Taipei

    Sun, Sep 1                           – Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore

    Tue, Sep 3                           – UOB LIVE, Bangkok

    Fri, Sep 6                              – KBS Arena, Seoul

    Sat, Sep 7                            – KBS Arena, Seoul

    Mon, Sep 9                         – Tokyo Garden Theater, Tokyo

    Tue, Sep 10                         – Zepp Namba, Osaka

    ABOUT CONAN GRAY:
    Over the last five years, Conan Gray has emerged as one of the biggest and most acclaimed pop stars and songwriters of his generation. Known for his authentic lyrics and originality across every facet of his career, his multi-platinum hits “Heather” and “Maniac” have topped streaming charts and shaped Gen Z culture around the world. In 2020, Gray’s debut album Kid Krow reached #5 on the Billboard Top 200, #1 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and became the biggest new artist debut of the year. In 2022, his sophomore album Superache became his second Top 10 album on the US Billboard 200 Chart and charted in the top 10 in Australia, the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands, to name a few. With over 15 billion total streams, Gray has attracted unanimous applause from a who’s who of tastemakers including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vogue, GQ, V Man, Paper, Fader, Billboard, and NPR, and has delivered memorable performances on television shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and The Today Show Summer Concert Series. In the fashion world, Gray has landed on “Best Dressed” lists in Vogue, GQ, and Paper for his custom Valentino outfit on the Coachella 2022 mainstage, as well as for his MET Gala appearances. Gray has packed venues around the world, selling over 300,000 tickets during his headline run in 2022 alone, including selling out legendary venues like Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and the Eventim Apollo in London. In 2023, Conan performed to almost 300,000 people at Lollapaloozas across Latin America and to almost 40,000 people at Outside Lands in the midst of unveiling a new era of music. His highly anticipated third studio album, Found Heaven, is set for release April 5.

  • Laufey announces Asia Dates on Bewitched: The Goddess Tour

    Laufey announces Asia Dates on Bewitched: The Goddess Tour

    The Grammy-winning jazz sensation Laufey announced Asia dates on her Bewitched: The Goddess Tour. The tour kicks off in Kuala Lumpur and continues through Asia in Hong Kong, Taipei, Manila and Singapore this August and September.

    Promoted by Live Nation and Karpos Live, Laufey – Bewitched: The Goddess Tour will take place at SM Mall of Asia Arena on Monday, September 2. Live Nation Philippines Members can secure tickets first during the exclusive Live Nation pre-sale starting on Monday, May 6, 10am until Tuesday, May 7, 9am local time. Register for presale access at livenation.ph.

    General on sale will start at 12pm local time on May 7 via SM Tickets.

    For complete tour, ticket information, visit: livenation.asia

    ABOUT LAUFEY

    Laufey (pronounced lāy-vāy) is a 24-year-old, Los Angeles-based singer, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose jazz songs are about young love and self-discovery. Raised between Reykjavík and Washington, D.C. with annual visits to Beijing, the Icelandic-Chinese artist grew up playing cello as well as piano and became hooked on the jazz standards of Ella Fitzgerald after digging through her father’s record collection.

    In 2020, while still a student at Berklee College of Music, Laufey released her debut single “Street by Street,” which went on to top the Icelandic radio charts. Following the release of her 2021 Typical of Me EP, Laufey was named Best New Artist in Jazz and Blues at the Icelandic Music Awards and hosted her own show on BBC Radio 3/BBC Sounds. Her debut full-length Everything I Know About Love, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart, and the lead single “Valentine” peaked at #1 on the Spotify Jazz Chart. In 2022 Laufey was the most streamed jazz artist on Spotify, with 425 million streams across all platforms.

    INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

    LAUFEY – BEWITCHED: THE GODDESS TOUR (ASIA)

    PLENARY HALL, KL CONVENTION CENTRE, KUALA LUMPUR ASIAWORLD-EXPO, HALL 10, HONG KONG

    TICC, TAIPEI SM MALL OF ASIA ARENA, MANILA SINGAPORE EXPO, SINGAPORE

    TUESDAY, 27 AUGUST

    THURSDAY, 29 AUGUST

    SATURDAY, 31 AUGUST

    MONDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER

    WEDNESDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER

  • Incubus Receives a Full-House Welcome in Manila

    Incubus Receives a Full-House Welcome in Manila

    Incubus returned to the Philippines for their 6th headlining show on April 25. The Araneta Coliseum was full to the brim as thousands and thousands of old-time fans welcomed them after 6 years since their last visit. Vocalist Brandon Boyd on vocals, guitarist Mike Einziger, drummer José Pasillas, DJ Chris Kilmore and  bassist Nicole Row thrilled the crowd with a solid 18-track setlist of their best hits and a few covers. 

    It has been almost 25 years since Incubus hit it big with the album Make Yourself. Back then, “Drive” could be found playing in the weekly music charts in the Philippines alongside pop stars like Westlife and Britney Spears. The music video, featuring a raven-haired, shirtless tattooed Brandon Boyd drawing himself in a music video was looped a lot on music channels on TV. Their music from then, followed by Morning View and A Crow Left of the Murder were in most teens’ radar back then. Incubus’ music was an experimental blend of alternative rock, funk, hip-hop with streaks of metal and bits of turntable scratches. Their lyrics were simple yet profound, the right blend of musical poetry. Incubus was cool. 

    It is now 2024, and all that remains to be true – Incubus is still cool (if not cooler). Their music has definitely transcended time. The teens who grew up looping their CDs in the early 2000s  are now full-blown adults, and many of them made sure to find time in their hectic schedules to see the band on a Thursday evening. 

    Incubus’ show was a no-frills rock concert. When they took center stage, there were no elaborate video sequences or groundbreaking introductions. Each band member took their place, started to play their instruments and the crowd passionately went along with everything. The hypnotic crawl of “Quicksand” was the starter, a calm before the storm. This was followed by the relentless “Nice to Know You”. 

    Their setlist was a great selection of their greatest hits with majority from Make Yourself and Morning View. A stand-out track was the nu-metal track “Vitamin” from S.C.I.E.N.C.E. Another misnomer was “Karma, Come Back” from their 2020 EP Trust Fall (Side B). The band also included their rendition of Portishead’s “Glory Box”, The Beatles “Come Together” and David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”.

    Being in the concert was an exhilarating mixture of nostalgia and wonder. The crowd’s energy was astronomical, it seemed like a hundred-thousand-watt karaoke machine. It was amazing how a whole dome of what must have been a lot more than 10,000 people unanimously screaming along to “I’ve had enough of this world and its people’s mindless games”, during “Pardon Me”, chanting “Step down! Step down! Step down!” during “Megalomaniac” and singing along (very smoothly) to the oohs  of “Warning”  and “Are You In?”. These songs are well within their two decades in existence yet that evening, it felt like they were still the coolest songs of 2024.

    “I missed you guys so much. You are all beautiful. Thank you,”  Brandon Boyd told the audience. The band’s frontman was not chatty, but he was visibly pleased when the crowd was singing along (which quite frankly was 90% of the concert). 

    Halfway through the show, the audience chanted for Mike Einziger to smash his guitar, a deed he was fond of doing in his younger days. Even Brandon joined in the jeers, but Mike apologized with a smile, saying he has now “mellowed down”.

    As one of Incubus’ most popular songs, “Drive” got its well-deserved main-character moment. The band opted for an acoustic set-up, with Brandon’s voice reverberating throughout the dome. A few seconds in, a number of people started raising their flashlights. Slowly and steadily, more and more orbs joined in as the chorus of voices got louder and louder. Near the end of the song, the lights looked like lanterns swaying in the dark, a beautiful sight and a sacred moment that stood out during the concert. For the finale, Incubus went out loudly with “Wish You Were Here”. 

    A few hours after the concert, Brandon Boyd posted on Instagram: “Coming to the Philippines to make music has always been such a wild experience for us and last night was no exception. You all made our trip here so memorable and boy, can you guys sing! Until next time. Thank you.”

    Special thanks to Wilbros Live!

    by Sandra Mae Laureano

    Incubus – Live in Manila 2024 – Setlist

    Quicksand
    Nice to Know You
    Anna Molly
    Stellar
    Sick Sad Little World
    Circles
    The Warmth
    Pardon Me
    Karma, Come Back
    Come Together (The Beatles cover)
    Are You In?
    Vitamin
    Glory Box (Portishead cover)
    Warning
    Megalomaniac
    Let’s Dance (David Bowie cover)
    Drive
    Wish You Were Here

  • PLAY LINE FRIENDS Pop-up Store mainly featuring TRUZ is set to take over SM Megamall

    PLAY LINE FRIENDS Pop-up Store mainly featuring TRUZ is set to take over SM Megamall

    Get ready for a cuteness overload because another PLAY LINE FRIENDS Pop-Up Store is opening soon at SM Megamall! From April 26 to May 12, 2024, the PLAY LINE FRIENDS store will be transformed into a TRUZ wonderland, featuring exclusive merchandise designed by the TREASURE members themselves.

    This is your chance to snag adorable TRUZ plush toys, accessories, and other charming collectibles inspired by the TREASURE members’ unique creations. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your love for TREASURE.

    But wait, there’s more! To sweeten the deal, every purchase worth 1,000 pesos gets you a message scratch card. So don’t miss out on this chance to score some exclusive TRUZ goodiesmerches!

    PLAY LINE FRIENDS is the second retail brand of LINE FRIENDS. The pop-up will also feature a wide range of merchandise that is also home to numerous well-loved character IPs including LINE FRIENDS, BT21 and NewJeans collaboration products.

    The PLAY LINE FRIENDS Pop-Up Store is also scheduled to release more products that the fans will love. These merchandises will let the fans customize the products according to their style.

    Make sure to mark your calendars! The pop-up will only be open for a limited time only from April 26 to May 12, 2024. The store is located on the 5th Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts for fellow TREASURE fans or simply treat yourself to some adorable TRUZ cuteness!

    About PLAY LINE FRIENDS

    PLAY LINE FRIENDS store first opened on October 9, 2019, in Insa-dong, Seoul, Korea.Following its success, the brand then launched its first Southeast Asian store in the Philippines. PLAY LINE FRIENDS in the Philippines has proved its popularity as its second store in the Philippines opened shortly after in March 2020, followed by Singapore in October 2020.

  • Lay Zhang Unveils New Single “Psychic” Following Global Success

    Lay Zhang Unveils New Single “Psychic” Following Global Success

    In the wake of the global success of “Run Back to You” with Lauv, Asian megastar Lay Zhang is set to captivate the music world once again with his latest single, “Psychic”. 2024 through Warner Music China, “Psychic” is the second lead single from his highly anticipated English album set to debut this year.

    Lay Zhang Psychic

    This release underscores Lay’s commitment to his international audience, offering English,Chinese and Korean versions of the track, signaling the expansive journey ahead with this album project. Crafted by the collaborative genius of Lay, Rykeyz, Sean Douglas, JHart, and Kyle Reynolds, with Grammy-nominated Rykeyz at the helm of production – a producer renowned for his work with Skip Marley, H.E.R., SAYGRACE, Demi Lovato, Chris Brown, and Bebe Rexha – “Psychic” is a testament to Lay’s artistic evolution. The track is a vibrant fusion of high energy, garage and bass rhythms, and R&B chordal movements, marking a significant milestone in Lay’s global music career. Rykeyz’s production expertise, honed across various genres and notable collaborations, brings a unique depth to the song, blending diverse musical elements to create a sound that’s both innovative and resonant. Lyrically, “Psychic” delves into the realm of predestined and magical connections, exploring themes of intense understanding and anticipation that border on the psychic.

    Continuing his global music journey, audiences are transported to Dubai, where the music video was filmed, featuring an eclectic mix of cast and crew from more than 20 different countries. With “Psychic”, Lay invites audiences on a journey of artistic exploration and global connection, promising a track that not only showcases his musical versatility but also his ability to bridge cultures and languages through his art.

    The video is a visual odyssey as Dubai’s stunning and diverse landscapes lend itself perfectly to the story, showcasing Lay’s mesmerizing dance performance, weaving through spellbinding landscapes in pursuit of a narrative that echoes the song’s exploration of magical connections. Shot over two intense days, the video showcases the city’s rich culture, across diverse areas including the Dubai desert, The Lost Chambers Aquarium (featuring underwater immersive passages), Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (key heritage site), The  Green Planet (Dubai’s very own tropical rainforest), and even features Lay doing his own stunt and special effects to create falling scenes through the iconic cityscape of Burj Khalifa and Atlantis, The Palm. The music video is directed by Los Angeles-based director Andrew Donoho, who has previously worked with artists including Twenty-One Pilots, Bella Poarch, will.i.am, Janelle Monáe, Paul McCartney and more. Known for his ‘dreamlike’ approach, ability to marry dance with cinematography and seamlessly combining digital and physical realms through expert visual effects, Donoho felt like the perfect fit to bring Lay’s vision to life.

    Lay Zhang

    Released through Warner Music China, “Psychic” is poised to be a pivotal moment in Lay’s career, further establishing him as a global music icon. “Psychic” will be available on all major streaming platforms from April 17th 2024, marking a new chapter in Lay’s illustrious career and offering a glimpse into the musical journey that lies ahead.

  • BENCH Fun Meet with Enhypen

    BENCH Fun Meet with Enhypen

    BENCH Fun Meet with Enhypen on May 28, 2024 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

    BENCH Fun Meet with Enhypen 2024

    BENCH Fun Meet with Enhypen Ticket Prices:
    VIP – P10,000
    Lower Box – P6,000
    Upper Box – P3,500
    Gen Ad – P2,500

    More details here from BENCH – https://bit.ly/BENCHFunMeetWithENHYPEN

    [VIP] Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-191416 Series of 2024
    [LB & UB] Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-190804 Series of 2024
    [GA] Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-190929 Series of 2024

  • The Great Return of Boys Like Girls to Manila

    The Great Return of Boys Like Girls to Manila

    It was a trip down memory lane at the BOYS LIKE GIRLS SPRING TOUR 2024 IN MANILA in Araneta Coliseum—one big throwback party, especially for fans who have grown with the band since their self-titled album days.

    The show began on an exciting note with We The Kings opening the stage with their fun songs and playful energy.

    During their second song, Travis Clark instructed the crowd to scream instead of sing and the arena was ringing with cheers.

    They played several covers such as Oasis’ “Wonderwall”, Coldplay’s “Fix You” and The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside.”

    But the highlight of their set had to be when they instructed the crowd to do the dance move Travis’ daughters made for one of their songs. The crowd was so game and they even put their spin on the choreography by jumping while chanting “Up! Up! Up!”

    They played a total of 12 songs that included “Secret Valentine”, “I Feel Alive”, “Say You Like Me” and concluded their set with a crowd favorite, “Check Yes Juliet.”

    Finally, it was time for Boys Like Girls to take the stage. The light show began and the tune of “Sunday at Foxwoods” blasted throughout the arena while the members made their entrance one by one.

    As soon as they were complete, the song transitioned to “Love Drunk”, which ignited screams and lots of excitement from the crowd. From this reception alone, you could tell it was going to be one heck of a show.

    The first few songs of the setlist were played back-to-back almost like a medley. At one point, Martin Johnson was singing with a wide smile on his face. It was heartwarming.

    Even as Martin introduced the band and talked about Boys Like Girls’ history, the band played on. They mentioned that they were kicking off their Spring Tour in Manila with 30 songs on the setlist. A real treat for fans indeed.

    “I miss you Manila,” Martin also mentioned during one of their songs.

    There were many highlights of the night such as when they sang some of their unreleased songs.

    An unexpected part of the night was when two worlds and genres collided: KPop and pop rock when Boys Like Girls performed Twice’s “I Can’t Stop Me.” There were even Twice light sticks as well as other KPop lightsticks spotted in the crowd.

    At one point in the show, the arena was dark except for being beautifully lit up with phones as Boys Like Girls sang, “Thunder.”

    The main highlight of the night was when Martin instructed the whole arena to get out their phones and start recording before the band launched into playing, “The Great Escape.”

    Fans screamed with glee but then during the chorus, Boys Like Girls stopped the song, and Martin requested that since the crowd had recorded it was now time to put away their phones and enjoy the concert like it was back when The Great Escape was released: to jump and enjoy the song with hardly any phones in sight.

    It was a request many fans were happy to do as the band played the song from the start and then it became a medley with “Love Drunk.”

    The energy of the crowd was hard to describe: it was happier, more energetic, and oh-so-loud. It’s an experience to enjoy a show without having to worry about recording, just really being present and letting the music wash over you.

    Just when fans thought the show was over but wished it wasn’t, they even chanted the classic “We Want More!” requesting an encore, Martin came out with an acoustic guitar and ended the set list with “Two Is Better Than One.”

    The setlist featured a variety of songs from all their albums—a nice mix for listeners from every Boys Like Girls era. It was a great, majestic return for the Boston-founded rock band to Philippine shores.

    Boys Like Girls

    Special thanks to PULP Live World.

    Words by Izzy Matias; Photos by Arielle Elep

  • A Royal Phenomenon: SIX The Musical arrives in Manila this October

    A Royal Phenomenon: SIX The Musical arrives in Manila this October

    The Queens are ready to reign supreme in Manila as Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles, in association with GMG Productions, proudly presents the hit musical directly from the West End, SIX the Musical. The production is set to dazzle Filipino audiences with its revolutionary take on history and music, with a strictly limited season in Manila, running from October 1 to October 20, 2024 at the Theatre at Solaire.

    Six The Musical Manila 2024

    SIX tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII, who step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the modern-pop inspired musical brings these historical figures to life, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars in their own right. Audiences are taken on a journey through the lives of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, each telling their own story and reclaiming their own narrative. 

    Since its debut at the Edinburgh Festival in 2017, SIX has received widespread critical acclaim, leaving audience enthralled by its infectious energy, catchy tunes, and empowering message. UK’s The Daily Telegraph called it “A theatrical phenomenon”, while US’ Vogue writes the show as “A rioutous explosion of wit that speaks strongly and vibrantly to today.” 

    SIX has also received well-deserved recognition in the industry, winning 35 major international awards, including two prestigious Tony Awards and a Grammy nomination. Today, the global hit has been seen by over 3.5 million people worldwide every year since its premiere, and has toured internationally in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Korea. 


    Carlos Candal, GMG Productions’ CEO, expressed his excitement, “Bringing SIX The Musical to Manila is a momentous occasion. The energy and impact of this production are unparalleled, and we believe Manila audiences are in for a royal treat. This is not just a show but an experience that celebrates the strength and resilience of women in a way that is both entertaining and empowering.”

    The Manila season is presented at The Theatre at Solaire by GMG Productions, with tickets on sale on April 19 only through TicketWorld. Theatre fans can enjoy exclusive first access to the show with UnionBank of the Philippines as the show’s official sponsor and pre-sale partner or through the GMG Six the Musical waitlist at www.gmg-productions.com. The Waitlist will run from March 10 to April 12, with the Pre-sale Period running from April 15-17.

    Be part of HER-story when SIX the Musical arrives at The Theatre at Solaire in October 2024. For updates and exclusive announcements, visit www.gmg-productions.com or follow us @gmg.productions.

  • Here’s How to Join UNIS’ Fansign in Cebu and Manila

    Here’s How to Join UNIS’ Fansign in Cebu and Manila

    K-Pop girl group UNIS is holding their first-ever fansign event in Cebu this May 4 at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, and in Manila this May 5 at Metrotent Convention Center.

    Album selling for “U&iS Fansign Philippine Tour” starts today, April 12, at 2 PM, and organizer CDM Entertainment has released guidelines on how to join the event.

    Interested fans will need to buy one set of UNIS’ upcoming album via https://www.cdmentertainment.ph for access to the event. One set consists of four albums and is priced at PHP5,000. Perks include Hi-Touch for all and raffles for Fansign slots, Group Photo Op, and signed items.

    UNIS

    On the main event link, fans need to reserve their seat/s and fill out Customer Information. Full guidelines are posted on CDM Entertainment’s social media accounts.

    Moreover, a Top Spender event will be held for fans who buy the most albums. The top 25 fans will have guaranteed fan sign and Group Photo slots. As this will be UNIS’ first event in the Philippines, they have also prepared special performances for fans.

    UNIS
    UNIS
    UNIS

    UNIS is an eight-member girl group from South Korea that just debuted last March 27 with the song “Superwoman.” Two of the members are Filipinos—Elisia and Gehlee—while another member, Hyeonju, is descended from a Filipina mother and a South Korean father.

    Having multiple members with close ties to the country, Filipino fans have eagerly anticipated the group’s debut since they started appearing in the reality survival show, “Universe Ticket.”

    For more information on the event, follow CDM Entertainment’s official social media accounts.

    “U&iS Fansign Philippine Tour” is presented by Y Global Music and CDM Entertainment.

  • TOAKA joins RADWIMPS for the WORLD TOUR 2024 “The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace” IN MANILA

    TOAKA joins RADWIMPS for the WORLD TOUR 2024 “The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace” IN MANILA

    Fans of Japanese music are in for a treat as the acclaimed Japanese rock band RADWIMPS announced that TOAKA will be joining them as a featured guest on their upcoming RADWIMPS WORLD TOUR 2024 “The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace” IN MANILA on May 1, 2024, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

    RADWIMPS teamed up with highly acclaimed film music composer Kazuma Jinnouchi to create the perfect soundtrack and score for award-winning auteur director Makoto Shinkai’s latest film “Suzume.” TOAKA, already gaining attention online, got her big break when she had the opportunity to audition for a guest vocalist spot on a song composed by RADWIMPS for the film. She landed it and contributed a performance highlighting both the understated and soaring side of her voice on the movie’s title track.

    Singer-songwriter TOAKA came into music like many others her age. The 21-year-old creator originally gained fame on TikTok by covering other songs and eventually, her originals, leading to major-label looks and her contribution to “Suzume”. She just released her first major label EP (Universal Music Worldwide), “Boku dakeno Ai,” which shows the range of her artistry and personal identity. Her first collection of songs reveals an eclectic approach to music. “Discord-disco” slithers ahead while showcasing TOAKA’s unnerving side, while “Cinder ella” bounces forward on a dance beat. “Boku dakega Ai,” meanwhile, places Toaka against a sparser backdrop, showcasing the dynamics of her voice. The lyrics throughout balance between youthful longing and something a touch darker.

    Formed in 2001, the Japanese 4-piece band RADWIMPS made their major label debut in 2005. Soon after, they garnered a broad fan base, with the younger generation at the core. The band has released nine studio albums thus far. The band’s creation of music for Shinkai’s previous record-breaking animated feature films “Your Name.” and “Weathering with You” led to recognition at the Japanese Academy Award for Best Original Score. Most recently, RADWIMPS has also teamed up with highly acclaimed film music composer Kazuma Jinnouchi to create the perfect soundtrack and score for award-winning auteur director Makoto Shinkai’s “Suzume,” which grossed more than $300M at the global box office. ‘Suzume’ has not only garnered phenomenal popularity in Japan but has also resonated abroad, especially in the Philippines.

    Tickets for the RADWIMPS WORLD TOUR 2024 “The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace” IN MANILA went on sale on March 2, 2024, through TicketNet outlets nationwide and online at ticketnet.com.ph. The demand was overwhelming, with PULP Live World announcing on March 5, 2024, that all tickets were sold out shortly after becoming available.

    RADWIMPS

    The collaboration between TOAKA and RADWIMPS promises an unforgettable experience for fans, with expectations running high for a night of captivating performances and musical magic. Fans who secured their tickets early are in for a truly enchanting show as these talented artists take the stage together.

    RADWIMPS WORLD TOUR 2024 “The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace” IN MANILA is proudly brought to you by PULP Live World.

    For further details and updates, please stay tuned on PULP Live World’s social media accounts and visit our website www.pulp.ph.

  • iKON Received the iKONIC Send-Off in Manila

    iKON Received the iKONIC Send-Off in Manila

    The Big Dome glowed bright red as iKON took centerstage for their Get Back: Limited Tour in Manila on April 7.

    Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan gave a powerful performance for their last major concert before their upcoming military enlistment later this year. Member Jay wasn’t part of the event as he has been in the middle of completing his military duties since July.

    iKON

    Filipino iKONICs flocked the venue dressed mostly in red and black with their KONBATs (the group’s official baseball bat-shaped lightsticks) and with a whole arsenal of surprises for the band. As devoted fans, they ensured their idols’ final stop on their tour would be memorable. Likewise, iKON did their part to make every bit of the evening special as well.

    The concert felt like one massive club party as iKON performed their hype songs one after another. Starting with the hip-hop heavy “Tantara” and “SINOSIJAK”, the crowd immediately roared to life as they unanimously sang along, KONBATs swinging on perfect beat. This was followed by their killer hits “KILLING ME”, “RHYTHM TA” and “LOVE SCENARIO”.

    That evening, the energy of the band and the crowd was through the roof. There was no downtime at all as iKONICs screamed and cheered as loud as they could at every song. Chan observed, “We didn’t expect your cheers would be this loud. Your passion is really awesome.” Some fans from the upper tiers were even stomping their feet in unison, causing Bobby to give a soft reminder to tone it down because he thought the venue might collapse.

    iKON members got their time to shine during their respective solo stages. DK performed “LTNS” and “Groovin”. While playing the guitar, Ju-ne sang “Want You Back”. Lastly, Song brightened the stage with the trot extravaganza “It’s a Call”. After this, the members returned on stage for their more mellow tracks which included “Like a Movie”, “T.T.M.” and “Goodbye Road”

    iKON
    iKON

    iKON, for their part, pulled a lot of surprises. They asked the audience which songs they wanted to hear live. The majority’s answers were “But You” and “Rum Pum Pum” which the members gladly sampled on stage. Moreover, iKON prepared a special VCR which played in between their sets. It showed snippets from their concerts and a casual talk session featuring the members. It ended with the message: “iKON will always be with iKONIC. We’ll get back to you shortly. Will you wait for us?”

    Of course, Filipino iKONICs went all out. They prepared gifts for the members, loot bags for the staff, roll-down banners, and heart-shaped confetti. The highlight was the surprise VCR featuring greetings from fans worldwide and an original song by iKONICs titled “You Are”. All these efforts were noticed by the band and they each thanked the fans for the love.

    “It has been a while since we came to Manila, but every time we come here, it feels like we’re healing because of your passionate and big love from you guys. Please wait for us,” Ju-ne said.

    Bobby, whose military enlistment date was announced a day before, promised that he’ll come back. “Just wait for me. Remember these beautiful memories we have tonight.”

    Song told the crowd, “iKONic, thank you so much for having a great time with us! We’ll make sure to come back as a whole with better performances. I’ll do my best in military service.”

    “Thank you so much for today! I’ll try to take ample rest after this. We’ll make sure to come back next year,” Chan promised.

    “We’ll surely come back as a whole and with our solo albums too so wait for us,” DK followed through.

    Bobby and Chan are scheduled to fulfill their military duties starting in May. The rest of the members are expected to follow soon within the year. The earliest they can be expected to return is in the latter part of 2025.

    Aside from the electrifying concert, it was heartwarming to witness the mutual respect and adoration that iKON and iKONICs have for each other. It was fortunate that the Philippines got to be part of the tour, and the final stop at that. In return, Filipino iKONICs gave them the best send-off possible.

    Special thanks to CDM Entertainment!

    By Sandra Mae Laureano

  • Stars Gather on May 11 and 12 for Ryan Cayabyab’s “Gen C” Birthday Musical Tribute

    Stars Gather on May 11 and 12 for Ryan Cayabyab’s “Gen C” Birthday Musical Tribute

    The biggest names in Philippine recording, TV, cinema, and stage are converging at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on May 11 and 12, 2024 for “Gen C” — a musical offering in honor of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab’s 70th birthday.

    Topnotch artists are set to perform and collaborate with Maestro Ryan Cayayab a.k.a. Mr. C. for this once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza.

    On May 11, the guests include Aicelle Santos, Arman Ferrer, Ateneo Chamber Singers, Basil Valdez, Belle Mariano, Bituin Escalante, Dilaw, Jed Madela, John Arcilla, Kakai Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Nonie Buencamino, Nyoy Volante, Phi Palmos, Regine Velasquez, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, Stell of SB19, The Company, and The Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

    Returning for the May 12 show are Aicelle Santos, Arman Ferrer, Ateneo Chamber Singers, Basil Valdez, Bituin Escalante, Jed Madela, John Arcilla, Kakai Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Nonie Buencamino, Phi Palmos, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, The Company, and The Ryan Cayabyab Singers. On this date, they are joined by Ben & Ben, Bini, Janella Salvador, Juan Karlos, Julie Anne San Jose, and Vice Ganda.

    The artists will be accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO).

    Photo by Paw Castillo / Portraits by Paw

    The first birthday tribute of Mr. C was held in 1995 (a year after his 40th birthday) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions, the company of singer Celeste Legaspi and talent manager Girlie Rodis.

    ABS-CBN would produce all-star tributes for the composer in the next two decades: “Musicman@50” in 2004 and “Mr. C@60” in 2014.

    In 2019, the year Mr. C became a National Artist and a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, the UP College of Medicine honored him through “SOAP Opera (Musika ni Ryan, Medisina ng Bayan”).

    Mr. C wrote on Facebook that Celeste Legaspi and Girlie Rodis were insistent on gathering his long-time and newfound friends in the industry for the 2024 tribute. He said, “Hindi pumayag sina Celeste and GR na palampasin itong taon without a musical offering featuring more of my songs.” Culturtain Musicat is spearheading “Gen C”.

    The title—which is obviously a play on the first letter of the composer’s last name and in reference to today’s youth—describes the broad appeal of Mr. C.’s genius.

    Producer Dr. Melfred L. Hernandez explained, “Gen C is not a demographic group; it’s not about an age bracket but a mindset, a group bound by love for and influence of the music of this National Artist and treasure.”

    Producer Aaron Veloso also disclosed, “It’s heartwarming to know that teenagers and people from my generation, together with their parents and grandparents, have been our early and excited ticket buyers.”

    The National Artist expressed utmost thanks to all those involved in this project to be directed by Rowell Santiago. Mr. C said, “Hindi siya ganun kadali… Pagmamahal, pagkakaibigan at respeto sa craft ang siyang nangagpapatakbo ng ganitong klaseng proyekto. Isa siyang hiwaga. Pramis.”

    Ryan Cayabyab
    Photo by Paw Castillo / Portraits by Paw

    “Gen C” is produced by Culturtain Musicat in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Samsung Performing Arts Theater, and Ayala Land, for the benefit of the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation.

    Sponsors include Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, American Eye Center, Avolution, Ayala Land Premier-Dasmariñas Group, Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, CMB Film, Joey’s Place, RMA Studio Academy, and Dawns Rack Kasuotan At Iba Pa, with benefactors: MedInfinity, Inc, RAF Forwarding Phils, Inc, Shiphealth and PNB PGH Branch.

    “Gen C” showtime is at 7:30 pm. To purchase tickets, visit the Ticketworld website here.

  • Tate McRae to Tour Asia in Think Later World Tour 2024

    Tate McRae to Tour Asia in Think Later World Tour 2024

    Tate McRae is bringing her world tour to the Philippines in November!

    Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Tate McRae announced her first-ever run of Asia dates on her highly anticipated THINK LATER WORLD TOUR, bringing the tour to a massive 59 dates globally.

    Produced by Live Nation, the four shows in Asia kick off Tuesday, October 29 in Tokyo at Toyosu Pit, before continuing with dates in Singapore, Bangkok, and Manila. These limited run of shows mark Tate’s first time performing in Asia.

    The tour will kick off this week in Dublin, Ireland with back-to-back shows at 3Olympia Theatre and continues through Europe and the UK until May 22. The North American dates begin July 5 in Calgary, Alberta with a hometown performance at Stampede Park and continue until the Asia dates begin at the end of October. Following the four shows in Asia, Tate will perform several shows across Australia and New Zealand to wrap up the tour. charlieonnafriday will be supporting all dates across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

    The THINK LATER WORLD TOUR sees Tate playing the biggest and most iconic venues of her career thus far including her first headline show at Madison Square Garden.

    Tate McRae’s highly anticipated sophomore album THINK LATER, released December 8, 2023, via RCA Records, has gone on to debut at #4 on Billboard’s album chart and has garnered over 2.1 billion streams worldwide. The wildly popular lead single “greedy” earned #1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, Global Excl. US chart and Spotify’s Global chart hit #1 on Top 40 radio.

    TICKETS: P5,550 (Floor A Standing), P4,550 (Floor B Standing), P3,750 (Loge), P2,750 (Balcony 1), and P1,750 (Balcony 2)

    VIP: The tour will also offer a VIP package for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. For more information, visit vip.livenation.asia.

    Tate McRae
    Tate McRae
    Tate McRae

    About Tate McRae

    Calgary native singer/songwriter/dancer Tate McRae has become the artist to watch with over 8.8 billion career streams and multiple #1 Top 40 hits. She’s received countless accolades including nominations for two Billboard Music Awards, an MTV VMA Award, multiple People’s Choice Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards and JUNO Awards among others. She’s been featured on Variety’s 2022 Power of Young Hollywood list, Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list for three consecutive years, and Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2021 where she was the youngest musician.

    Her #1 RIAA certified 3x Platinum single “you broke me first” has amassed over 2 billion streams since its release in 2020. She’s collaborated with various artists including Regard & Troye Sivan on their #1 dance hit “You,” along with Khalid on their track “working,” Tiësto’s “10:35” and Jeremy Zucker on her viral single “that way.” Tate has toured the world and performed at various music festivals including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Firefly, The Governor’s Ball, Austin City Limits, and more.

    Tate released her debut album in 2022, “i used to think i could fly” which landed at #1 on Spotify’s Global Top Albums Debut Chart and charted in the Top 10 in multiple countries upon release. Featuring RIAA-certified Platinum single “she’s all i wanna be” and certified Gold track “feel like shit,” the album has all-star writing collaborators and producers including Greg Kurstin, Finneas, Charlie Puth, Alexander 23, Blake Slatkin, and more. The stunning album received praise from the likes of Billboard which said “…Tate McRae steps into stardom on her long-awaited debut album” while GRAMMY.com stated, “…each track shows McRae is ready to be one of her generation’s most raw-and-real superstars.”

    The star’s highly anticipated sophomore album THINK LATER debuted at #4 on Billboard’s album chart and has garnered over 2.1 billion streams worldwide. Steeped in pop appeal and infectious toplines, the album is executive produced by hitmaker Ryan Tedder and features writing collaborators and producers including Amy Allen, Jasper Harris, ILYA, and more. The hypnotic lead single “greedy” earned the star #1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, Global Excl. US chart and Spotify’s Global chart hit #1 on Top 40 radio.