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  • Eastwood City Hosts American Idol finalist Lauren Spencer Smith!

    Eastwood City Hosts American Idol finalist Lauren Spencer Smith!

    Donโ€™t miss out on the hottest concerts in the city for FREE this August.

    Quezon City, August 19, 2024 โ€” Music fans from across the metro are in for quite the treat as Eastwood City announced two exciting concerts hitting the stage this month of August.

    On August 21 at 7PM, the Eastwood City Central Plaza will come alive with the electrifying sounds of Lauren Spencer Smith. The British-born artist rose to fame in 2020 as the standout finalist on American Idol and recipient of a Juno Award nomination for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year. Her viral success on TikTok, coupled with the chart-topping single โ€œFingers Crossed,โ€ solidified her as a must-see artist among musicโ€™s hottest rising acts.

    The concert fun is not all over as SUD will be having their SUD Anniversary Concert on August 23 at 7PM, at the Eastwood Central Plaza to celebrate the bandโ€™s impressive 13-year journey in the Philippine music scene. Known for their dynamic alternative rock sound, SUD has garnered a loyal following with their emotive lyrics and moving performances. Over the years, the band has established itself as a key figure in the local music industry, earning acclaim and adoration from OPM fans across the nation.

    Both shows are FREE of charge, giving everyone in the community the chance to check out the entertainment capital of the cityโ€™s latest concerts.

    Eastwood City, the pioneer township of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Retail Asia Awards Winner for Mall of the Year 2024, stands as the entertainment capital of Quezon City, offering a vibrant mix of residential spaces, world-class retail and dining establishments, dynamic alfresco spaces, and one-of-a-kind experiences. 

    For more updates on the latest happenings, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call their hotline at 8-462-8888 or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram (@MegaworldLifestyleMalls), and TikTok (@megaworldlifestylemalls).

  • Emo Night Manila Teams Up with Emo Night Bangkok for an Epic Emo & Pop Punk Party!

    Emo Night Manila Teams Up with Emo Night Bangkok for an Epic Emo & Pop Punk Party!

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES โ€“ Emo Night Manila (ENM) is thrilled to announce its largest emo and pop punk party yet, happening on September 7, 2024, at the Brooklyn Warehouse. The DJ-based dance party will feature anthems from the 2000s, bringing together emo and pop-punk fans for an unforgettable night of music and camaraderie.

    In a spectacular collaboration with Emo Night Bangkok, ENM is set to elevate the emo experience to new heights. This marks an exciting milestone as Emo Night Manila continues to grow since its humble beginnings in a small Poblacion bar. What started as an intimate gathering has evolved into one of Manila’s most anticipated events, consistently selling out and now drawing attendees of up to 900 guests.

    Following a successful anniversary celebration in June, which saw two full-house shows in Boracay at Exit Bar, ENM’s reputation for delivering electrifying experiences is firmly established. The recent transition from small bar shows to larger events, including one sold-out show at Baked Studios, Makati, underscores emo culture’s lively and enduring appeal in the Philippines.

    ENM was born alongside the recent emo revival, with the return of beloved bands like Saosin, Simple Plan, Silverstein, Boys Like Girls, and Fall Out Boy to Manila. The demand for these shows highlighted Filipinos’ undying love for the genre, and Emo Night Manila has since become a cherished space where millennials can relive their teenage years and Gen-Z can experience the excitement of emo culture for the first time.

    Emo Night Manila is more than just a party; itโ€™s a welcoming and accepting space where personal expression thrives. Guests are encouraged to dress as casually or as thematically as they wish, with the focus solely on enjoying the music and connecting with fellow fans. The event offers a rare opportunity in Manila to embrace alternative culture and fashion in an open and inclusive setting.

    Joining the festivities will be guest DJs Fahmy and Polina from Emo Night Bangkok (@emonightbkk), who will bring their unique flair to the turntables, adding an exciting international twist to the event.

    For more details and to secure your tickets, follow Emo Night Manila on Instagram @emonightmanila and visit emonightmanila.helixpay.ph. Donโ€™t miss your chance to be part of this incredible night of music and nostalgia!

  • Manila Philharmonic Orchestra to play hits from Hamilton, Studio Ghibli, at 25th Anniversary Concert โ€œLights, Camera, Encoreโ€

    Manila Philharmonic Orchestra to play hits from Hamilton, Studio Ghibli, at 25th Anniversary Concert โ€œLights, Camera, Encoreโ€

    Manila Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is thrilled to announce its grand 25th anniversary concert, “Lights, Camera, Encoreโ€ happening this October 29, 7 p.m. at The Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit Makati. From the soaring melodies of Broadway classics to the heart-wrenching themes of iconic movie and television soundtracks, “Lights, Camera, Encore” will take listeners on a captivating musical journey to commemorate over two decades of Manilaโ€™s premier orchestra.

    Audiences can look forward to a stacked setlist with songs from the likes of Hamilton, A Star is Born, Star Wars, La La Land, Les Misรฉrables, Game of Thrones, and select Studio Ghibli films.

    These songs will be performed by MPO members past and present, forming an over 80-piece orchestra. They will be accompanied by musical guests Bituin Escalante, Lara Maigue, Arman Ferrer, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the University of Santo Tomas Singers. Leading the orchestra that night will be its founder and music director, Maestro Rodel Colmenar, a renowned conductor known for inspiring audiences through the beauty and power of music. As a conductor, Colmenar has collaborated with several outstanding local and foreign classical artists, including French pianist Alexandre Tharaud, as well as Filipino OPM greats Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Lani Misalucha, and Regine Velasquez.

    Founded in 1998, the MPO began with the goal to bring the symphony closer to Filipino audiences through performances of classics and contemporary music. It has since established itself as a premier orchestra in the Philippines known for its world-class performances.

    โ€œReflecting on the Manila Philharmonic Orchestraโ€™s journey to its 25th anniversary, the feeling is one of profound achievement and fulfillment,โ€ shares Manila Philharmonic Vice President Marijo Colmenar. โ€œWhat began as a โ€˜sideline gigโ€™ has transformed into a cornerstone of the Philippine music scene. โ€˜Lights, Camera, Encoreโ€™ is a celebration of MPOโ€™s commitment to its mission and we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to touch so many lives through our music.โ€ The concert is a way for the orchestra to give back. Proceeds from the event will go to PARCaralan, a project of MPO and the PARC Foundation that serves as a creative hub for underprivileged youth and struggling local artists to excel in performing arts. A portion will also be used for the benefit of MPOโ€™s member musicians, many of who endured financial and health-related hardships during the pandemic. โ€œIt is our sincere hope that through this event, we can provide much needed support to our musicians and alleviate some of the burdens they have endured,โ€ adds Colmenar.

    โ€œLights, Camera, Encoreโ€ marks a significant milestone in the orchestra’s journey, and it
    promises to be a night to remember. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate 25 years of
    musical excellence with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

    Tickets for โ€œLights, Camera, Encoreโ€ go on sale on August 17 via Ticketworld. Ticket prices start at โ‚ฑ2,500. View the full seating and price chart here. For more information and eventupdates, follow Manila Philharmonic Orchestra on Instagram and Facebook.

    About the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra
    Founded in 1998, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra has grown to become one of the
    leading orchestras in the Philippines. The MPO is dedicated to enriching the cultural
    landscape of the country by presenting a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary music. Backed by finest talents who are passionate about sharing their gift of music with the community.

  • SB19 drops THE FIRST TAKE versions of โ€œGENTOโ€ and โ€œMAPAโ€ on streaming platforms

    SB19 drops THE FIRST TAKE versions of โ€œGENTOโ€ and โ€œMAPAโ€ on streaming platforms

    P-Pop royalty SB19 continues to captivate music fans from all over the world with the release of โ€œGENTOโ€ and โ€œMAPAโ€ from THE FIRST TAKE sessions on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Entertainment.

    The new versions feature the award-winning groupโ€™s performance at THE FIRST TAKE, a popular YouTube channel with nearly 10 million subscribers under its belt. The show’s format features Japanese and international music guests performing a song in one take, filmed with shots of the artists and a microphone against a minimalist and usually white backdrop.

    To date, THE FIRST TAKE renditions of โ€œGENTOโ€ and โ€œMAPAโ€ have amassed more than 4.5 million views on YouTube, becoming one of the most viewed performances from an Asian pop group/band.

    โ€œWeโ€™re eternally grateful to THE FIRST TAKE for giving us an opportunity to showcase our work on a platform known not just for its massive global following but for elevating the audio-visual experience of music fans with much-needed authenticity and rawness,โ€ SB19 shares in a collective statement. โ€œThe performances really challenged us to work within our limitations and deliver to the best of our abilities. Weโ€™ve always considered performing as a sanctimonious process that deserves utmost preparation, love, and respect. Constantly reminded by THE FIRST TAKE that we can only perform the songs once, we had to reconnect with our roots and embrace the beauty of spontaneity.โ€

    SEE ALSO: SB19 and Gloc-9 join forces on uplifting new single โ€œKALAKALโ€

    SB19 is the first Southeast Asian group and the first Filipino artist to be invited to the globally renowned platform, which also served as host to several acclaimed performances by other artists such as aespa, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Hitsujibungaku, MANESKIN, ITZY, (G)-I-DLE, imase, Maluma, and more.

    For THE FIRST TAKE version of โ€œGENTO,โ€ SB19 delivered a genuinely compelling performance that highlights the five-piece actโ€™s incredible talent and range in harmonizing, singing, and rapping.

    The chart-topping hitmakers also took musicality to a different level with their rousing version of โ€œMAPA,โ€ which SB19 redressed with a soaring arrangement and an inspiring gospel-infused delivery.

    Both versions are now available for streaming and are bundled with its original versions:

    About THE FIRST TAKE

    THE FIRST TAKE is a YouTube channel that captures the performance of musicians and singers performing in a single take. With the concept โ€œcapture the take. This moment. This sound. THE FIRST TAKE. It only happens once,โ€ THE FIRST TAKE presents pure music in overwhelming quality with no exaggerated performance.

    The channel started on 15 November 2019 and has now hit 9.69 million subscribers (as of 7 June 2024). Total views have exceeded 1.4 billion, and content has been viewed from over 220 countries and regions around the world. Growing as a comprehensive music platform, new initiatives have been launched and become viral content. THE FIRST TAKE INTERNATIONAL features international music stars such as Harry Styles, Avril Lavigne, V from BTS, Jason Chan, and Jolin Tsai, having them give their 1TAKE performance exclusively on the channel.

    Follow THE FIRST TAKE on socials:

    Website: https://www.thefirsttake.jp
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_firsttake
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_FirstTake
    X: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_first_take
    THE FIRST TIMES: https://www.thefirsttimes.jp

    ABOUT SB19

    SB19 is a multi-awarded five-member boy group from the Philippines. The group is composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin and debuted in October 2018 with their single โ€˜Tilaluha.โ€™ They gained popularity with their second single โ€˜Go Upโ€™. Since their debut, SB19 has amassed fans (Aโ€™TIN) across the globe and was recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as the Philippine Youth Ambassador. The โ€œSBโ€ in SB19 stands for โ€œSound Break,โ€ which represents their aspirations of disrupting the music scene and bringing Filipino music and culture into the international spotlight. SB19 broke into the global spotlight as the first Southeast Asian and Filipino act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards as Top Social Artist in 2021. They are also the first Filipino act to land on the international Billboard Social 50 and Next Big Sound Charts. Their latest release, “GENTO”, debuted at #8 on the Billboard World Digital Sales Charts.

    SB19 is self-managed by 1Z Entertainment, a company built and managed by the members of SB19.

    Website: https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/SB19
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg
    X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

  • Reconnecting with Kim Myungsoo in REBOOT

    Reconnecting with Kim Myungsoo in REBOOT

    Kim Myungsoo, also known as L from the popular K-pop band Infinite, returned to the Philippines for his REBOOT fan meeting at the New Frontier Theater on August 10. Presented by DNM Productions, the two-hour event showed the growing charms of the singer and actor.

    The last time Kim Myungsoo was in Manila was during Infiniteโ€™s concert tour The Infinite Effect in 2015. While a lot has happened since then, he was warmly welcomed by his fans which he fondly calls โ€œOVEโ€ (a reference to his stage name L to form the word โ€œloveโ€), and Infinite fans known as Inspirits. There was a cup sleeve event at a nearby cafe as well as a fanhub at a nearby mall wherein fans distributed various freebies. Lamp post banners sponsored by fans also decorated the surrounding areas.

    Making a dazzling entrance, Kim Myungsoo introduces himself with a new song titled โ€œMy Universeโ€ on his newly released EP 24/7. โ€œKamusta? Namiss ko kayo. Gumawa tayo ng di makakalimutang alaala today,โ€ he greeted the crowd with a bright smile.

    Assisted by a Korean-Filipino translator and an emcee, Kim Myungsoo answered some fan-submitted questions in the segment โ€œHello, Myungsooโ€. For him, this era marks a new beginning with fans hence the title โ€œREBOOTโ€. He said he wants to do his best as a singer, an actor, and a member of Infinite.

    Filipino OVEs and Inspirits were in great luck since they were the first international crowd to see the complete live performances from his new EP which was released just 5 days ago. When asked about his favorite song from the EP, he didnโ€™t answer right away. Instead, he sang portions of the songs acapella and told the crowd the best time of day to listen to each one. 24/7 is an album that can be listened to for the entire day. He suggested โ€œWhatโ€™s Not to Loveโ€ as a morning starter, โ€œBlue Summerโ€ for the busy part of the day, and โ€œMy Universeโ€ for the quiet hours. While he gave no explanation, he performed a snippet of the ballad โ€œTalk to Youโ€. At the end of it, he said โ€œMy Universeโ€ is the best fit for the fan meeting so he went with it as his favorite.

    As a seasoned idol, Kim Myungsoo showcased his exemplary vocals in singing a variety of songs, encouraging fans to shout their suggestions. He performed soundtracks from the K-dramas he starred in โ€œLove U Like Uโ€ (from Flower Band in 2012) and โ€œOne More Timeโ€ (from One More Time in 2016). He performed a cover of Radioheadโ€™s โ€œCreepingโ€, hitting the high notes just right. To pay homage to Infinite, he gave in to sampling โ€œMan in Loveโ€ and โ€œCan U Smileโ€. He also sang Infiniteโ€™s โ€œReal Storyโ€ in full, a treat for OG Inspirits. Myungsooโ€™s dancing skills were also put to the test in the Tiramisu Cake Challenge and Aespaโ€™s โ€œArmageddonโ€.

    The fan meeting also gave a focus on fan interaction. Kim Myungsoo played several games with the crowd, including a relay game and an elimination game. The prizes included photocards, signed posters, and CDs. For the extra lucky fans, they were able to snap a Polaroid photo with the artist on stage.

    โ€œIt has been a long time since I came here. It was really fun. I will never forget your passionate cheers,โ€ he said to the crowd, thanking them for their support. Throughout the show, Myungsoo radiated an energetic vibe. He spoke spontaneously, asking fans again and again what they wanted to see and which songs they wanted to hear. REBOOT was indeed a fresh start for him as a soloist and a member of Infinite. He went beyond his image as the visual member of Infinite, reintroducing himself as an experienced singer and performer. The fan meeting gave him a chance to reconnect with his fans that had supported him as early as 2010.

    Kim Myungsoo

    Kim Myungsoo also spoke of his future plans which include an upcoming drama and an Infinite album in the works. โ€œIn the future, I will be sure to come back to Manila,โ€ he added.

    Special thanks to DNM Entertainment!

    by Sandra Mae Laureano

  • Kai Del Rio Announces First Headline Show in Nearly a Decade

    Kai Del Rio Announces First Headline Show in Nearly a Decade

    The indie artist is also set to launch her back-to-back singles โ€œAng Nag-iisaโ€ on September 13, 2024, and โ€œStorm Like Meโ€ on September 20, 2024!

    Filipino singer-songwriter Kai Del Rio (formerly known as Kai Honasan) gears up for an electrifying comeback with her first solo headline show in nearly a decade.

    Kai Del Rio

    The former The Voice of the Philippines season 2 semi-finalist will perform her dual singles โ€œAng Nag-iisaโ€ and โ€œStorm Like Meโ€ for the first time live on September 13, 2024 (Friday) at Sari Sari Cocktails in Makati City.

    The back-to-back songs highlight Del Rio’s versatility and range, with “Ang Nag-iisa” (to be released on September 13, 2024) revealing her grittier version with blues and alt-rock influences and “Storm Like Me” (to be released on September 20, 2024) taking listeners back to her stripped-down roots.

    Kai shares that both tracks have the same message and heart at the core of it all, but are musically different by intention.

    โ€œWhen I considered returning to my solo work, I always envisioned releasing a double single as a way to showcase my duality right off the bat. Nagagalit tayo at nasasaktan tayo. When you experience so much pain, you eventually experience hope. These two songs show the spectrum of rage and sadness and how it manifests differently within the same person.โ€

    The official launch will not only include the performance of the new original songs, which Underdog Music will release on all streaming/digital platforms on September 13 and 20 respectively, but it will also serve as a reintroduction of the indie singer-songwriter, complete with a new moniker, a new record label and management team, and a fresh perspective on the music-making process.

    โ€œI took my time because I wanted it to be as real, as sincere, and as authentic as possible,โ€ the Liwanag act explains. โ€œThese will be my first solo songs in a decade and I wanted to take my time with them from crafting the songs to building the team. That included finding the right musicians, the right group to work with, and the right time. Everyone who has worked on these two singles is authentic, decent, good people, but above all, they are insanely talented.โ€

    Kai Del Rio

    Kai Del Rio is co-producing the official launch alongside GNN Entertainment Productions and Locked Down Entertainment, with backing from Lightfirst and Underdog Music.

    โ€œFor this reintroduction, trust and history were very important to me. Both the teams behind Gabi Na Naman and Locked Down have been there for the first few years of my career in the indie scene, after the Voice and my time in a band. They know my story and are equally as invested as I am, and I could not ask for more from partners in this first chapter. In addition to them, this event will also be co-presented by Lightfirst, which is a lovely company that focuses on helping make high-quality educational content available to schools all over the Philippines.โ€

    Kai promises that the show will be worth the wait, as sheโ€™ll be performing alongside some of her peers and idols in the local music industry, as well as playing with a special setup for the headline show happening next month.

    โ€œItโ€™s very different from the ukulele or keytar girl you might have met before, but I hope youโ€™re ready for the ride,โ€ shares Kai. โ€œItโ€™s going to get real, but itโ€™s going to be a lot of fun.โ€

    Tickets to KAI DEL RIO: โ€œANG NAG-IISA x STORM LIKE MEโ€ Double Single Launch are now available on bit.ly/kaidrlaunch.

  • NewJeans to headline Coke Studio Philippines โ€œThe Ultimate Fandomโ€ Concert

    NewJeans to headline Coke Studio Philippines โ€œThe Ultimate Fandomโ€ Concert

    K-pop meets P-pop with artists ALAMAT, Kyle Echarri, Nik Makino, Illest Morena, and Zack Tabudlo joining NewJeans for The Ultimate Fandom Concert!

    For the past seven seasons, Coke Studio has been showcasing diverse Filipino artists, propelling both emerging and established artists to connect with their audience through the universal language of music. By uniting artists from different backgrounds, Coke Studio blends their passions into unique sounds that bridge generations and genres.

    Now, with Season 8, Coke Studio is putting fans first, with many fan-centered activities lined up that both the artists and fans will surely enjoy. And for its big-bang festivity, Coke Studio will take center stage at The Ultimate Fandom Concert this September 5, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. In this exciting event, Asian pop enthusiasts will rejoice as P-pop meets K-pop like no one has ever seen before!

    Headlining this yearโ€™s fanfest is global sensation NewJeans! Since debuting in 2022, the 4th generation group has won fans over with their nostalgic sound and modern Y2K aesthetic.

    NewJeans

    Raising the flag for OPM and P-pop are the Coke Studio Philippines Season 8 artists: P-Pop powerhouse ALAMAT, Gen Z performer and actor Kyle Echarri, hip-hop hitmaker Nik Makino, and rising rebel rapper Illest Morena. Theyโ€™ll be performing their collaboration songs for this season for the first time, which will surely be one of the main highlights of the concert.

    And as icing on the cake, โ€œHugot Kingโ€ and first-ever Filipino Coke Studio global artist Zack Tabudlo will join the party onstage, making it a show like no other.

    Get tickets to this biggest Coke Studio stage through the promotional partners for this event.

    Fans will enjoy not only the world-class performances by the artists but also the exclusive Coke Studio merchandise to be given away. Bringing Real Magic, the concert will also foster connection among fans as fandoms unite in this one-of-a-kind experience only Coke Studio can deliver.

    The Ultimate Fandom Concert is a testament to the platformโ€™s dedication to uplifting local acts and empowering more Filipinos to cherish OPM. This is a concert you wouldnโ€™t want to miss!

    Stay tuned by subscribing to Coke Studio Philippinesโ€™ YouTube channel or checking out the official pages of Coca-Cola Philippines: Facebook, Instagram, and https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en.

    About Coca-Cola Philippines

    Coca-Cola has been refreshing Filipinos and making a difference in the Philippines for 112 years. The Philippines was Coca-Colaโ€™s first Asian market to begin local bottling operations. Today, the Coca-Cola system in the Philippines has evolved into a total beverage company, offering a diverse portfolio of brands in its beverage portfolio and employing over 10,000 Filipinos in 18 manufacturing facilities and more than 60 distribution centers and sales offices nationwide. As part of its long-standing commitment to the country, Coca-Cola supports safe water access programs in over 250 communities, empowers women entrepreneurs nationwide through training and peer mentoring, and supports packaging collection and recycling under its global World Without Waste initiative.

  • Love Next Door Coming to Netflix this August

    Love Next Door Coming to Netflix this August

    Jung So Min and Jung Hae In leading an upcoming South Korean K-drama Love Next Door. Netflix Philippines released Monday a trailer showing Seok-ryu [Jung So Min character] frequently receiving scolding from her mother, with Seung-hyo [Jung Hae In] present in those scenes.

    While So-min has starred in hit television shows like “Alchemy of Souls,” “Soul Mechanic,” “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes,” and “Because This Is My First Life,” Hae-in is well-known for his endearing roles in dramas like “While You Were Sleeping,” “One Spring Night,” “A Piece of Your Mind,” and “Something in the Rain.”

    Love Next Door follows the story of Choi Seung-hyo and Bae Seok-ryu, childhood friends who are fully aware of each other’s pasts. The plot revolves around Bae Seok-ryu (Jung So-min), who seeks a new beginning in life following a string of failures. Her character will cross paths with Choi Seung-hyo (Jung Hae-in), a celebrated young architect in Korea, who happens to be the son of her momโ€™s close friend. Haunted by awkward childhood memories due to their mothersโ€™ friendship, will sparks fly when they meet again as adults, or will old memories get in the way?

    The show’s ensemble cast also includes Park Ji Young, Jo Han Cheol, Jang Young Nam, Lee Seung Jun, Kim Geum Soon, Han Ye Ju, Jeon Seok Ho, Lee Seung Hyeop, Shim So Young, and others, in addition to Jung Hae In and Jung So Min.

    The show, created and directed by Shin Ha Eun and Yoo Je Won, will debut on the South Korean network tvN every Saturday and Sunday starting on August 17, 2024. In some areas, the program will also be available for streaming on Netflix.

  • HAPPENING SOON โ€“ STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE IN CONCERT

    HAPPENING SOON โ€“ STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE IN CONCERT

    The Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert features composer John Williamsโ€™ score performed live to film by The Filharmonika Orchestra conducted by Gerard Salonga and takes place on September 7 and 8, 2024, at The Theatre at Solaire.

    Prepare your lightsabersโ€”Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert is making its debut in the Philippines on September 7th and 8th, 2024 at The Theatre at Solaire! Experience the magic of the galaxy far, far away like never before as the first Star Wars film plays on-screen while the 81-piece Filharmonika Orchestra, led by Gerard Salonga, performs John Williams’ iconic score live. Williams, who composed the scores for all nine films in the Star Wars saga, is widely renowned for his work, including Star Wars: A New Hope, for which he earned an Academy Awardยฎ for Best Original Score.

    Star Wars

    The force is strong with fans who quickly secured tickets, leading to two SOLD OUT shows. But don’t worryโ€”Film Concerts PH has just recently announced an EXTRA SHOW on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, at 7 p.m.

    Tickets are still available for the additional show at Ticketworld.com.ph but hurry up as slots are getting limited by the day!

    Get ready for a weekend brimming with excitement and nostalgia for the Star Wars franchise, as Film Concerts PH presents a new, immersive way to enjoy your favorite films.

    Follow Film Concerts PH on Instagram for more updates regarding Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert and future events.

    The presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts.

    ABOUT FILM CONCERTS PH – Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok | Website

    Established in 2024, Film Concerts PH aims to elevate the entertainment landscape in the Philippines, by producing a unique format of live concerts, where symphony orchestras perform live and in sync with screenings of films and other beloved entertainment content, including video games, anime, and documentaries. Film Concerts PH is partnered with Gerard Salonga and his recently revived Filharmonika Orchestra, which will be the go-to orchestra. This innovative approach promises to deliver unforgettable experiences that immerse audiences in the world of their favorite movies and entertainment content like never before.

    ABOUT THE FILHARMONIKA ORCHESTRA

    The Filharmonika Orchestra is the Manila-based orchestra affiliated with Film Concerts PH. Founded by conductor Gerard Salonga in 2005, it has been restarted in 2024 after almost a decade-long hiatus. The orchestra consists of many players from the former ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, the last orchestra in the Philippines that Salonga led as Music Director up until 2020.

    Gerard Salonga is currently Resident Conductor of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in Kuala Lumpur, a position he has held since January 2019. For two seasons he served as Assistant Conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra from 2016 to 2018 where he was appointed by Maestro Jaap van Zweden, having been selected from a field of over 170 international applicants. He also served as Music Director of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra in Manila from 2012 to 2020. In January of 2021, Gerard began his term as the Music Director of the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY).

    ABOUT DISNEY CONCERTS

    Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras, choruses, and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concertsโ€™ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as โ€œlive to pictureโ€ film concerts, and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts that range from instrumental-only symphonic performances
    to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choirs. Featuring concerts from the largest movie franchises in the world โ€“ from Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and 20th Century Studios โ€“ current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series, Toy Story, Aladdin, Disney Princess โ€“ The Concert, Coco, The Lion King, Up, Disney Tim Burtonโ€™s The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Muppet Christmas Carol.

    FILM SYNOPSIS

    Set 30 years after Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: A New Hope, the fourth episode of the saga, returns to the desert planet of Tatooine. A young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) begins to discover his destiny when searching for a lost droid, he is saved by reclusive Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness). A civil war rages in the galaxy, and Rebel forces struggle against the evil Galactic Empire, Luke and Obi-Wan enlist the aid of hotshot pilot, Han Solo (Harrison Ford). Joined by the quirky droid duo R2-D2 and C-3PO, the unlikely team sets out to rescue Rebel leader Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and make use of the stolen plans to destroy the Empire’s ultimate weapon.

    In a legendary confrontation, the rogue group mounts an attack against the Death Star for a climactic battle with the evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

  • NCT DREAM and NCTzens Reunite to Create Lifelong Memories in THE DREAM SHOW 3 in Manila

    NCT DREAM and NCTzens Reunite to Create Lifelong Memories in THE DREAM SHOW 3 in Manila

    Remembering THE DREAM SHOW 3 through countless seasons: NCT DREAM and NCTzens once again beautifully colored the MOA Arena with hues of Neo Pearl Champagne in the boy group’s final Asia stop of their third world tour, THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE.

    From their inaugural solo show in the Philippines in a venue with 2,385 seats to their most recent concerts in an arena with 20,000 seats, NCT DREAM has triumphantly filled every venue in their every visit to the country, showcasing their power as one of K-Pop’s powerhouses with each visit.

    The ascent of Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung is unstoppable. The boys have repeatedly demonstrated since being introduced as one of NCT’s subunits that they are capable of ruling the music industry, garnering recognition from numerous award organizations. Most recently, they were nominated for Best K-Pop at the MTV Video Music Awards and received a Daesang, or Grand Prize, from the Hanteo Music Awards and Seoul Music Awards.

    Before making their way to the Philippines, the boy group performed 15 shows in May and June, drawing large crowds in eight Asian cities. The boys will take their tour to Latin America and North America after the Philippines, where they will play 11 shows in 11 cities. They will then continue their tour in Europe, performing five shows in five cities before returning to Seoul for a three-day concert at the Gocheok Sky Dome.

    It was an honor to watch NCT DREAM perform on stage as their fan base continued to expand with each performance. These boys who sang “Chewing Gum” on hoverboards eight years ago have evolved into men who never cease to astound with their new songs and performances.

    Photo by SM Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines

    The 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR <THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE> in MANILA is a testament to NCT DREAM’s unwavering love for NCTzens, and the fandom’s steadfast dedication to the boys, making the two-day event an incredible, joyous memory for everyone in attendance. For the August 10 and 11 shows, only six members of the boy group performed as Renjun is currently on hiatus due to health reasons.

    A packed SM Mall of Asia Arena witnessed THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE in MANILA, a nearly three-hour concert of superb performances of 28 songs, spectacular stage design and production, and beautiful fan interactions.

    NCT DREAM
    Photo by SM Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines

    The concert began with a dazzling display of stage lighting and effects to the tune of “Icantfeelanything”, before the boys appeared in their black-and-red outfits, accompanied by their dancers. Mark, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung then started the concert with “BOX” and “119”. The boy group performed “SOS” next, with Mark leading the way and each member taking the stage one at a time. Then, without missing a beat, they transported everyone back to 2018 with “GO,” a song from NCT’s debut studio album, NCT 2018 Empathy.

    The arena echoed with Mark’s “Ayo, Manila!” as NCT DREAM formally welcomed NCTzens to THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE in MANILA. The artists who had not performed on a local concert stage for over a year since THE DREAM SHOW 2: IN A DREAM in 2023, acknowledged their joy at being back. Haechan said, “Thank you for filling up this space.” Chenle, who was unable to attend the previous show owing to health issues, expressed his happiness to be back in Manila and pledged to performย his all. “Finally, I am here! All the energy I have saved up, I will show you guys this time,” heย stated.

    NCT DREAM maintained their commitment to the Manila audience by performing with passion on “Poison” and “Drippin’” stages. They returned to the stage with their team fits for “Arcade” and “We Go Up” following a brief intermission. The group sang “Bungee” as they made their way around the stage, attempting to stop at every angle to engage with theย audience. To the delight of NCTzens, they sang a lovely rendition of “Walk with You” in pairs. The boys continued their serenades with “Never Goodbye” and a moving rendition of “Breathing,” the lyrics of which reverberated beautifully throughout the venue and were complemented by a subtle yet exquisite fog effect. With Mark’s “Manila, this one’s for you,” the boy group and NCTzens traveled to the “UNKNOWN”.

    New fits on, NCT DREAM performed “Tangerine Love (Favorite)”, “Yogurt Shake”, and “Pretzel (โ™ก)” on stage following a break. During these performances, Mark, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung walked around the stage and interacted with the audience members. With extra sweetness added by heart-shaped confetti, the fan favorite “Candy” returned to the Philippine concert scene with all of its excitement and vibrancy. Singing along loudly with NCT DREAM, NCTzens’ “๋‹จ์ง€ ๋„ ์‚ฌ๋ž‘ํ•ด ์ด๋ ‡๊ฒŒ ๋งํ–ˆ์ง€ / ์ด์ œ๊ป ์ค€๋น„ํ–ˆ๋˜ ๋งŽ์€ ๋ง์„ ๋’ค๋กœํ•œ ์ฑ„ / ์–ธ์ œ๋‚˜ ๋„ค ์˜†์— ์žˆ์„๊ฒŒ / ์ด๋ ‡๊ฒŒ ์•ฝ์†์„ ํ•˜๊ฒ ์–ด, ์ € ํ•˜๋Š˜์„ ๋ฐ”๋ผ๋‹ค๋ณด๋ฉฐ” echoed wonderfully within the arena.

    With gold-embellished white jackets on, the boys played hits including “Dream Run”, “Better Than Gold”, “Fireflies”, “Hello Future”, and “Broken Melodies” with unwavering intensity. But with NCT DREAM and NCTzens, the good times never end. As Manila made loud and proud cheers for their favorite boys, Mark, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung set everyone rollin’ on a “Skateboard”. No matter their MBTI, the crowd was full of energy for NCT DREAM’s “ISTJ” performance on stage. And yes, sir, first time on the Philippine concert stage, “Smoothie” was next.

    NCT DREAM’s encore shows featured performances of “Dive Into You” and “ANL” with butterfly confetti flying across the venue. Amidst the most adorable “eyyy” during the last segment, the members expressed their sincere gratitude and pledge to NCTzens. “Because of you, guys, I have so much funโ€ฆ Will you come back if we come back for THE DREAM SHOW 4? See you then,” Chenle said. Haechan also expressed gratitude for the time spent with the NCTzens, promising that the next time they return, they will be with Renjun. “Thank you, although this is the last time of our Asian tour, I hope you had fun during the time we have spent. Next time, we will come back with Renjun. Until then, please wait for us. Mahal kita! Salamat po,” he said.

    Jisung, like his hyungs, stated that he owed Manila Czennies for the fun he had during the show. He reiterated Haechan’s vow to be back for their upcoming concert tour. “I had so much fun, because the Manila Czennies are such a crowd to be with. Like what other members have said, we will be back with THE DREAM SHOW 4, complete with Renjun,” he remarked.

    Jaemin was overcome with appreciation for the NCTzens who gathered at the arena and showered them with love throughout their concert. He declared, “Thank you for coming here tonight. Thank you for giving me a lot of love. As much as you give us so much love, we will definitely give that back to you, guys. Take care of yourselves as much as you can until we come back again. Manila, thank you for filling up this arena. Mahal kita, Manila. Love you so much!”

    Jeno expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they consistently got on their visits to the Philippines. He additionally spoke about the group’sย plans, which include a brand-new record. On August 23, NCT DREAM is scheduled to release a new song titled “Rains in Heaven”. Jeno said, “It’s been a while since we came back to Manila to meet Manila NCTzens. But the whole day, I was able to feel how much you waited for me. Although we are not here so often, every time we come back, you welcome us so amazingly. We are preparing for a new album. Please wait for us a little more and we will be back. Manila, salamat po. Mahal kita! Kita tayo ulit.”

    Mark conveyed his admiration for the Manila crowd, which consistently brings the highest level of energy for NCT. “You guys did it again. Thank you so much for being an amazing audience, Manila,” he stated. He continued, “I, personally, have a lot of good memories in Manilaโ€”all thanks to you, guys. I appreciate your energy every time I’m here. You guys are amazing. You guys proved it again today. Thank you guys for being safe, being energetic. I’m saying the same things over and over, that’s how much I mean it.”

    The boys concluded their messages with Jaemin’s reminder: Don’t skip a meal.

    NCT DREAM ended THE DREAM SHOW 3 in MANILA with “Like We Just Met”, the most adorable waves of laughter thanks to the overflowing confetti, a promise between them and NCTzens to stay with each other forever, and words of “salamat po”, “mahal kita”, and “see you again”.

    Seeing NCT DREAM perform songs from different stages of their career makes evident how much their vocals and performances have evolved. Even though some of the songs had been heard before, each performance offered a fresh take on NCT DREAM, growing stronger and more fervent than the previous. The drive stays resilient for the members whoย enjoy playing on every stage.

    And, at every stage, the devotion and encouragement of NCTzens remains steadfast.

    NCT DREAM was no stranger to the Philippine concert scene; in 2019, Renjun, Jaemin, Jeno, Chenle, and Jisung made their debut in Manila as the main act at the 2019 K-Pop Friendship Concert in Manila. The boy group without Mark was the final K-Pop act to perform live in the nation in 2020 before borders closed and live events and concerts came to an end. Renjun, Jaemin, Jeno, Chenle, and Jisung were among the first K-Pop performers to perform in the nation when borders opened and events resumed in 2022. They did so in a combined concert with Alice, WEi, and SHINee’s Key. Without Mark and Haechan, NCT DREAM returned in October of that year for a second joint performance with Alice, Xdinary Heroes, Golden Child, and another NCT sub-unit, WayV.

    THE DREAM SHOW 2: IN A DREAM in MANILA last year was special because it was their first concert in the Philippines with Mark. Aside from their appearances with NCT DREAM, Mark and Haechan have shared the stage with NCT 127 in the Philippines in 2022 for a solo concert. This was NCT 127’s first solo performance in the country and their second visit overall, having come for a joint concert in 2018. Then, in 2024, NCT 127 came back to the Philippines for their first stadium concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium.

    8 YEARS WITH 7DREAM: It is certain that as the years pass, the love will only deepen and become stronger, with a promise that in this place we are together, we draw the same dream. And the fan projects that the fandom thoughtfully and genuinely organized and executed for the two-day concert are evidence of this love and commitment: from blue ribbons and birthday celebrations for the members to colored oceans and lamp post banners, videos on the MOA eye, hand, and drop-down banners, loud cheers for 7DREAM, and more.

    While 7DREAM performing on the Philippine concert stage remains a dream, the promise to patiently wait for the realization of this dream remains as well.


    The 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR <THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE> in MANILA was presented by Live Nation Philippines. Special thanks to Live Nation Philippines.

    Words by Dan. The article contains events that transpired during Day 1 of the concert.

  • How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, Coming To Netflix this September

    How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, Coming To Netflix this September

    Thai Tearjerker Film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies Streams on Netflix across Southeast Asia Starting September 12

    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    How far would you go to care for a loved one while hoping for a life-changing inheritance? The Thai drama How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies examines this tender plot and streams on Netflix across Southeast Asia starting September 12. It will be available in more countries later this year.

    The film has already made waves across Southeast Asia, becoming the highest-grossing Thai film to date in numerous countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia and Myanmar.

    Driven by the desire for a multimillion-dollar inheritance, M (Putthipong โ€œBillkinโ€ Assaratanakul) puts aside his dreams as a hopeful game caster to care for his terminally ill grandmother (Usha Seamkhum). But winning Grandmaโ€™s favor is no easy feat, as she proves to be demanding and exceedingly difficult to please. To make things more complicated, M is not the only one vying for the fortune. He finds himself in a competition, going to great lengths to become the apple of Grandmaโ€™s eye before time runs out.

    Produced by GDH 559, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies was written by Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn, who drew inspiration from personal experiences, and Pat Boonnitipat (Bad Genius).

    This film marks Patโ€™s debut as a feature film director and Billkin and Ushaโ€™s first leading roles in a movie. The cast also includes Sanya KunakornSarinrat ThomasPongsatorn JongwilasDuangporn OapiratHimawari Tajiri, and Tontawan Tantivejakul.

    How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies streams starting September 12, only on Netflix.

  • HORI7ON Gives Birth to the Newest Summer Anthem with “SUMAYAW SUMUNOD”

    HORI7ON Gives Birth to the Newest Summer Anthem with “SUMAYAW SUMUNOD”

    Global group HORI7ON sets sail with their new single, “SUMAYAW SUMUNOD”!

    The release of HORI7ON’s most recent song, “SUMAYAW SUMUNOD,” on August 13 at 12PM KST marks the start of their new voyage. HORI7ONโ€”which consists of Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcusโ€”will release “SUMAYAW SUMUNOD,” on a number of online music sites.

    The song “SUMAYAW SUMUNOD” was remade and first released in 1978 by The Boyfriends, a renowned Filipino boy band. Reimagined with a cool melody, the song highlights HORI7ON’s development as a performer and vocalist, with the goal of winning over fans’ hearts this summer.

    HORI7ON attracted attention from their worldwide fan base, ANCHORs, with their charismatic and youthful energy in the two music video teasers that were previously published. The group’s perfect execution of the highlight choreography heightened anticipation for the complete track by portraying the lively atmosphere of the song.

    HORI7ON is ready to take an exuberant trip with this new summer single, following their previous release “LUCKY,” which epitomized the classic refreshing high-teen sound. Fans are anxiously awaiting the release of the group’s remade song “SUMAYAW SUMUNOD,” which stands out from the original due to its different rhythm and arrangement and upbeat message.

    HORI7ON’s new single, “SUMAYAW SUMUNOD,” is now available on various online music platforms.

    Photo provided by MLD Entertainment.

  • A Guide to the Demon Slayer: Total Concentration Exhibition

    A Guide to the Demon Slayer: Total Concentration Exhibition

    Filipino otakus, rejoice! You no longer need to book plane tickets abroad just to visit the famed exhibition for one of the most beloved series in recent memory, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: The Total Concentration Exhibition is now officially in the Philippines. Be sure to make time to visit the site at Level 3 of the New Gateway Mall 2.

    Presented by PULP Spaces+, Muse Communication, ACO MEDIA, and Mediasphere Communication, the Demon Slayer exhibition is the first of its kind in the Philippines. Previously, it had very successful runs in Thailand, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

    On August 2, the Grand Launch was held at the Quantum Skyview of the New Gateway Mall 2. It was inaugurated by the executives of PULP and their associates, with the special appearance of a very important mascot โ€“ Tanjiro himself.

    Demon Slayer is an anime series based on the manga by Koyaharu Gotouge. It follows the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a teenage boy who lost his family to a savage attack by demons. His younger sister Nezuko was the sole survivor, but the problem is she became a demon. He then joins the Demon Slayer Corps to fight demons and find a way to cure his sister. Since the anime series premiered in 2019, it has captured peopleโ€™s hearts and imaginations, making it one of the most prominent anime of our time.

    If you are a Demon Slayer fan, it goes without saying that you shouldnโ€™t miss the Total Concentration Exhibition. It features an immersive exploration of the important plot details from the beginning until the Entertainment District Arc. The experience itself is fascinating and enriching.

    Here is a short guide to what the exhibition offers.

    Relive the epic moments. Admire the art.

    First and foremost, the exhibition is a visual treat that must be appreciated slowly. The walls are lined with portraits and sketches of each character in the world of Demon Slayer, including Tanjiroโ€™s Squad, the Hashira, the demons, and even the side characters. Beside them are some valuable information that will surely deepen your understanding of the series.

    There are also line art panels of the animation sequences of the pivotal scenes in the show. Artworks by various animators and artists are also given a spot in the exhibition.

    Enter all the rooms.

    The exhibition has dedicated areas for different rooms that focus on certain characters. Among the things youโ€™ll see are the life-sized replica of the Nichirin Swords, their haori (a jacket worn over the kimono), and the Infinity Castle. Make sure to sweep all the areas since some are slightly hidden. There are many more, but weโ€™ll leave those as elements of surprise.

    Tip #1: You might need to crouch down or take a peek at holes in the walls in some instances.

    Tip #2: Watch out for the mini-game. Scan the QR code and accomplish all feats for a special souvenir before the exit.

    Strike a pose!

    There are photo zones spread out across the exhibition, and each of them are beautifully rendered replica of the anime scenes โ€“ the overflowing wisteria atop Mount Fujikasane, the Mugen Train carriage overlooking the fight between Rengoku and Akaza, the Entertainment District fight with Daki and Gyutaro and more. Strike as many poses as you want. Cosplaying is most welcome as well.

    Tip: Bring your friends for maximum enjoyment. Like Tanjiroโ€™s adventure, the experience is better when you share it with others.

    Bring home some souvenirs.

    An adventure is better remembered with some souvenirs. After the exhibition, youโ€™ll see a wide array of merchandise you can purchase. There are stickers, acrylic stands, passport cases, posters, shirts, photocards, tumblers, mats, and figures.

    The Philippine-exclusive artworks are must-haves. The exhibition is the only place you can get Tanjiro with the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Nezukoโ€™s Halo-Halo, Zenitsu at the Masskara Festival, Inosuke with the Chocolate Hills and Tengenโ€™s Jeepney.

    Tip: Other items (pin badge and haori) are available for pre-order. Ask the cashier or staff to assist you.

    Itadakimasu!

    After thoroughly enjoying the exhibition, you can also savor some tasty treats and drinks at the cafe. They have rice meals (chicken poppers, ebi tendon, beef yakiniku), yakisoba, and taiyaki (cheese or chocolate). For the drinks, they have gulaman, slushies, and cucumber lemonade juice. Each meal and beverage order comes with a special bowl or cup sleeve of a Demon Slayer character.

    Snap photos with the cute inflatables.

    For extra fun, you can also try looking for the giant Demon Slayer inflatables spread out across Gateway Mall. There are 6 in total: Tanjiro, Nezuko, Inosuke, Zenitsu, Rengoku and Tengen.

    Tip: Many of them are placed near escalators so keep your eyes peeled.

    Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Total Concentration Exhibition runs until October 27 at the 3rd Level of New Gateway Mall 2. Tickets are available via TicketNet, SM Tickets, and PULP Tickets. Donโ€™t miss it!

    Special thanks to PULP Spaces+!

    by Sandra Mae Laureano

  • SB19 and Gloc-9 join forces on uplifting new single โ€œKALAKALโ€

    SB19 and Gloc-9 join forces on uplifting new single โ€œKALAKALโ€

    The collaborative track of P-Pop Kings SB19 and OPM icon Gloc-9 pushes their artistry in a bold direction.

    OPM is abuzz with excitement as P-Pop kings SB19 and legendary rapper Gloc-9 drop their joint single โ€œKALAKALโ€ on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

    SEE ALSO: P-Pop King SB19 returns on โ€œTHE FIRST TAKEโ€ with soul-stirring performance of โ€œMAPAโ€

    SB19 and Gloc-9

    The monumental collaboration finds both music titans taking their creative direction to previously uncharted places and harnessing their gifts with a balance of star power and dynamism.

    According to SB19, they reached out to Gloc-9 first for a potential partnership after performing together on the well-received PAGTATAG! Finale concert, which was held at the Araneta Coliseum a few months ago.

    โ€œWhat sets this collaboration apart from anything that weโ€™ve done before is that we took it upon ourselves to be as involved as possible from the beginning of the creative process,โ€ the GENTO hitmakers share in a press statement. โ€œAside from brainstorming from scratch, we were really hands-on in sharing our melodic and lyrical ideas. Sir Gloc-9 also approached the material with his own creative stamp and further solidified the storytelling aspects of our final output. The result is something that weโ€™re excited to share with our music fans: a rousing chant that brings out the best of both worlds in uniquely inspiring ways.โ€

    Cover art of “KALAKAL”

    All members of SB19 and Gloc-9 contributed individual songwriting parts and verses on โ€œKALAKAL,โ€ while putting their collaborative hats together in coming up with the chorus and hooks. The five-piece pop act admits that the iconic hip-hop starโ€™s presence motivated them to write from a place of vulnerability and truth while taking into consideration the anthemic aspects of the production.

    โ€œWeโ€™ve always wanted to make a song that resonates with people of varying generations, a material that will encourage them to beat their chests out and sing along in their full emotional glory,โ€ SB19 explains.

    โ€œKALAKAL, with its impactful instrumentation and earworm appeal, was made in pursuit of authentic human connection.โ€

    More than shining a light on unique Filipino consumerism, โ€œKALAKALโ€ is a powerful track that showcases their journey of empowerment and longevity. It also chronicles their story of building their legacy as artists through years of hard work, perseverance, humility, and pure talent.

    Gloc-9 adds, โ€œThis song is all about believing in your own craft. Despite being years ahead of them, I was actually inspired by SB19โ€™s level of dedication and confidence. I also admire their willingness to learn and explore ideas that may not necessarily reflect the way they work. I would love to collaborate with them again if given a chance.โ€

    Stream SB19 and Gloc-9โ€™s new single โ€œKALAKALโ€ via Sony Music Entertainment.

    As part of their ongoing campaign to promote โ€œKALAKALโ€ on a grassroots level, SB19 partnered with select local businesses to engage its followers in exploring the deeper meaning behind the song through the memberโ€™s individual preferences. For more information, check out the social media pages of SB19 and Sony Music Entertainment Philippines on how to join for a chance to win a special prize.

  • ITZY Teams Up with PH MIDZY for an Enthralling “BORN TO BE” Concert

    ITZY Teams Up with PH MIDZY for an Enthralling “BORN TO BE” Concert

    Proudly betting on ITZY all the way!

    As part of their second world tour, ITZY 2ND WORLD TOUR [BORN TO BE], Korean girl group ITZY made a return visit to Manila on August 3, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The anticipation of Filipino MIDZYs was palpable as they saw Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna exhibit their skills and play live.

    ITZY
    Photo by JYP Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines

    A striking performance of their tour’s title, “Born To Be,” as well as B-side songs, “Racer,” from their Checkmate EP, and “Kidding Me,” from their Guess Who EP, kicked off the evening. Each member owned the Manila stage, enthralling the audience with their signature moves and powerful vocals.

    The girls gave their introductions to the audience and gave warm greetings to the fans. Yeji expressed to the fans how much they were looking forward to their performance in the country and how much they missed the Manila crowd. Ryujin went on to remark that they had chosen well to begin the show with their tour title and song “Born to Be,” and that the audience should eagerly anticipate the upcoming performances that they have planned. ITZY thereafter enthralled the audience on stage with renditions of “Mr. Vampire,” “Swipe,” and “Wannabe.”

    Photo by JYP Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines
    Photo by JYP Entertainment/Live Nation Philippines

    The members were also able to exhibit their solo performances during the tour. Chaeryeong’s “Mine,” a dance piece that featured reflections and mirrors, Ryujin’s “Run Away,” a song that exuded a girl crush and rocker chick vibe while captivating the audience with her deep, husky voice, Yuna’s “Yet, but,” which wowed the audience with her dreamy vocals and energizing aura, and Yeji’s “Crown On My Head,” which exuded confidence and showcased a jaw-dropping performance for Filipino MIDZYs.

    With their electrifying performances of “Untouchable,” “Gas Me Up,” and “Dynamite,” ITZY returned to the stage, leaving the audience eager for more songs by the group. They engaged with their fans once more and discussed their solo performances. ITZY said that they usually record challenges and video clips for their #WHAT_MIDZY_WANT_2024 tour hashtag when they are on tour. For the Manila leg, the girls danced to the hit song “Pantropiko” by P-pop sensation BINI, which truly thrilled the audience and made them feel very proud of themselves.

    ITZY also showcased their band and dancers for this tour, acknowledging their talents and showing the individuals behind the success of their tour and presentation. The girls further demonstrated their abilities with songs “Psychic Lover,” “Don’t Give A What,” and “Loco.” Without playing the songs “Not Shy,” “Cake,” “Sneakers,” “Kill Shot,” and “Escalator,” the tour will never be complete. Still, Filipino MIDZYs will always be waiting for more performances and opportunities to connect with ITZY, making the tour a comprehensive fan experience.

    Filipino MIDZYS were also the stars of the “Hot Stage for MIDZY!” special segment, where fans danced to their favorite ITZY tunes as they were flashed on the large LEDs onstage.

    Filipino MIDZYs surprised ITZY with a fan-made video presentation, perfectly expressing their support and love for the girl group. ITZY returned for an encore performance, serenading the fans with touching songs “Love Is” and “Be In Love.” Since the tour date with Manila also symbolizes the girls’ 2000 days with MIDZYs, the girls were very moved and emotional. It was amazing to celebrate this momentous day in Manila.

    As Yuna reflected on their growth from trainees to idols, she noted how far the group had gone and expressed her gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. Thanking their MIDZYs for sticking by them, Chaeryeong added that she had truly earned a lot of confidence from their fans throughout the tour and that it was a lot of pleasure to see their MIDZYs in person. With a smile, Chaeryeong says, “Tonight will be an unforgettable night for me,” addressing the fans who were very excited to watch them perform live in Manila.

    Ryujin revealed that their parents were there when they performed in Manila last year and remarked that “the Manila fans are amazing.” The girls even mentioned that they always look forward to meeting their Filipino fans since they are so passionate and energetic. “It was perfect,” Ryujin said, expressing gratitude to the fans for their wonderful experience in Manila. Yeji thanked their Filipino MIDZYs for being there for the girls and for constantly waiting on them. Yeji continued, “You know, Manila MIDZYs are the best!” They want to become their beautiful and priceless MIDZYs’ strength and energy as a group.

    As they concluded the performance with the hits “Boys Like You” and “Dalla Dalla,” the girls expressed their gratitude to the audience for coming to support them and seeing them throughout their Manila leg of the tour.

    ITZY

    ITZY 2ND WORLD TOUR [BORN TO BE] MANILA was presented by Live Nation Philippines.

    Words by Vinny Real