The empowering track showcases the duo’s effortlessly sultry side while maintaining their individuality throughout the process.
Filipino R&B stars Denise Julia and DENȲ link up on the soulful, sultry jam “don’t matter”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment.
The track marks the first time the two rising phenoms worked together on a music project. In an Instagram post last week, Denise Julia confirmed that the idea of collaborating with each other started three years ago when they were trying to make it big in the music scene.
Produced by J. Greg, Duaneinsane, and Denise Julia, and composed by the latter with DENȲ, “don’t matter” finds them trading verses over a delicate, laid-back groove.
With Denise Julia’s powerhouse vocals blending perfectly with DENȲ’s sensual coos in the most exciting way possible, the song transforms into a charming, sing-along bop that’s centered on empowerment, freedom, and self-love—three virtues that triumph over the prospect of everything going wrong in a leap of faith.
The arrival of “don’t matter” comes off the heels of the duo’s recent accomplishments for their music releases: Denise Julia becoming the most streamed Filipino female artist for several months, thanks to the enormous success of her 2023 EP, Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1), and DENȲ reaching more than a million monthly listeners on Spotify on the strength of her acclaimed crossover album, LOVES7AGE.
A week ago, Denise Julia dropped the music video for her new single “Sugar n’ Spice.” Helmed by award-winning filmmaker Samantha Lee, the visuals depict sweet sapphic moments that a lot of adolescent queer women can relate to, regardless of category and experience. To date, the music video has racked up nearly four hundred thousand views on YouTube in less than a week and has peaked within the top 10 of the video-sharing platform’s ‘Trending for Music’ charts.
DENȲ, on the other hand, has wrapped up 2023 with a record-breaking milestone. Her new album, LOVES7AGE was a hit among fans and critics and even yielded memorable hits such as “Alam Ko Na,” a collaboration with Just Hush and Third Flo’, and the Arthur Nery-featured “Sabik.”
Both OPM darlings have set their personal bests on creative and commercial terms while maintaining their individuality in an overly saturated and hyper-competitive musical landscape.
Denise Julia and DENȲ’s “don’t matter” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
March will become extra colorful for fans of Kim Seon Ho as the actor returns to the Philippines with a brand new Asia Tour!
The South Korean actor will once again reunite with his Filipino fans this 2024, bringing the 2024 KIM SEON HO Asia Tour [COLOR+FULL] to Manila on April 13, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Fan meet packages, which come with a ticket to the fan meeting, a UFC gift pack, and exciting fan benefits, will be available on February 15, 2024, at 10 a.m., via the Makeitlive website at www.makeitlive.asia. Check out the seat plan, fan meet packages, and fan benefits below:
Ultimate Good Boy Feast (VVIP) – Php 12,000
Hometown Chow Chow Chow Treat (VIP) – Php 11,000
Mr. Dimples – All Occasion Faves (Patron) – Php 9,500
Start Up, Feast Up (LB Premium) – Php 8,500
Start Up, Snack Up (LB Regular) – Php 7,000
Frycious Banjang Feast (UB) – Php 3,500
K-Treat Bundle (Gen Ad) – Php 1,500
Full mechanics and redemption guidelines will be announced on February 13, 2024.
The 2024 KIM SEON HO Asia Tour in Manila [COLOR+FULL] is presented by SALT Entertainment HS E&C, NutriAsia, UFC, Fan Connection SEA, and Makeitlive.
joem brings yet another soul-stirring single, “Nakaraan” featured in the highly anticipated comeback comedy film, “I Am Not Big Bird,” starring Enrique Gil.
After garnering almost half a million streams for his track, “Pangako”, Davao’s singer-songwriter, joem returns with an even more heart-wrenching track, “Nakaraan” released today, February 9, a week before “I Am Not Big Bird” becomes available on theaters nationwide on Valentine’s Day.
In the movie, Enrique Gil plays Luis, a 30-year-old virgin who is going through a breakup by traveling to Thailand, but finds himself unwittingly caught up in a case of mistaken identity. “I Am Not Big Bird” is poised to be a comedic piece, and joem’s “Nakaraan” lends a counterbalance, delivering a cathartic experience for the viewers.
“Nakaraan” captures the journey of Luis and the people who recently find themselves at the end of a relationship, more painfully, being the ones who had been left behind. It delves into the struggle to move forward when one’s heart remains anchored to the memories of a lost love. Its relatable theme makes it a poignant anthem for those still navigating broken relationships.
Support Filipino music. Listen to joem’s “Nakaraan” out now worldwide: joem.lnk.to/nakaraan
A CONCERT FILM FROM THE 14-TIME GRAMMY®-WINNING ARTIST’S GLOBAL RECORD-BREAKING TOUR FEATURING THE SONG “CARDIGAN” AND FOUR ADDITIONAL SONGS NOT FEATURED IN THE THEATRICAL OR VOD RELEASE, TO DEBUT EXCLUSIVELY ON DISNEY+ MARCH 15, 2024!
Today, Disney+ announced that “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)” will make its streaming debut on March 15, 2024, exclusively on Disney+.
“Cardigan” and four extra acoustic songs that were not included in either the theatrical film or the video-on-demand rental, which itself added six bonus tracks, are going to be included in this version of the concert film, which is being billed as “the concert film in its entirety for the first time.”
The Eras Tour movie made more than $260 million at the box office around the world, which is sufficient to make it the most successful concert film franchise in the history of the industry. In December, it was made available for digital rental, and now it is finally being made available on a streaming resource.
In making the announcement Disney CEO Bob Iger said, “’The Eras Tour’ has been a true phenomenon that has and continues to thrill fans around the world, and we are very excited to bring this electrifying concert to audiences wherever they are, exclusively on Disney+.”
A top-tier collection of the band’s most iconic alt-rock anthems, the compilation album is the go-to playlist to hype OPM fans for their reunion concert on February 17, 2024, at the SMDC Festival Grounds!
With timeless pop-rock anthems that cut across generational lines, Rivermaya has easily cemented their place as one of the most important Filipino bands of all time. Their songs have served their purpose as great anchors for intimate conversations and as a source of comfort for every Filipino yearning for music they can call home.
More than their wistful and sometimes introspective reflections on love, pain, freedom, and youth, Rivermaya penned music with a mix of unwavering earnestness and vulnerability, capturing the essence of everyday life in nuanced but relatable terms.
The band’s iconic lineup from 1994 to 1998, which includes Bamboo Mañalac, Mark Escueta, Nathan Azarcon, and Rico Blanco has produced some of the most enduring classics in Pinoy rock. From the chest-thumping sing-alongs of “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita,” “Elesi,” and “Ulan” to the stadium-sized glory of “Awit Ng Kabataan” and “Kisapmata,” from the melancholic balladry of “If,” “Panahon Na Naman,” and “214” to the cult appeal of “Bring Me Down” and “Luha,” the popular four-piece act achieved commercial success while delivering groundbreaking cultural impact and artistic vision in equal measure—something that has proven to be elusive, even among their contemporaries in the field.
Their legacy, which shaped the ever-fickle pop culture of the ‘90s with their distinct brand of eloquence and charm, is fully captured in their essential Rivermaya – Greatest Hits: Himig Ng Dekada 90 album, which chronicles the biggest hits of their formative years as well as the underrated tunes that still hold merit up to this day. Featuring twelve of their most iconic songs and two remixes, the compilation album gives listeners a complete picture of the band’s music: fearless in its humanity and imperfection, but smugly cool in portraying tenderness, chaos, and adventurousness in situations that don’t always feel like they’re made for the movies. It’s as real as it gets.
“There are powerful messages in the songs, for those who need to hear them,” drummer Mark Escueta reflects on the compilation album’s intrinsic appeal. “Overall, it’s fun to listen to the songs, even the sad ones. We’re honored that we get to share our music and inspire people on a personal, intimate level. We no longer own these songs; they belong to anyone who dares to wholeheartedly embrace them and still emerge whole from the process. It’s everyone’s songs now.”
With Mañalac, Escueta, Azarcon, and Blanco headlining a reunion concert on February 17, 2024, at the SMDC Festival Grounds, Rivermaya’s Greatest Hits record serves not only as a convincing argument for the band’s inimitable genius but also as a guide to the immortal music that’s so deeply ingrained in Pinoy collective consciousness. For long-time fans who would want to deep-dive into the band’s discography and review their career-defining ‘karaoke’ jams, this compilation album is the way to go for the essential no-skips fodder.
The original lineup, composed of Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Nathan Azarcon, and Mark Escueta, stages a one-night-only reunion concert produced by Live Nation Philippines. Dubbed ‘Rivermaya The Reunion,’ the iconic pop-rock outfit will be celebrating the unparalleled Rivermaya legacy with a highly anticipated set featuring some of their greatest hits and rarities. Tickets are available on the Live Nation Philippines website and SM Tickets outlets.
Thai alt-rock duo SCRUBB will be staging their debut concert in the Philippines this weekend!
Scrubb, the award-winning music act behind the original soundtrack of the global BL hit, 2gether: The Series, will be performing with a full band set on Saturday, February 10, 2024 (6 p.m. onwards), at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City.
To date, the duo has graced several sold-out shows in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Singapore, and key cities across Asia. The internationally renowned music act is composed of Thawatpon Wongboonsiri and Torpong Chantabubpha.
“We’ve been wanting to perform in Manila for the longest time,” they said in the press statement. “The opportunity has finally presented itself, so we’re definitely looking forward to meeting our Filipino fans and serenading them with our music as well as personal favorites.”
SCRUBB: Live in Manila will also be joined by two opening acts: prolific actor-rapper Elijah Canlas and chart-topping singer-songwriter TONEEJAY, who will be gracing the show with their own unique sets.
Tickets to #ScrubbLiveinManila are now available for fans to purchase: bit.ly/scrubbmnl.
This event is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions with official hotel partner, Discovery Suites and major sponsors: KATINKO and Greenwich.
ENHYPEN concluded their second world tour, FATE, enthralling 327,000 fans with 21 shows across 13 cities!
With ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR “FATE”, ENHYPEN once again drew to close their world tour on the Philippine concert stage, bringing together ENGENEs from all over the nation to the New Clark City Stadium to witness the writing of a history of Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki for the Philippine concert scene. Their amazing showmanship, captivating stage presence, charming personalities, and love for their fans were all on display as they performed their songs with passion and flair throughout. This was all topped off by an aesthetically stunning stage production that featured lavish stage effects and stunning pyrotechnics, and ENGENEs’ tremendous enthusiasm, relentless cheering, and solid support.
Photo courtesy of HYBE & BELIFT LAB
On February 3, exactly one year after the start of their historic MANIFESTO in Manila performances in 2023, the K-Pop powerhouse successfully wrapped out their second world tour, dubbed FATE, at the Philippines’ New Clark City Stadium. The septet ended their eagerly awaited six-month global tour and made performance history in the Philippines by being the first K-Pop artist to perform at the New Clark City Stadium.
The boy group and their devoted supporters worked together to produce fantastic moments that gave FATE the most stellar finish. The riveting three-hour show at New Clark City, presented by PULP Live World, opened with ENHYPEN’s signature performances, which included crowd favorites like “Drunk-Dazed” and “Blockbuster,” hits from their earlier albums like “Future Perfect (Pass the MIC),” “Shout Out,” “Go Big or Go Home,” “Let Me In (20 CUBE),” and their most recent releases like “Bite Me,” “Bills,” “Criminal Love,” and “Sweet Venom.”
Photo courtesy of HYBE & BELIFT LAB
The excitement was palpable even before the event began, as ENGENEs never stopped applauding for their sevEN, who kept solidifying their place as one of their generation’s biggest idols. With their signature “One, two, connect! Hello, we are ENHYPEN!” greeting, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki formally welcomed Philippine ENGENEs to their concert, then each of them gave their greetings.
Leader Jungwon conveyed his joy at seeing the fans again. Jay agreed, saying, “Bumalik kami para sa inyo.” Jake then expressed his appreciation to ENGENEs for being with them as they wind up their second global tour. “FATE Tour, which began in Seoul in July last year, is coming to an end tonight at the New Clark City. I’m very excited to do it and be able to wrap up our tour in the New Clark City Stadium. Thank you for coming out tonight,” he said.
Photo courtesy of HYBE & BELIFT LAB
Enthralling over 327,000 ENGENEs worldwide, the ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR “FATE” took place over 13 cities and 21 performances. On the FATE Tour, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki made history by headlining bigger venues, setting records as the K-Pop boy band to host a solo concert at the Tokyo Dome in the shortest amount of time since their debut, and making their historic stadium debut in the United States at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles.
Looking back on their international tour, ENHYPEN expressed their profound appreciation, saying, “Words cannot fully express the happiness we’ve felt over the past six months of FATE. As the tour progressed, our appreciation and affection for ENGENEs grew immensely. ENHYPEN will strive to become ENGENEs’ greatest pride. I hope today’s show is etched in your hearts as a cherished memory.”
During FATE IN NEW CLARK CITY, the members spoke with the audience in both Filipino and English as they actively interacted with them during the performance. They tried their hardest to get closer to the crowd by moving carts, showering them with emotional “salamat po” and “mahal kita,” and bringing out Pikachu as their special guest. In addition, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki prepared a variety of gifts for the fans. These included performances on the piano and guitar by Heeseung and Jay, covers of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” by Jake, Never the Strangers’ “Moving Closer” by Sunoo, Zack Tabudlo’s “Give Me Your Forever” by Heeseung, SB19’s “Gento” dance by Sunghoon, and MIMS’ “Like This” dance by Ni-ki.
Photo courtesy of HYBE & BELIFT LAB
In addition to ENHYPEN’s outstanding stages, the ENGENEs’ immense energy, unwavering applause, and cohesive support were equally impressive. While the ENGENEs’ wave of lights emphasized the beauty of the full stadium, the fan projects showed their commitment to providing Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki with the most magnificent memory and well-earned show of love. These included bus advertisements, fan zones, the “PH ENGENE LOVES ENHA ♡ HBD YJW” aerial banner, a sea of orange flowers, Jungwon’s birthday projects, sing-along moments, and more. “Looking at all of these fan projects, I don’t want the concert to end. So, as ENHYPEN, we will do our best to return,” stated Sunghoon.
“This is the Philippines I remember.”
JAY
Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki returned to the stage to perform “One In A Billion.” Constantly amazed by the incredible enthusiasm and thunderous applause of the audience, the members praised ENGENEs for their unwavering support. Each member gave their parting speech to the crowd, with Jay being the first to thank them for making the event amazing. “This stage was only made possible by ENGENE. It’s all because of you, guys,” he uttered. He continued by pledging to work harder than ever to make ENGENEs proud.
“I have been really counting down the days we meet you all today. Being back here after a year, I really want to show our ENGENE how much ENHYPEN strives to improve day by day. Also, concert at a stadium is not easy for all of us, and yet thank you so much for making all your effort to come here so far. Tonight, was very special to us, because this stage was only made possible by ENGENE. It’s all because of you, guys. Thank you so much… with ENGENE on our back, we’ll never get tired. Just as how we promised every time, we will continue to strive harder as we would like to be the proudest and luckiest seven of all of ENGENE. Thank you for always being our great energy. Thank you so much. Mahal kita. Love you!”
JAY
Echoing Jay’s remarks, Sunoo expressed his appreciation for all the support that let him wrap out the tour without any regrets. “I am very happy to end the second world tour with so many ENGENEs in the Philippines,” he remarked. Jungwon reflected on the previous year and the extent of their growth over the tour. Like his members, he committed to keep evolving and asked that ENGENEs stay with them on their journey. “There’s nothing we can wish more than ENGENEs being by our side all the time. ENGENEs, will you stay with us until the end? Pinky promise! It’s a pinky promise we made today,” he said.
“We are at the end of our second world tour, FATE. I really cannot believe this is happening. I am very happy to end the second world tour with so many ENGENEs in the Philippines. Yesterday, during the rehearsal, I thought the venue was too big. I was also nervous because I prepared something for ENGENEs. Did you like it? Thank you! Mahal kita. Thank you very much. Because of you, ENGENE, who never got tired of showing us your support as our last stop in Asia, and as FATE comes to an end, I do not have regrets. Next time we meet, we will come back with a better self. Thank you very much to everyone who came. Salamat po! Mahal kita!”
SUNOO
“Last July, when we first started our FATE Tour in Seoul, every time we meet ENGENEs from all parts of the world… we have grown more this year than last year and we will continue to grow next year. So please be with us. Those words are really from the center of my heart… There’s nothing we can wish more than ENGENEs being by our side all the time. ENGENEs, will you stay with us until the end? Pinky promise! It’s a pinky promise we made today! Thank you for being with us until late night. Guys, see you soon! Salamat, ENGENE, mahal kita!”
JUNGWON
Photo courtesy of HYBE & BELIFT LAB
Sunghoon also shared his memories of the tour and thanked ENGENEs for being a part of it. “Thank you very much that the ending of the FATE Tour is with you, ENGENEs and here at the New Clark City Stadium,” he stated. Moreover, he pledged to put in more effort and return to more stadiums worldwide to meet more people. “We, ENHYPEN, will try our best and give our all to come back to this stadium and more stadiums in the world.”
“It has been six months since we started the FATE Tour. When I think about the six-month period of time, we can say that’s been a long time, but now I look back from Seoul to the Philippines, and time passed by swiftly. Actually, we have another concert in Seoul, but officially FATE Tour’s last stop is in the Philippines. Thank you very much for the ending of the FATE Tour with you, ENGENEs, and here at the New Clark City Stadium. Actually, I am really happy in those six months even though a lot has happened. Thank you to overseas ENGENEs as well. We, ENHYPEN, will try our best and give our all to come back to this stadium and more stadiums in the world. ENGENE, mahal kita!”
SUNGHOON
Like his members, Jake expressed his happiness that the best was left for last, praising the incredible enthusiasm of the crowd that evening. “We will be ending our FATE Tour with such an amazing audience, with amazing people. Thank you, guys, for being here tonight,” he continued. He expressed his hope that ENHYPEN will bring joy to their supporters as well. “From the bottom of my heart, I truly cherish and truly love you guys so much. Always, mahal kita,” he said.
“Philippines is our last stop for the FATE World Tour. We are just so happy that we saved the best for last. We will be ending our FATE Tour with such an amazing audience, with amazing people. Thank you, guys, for being here tonight. Through seven of us, through ENHYPEN, I hope that each and every one of you is able to be happy and get through tough times and always smile thinking of us. That makes us happy. Thank you, guys, for giving us so much love and support. From the bottom of my heart, I truly cherish and truly love you guys so much. Always, mahal kita!”
JAKE
Heeseung expressed gratitude to ENGENEs for letting them perform in the stadium. “Finally, here at the stadium, and this result is made by our lovely and cute ENGENEs,” he remarked. He continued by promising to return as soon as possible for their supporters, hinting at their plans, which included a new release. Additionally, Heeseung encouraged followers to get in touch with him and share updates about their activities with him via Weverse, saying that he was curious about what they were up to. Ni-ki expressed his wish that everyone will always treasure their memories of FATE IN NEW CLARK CITY. “Stay healthy until we see each other again. Thank you for all your support. Thank you, ENGENEs! Mahal kita,” he said.
“Finally, here at the stadium, this result is made by our lovely and cute ENGENEs. Hopefully, we will be back really soon. I hope you, guys, stick around. Promise? Mahal kita!”
HEESEUNG
“To show my love for ENGENEs, I really gave my best and my heart in each performance. I hope today remains a memory to cherish. We will see you again soon, right? I will miss you all very much. Stay healthy until we see each other again. Thank you for all your support. Thank you, ENGENEs! Mahal kita!”
NI-KI
Photo courtesy of HYBE & BELIFT LAB
Even more memorable was the encore performance of “Karma,” which brought the evening to a conclusion with a stunning fireworks show. But the evening was far from over. The boy group played “Future Perfect (Pass the MIC)” again as part of their encore. Once more, the members descended onto the stage and climbed onto the moving carts to have a closer look at the fans around the stadium. The members showed their love for the fans by saying “mahal kita” and “salamat po” while displaying a stunning firework display and hearts full of appreciation.
With a final bow, ENHYPEN closed FATE IN NEW CLARK CITY with Jungwon’s final message, “Being able to step on any stage without any fear is always possible because we have ENGENEs by our side. Thank you to all ENGENEs who continued to support us from our first world tour to our second world tour, FATE. This has been ENHYPEN!”
Photo courtesy of HYBE & BELIFT LAB
Adding to the enthusiasm around FATE, ENHYPEN is returning to Korea for an encore performance, ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘FATE PLUS’ IN SEOUL, initially slated for February 24 and 25 only. The boy group’s unparalleled worldwide appeal was highlighted by the instantaneous sell-out of the presale tickets, which led to the announcement of an additional performance date for February 23.
[#오늘의ENHYPEN] NEW CLARK CITY~ Big shoutout to all of you for making FATE in ASIA unforgettable. Thank you so much #ENGENE for giving so much love and happiness to #ENHYPEN during the FATE tour. Stay tuned for more amazing performances! Be happy everyone! 💖 #240203 @ FATE in… pic.twitter.com/u77zZqk87R
ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR “FATE” IN NEW CLARK CITY is presented by BELIFT LAB, HYBE, YJ PARTNERS, PULP Live World, and Happee Hour. Special thanks to PULP Live World and Happee Hour for the invitation.
Words by Dan; Photos and media courtesy of HYBE and BELIFT LAB.
Due to the incredible response from the Filipino audience, GMG Productions is delighted to announce the final extension dates of Cameron Mackintosh’s globally acclaimed new production of Boublil & Schönberg’s MISS SAIGON in Manila. The production will now run until May 12, 2024 at The Theatre at Solaire.
GMG Productions’ CEO Carlos Candal commented, “We’re beyond thrilled with the excitement and enthusiasm that the Filipino audience has for Miss Saigon, that we’ve now made the decision to extend the production for one more final week. We’re eager to welcome more people to be able to experience the classic production.”
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.
More Filipinos also join the cast as Manila auditions were held for the role of Tam last January. Local children Anderson Bonita, Keone Buenaluz, Dylan De Ocampo, Enzo Isaac, and Cassidy Lorenzana were chosen to portray the character of Kim’s son on stage.
Miss Saigon has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French lyrics by Alain Boublil, with additional lyrics b Michael Mahler. The new production is directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt. The production design is by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley based on an original concept by Adrian Vaux; costume design by Andreane Neofitou; lighting design by Bruno Poet; projections by Luke Halls; sound design by Mick Potter; and orchestrations by William David Brohn. Music supervision is by Alfonso Casado Trigo and Guy Simpson.
New and final MISS SAIGON show dates have been released and are now available exclusively through TicketWorld. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness MISS SAIGON, landing at The Theatre at Solaire on March 23, and must close on May 12.
The Asian Tour of MISS SAIGON is produced by GWB Entertainment. The Manila season is produced by GMG Productions, co-presented by Union Bank of the Philippines, with Philippine Airlines as the Official Airline Partner. For updates and exclusive announcements, visit www.gmg-productions.com or follow us @gmg.productions.
In 2023, the local music scene witnessed an influx of incredible music and promising artists. Some of these talented new musicians started performing at small venues and gradually made their way up to huge festivals and arenas, providing a glimpse into what the future of Filipino music holds.
Looking ahead to 2024, we can expect the emergence of a new generation of talented artists as Yellow Room Music — led by Monty Macalino (Mayonnaise), one of the most renowned musicians in the Filipino music industry– announces the signing of new artists from various genres. Each artist brings their unique style into the spotlight, promising to make an impact in the music industry.
“Sobrang ganda ng music industry ngayon, sobrang lawak na ng landscape. Napaka swerte ng panahon ngayon because of the digital streaming. Pwede kang kumita sa maraming social avenues at marami na di-discover lalo na mga local acts, nagkakaroon na ng direct collaboration with foreign artists. Now is the time to take advantage of that availability and possibility,” Monty Macalino shared.
Yellow Room Music Philippines was established in 2013 as an independent music label by the Filipino rock band, Mayonnaise. After working with bigger labels for over a decade, the band released their music independently. In 2021, the label rebranded and changed its name to YR Music. The new name was chosen to highlight exceptional talents in the music industry and expand its roster of artists.
“For Yellow Room Music in 2024, we’re definitely releasing more materials for up and coming artists as well as mga artists na meron nang pangalan na ma-solidify pa sa industriya,” Macalino added.
Be on the lookout for these local musicians, ranging from well-known names such as SUD, Autotelic, and FIONA to promising newcomers like Ultraviolet, NaÏV, and Tamara. They are all set to significantly progress in the music industry this year. Step inside their thought processes, then explore Yellow Room Music’s new roster of talents, as each story has a sound all its own.
AUTOTELIC
Autotelic is a popular pop-rock band that has cemented its standing in the local music scene. The band debuted in 2016 with the release of the album “Papunta ‘Pabalik’” under MCA Music, which eventually received a platinum record certification. This success led to the release of their 5-track EP “Takipsilim” in 2018. Both albums received accolades from Awit Awards and Star Awards for Music. In June 2021, Autotelic released their latest single, entitled “Iwan.”
The band was formed in 2012 and consists of Josh Villena (guitars/vocals), Neil Tin (guitar), EJ Edralin (synth), Timothy “Pabs” Vargas (bass), and Gep Macadaeg (drums). Autotelic has become one of the most decorated outfits in the age of social and streaming, replete with citations from mainstream channels (Awit, Myx, Jam 88.3), independent critics (Vandals on the Wall), and even brands (Jack Daniel’s).
SUD
When one of the tracks from SUD’s debut album in 2016, “Sila,” their only Tagalog song at the time, was able to penetrate the mainstream audience – it was one of the first local indie artists to do so. The five-piece act from Metro Manila has released music with genres ranging from alternative soul, alt-rock, indie pop, and alt-pop/ballad. Other hits include “Dumadaloy” (2021), “Baliw” (2019), and ”Di Makatulog” (2017). The band’s current lineup consists of Sud Ballecer (vocals, guitar), Kohl Aguilar (keyboard), Carlos de la Fuente (saxophone), and Raisa Racelis (bass).
FIONA
FIONA’s musical prowess was showcased when they emerged as the overall champion of Sky Cable’s Bikes Boards Bands in 2013, proving their ability to deliver exceptional live performances.
Fast forward to 2024, and the band has just signed a deal with Yellow Room Music, to release their upcoming second EP – a fresh approach with the same distinctive intensity that defines the group.
FIONA is a power-pop alternative rock band established in 2010. They’ve performed with notable Filipino artists and international sensations such as Love Me Butch, Dia Frampton, Tiffany Alvord, and Tanner Patrick. Their hits include “Better Together” (2016), “Panganib,” and “Charades,” paving the way for their self-titled EP album. They’ve also released “Haraya” in 2019 and “Goodbye” in 2022. You may check FIONA’s music here.
ULTRAVIOLET
ULTRAVIOLET recently released a new song called “Paraiso” via Yellow Room Music. When asked about the inspiration behind their new single, Raina, one of the band’s composers, said they wrote “Paraiso” as a reminder that we can take a break from reality and escape to our paradise whenever we need it. “As a writer who sometimes experiences an existential crisis, I wanted to share this message with others. We are all human, and taking care of ourselves is important,” Rayna added.
Hailing from Las Piñas, ULTRAVIOLET comprises Rayna Dane Dela Cruz as the lead vocalist, Emman Ramos as the guitarist, Vesper Gareza as the bassist, Ronn Balmedina as the drummer, and Marco Salvacruz as the keyboardist. The band was formed in November 2022. They describe their music as pop-funk with a touch of psychedelia.
On Feb 23, dive into NaÏV’s latest single with Yellow Room Music, “Ikaw Lang Talaga”– a heartfelt expression of deep love, capturing that moment when you just know someone is ‘the one.’ As described by the synth-pop trio, the song is a musical journey dedicated to those experiencing the early stages of love – where logic takes a back seat, and you find yourself surrendering to the overwhelming feeling of affection. “If you’ve ever wondered why that special someone stands out, ‘Ikaw Lang Talaga’ beautifully encapsulates that sentiment. Let the music speak to the unspoken emotions of love in its purest form, “ the band added.
Naiv’s music is a unique blend of synth-pop characterized by vibrant melodies and hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Based in Metro Manila, NaÏV is a band formed by three talented individuals, Mae, Gynn, and Joe, who came from different backgrounds but shared a common love for music.
TAMARA
Tamara’s career took off at 18 when she won a jingle competition. There, she caught the attention of Champ Lui Pio from the famous rock band Hale. Since then, she has performed at various events and bars, showcasing her skills as a singer and songwriter. In 2019, she debuted with the single “Ngayon,” a love song she wrote when she was 17. Tamara has collaborated with bands like Hale and Soapdish. Tamara is eager to demonstrate her musical talents whenever possible. You may check out Tamara’s songs here.
With her starring role in DAMSEL, an upcoming Netflix original film, Millie Bobby Brown is slowly moving away from the Upside Down while preserving her tight bond with the streaming service.
After her success with the Enola Holmes franchise, the young actress will be making her first Netflix original film, a fantasy film. The streamers’ new sizzle video has given DAMSEL a new poster and a little bit of extra footage as Netflix begins to tease their 2024 lineup of original movies.
DAMSEL centers on Elodie, who discovers herself imprisoned in a cave with a fire-breathing dragon following a shocking betrayal. Elodie accepts that no one is going to be able to save her and knows that she is the only one who can guarantee her own existence.
As Princess Elodie, Millie Bobby Brown takes the lead. Together with her are the following actors: Ray Winstone from The Departed, Ricky Guillart from Dear Earth, Brooke Carter from The Peripheral, Nick Robinson from Jurassic World as Prince Henry, and Angela Bassett from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as Elodie’s stepmother Lady Bayford. Additionally, the actors Sam Sharma (Operation Cobra), Elmano Sancho (Filha da Lei), Erickson Santos Gomes (Quer o Destino), Sonya Nisa (Red Rose), Saif Mohsen (They Cloned Tyrone), and Shohreh Aghdashloo (The Expanse) will all make appearances in different roles.
Are you ready to welcome YoonA back to the Philippines? Save the date, Philippine S♡NEs!
South Korean singer and actress Im Yoon-ah, better known by her stage name YoonA, is set to land in Manila to meet her Filipino fans for YOONA FAN MEETING TOUR : YOONITE in MANILA on March 1, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center, Manila.
Presented to you by SM Entertainment, Fan Connection SEA, Slow Monday Studios, and CNCA, tickets are available at www.slowmondaystudios.com with the following prices:
BLOCK A SVIP: PHP 10,500.00
BLOCK B: PHP 8,500.00
BLOCK C: PHP 6,500.00
BLOCK D: PHP 3,500.00
Ticket holders may enjoy and win a Hi-Bye, signed official poster, signed photocard, an exclusive gift from YoonA, an official poster, or an official photocard depending on the tier that fans will choose.
Catch our shining star who is about to burn brighter as she unites with Philippine S♡NEs! Here’s YoonA’s special message for you all, expressing her excitement to meet Philippine S♡NEs this March.
Luve blossomed beautifully at the SM Skydome as Build Jakapan and his Beyourluve created delightful memories during the actor’s first solo fan meeting in the country!
Build Jakapan, the beloved Thai actor and musician, enchanted Filipino fans with a memorable evening at the SM North Edsa Skydome during his 1st Fanmeeting in Manila. The event, filled with heartwarming moments and surprises, left fans thrilled and touched by Build’s genuine connection with them.
Build kicked off the event with a spirited performance of “Be Your Luve”, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Greeting his fans with the Filipino words “Mabuhay Philippines! Namiss ko kayo!” Build expressed his gratitude, remarking, “Thank you for having me.”
The evening unfolded with captivating segments, beginning with “Biutiful Life,” where Build took his fans on a journey through his past year, sharing cherished moments and insights. From reminiscing about purchasing his beloved bike, “Krila” meaning “Wing,” to expressing his warmth towards Filipino fans, Build’s authenticity resonated deeply.
Amidst cheers, Build shared personal milestones, including the purchase of his new home, and his plans to release “Be Your Luve” in multiple languages, a testament to his global appeal. With humility and humor, Build described his role in Infinity in one word: “POGI”, much to the delight of his fans.
Build performing for his Filipino fans 🫶 He said he was feeling unwell today, but seeing his fans made him feel better 🥹
Despite not feeling well before the fan meeting, Build’s spirits were lifted by the warmth of his fans, showcasing the special bond between him and his supporters. Demonstrating his versatility, Build wowed the audience with a soulful saxophone performance of “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You,” leaving fans in awe of his talent.
Looking ahead, Build revealed his goals for 2024, including filming a new series, made possible by the unwavering support of his Beyourluve fans.
In the segment “Best Biu,” Build shared his aspirations for the year, emphasizing his dedication to his craft and the importance of finding peace and blessings in his career journey.
The “Biusion Board” segment brought touching moments as Build read fan messages and wishes, showcasing the deep connection between him and his devoted fanbase.
Buildtyful by Build tonight here at the SM Skydome 💙
The evening continued with the mesmerizing performance of “Buildtyful,” followed by the interactive game “Super Biu,” where Build showcased his childhood passion for drawing, drawing closer to his fans.
A highlight of the night was the touching PH VCR project, where Build expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his fans, affirming their special place in his heart.
As the night drew to a close, Build surprised his Filipino Beyourluve with a soul-stirring rendition of “Pano by Zack Tabudlo,” leaving fans with hearts full of love and memories to cherish.
Build Jakapan’s 1st Fanmeeting in Manila was more than just an event; it was a celebration of love, talent, and connection, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans, and a promise of more beautiful moments to come.
“Build 1st Fanmeeting in Manila” is presented by CDM Entertainment. Special thanks to CDM Entertainment for the invitation to the event.
Words by Gwyn Marie M. Javier; Photos by Lyka C. Malicdem
CHECK OUT THE FIRST FULL CLIP OF BRIDGERTON’S TWO-PART THIRD SEASON, COMING THIS MAY AND JUNE 2024
It would seem Miss Featherington has spent plenty of time studying the eyes of Mister Bridgerton. One can only question what will ever come of it…
We’re finally getting word from The Ton more than a year and a half after the premiere of Bridgerton Season 2. The third season of the spicy romance drama that is available on Netflix will return this year. Fortunately for us, the program has provided us with an early peek at the upcoming season, which will focus on the relationship between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington.
Bridgerton Season 3 arrives in two parts with Part 1 premiering on May 16th and Part 2 on June 13th.
Today, during the Next on Netflix event, Netflix and Shondaland released a first look at footage featuring Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) from the upcoming third season of Bridgerton.
To learn more about what is in store for this social season, RSVP here for Netflix and Shondaland’s Global Fan & Press Event on February 14 with exciting news from Executive Producer, Shonda Rhimes, showrunner Jess Brownell, author of the original Bridgerton novels, Julia Quinn. They will be joined by cast members Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, and Martins Imhangbe.
Follow the tunnel, into the magical and mystical portals as Melanie Martinez becomes a four-eyed nymph creature that’s stuck between Earth and the afterlife.
Melanie Martinez, who is “back from the dead”, brought her fairyland “Portals Tour” to the World Trade Center last January 23, 2024, and for the first time, the multi-platinum artist performed in the Philippines—presented by LiveNation.
It had been a long time coming but she finally included the Philippines in her Asian leg for the tour, as Filipino Earthlings raised hand banners that said, “We’ve waited nine years for this!” And it was worth it as there were not enough words to easily describe her concert, truly one of a kind.
‘Littlebodybigheart’
Tangled in the spider-web of her indescribable gimmick, the ‘SOAP’ singer, successfully took Manila into her dimension and proved that she was not any other artist in the industry when she put on her fairy mask on stage and committed to it while performing her long-awaited setlist to the Manila stage. As concert-goers, we have seen artists from across the world, but there was no one like Melanie Martinez. She took the ethereal ambiance from the world she envisioned her fairy character lived in while she brought in her uniquely haunted tracks from her ‘Portals’ album and brought them to life on stage. It was a sight. It was a mesmerizing sight. Melanie is an effective storyteller and every song was well-thought-out on how it was going to translate in her theater.
Not only the artist but her band, and her dancers embodied and belonged in her void, as well as her fans. Fans always dress up during concerts; with cute outfits, or a themed colored dress code but the Philippine Earthlings, just like their mother nymph, did not JUST dress up. They came in with elven ears, some with incredible costumes and clothes that matched the Faerie Soiree ball.
The whole setlist brought in surprise after surprise, with visualization from the VCR that matched the songs; even the butterfly confetti that showered the crowd looked incredible. It was also a battle of the larynx with her fans as expected of the Filipino crowd to belt everything from the catalog of their favorite artist. ‘The Contortionist’ star professed her love to the crowd, as she said, “Manila, you’re the best! Thank you so much!”
Overall, the event was a distinctive experience, just like listening to her music which took a whole different direction from her previous works. All her Philippine fans now ask is for the Trilogy Tour, her fifth international tour so they can experience playing in her dollhouse.
Manila, Philippines – Metal heads rejoice! Corey Taylor, the iconic frontman of Slipknot and Stone Sour, is finally coming to Manila and is set to take the stage at the New Frontier Theater on Monday, April 1, 2024!
Known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Corey Taylor is no stranger to metal & rock fans worldwide. With a career spanning over two decades, he has amassed a dedicated global following, and his live performances are nothing short of legendary. Fans can expect an evening filled with his biggest hits, both as a solo artist and as frontman of Slipknot and Stone Sour.
The upcoming concert promises to be a highlight of Manila’s 2024 music calendar, with a setlist that spans Taylor’s illustrious career and showcases his versatility as a musician and entertainer. From chart-topping hits like “Through Glass”, “Duality” and “Before I Forget” to hits from his solo album, “CMFT” and “CMF2”, Corey Taylor is going to deliver an unforgettable night of rock & roll!
Tickets for the Corey Taylor Manila show are now available for purchase through www.InsigniaPresents.com or at any Ticketnet outlets nationwide.
For more information and updates on the event, please visit www.InsigniaPresents.com or follow us on social media @InsigniaPresents
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
