Band Members: Lourence Neil N. Compuesto: Main Vocalist & Rhythm Guitarist Michelle Anne C. Fajkovic: Keyboardist & Backup Vocalist Arvy Skye Perez: Electric Guitarist Sean Levin D. Villa: Electric Guitarist Danielle (Deign) Felicity E. Porol: Bassist Ken Adrian T. Lunas: Drummer
How the band was formed? The members of Letters From June met in a school theater group in November 2022. They have been creating music together in a dorm room, drawing from personal experiences to shape their songwriting. Despite their varied personalities and music preferences, they value each other’s contributions and the unique bond they’ve formed.
In joining KDR Music House: The band is thrilled to be part of KDR Music House, considering it a surreal opportunity. They are excited to share their music with a wider audience and are looking forward to achieving significant milestones with the support of the KDR Music House family. They are set to seal a recording deal this May 29 Wednesday at the auditorium of La Verdad Christian College in Caloocan.
Music Genre & Influences: “Letters From June” crafts alternative, mellow, and cosmic sounds. Influenced by a diverse range of artists such as Ben&Ben, The 1975, I Belong to the Zoo, Lizzy McAlpine, Coldplay, The Juans, and Conan Gray, the band aspires to showcase a sound that resonates with their unique style.
Debut Single “Bituin”: Their debut single, “Bituin,” delves into themes of love and longing. Initially written by Renzo as a personal ode, the band transformed the song into a compelling piece that reflects the emotional turmoil of unrequited love. With poignant lyrics questioning one’s worth in a relationship, “Bituin” captures the essence of heartfelt vulnerability in a powerful musical arrangement.
10CM takes on the Philippine concert stage with his first solo concert in August!
As part of the 2024 Closer To You Asia tour, South Korean indie music act 10CM will be holding a concert in the Philippines this August 31, 2024, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. The Manila concert will be produced by Cornerstone Concerts (the concert division of Cornerstone Entertainment) and South Korea’s Magic Strawberry Sound.
Check out the seat plan, ticket prices, and fan benefits below:
10CM is a South Korean indie pop project led by singer Kwon Jung-yeol. 10CM debuted in 2010 as a duo with Yoon Cheol-Jong being the other half. However, Cheol-Jong left the duo in 2017, leaving Jung-yeol to carry the “10CM” name as a solo artist to this day.
10CM is best known for their chart-topping songs featured on the soundtracks of popular Korean dramas such as “Queen of Tears,” “Start-Up,” “Crash Landing On You,” and “Hotel del Luna” just to name a few. 10CM won the Best Collaboration Award at the Melon Music Awards in 2022 and the Best Folk & Blues Album Award also at the Melon Music Awards in 2016.
As of writing, 10CM will also be playing in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan as part of the Asia tour.
Atsuko Okatsuka Live in Manila on July 13, 2024 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura, BGC. New show at 6pm, 8pm is already Sold Out. Atusko Okatsuka International Full Grown Tour Live in Manila presented by Insginia Presents.
Atsuko Okatsuka Live in Manila Ticket Prices: Floor – P2,650 Balcony – P1,910
Tickets available from SM Ticket Outlets or online at smtickets.com
The fourth and final season of “The Umbrella Academy” premieres on Netflix on August 8th. The first teaser trailer for The Umbrella Academy’s fourth and final season features the Umbrellas and one Sparrow. The trailer, set to a remix of “The Final Countdown,” previews the show’s “final timeline” following three seasons of time-traveling, universe-saving exploits by the main group.
Courtesy of Netflix
After the Hotel Oblivion showdown reset their timeline and stripped the original crew of their powers, The Umbrella Academy season four will begin. The show’s description says the beloved siblings must “fend for themselves and find a new normal with wildly varying degrees of success.” However, their weird new world becomes too much to ignore. Their father Reginald, alive and well, runs a strong and evil corporate empire in the public glare.
Watch the teaser trailer here:
Based on the Dark Horse comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, The Umbrella Academy stars Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, and Aidan Gallagher as the original six siblings. Justin H. Min, Ritu Arya, Colm Feore, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, and David Cross star in the fourth season from Universal Studio Group’s UCP.
Prepare for the ultimate celebration of today’s Original Pinoy Music (OPM), and the stories of success behind these chart-topping hits, as Puregold presents “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” concert on July 12, 2024, 7 p.m., at the iconic Araneta Coliseum.
The thanksgiving event, which will feature acts by phenomenal Filipino music talents SB19, BINI, and Flow G, and a special performance by SunKissed Lola, celebrates Puregold’s remarkable milestone of reaching 500 stores on its 25th year. Through “Nasa Atin ang Panalo,” Puregold expresses its gratitude to its loyal customers, dedicated employees, and supportive partners who have long played a role in the company’s very own panalo story.
As can be gleaned from Puregold’s recent announcement on its social media pages, the star-studded “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” is set to be an unforgettable night of music, inspiration, and pure entertainment. This was affirmed by Puregold Price Club Inc. President Vincent Co who relates that from the get-go, they envisioned “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” to be more than just a concert.
“We want it to be a heartfelt tribute to Filipino stories of grit, courage, change, and success—panalo values that our concert artists possess and hope to inspire among their fellow Filipinos,” Co says. “And we are excitedly presenting these top musicians not only to showcase their talent and spotlight local music, but to highlight the stories of SB19, BINI, Flow G, and SunKissed Lola as they pursue their dreams.”
Puregold shares why they have chosen to collaborate with these artists:
P-Pop idols SB19 weathered a roller-coaster journey, staying resilient to sustain their rise in the music industry.
BINI, the nation’s girl group, sings about youthful romance, fun, and empowerment. The group continually evolves to tell its stories in the most profound ways.
Flow G, now one of the icons in Philippine rap, has hurdled numerous challenges but has remained steadfast in his pursuit of hip-hop, relentlessly moving forward toward his goals.
Well-loved band SunKissed Lola, united by their passion for creating music, has transformed their dreams into reality, achieving success through their unwavering love for their craft.
“Nasa Atin ang Panalo” promises to bring joy to A’Tins, Blooms, Dolores, and fans of Flow G. Surprise guests are also lined up to boost concert-goers’ thrill and excitement.
Loyal Puregold customers can also look forward to Tita and Ninang Zones, where featured products and brands will offer a number of fun activities.
Fans and followers can also check out the venue’s VIP Section where one can get the best view in the house; coliseum group photos that will capture moments with fellow fans celebrating the night together; and exclusive merchandise giveaways that will keep memories alive long after the event.
Additionally, as Puregold has teased the release of original music in partnership with these top artists, fans have more drops to look forward to as well.
Puregold is mounting the concert in collaboration with Wish 107.5, a partnership that has been instrumental—since 2021—in discovering and highlighting OPM talents. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to promote and nurture local music artists through platforms that enable them to reach wider audiences.
As “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” draws near, Puregold encourages OPM enthusiasts, music lovers, and Puregold customers to witness the convergence of talent, passion, and pure Filipino pride in the musical event. Ticket mechanics will be announced soon on Puregold’s official channels.
Stay tuned in! Subscribe now to Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok for more updates.
Bakal Bakal Bakal, political tirades, live-action Fruit Ninja, ey, music, powder session, insults, Hulas Cam, arnis, free whole roast chicken, X-Men Theme Song, Pamura, impromptu spoken poetry and just laughter all over — these were only a few of the many references that were tossed around the air during KoolPals’ Block Party – 5th Anniversary Celebration on May 11 at 123 Block, Mandaluyong. The sold-out event was a crazy mishmash of stand-up comedy and music, with splits of inside jokes and happenings that were as unpredictable as the weather.
The KoolPals Podcast, with 643 episodes on Spotify, is currently one of the top podcasts on Spotify Philippines. The main cast, composed of GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan, Ryan Rems and Muman Reyes, are seasoned stand-up comedians and occasional actors. As the story goes, their first podcast in 2019 was recorded in GB Labrador’s bedroom while they were drinking San Mig Gin Premium and eating spicy hotdogs.
Every podcast episode they record is full of random conversations about anything under the sun – current events, pop culture, their neighbors’ quirks – and they put their wacky spin into them until everything spirals out of control. Their humor, which appeals to a wide demographic of people from all walks of life (albeit many of which are 80s and 90s kids), has earned them a steady fanbase that has grown into a community over the years.
That’s precisely what the Block Party was about – a celebration of the KoolPals community. The fans who attended the event were on the same wavelength and mostly from closely woven generations. With the humid summer heat, the audience came prepared (as people of their age usually do). Although 123 Block was designed to be a standing-only venue, 80% brought their portable chairs plus their battery-operated portable fans and double wall vacuum-insulated tumblers, all for the sake of keeping themselves comfortable while watching the show which lasted for almost 7 hours. They patiently stayed in what felt like 40°C – sweating it out and visibly uncomfortable. They endured all that for hours just to see the KoolPals in person and to laugh it all out like it was nothing. Was it worth it? Definitely.
Like a true party, KoolPals’ colleagues and friends also had plenty of special appearances that evening. Some of them performed while some just came by to say hi.
We’ll give you some of the event’s highlights in photos.
Photo#1: The KoolPals with Pinunong Pudz and Roger Naldo who are both comedians who had appeared in their podcasts. The two hashed it out with a battle of arnis which turned into a live-action Fruit Ninja session.
Photo#2: Chino Liao, known for his Class Clown Podcast, made a short cameo wearing baby clothes on stage.
Photo#3: Dubbed the “Busking Queen” by KoolPals, singer-songwriter Eloisa was the first musical act for the event. She shared that one of her songs was written after she tasted Mr. Chips for the first time.
Photo#4: Rap-reggae band Lion and the Scouts turned up the volume when they performed.
Photo#5: Making his way to the back part of the crowd, Johnoy Danao treated the crowd to an acoustic set which included his rendition of Eraserheads’ “Pare Ko” at “Ikaw at Ako”. When he asked for song requests, some suggested BINI’s “Pantropiko”. He didn’t do it that time, but he said he’ll try. (Let’s see if he does it.)
Photo#6: The spotlight was on Kween Yasmin as she performed a medley of Gloc 9’s “Upuan” and “Sirena” wherein she did both the rap parts and the chorus all by herself. She also performed an impromptu spoken poetry about asteroids.
Photo#7: Kween Yasmin struck a pose with the KoolPals after her set.
Photo#8: Laugh Laban contest grand winner Marvin Tumon and runner-up Emil Buenaventura also did their solo stand-up sets during the event.
Photo#9: Yael Yuzon, who was part of the crowd that evening, received the cooling powder treatment. Earlier, it was revealed that the KoolPals will be ambassadors for Kuchi Kuchi. They premiered the video ad as well. Living up to their roles, they had their friends and colleagues sample their product on the dot. Other guests who shared the same fate included Jun Sabayton / Bayaw, historian Xiao Chua and KoolPals’ social media manager Masahiro Niioka.
Photo#10: Tanya Markova colored the stage with their quirky songs and their witty anecdotes. They played “Linda Blair”, “Picture Picture” and “Disney”.
Photo#11: Tanya Markova’s Iwa Motors playing with his bubble machine on stage.
He said that ever since they started guesting in the KoolPals Podcast, their band has been getting more attention from new fans.
Photo#12: In another random turn of events, the KoolPals gave away packs of Chooks to Go whole roast chicken to the audience.
Photo#13: It was past 11:00 PM when the final act took the stage. Dilaw woke the crowd with loud riffs and growls.
In between their riotous jokes, the KoolPals repeatedly thanked the crowd for coming to the show and they apologized as much for the discomfort that the heat had brought. They were very happy that within 5 years, their community had grown as much. It was something they could not have imagined when they started recording in 2019. In the future, they hope to make their celebrations bigger and better.
To put it simply, the KoolPals Block Party was fun – so much so that we didn’t mind the sweltering heat around the venue. Stand-up comedy is best experienced live, with an audience that is open to the idea of just appreciating humor. The popularity of the KoolPals proves that something as simple as a joke can go a long way. It can brighten the lingering darkness of daily life. It can create 600+ episodes of podcasts that resonate with a nation. It can even unite a community.
Park Minyoung held her first-ever fan meeting titled MY Brand New Day in the Philippines at the SM North Skydome on May 12.
It was a dazzling day for MY Beans (her fans) as they got the chance to see the star up close, highlighting her many other charms as well as her more candid side.
As one of Korea’s top actresses, she is known for her leading roles in the blockbuster dramas “Sungkyunkwan Scandal”, “City Hunter”, “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?” and “Marry My Husband”. While her prolific acting career is known to everyone who watches Korean dramas, many are unaware that she is also good at singing and dancing.
Park Minyoung made her entrance while singing “Bad Liar”, a soundtrack from her latest drama. Donning a chic sky-blue cocktail dress, she enchanted the audience with her undeniable beauty.
Hosted by Sunny Kim and assisted by an English translator, the fan meeting provided a more introspective view of her acting career. As specific behind-the-scenes photos were shown on the screen, Minyoung told the story about them. For instance, she had to practice judo while shooting “Marry My Husband” which was challenging but it was made easier by her previous experience during “City Hunter”. She also had to lose weight for the role.
Minyoung also showed the audience a vlog of her recent vacation with the cast and staff of “Marry My Husband” in Vietnam. She shared that she slept for 14 hours straight on the first day because the ambiance was so relaxing. For the succeeding days, she gave a quick tour of the area and talked about how grateful she was for their support which made the drama successful. A few members of the cast, including Na Inwoo and Choi Gyuri, also appeared briefly in it.
The fan meeting featured a lot of fan interaction. Some lucky Beans got to take Polaroid selfies with the star while some even got a hug. Minyoung was so eager to talk to her fans, that she often initiated conversations when they were on stage. One male fan shared that Minyoung became his light during the dark times of the pandemic. He told her he was the happiest whenever he watched her dramas and variety show guestings. Minyoung thanked him, saying that having fans like him is the best.
While Park Minyoung might appear demure, she was very earnest in communicating with MY Beans. Everyone who attended the fan meeting received an envelope containing a notebook, photocards, a bookmark, and a personalized note that Minyoung prepared. Whenever she talked, she would look fans in the eyes and ask them for suggestions. She even did a special performance of Jennie’s “You and Me”, complete with beautifully rendered choreography.
FIlipino Beans also gave her a treat with a surprise VCR featuring messages from fans. Touched by the gesture, she told the crowd, “I’m very thankful for the love and support you’ve given me. The only way I can repay you is to work even harder to become the best actress. I feel blessed. Thank you and I love you all.”
Adding to this, she read a letter she wrote for her Filipino Beans. “When I feel dried by my emotions, you make me laugh. It’s always (the) fans who make me want to do my job better. So let’s be happy for a long time. .. See you again. I love you.” For the finale, she performed Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers”. As another bonus, everyone in the crowd got to see her up close during the hi-bye session.
Solar, the dynamic vocalist, and leader of the K-Pop girl group MAMAMOO, is bringing her solo concert, Solar 2nd CONCERT [COLOURS], to Manila as the tour’s first stop. The highly anticipated event will occur at The Theatre at Solaire on 16 June 2024, at 6PM.
Having made her solo debut in 2020 with the single ‘SPIT IT OUT’ and recently returning with the 2nd Mini Album ‘COLOURS’ in April, Solar brings a fresh wave of excitement and energy to her performance. Fans can expect an evening filled with Solar’s powerful vocals, from soulful ballads to high-energy performances, making this Manila concert a must-attend experience for all MOOMOOs.
The Solar 2nd CONCERT [COLOURS] IN MANILA, organized by O.N worldwide and co-organized by Three Angles Production, offers fans a chance to get closer to Solar. MOOMOOs can look forward to exclusive and special moments, such as 1:1 and group photo opportunities, a goodbye session, soundcheck, exclusive photocard, and signed poster.
Get ready to witness the magic as Solar paints the stage with various colors!
The experimental folk quintet will be performing at the UP Theater for the first time, following the release of their sophomore album!
Filipino indie-folk collective Munimuni celebrates the release of their second full-length album, Alegorya with a major concert happening on July 20, 2024 (Saturday) at the prestigious UP Theater.
Aptly titled ALEGORYA: A Munimuni Concert, the highly anticipated show promises to deliver an audio-visual treat for the senses. The title of the concert is named after their latest release, which, according to the five-piece act, carries many strikingly different emotions and thoughts that don’t normally belong to a single collection of songs.
The critically acclaimed band considers this concert an era-defining milestone, integrating live performances with a chamber setup and a more intricate piece of storytelling. The most exciting part is how Munimuni puts careful thought into the order of the songs, and how they want the entire experience to be a worthwhile journey for their fans.
“Practically, this one is the biggest so far in terms of audience, and the longest in terms of set list,” Munimuni explains in a statement. “Creatively, we aim to create an experience that mirrors the album’s inherent complexity.”
ALEGORYA: A Munimuni Concert serves as the band’s third major concert, following 2018’s self-titled concert at the Music Museum and 2019’s Kulayan Natin at Cine Adarna, UP Film Center. The live music offering aims to combine the intimacy and adventurousness of Munimuni’s music with a grander scale in terms of ambition and scope, focusing on the album’s overarching theme of “looking at the world and our human selves a bit deeper” and “going beyond what is apparent on the surface.”
Munimuni shares, “We’re excited to perform at the UP Theater, not just because of the size and prestige of the venue, but also because it feels close to home. The band started in the UP Diliman campus, after all. Our goal for performing in large shows and smaller shows is the same, though. We really just want our songs to move people and somehow help them go through life with a sense of hope. For this concert, the goal stays the same, but we get to express it in a different way, which we take as an opportunity to grow as artists.”
The ecstatic dance-pop track serves as SB19’s follow-up to their recently released bop “Moonlight,” featuring Ian Asher and Terry Zhong!
After setting the dancefloor on fire with the euphoric banger “Moonlight,” SB19 returns with another monumental collaboration featuring Filipino-American hip-hop superstar Apl.de.Ap.
The two powerhouse icons take Filipino music artistry to the next level with the release of “Ready,” a shiny club number that captures the sound of summer effortlessly regardless of the season.
Going extremely hard with bombastic beats and exciting sonic builds, the track finds SB19 and Apl.de.Ap concocting a confident bop with global appeal and strong crossover potential. Keith Harris, a longtime collaborator of the Black Eyed Peas, produced the song. According to Apl.de.Ap, Harris did an amazing job blending pop music influences with electronic music elements, dance music, and Afrobeats.
The resident BEP rapper also penned “Ready” with Jean-Baptiste, Vince Nantes, and Denzel. SB19’s very own Pablo and Josue (Radkidz), on the other hand, contributed to the production of the track, adding final touches and subtle sonic elements. With party-starting vocals gliding atop carefully structured production, “Ready” highlights the individual strengths of both SB19 and Apl.de.Ap while nurturing their chemistry with pure, instinctive joy.
“We never got the chance to record together in a single booth, but Apl.de.Ap was such a great guy to work with,” shares SB19’s Justin. “It’s an honor to collaborate with a global superstar of his caliber. We’ve learned so much from his generosity and creative feedback.”
SB19’s Stell was also ecstatic about sharing how game-changing the entire experience was. “It was something new for the group. We appreciate the chance to delve into new genres and production styles that come with unfamiliar territory. But with Apl.de.Ap at the helm of the creative process, we’re just blessed to take on this assignment. It’s not every day that you get to work with an artist you look up to.”
SB19 and Apl.de.Ap’s “Ready” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Concert Features Composer John Williams’ Score Performed Live to Film by The Filharmonika Orchestra, Conducted by Gerard Salonga, on September 7th and 8th, 2024, at The Theatre at Solaire!
Film Concerts PH will present Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert featuring the complete film with composer John Williams’ iconic Oscar®-winning score performed live to the film. Conductor Gerard Salonga will lead the concert on September 7th & 8th, 2024 at The Theatre at Solaire.
Pre-sale waitlist registration is now open! Star Wars fans can register here for the pre-sale, which is happening on June 3 and 4.
Tickets will be publicly available on Ticketworld.com.ph starting 5 June 2024.
Since the release of this first Star Wars movie over 45 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on cinema and culture, inspiring audiences worldwide with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects, and iconic musical scores composed by Williams. Fans will experience the scope and grandeur of this beloved film in a live symphonic concert experience.
Fans will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of this beloved film in a live symphonic concert experience, when Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert debuts in the Philippines on September 7th & 8th, 2024.
Legendary composer Williams is well known for scoring all nine of the Star Wars saga films, beginning with 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope for which he earned an Academy Award® for Best Original Score. His scores for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker were each nominated for Best Original Score.
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 Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live to picture” 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 – from Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and 20th Century Studios – current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series, Toy Story, Aladdin, Disney Princess – The Concert, Coco, The Lion King, Up, Disney Tim Burton’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.
Grammy-Award winning artist Laufey held a special two-night sold-out concert titled A Night at the Symphony at the PICC Plenary Hall on May 28 and 29. Backed by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, the show was a dreamy, almost fairytale-esque mix of Laufey’s well-loved tracks. Just a year ago, Laufey held her debut concert at the Filinvest Tent to a sold-out crowd.
Young love was in the air as many of the spectators came with their dates. The halls of PICC were filled with young ladies garbed in their chic, frilly cocktail dresses and gents wore their dress shirts and pants. It was truly a night to be remembered.
Presented by Karpos, the show also had a lot of bonuses for the fans. An ice cream stand was giving out free ice cream with Laufey-coded flavors: Laufberry, Bewitched, Falling Behind Matcha and Valentine’s Chocolate. Guests can also get their photos taken at the vintage-looking photo booth at the Plenary Hall lobby. As a souvenir, the staff also handed out a quaint postcard with the words “Keep on going with your silly dream. Life is prettier than it may seem” – a reference to the lyrics of “Letter to My 13 Year Old Self”.
The 25-year old singer-songwriter has become a global star by her own right. Laufey’s lyrics are woven out of dreamy fragments of romance, longing and heartbreak – bare and straightforward yet resonant. Her music is pop, embellished in layers of jazz, bossanova and orchestra – a symphony of sounds and words that appeals to young hopeful romantics.
When the lights dimmed, Laufey took centerstage with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra with “Dreamer” and “While You Were Sleeping”. The crowd, ecstatic as they might have been, held in their loud hoots and sing-alongs to bask in the music.
“I was an orchestra kid, but I rarely got to do shows with an actual orchestra,” Laufey told the crowd. She used to be a cello soloist (a “cello nerd” as she called it) with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
Laufey showed her prowess in playing different instruments, an impressive feat. In “I Wish You Love”, she took command of the cello. She played the piano for “Like the Movies” and “Promise” and “Goddess”. She rocked an electric guitar for “I Will Stop Falling in Love”, “Bewitched” and “From the Start” among others. All the while, she held her grace in singing, her voice whirling beautifully across the venue.
“I feel so much love radiating from here. It’s truly amazing. I feel like it’s a second home country,” Laufey said near the end of her show. The entire show had been appropriately solemn, prim and proper as could be so she didn’t get too many chances to talk to the crowd. It was only during the encore stage that she got to speak freely.
“First of all, everyone thinks I’m from here,” she quipped as the crowd laughed. (A quick Google-search of her name will have the top result: “Is Laufey a Filipino?” She isn’t. She’s half-Icelandic, half-Chinese.) “(It’s) the highest compliment because you are the most beautiful people in the world. This was a very polite and cordial evening. I’m gonna sing a song that’s not very polite,” she said before playing “Bored” with just her guitar.
Laufey also shared that she had a fever before her flight to the Philippines. She blacked out during her flight, and hoped, against all odds, that she would recover. Fortunately, she did. “I’m so thankful for all of you. It’s such an incredible thing to have so many friends in a country so far away from where I grew up. Thank you for being here, for supporting me. Thank you for making my dreams come true.”
The final song for the evening was the stirring “Letter to My 13 Year Old Self”, a song she wrote not only for her younger self, but also for her fans to continue chasing their dreams.
Missed the show? Fret not for Laufey will be coming back to Manila for Bewitched: The Goddess Tour at the MOA Arena on September 2.
Special thanks to KARPOS!
by Sandra Mae Laureano
Laufey – A Night at the Symphony – Live in Manila – May 28 (Night 1)
Dreamer While You Were Sleeping Falling Behind Fragile Let You Break My Heart Again Beautiful Stranger Valentine I Wish You Love Like the Movies Promise California and Me Goddess It Could Happen to You Lovesick Bewitched From the Start Bored Letter for My 13 Year Old Self
PREVIOUS COLLABS WITH VINCE STAPLES, CHANNEL TRES, BECKY G AND MORE LA-based alternative R&B duo Emotional Oranges are thrilled to announce their first-ever Asia shows with stops in Manila, Jakarta, and Seoul this August 2024. Fans in these cities can anticipate experiencing the duo’s experimental and futuristic sounds and captivating performances live for the first time.
Emotional Oranges Asia Shows 2024
Tickets Out May 31, 11:00 AM local time • August 23: Manila, Philippines – One Ayala Trade Hall August 25: Jakarta, Indonesia – Lalala Festival August 28: Seoul, South Korea – Yes24 Live Hall
Since then, their music has been featured on shows such as Love Island and Gossip Girl, sold out shows in the US and Europe, and built a passionate fan base across the globe. No stranger to Southeast Asia, Emotional Oranges’ Top 10 Streaming Markets worldwide include the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Not much is known of the LA-based R&B-Pop male/female duo, but it has been speculated that when Adele’s vocal coach and Drake’s engineer met at a bat mitzvah in 2017, the band was instantly born. A+V, described by critics and fans alike as experimental and futuristic, are the physical manifestation of alternative r&b, soul and funk.
Provocateurs extraordinaire, Emotional Oranges have been unanimously lauded everywhere from Complex, Highsnobiety to Hypebeast, Rolling Stone India, Billboard Indonesia and more. They have established themselves as one of the most exciting new acts without ever even revealing themselves.
The group “Number_i,” consisting of Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, has achieved an incredible milestone with their first single “GOAT,” surpassing 52 million views on YouTube. Their latest Mini Album “No.O -ring-” was released on CD and digital platforms on May 27th. The lead track from the Mini Album, “BON,” produced by Sho Hirano, has already garnered significant attention, being performed on TV and creating a buzz on social media.
In April this year, Number_i gained attention by performing in the “88rising Futures” segment at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2024, one of the largest music festivals in the United States. Their single “GOAT” ranked 10th on the overall iTunes chart in the U.S. and 3rd on the Hip-Hop chart, marking their successful international debut.
The music video for their latest lead track “BON” is themed around “和(Wa)” (Japanese style) and is available on YouTube with subtitles in 10 languages (English, Thai, Filipino, Indonesian, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean) in addition to Japanese, ensuring it captures the attention of fans worldwide.
“No.O -ring-” is available for streaming here. Watch the “BON” music video here.
About Number_i:
Number_i is a group consisting of three members: Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi. The group name embodies the concepts of “being one-of-a-kind,” “love,” and “the desire to walk together with those who support us.”
On January 1, 2024, the digital single “GOAT” was released. The music video surpassed 10 million views within three days of its release, ranking 1st globally on YouTube’s daily music video rankings (as of January 3, 2024) and achieving the top position on the Billboard JAPAN Comprehensive Song Chart “JAPAN Hot 100”.
On May 27, 2024, the Mini Album “No.O -ring-” was announced for release.
“a captivating listen that was well worth the wait” – NME
After a two-year journey of assembly, tripleS, sensational 24-member K-Pop girl group is now complete, making waves with their groundbreaking mega-group strategy (second in terms of group size to boy group NCT), with the release of their highly anticipated debut full-length album ASSEMBLE24 on May 8th to the excitement of their global fandom named WAV.
Navigating the intricacies of music show activities with such a large group has presented challenges, from coordinating transportation logistics to managing wardrobe as well as makeup and styling, the members have risen to the occasion with finesse and sheer determination, working alongside their management and glam teams.
With synchronised group choreography and dynamic performances by the members, tripleS captivated fans with their versatility and charisma. The fruits of the group’s labour are evident in their recent achievements. Lead track “Girls Never Die” surpassed 1 million streams on Spotify in a mere three days of its release and the accompanying music video has garnered over 7 million views in just eight days. ASSEMBLE24 recorded remarkable sales of 150,000 copies in the first week of its release and secured the ninth spot in initial album sales among girl groups this year, according to the Hanteo chart. The crowning moment came on May 14th when tripleS clinched their first music show trophy on SBS M The Show, a testament to their fandom’s dedicated and unwavering support, whom pioneer member Yoon SeoYeon expressed heartfelt gratitude towards during her acceptance speech on behalf of the girl group.
Under the visionary leadership of CEO Jaden Jeong, who was instrumental in the conceptualisation of popular girl group LOONA, K-Pop agency Modhaus embarked on an ambitious project to build the largest girl group in South Korea in 2022 that cost over 10 billion won to produce. The members (born between 2001 and 2010) are of diverse nationalities, ethnicities and backgrounds – 17 Korean members, 4 Japanese, 1 Taiwanese-Vietnamese, 1 Chinese and 1 Thai – bringing a unique flair to the ensemble. From the revelation of Yoon SeoYeon as the first member in 2022 to the unveiling of JiYeon as the final addition to tripleS’ lineup has been nothing short of remarkable.
Embracing innovation, Modhaus adopted a unique operational method that empowers fans to actively participate in tripleS’ activities. Through the COSMO app, fans have a say in concepts, the formation of members in a unit, title song selection, thus fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Voting rights are obtained by purchasing Blockchain NFT-based merchandise such as member photocards called ‘Objekts’, and revenue from these sales directly contributes to the members’ income, independent of Modhaus’ investments. This decentralised approach, reminiscent of Japan’s AKB48 popularity-based voting system, brought about the formation of distinct units (known as ‘Dimensions’), including AAA, +(KR)ystal Eyes, Acid Eyes, LOVElution, EVOLution, NXT and Aria, from the outset of tripleS’ journey. The group members are enthusiastic and excited for the fan-driven future under this evolved system where they will have equal opportunities when fans are instrumental in shaping the group’s direction, redefining the boundaries of fan engagement in the K-Pop landscape.
Looking ahead, tripleS is poised to debut and captivate audiences across Japan, partnering with Sony Music’s SME Records, with joint oversight from SM Entertainment’s Japanese subsidiary Stream Media Corporation and Ligareaz. Jaden Jeong, CEO of Modhaus, stated, “The partnership between SMC and Ligareaz for tripleS’s activities in Japan is a recognition that the evolved fan engagement method proposed by Modhaus and the achievements made through it can also succeed in the Japanese market. We expect that tripleS’s music and system will be well-loved by Japanese fans, who are already familiar with fan-participatory idols and voting systems.“
tripleS is gearing up for an exciting world tour slated to kick off in the fourth quarter of this year.
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