Star Powerhouse

  Benj Pangilinan introduces a fresh, stripped-down rendition of “ Nandito Na Ako ”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment.   Co-written by Pangilinan with Over October’s Josh Buizon , award-winning artist Moira , and rising music star Angela Ken , the song first captured the hearts of its listeners with its catchy pop melodies and irresistible appeal.  Now with this new acoustic arrangement, the promising solo act offers a more personal take on the track, featuring a toned-down treatment with soothing guitars and a voice that resonates with warmth. Exploring the beauty of young love in its undiluted form, Benj replaces some of the lyrics with a new version that music fans can enjoy any time of the day. Its sweetness and effortless allure make it a potential soundtrack for coming-of-age romcoms, elevating its charm to a new place of heartwarming lightness. The track also marks Benj Pangilinan’s musical milestone as it presents his first venture into writing songs in Fili...

  In an effort to share the experience of opera with Filipinos in the provinces, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) recently brought Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s timeless tragedy La Bohème to Silliman University in Dumaguete City. This outreach program was made possible in partnership with the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc. (FOSFI), Silliman University, and the City Government of Dumaguete. “By bringing La Bohème to Dumaguete, the CCP hopes to ignite the spirits of those who share the ideals of Puccini’s young and brave Bohemians,” shared CCP President Kaye C. Tinga during the opening program. Exploring the fragility of life through the artistic lens, Puccini’s La Bohème was based on the novel Scenes de la vie de Bohème by French writer Henri Murger. It narrates the colorful lives of young Bohemians residing in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1840s. The tragic love story of La Bohème marked Puccini’...

  The Cultural Center of the Philippines reaches another milestone by winning the Best Public Service Digital Ad award in the Advertising Category of the 46th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) 2024 for its public service digital advertisement, “Life Is (a) Short (Film).”  Produced in partnership with Giya Studios, the winning short video was created to promote the 35th Gawad Alternatibo, the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in Southeast Asia.  Organized by the CCP, it highlights the institution’s commitment to empowering Filipino filmmakers, particularly young and emerging talents in the genres of animation, experimental, documentary, and short feature. The award-winning ad is available for public viewing via facebook.com/lifeisashortfilm .  “The CCP is honored to receive this award as we continue to promote artistic excellence that also reflects our Christian values. We thank the CMMA for recognizing our efforts in uplifting arts and culture,...

    Beloved pop icon of the Backstreet Boys,  NICK CARTER , is finally bringing his much-anticipated “Who I Am” World Tour to MANILA on  March 30, 2025 (Sunday)  at the  New Frontier Theater . Performing Backstreet Boys’ well-loved hits plus Nick’s personal favorites and many more. Pre-sale will be on December 13 (Friday) from 12PM to 8PM, and general on-sale will be on December 14 (Saturday), 12PM via   TicketNet.com.ph   and TicketNet outlets nationwide. Presented by  Wilbros Live .   Sparking his career at the age of 12, Nick Carter quickly became an international pop superstar as the youngest member of the iconic boy band, Backstreet Boys. With his boyish good looks and heartthrob status, Carter's 30-year entertainment journey has extended far beyond sold-out arenas, encompassing a diverse range of projects in television, film, philanthropy, and publishing.   The Backstreet Boys hold the distinction of being the best-selling boy...

South Korean girl group UNIS is excited to announce the launch of exclusive photocards for fans in the Philippines!  Starting December 2 at 1PM, fans can purchase a special bundle featuring two CURIOUS albums — "Glow-Z" and "New-Z" — available for only PHP1,499. Each album includes a Photobook, CD-R, Envelope, Stickers, 1 Random Photocard, 1 Special Photocard, and a Folded Poster. In addition to these items, each bundle comes with two (2) extra random Philippine exclusive photocards that are not available elsewhere — you can get them only as part of this bundle, through Universal Records’ Lazada and Shopee accounts. Composed of members Gehlee, Kotoko, Seowon, Yoona, Hyeonju, Elisia, Nana and Yunha, UNIS was recently in the country for the UNIS in CURIOUSland fancon held in Manila and Cebu. CURIOUS  is the first single album by UNIS. It was released on August 6, 2024 with "CURIOUS" serving as the single's title track. Currently, the music video has garn...

Sony Music Entertainment Philippines , in partnership with JOSH CULLEN of SB19 and Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc. , has launched a meaningful initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable children in underserved communities across the country. This partnership seeks to address both malnutrition and the environmental challenges contributing to poor health in these areas. The initiative is part of Sony Music Group’s (SMG) global ‘Season of Giving’ campaign, which unites the company and its artists and songwriters in efforts to give back to the communities in which they operate. This year, the program marks an important shift, moving beyond just providing nourishing meals to tackling the root causes of malnutrition—especially the socio-environmental factors that exacerbate it. “Previously, we focused on delivering direct nutritional support. However, experiences in areas like Sitio Dumpsite in Antipolo taught us that to make a real, lasting impact, we must address severe socio-environme...

  ASEAN-India Music Festival (AIMF) concludes its biggest and most expansive edition held from November 29 to December 1, at the renowned Purana Qila in New Delhi, India, which offered free entry to all. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Seher, the festival celebrates a decade of India’s ‘Act East Policy’, a comprehensive strategic partnership between India and ASEAN countries.   Drawing thousands of music lovers over three days, ASEAN-India Music Festival was a stunning tribute to music and its power to unite people from different cultures, and a display of world-class talent, which Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Pabitra Margherita, who inaugurated the event on its opening day as the Chief Guest, put succinctly, “ASEAN India Music Festival 2024 has shown how melodies can dissolve boundaries and foster connections that go beyond geography. Over these three days, we’ve celebrated not just the rhythm of instruments but the heartbeat of ...

   Award-winning Filipino band The Itchyworms are set to return to Japan for another run of their critically acclaimed Akin Ka Na Lang… Japan! Tour in early 2025.  Following the success of their 2023 tour, the band will perform three shows from January 17 to 19, 2025, on iconic venues across Tokyo, including Mr. Back in Saitama, Heaven’s Door in Sangenjaya, and Gamuso in Asagaya. “We’ve been fortunate to build a loyal fanbase in Japan over the years,” says Jugs Jugueta, lead vocalist of The Itchyworms. “It’s truly humbling to see fans traveling hours from all over Japan just to watch us perform. What makes the Japanese audience so special is their deep appreciation not only for our hits but also for the more obscure tracks. To them, it’s all good music.” The Itchyworms, known for their blend of rock, pop, and humor, have long cultivated an international following. For this upcoming tour, the band promises a fresh setlist that includes more English-language songs from their ...

  Comedy Manila is proud to announce the launch of its new homebase: Brick Wall BGC , a premier venue offering a curated, bone-tickling alternative to the usual nightlife offerings in Metro Manila.  Located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Brick Wall has been renovated to create an intimate space and place for laughter and premium entertainment. The club has gone through a subtle update in interior design with better seating arrangement, improved acoustics, and lighting to create an optimal viewing and listening experience. Patrons and newcomers can look forward to a diverse lineup, including observational humor, storytelling, and improv, performed by both local and international comedians.   “Brick Wall BGC’s partnership with Comedy Manila ensures a lineup that’s consistently fresh, diverse and entertaining, bringing together years of expertise in producing quality comedy shows,” shares Jayson Mercado, one of the bar owners. “This collaboration also includes, open mic o...