Star Powerhouse

  Bicol-based pop outfit Tothapi continues to make a name for themselves in the local music scene—thanks to their brand of heartfelt pop tunes that brim with crossover appeal. Their breakthrough hit “ Celeste ” has racked up more than 16 million streams on Spotify, fueled by the viral buzz on TikTok and a resounding co-sign from Asia’s Songbird, Ms. Regine Velasquez . Now basking in the glow of newfound popularity, the eight-piece band returns with their latest single, “ Ulan ,” a suave, jazz-laced tune that paints a vivid picture of a love that’s constantly shifting: hot and cold, much like the seasons. Lyrically introspective and sonically lush, “Ulan” captures the experience of being entangled in a relationship marked by uncertainty and half-presence. It’s a modern love story told through someone caught in a loop of seasonal love, drawn back in only when it’s convenient for the other person. As the band describes it, it’s “falling in and out of love in the digital age,” a senti...

T he fire is back, and it’s brighter than ever. Asia’s Phoenix, Morissette, is set to headline her most anticipated solo concert yet: Ember , taking place on October 28, 2025 , 8:00 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum . This show celebrates 15 years of music, milestones, and global impact. From her early days as a powerhouse teen vocalist on The Voice of the Philippines to performing alongside icons like Michael Bolton and Alan Menken, Morissette has risen as one of the most compelling voices of her generation. Now, she returns to the stage not just as a singer, but as a creative force driving Original Pilipino Music to new heights. A Landmark Year for Asia’s Phoenix 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Morissette. In addition to Ember, she stars in the highly anticipated musical film Song of the Fireflies , premiering on June 25 , where she showcases both her dramatic range and signature vocal prowess. Her latest collaboration with acclaimed band December Avenue , titled “ Aho...

Peej and acclaimed Indian singer-songwriter and producer Dhruv Visvanath have come together for the release of their evocative new single, “ Pieces ”—out globally on Friday, May 16, 2025.  Born from a serendipitous meeting at Singapore’s All That Matters music conference in 2024, the track explores the universal human longing for connection in an increasingly disconnected world.  “At its core, Pieces is about drifting—emotionally and spiritually—and trying to find your way back to something or someone,” shares Dhruv Visvanath. “This past year, I’ve been pushing myself to write differently, explore new places, and seek deeper connections. When I met Peej in Singapore, we clicked instantly–we even swapped t-shirts! Pieces began as a quiet, introspective idea, like drifting alone at sea, longing for connection. The moment I created the demo, I knew Peej was the missing piece. He brought a rare sincerity to the song–and, of course, his stunning saxophone."  Peej, whose e...

  Ame breathes new life into ’60s rock n’ roll with a contemporary twist in their new single, “ Ipagpatawad Mo ”—now available on all digital streaming platforms via Evosound Philippines . A denim-clad anthem of rebellion and romance, “Ipagpatawad Mo” blends blues-infused guitar riffs, electrifying rhythms, and raw, visceral energy. Channeling the spirit of rockabilly while infusing it with a fresh, dynamic sound, the track delivers a high-octane listening experience that combines the band’s signature DIY ethos with a more polished musical approach.  “We wanted a song that people can dance to,” Ame shares in an official press statement. “We’ve dabbled with the bluesy side of rockabilly, but we made sure to stay true to our creative vision. This track is special because it showcases our individual and collaborative strengths. Zarviel’s commanding vocal presence, the explosive guitar-drum interplay of Silas and Seuss, and Regit’s dynamic basslines  all come together to cre...

  Filipino singer-songwriter Noah Alejandre , who gained recognition as half of the award-winning alt-pop duo reon , is back in the spotlight with a new single that tugs at the heartstrings.  Following the success of his previously released hit “ Nahuhulog Na Sa’Yo ,” which has amassed nearly 40 million streams since its 2022 release, Alejandre takes a more introspective approach with his latest track “ Mga Kaibigan .” A melancholic musing on how friendship changes over time, “Mga Kaibigan” pays tribute to the platonic relationships that we leave behind as we grow and pursue our individual paths. Written when Alejandre moved away from his hometown, the song captures the bittersweet truth of how life’s natural progression often leads to parting ways with the people who once meant everything. “It’s a song about how life naturally pulls people in different directions, not out of choice but out of necessity,” shares the Leyte-based artist. “It’s a mix of nostalgia, appreciation, a...

  Cebuana singer-songwriter Jolianne releases her debut EP, Plain Girl , via Sony Music Entertainment and Careless Music .  Written between the ages of 16 and 20, the coming-of-age record captures the transformative period of a young woman navigating the complexities of teenage life, embracing both the charm and chaos of self-discovery. It also explores the trials, triumphs, and messiness of stepping into adulthood while confronting the uncertainties of love, identity, and independence.  Drawing from her own experiences as she graduated from high school, moved to a new city, and began her journey as an artist, Plain Girl serves as a celebration of self-discovery. The EP blends R&B-infused pop with a sense of whimsical nostalgia, revealing the beauty of her formative years. “My life flipped entirely,” admits the Halfway There act. “I awkwardly stumbled my way through first encounters with emotions and challenges I’d never faced before. Those years were as much abo...

  Singapore-based singer-songwriter Regina Song is set to make her highly anticipated Philippine debut with Fangirl: The Tour next month. The tour, which includes stops in key Southeast Asian cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila, will showcase her dynamic blend of melodic guitar-pop sensibilities and infectious songwriting. Regina’s Fangirl: Live in Manila performances will take place across two venues. The first, an intimate solo acoustic set, will be held at Jess&Pat’s in Quezon City on January 24 . The following evening, January 25 , she will perform with her full band at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City, featuring a stellar lineup of guest acts, including dwta, syd hartha, Muri, and Clara Benin. The Manila leg of the tour is presented by GNN , a Manila-based events company responsible for bringing renowned Asian acts to the region, including Hitsujibungaku (Japan), Pamungkas , Grrrl Gang , and Reality Club (Indonesia), Scrubb (Thailand), and El...