Star Powerhouse

  Ace Banzuelo , one of the Philippines’ most promising solo acts, has released his highly anticipated new single, “ Bighani ,” today via Sony Music Entertainment . This dreamy pop track captures the magic of experiencing a profound connection with someone—an encounter that feels as though you’ve known the person for years, or even decades. With “Bighani,” the Filipino singer-songwriter/producer blends neon synths and lush instrumentation with his brand of heartfelt lyricism, delivering a smooth, sophisticated sound that nods to the cosmopolitan allure of ’80s pop. The track is a testament to his growth as both a producer and songwriter, showcasing his ability to create emotionally resonant songs with top-tier production. “ Bighani is about this instant-growing connection you have with a person after a few encounters,” the Muli chart-topper reveals. “A lot of people know that my music gravitates toward the dreamy, intricately layered approach, especially with the ballads that I’v...

  Violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr takes music lovers on a journey of imagination with the third installment of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO)’s 40th concert season, slated on December 6, 7:30 p.m., at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. With his 1972 French violin by Eugene Guinot and Rene Morel (given by Standard Insurance), Saraza Jr. will captivate with his exceptional skill and artistry on the violin as he effortlessly meets the virtuosic demands of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto op.47, D minor. One of the most challenging in the repertoire in the classic music scene, Sibelius concerto premiered in 1904, with violin teacher Victor Novàček as soloist. With lukewarm reception during its premiere, Sibelius rewrote the concerto in 1905, with Berlin concertmaster Karl Halir playing the revised piece. Music history has revealed that the concerto was initially created for violinist Willy Burmester, who was then the concertmaster in Helsingfors. After Sibeli...

On November 20, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the grand launch of Uninvited , one of this year’s official Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries. Featuring a powerhouse cast led by Vilma Santos-Recto, Aga Muhlach, and Nadine Lustr together with Tirso Cruz III, Mylene Dizon, Lotlot de Leon, Elijah Canlas, Gabby Padilla, RK Bagatsing, Ketchup Eusebio, Gio Alvarez, Cholo Barretto, and Ron Angeles. The event was nothing short of spectacular—arguably one of the most vibrant and well-organized media launches I've experienced. The room was abuzz with energy, and the enthusiasm from both the cast and the media was palpable. What added to the excitement was the much-anticipated Q&A session where Vilma Santos addressed one of the most intriguing questions of the night. When asked why she chose Uninvited over her other three movie projects, Vilma candidly shared: “There were some issues with the character I was supposed to portray in the other film. While it was being sorted ...

  OPM icon Ely Buendia marks an essential chapter in his solo career with the release of his sophomore album, Method Adaptor —out on Friday, November 8, 2024, via Offshore Music and Sony Music Entertainment . Maintaining the sonic hallmarks that have made him a beloved figure in Pinoy rock, Ely Buendia’s new album examines memories, experiences, and social issues with both self-awareness and maturity. As someone who is known for unpacking cultural and personal narratives in ways that could be incisive but relatable, Ely has truly mastered the art form of reflection, especially when he weaves words and feelings with intricate instrumentation. On Method Adaptor , he delivers mastery in both restraint and complexity, often balancing both skills to create a sonic tapestry that instantly pulls listeners into its orbit. As Ely explains it best, “I think all the songs have something to do with rebelling—be it from the disappointments and hardships of life or from the control that people...

S PYC-Tolosa-Spain-2024-A  Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Youth Choir with choirmaster and conductor Mark Anthony Carpio face the audience at the Tolosa Choral Competition in Spain.   THE Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Youth Choir, under the leadership of choirmaster and conductor Mark Anthony Carpio, secured an impressive fourth-place finish in both the Polyphony and Folklore categories at the prestigious 55th Tolosako Abesbatza Lehiaketa (Tolosa Choral Competition) held last October 31, 2024, at the historic Leidor Aretoa in Tolosa, Basque, Spain.   Competing against 16 countries from around the world, the SPYC captivated the audience with their rendition of a diverse repertoire, including folk songs and classical and popular choral works. Their performance was met with loud applause and accolades from an international audience.   This competition marks another significant milestone for the AOV Sing Philippines Youth Choir, adding to their list of int...

  The series opened on November 9 as part of  the 75th anniversary celebrations of the FEU Auditorium. The concert showcased the beauty of choral music from its origins in the Renaissance period up to the present. The FEU Chorale will also perform in a mini-concert on Saturday, November 16 from 6 to 8 PM in the FEU Chapel. Then FEU Chair Dr. Lourdes R. Montinola revived the Far Eastern University Chorale in 2004 as a cultural group under the FEU Center for the Arts. Since then, it has become one of the leading choirs in the Philippines winning different national competitions under the guidance of their then Artistic Director, Emerson Hernandez (2004 - 2016), they have performed in various television programs and have collaborated a concert with the Philippine Madrigal Singers at the FEU Auditorium in 2009.  Mr. Karl Angelo Tangco (2017 - 2023) has led the group to win their first International Competition which was the 4th Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festiva...

       Sony Music Group (SMG) announced its third-annual giving campaign designed to address food insecurity, homelessness and music education in local communities around the world. Together with its global roster of artists and songwriters, the company will continue its commitment to support organizations in regions where SMG has a presence. By the end of the calendar year, the annual Season of Giving program will have contributed nearly $2 million in support to more than 12 million people since its inception.    This year, the 25 international beneficiaries of this year’s campaign include:   Achalay (ASOCIACIÓN ACHALAY ESPAÑA) (Spain)   ActionAid Sverige (Sweden)   Bonnie Support Services (Australia)   Camillus House Inc (U.S.)   Covenant House Toronto (Canada)   Cristina’s Academy (U.S.)   Feeding South Florida (U.S)   FoodClique (Nigeria)   Harding Miller (Au...