Newsletter: Ely Buendia drops sophomore album, Method Adaptor

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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.

Newsletter: Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino celebrates 10 years with a series of shows across Metro Manila

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Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) marks its highly anticipated celebration this year with a series of music events that aim to foster deeper awareness and appreciation for Pinoy music.

Newsletter: Folk-pop artist syd hartha puts her own delicate spin on Apo Hiking Society’s “Panalangin”

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Filipino singer-songwriter syd hartha continues to captivate music listeners from various generations with the release of her new single “Panalangin,” a cover of Apo Hiking Society’s early ‘80s hit.

Newsletter: Sponge Cola releases “Tatlong Buwan,” a track inspired by hit K-drama Queen of Tears

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Filipino band Sponge Cola releases another pop-rock anthem inspired by a hit Korean drama.

Newsletter: JC Regino unveils heartbreaking ballad “Wala Na”

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Album cover from GMA Records

Singer-songwriter JC Regino bares his soul in his latest single “Wala Na,” his third track under GMA Music. This emotionally charged ballad will resonate deeply with listeners as it talks about heartbreak and unrequited love.

The Gigs: Where To Catch Your Favorite OPM Bands (v. 2024, Part 2 of 2)

03/30/2024 04:15:43 PM

I first wrote The Gigs as part of the music issue of the Philippine Panorama (Yes, the Sunday magazine of Manila Bulletin) back in February 2018, wherein I featured some of the places which houses live music scene. Add to that is how and why online is also the place to be if one looks for sources of new music.

Fast-forward to 2024: It has been two years since the time the Manila gig scene resurfaced for good. The months of February and March were the times when music events had its full-blown resurrection for good after being halted by another wave of community quarantine at the start of the year 2022. Some of us have to understand that this was an era of a convergence of the new normal and returning norms as some of our beloved venues closed, a bunch of personalities we know passed away (be it due to COVID or not), and everything noisy has mostly been made virtually. As we know it, the shutdown has put us in uncertainty; but eventually, we found our way back to hum tunes with our voices and instruments. 

In 2022, we may have been walloping over the closure of Upperhouse, Conspiracy Garden Cafe and Route 196 (along with other shops and restaurants in various business fields that we didn't have chances to bade farewell), but new houses emerged to serve live music and all the merrymaking we barely missed that two-year stretch, and that was something we discussed a while ago.

For more of The Gigs, we shed the spotlight on the other names which probably rang the bell, also made their respective returns – although, in different locations. Add to that are the reopening of the venues that remained alive and kicking up to this day.

The Scene Around: Summer Music Vibes Bar Tour

03/11/2024 03:34:10 PM

It's been a very long while since I blogged about the music shows I've been into. And frankly, I've been trying to get back into writing for my own site since I felt I've lost the art of doing so. Strange for someone who's bread and butter in the majority of his corporate life involves writing, right?

Newsletter: AltG Records’ Sala tackles societal pressures with debut single “Hi, Tita!”

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OPM band Sala is set to release their debut single AltG Records, “Hi Tita!,” this March 15 on digital platforms worldwide.

Newsletter: Plume releases enchanting debut single “Beautiful”

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AltG Records' newest artist Plume is taking the music scene by storm with the release of his debut single, “Beautiful,” on digital platforms this past March 1. 

Newsletter: Patricia Heart joins all-star roster of Sony Music Entertainment, releases debut single “Kahit Di Ako ang Gusto Mo”

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The track blends confessional songwriting style with a soul-stirring, crossover sound

Filipino singer-songwriter Patricia Heart is ready to captivate the mainstream audience with her authenticity and music talent. The CamSur-based recording artist has recently signed with Sony Music Entertainment, the home to an all-star roster of OPM acts such as Ben&Ben, SB19, Clara Benin, Ace Banzuelo, Denise Julia, O Side Mafia, Demi, and dwta—to name a few.

Newsletter: Filipino indie-rock band CHEATS to celebrate 10th anniversary with intimate show

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Filipino indie-rock outfit CHEATS will be celebrating their 10th anniversary in the local music scene with a headline show happening on March 16, 2024, at Balcony Music House in Makati City.

Newsletter: Ben&Ben explores themes of longing and loneliness on new single “Autumn”

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Ben&Ben expresses the loneliness that comes in waves after being apart from your loved one for so long.

Newsletter: Championing OPM: Power Mac Center spotlights music using Apple devices

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Jess Connelly and LustBass at Power Mac Center Sync Sessions 2023

Apple Premium Reseller Power Mac Center (PMC) celebrated its 29th year by staging a series of live audio-digital crossover experiences featuring OPM icons and emerging artists.

Newsletter: P-Pop girl group YARA reimagines Sexbomb Girls’ “Bakit Papa?” with a contemporary R&B makeover

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P-Pop powerhouse YARA reimagines the glory era of Y2K music with a modern update on Sexbomb Girls’ signature hit, “Bakit Papa?”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment.

Newsletter: The Itchyworms to embark on a 3-city tour in Japan this month!

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The Itchyworms have recently announced their three-city tour in Japan this October 2023!

Newsletter: Pinoy rock queens Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Aia de Leon, Acel, Lougee Basabas-Alejandro, and Hannah Romawac release “Talinghaga,” their first single as a group

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After staging a sold-out concert last year at the Solaire Theatre, Pinoy rock queens Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Aia de Leon, Acel, Lougee Basabas-Alejandro, and Hannah Romawac continue their collaborative streak with the release of “Talinghaga,” their first single together as a group.

Newsletter: GNN Pop takes concert-goers on a nostalgia trip with Kyla and Jay R reunion concert

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The highly anticipated show is also co-presented by Cornerstone Entertainment

GNN Pop, a subsidiary of the Manila-based events, PR, and multimedia outfit GNN Entertainment Productions, has recently announced its debut offering for 2023.

The Fête de la Musique 2023 Experience

06/22/2023 04:50:29 PM

It's that time of the year again when music is celebrated worldwide. Moreover, this marks the first time in the last four years that the Makati-based Pocket Stages of Fête de la Musique will be set on a Saturday. Before this, the 2022 edition saw several pocket stages take place on a Friday night with a less crowded atmosphere practically everywhere.

Witnessing 25 Years of Musical Brilliance from the Fire woman

03/22/2023 08:55:25 PM

Author's Note: Barbie Almalbis held her 25th anniversary concert earlier this month. And it wasn't just a typical milestone night for someone who celebrates a quarter of her existence as a musician, because this singer-songwriter didn't just perform as a solo act – it was also a reunion show for Hungry Young Poets and Barbie's Cradle, two of the notable names in the OPM band explosion era during the 1990s and 2000s.

The stage was set at 123 Block in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City; and so many titos and titas of Manila were the witnesses for a Saturday evening of nostalgia. At this point, I'll let my correspondent Dan Labayo tell the story of what went around the Firewoman show. 

Newsletter: SB19 and NOBITA put their own spin on The Eraserheads’ iconic anthems

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To commemorate the success of The Eraserheads’ reunion concert, top OPM acts such as SB19 and NOBITA have put their own unique spin on the supergroup’s beloved classics.