The pop-rock icon and one of the most powerful female voices in Original Pilipino Music is finally headlining her first-ever solo concert at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 21, 2025 (Saturday), 8:00 PM. Aptly titled New Ground Manila, this isn’t just a concert—it’s Kitchie’s boldest, most ambitious musical leap yet.
“New Ground is about exploring a new direction in my music career,” Kitchie shares. “There will be fresh tracks, unexpected collaborations, and a level of creative risk that I’ve never taken before. This isn’t your usual Kitchie Nadal show.”
Coming off the success of her sold-out 20th Anniversary concert at New Frontier Theater in 2024, Kitchie is pushing the boundaries further. For this Araneta debut, she’s cooking up genre-bending performances with surprise guest artists—including names she’s never performed with before.
“We’re mixing sounds, challenging expectations, and creating moments fans haven’t seen from me yet,” she says.
From Mojofly to Music Legend
Kitchie first made waves as the original vocalist of Mojofly, but it was her breakout solo career that truly cemented her legacy. Her 2004 self-titled album featuring the massive hit “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” became a generational anthem, skyrocketing to 7× Platinum status in the Philippines. Other singles like “Bulong!!!,” “Same Ground,” and “Breathe” turned her into a household name and a pillar of the 2000s Pinoy rock resurgence.
Through the years, Kitchie remained a mainstay in the live scene, often sharing the stage with fellow OPM powerhouses Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, Lougee Basabas, and Hannah Romawac.
Now based in Spain and balancing motherhood with music, Kitchie finds herself creatively recharged.
“My kids and life in Spain have inspired a new side of me—especially the music I’ve discovered here that touches on real-world issues,” she reveals. “These influences have shaped the songs I’m writing now.”
A New Era for a New Generation
With younger audiences discovering her music through live shows and streaming platforms, Kitchie sees New Ground Manila as both a tribute to her roots and an invitation to a new generation of fans.
“The energy from the younger crowd in recent years has been incredible—it’s what pushed us to dream bigger,” she explains. “Araneta is a first for me, and I’m beyond grateful to finally step onto that stage.”
Kitchie Nadal’s New Ground Manila 2025 June 21, 2025 (Saturday) Smart Araneta Coliseum 8:00 PM
Presented by RG Productions, Black Star Entertainment, Flow Asia, and Air Music PH.
Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets and online via ticketnet.com.ph
Ready to witness Kitchie like never before? This is more than a concert—it’s a rebirth. Don’t miss the chance to be part of her biggest night yet.
Manila is set to welcome a musical icon this summer. On July 14, 2025, the 13-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer Babyface will grace the SM Mall of Asia Arena with his Greatest Hits Concert. For Filipino music enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity to witness a legendary figure whose timeless songs have resonated across generations. Whether you cherish the soulful melodies of the ‘90s or admire his recent collaborations, this event promises an evening of unforgettable performances in the heart of Pasay City.
An Evening of Iconic Music
Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds has shaped the sound of modern R&B and pop for over five decades. With a legacy that spans five decades and over 800 million records sold, Babyface is not just a music legend—he’s a force of nature in the industry. He’s the only producer in history to win “Producer of the Year” four times, including three years in a row from 1995 to 1997, he’s a true titan of the industry.
His multi-platinum albums, such as Tender Lover (1989), For the Cool in You (1993), and The Day (1996), gave us timeless hits like “Tender Lover,” “Never Keeping Secrets,” and “Every Time I Close My Eyes.” Beyond his own music, Babyface has penned and produced for legends like Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson, cementing his legacy. Expect to be serenaded by chart-toppers like:
“Tender Lover”
“Never Keeping Secrets”
“When Can I See You”
“Every Time I Close My Eyes”
Collaborations That Defined Generations
Beyond his own hits, Babyface has shaped the sound of multiple generations. He has written and produced for a who’s who of music royalty, including:
Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Boyz II Men, Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, and many more.
He even co-wrote and produced the Oscar-winning anthem “When You Believe,” powerfully performed by Whitney and Mariah.
Still at the Top of His Game
Proving that legends never fade, Babyface recently earned his 13th GRAMMY for Best R&B Song with “Snooze” by SZA, while his collaboration-packed album Girls Night Out received two more GRAMMY nominations. His single “As a matter of fact” also topped the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart—his first #1 solo single in 26 years!
Featuring collaborations with today’s hottest R&B queens like Ella Mai, Kehlani, Ari Lennox, Coco Jones, and more, Girls Night Out bridges the gap between generations, reaffirming Babyface’s unmatched relevance and creative genius.
Don’t Miss the Concert Event of the Year
Presented by Ovation Productions, with BlastTV as the official media partner, this concert promises to be a night of soulful nostalgia, musical brilliance, and unforgettable memories.
Concert Date: July 14, 2025 Venue: SM Mall of Asia Arena Tickets On Sale:May 16 (Friday), 12:00 NN at smtickets.com Ticket Prices (inclusive of ticketing charges): ₱8,880 | ₱8,380 | ₱7,880 | ₱6,580 | ₱6,080 | ₱4,580 | ₱2,580
Don’t wait—tickets will go fast! Whether you’ve loved Babyface since the ‘90s or just discovered his magic, this is your chance to witness the man behind the music, live in concert. See you there!
K-drama enthusiasts in the Philippines, get ready for an unforgettable night! KOSTCON 2025 – Korean OST Concertwill light up the SM Mall of Asia Arena on August 6, 2025, bringing the most iconic K-drama soundtracks to life. Featuring renowned Korean artists known for their emotional OSTs, this event promises an immersive experience filled with the music that has touched your heart through your favorite dramas.
KOSTCON 2025 is made possible by Random Minds, the premier company behind some of the biggest and most unforgettable concerts in the Philippines. In collaboration with global partners Hi-Five Entertainment Sdn. Bhd. and Kelebrity Worldwide Inc., Random Minds is thrilled to bring this full-scale K-drama OST concert right to the heart of the Philippines.
“All of us at Random Minds are thrilled to bring this experience to life,” says Allan Villegas, CEO of Random Minds. “Filipinos have always had a deep love for Korean dramas, and we’re honored to give fans a chance to experience these powerful OSTs performed live on stage.”
Here’s a closer look at the incredible artists and their iconic contributions to K-drama soundtracks:
Lyn, one of Korea’s most beloved ballad vocalists, is best known for her emotionally resonant OSTs. Her song “My Destiny” from My Love from the Star became an international sensation, earning her the Best Original Soundtrack award at the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards. She also touched hearts with “With You” from Descendants of the Sun, capturing the tender emotions of love and longing.
Kim Bum Soo, known for his soulful voice and emotional depth, will perform his iconic ballad “I Miss You” from Stairway to Heaven. His powerful OSTs have made him a beloved figure in the K-drama music scene.
K.Will’s powerful vocals shine through in “Beautiful Moment” from The Beauty Inside, a song that has become a fan favorite. Often dubbed the “Prince of OSTs,” K.Will has captivated audiences with his emotional ballads, making him a standout presence in countless K-drama soundtracks.
Soyou, known for her captivating vocals, will perform “I Miss You” from Goblin, a song that has touched the hearts of K-drama fans worldwide.
Heize, with numerous OSTs under her belt, is known for “Can You See My Heart” from Hotel Del Luna, showcasing her soulful voice. She has also graced K-drama fans with her emotional tracks like “Hold Me Back” from Queen of Tears and “Round and Round” from Goblin.
Lee Mujin, known for his heartfelt track “Sweet” from Business Proposal, has captured the hearts of K-drama fans with his soulful voice. His YouTube series Lee Mujin Service has also become a go-to for intimate, live performances, where K-pop stars like D.O. (EXO), Jaehyun (NCT), and Karina (Aespa) have showcased their own musical talents in a relaxed, personal setting.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience that goes beyond a concert — it’s an emotional journey through the highs and lows of drama, love, heartbreak, and hope, complete with guest MCs and stunning stage visuals that will leave you in awe!
Multimedia artist, comedy icon, and master impersonator Jon Santos will reprise his role as The Sandbox Collective restages a strictly limited run of its hit one-act play, BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY (BBB).
Presented by The Sandbox Collective’s new arm, Sandbox Co.labs, in partnership with Ayala Land and Circuit Makati, BBB will bring back its hilarious and heart-warming portrayal of love, loss, and mental health to Filipino audiences.
In celebration of Pride Month 2025, BBB returns after its sold out engagements in 2023 and 2024. This year’s BBB also marks Santos’ fourth run of the show.
BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY is the Filipino-translated staging of Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe’s Every Brilliant Thing. Award-winning playwright, translator, actor, and director Guelan Luarca worked on its translation and original staging in 2023.
BBB is an intimate and interactive play that follows the story of a young child growing up with a parent suffering from mental illness. The show continues the conversation on mental health by bringing real and pressing issues to the forefront, and by creating a safe and communal space where audiences become part and parcel of the storytelling.
Jenny Jamora will once again be stepping in as director, having directed all of the previous runs, and winning Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play at the 12th Gawad Buhay Awards.
Joining Jamora in the production team are Marcel David as assistant director, Mark Dalacat as set designer, Kiefer Sison as lighting designer, Arvy Dimaculangan as sound designer, Yabs Yabut as technical director, GA Fallarme as projections designer, KC Kane as costume stylist, Charyl De Guzman as production manager, and IJ Romero as stage manager.
BBB will run at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati from June 14 to June 22, 2025 for a strictly limited engagement. Tickets are now available at TicketWorld via bit.ly/bbonggab25.
BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY (Every Brilliant Thing) is licensed through Concord Theatricals.
Jon Santos Showing Us Who’s Boss
Jon Santos, performer extraordinaire, shows us who’s boss by taking the stage once more in SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL. Santos opens the sideshow as “The Boss, ” who takes the reins and introduces us to the mystical world of the freaks, led by the Hilton twins.
Set in 1930s America, SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is a fictional depiction of the life and times of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton who found fame and notoriety in the vaudeville circuit in 1920 and 1930s.
After mounting critically acclaimed productions of musicals Little Shop of Horrors and Next toNormal, The Sandbox Collective, under managing artistic director Toff de Venecia’s direction, will be staging SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL in July 2025.
Joiningdirector Toff de Venecia in the artistic team is Ejay Yatco serving as musical director. Rounding out the artistic team will be Mark Dalacat as assistant director and set designer, Carlos Siongco as costume designer, Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer, and JM Cabling as choreographer.
SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL will open on July 26, 2025 and will run until August 17, 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Cast, Ticketing and Show Buying information will be released in the coming days. #SandboxSideShow
SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is licensed through Concord Theatricals.
For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit our website www.thesandboxco.com and our social media platforms below:
For its first offering this 2025, Barefoot Theatre Collaborative (Barefoot), the company that staged the critically acclaimed hits Mula sa Buwan, Pride Plays, The Last Five Years, and Bar Boys: A New Musical, will bring WE AREN’T KIDS ANYMORE to the Philippine live theater stage.
We Aren’t Kids Anymore by Drew Gasparini is an uplifting coming-of-age musical that dives into the messy reality of growing up—while never quite feeling like you have. It reflects that point in life where you see that who you thought you’d be is different from who you’re actually becoming, where the dreams you swore you’d chase don’t look the way you imagined, and where the world stops being as simple as it used to be.
Featuring a poem by Keith White with orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Justin Goldner & Drew Gasparini, this musical consists of gut-punching songs from five people navigating the changes that come with the realization that life doesn’t come with a manual. This show will hit hard for anyone who has ever felt lost, stuck, or unsure of the way forward.
Barefoot’s upcoming staging features an all-star cast. The five characters will be played by Gab Pangilinan, Maronne Cruz, Gio Gahol, Luigi Quesada, and Myke Salomon. Katrine Sunga and Angelo Lantaco serve as the female cover and male cover respectively.
At the helm of the production is Rem Zamora as Director. Also joining the creative team are Myke Salomon and Farley Asuncion as Musical Directors, Jomelle Era as Movement Director, Joey Mendoza as Production Designer, Hershee Tantiado as Associate Production Designer, D Cortezano as Lighting Designer and Technical Director and Aron Roca as Sound Designer.
We Aren’t Kids Anymore will be staged for FOUR WEEKS ONLY from May 2 to 25, 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati. The show will run for 90 minutes with no intermission and there will be no admission for latecomers. This production of We Aren’t Kids Anymore is licensed by Concord Theatricals.
For all shows, there will only be two ticketing tiers: Gold (PHP3,200) and Silver (PHP2,700). Opening weekend tickets are now available at discounted rates: PHP3,000 for Gold and PHP2,500 for Silver.
The Philippines’ biggest folk-pop band Ben&Ben will be bringing their music to Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao for the Philippine leg of their The Traveller Across Dimensions World Tour. Overseas performances will also take place in Singapore and different parts of the United States later in the year.
Tickets are already available for the May 24 show at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, with announcements for the June 8show at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod and the June 22 performance at the SMX Convention Center in Davao to come in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, tickets for the Singapore show at the Arena@Expo on December 14, as well as those for the performance at theThunder Valley Casino inLincoln, California on July 12 are also available for purchase. Additional show dates and venues will be announced as they become final.
For the tour, the nine-piece band will perform tracks from their third studio album, mixed with some of their past hits. The Traveller Across Dimensions album was released on November 29, 2024, and has produced hits like Could Be Something and Tomorrow with You.
The concept album follows the story of Liwanag, the Traveller, as she journeys through three Dimensions: Light, depicting innocence; Energy, depicting struggle; and Feel, depicting maturity. She writes 12 songs along the way, which relate her experiences in each of the Dimensions.
The songs reflect the various experiences of the band members over the past several years and showcase their growth as people, as songwriters, and as musicians. While their signature indie folk sound remains, the group dishes out city pop and electric beats not present in their previous songs. As the group evolves, so do their stories and their music.
“We are excited to bring the songs from The Traveller Across Dimensions to various stages all over the Philippines and the world. It is a privilege to be able to perform for our Liwanag community in different parts of the country, as well as in Singapore and the US,” Ben&Ben said. “We are also grateful for the support of our tour promotions team for paving the way for us to spread light and love to music lovers beyond Philippine shores through our songs. We look forward to seeing all of you in our shows.”
Leading tour and concert promotions companies AEG Presents Asia (Singapore leg), NY Entourage Productions (US leg), and Ovation Productions (Philippines and Singapore legs) have teamed up to bring to life The Traveller Across Dimensions on stage.
AEG Presents has promoted global tours for big-name artists such as Katy Perry, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and Taylor Swift. NY Entourage, through exclusive partnerships with major resort casinos in North America, has brought local artists such as Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, Piolo Pascual, Jim Paredes, Boboy Garrovillo, Nonoy Zuñiga, Marco Sison, and Rey Valera to stages across the US and Canada. Ovation Productions is one of the Philippines’ most respected concert producers, having staged successful events for a diverse group of artists including Ed Sheeran, Toto, Air Supply, The Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Tears for Fears, Sting, Celine Dion, Paul Anka, Alanis Morissette, Boyz II Men, and hallyu stars NCT DoJaeJung, Choi Minho, Hwang In Youp, and Park Bo Gum as well as Japanese artists XG, Fujii Kaze, and Ado.
Bogie de Guia, Director at Ovation Productions, said: “It is truly a joy and an honor to again work with the band for their world tour. Having worked with them in their past events, we can truly say that their world-class talent deserves to be heard by more people outside the Philippines. We promise to stage a great show for their fans in Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, and Singapore.”
For his part, Bryan Mosko, Director at AEG Presents Asia, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Ben&Ben! They have such a huge following, and we are glad to be able to help bring their music to people outside their home country.”
NYE President and CEO Nancy Yang added: “Ben&Ben is one of the hottest Philippine bands today. We are happy to be their partner in bringing their music to the US. We believe they are wonderful representatives of Filipino music and their generation.”
Ben&Ben is a multi-awarded Filipino band known for their anthemic sound and electrifying live performances. With critically acclaimed albums that set records in streaming and sales, the nine-piece collective explores personal, emotional, and socio-political themes with underlying messages of human connection, courage, hope, and vulnerability. In less than a decade, they’ve managed to shape an entire generation’s cultural awakening through music that uplifts, inspires, and invites introspection. The band’s songs also serve as both a mirror and a compass, which guide listeners on a journey of self-discovery.
About AEG Presents Asia
Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across four continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside American Express Presents BST Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, and Firefly — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Kenny Chesney, Paul McCartney, and Katy Perry, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theaters, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as Goldenvoice, Messina Touring Group, Concerts West, The Bowery Presents, PromoWest Productions, Marshall Arts, Madison House Presents, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at www.aegpresents.com.
About Ovation Productions
A leading concert promotions company in the Philippines, Ovation Productions has been operating since the 1970s and has promoted some of the biggest names in live entertainment. Awarded for its trailblazing work, the company expanded the concert market for international artists in the Philippines by breaking into and developing provincial markets outside Metro Manila. In 2017, Ovation Productions established a presence in Singapore to expand the reach of OPM talents to a global audience. The company also recently established Tap Digital Media Ventures, a media and entertainment company which oversees the operations of eight linear television channels and an over-the-top (OTT) media streaming service, Blast TV. For more information, visit www.ovation.ph
About NY Entourage Productions
NYE is a premier concert tour promotions company based in the Philippines. Since 2007, its dedicated team has been committed to delivering top-tier entertainment and concert productions to audiences at home and abroad. NYE has proudly collaborated with some of the most prestigious corporate clients in the Philippines, providing entertainment for a wide range of business events. It also brings world-class performances to provincial areas, offering communities outside urban centers the rare opportunity to experience live shows by top artists.
Pioneering the international expansion of Filipino entertainment, NYE is the first Filipino promotions company to successfully bring Manila-based acts to the United States and Canadian casino circuits. It has secured exclusive partnerships with major resort casinos across North America. In 2024, NYE was honored with the Concert of the Year award from the PMPC Star Awards, in recognition of its outstanding production of Dear Heart, featuring Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion. For more information, follow NY Entourage Productions @nsyshows on all social media platforms.
Completely sung-through, ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ by Drew Gasparini is more of a patchwork quilt of a play, exploring the feelings of doubt and uncertainty that comes with growing up. There’s a very loose narrative hare, implied upon by the quiet moments between songs as the five players interact with each other without dialogue, as directed by Rem Zamora. These interactions between the actors suggests relationships and histories that are never quite explored and so it leaves a lot to the imagination. What we get, instead, is a musical that puts to song the hopes and dreams and fears and anxieties of people who are no longer children, who are facing the realities of adulting, and wondering if they are who they wanted to be.
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative puts together five incredible performers – Myke Salomon, Maronne Cruz, Gio Gahol, Luigi Quesada, and the incredible Gab Pangilinan – to play these characters that can be us or people we know. They sing songs of heartbreak, of living on the edge, of reaching rock bottom, or of reconciling one’s youth to try and make sense with where they are going. Written by Drew Gasparini and featuring a poem by Keith White, ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ is less a story than it is a mood, a moment of interrogation, and sometimes, it’s a declaration.
Photo by CJ Ochoa
The stage is set in the round, with the audience on all four corners of the PowerMac Center Spotlight Blackbox theater. At the center is an elevated stage with a pit in the middle for the band. The stage is cordoned off by a bench that surrounds all sides. Each player comes up, does their quiet interactions hinting at connections, before jumping into songs. The lack of a clear narrative can be jarring, especially if you are unaware of the play’s structure like I was, and you are looking for hints of a story and it wasn’t until the third song that I realized there wasn’t one.
Photo by CJ Ochoa
This is actually a tricky play to perform because each player has got to sing each song and create a character for that song and imbue it with history and a future in the span of the opening verse to the end note. It was extremely difficult for Luigi Quesada who sang the hell out of his solo, but the song is a torch song about love and it felt like a song that would be sung after a lot of stories has already happened. We don’t have access to that story so Quesada is singing his heart out, but the story was missing. But Quesada gets to recite the poem by Keith White that helps frame the whole play and sings the stirring showstopper.
Photo by CJ Ochoa
Myke Salomon had the role where his character was singing songs about other people – mostly family – and so it was in the storytelling form. He was creating the story for us to follow. Cruz had the character with the most radio friendly songs, in my opinion. She has so much personality and verve as an actress that these were easily some of my favorite parts. But that ones who really managed to instill a story in their moments were Gio Gahol, who has a stirring song about hitting rock bottom, and Gab Pangilinan, who filled up the whole PowerMac Center Spotlight that evening but made each song feel like the stand-alone story that it is.
We have such incredible and talented actors in the theater world and these five are wonderful examples of that. With barely a narrative to hold things together, their interactions are authentic and honest, though opaque, and the way that they harmonize through the songs creates a complete picture.
Photo by Kyle Venturillo
As a person who comes into a play looking for a story to chew on, I feel like I’m wanting more, but I was very much full of the incredible performances of these hard-hitting songs. As someone who is going through something right now, on a personal level, this show is a bit of a big group hug that tells us we aren’t alone. If you’re feeling lost, unsure of your path, unsure of the choices you’ve made leading up to the today, Barefoot’s ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ will help you feel like you’re not alone.
I’m not that familiar with the Norwegian playwright and “the father of modern drama” other than having read ‘A Doll’s House’ back in college. So coming into CAST’s staging of an adaptation of his ‘An Enemy of the People’ was refreshing as I had nothing to compare it with. The adaptation, written and directed for the stage by Nelsito Gomez takes on the title ‘In the Eyes of the People’ and Gomez brings a heart serving of Filipino-ness in his reworking of the play. Set in modern times in the fictional Visayan town of Sta Christina, the play is a battleground for truth, politics, science, and the good of the people.
The play opens with a press conference about the grand opening of a hot spring resort in the town of Sta Christina. It is the project of Mayor Peter Lopez (Ron Capinding), who hopes the resort will make the town a tourist destination that would “rival Boracay” and brings thousands of jobs and tourism money to his small town. He invites his sister, Dr. Tricia Lopez-Ramos (Jenny Jamora), to talk about the benefits of the hot springs as she is the head scientist in charge of the project. From the get-go, we can see that the mayor is charming and has a way with words while Tricia isn’t comfortable in the spotlight but the brother-sister tandem is resolute that this project would be good for the town until Tricia discovers there’s an unknown bacteria growing in the waters and as she calls on her brother to delay the opening to ensure the safety of the people, Peter weights in on the loss of income and jobs that a delay would cause. Complicating the issue is Triccia’s daughter, Pauline (Jam Binay), who works in a local paper with her boyfriend Enzo (Zoe De Ocampo), who are deadset in revealing the truth. Rounding up the cast are Nor Domingo as Triccia’s husband Alvin and Katskie Flores as Ruby Ganpon, Peter’s competition for mayor in the upcoming election.
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Chua
The play is practically a face-off between brother and sister as they weight in on what is truly good for the people. The jobs and economic security versus their health over a bacteria that may or may not be the cause of the sickness a young girl has caught after swimming in the hot springs. The younger members of the play, Pauline and Enzo, represent a tug-of-war between the ethics of responsible journalism while Alvin is the bystander who wants none of the trouble.
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Chua
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Chua
What’s amazing about this staging and the writing of the adaptation is how real this whole play feels. The relationship of brother and sister complicates the arguments and the filial ties being torn up by this debate is what makes this show so remarkable. There’s an added layer of the Visayan-ness of the characters. At some point, the dialogue shifts for a brief moment to Bisaya when Ruby and Triccia share some words about the issue and it strikes home. The way the play figures in politics, greed, and ignorance plays so close to the hilt in some real-world issues that are troubling us today.
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Chua
As someone whose family is from the Visayas, there’s aspects of the characterizations that feels so real to me. The stars of the show, Jamora and Capinding, are what sells this fiction and presents it as a relevant allegory for our time. Jamora’s Triccia is such a great example of an educated Visayan woman (in the play, she’s finished her PhD in Harvard), learned and unaware of her own power. This is amplified by the way she deals with her brother. Capinding’s Peter is a pitch perfect portrayal of the grounded, jolly Visayan man who grew up with money but downplays it as he tries to portray himself as an everyman. There’s a posture and a sway about him that reminds me a lot of people that I know from Bacolod. Jamora and Capinding’s performances are so visceral and authentic that they completely take full command of that stage. It’s electrifying to see them at work and because the Mirror Studios is such small, intimate performance space, you see everything up close. The two never miss a beat.
The play teeters into the milieu of upper class problems, with all the characters so highly educated and sophisticated, but it is completely tempered by the arrival of Ruby Ganpon. Katskie Flores is a force of nature as she delivers a powerful take down that grounds the play and reminds us about the people who are not so privileged and who are the ones whose lives are really at stake. This exchange can sometimes feel pedantic and a little on-the-nose but the message is so necessary, especially in these times when everyone is out just for themselves and not thinking about society as a whole.
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Chua
The stage design is simple, with the characters coming in to change the set and furniture to move into a new scene but the narrative is supported by the backdrop turning into a full on projector screen. The projection designs by GA Fallarme helps situate us in each moment – the press conference, a public debate, and the outside world in the form of social media content – the simplicity of the set allows for the projections to fill in the gaps to amplify the spectacle of this battle of wits.
It’s fast-paced and funny but ‘In the Eyes of the People’ is also through-provoking and leads us into a call to action. I’m mostly amazed at how Fiipino this production is originating from an Ibsen play.
‘In the Eyes of the People’ is down to its last weekend at the Mirror Studios.
Manila, get ready to feel the temperature rise! Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated vocal group 98 Degrees is officially coming back to the Philippines for a two-night concert on May 30 and 31, 2025, at the iconic SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Composed of Nick and Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre, 98 Degrees promises an unforgettable show packed with their signature harmonies, nostalgic hits, and fresh tracks from their upcoming album, Full Circle.
A Full Circle Moment with Fresh Tracks and Familiar Favorites
Known for their heartfelt ballads and smooth R&B flair, 98 Degrees is ready to reintroduce timeless hits like:
I Do (Cherish You)
The Hardest Thing
Because of You
Invisible Man
Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)
As a thrilling bonus, fans will also get a sneak peek of the highly-anticipated album “Full Circle,” featuring reimagined versions of their classics and brand-new tunes.
Star Power Amplified: Katrina Velarde and Janine Teñoso Join the Stage
Adding more magic to the night are Katrina Velarde and Janine Teñoso—two of the Philippines’ most celebrated vocalists.
Velarde, dubbed Asia’s Vocal Supreme, recently collaborated with the group for a show-stopping “Taglish Version” of I Do (Cherish You), where her powerhouse vocals took center stage. Meanwhile, Janine Teñoso, known as the OST Princess, will serenade the crowd with her chart-topping hits and soulful renditions.
Ticket Details: Choose Your Vibe and Experience
Announced by SM Tickets and VAA Live, the official ticket prices are as follows:
SVIP – Php 15,000.00
VIP – Php 12,000.00
Lower Box Premium – Php 10,000.00
Lower Box Regular – Php 7,500.00
Upper Box – Php 3,000.00
General Admission – Php 1,500.00
Secure your tickets now via SM Tickets or call VAA Live at 0930-092-1948 or (02) 8687-5853 loc. 841.
Don’t Miss the Nostalgia-Filled Night of Harmonies and Hits!
With a stellar lineup and new music on the horizon, this concert promises feel-good vibes, fan-favorite songs, and electrifying energy. Whether you’re reliving the golden age of pop or discovering 98 Degrees for the first time—this is one show that will hit all the right notes.
This Holy Week, Capitol Commons offers a quiet space for reflection and renewal through “A Journey of Redemption: Stations of the Cross,” an immersive Lenten experience from April 12 to 19, 2025. Set across three Ortigas Estates—Capitol Commons Park, The Grounds at Ortigas East, and CV Strip—the event invites the public to pause and reconnect during one of the most solemn seasons in the Filipino religious calendar, especially among members of the Roman Catholic church.
Each location will feature a complete set of the Stations of the Cross, beginning with an introductory station followed by all fourteen traditional stations. Capitol Commons Park will feature eleven select stations that incorporate simple reflective or devotional activities, offering a space for quiet moments for prayer, contemplation, and meaningful pause during Lent. The Grounds at Ortigas East and CV Strip will present all stations in their traditional form, offering a more meditative and familiar pathway for prayer.
A Thoughtful and Grounded Experience
At Capitol Commons Park, visitors will find opportunities to engage in acts of quiet reflection. At one station, guests may write down personal burdens and tie them to a frame, a simple act of letting go. In another, they may hold or carry a life-sized cross and reflect on the weight of Christ’s sacrifice on the way to Calvary. A darkened room invites a moment of silence, allowing visitors to pause and contemplate in stillness.
The experience concludes with a prayer wall where participants may leave their intentions and are gently encouraged to take someone else’s request to heart. The initiative was aimed at offering the Ortigas Estate residents and habitués a pensive alternative to the usual activities — this time a space for the soul and spirit for meaningful reflection during Holy Week.
Open to All, Wherever You Are on the Journey
Running from April 12 to 19, 2025, “A Journey of Redemption” is free and open to the public. All venues will welcome visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Whether you are observing Lent, taking a reflective break, or simply looking for a space to pause, this experience offers a meaningful way to spend time in stillness—alone or with loved ones.
This Holy Week, rediscover the Stations of the Cross in a way that invites calm, reflection, and quiet connection. Join us, experience the journey, reflect, and pray.
