Fresh off the heels of their final North American shows and three-night hometown run, Jonas Brothers have announced that THE TOUR will also journey to the Philippines on February 22, 2024, to perform at the Mall of Asia Arena.
‘The Tour’ is their most ambitious outing to date with 98 shows across 26 countries. Every night is a celebration of five albums and features their best hits throughout the years including a variety of career-spanning deep cuts and fan-favorite hits.
Their monumentally successful North American run, which hit legendary venues including Toronto’s Rogers Centre, Chicago’s Wrigley Field and Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, concluded this month at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. In 2024, the tour will continue its trek around the globe starting in The Philippines, Indonesia, and New Zealand in February. They will also perform for the first time ever in Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Hamburg, Lyon, Munich and Norway.
The Jonas Brothers reaffirmed their status as global icons and left a lasting imprint on the hearts of their Filipino fans. Their upcoming concert in the Philippines is promoted by Ovation Productions with Blast TV as the official media partner. General on sale will be on 6 January 2024, at 12 noon through smtickets.com.
The singer and actor, known for his versatile talent and charismatic presence, has been eagerly awaited by fans who have been anticipating his return to the music scene. This new single is called “Biglaan” and it showcases Donny’s growth as an artist and his ability to convey heartfelt emotions through his music.
It’s a whimsical song that tells the story of a guy unexpectedly falling in love with a girl. It’s a light and catchy tune that captures the magic of spontaneous romance. Donny has been very hands-on in writing and arranging the song. “Biglaan” was produced by Shadiel Chan and follows his song “Wings” released in October 2021. Right now, it has over 4 million streams on Spotify.
During the midnight release of “Biglaan”, Donny’s fans made the hashtag #BiglaanOUTNOW trend on X (formerly Twitter)
Fans can expect an accompanying music video that brings the story of “Biglaan” to life, adding a visual dimension to the already captivating narrative.
The song went straight to the 2nd spot on iTunes PH Charts and is part of the recent New Music Friday Playlist on Spotify.
Released under Universal Records Philippines, Donny Pangilinan invites everyone to join him on this musical adventure and experience the joy of unexpected love through the rhythm and lyrics of “Biglaan.”
After a series of music releases that garnered multiple nominations, Nicole Laurel Asensio is set to release on December 1 a brand new original Christmas duet entitled “Sana Masaya Ka” with iconic OPM artist Jeffrey Hidalgo, produced by Gabe Dandan and released under Warner Music.
“Sana Masaya Ka” is a bittersweet duet that unfolds the story between former lovers spending their first holiday season apart. Nicole’s silken vocals evoke nostalgia and Jeffrey Hidalgo’s smoky timbre resonates deeply into the very fibres of the bed of instruments arranged by Gabe Dandan. The classic and organic elements brought by strings and woodwind sections blanket the song with a much needed warmth and familiarity as the characters sing of healed hearts and happier holidays to come.
“It was well past midnight when I was in the throes of compiling lyrics and melodies for a different Christmas release.
Gabe arrived at the studio coming from another Christmas project. Because the holiday spirit was still ringing in our ears, I wanted to try writing another Christmas song even if it was creeping close to sunrise. Gabe begun jamming chords with a classic OPM feel and slow jazz accents, I loved them instantly. The challenge now for me was to express my sentiments in Tagalog. Save for some lyrical adjustments, the songwriting was done in one session,” Nicole shares.
“Our process is very spontaneous, it creates a creative environment that allows us to surprise ourselves. After finishing the song, Nicole expressed that she wanted to try making it a Christmas duet because it was something we haven’t done. I immediately thought of Jeffrey Hidalgo as a perfect match for Nicole and the song because of his warm smoky vocal tone,” Gabe Dandan echoed.
“I was delighted hearing Gabe’s suggestion, I have a lot of respect for Jeffrey as a singer, actor and director, his voice really is something special. It took me about a week to muster up the courage to ask him if he was willing to do this and then send him a demo. It didn’t take Jeffrey long to respond and when he said yes, i was so grateful… it was a clear sign that I had to save my other Christmas project for another year and finish off 2023 with this one,” Nicole added.
“The last time I had a Christmas single was 25 years ago so I am really looking forward to the release of this track. Nicole and Gabe asking me to do this collab is really an unexpected blessing, ” Jeffrey Hidalgo exclaimed.
The Recording Process
“Working with Jeffrey for the first time and Nicole numerous times was very chill and spontaneous, we were just recording over food and drinks at Nicole’s home studio, despite the relaxed setting it was a very productive evening, ” Gabe Dandan added.
“This was one of the best collaboration experiences I’ve had in the studio if not, the best! My favourite aspect of being a musician is the recording process and recording this single was the most fun I’ve had in the studio. I enjoyed working with Nicole and Gabe immensely. I loved how they took me out of my comfort zone with out-of-the-box harmonies that were peculiar but so delectable to the ears. I loved their vision for the song form the get-go, so I was all in,” Jeffrey replied.
“Jeffrey has a beautiful signature vocal tone that can smooth over the rough edges of even the most painful lyrics and make it an easy listen. His depth as an actor/director makes his delivery and storytelling hit home. I learned a lot while tracking him. It makes me smile when I think about how this project is entirely homegrown and home recorded. Lawrence Nolan recorded himself playing drums from his home, Gabe played Bass, Guitar, Hammond and Rhodes as well as sang backup vocals from home. The strings and woodwinds played by Ted Amper and Carlo Mikhail were recorded by us in my home and our friends Jess Fermino, Mark Enriquez and myself took turns tracking vocals. Learning the quirks of the process and making mistakes was definitely part of what made this song even more memorable,” Nicole beamed.
“Recording the musicians was smooth because all the musicians we worked with are not just talented but patient, I did the string and woodwind arrangement on the spot and hummed it to Ted (Cello) and Carl (Woodwinds and violin) on the fly Carl and Ted were so easy to work with. I am thankful for our friends in music,” Gabe shared.
The song was then sent to Angee Rozul for mixing then to Waxie Joaquin and Enrique Santamaria of Waxiefied Sound Production for further Mixing and Mastering in Dolby Atmos.
“Though I’m more known as a pop balladeer, my personal musical preference really leans more towards the indie-alternative genre. I’ve been a fan of Nicole ever since General Luna, and a bigger fan now that she’s a solo artist. I love how distinct her voice is and how she seems to be comfortable in whatever genre she dips her feet into. Our collaboration might seem unexpected to some but after hearing our voices together, I love how it all just makes perfect sense. I love how Gabe and Nicole both know exactly what they want yet, they let me explore as well within my vocal range and style” Jeffrey replied.
“Hindi man tinadhana, sana masaya ka”
“It really is a bittersweet season for some, I wrote the lyrics and melody because not everyone’s Christmas is “Merry” Though it is easier said than done, focusing on the blessings gets us by. Relationships fail. People make mistakes and grow apart. However, the markings of truly loving someone is wishing them love and happiness even if you are no longer involved with them…you still want to know they are alright, and that they’ll still have a Merry Christmas even if you’re not in the picture anymore. I suppose one would dedicate this song to their TOTGA (the one that got away),” Nicole muses.
“I think I have 2 TOTGAs that I would have dedicated this song to, many many years back. I am just so glad I’m not in the position of the characters in the song nowadays. I’m in a much better place. LOL! But seriously, I am sure many people will be able to relate to this song if not at the moment, then at some point because because this has happened to a lot of us. You sincerely want to wish a past lover happiness, yet deep inside, you still really want to be with that person too. Ouch. Hahaha!,” Jeffrey jokingly said.
“Pagsapit ng bagong taon… saan ka man naroroon.”
“I am looking forward to next year because we will be working on compilations and EPs instead of singles, more ideas to execute, much more music to be made. I’m very excited for the different musical styles Nicole and I will be exploring,” Gabe said.
“Working with Gabe as a producer, sparked the producer in me as well and I am suddenly hungry to create more music next year,” Jeffrey gives a wink.
“I am grateful to still be making music and happy whenever inspiration strikes. More songs are already in the works for next year. I don’t know how many years on earth I’ll have to do this, and that makes me so much more grateful for the instances God allows creativity to flow, ” Nicole concludes.
Hiling ko lang ngayong pasko, Sana masaya kayo!
SONG CREDITS
Lyrics: Nicole Asensio Music: Nicole Asensio, Gabe Dandan, Musical Director: Gabe Dandan Drums: Lawrence Nolan Bass: Gabe Dandan Guitar: Gabe Dandan Piano: Brad Coronel Rhodes and Hammond: Gabe Dandan Violin: Carlo Mikhail Cello: Ted Amper Mikhail Vocals: Nicole Asensio, Jeffrey Hidalgo Backup Vocal Arr. Gabe Dandan and Nicole Asensio Backup Vocals: Gabe Dandan, Nicole Asensio Recording Engineers: Gabe Dandan, Nicole Asensio, Jess Fermino, Mark Enriquez Mixing Engineers: Angee Rozul, Waxie Joaquin, Ek Santamaria Mastering Engineers: Waxie Joaquin, Ek Santamaria
Today, global superstar Dua Lipa has returned with “Houdini” – the highly anticipated track introducing the beginning of a new chapter following her 2020 smash Future Nostalgia. The track is out today alongside its official music video, which you can watch here.
Photo Credit: Tyrone Lebon
“Houdini” kickstarts the narrative thread that weaves its way through Dua’s upcoming project. Dua notes that “Houdini,” “embodies that 4 a.m. feeling when the night is coming to a close and you’re a bit sweaty, but you just don’t want the party to end.” The official music video, directed by Manu Cossu with cinematographer André Chemetoff, sees Dua post-rehearsal in a dance hall, revising her choreography under fluorescent lights. The lights reflect in the room’s mirrors, creating an optical illusion as the energy begins to swell.
“This track represents the most light and freeing parts of my singledom,” says Dua. “’Houdini’ is very tongue in cheek, exploring the idea of whether someone is really worth my while or if I’ll ghost them in the end. You never know where something may take you, that’s the beauty of being open to whatever life throws your way. I’m looking forward to sharing that feeling of defiant bliss with my fans.”
“Houdini” was written by Lipa, along with Caroline Ailin, Danny L. Harle, Tobias Jesso Jr., and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, a group who served as core collaborators throughout the project, and was produced by Parker and Harle. “A lot of this album was written in those joyous moments of absolute chaos and how I moved through the world with lightness and optimism of whatever the outcome may be,” says Dua.
About Dua Lipa
3x GRAMMY and 6x Brit Award-winning international pop powerhouse Dua Lipa closed out 2022 as one of the top performers of the year, with both Variety and Billboard naming her Future Nostalgia World Tour among the best live shows of the year. The tour’s namesake album solidified Dua’s position as both a critical success and top radio performer. Future Nostalgia is certified platinum in the US and UK, was the longest running top 10 album by a female artist on the Billboard 200 in 2021, and has spawned multiple worldwide hit singles, with “Levitating” earning certified diamond status and the title of Billboard’s No. 1 Hot 100 Song of 2021. In addition to breaking solo records, Dua proved to be a formidable collaborator, with Elton John’s “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” landing them the honor of Variety’s 2022 Hitmakers of the Year.Dua has found superstar status on stage and off, thanks to her many passions outside the world of music. 2022 saw Dua launch Service95, a global style, culture, and society editorial platform inspired by her lifelong habit of curating extensive recommendations lists. The accompanying podcast, DuaLipa: At Your Service, features thoughtful conversations with high-profile guests from fellow performers and artists to authors and activists, and has been lauded in publications including The Sunday Times, Vogue, The Guardian and was named one of the Best Podcasts of 2022 by Spotify. Dua’s passion for reading and affinity for storytelling led her to launch the third and latest branch of the platform, the Service95 Book Club.
As a fashion icon, Dua has graced the cover of every major fashion magazine worldwide from Vogue and Elle to W and Dazed. Most recently, Dua co-designed Versace’s “La Vacanza” collection, alongside the iconic Donatella Versace herself. The womenswear collection debuted at a fashion show in Cannes in May 2023 which Vogue called, “the hottest collaboration of the summer” while Vogue Runway’s review of the show hailed it “an instantly desirable, flattering summer wardrobe.”
Dua’s eponymous 2017 debut album is certified platinum, spawned six platinum tracks, and made her the first female artist in Brit Awards history to pick up five nominations in a single year. Dua has a total of 8 Grammy nominations, with three wins for Best Pop Vocal Album, Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording. Across platforms globally, she has amassed over 38 billion streams and holds the record for having the top two most streamed albums by a female artist of all time on Spotify.
Singer, songwriter, and actress Kiana Ledé is set to captivate audiences in Manila with Grudges. The World Tour. The fifth installment of the Insignia Concert Series promises an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment. The highly anticipated Philippines debut will take place at Samsung Hall in SM Aura on Wednesday December 6, 2023, showcasing Kiana Ledé’s unparalleled talent and captivating stage presence.
As a rising star in the global music scene, Kiana Ledé has carved a distinctive niche for herself with her soulful voice, relatable lyrics, and unique sound. Her debut concert in Manila will be a showcase of her remarkable repertoire, featuring chart-topping hits and fan-favorite songs including “EX,” “Wicked Games,” and “Jealous” that have solidified her position as a musical force to be reckoned with.
The Insignia Concert Series, recognized for its dedication to curating a concert series line-up of outstanding talent gives fans a distinct chance to discover emerging artists while going on an intimate musical journey. This concert series aims to contribute consistent concerts and entertainment options to the lively landscape of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, enhancing the cultural fabric of the local community.
Ticket prices to Kiana Ledé’s Grudges: The World Tour concert start at PHP 3,800 for early bird and PHP 4,800 for regular tickets. Tickets will go on sale on Friday October 13 at 10AM via www.InsigniaPresents.com or at any SM Tickets outlets nationwide.
For more information about the Insignia Concert Series and updates on the event, please visit www.InsigniaPresents.com or follow us on social media @InsigniaPresents
Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, presents the concert “Born in Manila (A Tribute to Aute)”, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the birth of the Manila-born singer-composer and painter Luis Eduardo Aute. This event will be held on Tuesday, November 7, at 7:00 PM in the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Plaza in Makati.
The screening of “Con tu latido”, a video documentary produced in 2021 by Instituto Cervantes de Manila will open the event. Filmed in distinct locations in Intramuros, this video features Filipino singers, such as Bituin Escalante and Mark Anthony Carpio, performing some of the songs of Luis Eduardo Aute. This will be followed by live performances of some of the singers including Sheila Ferrer and Toma Cayabyab, who also participated in the recording of “Con tu latido”. Toma, son of National artist Ryan Cayabyab, has arranged the new renderings and versions of Autes’s songs, both those recorded in the documentary and those that will be part of the repertoire to be performed live at the RCBC.
The concert will also include the special participation of Spanish singer Rosa León, who will be arriving from Spain for this occasion. The early years of her career as a singer, in the 70’s, was closely linked to Aute, as she had popularized some of his greatest songs, such as “Las cuatro y diez” and “Al alba”.
Luis Eduardo Aute was born in Manila on September 1943 during the Japanese occupation. His father worked at the Tabacalera. His grandmother, born in Valencia, was brought to the Philippines during the Spanish era at the age of three. They had a house along Roxas Boulevard (which back then was Dewey Boulevard) that also served as the headquarters of the Japanese troops and later on the Americans. He studied at De La Salle, but the family moved to Spain in 1954 where, years later, Aute would become one of the icons of Spanish music in the second half of the 20th century.
Free entrance on a first come, first served basis.
For further information, please contact : Philip Paraan at 0945-1339920, cenmni@cervantes.es, reyphilip.paraan@gmail.com.
A comedy fest and an iconic band this month? That’s how Hard Rock Café is rockin’ the end of October!
Get ready for a night of fun and laughter on October 24 at Hard Rock Café Glorietta. This Comedy Fest will feature performances by Tuesday Vargas, Nina Holmes, Bendeatha of Salbakuta, Axcel of Barakojuan and Brod Pete.
Taking center stage on October 26 is iconic Pinoy band, True Faith. Gear up for a night of great entertainment featuring some of their hit songs like Dahil Ikaw, Huwag Na Lang Kaya, Alaala, etc.
Both shows will be right on stage at Hard Rock Cafe Makati. Show starts at 8PM! Entrance for Comedy Fest is P500 per head and P500 consumable. Entrance for True Faith is P1000 per head (P500 is consumable on food and beverages). To book a table, contact (02) 79003353 or 79003310. Rock harder, Hard Rock fans!
Heads up, Sheerios! The ginger maestro, with his loop pedal and guitar, is hopping continents once again. Ed Sheeran’s unprecedented ‘+ – = ÷ x’ Tour, having left indelible marks from the Americas to Australia, is charting its course toward Asia and Europe in 2024. The details are just a click away at www.edsheeran.com.
Rewind to 2018, Manila is still reeling from the acoustic waves of Ed’s soulful melodies at the MOA Concert Grounds. Fast forward to March 9, 2024, the Philippines braces for an encore, this time at the SMDC Festival Grounds, Parañaque City. Orchestrated by AEG Presents and Ovation Productions, this auditory feast promises more than just music. Adding spice to the night’s repertoire is the heartfelt crooner, Calum Scott. Ready for the rush? Keep your eyes peeled; tickets drop at 12 noon on October 26, 2023, via Ovation Tickets and SM Tickets.
After serenading Asia in 2019 and a recent European spree, what’s different this time? Well, fresh from his USA tour, Ed’s not just breaking strings, but records too. Think groundbreaking attendance at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. The latter, mind you, marked the largest single-day concert crowd in the USA. Ever. Talk about leaving a mark!
2023 saw Ed Sheeran juggling not one, but two chart-topping albums. ‘-ʼ (Subtract) and Autumn Variations weren’t just a hit; they were a global phenomenon. Collaborating with The National’s Aaron Dessner, Ed churned out tunes that won hearts and topped charts from May to September.
Only the official ticket agents listed on www.edsheeran.com and tour advertisements can guarantee you a seat at this musical fiesta. Word to the wise: keep it official, and avoid the heartbreak of sham tickets.
Can’t keep calm? Join the buzz with #OvationProductions on your social channels. And don’t forget to tag the maestros:
This is more than a concert; it’s history in the making. And it’s all happening at the ‘+ – = ÷ x’ Tour, where every strum, beat, and lyric will resonate across continents. See you there, Sheerios!
Singer-songwriter Lukas Graham is set to perform live in Manila on October 22, 2023 at the New Frontier Theater.
On October 22, Lukas Graham will be joined by fellow Universal Music artist, Juan Karlos, whose song, “Ere”, recently made history as the first Filipino song to appear on the Spotify Global Chart.
Lukas became one of the first 25 acts to enter Spotify’s Billions Club. To this day, the official music video for ‘7 Years’ has more than 1,4 billion views on Youtube while the Billion Club-hit is closing in on 2 billion streams on Spotify.
When Lukas Graham writes a song or goes on stage, it’s ultimately about giving hope, joy and comfort – about creating celebration, community and dreams and new shared memories on the long road of life. Watch him perform live and experience it for yourself.
Lukas Graham’s concert in Manila will really be a night to remember. Promoted by Midas Productions and KDR Music House. Tickets at ticketnet.com at 4925 (VIP) / 4175 (Orchestra) / 4070 (Loge) / 3655 (Balcony 1) / 3105 (Balcony 2). Tickets are currently on sale.
Hang onto your headphones, audio aficionados! The Philippines is rolling out the red carpet for a revolutionary event that’s about to send ripples through the world of podcasts. Welcome to Hear For It, the nation’s maiden podcast festival, tailored to weave a web of connections among prodigious creators, zealous producers, and of course, the devoted fans!
Where and When?
Mark your calendars! The festival is set to unravel its magic at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center on the 20th of October, from the crack of 10:30 AM till the dusk of 8:00 PM. And guess what? You can dive right into this audiophile ocean without any admission charges! Free for all, indeed!
Podcast Panorama: The Star-Studded Line-up
The luminaries of the podcast realm are gracing the event. From Bianca Gonzales of Paano Ba ‘To, known for sharing advice on life, career, love, and self; directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac of Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast, engaging in hilarious and insightful conversations about love and pop culture; real-life couple Jim Baccaro and Saab Magalona of Wake Up with Jim & Saab, discussing everything from reality shows to voter registration; host and comedian Victor Anastacio of Intellectwalwal, providing cerebral yet humorous takes on everyday life; creative Ali Sangalang of The Linya-Linya Show, focusing on Filipino life, arts, and culture through pun-filled variety segments; GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan and the crew at The Kool Pals offering listeners a wacky time; DJ Joelle of Paano Kung…, exploring the infinite possibilities and answers to life’s many “Paano Kungs”; Roanne and Tina of Queertuhan creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community; Podquest, an initiative by The Pod Network aimed at discovering and fostering new podcasting talent; Kristel Fulgar and Moy Esguerra of Anyare Saeyo? discussing their love for K-culture and life in general, and many more to be announced soon!
Podcasts: More Than Just Voices
In the words of Mel Lozano-Alcaraz, the Head of ANIMA Podcasts, “Hear For It reflects the growing popularity of podcasts in the Philippines. We’re thrilled to bring together podcast creators, fans, and budding talents for an unmatched experience that truly highlights the captivating power of audio storytelling. At ANIMA, our goal is to build and strengthen the community of podcasters in the Philippines, and we look forward to contributing to the growth of this vibrant community.”
Mel Lozano-Alcaraz, Head of ANIMA Podcasts
All Ears, Here’s What’s Brewing
Festival-goers can look forward to a variety of exciting activities:
Immerse yourself in curated listening pods featuring various podcast titles, providing a unique and intimate listening experience.
Gain first-hand insights from the most influential voices in podcasting by engaging in thought-provoking discussions.
Connect with fellow enthusiasts, creators, and industry experts to build relationships within the community.
Hone your podcasting skills with hands-on workshops covering everything from content creation and production to marketing and monetization.
Capture memories with your favorite podcasters and share the excitement on social media.
Additionally, select fans will be treated to an exclusive box with limited-edition merchandise and exciting goodies from event partners!
“I’m super excited to be a part of ‘Hear For It,’ and it’s great that we have the support of companies like ANIMA, so we get to share our passion for storytelling through podcasts. This event is a must-attend, whether you’re a long-time pod listener or new to the world of podcasting,” says Bianca Gonzalez, host of Paano Ba ‘To.
Take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to connect with the podcast community and discover the magic of audio storytelling! Pre-register for Hear For It via this link and get the latest updates by following @animapods on Instagram.
Hear For It is powered by ANIMA Podcasts and co-presented by Globe and Kroma Entertainment, in partnership with Spotify and The Pod Network, and sponsored by YOU Beauty, with Ayala Malls as the official venue partner. Special thanks to KonsultaMD.
