IDLEPITCH, one of the most prominent bands in Naga City, aims for a crossover breakthrough with the release of their new single “Salamangkera,” a funky, city pop-infused rock track that reveals an exciting new direction for the band.
Photo by: Alliece Shazney
Inspired by MOR and ‘80s groove, “Salamangkera” turns the familiar experience of being romantically smitten into a playful, metaphor-rich tune about attraction and losing oneself in the process.
“This is actually inspired by the ’80s band America,” guitarist and composer Herbert Belbes shares. “They have this song called ‘You Can Do Magic’ that sparked the idea. There’s a saying, ‘good artists copy, great artists steal,’ and that applies to this song. Well, not directly, since it only has the same theme: a love interest, or a salamangkera, suddenly vanishing after she charmed you out of your mind.”
What started as a phone-recorded demo eventually evolved into a more polished arrangement. The band worked with producer and co-writer Ahmad Tanji, whose collaborative approach pushed the group to rethink both the arrangement and the lyrics.
Photo by: Alliece Shazney
Jeremy Pronto’s arrival as keyboardist also proved essential to the song’s shift in sound and form. Originally conceived with a guitar riff, the track’s distinctive horn-like opening was recalibrated for keyboards, giving it an ‘80s pop sheen.
According to the band, “Salamangkera” draws from a wide range of influences, including Pinoy funk, Manila Sound, yacht rock, and the band’s early exposure to acts such as Kala and P.O.T. The result is a song that balances funk-driven grooves, melodic sophistication, Filipino lyricism, and a touch of nostalgia.
IDLEPITCH’s “Salamangkera” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.
About IDLEPITCH
Formed in 2005 as a high school garage project, IDLEPITCH initially built its identity around ‘90s Pinoy rock and early 2000s nu metal before evolving through years of independent releases and live performances. The Naga-based band released its self-produced debut album, One Way Trip, in 2019, along with singles such as “Cutout,” “Iisang Dugo,” “Febbie,” “Parusa,” and “Hari.”
Through their collaboration with Wonder Collab Studios and distributor Underdog Music, IDLEPITCH is embracing a funk-inflected sound with Manila Sound sensibilities and modern pop-rock flair.
Now, through its collaboration with Wonder Collab Studios and distributor Underdog Music, IDLEPITCH is embracing a funk-driven sound infused with classic Manila Sound sensibilities and modern alternapop flair.
Midas Promotions proudly presents acclaimed New Zealand singer-songwriter Bic Runga, the voice behind the global hit “Sway”, as she performs in Manila for the very first time. This intimate, one-night-only concert will take place on October 1, 2026, at the SM City North Edsa Skydome.
Celebrated for her exceptional songwriting and enduring hit songs, Runga has built an acclaimed career spanning more than two decades, earning multi-platinum success and international recognition. Her timeless catalog includes beloved tracks such as “Sway”, “Drive”, “Listening for the Weather”, “Get Some Sleep”, and “Something Good”, songs that continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Since the release of her first single ‘Drive’ in 1996, Bic Runga (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine) has been awarded almost every musical honour in New Zealand, including the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll songwriting award.
Bic has won the most Tui Awards (New Zealand Music Awards) by any individual. She has won Best Female Vocalist four times and Best Producer three times. Bic’s debut album ‘Drive’ was certified seven times platinum and featured the enormous hit ‘Sway’. The follow up, ‘Beautiful Collision’ in 2002 was certified an incredible eleven times platinum and featured the hits ‘Get Some Sleep’, ‘Something Good’ and ‘Listening For The Weather’.
In January 2006, Runga was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Zealand New Year’s Honours List. In 2016 she was the recipient of the Legacy award at the New Zealand music awards and inducted into New Zealand Music hall of fame. Bic sits on the APRA board as a writer-director and on the executive committee of the Music Producers Guild New Zealand. 2023 featured a sold out tour across Aotearoa and Australia celebrating 20 years of ‘Beautiful Collision’, followed by tastemaker Rolling Stone Magazine honouring Bic with the Rolling Stone Icon award.
In February 2026, she returned with a new album ‘Red Sunset’, recorded in Paris in the winter of 2025. Bic’s gift has always been her ability to turn personal truths into shared experiences, inviting listeners into her gentle, thoughtful, and beautifully human world.
Sing-along to nostalgic favorites like “Sway”, “Drive”, and many more as Bic Runga brings her celebrated repertoire to the Philippine stage. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of New Zealand’s most beloved artists live in Manila. Meet & Greet and Soundcheck add-ons for a more intimate fan experience will also be available for purchase. Tickets are available via SM Tickets. Promoted by Midas Promotions.
Tickets at smtickets.com at P4,500 (VIP Seated) / P3,500 (Floor Seated) / P2.500 (Bleachers) / P3,000 (Add-on/top-up Meet & Greet + Soundcheck Perk). Exclusive of ticketing charges. Tickets on-sale starting 12:00 NN, August 15, 2026.
For more details and updates about the concert please check the official website and Facebook Page of Midas Promotions at https://www.facebook.com/midaspromotions
Fresh from making history with their critically acclaimed debut performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago, SB19 has released their latest single, “LAWLESS,” which they premiered live for the very first time on one of the world’s most prestigious music festival stages.
“LAWLESS” marks a new direction for the award-winning quintet, transitioning from a locally established act to a global supergroup brand. In “LAWLESS,” SB19 declares that they’re an outlaw on the run: gutsy, more determined to take chances, and not the type to seek approval.
No longer constrained by conventional industry expectations, SB19’s latest bop sets their sights on disrupting the norm, reflecting a state of creative and career liberation. As the lyrics best describe it, “I’mlawless,betterbe cautious.”
Buoyed by maximalist production and cinematic soundscapes, “LAWLESS” takes P-Pop to a more sonically riveting ground, fusing hip-hop swagger with contemporary pop, Western, and surf rock influences.
Accompanying the release is an equally audacious but strikingly entertaining music video that subverts classic outlaw tropes through tongue-in-cheek homage to Western films. The visuals show SB19’s signature blend of wit, charisma, and boundary-pushing creativity.
SB19’s “LAWLESS” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.
Production Credits:
Composers:
John Paulo Nase (RADKIDZ) Joshua Daniel Nase (RADKIDZ) Josh Cullen Santos Tomas Costanza Tim Gent Charles Anthony Rangel
Lyricists:
John Paulo Nase (RADKIDZ) Josh Cullen Santos Tim Gent Charles Anthony Rangel
Mixing Engineer: Emil Dela Rosa Mastering Engineer: Emil Dela Rosa
Producers:
John Paulo Nase (RADKIDZ) Joshua Daniel Nase (RADKIDZ) Tomas Costanza
About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here.
Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon Moira is set to bring her signature heartfelt melodies and soulful storytelling back to the grand stage. On October 4, 2026, Moira will reach a monumental career milestone as she hosts “Where It All Started,” marking her first-ever headline concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The upcoming concert promises to be an intimate yet grand musical journey, celebrating Moira’s remarkable career evolution, hit singles, and deep connection with her fans. Promising a reflective and raw narrative, “Where It All Started” invites audiences to trace the roots of her emotional discography—from her heartwarming ballads to her most defining anthems.
Ticket sales officially begin on August 4, 2026 via smtickets.com. The official seat map and ticket prices will be announced shortly on Ovation Productions’ social media accounts.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: MOIRA: Where It All Started – Live in Concert
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Venue: SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City, Metro Manila
Ticketing Outlet:smtickets.com and SM Tickets outlets
For updates regarding ticket releases, special guest announcements, and VIP package details, follow Moira’s official social media channels and official SM Mall of Asia Arena pages.
After becoming the voice behind some of the most unforgettable songs of heartbreak and healing in Filipino music, Moira Dela Torre is ready to turn the page. On July 3, the multi-awarded singer-songwriter makes her long-awaited return with I’m Okay (Deluxe), a bold new chapter that signals not just the expansion of a beloved album, but the beginning of a brighter era.
More than a comeback, the project marks the return of an artist who has spent years shaping the emotional soundtrack of an entire generation. This time, Moira invites listeners into a world where hope speaks louder than heartbreak, proving that healing can be just as powerful as pain.
Anchored by the highly anticipated focus track “San Ka Na” featuring Parokya Ni Edgar, I’m Okay (Deluxe)brings together an extraordinary lineup of collaborators, including Ben&Ben, Adie, and Johnoy Danao, creating one of the most exciting OPM releases of the year. Each collaboration bridges generations and musical styles, showcasing Moira’s remarkable ability to bring artists together through deeply human storytelling. The album reimagines familiar songs with fresh perspectives while introducing new emotional layers that make every track feel both timeless and refreshingly new. It is an ambitious celebration of collaboration, artistry, and the enduring power of Filipino music at its finest.
While millions have embraced Moira for giving words to heartbreak, I’m Okay (Deluxe) reveals the artist behind the songs in a way audiences have never seen before. The project captures a lighter, more present, and more joyful Moira, one who embraces life’s quiet victories, everyday moments, and the simple happiness found in moving forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, the album reflects the beauty of choosing hope, finding comfort in community, and rediscovering oneself after life’s most difficult seasons.
As part of the celebrations, Moira will hold an exclusive Album Launch & Listening Party on July 10, 2026 at Teatrino, Greenhills. Designed as an intimate evening with invited media, fans, and special guests, the event will feature live performances, personal stories behind the songs, and a closer look into the creative journey behind the deluxe album. The gathering serves as a heartfelt extension of the album’s message, creating a space where music, healing, and community come together to mark the beginning of Moira’s newest chapter.
With I’m Okay (Deluxe), Moira Dela Torre doesn’t simply revisit a successful era; she transforms it into something even more meaningful. The album stands as a testament to resilience, artistic evolution, and the courage to embrace new beginnings while staying true to the honesty that first made audiences fall in love with her music. As listeners press play, they are invited to celebrate not only Moira’s return but also their own journeys of healing, growth, and hope.
Sometimes the biggest comeback is not about returning to who you were, but finally becoming who you were always meant to be.
In a spectacular celebration of community, culture, and sound, thousands of music lovers packed the Ayala Triangle Gardens on Saturday, June 20, for the Fête de la Musique Philippines 2026 Main Stage. Integrated into the bustling Makati Street Meet and Makati City Fiesta, the free open-air concert officially anchored the 32nd edition of the festival, proving once again why it remains the country’s premier free celebration of Filipino music.
Co-presented by Alliance Française de Manille, Funkybeat Entertainment, and the Embassy of France to the Philippines, the festival is operating under this year’s core theme “For the People, By the People.” The milestone Main Stage offered an unforgettable musical journey that seamlessly bridged generations, genres, and borders.
The undisputed highlight of the evening was the historic, highly anticipated return of the legendary jazz-rock and spoken-word collective Radioactive Sago Project. Marking their first live gig after an extended hiatus, the iconic group commanded the stage with the raw, chaotic poetry and biting energy that first cemented their status in the local music scene.
The momentum was kept at a fever pitch throughout the night by a spectacular multi-genre bill of OPM icons and breakthrough powerhouses. Lola Amour sent the massive crowd into a frenzy, leading a park-wide singalong to their massive chart-topping hits, while Morobeats electrified the venue with an explosive hip-hop performance that put the raw power of the local rap scene on full display. The Jewelmer Jazz Band added world-class sophistication to the evening, captivating listeners with intricate jazz rhythms, as indie favorites fitterkarma and pop-rock outfit Nameless Kids delivered stellar, high-octane sets that highlighted the vibrant future of local music.
True to the festival’s spirit of international cultural exchange, the evening was elevated by global sounds. French krautrock trio Meule brought a wall of analog trance and psychedelia as part of their Asian tour, while French-Vietnamese harpist Héloïse La Harpe enchanted the crowd with her mesmerizing contemporary strings. Across the street, the weekend was rounded out by the Taste of France French Market along Paseo de Roxas, which drew massive crowds of foodies and cultural enthusiasts looking for authentic French gastronomy and artisanal goods.
The Music Continues: Pocket and Destination Stages Take Over This Weekend
While the Main Stage has wrapped up, FêtePH2026 is far from over. For those looking to keep the celebration going, the festival’s massive nationwide wave is cresting this coming weekend.
On Friday, June 26, the music officially spills directly into the streets, bars, and creative hubs of Makati for the fan-favorite Makati Pocket Stages. Dozens of hyper-localized, genre-specific stages will activate simultaneously—covering everything from punk, indie, and emo to house, jazz, and dream pop—allowing fans to hop from venue to venue all night long.
Simultaneously, the party expands across the entire archipelago from June 20 to 28. A massive network of 23 NCR Stages and 66 Destination Stages across 33 provinces—including lively hubs in Cebu, Iloilo, Palawan, Zambales, and Bohol—are activating to bring the free Fête experience directly to regional communities.
The month-long music marathon will reach its ultimate conclusion on Monday, June 29, with an intimate performance by acclaimed jazz duo Project Yazz at the Long Bar in Raffles Makati.
Admission to all remaining Fête de la Musique pocket stages and regional events remains completely free and open to all. For complete stage maps, local lineups, and schedules for this weekend’s events, follow Fête de la Musique Philippines on their official social media channels.
Vice Ganda celebrates fearless queens and encourages self-expression without limits in his upcoming single, “Talak,” which will drop on music streaming platforms on Friday (June 26).
The Unkabogable Superstar gave “It’s Showtime” viewers a peek at the empowering track last Monday (June 15), debuting its catchy lyrics and high-energy beat in time for the kickoff of the noontime show’s comeback pageant segment, “Miss Q&A: Reyna Talak-Era 2026.”
“Talak” is a celebration of individuality, courage, and confidence. Vice Ganda composed the feel-good anthem with Chris Lopez and Kiko Salazar.
Chris Lopez and Jonathan Manalo produced the song with supervising producer and StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos.
Celebrate owning one’s voice with Vice Ganda’s “Talak” single, out this Friday (June 26). For more details, follow StarPop onFacebook,X (Twitter),Instagram, andTikTok.
In response to the fast-selling two-city performance of TOAST the Best of Bread in Manila and Cebu, Ovation Productions has added a third city; Davao. The three-city Philippine Tour dates are now August 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, August 13 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao, and August 15 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
TOAST the Best of Bread has faithfully re-created all the hits of the 1970’s legendary band, Bread, as well as the solo works of its founders David Gates and James Griffin. Concertgoers and die-hard fans consistently praise the band for their strikingly accurate recreations of Bread’s warm, sentimental tracks and complex harmonies. The band tours internationally, often packing major venues and bringing a feel-good, emotional experience to audiences worldwide.
The expanded itinerary gives more Filipino fans a chance to experience the band’s live renditions of timeless classics and hits by Bread like “Make It With You”, “If”, “Baby I’m-A-Want-You”, “Everything I Own”, “Aubrey”, “Sweet Surrender”, “It Don’t Matter To Me”, “Clouds”, “Mother Freedom”, “Everything I Own”, “Guitar Man”, “Games Of Magic”, “Lost Without Your Love”, “Goodbye Girl”, among many other Filipino favorites.
Toast the Best of Bread is composed of Jeff Clark, Brett Hart, Rich Bischoff, Robbie Lopez, Davie Rocks, and Troy Jolley. Their three-city Philippine Tour also features Noel Cabangon as special guest. Tickets available through ovationtickets.com. Presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with Blast TV.
Visit Ovation Productions’ website and social media accounts for more updates on the seat map, ticket prices, and other official announcements.
On June 26, 2026, the Filinvest City Events Grounds will transform into the epicenter of Filipino youth culture as Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival returns in partnership with Nescafé.
This year, the festival leaps beyond the format of a traditional concert to become a true cultural movement, all anchored on the rallying cry of Nescafé’s campaign: “Gisingin ang Mundo.” Nescafé Fusion is not just about putting on a show, it is awakening the youth to take action, to stand for what they care about, and to be one in support of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Nescafé Awakens the Filipino Youth
We live in an age of uncertainty where economic pressures and digital fatigue often leave the youth feeling disconnected. Yet, a new generation of “Gleamers”, radical optimists who find power in small wins, is rising to combat the chaos.
For decades, Nescafé has been the daily companion that helped generations of Filipinos start their mornings and power through long nights. Now, it is using its legacy to fuel the youth with the language that resonates best with them: music. By merging Nescafé’s global scale with Fusion’s deep roots in Filipino music culture, we are rousing a movement that champions local artistry and human connection over the isolation of the digital world.
Democratizing the Stage and Empowering Voices
At the heart of Nescafé Fusion is a festival experience that belongs to the community. Students are no longer just spectators to history-in-the-making; they are co-creators of the movement. By working in deep synergy with student organizations, we are bringing together the brightest youth to build a festival that reflects the true spirit of today’s generation.
This commitment to the future is best exemplified by the return of Nescafé Fusion FreeJam, an intercollegiate battle of the bands. Supported by the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP), FreeJam is a pillar in nurturing the next generation of Filipino musicians. Finalists receive financial support for their music journey and mentorship from the industry’s best directors and partners. They don’t just warm up the stage, they perform back-to-back with our headliners during the prime segments of the festival.
The movement is also bolstered by an unprecedented unity of media organizations. Cignal, a major media partner, brings the movement from the music community to the sports community through properties such as the UAAP to connect with youth culture even further. Myx, one of the country’s iconic music platforms, remains a long-time partner of Fusion, sharing our vision of promoting our very own music.
Walking the Talk: Sustainability and Community
Nescafé Fusion believes that global ambitions must be matched by local, tangible action. We are moving beyond the “table stakes” of sustainability to create a truly resourceful event that today’s consumers trust and champion. We are partnering with Briyo Energy to power parts of our festival using solar power, directly addressing the environmental impact and carbon footprint delivered by large-scale entertainment events.
We are also working with The Plastic Flamingo to ensure that concert plastic waste, which is significant in events of this scale, is upcycled into useful products, such as school chairs, that circle back to serve the student communities that define our roots.
A Unifying Celebration for the Future
Nescafé Fusion transforms the Filinvest Concerts Grounds into a vibrant, multi-sensory playground where the electric energy of the movement is felt in every corner. Elevating this experience is the Nescafé Mansion, a festival centerpiece that elevates on-ground experiences beyond the stage.
The festival’s lineup is a direct reflection of the youth’s own voices. Featuring a powerful roster of OPM icons like IV of Spades, Maki, Angela Ken, BGYO, Earl Agustin, and Arthur Miguel, the artist selection is meticulously guided by the performers that the youth listen to and relate to on their own journeys. Adding to the excitement, the Fusion FreeJam finalists are not only an opening act, they have a spot in the limelight, performing back-to-back with Fusion main artists during prime segments of the festival.
Beyond the music, Nescafé Fusion walks the talk in community support through the Nescafé Fusion Youth Village. This space will hold student entrepreneurs and youth artisans to sell their products without any concessionaire fees or commissions, providing a tangible platform for the next generation of young creators to thrive in a real-world setting.
The festival culminates in a powerful, unified moment when the audience gathers for the anthem, “Gisingin ang Mundo.” To be performed alongside university hitmaker Earl Agustin, this performance serves as the ultimate call to action, uniting the crowd in a collective chorus that champions Filipino music that we’re proud of.
Shared Rituals for a New Generation
The Nescafé Fusion experience is also a reflection of how the brand is evolving alongside the very audience it celebrates. As the culture of coffee shifts from a purely functional morning ritual toward personal “micro-moments,” the kind that defines one’s identity and social rhythm, Nescafé is meeting today’s generation exactly where they are.
Whether it’s through refreshing, on-the-go coffee experiences that fit a fast-paced festival lifestyle or accessible options for daily life, the brand is prioritizing versatility. By integrating into the social rituals of the youth, Nescafé aims to be more than just a drink; it serves as a companion to the moments, big or small, where young Filipinos continue to connect, dream, and shape their future.
Join us on June 26, 2026, as we transform the Filinvest City Events Grounds into a beacon of the Filipino youth’s creativity, hospitality, and hope. Together, we are building the next global cultural phenomenon in awakening the world to the heartbeat of Filipino culture.
Lock in your ticket on Ticketmelon and be part of the #GisinginAngMundo movement. Follow Fusion’s page for updates.
BTS is giving fans another reason to celebrate this month. The global superstars have teamed up with Spotify for the exclusive debut of the “Merry Go Round” Spotify Music Video, arriving on June 19 at 6 PM KST.
The highly anticipated release will transform the beloved track into a visual experience, offering audiences a fresh perspective on one of the standout songs from BTS’ chart-topping album, ARIRANG.
Bringing the World of “Merry Go Round” to Life
Featured on BTS’ record-breaking fifth studio album, “Merry Go Round” explores themes of continuity, growth, and the cycles that shape everyday life. Through the upcoming Spotify Music Video, fans will be invited to step further into the song’s imaginative universe.
While details about the visual concept remain under wraps, the project promises to expand the storytelling behind the track and deliver a captivating companion piece to the music.
Adding to the excitement, Spotify has already begun promoting the release across its social media platforms. More teasers and exclusive previews are expected to arrive in the days leading up to the premiere.
Anticipation Builds Among Fans Worldwide
Since the release of ARIRANG, BTS has continued to dominate global conversations with its music, performances, and record-breaking achievements. The announcement of the “Merry Go Round” Spotify Music Video has sparked excitement among ARMY, who are eagerly counting down to the exclusive launch.
As June 19 approaches, fans can look forward to a new visual chapter that celebrates the artistry and storytelling that have become hallmarks of BTS’ success.
About BTS
BTS, short for Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” is a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean group that debuted in June 2013. Comprised of RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, the group has earned worldwide acclaim for its authentic music, dynamic performances, and meaningful connection with fans.
Over the years, BTS has achieved numerous milestones, including six No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles since 2020 and multiple sold-out stadium tours across the globe. Beyond music, the group has made a positive impact through initiatives such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and its United Nations “Speak Yourself” speech.
Named TIME’s Entertainer of the Year in 2020, BTS has also received recognition from major award-giving bodies, including the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and the GRAMMY Awards.
Released in March 2026, the group’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while its lead single, “SWIM,” also opened at No. 1. BTS later launched the BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’, continuing its remarkable global momentum and attracting massive audiences around the world.
