As the whole country transitions into more relaxed health and safety protocols, the Cultural Center of the Philippines is proud to announce the return to live performances. And for its initial performance, CCP goes all out with a grand musical feast to be led by the world-renowned Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera on March 11, 2022, Friday at 6pm at the CCP Grounds. It will be held simultaneously live via the Cultural Center of the Philippines, CCP Office of the President and PPO Facebook page.
The PPO will be performing timeless orchestral classics, Broadway favorites, and Filipino works. This also marks the first live performance of the PPO for 2022. The concert is free and open to the public.
“We are very pleased to once again open the doors of the Cultural Center of the Philippines to our beloved audiences,” says CCP President Arsenio ‘Nick’ Lizaso, “but as we transition into doing live performances, the health and safety of everyone is still our priority so protocols will be strictly observed,” he added.
For updates and more information on PPO Concert at the CCP Grounds, follow the CCP Office of the President, CCP and PPO Facebook Pages. Like our announcement on Facebook.
This International Women’s Day, Spotify is celebrating its community of Filipina artists, creators, and listeners with fresh content on EQUAL Philippines and Pinay Voices. The world’s largest audio streaming platform reinforces its commitment to fostering gender equity by spotlighting its year-long initiative EQUAL, a space dedicated to female voices in music and podcasts.
Empowered Filipina Voices on the Rise
In a global study commissioned by Spotify on the representation of women in the music industry, only 1 in 5 artists on the charts are women*. In the Philippines, Spotify saw a 35% female share in streams in 2021, reflecting the opportunity for equal representation in the music scene.
“Giving Filipino artists and creators a platform for their voices and passion has always been Spotify’s driving force, and the artists and creators we listen to should reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Spotify is committed to being a driver of progress, both on and off the platform.” said Kossy Ng, Spotify Asia’s Head of Music.
A space facilitating diverse perspectives and conversations, podcasts are on the rise amongst Pinay creators and listeners alike.
Spotify’s EQUAL Program Uplifts Women Artists and Creators
Since the launch of its EQUAL program, Spotify has seen consistent growth in listenership of local female artists on EQUAL Philippines, accounting for an average year-on-year growth of close to 50% in the Philippines. In 2021, the second year since the program was launched, there was a 46% share in the top 200 Songs chart for female artists, spotlighting Filipina artists like Belle Mariano, Julie Ann San Jose and more.
“With platforms like Spotify making an intentional commitment to champion gender equity, it generates more opportunities for our work to be seen and heard on the local and global stage. In this age of audio streaming, it has empowered Filipina artists like myself to pursue our passions, and even inspire aspiring artists or listeners through my craft,” says Keiko Necesario, Spotify March’s EQUAL Ambassador for Month.
Podcasts are an avenue for them to reach like-minded audiences, as well as tap new ones, in exploring topics relevant to the modern Filipina of today.
A space facilitating diverse perspectives and conversations, podcasts are on the rise amongst Pinay creators and listeners alike. In the past year, Spotify saw an almost 70% increase in Filipina podcast listeners, with Society & Culture, Wellness (Health & Fitness), and Education being the top podcast genres.
“It’s enlightening to see that people are more willing to open up about mental health and wellness” says Hannah Pangilinan, Creator of Spotify Original, Pausecast with Hannah. “I’m so honored for the opportunity to work alongside Spotify to develop a “kinder-approach to well-being—one that is non-judgmental and packed with takeaways perfect to easily incorporate into our daily conversations, routines and lives!” Her show is amongst the slate of refreshing content on Spotify’s latest wellness playlist, Hinga Muna.
For Pangilinan and many other creators, podcasts are an avenue for them to reach like-minded audiences, as well as tap new ones, in exploring topics relevant to the modern Filipina of today.
“Women artists and creators are integral to the growth of the audio industry – globally and in the Philippines.And our community of women and allies are raring to go; passionate and empowered to welcome a new, gender-equal era of audio,” Ng concludes.
It’s no secret that K-Pop is dominating the global music landscape as the genre and its artists continue to win hearts, change minds, and connect people across the world. In line with this momentum, Spotify is elevating the K-Pop listening experience with a complete relaunch of its influential flagship playlist (and its accompanying Twitter handle), K-Pop Daebak, now known as K-Pop ON! (온).
With over 230% growth in listening and with almost 8 Billion monthly streams globally, the genre has definitely taken over Spotify – as noted by the over 4.7M searches for “K-Pop” on the platform across the last 90 days. More detailed data surrounding the K-Pop ON! (온) playlist can be found below.
A destination for K-Pop fandom
K-Pop ON! (온) embodies the idea that ‘K-Pop is always on 100 for the whole world’. The new name is a double-entendre — combining the Korean word ‘온’ meaning, ‘100’, or ‘whole,’ with the English word ‘on’ to display the action of ‘turning on,’ a word that’s accessible to many languages around the world. K-Pop has exploded into an infectious global phenomenon and is taking over the ’whole (온)’ world. Every day in the K-Pop dreamland, there are new songs, styles, and trends and the K-Pop fandom is always-on. With K-Pop ON! (온), you’re not just turning on a playlist, you’re turning on the movement.
“K-Pop stands out in the vast world of music as a genre that is not just about the music but a movement encompassing an entire world of fandom, fashion, community, and more. As the world’s leading music streaming platform, Spotify not only curates the listening and discovery experience of K-Pop, but also takes on the role of a platform that drives the movement forward,” said Kossy Ng, Head of Music, Asia at Spotify. “As music lovers, we get how exciting the world of K-pop is and what it means to fans who follow it wholeheartedly. With K-Pop ON! (온), we aim to further elevate the experience for K-Pop fans, and become a catalyst for promoting both emerging and established K-Pop across the globe, connecting fans in authentic and creative ways.”
To celebrate the launch, K-Pop fans can also look forward to a wide swath of some of their favorite K-Pop artists including NMIXX, BTS, aespa, BLACKPINK, Red Velvet, NCT Dream, SEVENTEEN, ATEEZ and more on billboards around the world including LA, NYC, South Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan and Toronto, with more exciting content to come across the platform and Spotify’s owned channels.
More information can be found via Spotify’s For The Record blog post HERE.
K-Pop ON!(온) (formerly known as K-Pop Daebak) Playlist Data
● Most-streamed songs since launch in 2014
○ DDU-DU DDU-DU by BLACKPINK ○ FANCY by TWICE ○ DALLA DALLA by ITZY ○ Kill This Love by BLACKPINK ○ SOLO by JENNIE (FROM BLACKPINK) ○ LOVE SCENARIO by iKON ○ Boy with Luv by BTS ○ As if it’s Your Last by BLACKPINK ○ Bad Boy by Red Velvet
Top female groups on the playlist since launch in 2014
Top male groups on the playlist since launch in 2014
○ BTS ○ EXO ○ Stray Kids ○ IKON ○ TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Top song on the playlist each year since launch
○ 2017: As if it’s Your Last by BLACKPINK ○ 2018: DDU-DU DDU-DU by BLACKPINK ○ 2019: DALLA DALLA by ITZY ○ 2020: WANNABE by ITZY ○ 2021: Next Level by aespa
Average monthly discoveries
*aka listeners streamed an artist they had never before played on Spotify*
Globe Telecom is throwing its support behind the most engaging and current defending world champion for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) team in Philippine esports – another step towards bolstering its commitment to elevate competitive online gaming in the country and bring Filipino gamers to the global stage.
The telco giant announced its sponsorship of Blacklist International (BLCK), a Filipino team that has brought home multiple international titles from their dominant run in last year’s Mobile Legends tournament, the most popular mobile multiplayer online battle arena played in the Philippines. The team is determined to conquer this year’s competitions as well.
Blacklist International is the defending back-to-back Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL-PH) champions, and the defending World Champion. Further showcasing their dominance in the field, the Tier One Entertainment backed esports team also reaped runner-up finishes in the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup and the Mobile Legends Professional League Invitational. They are also slated to represent the country in the upcoming 2022 Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, in May.
The 2022 Blacklist International MLBB team is headed by 2021 Most Valuable Players Edward Jay “Edward” Dapadap and Salic “Hadji” Inam, alongside them are Kiel Calvin “OHEB” Soriano, Mark Jayson Alag “ESON” Gerardo, Kent Xavier “KEVIER” Lopez, and Dexter Louise “DEXSTAR” Alaba. The squad for season 9 will be guided by coach Kristoffer Ed “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza. OhMyV33NUS and Wise are still part of Blacklist International but will be on break this MPL Season 9 as they focus more on content creation. The duo will be back with a vengeance for Season 10, as they set their sights on another championship and the chance to defend their world title.
“Globe is very excited to partner with the defending Philippines and World Mobile Legends Champions, Blacklist International. Their passion, dedication and competitive spirit is also what Globe embodies as a brand. With this partnership, we aim to further cater to our MLBB users as they now have a team to cheer and support in the upcoming tournaments.” said Ralph Aligada, head of Globe Games and sports.
Tryke Gutierrez, CEO of Tier One Entertainment added that “We are grateful for this Globe Telecom sponsorship and excited to be working with them to bring Blacklist International to more viewers than ever. It is humbling to have such a big name brand back us after our year of hard work winning all those championships. We will endeavor to carry this momentum, as well as the fans’ support, throughout the rest of the year.”
In sponsoring the team, Globe also hopes to continue to expand the esports ecosystem and inspire more investments into the industry to further accelerate its growth. Under its #PlayItRight advocacy, Globe continues to pioneer initiatives that help shape the country’s rising competitive esports industry and create professional standards for present and future Filipino gamers.
Since becoming a part of the Universal Records artist roster, Hero is slowly but surely becoming a highly respected MC in the local hip-hop scene. And as someone who changes the rap game little by little, he’s also trying to use some detractors and doubters along the way as fuel to keep on slaying.
With this, he brushes off negative criticisms rappers usually get and crafts a masterful track called “Primera” released under Universal Records. Staying true to his wonderful creativity, this single is another product of his teamwork with producer Russel “Goodson” Tiquia.
The two-minute song is packed with bars that further prove that he’s such a talented wordsmith. It’s short but sweet & angsty at the same time. “Primera” is his brave take to turn those doubters to believers while keeping it real. It’s also a great tune to inspire people to shoot for the stars and let nothing hold you back.
When asked further about the song Hero explains, “Para sa mga kapwa ko nangangarap, tuluy-tuloy lang sa arangkada, focus lang sa gustong marating at sabayan mo na rin ng pag-iingat sa paligid mo. Kasi sa panahon ngayon di maiiwasan ‘yung….. alam mo na yun.”
The official music video of Hero’s “Primera” is just as striking; artistically filmed at a prominent boxing training gym directed by Aaron Maagma.
It’s high time for you to have Hero on your radar this 2022. Stream “Primera” on your favorite digital platforms right away. The song is also part of New Music Friday Philippines Playlist on Spotify this week!
After more than three years of hiatus, the Multi-Grammy-winning superstar Michael Bublé is back with his 11th studio album. Produced by talented personalities in the music industry: Greg Wells, Bob Rock, Allen Chang, Jason ‘Spicy G’ Goldman, and Sir Paul McCartnery, Higher is Bublé’s first studio album in three years and follows his successful sold-out two-year global tour.
His newest album includes a magical duet with Willie Nelson of his song “Crazy,” a heartfelt version of the Sir Paul McCartney song “My Valentine,” the Bob Dylan classic “Make You Feel My Love,” three originally-penned songs by Bublé himself, and so much more.
In a press conference with select media from South East Asia, Bublé talks about what his longtime fans can expect from the album, how he feels about returning after more than three years, joining in on TikTok trends, and more. Watch the interview below:
Michael Bublé’s Higher will be available on all streaming platforms on March 25.
The latest song of multi-talented artist Nicole Laurel Asensio co-written with upcoming band Basically Saturday Night as a result of a collaboration process in creating music together for the first time.
“The One” brings the old soul flavour into present times. A combination of Basically Saturday Night’s signature rhythm, silken guitar licks and their lead singer Migie Garcia’s deep smoky vocals, mixed with Nicole Laurel Asensio’s sultry yet powerful and unique tone and prowess in blending rock and jazz genres as well as beautiful embellishments from her formidable horn section.
The original composition is a simple expression between two people who have shed their uncertainties and given themselves entirely to their one true love. The message of the song intends for people to continue seeking, cherishing and living for their own interpretation of “The One”.
THE FIRST TIME
“I first heard Basically Saturday Night’s music because our head A&R at Warner Music, Kelley Mangahas and I were on a video call and he told me, “Nicole, there’s a band that I really think you might have a good time writing with, let’s see if you guys can collaborate.” Earlier in the call, I had expressed how I was longing to work with more musicians and grow more as a singer-songwriter. I heard their music and immediately added it to my listening playlist. Days later, Kelley me and the band were in communication setting up our first jam. The jam was in their drummer Faisal’s house which they have nicknamed “The Lab” I walked in there not knowing what to expect especially because they all knew each other very well and I was the stranger walking into their creative bubble. But as soon as we started free-jamming, the rhythms, melodies and impromptu lyrics were spouting out from every corner of the lab. I knew this first time was something special. It just felt natural. Even if I am now a solo artist, I understand the band culture very well, I still like to write like a band player, collaboratively. it was a culture that I guess I was secretly craving too and being around these immensely talented gentlemen eased that longing. within the second hour we had written our first song.”
CHEMISTRY IN THE LAB
“It was instant chemistry! I think this stemmed from having shared the same reverence for soul, jazz, and blues artists, which made it much easier to find common ground. It was definitely a learning experience for the band to come into a session with a highly experienced musician like Nicole – I think it forced us to try and play at our very best. I think that both Basically Saturday Night and Nicole have a shared appreciation for the greats that have come before us, as well as the modern artists who pay tribute to the greats that came before them. Having that common ground made it easier to decide what might work for our collaboration. It just felt like good energy was traveling throughout the session.”
FINALLY FINDING “THE ONE”
“During a break in our first session, Nicole suggested that we go for a slow and groovy vibe. I started out on a chord melody with Jairus (Keyboard), Kurt (Bass) and Faisal (Drums) jumped in. Nicole started improvising some lyrics and melodies. Migie came back into the session and within minutes, most of the song had already been ironed out.” – Junoy Manalo
“We had just finished writing our first song and the boys were noodling through some riffs. I had this melody in my head that simply wouldn’t leave… Junoy played that first chord progression of the verse, and it all clicked! it fell together very easily. We got up to the chorus idea when Migie who was enjoying a fine cigar outside came back in with a smile and dove straight into the the second verse with his soulful touch. I like singing with him, I like the nuances. Smoke and velvet. We revisited the song another day to polish a few things and work on the voicing. Once done, shared a wonderful meal together and booked our recording session in Wildgrass Studio. To further the collaborative spirit, it was on my wish list to have my go-to horn section on this track, I asked Lester Sorilla (trumpet) to write a horns arrangement for the boys to check out and see how they felt. Migie had also expressed to me that having horns join them was definitely on their wish list too. There was so much love in wildgrass studio on recording day the smiles on everyone’s faces was proof that Kelley knew exactly what he was doing when he matched us up on this musical blind date.” – Nicole Asensio
WHAT’S THAT SOUND?
“Modern soul music. “The One” has beautiful vocal melodies that represent Nicole’s love for modern soul singers like Emily King, it has sonic textures that tip the hat to Mayer’s “Continuum” album, and it also weaves together the group’s love for soul music from the past.” – Junoy Manalo
WHAT’S NEXT?
“It goes without saying this collaboration is the first of many down the line! This collaboration has brought about an almost familial aspect to it, and there’s no telling how many more songs can be churned out in the future.” – Basically Saturday Night
“I will forever remain grateful for opportunities to collaborate with great artists and continue to learn. Working with Basically Saturday Night, their manager, Rem, this production, my horn section and Warner Music has been such an enjoyable experience, we’re like musical family now, and I doubt it will be our last project together. For the rest of 2022, a collection of more original compositions are set to be released. I am also excited to continue ventures in film and concerts.” – Nicole Asensio
The One was released on all digital platforms last February 11 under Warner Music Philippines. The music video directed by award-winning director Gorio Vicuna will be released by the end of February 2022.
Google, together with Filipino folk pop band Ben&Ben launches a new song to promote internet safety and digital responsibility. Entitled “Mag-Ingat” (Be Safe Online), the song is part of Google’s commitment to helping Filipinos use the internet safely and responsibly.
The two-and-a-half minute Filipino song addresses online threats today including scams, misinformation, and catfishing, and the importance of critical thinking and verifying information using trusted sources to protect oneself and others. It also reminds netizens to be wary of bad actors who lurk in the online space, just like in the real world.
This newest single from the young band ends strongly with a bridge conveying that online safety is a shared responsibility–people are all stewards of the digital world. It’s all in the hands of netizens to use the internet right and care for the online safety of one another.
The catchy and lively tune was written and performed by Ben&Ben, the Philippines’ #1 local artist of 2021. The award-winning nine-piece act is known for mixing Filipino folk music with pop to create songs about hope, love, and positivity.
WATCH:
“Filipinos are highly social people and most of us interact with one another digitally. In such a world, it’s no wonder that while the internet brings so many advantages, it also opens us up to many dangers if we are not careful enough. With ‘Mag-ingat,’ we wanted to use our music to spread awareness on such a timely and important issue–because all of us are responsible for making sure that the internet is a safe and positive space for everyone,” said Miguel Benjamin of Ben&Ben.
“Internet safety is so important to Google. Beyond tools, products, and policies that enable us to help people stay safe online, we deepen our local partnerships to promote digital responsibility. By partnering with Ben&Ben and through their music, we believe that we can teach internet safety to more people in a way that deeply resonates with and becomes part of their everyday lives,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Google Philippines.
Google’s holistic approach to digital responsibility is helping millions of people to stay safe in the online space. Aside from security measures including the two-step verification process, and security and password checkups, it also introduced programs such as Be Internet Awesome with the Department of Education, and supported NGO campaigns like the Cyberpeace initiative of Teach Peace Build Peace Movement.
“We thank Google for being a steadfast partner in promoting and upholding the digital safety of Filipinos, and Ben&Ben for creating an anthem that will remind every Filipino who listens to it to ‘mag-ingat’ and take steps into becoming responsible netizens,” said Atty. John Henry Naga, National Privacy Commissioner.
The “Mag-ingat” music video is already available on Ben&Ben’s official YouTube channel. “Mag-ingat” is also available on all digital music services worldwide.
That’s right, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista and Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose continue to expand their repertoire with the release of their brand new collab track, “Everybody Hurts” under Universal Records.
The very special song is a perfectly blended mix of pensive harmonies and cathartic vocals from the two multi-awarded OPM icons. The collab track was immaculately produced by a Swedish production company who also managed to work with acts like BTS, Icono Pop, Red Velvet, The Veronicas, TWICE, and many others.
“Everybody Hurts” features the theme of perseverance and positivity – something that the world needs more than ever right now. The song lays bare the struggles of people who face harsh realities each and every day. While today’s society really needs heroes and some of us are given a great gift of persistence, resilience, and fortitude, we’re not totally invincible. Even the strongest and most capable person gets hurt and needs saving.
The song provides listeners a dose of inspiration and reassurance that everybody may feel hurt and down sometimes, but you’ll surely find better days if you keep your head up high. It’s a great tune to remind you of your worth and when you need to pick yourself up.
This latest release is not the first collab track from Christian and Julie Anne. Back in 2015, they teamed up for their rendition of “Cruisin”, which got nominated for Favorite Remake at the MYX Music Awards 2016. Likewise, the two worked together in their major concert titled “The Sweetheart and The Balladeer” and headlined an online musical narrative series called “Still” last year.
“Everybody Hurts” is available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms starting January 21, 2022 under Universal Records.
If there’s someone who has been extra productive during the pandemic, it’s HONNE. The English electronic duo has released two albums during this really strange time of our lives, the latest album called ‘Let’s Just Say The World Ended A Week From Now, What Would You Do?’. Their third full length album was released in the fourth quarter of 2021 with five collaborations with NIKI, Pink Sweat$, Sofia Valdes, Khalid, and Griff.
In an exclusive interview, the duo shared how the collaboration with Khalid actually took years in the making before it was released. They also talked about their inside out videos, the folder where they keep their unreleased songs, and so much more.
WATCH:
Let’s Just Say The World Ended A Week From Now, What Would You Do? is out now. Stream the complete album:
