Get ready for an extraordinary night of music and emotion as The Fray and December Avenue share the spotlight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 12, 2025!
For the first time ever, the multi-platinum American band The Fray, known for global hits like “How to Save a Life” and “You Found Me”, and one of the Philippines’ most beloved OPM acts, December Avenue, famed for their heart-wrenching anthems “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw” and “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-Ibig” will be in ONE SHOW!
This unprecedented collaboration promises a night where heartfelt lyrics meet soaring melodies — a celebration of stories, emotions, and the shared power of music that transcends borders. Fans can expect a breathtaking lineup of both international and local favorites, performed live at the iconic Big Dome.
Thailand’s leading alternative pop-rock band Tilly Birds continue their journey into English-language music with their brand-new single “Heaven”, following the heartfelt release of Never A Waste Of Time.
This time, Tilly Birds team up with none other than Ben&Ben, the Philippines’ biggest folk-pop band, whose music has surpassed 2 billion Spotify streams and earned numerous awards across Asia. The collaboration brings together the fresh, playful pop sound of Tilly Birds with Ben&Ben’s signature heartfelt melodies—creating a track that is as vibrant as it is memorable.
The story behind “Heaven” began with a backstage friendship when both bands shared the same lineup at a concert in Malaysia. Inspired by that connection, the three members of Tilly Birds later flew to Manila to co-write the song with Ben&Ben. Recording sessions spanned across borders, with files exchanged between Bangkok and the Manila, until the track was fully brought to life.
The collaboration culminated in a music video shot in the Philippines, featuring all three members of Tilly Birds alongside Ben&Ben’s nine members. The experience was described by both bands as fun, warm, and filled with genuine friendship—a true testament to the spirit of “Heaven.”
Lyrically, the single captures the joy of meeting someone unexpectedly, at just the right time, and sharing a moment of happiness together—like finding a little piece of heaven on earth. In many ways, the collaboration between Tilly Birds and Ben&Ben itself is another definition of “Heaven.”
“Heaven” is now available worldwide on all streaming platform.
Coke Studio Season 9 is set to make its biggest return yet with a one-night-only concert at the Araneta Coliseum on September 5, 2025, headlined by global pop sensation Lauv. Known for his chart-topping hits and heartfelt performances, Lauv will join a powerhouse roster of Filipino artists to deliver a night of genre-breaking collaborations and live music that celebrates connection.
Now on its ninth season, Coke Studio keeps making music that connects with today’s youth—tracks that are relatable, feel-good, and built to last. By giving classics a fresh spin and mixing them with new sounds, Coke Studio reminds fans of every kind that moments with friends, loved ones, and a Coca-Cola are always worth holding on to.
The lineup reflects Coke Studio’s commitment to pushing OPM forward by pairing artists from different genres and backgrounds, creating fresh sounds and powerful stories for today’s audiences. Fans can look forward to:
BINI x Orchestra of the Filipino Youth – PPOP infused with orchestral arrangements for an uplifting anthem
ALAMAT x mrld – established pop merged with acoustic intimacy
Dionela x Alex Bruce – smooth R&B blended with playful rap verses
Over October x Ena Mori – indie pop-rock colliding with alternative flair
Coke Studio Season 9 also puts a spotlight on storytelling—sharing the personal journeys of each artist and the creative process behind their tracks. These collaborations draw from real emotions and experiences, giving listeners music they can connect with on a deeper level.
Fans can get the chance to attend the concert by collecting raffle tickets through Coca-Cola’s official partners: Jollibee, 7-Eleven, Grab, and Lazada. Purchasing participating Coca-Cola products from these outlets earns entries for a chance to win tickets and be part of the show.
More than a music event, the Coke Studio Season 9 Concert is a celebration of collaboration and connection, showing how music continues to bring people together and push OPM forward.
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is giving theater lovers a reason to celebrate: the Official Cast Recording of the hit musical Walang Aray is now streaming on Spotify! These LSS-worthy tracks let fans relive the magic of the stage anytime, anywhere.
A Contemporary Classic Reimagined
Rody Vera’s Walang Aray is a modern take on Severino Reyes’ classic zarzuela Walang Sugat, bringing sharper satire, bolder humor, and deeper emotional stakes to the stage. Blending romance, political commentary, and heartwarming moments, it continues to resonate with audiences as it explores the intersection of love and resistance.
As the flagship production of PETA’s 58th season, themed Love and Power, this revival promises a more comedic, subversive, and biting version of Walang Aray while retaining its emotional core.
IN PHOTO: Cast & Artistic Team of Walang Aray’s 2025 run, taken during the Press Conference event last July 2025.
Tracklist That Will Keep You Singing
The original cast recording features popular compositions by award-winning musical director Vince Lim, including:
“Pangako ‘Yan”
“Luv U 4 Ever”
“Tipo Kong Lalaki”
“Walang Aray Finale”
“Wag Mo Akong Saktan”
“Front Act”
“Tumindig at Lumaban” mashed with the rousing Act 1 ender, “Bayan Ko”
Whether you’re revisiting your favorite songs or discovering new ones, these tracks capture the energy and spirit of the stage production.
Crafting the Sound of Walang Aray
This recording is a proud collaboration with Soundesign Manila, one of the country’s premier full-service audio production houses. Celebrated for sound design, engineering, composition, arrangement, voice casting, and soundtrack production across multiple musical genres, Soundesign Manila has been at the forefront of audio production in the Philippines since 1997. Their expertise brought Walang Aray’s vibrant musicality to life.
IN PHOTO: The Walang Aray cast at Soundesign Manila’s Studio
“At Soundesign Manila, we believe in the transformative power of music and sound. Walang Aray’s cast recording was a way for us to support the arts and the art of doing original music for theater,” said Raul Blay, Soundesign Manila’s President and Founder.
Where to Listen
Stream the Walang Aray Official Cast Recording on Spotify by searching “Walang Aray Cast Recording” or follow this link: bit.ly/WA2025CastRecording
Walang Aray runs from August 28 to October 12, 2025, at the PETA Theater Center. For show schedules and updates, follow PETA’s social media pages @petatheater. Tickets are available via ticket2me.net.
A Show That Captured Hearts and Awards
IN PHOTO: A portrait of Severino Reyes, writer of Walang Sugat
Walang Aray is a poignant reimagining of Severino Reyes’ classic sarsuwela, Walang Sugat, magnifying themes of love and revolution while keeping its core essence intact. Its 2023 run alone featured 58 shows, with two runs due to overwhelming public demand. The musical also dominated the 2024 Gawad Buhay Awards, winning eight major awards, including:
Outstanding Musical
Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical
Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical (Ian Segarra)
Outstanding Book of a Musical (Rody Vera)
Outstanding Original Score (Vince Lim and Rody Vera)
Outstanding Choreography (Gio Gahol)
In the female performance categories, Neomi Gonzales won Female Featured Performance in a Musical, while Shaira Opsimar took home Female Lead Performance in a Musical.
Produced by PETA in partnership with Indie.Go Media and official banking partner Metrobank, Walang Aray promises 38 shows from August 29 to October 12, 2025, a must-see for theater fans and music lovers alike.
Don’t just hear the music, experience the heart of Walang Aray on Spotify and on the PETA stage this season.
In an industry full of strategised collaborations, it’s rare to see two big names from different continents unite their talents after crossing paths almost by chance. But that’s exactly what Bradley Simpson did shortly after releasing his acclaimed Top 10 solo album ‘The Panic Years’, he connected with Hongjoong of K-Pop superstars ATEEZ.
The result is a new version of one of ‘The Panic Years’ key songs ‘Almost’. Hongjoong naturally brings his own fresh take to ‘Almost’ by reworking its second verse with new Korean-language lyrics and adding to Bradley’s topline with his own distinctive backing harmonies.
Bradley says, “It was a very organic process. Hongjoong posted ‘Almost’ on his stories and we started to chat and he sent over a verse literally two weeks later. It’s been really interesting working with an artist who comes from a different style of music to me and hearing a song that’s on the album slightly reimagined. I’ve always loved collaborating and had a similar experience reworking ‘Favourite Band’ with Nieve Ella.”
Hongjoong added, “I’ve admired Bradley’s music for a while, so when I shared one of his songs and he reached out, it was such a great surprise. Everything came together really naturally – the way he approached the track made it easy for me to find where I fit. Our styles are different, but that made it even more exciting. I love stepping into new sounds and challenges, and it was especially fun working with someone who shares a similar energy and passion for music, even if we come from different backgrounds.”
On the live front, Bradley Simpson has just completed a tour of Asia as special guest to Henry Moodie. Next up is a run of high profile UK festival dates, starting at Together Again tomorrow and moving onto Boardmasters (August 10th) and Victorious (August 24th). His touring in support of ‘The Panic Years’ has seen him play sold-out shows across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.
The eight-piece ATEEZ became South Korean superstars with a succession of domestic chart-toppers after debuting in 2018. But they soon became one of the genre’s prime players on the global stage, famously making UK chart history when they became the first K-Pop group to score three Official Album Chart Top 10 hits in one year – and their impact was further underlined with two sold-out London O2 shows at the start of 2025. They’re even bigger in the States, where they have already landed two #1s on the Billboard Top 200 and regularly pack stadiums and arenas.
Get ready for one of the most exciting nights in Philippine music! Fête de la Musique Philippines 2025 is pulling out all the stops for its Main Stage event on June 21 at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City and the latest artist announcement is turning up the hype.
Two of OPM’s most influential and beloved artists are joining the already stacked lineup: Ely Buendia and The Methodists, and Armi Millare.
Rock Royalty Returns
Ely Buendia, the legendary frontman of Eraserheads, will hit the stage with The Methodists, bringing the heat from his critically acclaimed 2024 solo album, Method Adaptor. A sonic exploration of rebellion, self-discovery, and truth, the album marked a bold new chapter in Buendia’s career and his Main Stage set promises to be just as electrifying. Expect a mix of gritty rock energy, experimental flourishes, and fan-favorite anthems from one of the Philippines’ most prolific music icons.
A Soulful Serenade
Joining Ely onstage is none other than Armi Millare, whose haunting vocals and emotionally rich songwriting have long set her apart. The former UDD frontwoman is poised to enchant audiences with a special set featuring her hits and new material from her upcoming solo album, South Node. Fans can look forward to live versions of her current singles, Whatever, Say It Again, and Roots, all brimming with her signature blend of indie-pop soul and ethereal charm.
More Acts to Watch
The Main Stage lineup is already buzzing with talent from rising stars to global names. Look out for sets by:
Brigada
Janine
Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas feat. Leanne and Naara
James Reid
The Ridleys
Tarsius x Ena Mori
Ito Kashitaro (Japan)
Emile Londonien (France
And don’t miss offstage performances by TFrank Ely and Zsaris, Bolivian pop artist Bling Bling Papaya, and Singapore-based Filipino queer artist Marian Carmel.
Free and Open to All
Celebrating its 31st year, Fête de la Musique Philippines remains one of the country’s biggest and most inclusive music festivals and the Main Stage is completely free to attend. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for an unforgettable night out, this is your chance to experience the magic of live music in the heart of the city.
FêtePH2025 is presented by Alliance Française de Manille in partnership with the Embassy of France to the Philippines, Funkybeat Entertainment, Anam Kara, and supported by Tanduay, Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Land, Institut Français, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and many others.
Stay updated through www.feteph.com or follow Fête de la Musique Philippines on social media.
Award-winning singer-songwriter and OPM’s Falsetto Prince Jeff Cifra is back with a joyful new anthem. His latest single, “Ang Aking True Love,” dropped on May 9 across all major digital streaming platforms, bringing with it a fresh yet nostalgic vibe that fans will love. Best known for his expressive falsetto and smooth vocal runs, Cifra delivers a standout performance on the track, channeling a bright and buoyant energy that perfectly captures the thrill of discovering true love. It’s a refreshing follow-up to his emotional ballad “Dalawang Araw, Dalawang Buwan,” this time offering something more playful and festive.
A Joyful Ode to Love
“Ang Aking True Love” isn’t just a new single, it is a collaboration rooted in creativity and history. Co-written by Jeff Cifra, Dennis Sebastian (a former film producer), John Michael Acol, Joshua Carbajal, and Jhune Osuna, the song was originally part of the 2014 romantic film LABYU, directed by Jill Urdaneta.
Though nearly a decade has passed since it first featured in the movie, Cifra and his team have breathed new life into the track, giving it a fresh arrangement and a wider audience reach. “Ang Aking True Love” was produced by Cifra and Osuna under JNJ Studios, and officially released through Cali Sound Laboratory.
What makes the track even more special is the musical inspiration behind it. The arrangement pays tribute to the historic marching bands of Bacoor, Cavite, an iconic symbol of Filipino community life. These bands are a staple in town fiestas and festivals, rallying people together in celebration.
By weaving these cultural elements into the song’s composition, Cifra adds a distinctly Pinoy touch that resonates with listeners who grew up attending local town parades and fiestas. The result? A feel-good, proudly Filipino love song that hits the heart.
True Love, Streaming Everywhere
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cifra’s falsetto-led tracks or just discovering his music, “Ang Aking True Love” is worth adding to your playlist. It’s now available for streaming and download on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. So go ahead, turn up the volume, feel the rhythm, and maybe even find your own “true love” along the way.
Nicole Laurel Asensio, a celebrated Filipina singer, songwriter, and actress, is taking a bold new stride on the global stage as she becomes the first-ever Philippine-based resident artist at Café Carlyle Hong Kong, starting June 18 to July 12, 2025. This groundbreaking residency places Nicole in the spotlight of one of Asia’s most exclusive live music venues—an artistic sanctuary inspired by the legendary Café Carlyle in New York City and nestled within the ultra-chic Carlyle & Co. at the Rosewood Hotel.
This milestone is a career-defining moment for Nicole, who has spent the last 18 years captivating audiences from Barcelona to Bangkok, London to the Maldives. While she’s no stranger to international stages, her Café Carlyle residency marks a remarkable first: she is the first artist born and raised in the Philippines to hold such a position.
“Café Carlyle Hong Kong brings an unrivalled lineup of international names and unmatched talent to Hong Kong’s most intimate stage. This June we’re thrilled to introduce our newest Resident Artist, Nicole Laurel Asensio.” — Café Carlyle Team
Where Timeless Jazz Meets a Modern Muse
The charm of Café Carlyle lies in its seamless blend of vintage elegance and cosmopolitan flair—an ideal match for Nicole, whose voice exudes old-soul richness fused with bold, contemporary artistry. Backed by a stellar lineup of world-class jazz musicians, Nicole will perform a 16-show run of genre-bending jazz and soul, delivering classics and reimagined standards with the fire and finesse only she can bring.
Joining her onstage is Gabe Dandan, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and Nicole’s longtime collaborator. The duo promises a rich sonic tapestry—a fusion of heritage, passion, and world-class artistry.
A Dream Born of Serendipity
Nicole describes how the opportunity felt like pure fate:
“I had no manager or company backing this. I just booked a casual vacation to Hong Kong last February. That same day, I got a message on Instagram asking to arrange a call. It was Francisco Ricafort, the Director of Music and Artist Curation at Carlyle HK. He asked, ‘Why not present a Filipino artist to Café Carlyle?’”
Soon after submitting performance videos, Nicole received confirmation—just in time to catch a show by resident artist Sarah Potenza, a singer she deeply admires.
“As I stepped into Café Carlyle, I could feel the creative energy in every corner. I didn’t even need a cocktail to feel intoxicated,” Nicole recalls with a laugh. “To share the same stage as Sarah and others I look up to? It’s a dream coming to life before my very eyes.”
More Than Music: A Celebration of Culture
Café Carlyle isn’t just about music. It’s an experience. Nicole’s residency will feature a curated menu inspired by her heritage, created by Carlyle’s master chefs.
“I’m excited to see how they blend pieces of my story into their dishes—it’s an honor to have my culture shared not just through sound, but through taste,” she says.
For Nicole, this is more than just a gig—it’s a creative exchange.
“Every time I perform in another country, I bring a piece of home with me. And I take a piece of that place back, too. I’m honored to perform with musicians of this caliber and grateful to bring Gabe with me as a musical bridge between heritage and discovery.”
An Artist in Her Prime, A Legacy in the Making
Nicole Laurel Asensio’s upcoming residency at Café Carlyle Hong Kong is not only a major achievement in her career—it’s a proud moment for Philippine artistry on the world stage. With her undeniable talent, soul-stirring voice, and passion for storytelling through music, Nicole continues to inspire, break barriers, and raise the flag for Filipino musicians everywhere.
Don’t miss the magic. Catch Nicole live from June 18 to July 12, 2025, and witness the fusion of history, heritage, and high artistry in one unforgettable residency.
About Café Carlyle Hong Kong
Our greatest inspiration and legendary namesake are New York institution Café Carlyle, the quintessential supper club experience which has been bewitching guests and welcoming legends to tread its boards for 65 years. Café Carlyle Hong Kong represents only the second edition worldwide and captures this intangible spirit and unmatched live music experience to enrapture a new audience.
At Café Carlyle, you don’t get a concert, you share an experience. It’s here that Members, guests and friends spend their evenings enveloped in unforgettable musical moments on the city’s most intimate stage, where the very best shows combine music with personal storytelling for a truly connected evening in the most exclusive company. At last, the red velvet curtain is drawn once again.
“We felt the luckiest to be able to meet Ed Sheeran again in Off Limits Festival, Abu Dhabi. What constantly blows us away more than his generational talent and sheer musicality is the genuine, warm connection he makes with everyone he meets, including us.
He recalled how lovely it was for him to be able to perform for Filipinos. He also remembered us from when we met him here in Manila, which is very cool. It’s an honor to have been able to exchange stories with him again. We wish Ed all the best with his new album, Play!” – Paolo Guico, Ben&Ben
The band shared a lighthearted moment, revealing, “Mabango siya [Ed smelled good].” Their admiration for Ed’s effortless charm and presence was evident, with the band members recalling how his natural charisma and positive energy filled the room.
Ben&Ben graced the stage alongside international acts such as Ed Sheeran, Kaiser Chiefs, and OneRepublic at Etihad Park on April 26th. Adding to the memorable experience, the nine-piece band and Ed Sheeran were captured in a friendly photo together backstage.
Prior to the festival, the band posted a captivating cover of Ed Sheeran’s recent release “Azizam,” which garnered significant attention. Ed Sheeran himself acknowledged the cover by sharing it on his Instagram story, leading many of his dedicated fans to discover and express their admiration for Ben&Ben’s musical talent on their social media pages.
This recent encounter in Abu Dhabi marks another special connection between the Filipino band and the British singer-songwriter. On March 9, 2024, Ben&Ben had the distinct honor of performing as a special guest during Ed Sheeran’s “+ – = ÷ x Tour” at the SMDC Festival Grounds in the Philippines.
Recalling the cherished moments from their previous meeting, Ben&Ben took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a concise yet impactful summary:
1. We met Ed Sheeran. 2. We did Karaoke with him. 3. We performed on his iconic round stage. 4. Our frontmen performed our song, Maybe The Night WITH Ed Sheeran and his amazing band.”
Ed Sheeran has kicked off an exciting new era with the release of his latest single, “Old Phone,” which dropped on May 1. He first teased the emotional track with a live snippet shared on Instagram, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. Now available on all major streaming platforms—including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music—the song sets the tone for what promises to be a bold new chapter.
That chapter continues with his upcoming album, Play, arriving on September 12, 2025. Moving on from his Mathematics series, Sheeran explores fresh creative ground, weaving together global influences—from Indian and Persian sounds to the Irish folk traditions of his roots—while staying true to the acoustic and lyrical style fans love. Written and recorded across the globe and finished in Goa, Play is as much about emotional healing as it is about rediscovering joy through music.
NEW SINGLE ‘OLD PHONE’RELEASED ON 1ST MAY 2025 LISTEN HERE
Ed Sheeran Announces New Album ‘PLAY’ Released On 12th September 2025
After closing the chapter on his Mathematics series, Ed Sheeran is finally back and stepping boldly into a fresh new phase for 2025. An artist known for constantly evolving, Sheeran’s latest album,‘Play’ finds him exploring new musical ground through collaboration with producers and musicians from around the world, as well as diving deeper into the timeless sounds and themes that have made him one of the world’s best-loved pop artists. Inspired in part by his exposure to Indian and Persian musical cultures—and their surprising connections to the Irish folk tradition he grew up with, through shared scales, rhythms, and melodies—he explored this borderless musical language, giving the album its distinctive, fresh edge. On more familiar ground, Sheeran also reminds us why he remains the most influential singer-songwriter of his generation, delivering a series of stunning ballads and acoustic-driven songs. The result is a collection that plays with both the familiar and the new, creating a bold, pop-driven sound that only Ed Sheeran could deliver — a vibrant showcase of his artistry that feels both exciting and transformative, and promises to be one of the defining albums of the year.
Ed said…”Play was an album that was made as a direct response to the darkest period of my life. Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolour, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring. I made this record all over the world, finished it in Goa, India, and had some of the most fun, explorative creative days of my life. It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, it encapsulates everything that I love about music, and the fun in it, but also where I am in life as a human, a partner, a father. Going into this album campaign I said to myself ‘I just want everything I do to be fun and playful’ – so that’s why we are building pubs for folk jams, doing gigs on open top buses and singing in pink cowboy hats on bars. The older I get the more I just want to enjoy things, and savour the moments that are mad and chaotic. You can preorder play now, many many more playful things to come before it’s out x”
After the release of his global, hedonistic, technicolor pop hit ’Azizam’, Sheeran gets nostalgic on his brand new single ‘Old Phone’, narrating the disorienting act of reconnecting with his past. Powering up an old phone unused since 2015, he unearths messages from a lost friend, an argument with an ex, and distant family, highlighting how time and separation reshape identity. Blending nostalgic acoustic melodies with raw emotion, the song recalls Ed’s early songwriting roots while exploring growth and memory, capturing an artist that is shaped and transformed by his past ‘Old Phone’ has been produced by Blake Slatkin & Ilya Salmanzadeh.
