Category: Music

Josh Groban Brings ‘Gems World Tour’ to Manila

Tony, EMMY and five-time GRAMMY Award-nominated singer-songwriter Josh Groban announces his newest tour ‘GEMS WORLD TOUR’ with a concert in MANILA on February 18, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets go on-sale on November 22 Saturday, 11AM via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

Josh Groban possesses one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music. Moreover, he continues to captivate fans everywhere as both a powerhouse vocalist and dynamic renaissance man. He has sold over 35 million albums worldwide, headlined legendary venues on multiple continents, and has also entertained audiences with acclaimed film and television appearances. His catalog spans a series of chart-topping blockbuster albums, including Josh Groban (5x-platinum), Closer (6x-platinum), Noël (7x-platinum), Awake (2x-platinum), Illuminations, All That Echoes, Stages (his first UK #1 album), Bridges, and his most recent release, Harmony. Along the way, he has packed arenas throughout North America, Europe, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Asia.

Extending his repertoire, Groban made his Broadway debut in 2016 with a starring role in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. He garnered a Tony® Award nomination for Best Lead Actor In A Musical. He has expanded his presence with appearances on Glee, The Simpsons, The Office, CSI: NY, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and The Crazy Ones as well as in the feature films Coffee Town, Muppets Most Wanted, and Crazy, Stupid, Love. In addition, he starred in the NETFLIX series The Good Cop in 2018. Groban maintains his position as the consummate American showman in 2022 and beyond. In 2022, he returned to the hallowed stage of Radio City Music Hall for his Great Big Radio City Show residency and launched a nation-wide live tour. Groban also starred in ABC’s special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration as none other than the Beast in December 2022.

In the spring of 2023, Josh took to Broadway once again, performing in the highly anticipated revival of Sweeney Todd, playing the title role which earned him Tony and GRAMMY Nominations along with widespread acclaim. Deadline:‘Groban makes himself over into a full-blown, and fully developed, Broadway star…His Sweeney is by turns sympathetic and monstrous.’ The New York Times: “The “gorgeously sung” part is no surprise with Groban, whose quasi-operatic pop baritone perfectly encompasses the range of the role, and whose technique makes sure every word is bell clear. That some of the songs are thus even prettier than usual is all to the better.”

This year, Josh released an 18-track career-spanning collection of songs, titled Gems. He also took to the Las Vegas stage for a sold-out, exclusive five-night run at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with its hits-focused production of the same name.

Josh recently announced Hidden Gems, a special collection that brings together ten of his fans’ most beloved and rare tracks – many of which have never been available on streaming platforms – along with one brand-new song. Over the years, Josh has released a wide array of deluxe editions, fan exclusives, and special international tracks. Now, these fan favorites have been carefully curated into a single collection that showcases the versatility of his musical journey. To herald the announcement, Josh shared his brand new song, “The Constant”, a stunning collaboration written by Josh and the acclaimed songwriting duo Pasek and Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land). It’s a beautiful addition to this collection of rare treasures, offering something fresh while honoring the songs fans have cherished for years.

He remains an active arts education philanthropist and advocate, and his Find Your Light Foundation helps enrich the lives of young people through arts, education, and cultural awareness.

November 18, 2025
Feel the Fire: Nicole Laurel Asensio Returns with “Let Our Love”

Nicole Laurel Asensio returns to the Philippines after her successful series of shows abroad and dives right back into the dynamic realm of music releases with her latest offering “LET OUR LOVE” under Warner Music Philippines.

Teaming up with producer and multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan once more, the prolific duo concoct a subtle and sensual, albeit fearless expression of the soul in their latest track.

“From a smouldering fire to a blaze”

“It was the first time I asked producer Gabe Dandan to strike the match and ignite the creative process. No prior references, lyrical ideas, soundbites or requests, I asked him to “create anything that you think would suit my voice”… I left the room for awhile and returned with my heart racing, ecstatic to write lyrics because I loved the vibe he was onto. We don’t always agree creatively, it takes a lot of adjusting co-creating sometimes but this time the creativity was torrential, it was effortless.”

“Together we make a picture with colors only the blind can see.”

“The production process was very casual and the goal was to let the musicians we collaborated with play what they really imagine on it, no rules. We encouraged them to add their own colors and be a part of the imagery of the song. I gave Michael Guevarra the initial arrangement, from there he made a beautiful horn arrangement on it and we recorded at Wildgrass Studio and Kodama Studio, then we got Mike Lichtenfeld on keys, Aman Dela Cruz on percussion and backup vocals and handpicked some of our all time favorite voices Kevin Yadao and Mel Torre to do backup vocals, Nicole and I arranged the vocals together. when the recording was done, I took care of the mixing and we sent it to Abbey Road UK for the mastering” – Gabe Dandan

“Weaving silk from our fallen tears.”

Brazenly poetic, the imagery in the lyrics are a surrealistic sojourn back into the arms of a quintessential love. The song draws its sound from Soul, Rnb and Jazz influences with a touch of 90s “sophisti-pop.”

“Reflections of yesterday in an iron frame, like butterflies break away.”

“In this season of my life, I am finding that the songs I write are not about what is trending, they are also less about making each recording a vocal showcase, I am enjoying slowing down the process, practicing some restraint and casually creating music that I feel sounds timeless, there is still depth to some extent, especially lyrically but at the end of the day it’s feel-good music that also makes me feel good when we create it.” – Nicole Asensio

“I think this release is more relaxed than our previous tracks sound-wise. Nicole and I write together based on images and how they make us feel— it is how we communicate best during the creative process. When I began creating the chord progression, it really reminded me of gentle rain so we used that image as the undertone throughout the song. Nicole’s brilliant lyrics and melodies are right there between happiness and sadness and the song journeys from restraint to blissful release. I think the blend of our styles create a very unique sonic mood that I relish and hope others feel that too” – Gabe Dandan

Nicole and Gabe Dandan’s last two EP releases “Changes Over Time” and “Matter Over Mind” have garnered a staggering 10 entries in multiple categories in this year’s prestigious AWIT AWARDS. 4 of those entries then made it to the AWIT awards finals round, with the awards night set to commence in late November.

“I’m grateful to keep creating, I think it is a blessing and when you have the opportunity to create, therefore nothing and no one should stop you. Love knows no bounds, neither do art and music… we can’t stop it, so we should just let it.” – Nicole Asensio

“LET OUR LOVE” will be released on November 7, 2025 on all listening platforms under Warner Music Philippines, it is a “teaser track” for an upcoming EP which is currently in the works and set to be released early next year.

November 6, 2025
Global Superstars Jisoo and Zayn Unite For Blockbuster Duet “Eyes Closed”

Today, South Korean superstar singer, actress, and international style icon JISOO unites with multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, producer, and philanthropist ZAYN to release the epic new collaborative single “EYES CLOSED.” Set to expansive, genre-swirling production, the duet captures the nervous anticipation and thrilling freefall of diving into new love without looking back. Listen to “EYES CLOSED” HERE via Warner Records.

The momentous team-up arrives as JISOO continues to delight audiences on BLACKPINK’s Deadline World Tour, which has sold out stadiums on multiple continents already — check out the full, ongoing itinerary below and find more info HERE. Meanwhile, ZAYN is set to kick off 2026 with his first-ever Las Vegas residency, marking the beginning of what will be a massive year as he gears up for his next chapter. Tickets are on sale now — go HERE for details.

“EYES CLOSED” opens on a tender moment. “Time is standing still and I don’t want to leave your lips / Tracing my body with your fingertips,” sings JISOO, and ZAYN replies, “I know what you’re feeling and I know you want to say it / I do too, but we gotta be patient.” Their cinematic story unfolds as the soundtrack deepens — warm keys and raw acoustic guitar mix with throbbing bass synth, and loads of gravity-free atmosphere. Together, their soulful vocals make a vow as they build into the huge chorus: “Say, oh, we should fall in love with our eyes closed / Better if we keep it where we don’t know / The beds we been in, the names and the faces of who we were with / And oh, ain’t nobody perfect but it’s all good / The past can’t hurt us if we don’t look / Let’s let it go, better if we fall in love with our eyes closed.”

Earlier this year, JISOO released her highly anticipated debut mini album AMORTAGE led by the singles “earthquake” and “Your Love,” which she’s been performing during her solo set on tour with BLACKPINK. AMORTAGE is JISOO’s most comprehensive solo work yet and marked a “rebirth” of the global superstar. Taking its name from a fusion of “amor” and “montage,” the four-song set explores the emotional stages of love and the many vivid moments of a relationship. The release debuted at #1 on the South Korea Albums Chart and also spawned the dancefloor-shaking Sam Feldt remix of “earthquake.” Listen to AMORTAGE in full HERE.

AMORTAGE has also solidified JISOO as a bona fide solo force of nature. Beyond generating nearly half a billion streams in less than 6 months, the set earned widespread acclaim. NYLON hailed it as “big, euphoric bubblegum pop that falls somewhere between Kylie Minogue and Carly Rae Jepsen,” and hypebae applauded how “the EP explores the different waves of love — from passion to heartbreak.” EUPHORIA. gave the mini album 4/5 stars, highlighting the way “the record speaks of the flaming nature of that oft-referenced and sung-about emotion we call love. In one, her love is so strong it could produce an earthquake and in another, cosmic laws are broken just because they’re together.” Plus, Billboard raved, “The BLACKPINK superstar delivers sonic surprises, confident vocals and radio-ready tracks to prove her global pop star status,” while NME proclaimed, “It’s refreshing to see JISOO make music as playful as her personality.”

ZAYN, known for his skyscraping vocals and hybrid style of pop and R&B, has left an indelible mark on pop culture. He made history with his debut solo album Mind of Mine, becoming the first UK male solo artist to debut at No. 1 on both the UK and US album charts in its first week of release. The album’s lead single, “PILLOWTALK,” hit #1 in 68 countries around the world and has since been certified 5x platinum by the RIAA. In 2024, he released his raw and revealing fourth studio album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS, via Mercury Records to critical acclaim, and embarked on his first-ever solo tour across the US, UK, and Mexico. Most recently, ZAYN collaborated with Borderlands 4 to release “Break Free,” an original song created for the latest installment in the popular video game franchise.

Attracting over 79 million Instagram followers and generating billions of streams, JISOO launched her meteoric solo rise in 2023. She earned accolades and made history with her debut single album, ME, which immediately became the best-selling album by a solo female artist in South Korea and the first to sell more than 1 million copies. With her breakout single “꽃 (FLOWER),” JISOOalso became the first female K-pop solo artist to achieve 1 million preorders — before tallying the highest first-week sales by afemale solo artist to date and the highest 24-hour viewership of any K-pop music video in all of 2023. The song also broke records for the highest-charting hit by a solo Korean female on the Canadian Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. Stateside, it catapulted to #2 on the Billboard Global 200 and #1 on the Global Excl. U.S. Chart.

Along the way, JISOO’s influence has also spread across fashion and culture. She has served as a global ambassador for Dior, Cartier, and Dyson in addition to being named the face of ALO Yoga in 2024. That same year, she made waves as “the most-mentioned celebrity during New York Fashion Week” on social media. Plus, she stars in the K-Drama series Newtopia, streaming now on Prime Video. And, of course, she launched her career as part of global girl group BLACKPINK, selling out stadiums, winning numerous awards, and captivating millions of fans worldwide.

BLACKPINK Deadline World Tour

10/18 – Kaohsiung, Taiwan @ Kaohsiung National Stadium
10/19 – Kaohsiung, Taiwan @ Kaohsiung National Stadium
10/24 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Rajmangala National Stadium
10/25 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Rajmangala National Stadium
10/26 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Rajmangala National Stadium
11/1 – Jakarta, Indonesia @ Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
11/2 – Jakarta, Indonesia @ Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
11/22 – Bocaue, Philippines @ Philippine Arena
11/23 – Bocaue, Philippines @ Philippine Arena
11/28 – Kallang, Singapore @ Singapore National Stadium
11/29 – Kallang, Singapore @ Singapore National Stadium
11/30 – Kallang, Singapore @ Singapore National Stadium
1/16 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo Dome
1/17 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo Dome
1/18 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo Dome
1/24 – Kowloon, Hong Kong @ Kai Tak Stadium
1/25 – Kowloon, Hong Kong @ Kai Tak Stadium
1/26 – Kowloon, Hong Kong @ Kai Tak Stadium

ZAYN AT DOLBY LIVE AT PARK MGM (LAS VEGAS) DATES:

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

October 13, 2025
The Fray and December Avenue Take The Stage This December 12 at The Smart Araneta Coliseum!

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.

Tickets are available via Ticketnet (https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/event-detail/the-fray). Grab yours before they sell out!

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime concert experience.

The Fray and December Avenue, Live at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, December 12, 2025.

#TheFrayLiveInManila #DecemberAvenue #SmartAranetaColiseum #DecAveMeetsTheFray #Ticketnet

October 13, 2025
Tilly Birds Join Forces with Ben&Ben on New English Single “Heaven”

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.

Follow Tilly Birds:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tillybirds/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tillybirds
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TILLYBIRDS/
X: https://x.com/TillyBirds

Follow Ben&Ben
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benandbenmusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benandbenmusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenAndBenMusic/
X: https://x.com/benandbenmusic

October 1, 2025
Coke Studio PH Season 9 Brings Lauv and OPM Stars Together for One Epic Night
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.

Stay tuned by subscribing to Coke Studio Philippines’ YouTube channel or checking out the official pages of Coca-Cola Philippines: Facebook, Instagram, and https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en.
September 1, 2025
PETA’s Walang Aray Cast Recording Now Streaming on Spotify for All Pinoy Theater Fans
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

Catch the Musical Live

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A post shared by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) (@petatheater)

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.
August 29, 2025
Bradley Simpson ‘Almost’ with HongJoong Of ATEEZ

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.

Follow Bradley Simpson:
Spotify | Apple Music | TikTok | Instagram

July 25, 2025
Ely Buendia and Armi Millare Lead Star-Studded Lineup at FêtePH2025 Main Stage in Makati
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.
June 17, 2025
Jeff Cifra Celebrates Romance with Feel-Good Single ‘Ang Aking True Love’

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.

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A post shared by Jeff Cifra (@thejeffcifra)

Inspired by Filipino Traditions

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.

June 17, 2025