Tag: music

  • Jeff Cifra Celebrates Romance with Feel-Good Single ‘Ang Aking True Love’

    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.

    Jeff Cifra

    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.

    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.

  • Spotify’s daylist Curates Your Soundtrack for Every Mood from Sunup to Sundown

    In the ever-evolving world of music discovery, Spotify introduces a game-changer: daylist. It’s not just a playlist—it’s a dynamic, ever-changing soundtrack designed to match the rhythm of your day. Spotify users can access this hyper-personalized, dynamic, and playful playlist reflecting their unique audio identity. Join us on this musical journey that tailors your tunes to the ebb and flow of your day, promising a dynamic and personalized audio adventure.

    daylist Sharecards

    Embrace the Flow of Your Day

    From the moment you wake up until you drift off to sleep, your mood and energy levels fluctuate. With daylist, your music evolves with you, seamlessly transitioning from one vibe to the next. Whether you’re gearing up for a workout, unwinding after a long day, or getting ready to hit the town, daylist has you covered.

    Discover Your Unique Audio Identity

    What sets daylist apart is its hyper-personalization. Drawing from your listening habits and preferences, daylist curates a selection of tracks that resonate with you on a deeper level. No two daylists are the same, reflecting the diverse tastes and eclectic interests of Spotify users.

    daylist PlaylistUIShare

    How to Find, Save and Share daylist

    Find: Simply search ‘daylist’ on devices where Spotify is available to unlock your daylist. daylist updates multiple times a day, and you can view when your next update will be from the playlist page on mobile.

    Save: If you love a specific daylist playlist, save it to Your Library for easier access throughout the day. Pro-tip: If you don’t save it before the next update on your daylist, it’ll be gone with the wind — so don’t delay! 

    Share: daylist is all about expressing your individuality! Share your daylist playlist with your friends on socials with a ready-made screenshot, a personalized sticker, or a customizable sharecard.

    0 loops bouncy music for this moment

    With Spotify’s daylist, every day is a new musical adventure. Embrace the spontaneity, discover new favorites, and let the rhythm of your day guide you. Get ready to press play and embark on a journey through sound like never before.

    daylist is now available to both Free and Premium users in 60+ markets around the world, including in the Philippines. Check out Spotify’s blog, For the Record, for more details on daylist.

  • Ed Sheeran’s New Album ‘Autumn Variations’ Debuts on Gingerbread Man

    World-renowned musician Ed Sheeran unveils his latest album, “Autumn Variations,” under Gingerbread Man Records, painting his personal and emotional journey with every tune. Crafted under the ingenious production of Aaron Dessner, the collection captures the soulful transitions of life, seasoned with Sheeran’s unique touch.

    ED SHEERAN AUTUMN VARIATIONS ALBUM ARTWORK

    Inspiration Behind The Melodies

    Last fall witnessed a transformative phase in Ed Sheeran’s life and that of his close friends. As summer’s fervor faded, they encountered myriad emotions – from serene calmness and resolutions to intense confrontations and collapses.

    Using music as his expressive outlet, Sheeran penned down tracks that painted the evolving worldviews, both his and those of his companions. Each song oscillates between the elated peaks of new love and friendships and the melancholic valleys of heartbreak, isolation, and bewilderment.

    A Nod to the Classics

    The inspiration for the album’s name and concept traces back to the renowned composer Elgar and his magnum opus, ‘Enigma Variations’. In this classic, Elgar dedicated each of the 14 pieces to individual friends. Sheeran, taking a leaf out of this book, mirrored this approach, making “Autumn Variations” a heartfelt tribute.

    ED SHEERAN BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

    The Creative Collaboration with Aaron Dessner

    Recording sessions often reveal the magic or the discord between artists. For Sheeran and Dessner, it was instant chemistry. Their synergized efforts led to an incessant outpour of creativity, culminating in this album. Sheeran fondly reminisces about Dessner capturing autumn’s essence with impeccable finesse in the soundscapes they crafted together.

    WATCH ED’S ALL-NEW LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO OF ‘AMERICAN TOWN’ WATCH HERE

    LISTEN HERE

    Live from London’s Prestigious Stage

    For fans lucky enough to secure tickets, the Royal Albert Hall in London will echo with Sheeran’s live renditions from “Autumn Variations” on the 18th and 19th of November. Promising to be a musical feast, Sheeran is set to perform the album in its entirety. The evenings promise an amplified experience, with Sheeran being complemented by a live band and a string ensemble. Sadly, for many admirers, this stands as the lone opportunity to witness his live magic in the UK for the year.

    Sneak Peek: “Autumn Variations” Tracklist

    1. Magical
    2. England
    3. Amazing
    4. Plastic Bag
    5. Blue
    6. American Town
    7. That’s On Me
    8. Page
    9. Midnight
    10. Spring
    11. Punchline
    12. When Will I Be Alright
    13. The Day I Was Born
    14. Head > Heels

    “Autumn Variations” promises not just music, but an experience. It’s an exploration of the human heart and its responses to the world’s ever-changing rhythms. Don’t just listen; feel Ed Sheeran’s newest masterpiece.

  • Vans Amplifies Filipino Talent: A Spotlight on Young Musicians and Their Love for Music

    Vans, the global symbol of youth culture and uninhibited creativity, is hitting the right note with its latest project, “Make It Heard”. This initiative is an ode to the artistic prowess of blossoming local talents. Singling out Filipino artists Ena Mori and Paolo Sandejas, Vans takes us into their creative process and their journey of using music to forge connections within their community.

    Rocking Out Since ’66: Vans’ Melodious Journey

    From the skate parks to the stage, Vans has certainly left an indelible “Off The Wall” mark in various spheres of youth culture. Making its first foray into the music industry in 1966, Vans lent its iconic brand to Warped Tour, the most prominent traveling punk rock music festival in the USA and Canada.

    Over the years, Vans has been a staunch supporter of both budding and renowned musicians. Its digital music ventures such as the “Sidestripe Sessions” and “Vans Musician Wanted” competition have not only given a platform to musicians from diverse genres but also catalyzed their growth in the industry.

    Make It Heard: Ena Mori and Paolo Sandejas

    In the ever-evolving OPM scene, new musicians like Ena Mori and Paolo Sandejas echo their distinct sounds. Vans, through “Make It Heard”, endeavors to tune into their narratives and artistic identities.

    Ena Mori 1

    Ena Mori, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter whose pop music pushes boundaries, says, “The hardest thing is to keep myself original. There is pressure to stay on trend or hype a certain style of music ” Her latest album, “DON’T BLAME THE WILD ONE”, has drawn applause from music enthusiasts.

    Paolo Sandejas 3

    Paolo Sandejas, known for hits like “Sorry” and “Lost”, recalls his early struggles, “At the start, I didn’t really know what type of music to put out. I was bouncing around different genres. [But I realized] I don’t have to be anything other than myself and I can just enjoy and own that.” His musical repertoire involves a tasteful blend of indie pop, alternative rock, and neo soul.

    Bringing People Together

    “Make It Heard” is the newest addition to Vans’ continuous campaign to support and empower young musicians from diverse genres and backgrounds by helping nurture communities.

    “Vans is very fashion-forward. They love to collaborate with creative people, support creatives, and connect a lot of creative people. As a musician, it’s nice to see brands that value creativity and expression,” Ena and Paolo express their appreciation for the initiative. “When I see the reaction in the audience — that’s the best feeling. Seeing people connect to your music, seeing people enjoy it, the ways that your music impacts their lives make you feel accomplished with what you did.”

    Throughout the year, Vans is poised to highlight a diverse range of musicians, solidifying its stance as a global platform for creativity. To catch a glimpse of the full video here and stay updated, follow @vansphilippines on Instagram. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the symphony of creativity that these artists offer!

  • Laufey Drops New Single ‘From The Start’, Asian Tour Dates Sell Out Fast

    Breakout jazz artist and versatile instrumentalist, Laufey, has revealed her latest masterpiece, “From The Start,” courtesy of AWAL Recordings. “‘From The Start’ is a bossa nova inspired song about being in love with your best friend…who is in love with someone else. I wrote the song to create a playful mix of old sounds with modern lyrics,” shares Laufey. You can tune into this melodious narrative here: laufey.ffm.to/fromthestart.

    Laufey From The Start Photo Credit Gemma Warren
    Laufey – From The Start | Photo Credit Gemma Warren

    “From The Start” offers a sneak peek of more original music to come from Laufey later this year. The song follows the release of A Night At The Symphony—a curated collection of tracks she performed live with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra during a sold-out two-night run at Reykjavík’s Harpa Concert Hall. This collection includes selections from her debut album, ‘Everything I Know About Love,’ and her 2021 EP, ‘Typical of Me’.

    Laufey recently announced her upcoming headlining gig with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra this fall, as well as her summer tour in Australia and Asia, sold out in a blink! Festival goers can also look forward to her performances at the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, the Ottawa Jazz Festival, and the THING Festival. Below is a glimpse of her electrifying tour in Southeast Asia.

    LAUFEY TOUR DATES
    May 30, 2023—Manila—The Filinvest Tent [SOLD OUT]
    May 31, 2023—Taipei—Clapper Studio [SOLD OUT]
    June 2, 2023—Jakarta—Java Jazz Festival
    June 3, 2023—Singapore—Alex Blake Charlie Sessions [SOLD OUT]
    June 5, 2023—Tokyo—Blue Note Tokyo (Two shows) [SOLD OUT]
    June 8, 2023—Sydney, NSW—Oxford Art Factory [SOLD OUT]
    June 9, 2023—Melbourne, VIC—Howler [SOLD OUT]
    June 10, 2023—Melbourne, VIC—Howler [SOLD OUT]
    June 26, 2023—Ottawa, CA—Ottawa Jazz Festival
    July 8, 2023—Ghent, BE—Gent Jazz Festival
    July 9, 2023—Rotterdam, NL—North Sea Jazz Festival
    July 13, 2023—Elstree, UK—Home Farm Glamping
    July 15, 2023—Pori, FI—Pori Jazz
    August 2, 2023—Caroga Lake, NY—Caroga Lake Music Festival
    August 26, 2023—Port Townsend, WA—THING
    September 16, 2023—Los Angeles, CA—The Ford [SOLD OUT]

    Laufey 1

    Laufey (pronounced lāy-vāy), a 24-year-old singer, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalis from Los Angeles, weaves jazz tales of young love and self-discovery. Her multicultural upbringing between Reykjavík and Washington, D.C., with annual visits to Beijing, influenced her musical journey. This Icelandic-Chinese artist is a self-professed Ella Fitzgerald fan, who discovered her passion for jazz through her father’s record collection.

    In 2020, Laufey’s debut single “Street by Street” topped the Icelandic radio charts while she was still studying at Berklee College of Music. Following her ‘Typical of Me’ EP, she was named Best New Artist in Jazz and Blues at the Icelandic Music Awards and hosted her own show on BBC Radio 3/BBC Sounds. Her album ‘Everything I Know About Love’ debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart, and the lead single “Valentine” reached the top of the Spotify Jazz Chart. In 2022, Laufey was the most streamed jazz artist on Spotify, with a whopping 425 million streams across all platforms.

    Laufey acknowledges her journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind. Yet, she remains grounded, driven by her love for music and an unwavering commitment to her craft. As she continues to create music that resonates with fans across the globe, Laufey proves that she’s not just a rising star, but a new force to be reckoned with in the world of jazz. With her unique blend of old-school charm and contemporary lyrical wit, Laufey is poised to keep making waves in the music industry. For those who’ve been swept up in the tide, it’s an exhilarating ride, and the best part is – it’s only the beginning. So, stay tuned for more from Laufey, because this musical journey is far from over!

  • Lewis Capaldi: Coming To Manila on July 27

    Announcement – Scottish singer-songwriter LEWIS CAPALDI is coming to Manila for his ‘Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent’ Asia 2023 Tour on Thursday, July 27th at the New Frontier Theater. Tickets go on-sale on Saturday, April 15th 10AM via TicketNet.com.ph and TicketNet outlets nationwide. Presented by Wilbros Live.

    Lewis Poster Art 040423

    It was almost two years since the Scottish singer-songwriter had released his debut, an album whose blockbuster success had kept him on the road, round the world, constantly in that time. Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent was a set of self-written songs that, out of nowhere – well, out of fiercely passionate word-of-mouth enthusiasm, viral streaming and wall-to-wall airplay – captivated the planet.

    Breakthrough single Someone You Loved was 2019’s sound of spring (and summer, and autumn, and winter), a seven-week Number One and the biggest selling single in the UK that year. The following year it won Song of the Year at the Brit Awards (while Capaldi won Best New Artist), by which time it had also reached the top of the Billboard charts in the US, and been nominated for a Grammy. And now? It’s the longest-running UK Top 10 single by a British artist ever – and, with 2.3 billion plays, it’s the fifth-most streamed song on Spotify of all time.

    With that tailwind, little wonder, perhaps, that even before he’d released Divinely Inspired…, Capaldi was a record-breaker: he was the first artist to sell-out an arena tour prior to putting out his debut album. He sold all 100,000 tickets in 10 minutes, long before the album was the fastest – and biggest – selling of 2019, and was lodged at the top of the charts for 10 weeks. It would also go on to be the biggest selling album of 2020.

    As he points out, even with their global festival run the previous summer of 2019, he and his band were playing slots “where the music had kind of surpassed our position on the bill. And we were playing 2000-capacity rooms when we could have been filling the 15,000 ones. Selling out all of these shows across the world was huge – all these people coming and they’ve bought tickets just to see me.

    As he puts it, for album two, the idea was simple but potent: That is, no bells, whistles, cowbells or starry featured vocalists; no ruinously expensive stays in distant studios; no guitars melted down into whizzy keyboards; and no songs about nonsense. Like it was on the first album, straight-up, full-force honesty – lyrical and musical – would be the order of the day. “I don’t want to create a new sound for myself, or reinvent myself. The songs I want to write are emotional songs, about love or loss.

    The lead track is a driving pop song written with “the TMS boys” and recalls the best of the trio’s previous collaborations, Someone You Loved and Before You Go. As a follow-up to those two international bangers, Forget Me is evidence of the consistency of Capaldi’s songwriting talent.

    Moving piano anthem-in-waiting Wish You the Best proves both points: that Capaldi never sounds better than when he’s doing things on his own terms, nor writes better when he has faith in his own abilities. The song began during a writing trip to Los Angeles.

    Say it again: Lewis Capaldi is, finally, back writing and singing the songs that speak from his heart. For all the craziness and intensity of the three years prior to that cut-short arena tour, after two years’ enforced isolation, he’s bursting to share his music, his feelings, once again. If his first album made him an international star, with his second it’s nothing less than superstardom that beckons. And now, having put in the hard yards with the writing and recording, he’s ready to put in the miles all round the world.

    This April 2023, Netflix published his documentary “Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now”, which was directed by Joe Pearlman. It follows the Scottish singer-songwriter as he overcomes obstacles to become a Grammy-nominated pop phenomenon from his beginnings as a scrappy teen with a viral performance. The movie was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and it won accolades for its frank and close-up depiction of Capaldi’s creative process. In addition, the movie highlighted Capaldi’s musical talents and appealing character, making his fans love him even more and helping his movie reach #1 in the UK. The film’s success is a testament to Capaldi’s rising stardom and Netflix’s ability to curate compelling content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

  • Experience the Hamilton Revolution in Manila with Spotify’s ‘Best of Hamilton’ Playlist

    Just a day after Lin-Manuel Miranda greeted us with “Kamusta Philippines!” and “What’s up, dude pare?”, Miranda confirmed that the award-winning musical will kick off its first-ever Asian tour in the Philippines.

    Spotify Best of Hamilton Playlist

    From its multilayered historical backdrop to the cast’s high-energy dances and the showcase of a wide variety of musical styles, including hip-hop, pop, and jazz — this theatrical sensation is definitely not one to be missed.

    Spotifys ‘Best of Hamilton Playlist 002 2

    If you’re already hyped up like us or a Hamilton first-timer wanting to study up ahead of the experience, Spotify has got you covered. Check out Spotify‘s 72-track ‘Best of Hamilton playlist ‘, which features all of the Hamilton music coexisting in one place, including songs performed by the original Broadway cast. Plus, you can also listen to Playlist Stories featuring Miranda and music supervisor Alex Lacamoire as they share the inspirations behind some of the fan favorites like My Shot, Wait For It, Satisfied, and One Last Time..

    Spotify Best of Hamilton Playlist 4

    Get ready to experience the Hamilton revolution in Manila and feel even luckier to be alive right now!

  • PLUUS Debut Showcase: PLUUS +ime is Now, SBTown’s Newest Boy Group Ready to Conquer the Stage

    PLUUS, the highly anticipated boy group, is finally debuting this year with their first 3-in-1 showcase: PLUUS +ime is Now. The showcase will feature their debut stage, media conference, and fan gathering, making it a must-see event for fans of the group.

    PLUUS Group Photo

    Managed by SBTown, the newest boy group of Mr. Geong Seong Han, popularly known as Tatang Robin, the producer of the biggest boy group in the Philippines, together with Ms. Adie Hong, the South Korean trainer of SBTalent Camp. The group is being managed by SBTown, and is co-managed by Kathleen Dy-Go under the record label Universal Records, ensuring their success in the industry. 

    PLUUS, a combination of the words which stands for “PLUS” and “US”, which means that PLUUS (pronounced as “plus”) highlights the partnership between the boy group and their fans, as they embark on this journey together.

    The debut showcase, PLUUS +ime is Now happened last March 31st at the Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati, showcased the six-member boy group’s dance skills, vocals, and rap skills, plus their charm, as they prepare to take on bigger stages. The group has also written their own songs and choreographed their own dance for their debut album, PLUUS +.Y.M.

    Exciting fact: PLUUS played an important part in the process of producing the debut album. They collectively wrote the songs and choreographed the dance for this debut. The music video will also be exclusively released first in the said event ahead of its official release on their YouTube channel. Plus, a bonus performance of a full English R&B song that aims to reach and conquer the global stage. These are all prepared by PLUUS for fans to see and enjoy because as excited as the fans are, all PLUUS members also can’t wait to meet them. 

    PLUUS has undergone four years of extensive training and hardships to get to this point, and they are excited to finally meet their fans in this showcase. Fans can also look forward to their nationwide concert with their sister group, YGIG, as they continue to make their mark in the industry.

    Don’t miss out on PLUUS’ debut showcase and witness their journey towards success!

  • Ruel Returns to Manila for Highly-Anticipated 4th Wall World Tour This May

    Australian singer-songwriter and pop star Ruel is set to make his highly anticipated return to Manila for his 4th Wall World Tour on May 26, at the Samsung Hall (SM Aura Premier). Fans can get their tickets starting April 11 at 10 AM via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide. The concert is presented by Wilbros Live.

    At just 20 years old and on the brink of releasing his debut album 4th Wall via RCA (ROW) & Sony Music (Australia), Ruel exudes confidence in the authenticity of his music. “It’s exactly the music I wanted to write…what I had in my head. It’s me executing my ideas, instead of trying to execute other people’s ideas in my way,” he says.

    Ruel Manila 4th Wall World Tour

    4th Wall, executively produced by long-time collaborator M-Phazes (Khalid, Noah Cyrus, Remi Wolf), has been a journey of self-discovery for Ruel. Originally headed down a Pop/R&B lane, the pandemic acted as a major personal and professional conduit for Ruel, pushing him to forge his own creative path and expand his musical horizons.

    “I spent the last three years writing it and wound up with over 100 songs. I rewrote half of them and re-recorded most of them… It’s been the biggest journey making this record,” Ruel notes.

    Fans have been treated to a series of singles that showcase Ruel’s musical prowess, including the dancefloor anthem “Growing Up Is ____,” the dreamy “Let The Grass Grow,” the poignant “You Against Yourself,” and the emotional ballad “Must Be Nice.”

    Since his debut in 2017 at the age of 14, Ruel has become one of the most influential artists of his generation, with over 2 billion global streams, 1.2 million Instagram followers, and five platinum records to his name. He’s also the youngest artist ever to win Breakthrough Artist at the ARIA Awards and the youngest artist to sell out the Sydney Opera House twice. Notably, Ruel has caught the attention of industry legends such as Elton John and Zane Lowe.

    With three successful EPs, Ruel’s debut album is eagerly awaited by his fans. The album features several platinum and double platinum hits, including “Younger,” “Dazed & Confused,” “Painkiller,” “Real Thing,” and “Face to Face.” Ruel has also shared stages with Khalid, Shawn    Mendes, played Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival, and collaborated with Denzel Curry, JVKE, Omar Apollo, and Cosmo’s Midnight.

    Now three EPs deep – READY, FREE TIME and BRIGHT LIGHTS, RED EYES, the time is well and truly nigh for 4TH WALL to take flight. With an impressive collection of Platinum and Double Platinum hits including YOUNGER, DAZED & CONFUSED, PAINKILLER, REAL THING and FACE TO FACE, the release of 4TH WALL will further solidify his position as one of Australia’s most successful artists.

    Ruel has garnered international acclaim and has been featured in high-end editorials such as Nylon, Vogue, and GQ. He’s also received praise from notable publications such as NME, The Face, famed celebrity and fine art photographer Rankin’s Hunger TV, and Coup De Main.

    As fans wait for the global tour announcement, Ruel is excited to return to Manila and reassert himself as one of the world’s most exciting artists. “Okay, time to bring home my sound. I can’t wait,” he says.

  • Barbie Almalbis reunites with former bands, Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle for a 25th Anniversary concert

    Filipino alt-rock icon Barbie Almalbis celebrates her 25th year in the music industry with a concert chronicling her career as an artist who helped build Pinoy rock into what it is today: borderless and always evolving, shattering the assumption that the movement is “a Man’s Man’s World.”

    Fire Woman Barbie Almalbis

    Aptly titled Firewoman: 25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, the show will reunite two of her supergroups, Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle for a special moment filled with vigor, nostalgia, and appreciation. Almalbis will be performing some of the biggest and most notable hits of her career in three separate sets: as a frontwoman of the aforementioned bands, and as a solo artist who managed to make a name for herself.

    “While this is truly a dream for me, it was GNN Entertainment Productions who first believed it could happen and conceptualized the show,” the Tabing Ilog hitmaker reveals. “We reached out Ricci Gurango, Franklin Benitez, Rommel de la Cruz, Wendell Garcia, and Kakoy Legaspi, and we’re delighted that they were all excited to do it too. Ricci, who now lives in the US, is coming home to the Philippines for the show.”

    Firewoman: 25 Years of Barbie Almalbis was conceived last year to honor the award-winning singer-songwriter’s contribution to OPM, and to celebrate her staying power with anthems that proved to be impactful to listeners of all ages. 

    Barbie Almalbis Photo by Kris Rocha
    Photo credit: Kris Rocha

    “I’m just so excited to play alongside some of my old friends, who also happen to be some my favorite musicians,” Almalbis shares in an official press statement. “We have so many great memories, making music, touring, and growing up together. They’ve taught me so much over the years. I’m just so grateful for this opportunity to jam with all of them on the show. I’m also looking forward to sharing the stage with many other artists I admire.”

    The event is set to take place at 123 Block in Mandala Park on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 2 p.m. onwards. It will also feature performances by some of the country’s finest acts, including Sandwich, Gab Alipe of Urbandub, Clara Benin, I Belong To The Zoo, Kai del Rio, and Bird.

    Almalbis also attributes her success as a musician, a woman, and a person of influence to her team’s dedication and hard work. 

    She adds, “I’m so grateful to still be playing, making music, and enjoying it a lot. It helps that I’m not doing it alone: my husband, who also loves music, helps me, especially during times when I find it hard to write. He’s a constant sounding board for ideas. Our daughter Stina has been joining in a lot lately too. I’m also so grateful for an excellent team: our manager Tommy, road manager Morris, and the band: Karel, Nikko, and Jonard. And of course, the one who holds the whole thing together. So much of my career was something I didn’t plan, so I always do my best to look to God and follow where he takes me. Music is such a gift; I’m praying I get to do it until I’m old and gray.”

    Firewoman: 25 Years of Barbie Almalbis is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, Backspacer Records, JB Music, Nova Wellness Store, and 123 Block.

    Tickets to the show are available for purchase starting February 13 (Monday) at 6pm via TicketMelon.