Monthly Archives: August 2021

Foreign, Online Events

The Spirit Room 20th Anniversary: Michelle Branch Livestream Event

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In celebration of the 20th anniversary of her debut album – The Spirit Room, American singer-songwriter & Grammy award winning music act Michelle branch scheduled for a global livestreaming event to be held on Sept. 10, 2021 (Sept. 11 in the Philippines). Branch’s The Spirit Room was released on August 14, 2001. Singles includes: “Everywhere”, “Goodbye To You”, and “Everywhere”. The Spirit Room debuted at number 28 on the US Billboard 200, selling 68,000 copies in its first week and in 2011, the album was certified double platinum by RIAA, sold over two million copies in the United States On the upcoming online concert, she’ll be performing the album in its entirety and each ticket includes a 24-hour video on demand right after the first broadcast.

MICHELLE BRANCH

SHOW DATE:
September 11, 2021 – 9am
*Philippine Time*

TICKET PRICE
Livestream Access – Php 502.45
*Ticket includes 24-hour video on demand*

TICKET ADD-ONS
-The Spirit Room After Party – Php 251.23
-The Spirit Room Anniversary Tote Bag – Php753.67
-The Spirit Room Anniversary T-Shirt – Php1,507.34
-The Spirit Room Anniversary Shirt + Tote Bag – Php2,009.78

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Entertainment

Search for “Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10” housemates begins this September on Kumu

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ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Kumunity Season 10” begins its search for new housemates as it gears up for another season that will show to the world the excellence, strength, resourcefulness, and goodness of Filipinos.

After last week’s big announcement on the return of the popular reality show, auditions for the Adult Edition will officially open on September 1 to 30 via the Pinoy community platform Kumu. The upcoming tenth regular season of “PBB” will also feature Celebrity and Teen Editions.

“We wanted to give viewers something new. Matagal na rin kasi na wala tayong celebrity housemates na group. The last one was Lucky Season 7 pa. Ngayon sila ‘yung magsisimula ng season then followed by adults and teens then sa dulo may mangyayaring twist na dapat abangan,” said “PBB” creative head Marcus Vinuya in the virtual media conference held on Monday (August 30).

Also present in the event were ABS-CBN entertainment production head and Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi and hosts Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzalez, and Robi Domingo, who expressed excitement for the return of the program.

“Doing ‘PBB’ is like a part of our lives already, nina Bianca and Robi. This is our second home. And it’s always a big blessing when we are given an opportunity to the another season para sa ating mga Kapamilya,” said Toni, who has been a part of “PBB” since it started in 2005.

According to Bianca, who was part of “PBB Celebrity Edition 1,” the entire “PBB” family is grateful to be together again to bring light and joy to viewers during this pandemic.

“Kita mo ‘yung saya nung tao…‘yung fans na sobrang excited na sumaya, ma-inspire. Kasi in the middle of everything na pinagdaraanan natin grabe ‘yung joy, ‘yung inspiration, ‘yung hope na nabigay nung last season sa napakaraming manonood,” she said.

Robi revealed that they have been wishing for another season as early as the “PBB” Season 9 Big Night.

“Just like the theme, ‘yung pangarap pwedeng magkakatoo. Saktong-sakto few months after the Big Night eto na we’re gonna have the auditions for the tenth season of PBB,” said the runner-up of “PBB Teen Edition Plus” who is now one of the most in demand hosts and respected youth advocates in the country.

Lauren, meanwhile, expressed his joy of seeing the trio together again for another “PBB” season, as well as other ex-housemates who have also remained part of the show in one way or another.

“Every time I see ex-housemates also getting their lives better, it gives us the motivation and the drive to continue with ‘PBB.’ Kasi ito talaga ‘yung patuloy na kahit papano nagbabago ng buhay. That experience alone, of auditioning and being a housemate, talagang may maidudulot itong mabuti sa inyo. On behalf of ABS-CBN management, we would like to thank Kumu for partnering again with us for this new season,” he said.

Meanwhile, other ex-housemates shared their memorable experiences and lessons learned inside the “PBB” house and also gave tips to aspiring housemates during the “PBB Kumunity Season 10” Party last Friday (August 30) on Kumu.

“Natutuwa akong malaman na hanggang ngayon ay pinapahalagahan ninyo ang mga alaala ninyo sa loob ng aking bahay at patuloy na isinasabuhay ang mga aral na natutunan ninyo bilang housemates. Naway patuloy kayong maging ehemplo sa mga susunod pang magiging housemates ng aking bahay,” Big Brother told them.

To audition for “PBB Kumunity Season 10,” hopefuls just need to download the Kumu app, create an account, and upload a 1-minute Kumu clip where he or she will introduce oneself and say why he or she is deserving to become a housemate, and use the hashtag “PBBKumuAdults.”

Auditions for Adult Edition for those who are 20 to 40 years old will be until September 30, while auditions for the Teen Edition, for those 15 to 19 years old, will begin on December 1 to December 31 and will use the hashtag “PBBKumuTeens.”

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements about “PBB Kumunity Season 10” on Facebook (@PBBABSCBNTV), Twitter (@PBBABSCBN), and Kumu (@PBBABSCBN).For other ABS-CBN updates, follow @ABS-CBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram (@abscbnpr) or visit abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Local, Online Events

BINI and BGYO gear up for first co-headlining concert in P-Pop history on Nov. 6 & 7

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Less than a year after their official launches, P-pop’s fast-rising stars BINI and BGYO have enjoyed several milestones with their fans: BINI’s music video for their debut single, “Born to Win,” was featured in MTV Asia last month and has already crossed one million views, while BGYO has landed on the number one spot on Billboard’s global Next Big Sound chart, coinciding with the release of their latest single “The Baddest,” which just surpassed one million views on YouTube.

Having grown together from being trainees to full-fledged rookie idol groups, BINI and BGYO are taking the next big steps that will define their journey and their sound as they gear up for their upcoming joint concert and respective debut albums.

BINI and BGYO are making history with their sibling concert – the first in P-pop – called “One Dream: The BINI x BGYO Concert,” which will be streamed worldwide on November 6 and 7 on KTX.PH, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV.

“One Dream: The BINI x BGYO Concert” is also the first two-day concert in the Philippines to feature a unique repertoire per day, promising a grand extravaganza of world-class performances of old favorites and new releases.

The November 6 show will be filled with electrifying performances by each group, collaborations on fan-favorite songs, and exciting numbers by surprise guest artists. On November 7, BINI and BGYO will present more live collabs, sub-unit performances, powerful vocal showcases, and a fan meet on KTX.PH.

Fans who want to buy the SVIP tickets, which are available starting August 31 and are priced at P1,950 or US$39.99, will be able to watch the two shows and join the fan meet on KTX.PH. VIP tickets, meanwhile, will be sold at P1,490 or US$29.99 on KTX.PH, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV and will provide access to the two shows.

A special early bird promotion for VIP tickets will have a limited run from August 31 to September 2 only. Those who want to buy early will have access to the two shows with a special price of P999 or US$19.99.

Before their joint concert in November, both groups are coming out with their much-awaited full-length debut albums, both of which will have all-original songs. Some members of the groups also got to flex their creativity by composing their own songs for the albums.

For BINI, fans can anticipate the release of the group’s sophomore single in September before the whole debut album drops in October.

BGYO, on the other hand, will continue promoting “The Baddest,” whose music video recently trended worldwide on YouTube and hit number one on iTunes Philippines, before the release of the album, also in October.

Purchase your tickets now to watch “One Dream: The BINI x BGYO Concert,” on November 6 and 7 on KTX.PH, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV.

Get regular updates by following BINI_ph and BGYO_ph on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and subscribing to their official YouTube channels, BINI Official and BGYO Official.

Foreign, Online Events

ULTRASONIC: Don Broco Livestream Event

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British rock group Don Broco will be livestreaming their performance from the 2021 Slam Dunk Festival set exclusively via Moment House on September 1 (September 2 in the Philippines). It will be streamed worldwide with 24-hour video-on-demand. The group set to release their fourth studio album, Amazing Things on September 17, 2021.

DON BROCO

ULTRASONIC: LIVESTREAM EVENT

SHOW DATES:
September 2 – 3am (LIVE)
September 2 – 9am
September 2 – 5pm

*set for Philippine time*

TICKET PRICES

LIVESTREAM ACCESS – Php 453.31

ADD-ONS

VIP Afterparty – Php 348.55
Ultrasonic exclusive Long Sleeve Shirt – Php 2,091.76

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Local, Music

Ben&Ben surpass expectations on sophomore album, Pebble House Vol. 1: Kuwaderno

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Expanding their sound with rewarding experiments and thematically bolder songwriting, the 13-track album marks an important chapter in Ben&Ben’s history as it captures the songs, stories, messages, experiences, learnings, and insights that accompanied them through their self-reflecting but fulfilling journey. “Each song, much like an entry in one’s personal journal, encapsulates something uniquely special to represent something in a certain point in time,” the nine-piece collective shares in a statement. “We felt it would be important for our second album to be a work that brings us closer to our listeners and introduces them more to the wide spectrum of what we are capable of and of who we are as people.”


Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno surpasses expectations in terms of musicality and production, giving way to an exquisite piece of pop songcraft that feels more like a natural progression from their equally compelling debut album, Limasawa Street rather than a retread of the comfortably familiar. Since working on Kuwaderno, Ben&Ben have been more open to collaborations that venture beyond the confines of their early work.


On their second album, they have teamed up with the biggest names in the Philippine music industry on six of the songs, including “Swimming Pool” (Feat. Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar), “Pasalubong” (Feat. Moira Dela Torre), “Lunod” (Feat. Zild and juan karlos), “Sabel” (Feat. KZ Tandingan), “Kapangyarihan” (Feat. SB19), and “Sugat” (Feat. Munimuni).


“We’ve always wanted to collaborate with these artists, but we were also always a bit too shy to ask,” says lead vocalist and guitarist Paolo Benjamin. “When working on the second album however, our songs and the arrangements gave us confidence to reach out in hopes that these collaborators would likewise believe in our music enough to work with us. Thankfully, they did, and we are immensely grateful for their generosity in sharing their hard work and talent with us.”


Pre-production for the album began in the latter part of April 2021 when Ben&Ben recorded their first two songs “Upuan” and “Magpahinga.” The former will have a music video featuring He’s Into Her stars Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano to be released on August 29, 6pm (Sunday) via Ben&Ben’s official YouTube channel. Directed by Niq Ablao, the visuals take us into a simple yet timeless story about prom, and the jitters that come with finding the courage to ask someone out.


The production phase continued with Ben&Ben recording with some of their artist collaborators towards the end of May, and wrapped up with other songs in the album in mid-June. These tracks include “Kuwaderno,” which sets the mood and tone of the record; “Kasayaw,” a metaphor that alludes to the difficult question of whether two people are in the same groove or not; “Elyu,” a classic sounding song about wanting to free oneself from something; Ilang Tulog Na lang,” a paean to long distance relationships; and “Kayumanggi,” an anthem that embraces the beauty and richness of Filipino identity.


Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno is written, arranged, and produced by Ben&Ben, with Jean Paul Verona and Sam Marquez (One Click Straight) involved in co-producing, mixing, and co-engineering duties. Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Leon Zervos, who has worked with the likes of Maroon 5, Pink, and Rihanna, heads the overall mastering of the tracks.


Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno is out now via Sony Music on all digital music platforms worldwide including Spotify. And fans can also look forward to exclusive content only on Spotify.

Local, Music

Gigi De Lana to release debut album, hold digital concert, and join 1MX Live in Dubai

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Viral Kapamilya singer Gigi de Lana fulfills two of her biggest dreams with the upcoming release of her debut album produced by ABS-CBN Music and the staging of her own digital concert to be produced by ABS-CBN Events.

The RISE Artists Studio talent—whose spontaneous cover of “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita” that had several key alterations recently blew up on social media—will finally get to showcase more of her vocal prowess through a full-length album.

“Nag-pursige kami ng The Gigi Vibes band na gumawa ng sariling songs. Dun kami nag-grow at dun kami nag-start, so meron po kaming ilalabas na album,” Gigi shared, adding that she will drop her first single on September 24.

She is also set to headline her first “YouTube Music Night” concert in December that promises to be full of surprises.

“We are preparing for something big and ito inaareglo na ng banda kung ano ba ‘yung gagawin sa mga kanta, gagawa kami ng medley, maraming pakulo. May guests din pero secret pa,” Gigi teased.

She will also be part of the Filipino music festival “1MX Dubai” that will be held live on December 3.

Dubbed as ‘The Rising Viral Star,’ Gigi first entered the limelight when she competed in the inaugural season of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in “It’s Showtime,” where she became one of the grand finalists.

During the onset of the pandemic, Gigi launched the online live gig “GG Vibes,” where she performs covers with The Gigi Vibes band and even takes song requests from viewers. “GG Vibes” regularly records netizens’ praises for Gigi’s amazing voice and amasses thousands of live viewers on Facebook and YouTube.

Aside from singing, Gigi has also ventured into acting, having played a supporting role in Star Cinema’s “Four Sisters Before the Wedding” in 2020. This year, she officially became a Star Magic artist as she signed with ABS-CBN’s premier talent management arm during ‘Black Pen Day.’

Before Gigi, fellow ABS-CBN singers Jona, and Juris together with Jed Madela, staged two separate free virtual concerts for “YouTube Music Night” last February.

See Gigi shine and watch out for her debut album and “YouTube Music Night” concert soon! For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Online Events

The Show Must Go On: Social U Brings Back Community In Universities

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School life holds a special place in our hearts. Our time with friends inside the four corners of the classroom is something we cherish forever. Our Alma mater is a second home—a stronghold where knowledge, friendship, and countless incomparable memories are built.

School is a place where we begin to know ourselves better. We discover the things we like, the things we are good at, and the people we would love to be with.

Now, times have changed. Students are all behind their computer screens as they continue their studies. At a time when physical get-togethers are impossible, there’s nothing we can do but reminisce about that moment. And it might sound business as usual, but admit it or not, our social needs are challenged.

Island Records Philippines believes in the importance of music in bringing back the best moments of our youth that happened in school. For example, there’s nothing like the shared energy and unmatched connection at school concerts. The magic that binds people and music is unique for that moment and for that space but is lasting in everyone’s memory.

With their new initiative called Social U, Island Records Philippines strives to bring this moment back through a series of virtual concerts across four universities in the country. For students who can only wish to be in school with friends, the event aims to break out of the two-dimensional screen through virtual campus tours made more memorable and exciting with music.

The two-hour concert will be happening inside a virtual campus where every student of the respective school is invited to. The tour will host different brand games and activities that students can freely enjoy. On top of these, OPM artists and other homegrown acts and students will bring the live feel through the virtual concert.

The virtual school tour also aims to be an avenue for getting to know one another and for creating strong peer relationships among students. Especially with the opening of a new academic year amidst a pandemic, Island Records Philippines wishes to build a sense of community that is important not only as support for their academic endeavors but also as a solid footing towards creating bigger impacts in society.

In cooperation with youth organization We The Youth Vote, the initiative also aims to be a stage that highlights the value of everyone’s right to vote, especially with the nearing deadline for voter registration. The partnership aims to educate students about their suffrage and at the same time impart the bigness of the role of every Filipino youth in the upcoming elections.

Social U’s virtual school tour will be running in four universities including Far Eastern University, De La Salle University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and University of the East.

The first stop would be for the students of Far Eastern University, happening on August 27, 2021. Autotelic, Zack Tabudlo, Leanne and Naara, Over October, Dia Mate, and Elise Huang are on the line-up for FEU’s virtual crowd. Also joining in the musical experience is FEU’s very own IABF Powerband, 1st runner up of Sayawit 2020’s Battle of the Bands.

Next stop will be in De La Salle University on September 3, with Cheats, Juan Karlos, Zack Tabudlo, Fern., Elise Huang, and Dia Mate joining the virtual concert.

On the 25th of September, Social U will arrive at Polytechnic University of the Philippines together with Allison Shore, Juan Karlos, Zack Tabudlo, Over October, One Click Straight, and Scye.

The last leg would be for the students of University of the East, happening on September 27. Arthur Nery, Juan Karlos, Zack Tabudlo, Fern., One Click Straight, and Autotelic will prepare performances for the concert.

Social U A Virtual Concert is made possible by Island Records Philippines and Universal Music Group For Brands, co-presented by FoodPanda, Globe Prepaid, and Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi, and is in cooperation with We The Youth Vote Philippines.

Being physically together may not be possible, but Island Records Philippines and its partner brands and organizations believe that music still holds the power to make the hearts of Filipino students stay connected. The youth can become one—from concert sing-alongs to moving towards a greater goal for the future of the country.

To learn more about Social U, visit Island Records Philippines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/islandrecordsphilippines

Online Events

Renewed: Hazel Faith’s free ministry concert

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Singer-songwriter and artist Hazel Faith announces her upcoming free ministry concert entitled, “Renewed”. The online concert will be this Saturday, August 28, 8 PM live via Hazel Faith’s Facebook Page.

The “Renewed” concert is Hazel Faith’s testament of her strong Christian beliefs. It talks about her relationship with the Christian faith, from the moments wherein her conviction was exhausted up to her epiphany and realization of the dire need for God’s love and support. Its theme will be about the chronicles of her life as a Christian and how she was replenished of its essence thus, “Renewed”.

The concert will feature her tracks on her latest EP “Renewed” which follows a 3-part narrative about her Christian faith . First release is the warm-up single entitled “Lighthouse in the Storm”, which is about God’s representation as her “rock” during “storms” or hardships in life; followed by the next one, “Confessions”, which tackles mankind’s imperfections and humility to come back to God. And finally the release of the title track “Bagong Buhay” which is about God’s saving grace that led her “renewal” in her faith. Besides the tracks mentioned, there are 2 more songs in this album entitled “Nagpapasalamat Ako” and “It Was Good”. All tracks are produced alongside Caleb Santos.

“Then one night, it hit me all at once: I was lost. And I needed to come back to Jesus…I wanted, more than anything, to hear His voice again. And I heard it. ‘Sing a new song for the Lord’…I was RENEWED.” as quoted from her concert testimony.

Viewers will get to witness live performances, games and fan interactions and a chance to get exclusive merchandise.

For more information and upcoming releases, visit Hazel Faith’s social media pages:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1IJ4wDIUWLb0XLmPN79SDj?si=4hVkgSQSRQexx_Nqe4TnEQ&dl_branch=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Hazelfaithig

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HazelFaithFanpage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thehazelfaith

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/HazelFaithTV

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hazelfaithtiktok

Local, Music

Over October breaks the mold with first Tagalog song “Sandali Lang”

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Acclaimed Filipino band Over October are breaking the mold with the release of their first Tagalog EP “Sandali Lang” under Island Records Philippines and MCA Music Inc. Finding a new sense of accomplishment in trying new things, the acclaimed quartet writes a heartfelt tune in the local language for the very first time, while sticking to a broadly appealing sound that gravitates toward an irresistible blend of alternative rock, ‘80s pop, blues, and indie rock.


“We didn’t have a specific vision for how we wanted the song to sound,” Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Josh Buizon points out. “We just drew inspiration from different kinds of local music – different genres and eras.”


Over October holed up in La Union for five days to arrange the material, along with the rest of the new tracks before finishing the songwriting session over at Discord. With a rough batch of songs in tow, the band sought guidance from seasoned sound engineer Peavey Nicolas and award-winning producer and The Itchyworms’ very own Jazz Nicolas to help fine-tune and polish some specific details, such as implementing a key change on the second and last chorus and suggesting a new way to arrange the guitar parts.


“I think we were a lot more comfortable this time since this is already our third track with them and the recording process for this song (and actually the whole EP) is unique in a sense that we lived together in the studio for two weeks,” lead guitarist Josh Lua shares. “On our first day there, we played the original arrangement of the song. After hearing it, they gave their inputs and two days later, the song sounded so different and so much better.”


“Sandali Lang” is an emotionally captivating song that tackles the feeling of falling in and out of love. While Over October’s previous batch of songs talked openly about being rejected and embracing optimism, their latest song mines the pain of breaking up with someone, but eventually emerging a better person after weathering the storm. In the words of the band, “the act of letting go is also an act of love in itself.”


Buizon adds, “the song speaks about two people, one who thought that everything was okay and going well, and the other, who was slowly falling out of love throughout their relationship. Sandali Lang focuses on how the person that was left behind can’t understand why and has so many questions in their head trying to figure out what went wrong.”


The unexpected rollout of Over October’s comeback EP is accompanied with a new music video starring Gawad Urian 2020 Best Actor and Gameboys star Elijah Canlas and young actress Miles Ocampo. Directed by Carl Chavez, the music video is set to premiere on August 26, Thursday.

Over October is an alternative pop/rock band from Manila, Philippines. The band consists of Josh Buizon (lead vocals and rhythm guitar),Josh Lua (lead guitar),Janessa Geronimo(drums),and Joric Canlas(bass).

They are known for their EP Free (2016) and their singles ‘Never Stop’ (2017), and ‘Wait’ (2018). In 2019, they released three more singles ‘Mr. Sun,’ ‘Alive,’ and ‘Without Your Love,’ and their debut album Press Play. In 2020, the band signed with Island Records Philippines.


Over October is a group of friends bursting in the seams with personalities that translate coming-of-age experiences and life lessons through an easy-listening sound with cleverly crafted lyrics. Through their songs, Over October invites their audience to go through life with them: a never-ending road trip that is best enjoyed with your friends.


Over October’s “Sandali Lang” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Island Records Philippines and MCA Music Inc.

Local, Music

Julie Anne San Jose covers Hale’s classic song, “Kung Wala Ka”

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Multi-talented actress-singer Julie Anne San Jose shares her rendition of Hale’s hit single Kung Wala Ka. Her vocal calibre and bravado gave a fresh take on this 2005 mellow track. With a whopping 77 million streams on Spotify, this melodramatic song talks about the aftermath of being left by someone whom you have built a life with and entails the hardship of moving forward on your own.

Just a few moments after its release, Julie’s cover of this classic Hale record entered iTunes Philippine Chart at Top 3. It has been featured in various music digital stores such as Spotify New Music Friday, Apple Music Absolute OPM, Apple Music OPM Slider, and Youtube Music New Release Mix.

Julie Anne San Jose set the nation on fire when she has recently taken centerstage at the New York Times Square electronic billboard for Spotify’s “Equal” campaign. Her first single of the year — FREE, has made it to Spotify’s Equal playlist both locally and globally. Coined as Asia’s Limitless Star, Julie is set to launch her first-ever musical trilogy “Limitless” on September 17.