Kuwaderno: Ben&Ben Live at the Araneta Coliseum

For the first time ever, Filipino pop-rok group Ben&Ben to held a major concert which will be shot at the iconic Araneta Coliseum and will be streamed worldwide via KTX.PH this December 2021. The group will be performing songs from their newest album titled: Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno as well as some of their classic hits.

Ben&Ben

Live at the Araneta Coliseum Livestream Event
December 5, 2021
8:00pm (Philippine Time)
Streaming over KTX.PH

TICKET PRICES

Early Bird Rates (til October 31, 2021)
Kaibigan – Php800
Magkaibigan – Php3,300
Mahiwaga – Php5,300
Tinatangi – Php7,800

Regular Rates (starts November 1, 2021)
Kaibigan – Php1,000
Magkaibigan – Php3,500
Mahiwaga – Php5,500
Tinatangi – Php8,000

TICKET INCLUSION

  • Kaibigan: Livestream Access
  • Magkaibigan: Livestream Access, Printed Concert Ticket, Concert T-Shirt, Kuwaderno Journal, Raffle Entry, Raffle Prizes: 5 winners of free Ben&Ben merchandise for 1 year (Jan 2022 – Dec 2022)
  • Mahiwaga: Livestream Access, Printed Concert Ticket, Concert T-Shirt, Kuwaderno Journal, Talaarawan Planner, Virtual Backstage Tour, Raffle Entry – Raffle Prizes: 2 winners of Vinyl Players and 5 winners of Signed Concert Posters
  • Tinatangi – Livestream Access, Exclusive 1 on 1 Harana Session with Ben&Ben on Zoom, Raffle Entry (Exclusive to Philippine Residents) – Raffle Prize: 5 winners of Trip to Ben&Ben House

AmiananPop champions North Luzon pop music with first edition of its songwriting festival

In an effort to foster a better understanding of the North Luzon culture and identity through contemporary music, AmiananPop Music Inc. is officially launching the maiden edition of its songwriting festival, which will take place online this December 4, 2021.


Taking a page from fellow contemporaries, Visayan Pop Music Festival (Vispop) and Mindanao Popular Music Festival (MinPop), the newly formed institution puts a spotlight on a new breed of composers, interpreters, musicians, and producers representing the Ilocos, Cordillera, and Cagayan region, as well as some non-Tagalog speaking areas in Central Luzon.


Through AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021, artists from the North are encouraged to write, record, and produce songs in their own language as a way to present one’s individuality and debunk misconceptions about non-Manileño Filipino cultures. “Every language and/or dialect is unique, and so are the stories and nuances that come with it, and that is why this is the ultimate goal of the movement, to create a community of storytellers that will represent the NOW generation of Northern singer/songwriters,” says AmiananPop Co-Founder and Chairman Davey Langit.


The annual competition is committed to bringing modern regional pop music at the forefront of mainstream consciousness by making sure that the songs are well-produced and could compete on a global level. As Ebe Dancel, Co-Founder and President of AmiananPop sums it up, “All the finalists have excellently-written and arranged songs, and the melodies are great. How do we bridge the gap? We make sure that the songs are well-produced, so that when people not familiar with the language hear them, they will be encouraged to look for the translation of all songs.”


Going all out on its debut edition, AmiananPop aims to secure its place on the Philippine music map with its insistence to subvert old practices and embrace new forms of music-making that is at par with the professional level in highly urbanized areas such as Metro Manila. Using the tagline Sikamimet!, which is an Ilocano word for ‘it’s our turn,” the regional songwriting event is keen on igniting a new music movement from North Luzon that turns the resounding battle cry into a marker of an evolving and dynamically growing scene.


“We have to bring it to the fore and show the people that we have an evolving culture, particularly, in music,” Co-Founder and Board Member Noel Cabangon explains the basis behind AmiananPop’s vision. “The songs that we know are already traditional songs. What about the stories and song of the new generation? That’s how important cultural evolution is. Dapat kasabay ng pag-evolve ng panahon ang kultura.”


This year’s finalists have shown promise in making generation-defining anthems that not only assert cultural identity in a compelling way, but also reflect the social conditions of their immediate environment and the community that shaped their individuality.

The North Luzon artists that impressed the adjudicators in the preliminary rounds include:
Angelic Mateo, SUNGBAT
Harold Lumandaz, URAYEN KA
Jomabel Trapse, BISIKLETA
Fernan Castro Estrada (Composer) & Melchor Orpilla (Lyricicst), LAINËNG ONAN ARO
Ryan Madrid (Composer) & Kimberly Collado (Lyricist), PUDNO NGA AYAT
Ruth Lee Resuello, AGKA MAPAGA
Ruth Lee Resuello, ANTO KASI NGARAN TU MAN
Rivah-Anne Singson & Remedios Singson, NAPACURUG NGA AYA
Red Gumayagay, ARAPAAP
Patrick Visto, LAB STORY


The selection went through rigorous process of adjudication led by Chairman Davey Langit, President Ebe Dancel, as well as Foundation Board Members Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Noel Cabangon, Gary Granada, Ma. Cristina Joy Balajadia, Melvin Morallos, Christopher Donaal, and Agat Morallos.


According to Co-Founder Noel Cabangon, the finalists are selected based on musicality, lyrics, creativity and new sound. “We determine entries not on their winnability but how the songs are creatively crafted,” the award-winning and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter adds.


AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021 is the first project of AmiananPop Music Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to champion the beauty and diversity of contemporary pop music in North Luzon and its peripheral regions. This year’s festival is co-presented by official partners and sponsors: PhilPop, FILSCAP, NLEX-SCREX, PotenCee, Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros, Office of Cong. Kristine Singson, Office of Cong. Christopher de Venecia, Mansho, and Island Living.

Infinite’s Nam Woo Hyun, releases a preview of his new album ‘With’… Foretelling a high level of perfection and ‘healing ears’

Nam Woo Hyun from group INFINITE heralded ‘healing ears’ with high quality of album.

Woollim Entertainment released a preview video of Nam Woo Hyun’s 4th mini album ‘With’ on its official YouTube channel at 6 p.m. on the 14th.

The preview video draw attention, with various images of Nam Woo Hyun showing off his extraordinary good looking and some of the songs in ‘With’ playing out.

Starting with the intro ‘With’, which is the same name as the album’s name, the album consists of 6 songs, including title song ‘Between Calm and Passion’, ‘Lonely Night’, ‘My Diary’, ‘Alone’, and ‘A Song for You’, raising expectations for the birth of ‘the best album ever’.

The title song ‘Between Calm and Passion’ is a R&B pop genre with a dreamy atmosphere, featuring a heavy base line, a concise yet sentimental beat, and Nam Woo Hyun’s restrained vocals. It creates a drowsy and sexy atmosphere by expressing intense love and the deep inner thoughts in ‘an image of passion disguised as coolness.’

Nam Woo Hyun is expected to generously show his unique sensibility and musical capabilities that have grown one step further by participating in the lyrics of ‘Between Calm and Passion’ , ‘Alone’ and ‘A Song for You’ and composing in ‘A Song for You’.’ Global fans are paying keen attention to the unique music color Nam Woo Hyun will present through ‘With.’

Nam Woo Hyun’s 4th mini album ‘With’ will be released on various music sites at 6 p.m. on the 19th.

Sheryn brings love, hope, and healing in “Love United” digital concert

Powerful vocalist Sheryn Regis is set to stage her first-ever digital concert “Love United” via KTX.ph, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV on October 23 (Saturday) with a re-run the next day (October 24).

The grand musical event will highlight the Crystal Voice of Asia’s heartwarming performances promoting love, hope, and healing today.

“Maganda kasi mag-express ng songs na inspirational these days, like, you can give hope and love through a song. So the viewers can receive healing from the songs that we’re going to perform as well,” she said in a MYXclusive interview.

Sheryn, who made her showbiz comeback this year through her songs “Tulad ng Dati” and “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” also admitted that it’s a challenge to not be able to connect with her audience eye-to-eye, but promised that the concert experience will still be special, nonetheless.

“Gusto kong i-assure na mafi-feel nila gaano mag-work ang mga puso namin through our singing, ma-feel nila na nasa harap lang nila kami. Na iba ito from just watching us on TV,” she guaranteed. “Digitally dadalhin ko kayo sa isang concert stage.”

The Kapamilya singer will be sharing the virtual stage with rising and talented artists like viral sensation EZ Mil, Filipino pop-rapper H-BOM, child singing prodigy Kaela Francheska, former “Tawag ng Tanghalan” finalist Froilan Canlas, and the vocal trio of Francis Concepcion, Keifer Sanchez, and Mackie Empuerto aka the TNT boys.

“Love United” is presented by ABS-CBN Events and produced by MAK Entertainment. Tickets for the concert are now available online for P899/USD17.99 (regular) and P1,4999/USD 30 (VIP with access to digital after party).

Find healing with Sheryn in “Love United,” streaming 8PM PhST via KTX.ph, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV on October 23 (Saturday) with a re-run the next day (October 24) at 10AM PhST. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Ben&Ben team up with Taiwanese Mandopop star WeiBird on dreamlike track “Cheap Love”

2021 has been a massive year for Filipino folk-pop collective Ben&Ben in terms of commercial and critical success. Their sophomore album, Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno has earned glowing praises from reputable music critics and publications in the Philippines and Asia, with Rick Olivares of ABS-CBN News calling it a “brilliant masterpiece” and Paul John Caña of Esquire Philippines pointing out its vital role in establishing the band as the “pre-eminent artist of their generation.” In less than two months, Ben&Ben’s recently released album has surpassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone—a groundbreaking feat that attests to the group’s universal appeal and enduring impact for nearly an entire decade.

After achieving records in both streaming and digital sales and sending their songs to the top of the music charts, Ben&Ben are determined to put their work on the global music map with the release of “Cheap Love,” a new collaborative single with acclaimed and best-selling Taiwanese singer-songwriter WeiBird.

Epitomizing the moment when dawn shows its first light, “Cheap Love” is the sonic equivalent of wandering between a dreamlike state and an awakened mind throughout the night. It’s about the journey of finding a long, lasting love after having experienced so much pain in the past. According to William Wei, known professionally as WeiBird, the title of the song is a play on words, and nothing more than just faint bliss and ecstasy. “It’s a temporary band-aid for a big gushing wound, but it never fills the hole inside. Moreover, it increases the feeling of emptiness. What I’m trying to say is, you can’t bargain your way into love. Love is truly hard to find.”

Ben&Ben interprets the material in the same manner as WeiBird does, aware of the reality that comes with seeking genuine love in the direst of situations. “With the chorus repeating over and over how difficult it is to find a ‘rhyme better than you and I,’ it shows how drawn and enamored we are by the idea of love but oftentimes find ourselves in a pit when trying to really make it something more.”

With its stripped-down instrumentation embracing listeners with a sense of comforting warmth, “Cheap Love” expresses the woes and triumphs of a generation caught up in romantic longing and desire. The listening experience is made more compelling by the vocal harmonies of Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin, and the earnest delivery of WeiBird, making the audience feel more hopeful than ever despite the uncertainty of the present conditions.

“We’re grateful that by just being our authentic selves musically, we were able to add to the song both in production, vocals, and instrumentation something that WeiBird seemed to be happy with,” the nine-piece group shares in a statement. “We took an active role in building on the magic that the song already had, and we’re happy with how it turned out.”

The song was written and produced by WeiBird himself, with co-production and mixing duties by frequent collaborators Aven Tsai and Sean Sinclair. The Mandopop and folk-pop star explains that Ben&Ben also pitched in ideas for the arrangement and music side of things, resulting into a more polished, sonically impressive output that showcases the best of both worlds.

WeiBird adds, “I wrote, played and produced the whole song on the album version. However, for this collab I haven’t had to do much because Ben&Ben was amazing. I remember listening to a demo of them playing along to my original track, and I could already imagine how it would come to be later. And the final results were not far from my imagination. It was awesome.”

“Cheap Love” is the first single off WeiBird’s first official English album. It follows the success of his fifth studio album, Sounds Of My Life, which peaked at No.1 on Taiwanese album charts in 2020, and received four nominations at the 32nd Golden Melody Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Mandarin Album. The track also serves as the second international collaboration of Ben&Ben after “Leaves,” featuring K-pop star Young K.

“Cheap Love” is out now on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Taiwan. The official music video will premiere on on 10.15.21 at 10pm, PH time.

Nobody’s Home hits the road in the music video of Ely Buendia-produced “Cigarette Daydreams”

Filipino alternative rock trio Nobody’s Home has released the official music video of their new single “Cigarette Daydreams”—a cover of Cage The Elephant’s chart-topping hit in 2014.

Directed by Ysa Aranda of Swimming Pictures, the clip features the promising trio on a random road trip, performing in front of a warehouse and running away from reality “to find peace of mind,” as the lyrics suggest.

As for the concept behind the music video, Aranda shares that it’s derived from her own personal experience, particularly the feeling of comfort that driving brings. “I had to go for a drive and dream scenarios that would resonate to the song itself. Aside from the lyrics of the song, driving has helped me cope specially in these trying times, hence the driving scenes present in the MV.”

Aranda’s take on “Cigarette Daydreams” is inspired by the visual narrative of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s End Of Summer, a short film that serves as a document of a calm scenery in “one of the most crucial and endangered areas of our planet.”

Paying homage and making it their own

The song was produced by Nobody’s Home and Ely Buendia, and its overall treatment maintains the melodic charm of the original, while incorporating ‘90s-sounding guitar-rock affair, candied pop hooks, and pulsating synths to the mix.

“Generally, we wanted to pay respects and keep the original vibe of the song,” Frontman and principal songwriter Eon Buendia explains. “We stuck to that nostalgic acoustic feeling for the verses while making it simpler in terms of instrumentals. But when it came to the choruses, that’s where we changed the vibe from the original’s lighter feeling to a darker and synth-y tone that is more akin to the sound of the band.”

Nobody’s Home strikes a balance between paying homage to the song and making it their own—a task that they supremely aced with conviction and confidence. “The main idea we had was that the verses would be simple and we wouldn’t add much to it in order to keep the spirit of the original, and then the choruses would be where we came in and do our thing,” Eon shares in a statement. “And then we put elements that we usually use when producing our personal tracks such as vocal layering, synthesizers, and lead guitar lines.”

Production notes

The track’s producer, Ely Buendia, also commends the alt-rock outfit’s dedication in upping the ante of their version, while retaining the song’s feel-good catharsis in the process. “I just trusted the boys’ musical instincts, knowing that their own personal preferences would make sure that this will not be a note for note translation.”

In terms of production, Ely points out, “we at least wanted the production to be gritty yet polished, if at all possible, to honor the vibe of the original.”

Nobody’s Home’s version of Cage The Elephant’s “Cigarette Daydreams” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

Donny Pangilinan released a surprise treat to his fans — his latest single, “Wings”

Donny started the month of October with a big surprise treat to his ever-so-supportive fans as he released his single, “Wings”. With assurance and love comes hope and comfort. In this song, Donny promises a life that is better and gives hope to a person who cannot seem to see the brighter days ahead of her. It is a song of hope that is very much relevant to all of us as we go through dark days in the middle of the pandemic.

In 2019, he was nominated as the New Movie Actor of the Year for the movie “Walwal”. Other than his various hosting stints, vlogs, movies, TV shows and product endorsements, Donny has been creating pop ballads since he signed under Universal Records back in 2017, thereon having been nominated for various awards. He released his single “Green Light” in 2018 which ranked #5 on iTunes PH Chart and his self-titled debut EP the following year.

Donny Pangilinan is known to explore ventures that will test his strengths and will allow him to discover more about himself. He stars in the popular Teen RomCom TV series entitled “He’s Into Her” with co-star Belle Mariano. May it be through hosting, acting or singing, Donny continues to make an impact in the entertainment industry in the Philippines and in other countries.

Catch Donny Pangilinan’s “Wings” now streaming on iTunes, Apple Music, Deezer, Youtube and Spotify.

Joe & The Anchor releases dreamy new single ‘California’

Following a difficult few months when the band members had to experience the harsh reality of loss, Joe & The Anchor decided to process the events through music. During a hectic and focused period of time, the band wrote and recorded what would later develop into a full-length album – Coming Of Age – exploring the feelings of growing up, the fragility of life, love, and taking things for granted. California encapsulates all of these feelings and is a powerful and emotional leap into the new era of JATA. The band about the song:

“We wrote California during a very turbulent time in Joe’s life, when it seemed like the whole world was turning upside down for our singer. The song comes from a realization that nothing lasts forever and how hard it can be to lose something or someone. The theme of California

itself, and the lyric “California daydreaming” that kicks off the song, represents our dreams as a band – longing for a faraway place where the sun shines and we can forget our troubles. When we recorded California, it felt just like when we were writing music as teenagers in the bedroom, and that filterless, analog feel is something we think really shines through in the 90s-inspired sound.

California showcases a more genuine and experimental side of us, and we’re very proud to release it to you all!”

P-pop meets Classical at Forte: A Benefit Pop Orchestra Concert

Classical and New Generation Pop Music unite as Battig Chamber Orchestra and Sr. Baptista Battig Music Foundation present FORTE: A Pop Orchestra Concert.

This live music showcase is headlined by phenomenal P-pop groups SB19 and 4th Impact happening on Sunday, October 17 with multiple streaming times at 11 AM PHT and 8 PM PHT.

PERFORMANCES

The live benefit concert will feature the new generation of Pinoy pop music artists such as multi-awarded P-pop boy group SB19 and internationally-known group 4th Impact, as well as classical music artists like Battig Chamber Orchestra, SSC Chamber Choir, and soloists Nicole Pugeda and Isaac Iglesias. Aside from live performances and orchestral music, viewers will also get to witness the first-ever collaboration performance of SB19 and 4th Impact and the debut performance of the Battig Chamber Orchestra. The concert will be a 2-hour show that will be streamed live via KTX.PH.

SB19 will be performing their hit ballad songs including the recently released single “Mapa”. 4th Impact will grace the stage with their classical music performances. The audience will also see duets from classical music artists Nicole Pugeda and Isaac Iglesias. Nicole Pugeda is a lyric soprano who is recognized by the National Music Competition for Young Artists and an active participant of Voice Masterclasses in her years as a singer, while Isaac Iglesias is a veteran choral conductor from the SSC Chamber Choir. Both classical soloists are recognized by the ASEAN Music Festival in Hai Phon Vietnam and Ani ng Dangal awards alongside their fellow Manila Camerata artists.

TICKETS

For ticket purchases, viewers can avail of 2 different options. First is the General Admission ticket at ₱ 1000, and second is a packaged option of 1 General Admission ticket plus a raffle ticket priced at a discounted rate of ₱ 1,599. Raffle ticket holders get a chance to win special prizes from SB19 and 4th Impact, Iwata products, and a brand new MG ZS Crossover car. All tickets are available at KTX.PH and http://www.fortetheconcert.com.

ORGANIZER

FORTE is hosted by Sr. Baptista Battig Music Foundation of St. Scholastica’s College Manila. The Sr. Baptista Music Foundation was named after Sister Baptista Battig, OSB who was the founder of the Conservatory of Music of St. Scholastica’s College. Their vision, which is to promote a nation culturally developed and united through music and serve as a catalyst for gifted underprivileged youth, is materialized at this music event. Battig Chamber Orchestra is composed of scholars, alumni, and classically-trained musicians who aim to introduce a fusion of Classical and Pinoy Pop Music.

Through FORTE, viewers will experience a fusion of classical and pop music. All proceeds from the show will benefit Sr. Baptista Battig Music Foundation Scholars. Get your tickets via KTX.PH and http://www.fortetheconcert.com.

Miss World Philippines 2021 Results

The 2021 Miss World Philippines Coronation night was finally push-through after COVID restrictions in the country. This year’s coronation night was held in Subic Bay Convention Center in Olongapo City.

Here are the results from the coronation night:

Jezreel Colangoy

Miss World Philippines 2021 – Tracy Perez

Jezreel Colangoy

Miss Supranational Philippines 2021 – Dindi Pajares (She was appointed back in July to represent Philippines in the Miss Supranational pageant in Poland last August 21)

Jezreel Colangoy

Miss Eco Philippines 2021 – Kathleen Joy Paton

Jezreel Colangoy

Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2021 – Zoe Emmanuelle Vera

Jezreel Colangoy

Miss Tourism Philippines 2021 – Trisha Martinez

Jezreel Colangoy

Miss Environment Philippines 2021 – Michelle Arceo

Jezreel Colangoy

Miss Multinational Philippines 2021 – Shaila Mae Rebortera

Jezreel Colangoy

Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2021 – Tatyana Alexi Austria

Jezreel Colangoy

1st Princess – Riana Agatha Pangindian

Jezreel Colangoy

2nd Princess – Janelle Lewis

(Originally, Ganiel Krishnan announced as the 2nd Princess during the coronation night but Ganiel resigned as 2nd Princess to resume and focus on her career as a journalist and Miss World Philippines Organization announced on October 5 that Janelle Lewis will take over the title)