Tag Archives: OPM Concerts

IWANTTFC STREAMS PPOP CONVENTION 2023 CONCERT FOR FANS ABROAD

More fans all over the world will get access to the highly anticipated concert day of the PPOP Convention 2023 as iWantTFC and TFC IPTV will stream the concert live worldwide on July 16, 6 PM.

Also known as the “ultimate fan gathering and celebration of Pinoy pop culture and music,” PPOP Convention 2023 concert day will feature the return of international P-pop sensations such as SB19, BGYO, BINI, MNL48, 1ST.ONE, KAIA, Alamat, Press Hit Play, and VXON. Also joining the lineup are Josh Cullen, Felip, Sheki, G22, PPOPGEN, Dione, Calista, Yes My Love, and Hori7on, who will be performing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. P-pop fans abroad are in for more treats with world-class performances and surprises from their favorite groups live this July 16.

Tickets are still available on iWantTFC and TFC IPTV for Concert with Red Carpet Access (PHP 1,490 or USD 29.99) and General Admission (PHP 999 or USD 19.99). For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://tickets.iwanttfc.com/.

APO Hiking Society kicks-off 50th anniversary celebration with concert

The Apo Hiking Society, proponents of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), kick-off their year-long 50th anniversary celebration with a concert entitled “Apo Hiking Society 50 Years, The Concert.” The awe-inspiring show will be held on July 15 and 16, 2023 (Saturday and Sunday) at state-of-the-art Hyundai Hall proscenium theater of Areté in Ateneo de Manila University.

The concert is a homecoming as the APO trace their roots to the Ateneo de Manila where the musical group was formed and initially performed at school events. Upon the members’ graduation from college, all of them were set to pursue different paths. But three of them– Jim Paredes, Danny Javier and Boboy Garrovillo– persisted and Philippine music has become more vibrant because of their choice.

In an interview, Boboy said that 1973 was the year their school-based group was supposed to break up. “Fifty years ago, we were going to say goodbye to our friends through a concert.”

Jim revealed in a post on social media that 1973 was not the end but the start. “We actually started even earlier. But we decided to count our years from 1973 when we as a very little known group held a farewell concert…Boboy was going into farming. I was leaving for Turkey for an AISEC job and wander around the world after. Lito de Joya, the 4th APO was going to take over the family business. Danny had gotten a job in a network.”

Jim also said that despite an ongoing typhoon, people flocked to the venue (Meralco Theater) and gave them standing ovations. “Showbiz beckoned,” said Boboy, “and it infused our personal and professional lives as artists.”

The career of the APO has spanned recording, television, concerts and film. They have produced 27 albums and have become instrumental in inspiring the next generation of Filipino singers and bands. APO as a trio retired in 2010 but continued to be active in the entertainment scene individually.

Danny passed away in October 2022, two months before Jim and Boboy sang before an SRO crowd at 19 East which signaled another chapter in the APO’s continuing musical journey. As Boboy reiterated, “There is a new beginning after 50. Life begins at 50.”

For “APO Hiking Society 50 years,” Jim said that he and Boboy promise “surprise and delight and originality with musical memories, spiels, show stopping numbers and new cool stuff.”

Joining them on stage for the two night-concert are Hangad, the Company of Ateneo Dancers (CAD) and special guests. The July 15 concert is co-presented by Maryknoll College Batch ’74, for the benefit of the Miriam College Endowment Fund Scholarship Program and the “May Puno! May Buhay!” tree-planting project.

For tickets, log on to ticket2me.net or contact mobile number 09568138042.

Jam to the Summer Good Times Music Fest at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls

Get ready to experience the ultimate summer music getaway as Megaworld Lifestyle Malls kicks off the Summer Good Times Music Fest, a series of free concerts featuring local bands and artists!

Summer Good Times Music Fest is happening all month of May, taking place across five lifestyle malls: Uptown Bonifacio and Venice Grand Canal in Taguig, Eastwood City in Quezon City, Lucky Chinatown in Manila, and Alabang West Parade in Las Piñas.

With a lineup of top-tier artists – Paolo Sandejas, Lola Amour, Dilaw, and more – this festival is sure to be an unforgettable summer adventure that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Celebrate the sunny season with non-stop beats, captivating performances, and unforgettable moments with friends and loved ones. Check out the schedules below and mark your calendars for the hottest concerts of the summer!

May 12 – 6PM at Venice Grand Canal
Paolo Sandejas
Tala
Will Mikhael

May 13 – 7PM at Uptown Bonifacio
Lola Amour
Sugarcane

May 27 – 6PM at Venice Grand Canal
JikaMarie
JRLDM
PLAYERTWO
Dilaw

For more information, visit Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ official Facebook and Instagram pages. You may also log on to megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call 8-462-8888.

OPM hitmaker Freestyle to celebrate 25 years of music at Music Museum on May 20

After numerous sold-out concerts since the relaunching of Freestyle with original frontman and songwriter Top Suzara last year, the iconic OPM band is set to take the big stage with a 25th anniversary concert happening on May 20, 2023 at the Music Museum.

Entitled “Giving It All This Time”, the concert invites the audience to journey through 25 years of Freestyle’s music and officially mark a new chapter of the band with the all-male cast of Ian Tan, Lerod Cailao, Bouy Manalo, and IJ Garcia joining Suzara.

“This is my 25th year in the industry and this show will, one, be the first official show in a concert setting where we will celebrate with all original songs, and, two, be the resurgence of Freestyle as we make good on the promise to continue together where I left off many years ago, when writing and sharing original songs was what drove us. This concert will be a story-telling journey through songs,” explains Suzara.

With hit songs such as “Before I Let You Go”, “So Slow”, “This Time”, “Till I Found You”, “Para Sayo”, their rendition of “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang?”, and “Once In A Lifetime”, Freestyle intends to bring its unique brand of music to a bigger stage at the Music Museum in San Juan, Metro Manila on May 20 to welcome more fans after a successful string of concerts from last year.

“The past few months have been awesome. The fans really missed Freestyle especially with Top as part of the band. Most of the venues that we’ve performed in were sold out – which we’re so thankful for,” shares Garcia, who performs as keyboardist and music director.

Meanwhile, Freestyle drummer Cailao recounts the excitement of fans who have even booked flights from provinces or from overseas to watch the gigs.

“It’s amazing to see the supporters of Freestyle really showing support for the band. When they hear Top’s voice and their all-time favorite songs, you can really feel their excitement and emotions pouring out. It’s very touching, and it inspires us to work harder to do great shows every night,” said Cailao.

“I believe the top hit songs of Freestyle – “This Time” and “Before I Let You Go” – still touch the audience up to this point. These iconic songs trigger nostalgia. It is a good thing Freestyle music remained to be aired, used in several movies, and has reached a greater demographic,” shares bassist Tan.

Manalo, who performs as guitarist and has been an avid fan of the band, shares that playing with Freestyle is a dream come true, saying, “As a new band member of Freestyle, I’m still overwhelmed with everything. I still pinch myself at every show we do.”

Following the relaunch of the band in October 2022, Freestyle has also been busy sharing new music with audiences.

“The first new song we released is called “Maybe”, a song that talks of what ifs and second chances. We’ve included this song in most of our live gigs and shows and so far people have been receiving it very well,” shares Garcia.

Frontman Suzara has also hinted at future performances and releases in the pipeline, including concert tours around the Philippines and abroad and more new songs Freestyle fans can enjoy.

With this new and exciting chapter in Freestyle’s journey, the band assures its audience that it will continue to stay true to its distinct brand of original Filipino music telling honest and relevant stories that hit close to the heart.

“We’re surprised to see so many younger people appreciating the songs even if they hadn’t been born yet when these became popular. It goes to show how timeless Freestyle’s brand of music is. It spans generations,” says Cailao.

Tickets to “Giving It All This Time” on May 20, 2023 (Saturday) at the Music Museum are available on TicketWorld and Music Museum. For reservations, please text or call PPMPI at 09285106000.

BGYO marks 2nd anniversary with “Be Us” album showcase at Skydome

BGYO members Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate are getting ready to set the stage on fire for their upcoming fan con—the “Be Us” second anniversary album showcase happening at SM City North Edsa Skydome this May 12 (Friday).

The group’s sophomore album “Be Us” showed great success as it has racked up over 4.3 million streams, while its tracks “Magnet” reached 1 million streams and “Tumitigil Ang Mundo” reached 1.5 million streams on Spotify. It also topped the iTunes’ album chart in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates.

The “Be Us” second anniversary album showcase tickets will be available at SM Tickets priced at P2,500 (VVIP), P2,000 (VIP), and P1,000 (regular).

BGYO’s fans called ACEs are in for another surprise because the “Be Us” album box set is available for pre-order for only P1,999. The album box set contains a CD, lyric booklet, random mini standee, photocard set, pop grip, and ACEs pin. The pre-order would also serve as a ticket to a fan meet and greet with BGYO. Meanwhile, those who have pre-ordered “The Light” last year can enjoy a P200 discount voucher when they purchase the “Be Us” album box set.

Recently, BGYO became a trending topic after their leader Gelo went viral after a fan posted his 2×2 ID picture on Twitter which earned him praise for his stunning visuals, while the group’s main dancer Nate caught the attention of the K-pop group BTS who liked his dance cover of J-Hope and J. Cole’s “on the street” on TikTok.

Dubbed as the “Aces of P-Pop,” the group recently spread fun and excitement at Marquee Mall, Pampanga and The District Imus, Cavite last March 4 and 5 for their mall tour. They will be gathering the hearts of “ACEs” once again this March 26 at Ayala Malls Feliz, Pasig.

Be part of BGYO’s “Be Us” second anniversary album showcase on May 12 (Friday) at SM City North Edsa Skydome. Stay tuned with BGYO by following @bgyo_ph on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and subscribe to their official YouTube channel, BGYO Official.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Newport World Resorts brings the best of OPM and reggae this March

Newport World Resorts marches right on with a magnitude of world-class concerts this month that will surely keep audiences coming back for more. Bringing the best genres for all generations of music fans, the month of March will be full of local and international acts gracing the award-winning stage of the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) once again.

The Musiko: Timeless Pinoy Bands concert series is back for another round of OPM greats this month. Side A and Freestyle will get the show on the road with a dose of epic performances featuring a medley of their hit songs throughout the decades on March 3, 2023 at 8 PM. Side A’s music captivates with their original songs that bring back memories and feelings through their tracks such as “Forevermore”, “Set You Free”, and “So Many Questions”. While Freestyle never goes out of style with their all-time hits “Before I Let You Go” and “So Slow”.

Another house-rocking performance will follow the next day as Aegis is back and ready for another high-powered concert dubbed “Aegis Unlimited”. The legendary OPM band known for their tracks “Sinta”, “Luha”, “Halik”, and “Basang Basa sa Ulan” is giving fans a non-stop fill of iconic rock anthems on March 4, 8 PM.

The rocker tandem of Mayonnaise and 6cyclemind are pulling in double the excitement and good music for Pinoy music fans for the fourth back-to-back show of the Musiko concert series slated for March 10, 8 PM. Mayonnaise is timelessness defined, having smash hits such as “Jopay”, “Bakit Part 2”, and “Tayo Na Lang Dalawa”. 6cyclemind came up the scene with “Sige”, “Biglaan”, “Sandalan”, and “Magsasaya” which remains a staple OPM jams.

From contemporary to OPM legends, live out loud by partying along the fun, breezy rhythms of reggae. One of the genre’s most celebrated artists, Quino from Big Mountain band alongside Selah Dub Warriors, returns to the NPAT stage on March 17. The vocalist and songwriter is the distinct voice behind the hit song “Baby, I Love Your Way”. Never miss a beat in a feel-good night dedicated to reggae music fans in the country.

Witness a multitude of world-class entertainment from the country’s spectacular acts and international music stars at Newport World Resorts. Tickets are available at all TicketWorld and SM Tickets outlets. For inquiries, contact the Newport World Resorts National Sales Team via JhayR dela Cruz at 0917 658 9378, Michael Feliciano at 0917 818 9847, Carl Cuaresma at 0917 829 2173, and Raf Sangco at 0917 807 9387, or call Ticketworld (02) 8891-9999, or SM Tickets (02) 8470-2222.

Escape the ordinary at Newport World Resorts, you know you want to. For more information on March entertainment shows, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts and on Facebook and Instagram, and @nwresorts on Twitter. Make the most of your visit and sign up for an Epic Membership or download the Newport World Resorts Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

Listen, Think, Feel, with the new song from The Dawn

love still a thing?”

This can easily be a line in a love song. But, this is a question raised by one of the country’s original rock bands, The Dawn, in their new song “Earth.”

Known for its anthem songs like “Salamat” and “Iisang Bangka,” “Earth” asks the existential question especially in the midst of all the political, social, and even personal uncertainties.

The Dawn frontman Jett Pangan explains, “We, as human beings, when we’re faced with troubles that seem insurmountable, we tend to look the other way. Maybe not to say we’re in denial, it’s more of the fear of the unknown. It’s been a struggle to be a human being. There’s always the question, can we go on like this? Is this the way we’re supposed to deal with things? Is there a better way?”

He pointed out that it’s not condescending but, in fact he asks himself the same question. The pandemic also raised that big question. “We’re all hoping that after all these we become better people,” he said.

Trust The Dawn to come up with a song that is timely and relevant. The society has seen a rise in mental health concerns among the youth. In fact, in a study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), it highlighted that between 2013 and 2021, there are twice the number of young Filipinos who felt loneliness, sadness, and being disliked.

One of the band’s guitarists Rommel “Sancho” Sanchez, emphasized that “Is love still a thing,” can also be read as “is empathy still a thing?” Sanchez said that with the mode of communications now, it’s easy to be snarky. Their hope is that through this song and with this one powerful line, people will pause, reflect, and hope that they can be a little kinder.

Apart from the significance of its lyrics, there are a lot of reasons that make “Earth” distinct.

It was recorded during the pandemic and every member of the group had to record individually. The Dawn drummer JB Leonor shared he made a story with the drum parts alone. There’s a reason for every note of the drum.

“Earth” is the last song that their bassist Mon Legaspi recorded before he passed away. And it was an ode to him that they committed to finish the track.

Sanchez was the last one to record the guitar parts. “I lost the recordings when my hard drive failed. We had to ask permission from Mon’s sister and asked a friend to help extract his parts. It was really difficult for me to record my parts,” he said.

The song itself went through a lot and now that it’s here, it is definitely a treat not only to the loyal fans of The Dawn but to everyone who appreciates great music.

The reception to “Earth” inspires the band to keep on going. Credit goes to Francis “Kiko” Reyes, one of the guitarists, who said that during the pandemic, the band continued to connect creatively. Pangan enthused that with all his rally calls and with the reception to the new song, all fingers point to a new collection of songs, or an EP.

Recognizing also how dynamic the music industry is these days, The Dawn wants to make sure they are a part of it. He added that the labels and genres now are blurred and people are more accepting when they listen to music. They do not specify if a song is too rock or too hiphop.

Through the years, The Dawn has been blessed with a platform to be heard and this time, it’s their new song “Earth.” There’s no line to cross now that music has melded in all genres. And The Dawn has a lot to offer and being a true rockstar that they are, they are just going where music takes them. No pigeonholing, just true love for music.

Listen to The Dawn’s Earth now on Spotify and YouTube.

Moonstar88 to launch their ‘Lourdes 2088’ vinyl through a free concert, meet and greet for fans

Following the release of their latest album “Lourdes 2088” in January, Filipino rock band Moonstar88 is launching their special edition purple-colored vinyl on Saturday, 18 February 2023 at Eton Centris. The concert starts at 7:00 PM but the band will also be hosting a meet and greet and vinyl signing with their fans starting at 4:00 PM.

This is in celebration of Moonstar88’s first album in ten years, as well as the anniversary of the band this month. This is the first vinyl release of the band in collaboration with The Grey Market Records and Backspacer Records.

The album is the first mixed reality album that provides the hybrid experience of music and today’s technology, accentuated by web 3.0 activations made in collaboration with GIGIL Metama, a web 3.0 agency.

“As a band, as much as we’re passionate about music, we’ve always been agile with how we can reach out to our fans and listeners,” explains Maysh Baay, the band’s vocalist. “The band started from the cassette era to CD to streaming/social media and now web3 and a somewhat full circle path to physicals (vinyl and trading cards). We ourselves are ardent art and music fans so we want to give the best experience to our fans. It’s exciting how technology makes that possible for music plus we are so lucky to have the best producers and collaborators for Lourdes 2088.”

About the album

“Lourdes 2088” plays with the idea of a dystopian future (2088) where inventions go beyond the realm of science—even heartaches have a solution in order for people to adapt.

Each track is represented by trading cards that each allude to a certain invention that helps people through emotional breakdowns brought about by heartbreak: the PusoCal (BreakUp Scheduler), ReEMO (Emotional Baggage Recycle Bin and Editor), Freezer (Cryogenic emotional stasis headwear), and more. The art for the trading cards, as well as the aesthetic of the album, is created by Nelz Yumul, the creative brain behind weewilldoodle, the Philippines’ premier doodle/illustration group.

Access to the trading cards is through the band’s vinyl priced at PHP 2,100. A limited Future Edition of the album PHP 3,000 will also be made available, one that grants the vinyl owner access to unique web 3.0 experiences and exclusive Moonstar88 content and perks.

“We will always embrace change just to reach the Filipino people na mahal ang music namin. From tapes to CDs, interactive CD, pop-up album…parang lagi natin mina-maximize anong meron than resisting it,” shares band guitarist Herbert Hernandez. “Kaya ano man ang darating na new format, it could be metaverse or actual bisita sa ibang bansa…ano pang means gagawin namin.”

“Lourdes 2088” is produced by Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala, and recorded, mixed, and mastered by Shinji Tanaka at Kodama Studio.

Lourdes 2088 Tracklist:
Nangawit
Walang Katapusang Luha
Next Week
Feels So Right
Parola
Hangga’t
Akong Bahala
Forever With You
Simple
Sumaya Ka Ba Sa Akin

About Moonstar88

Moonstar88 is an award-winning female-fronted pop-alternative Filipino band known for Pinoy love anthems such as Torete, Migraine, Gilid, Sulat, etc. The band is composed of Maysh Baay (Vocals), Herbert Hernandez (Guitars), Buddy Zabala (Bass) and Bon Sundiang (Drums). They have released 4 albums in the past. Their debut album “Popcorn”, which received warm reviews from critics and was played on both Top 40 and alternative radio stations. “Press to Play” album that brought even more raves and commercial success. “Todo Combo” album with sure-fire hits “Tadhana” and “Migraine” and ”This Year” album which features the singles “Ligaw” and “Gilid”. The album, designed by JP Cusion, also received the ”Best Design Packaging Category” in the adobo Design Awards 2013 as well as AWIT and STAR awards for Music for Best Alternative record. Their songs have over 180 million streams on digital streaming platforms.

Moonstar88 top-billed sold-out concerts locally and internationally such as “Dubai Tagfest Music Festival 2018,” “Okada Manila Malaya Music Fest 2022,” Dubai World Expo 2020 and many others. They are one of the favorite live acts at universities, festivals, corporate shows and other events.

Listen to “Lourdes 2088” on Spotify and Apple Music.

For updates, follow Moonstar88 on:

Facebook: fb.com/moonstar88band
Instagram: @moonstar88band
Twitter: @moonstar88band
Tiktok: @moonstar88band

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.”

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.

“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.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls celebrates Love Month with Valentine’s Concerts

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls is celebrating the Love Month with free live concerts featuring today’s hottest OPM artists and international acts.

Happening in four lifestyle malls – Eastwood City in Quezon City, Uptown Bonifacio and Venice Grand Canal in Taguig City, and Southwoods Mall in Biñan, Laguna – the live concerts are set to welcome guests and couples from all over the city to enjoy a night of music and good times.

The live performances are open to everyone for free at Eastwood City, Southwoods Mall, and Venice Grand Canal. Those going to Uptown Bonifacio just have to present a P1,500 single or accumulated receipt purchase from any Uptown Bonifacio establishment to gain access to the event.

Check out the schedules below and plan your Valentine’s concert date ahead!

February 11 – 7PM at Eastwood City
Leanne & Naara
Keiko Necessario
Arthur Miguel

February 11 – 7PM at Uptown Bonifacio
Timmy Albert

February 14 – 5PM at Southwoods Mall
Mark Michael Garcia

February 14 – 7PM at Uptown Bonifacio
Paolo Sandejas

February 14 – 7PM at Venice Grand Canal
Dotty’s World
Silent Sanctuary

February 15 – 7PM at Eastwood City
Stephen Speaks

February 16 – 7PM at Venice Grand Canal
Stephen Speaks

For more information, visit Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ official Facebook and Instagram pages. You may also log on to megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call 8-462-8888.