Entertainment

Ben&Ben are completing the year on a high note, leading streaming platforms in the Philippines and scoring top-tier multimedia collaborations, as well as winning key categories at every significant award show and putting on their game-changing headline show.

The nine-piece group was crowned the Philippines’ most-streamed OPM Artist and Group of 2021 for the second year in a row, following the success of their sophomore album, Pebble House Vol. Kuwaderno is number one. Ben&Ben have gathered almost 300 million streams in 170 countries, according to Spotify Wrapped, the platform’s annual summary of 2021’s best hits, setting a new record for the folk-pop group. The Lunod hitmakers also did well in the playlisting department, with their songs appearing in 5,809,115 prominent and selected playlists on the digital platform.

On top of the streaming recognition, the acclaimed band recently bagged the top honors at the 34^th Awit Awards—the country’s version of the Grammys. Ben&Ben earned the recognition on four major categories, including the Most Streamed Artist, Record of the Year and Best Inspirational Recording for their chart-topping hit “Di Ka Sayang,” as well as Best Ballad Recording for “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay.”

Ben&Ben also made headlines for their advocacy work a few days ago, particularly for lending their song “Kayumanggi” on the music video campaign that supports the coastal communities in La Union. The project, which was spearheaded by Emerging Islands, a coastal-based arts organization and National Geographic, showcased the cultural richness and scenic beauty of Bangar and Bauang, San Juan, as well as its hard-working people.

To cap off a successful year, their smash single “Pasalubong,” a collaboration with Moira, was used as the main song for the John Lloyd Cruz-Bea Alonzo reunion film, One True Pair, which streamed on Jollibee’s official YouTube last December 1, 2021.

In an official statement, Ben&Ben expressed that there have been a lot of trade-offs in their personal and collective lives in the past year, but they’re grateful for the success and support of their fandom, Liwanag in every project that they’re part. “With everything happening and all the blessings coming our way, it’s a whole lot to be grateful for indeed,” the band shares. “The hard work is worth it in that sense for sure, but we do go through our fair share of personal struggles as well, especially with this year and even the past year being two of the absolute most challenging years so far, not just for us but for so many in the world too. We want to thank our listeners especially though, because they really were the ones that give us that daily reminder that it is all worth it.”

The multi-award-winning group will play at Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert this weekend, their biggest headline show to date. The digital concert, which was shot live at the Araneta Coliseum, is expected to alter the virtual concert-going experience by fusing artistic disciplines such as theatre, dance, symphony, and technology. The band will also perform songs from Pebble House Vol. 2, their recently released sophomore album. 1: Kuwaderno, as well as a few classics and audience favorites. The show’s tickets are still available on ktx.ph.

It doesn’t always have to be sink or swim when it comes to mental health. Ben&Ben create a sense of drowning in torrential sadness and fear in the music video for their new single “Lunod” shot by award-winning filmmaker Jerrold Tarog (Heneral Luna, Sana Dati).As they have their zoom conference, we have learned so much from the discussion on how they give value to mental health issues and how it relates to their new song. They also discussed their experiences while doing their newly released and played it during our zoom event.

Taken during the zoom meeting

“The music video is a deeply introspective and symbolic interpretation of the song, which is all tied in together from the concept and writing, down to the location,” lead vocalist, guitarist and Lunod chief songwriter Paolo Benjamin explains. “In the video, the song is narrated as the band, with Zild and juan karlos, move deeper and deeper into the tunnel slowly—losing breath, then in the latter half taking powerful strides to move out of it. This signals a ‘rebirth’ into a new, more mature version of the self.”

The cinematic visuals were shot at the El Deposito water reservoir, an underground location known for its historical significance to the events that lead to the Philippine Revolution, Philippine-American War, and World War II.

“Lunod” serves as the band’s reunion project with Jerrold Tarog, who helmed the music video for their 2018 track “Susi,” off the historical epic drama, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. “We love collaborating with visionaries in their fields, and so it was a dream working with him,” the acclaimed folk-pop group reveals.

Ahead of the music video release, the nine-piece collective dropped a live acoustic performance of “Lunod” last month. The version, which features collaborators Zild and juan karlos, strips down the bluesy, classic rock arrangements of the original for a more subdued take. The intimate interpretation of the song is part of an exclusive EP release featuring multiple iterations of “Lunod” in various formats, including an extended version of the track.

“The multiple versions for ‘Lunod’ were intended to bring a full listening experience to our listeners; for them to hear what more could be brought out of the song,” Ben&Ben shares in a statement. “We decided to release for streaming the acoustic jam of ‘Lunod,’ the extended version in the music video.”

Aside from the EP, ‘Lunod’ received a remix treatment from hip-hop artist Zelijah, who channeled his struggles with mental health on the production level, and even added a rap verse to convey the mental strains that he went through during the pandemic, and after being diagnosed as bipolar. The “Bipolar remix” of the track gives Zelijah the opportunity to put his own character into the song, and reinterpret it with ethereal sonic elements that blend trap, hip-hop, modern electronica, and rock music genres.

In addition to the ‘Lunod’ EP, Ben&Ben and its label, Sony Music Philippines, recently opened a Lunod-themed café at Latitude Bean+Bar in Malate, Manila, as part of Ben&Ben’s Kuwaderno Pop-Up Café activities, which will run from November 25 to November 27. A Lunod art piece inspired by Zelijah’s Bipolar Remix, as well as other creative activities connected to mental health, are featured in the pop-up café.

The Kuwaderno Pop-Up Café offers Liwanag and ordinary people a chance to immerse themselves in Ben&Ben’s highly lauded record and impending digital concert through a variety of activities. Jess + Pat’s in Maginhawa, QC, and Kale Café in Fairview, QC, are the two additional unique pop-ups.

Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert tickets can also be purchased at the three pop-up venues throughout Metro Manila. Ben&Ben’s upcoming digital concert, set to alter the concert-going atmosphere, will combine live music performance with several creative disciplines such as theatre, dance, symphony, and technology to create an audio-visual spectacular completely unique.

Ben&Ben’s “Lunod,” featuring Zild and juan karlos, is out now on all streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. Watch the music video:

“Lunod” collaborators Zild and juan karlos are also set to join Ben&Ben on Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert, happening on December 05, 2021 (Sun) from 8pm to 11pm. Get your tickets here.

With their greatest headline show of their career, Ben&Ben are reinventing the virtual concert experience. The Filipino nine-piece collective, aptly titled Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert, is pushing the frontiers of music concerts in the new normal environment by combining artistic fields such as drama, dance, symphony, and technology with a live performance. Their highly anticipated huge concert will take place in the SMART Araneta Coliseum on December 5, 2021, from 8pm to 11pm, and will be aired live via digital streaming platform KTX.ph. As they discussed their plans in the zoom conference that was held, everyone got excited and I’m also looking forward to seeing what they are preparing for. Ben&Ben is also very entertaining and accommodating on all the queries regarding their upcoming concert. It is such a delight because of all the twists and genre they have planned to make the concert a one of a kind experience.

Taken during the zoom meeting with Ben and Ben

“We can’t deny the fact that it’s the biggest project we’ve undertaken so far, and I think you just somehow know that it’s a leap of faith when the streams of guidance and providence lead you to the right people who believe in the same vision you have: To bring the music and the messages they carry to life,” the award-winning group said. “This spirit of collaboration was one of the defining themes of our album ‘Pebble House Volume One: Kuwaderno’ and it was only by natural desire that we brought the same spirit and attitude when we began working on the concert. As for the play between grand and intimate, we really wanted our listeners to relish in the grandiosity of what their support means to us. Doing a concert on this scale and bringing them closer into that bigger picture is our way of expressing immense gratitude to them as well.”

The audio-visual spectacle promises to bring the immense joy of experiencing live music and give an impression of conceptual grandness that are at par with the most memorable concerts in recent history. From mounting multiple-stage setups to performing in one of the biggest live music venues in the country, Kuwaderno aims to open new possibilities despite the limitations of the platform, and intimately build a connection with the audience all over the world.

Kuwaderno’s breathtaking ingenuity and desire would be impossible to achieve without the contributors who carefully put their hearts and souls into the project. To name a few, concert director Paolo Valenciano, co-director Maribel Legarda, Philippine Theater Association (PETA), and renowned light designer Shakira Villa-Symes grasped Ben&Ben’s distinct vision and translated it so clearly into a coherent piece of work. Ben&Ben testify to the importance of their contributions, not only in making the event a reality, but also in ensuring that they are able to foster a creative environment that encourages healthy ideas interchange. “Working closely with them on this concert only made it clearer to us why they are the biggest names in the industry. The flow of ideas and creative energies really went on naturally because of their openness, and their generosity to share with us their thoughts, but what makes them more admirable is their skill to work within the limitations that we have and to adapt when faced with challenges. We definitely learned a lot from their work ethic.”

Believing in the magic that happens when different forms of art intertwine, the prolific folk-pop asserts that some feelings are best conveyed not just by the music elements alone. This prompted Ben&Ben and their team to include actors and dancers as part of the visual narrative to give the audience a semblance of being physically present with them throughout the concert journey. “Movement and dance and the entire visual narrative of it all woven into our music brought our songs to life,” the band said in a statement. “The talented dancers we’ve worked with, headed by choreographer Gio Gahol, are from different dance groups as well. It is amazing to see how they seem to get along and dance so passionately with each other easily.”

In terms of production design, the team stepped up their game in being more in line with the times, and pushing the envelope in terms of how the music can be represented visually. According to the nine-piece ensemble, each stage has its own purpose, its own symbolisms and visual elements. Even the lighting has its own poignant significance. “We want our listeners to know that each piece of the puzzle was thoughtfully included, and we’re excited to see them piece everything together when they watch the full show.”

The band is confident that Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert will not only deliver unparalleled innovation to local concert productions, but also bring light to a lot of people suffering in silence during the most challenging of times. “Having the opportunity to do so during the pandemic, we also felt such a huge responsibility to be able to inspire more people with stories of humanity and hope. We’ve received a lot of messages from Liwanag (the fan club) telling us how the band has helped them get through the tough times. Hopefully through this concert, we’ll be able to use our platform in making them feel that they’re not alone in this fight.”

Ms. Val Guico, the General Manager of Ben&Ben Music Productions, is also equally grateful to the people involved in the production for making strides in pulling off an envelope-pushing event. According to her, one of the main goals of mounting Kuwaderno is to extend help to the production team whose livelihood and work have been greatly affected by the pandemic. “Bulk of the concert earnings will be shared to everyone behind the scenes,” the concert producer reveals. “They are the unsung heroes of the show. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to bring Ben&Ben’s vision to life.”

Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert tickets are available on the KTX website. Other ticket tiers that are still available include KAIBIGAN (priced at PHP 1,000), MAGKA-IBIGAN (priced at PHP 3,500), and MAHIWAGA (priced at PHP 5,500), all of which have different packages and inclusions.

Ben&Ben Music Productions and SMART Telecommunications Inc. present Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert, which is also co-presented by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Sony Music Philippines, Big Bulb, Chapters, Robinson’s Mall, KTX.ph, Elesi, Cream Silk, Primo, Phirst Park Homes, Novotel, JB Music, Urban Smiles, Summit, Philippine Red Cross, Sennheiser, Ver MYX, 96.3 Easy Rock, and Wish 107.5 are grateful for their support as media partners.

It’s time to step away from internet streaming subscriptions, as movie theaters have begun to return large-screen movie viewings. Starting November 10, 2021, Bonifacio High Street Cinemas will reopen its doors to fully vaccinated individuals for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable cinema experience.

Staying true to its core promise, safety remains as the utmost priority of BGC as their cinemas reopen. Aside from it being sanitized regularly, BHS Cinemas  uses UV before and after screening to ensure that all areas are clean and disinfected at any time of day. Hand sanitizers and alcohol are also available for use as well as temperature checks upon entry. As extra precaution, moviegoers need to fill up health declaration forms before their ticket purchases and keep their face masks on at all times.

Bonifacio High Street’s cinema experience can be enjoyed with recliner seats that have more than one meter of space allocation versus other cinema standards. A space for dining in the cinema lobby has also been created for individuals to use before or after the movie screening. Food and drinks, except for a bottle of water, are temporarily not allowed inside the movie theaters.

The BHS Cinemas are only open to fully vaccinated people on Wednesdays through Sundays. BGCitizens can see blockbuster movies like “Dune” and “A Quiet Place” from November 10 to 14, with ticket reservations and purchases available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The Bonifacio High Street Cinemas, located at 3F Central Square, show the new movie releases on the big screen. Simply call 02 7956-8942 to make a landline reservation. Visit the Facebook pages of Bonifacio Global City and Bonifacio High Street’s  to stay up to date on what’s going on in BGC.

The Queen of Christmas is back and multi-platinum megastar Mariah Carey teams up with award-winning R&B singers Khalid and Kirk Franklin for the holiday-inspired jam “Fall In Love at Christmas”. After establishing a reputation for spreading yuletide cheer every end of the year with “All I Want For Christmas Is You”.

Recorded in Atlanta and Los Angeles at Carey’s Butterfly Lounge recording studios, the R&B and gospel-infused ballad arrives just in time for the season.

The all-star collaboration was released by Carey’s imprint, MARIAH, in partnership with RCA Records and RCA Inspiration, and was written and produced by Carey, Franklin and Daniel Moore II. What promises to be a new holiday classic, “Fall in Love at Christmas” is now streaming on all digital platforms worldwide.

Music Video and Physical Release

Today, the three artists also premiered the music video for “Fall in Love at Christmas,” which was directed by Carey and Bryan Tanaka. Filmed at Carey’s home and the Butterfly Lounge in LA, the visuals feature her twins, Monroe and Moroccan, and evokes the warm and loving spirit of the holidays.

For those who like CDs, a special, three-track release can be purchased on the official Mariah Carey Store. It is available for pre-order now at the website.

Following the release of “Fall in Love at Christmas,” Mariah Carey will continue celebrating the season with a new holiday event on Apple TV+ in December, featuring the first and only exclusive performance of “Fall in Love at Christmas” with Carey, Khalid and Franklin.

Listen to “Fall in Love at Christmas” at https://smarturl.it/FILAC

Watch the “Fall in Love at Christmas” video at https://smarturl.it/FILAC/YouTube

Listen to DIONELA’s “SUGAL”: https://dionela.lnk.to/sugal

Love is a gamble release of the rising star Dionela is riding the soul train of his new single “Sugal”— is out now on all streaming platforms worldwide via MCA Music Inc. The soothing R&B track equates loving someone to betting your heart in a gamble: it’s a risky endeavor that has no assurance of winning or losing, but it’s part of growing up.

“The song is about being courageous in falling in love again after so many heartbreaks from your past toxic relationships,” the Agaw singer-songwriter/producer adds. With his velvety vocals floating freely into the background, Dionela delivers a captivating performance that fleshes out both his persona and aesthetic. Over slick, bedroom beats and somber instrumentation, he sings as if coming from a place of innocence and earnestness—never holding back, but ready to accept whatever consequences that might come his way.

“Sugal” is written and produced by Dionela himself and is considered as a product of both love and experiment. The promising newcomer shares, “everything, from tracking to mastering, I did it in my room. There are flaws about the track when it comes to the technical side, but I’m beyond happy about the result.  It feels like the first time I rode a bike without the training wheels and I’m super proud of it.”

The song follows the online success of “Agaw,” which has amassed over a million streams to date, and the moody but inescapable tune “Gone,” released in 2020.

About Dionela

Dionela

When Tim Dionela was older, his parents told him that, after a pastors’ meeting his father attended, a foreign missionary there went over to him and predicted, or rather prophesied, that their son would someday make it to the top of the music world with God’s help. Whether this will come to pass is something we have yet to know, but Dionela, as he wants us to call him, has enough promise to at least make a start.

Dionela was born in 1999 and lives in Guiguinto, Bulacan. His parents loved to make music, and he started singing when he was three. “Even at a very young age,” he says, “my parents noticed that I’m not afraid to sing in front of many people.” He would volunteer to entertain people at parties and events. When he was eight, he says that he became able to sing in tune. His mother even reports that he would call out musicians and singers in church for playing and singing off-key. Even at that age, he took music very seriously.

Dionela took his musical skills one step further when he turned 11. Someone taught him how to play the guitar, and he learned how to do it even if he didn’t know what chord he was playing. He started composing songs back then and would make his friends at the computer shop hear his new tunes. When he turned 16, he auditioned for a choir at school, but he didn’t make it after the choir director heard him singing the notes of his audition piece with a twist. The choir director’s conclusion? Dionela was better as a soloist.

After some disappointments in life, many years later, Dionela decided to start making music on his terms. He learned music production and set up his own studio, which proved helpful during the pandemic. He continued to compose songs about love and to keep learning how to make his music better. Now, he says, he has found his musical identity. He is an R&B artist with dreams of being a pop star.

Dionela’s fondness for R&B began when he first encountered American singer-songwriter Ginuwine’s 2001 tune “Differences.” The song is still one of Dionela’s favorites to this day; he still listens to it. Its distinct synth intro and melodic chorus left an impression on him. It is just one example of the kind of music that he feels is connected to his soul. He has since discovered many other R&B artists, particularly those who have crossed over into the pop charts like Bruno Mars. However, R&B acts from the 1990s and early 2000s have a special place in his heart, including Boyz II Men, Destiny’s Child, Neyo, and Usher.

What does Dionela hope for his music? He wants to make his songs the kind that fit into a couple’s love story that they would remember as they grow older. He wants his music to leave a legacy for other younger musicians to admire. Most of all, despite his dreams of success, he hopes to remain the humble kid from Guiguinto whose parents were told that God had big musical plans in store for him. After all, musical talent can be providential.

Listen to James Arthur’s new album It’ll All Make Sense In The End

Finally back James Arthur with his highly anticipated fourth studio album, It’ll All Make Sense In The End. Having written and recorded bulk of the songs during the lockdown in the comforts of his home, the versatile hitmaker spent some time ruminating on the changes in his personal life, while using it as inspiration for his music-making journey. This enabled him and his collaborators to work on their own convenient time, round the clock, but not to the clock.

“And all of a sudden, the music started sounding great,” the former X Factor UK winner shares in a statement. “From day one there was a sound that I wanted to go for. Even early on, it sounded like a real album, a proper body of work. This is the first time I’ve made an album all in one place and you can hear this in the music. There’s something really comfortable about working in your own home – I was able to be more vulnerable than ever.”

James Arthur

After writing the boldly autobiographical first single “Medicine,” James and frequent collaborator Andrew Jackson (“Train Wreck”) quickly came up with “Losing You,” an anthemic electronic-rock song that’s big on heart, riffs and emotive punch.

Arthur reveals, “I wanted this album to have proper rock elements. The kind of rock I love is emo and pop-punk, so I wanted to domy take on that genre. Lyrically that song, like a lot of the songs, is the sound of someone who’s doing a lotof reflecting, a lot of processing and being really honest about where I’ve been in my head. And in that song I’m talking to myself: I feel like I’m always on the verge of losing you.”

Another important track in the album is the early keeper “Déjà Vu,” written with Jackson and Mark Crew (Bastille, Rag’n’Bone Man). Demonstrating the full range of his vocal abilities, Arthur sings, ‘You fucked me up, I can’t get enough,’ with astounding vagueness that is a bit of everything, depending on how the listeners interpret the material.

“It’s been well documented that I’ve had my issues with all of those. It’s just quite honest stuff, really,” the iconic British artist adds.

Second single “September” is also part of the album, and shines through with its no-holds-barred confessional appeal and acoustic-meets-trap sound. As vulnerably naked in his lyrics as he ever was, Arthur also isn’t afraid to sing to the next generation: “Emily” is a tender, intimate mea culpa to the daughter he might one day have.

“That arose from conversations about having kids,” the pop/rock dad explains. “Would I even be a good dad? What if they read about all the shit I’ve been through? It doesn’t matter, because ultimately I’m the guy who’s going to be there for you all your life.”

The record also includes “SOS,” which Arthur describes as an album-defining song with 30 Seconds To Mars-esque chorus and a rap flow reminiscent of Miguel.

In moving out of London, the musician has created a safe space: a working place, family place, fitness place. In building that sanctuary he’s felt even more comfortable to be even more open, not just about the things that are inspiring him but also the things that are plaguing him.

“Travelling, going to other people’s studios, doing sessions in new places – for someone like me who has a bit of social anxiety, all that was difficult,” the multi-platinum musician shares. “But working at home allowed me to be more vulnerable.”

It allowed him to finesse a sound that gels over the entire album, that process aided by additional production from Matt Rad, who’s worked with Taking Back Sunday, one of his favorite bands. He helps bring cohesion.

“The sound is very simple. It’s basically raucous guitars with trap beats and strong, strong melodies,” Rad says of a musical approach he’s been honing for years in his collaborations with superstar artists such as Ty Dolla $ign, Machine Gun Kelly and Juicy J.

To date, James Arthur has sold over 30 million records worldwide and has to date released three hugely successful albums: James Arthur (UK No. 2), Back From The Edge (UK No. 1) and YOU (UK No.2), alongside nine solo UK Top 40 singles. He’s had two No.1 smash hits and was awarded a disc for reaching a billion streams on

Spotify with ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’, the No.1 global hit that brought the singer-songwriter from Middlesbrough back from the edge (it currently has 1.7 billion streams on the platform).

James recently dominated the airwaves and charts with his storming collaboration with Sigala ‘Lasting Lover’. The track was a No.1 airplay song in the UK, No.1 on iTunes and Top 10 on the Official Singles Chart.

James has announced tours of both UK and Ireland and North America in 2022, including a date at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall..

For more details, check out his music website. Out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music the James Arthur’s It’ll All Make Sense In The End.

The record label promises to introduce these new music discoveries to the streaming generation through its sustainable promotional, marketing, and artist development efforts. The new roster is led by celebrated hip-hop veteran HBOM, who has made a remarkable contribution to the industry as an artist, entrepreneur, songwriter/composer, and music visionary. With over 8 million streams across all music platforms worldwide and four acclaimed albums under his belt, HBOM is responsible for leading his own music movement with protégés in the scene, including Filipino-American rap superstar EZ Mil and South African-based artist Michael Bars.

“I’ve been in the hip-hop scene for over 20 years, and I’ve withstood the times when no one liked hip-hop,” the respected multi-hyphenate shares in a statement. “What makes my music standout is the distinct voice that I have. When everyone hears it, they already know its me.”

HBOM’s new single “Witness,” which will be released on November 10, is a chill-hop jam about minding one’s own business, and settling down on what truly matters in life like family and adult priorities. The music video accompanying the track is co-directed by HBOM himself and frequent collaborator, TNES.

Another globally renowned artist in the roster is 19-year-old Michael Bars, who recently worked with Filipino hip-hop artist Michael Pacquiao on the viral banger “Pac-Man.” As an award-winning wordsmith known for making socially conscious music that transcends cultural barriers, Michael Bars has proven himself as a highly skillful rapper and producer with more than 8.7 million streams across all combined digital platforms worldwide.

“My main goal is to build a bigger name in the music industry and to spread my message as an artist,” says the South Africa-based hip-hop newcomer. “I use rap music as my weapon to talk about my life and I don’t cuss in them because it’s easier for children to rap along to the lyrics.”

His new single “Never Stop,” which recently dropped on November 3, is a massive jab of an anthem about picking one’s self up and never backing down in a fight. The song was inspired by his personal experience dealing with bullies in his high school years. Featuring 10-year-old R&B singer Sky, the track captures a visceral but powerful performance between the two artists.

Rounding up the urban roster is Filipino rap artist REN, formerly known as Balasubas. As a talented rapper that stands out with his unique style and confidence, the Dongalo Wreckords member has amassed over 5 million views on YouTube alone in less than two years.

“I’m grateful to the label for giving me the opportunity to inspire more people,” the young rapper expresses his gratitude on being part of the label’s esteemed pool of artists. “I want to use my gift in telling stories that uplift the lives of my community and promote positivity.”

REN has recently released his first official single “In Throw” under Sony Music Philippines. Delivering incisive but melodic flow against a confrontational beat, the track deals with surviving life challenges through hard work and determination. REN adds, “behind this music was a story; a story of a person who is doing his best to continue in spite of rejection and judgment.” The music video is helmed by Aleksei Hipolito, a frequent collaborator of the rap thespian.

To promote the vibrant hip-hop music scene in the Philippines, and diversify their catalog in the streaming, mobile, and social-driven platforms all around the world is part of the strategic vision of Sony Music Philippines for the launch of HBOM, REN, and Michael Bars.

Listen to their tracks:

REN – “In Throw”

Michael Bars – “Never Stop”

HBOM – “Witness” (pre-save link)

WATERWALK RECORDS, a music label focusing on providing contemporary Christian music to a new, streaming audience, was launched today by Sony Music Philippines. The label will include faith-based entertainment artists from all around the country who depict the finest of Christian music while also incorporating their own distinct styles. I’m so glad to discover this new launch of Sony Music Philippines because they will cater to a taste of music that surely a lot of people will love. In their zoom conference I got excited as I learned about the details and plans for ‘Waterwalk Records’ and the artist that will embody the visions using their unique styles of singing.

According to Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Sony Music Philippines, “In the Philippines, Christian music emerges from daily life and is a reflection of the country’s rich culture.Pop music inspired by Christian melodies has arguably created some of the most interesting music in recent years. It’s a diverse genre full of talented artists who use faith as a regular way of connecting with people. WATERWALK RECORDS has huge opportunities to grow as we work with talented artists such as Morissette, Gloryfall and Hazel Faith and others to bring their music to fans all across Asia”.

 “The Philippines is a musically rich country, well known for showcasing the best of Christian music in Southeast Asia,” said Ariel Fung, EVP, Sony Music Southeast Asia. “With WATERWALK RECORDS, our vision is to create a hub for Christian music in Asia that serves artists and writers who are creating ground-breaking music and impacting the lives of millions. Our stellar line up of artists we’re working with is just the start of helping us achieve that vision, representing the very best of local and regional talent.”

During the Zoom meeting

The artist, Morissette, popularly referred to as “Asia’s Phoenix”, will release the label’s first single, “Waterwalk” on 28 October. “Mapayapa” — a collaboration between Christian worship band Gloryfall and singer/songwriter Hazel Faith– will be released on 30 October.

“I am thrilled to be taking part in Sony Music‘s new Christian label and get to share, and sing, of the word of God and all His great works,“ added Morissette. “ It’s only been a couple of years since I’ve made the decision to really follow Jesus and one thing I can really attest to is that we just need to trust Him in everything. I’ve been through some very challenging times too especially during this season, but it’s His grace that saves me and keeps me going, His love that comforts and protects me, and His promise that I will always keep in my heart. The track “Waterwalk” portrays all of that, and a reminder that what He has done for His people then, He will also do for His people now, we need only to anchor on to Him.”

Rapper/actor Jericho Arceo and Stell of SB19, will also release a joint single. Arceo is well known for creating viral videos on social media and being a member of the cast for the show The World Between Us, while Stell who is a part of SB19, one of the most popular P-pop groups in the Philippines, is embarking on his first solo venture through this collaboration.

In another first, Nathan Huang from the band ‘of Mercury’ (formerly known as Nathan & Mercury) will also have his first solo venture through the label and will collaborate with Darla Baltazar, who was recently featured as one of the 16 Artists to Watch on the international website The Gospel Coalition.

Janine Danielle, a worship leader from Favor Church, will be singing a track penned and produced by one of Spotify’s most followed Filipino artists Moira Dela Torre, and Moira’s frequent collaborator and husband, Jason Hernandez. The lineup also includes singles from beloved worship leaders from various churches in the Philippines: Lee Simon Brown (from Victory Worship), Cola Cabalcar, Kent Charcos, Cherise Katriel, and Sam&Steff.

WATERWALK RECORDS will also bring out a new single from Ariel Tsai, a famous Taiwanese singer/songwriter, pianist, and YouTuber signed to Sony Music Taiwan, to highlight the region’s diversity. WATERWALK RECORDS’ 12 tracks are slated to be released later this year.

Please follow to stay up to date with new music, artists, and future events: Waterwalk Records: Facebook | Instagram

AmiananPop Music Inc. is organizing the first edition of its songwriting festival, which will take place online on December 4, 2021, in order to promote a greater knowledge of North Luzon culture and identity through current music. The most awaited event was told during our webinar, it amazes and excites me the most as an Ilocana to know that there will be an upcoming event that will be held in my province in Ilocos. As I learn so much from the webinar, they will truly commemorate the festivity of music and its art.

Taking a leaf from its contemporaries, the Visayan Pop Music Festival (Vispop) and the Mindanao Popular Music Festival (MinPop), the newly formed institution highlights a new generation of composers, interpreters, musicians, and producers from the Ilocos, Cordillera, and Cagayan regions, as well as some non-Tagalog speaking areas in Central Luzon.

Taken during the AmiananPop webinar

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.

The finalists are chosen based on musicality, lyrics, inventiveness, and new sound, as per the Co-Founder Noel Cabangon. “We judge entries based on how creatively made the songs are, not on their winnability,” the award-winning and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter says.

AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021 is the first project of AmiananPop Music Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the splendor and variety of modern pop music in North Luzon and its surrounding areas. 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 are among the festival’s official partners and sponsors this year.