Enchanted Kingdom, the Philippines’ first and only world-class theme park, is bringing a month of enchantment to guests as it unveils a series of magical experiences and special treats inspired by its beloved Storyverse character, Eldar the Wizard, in celebration of his birthday this July.

As part of its Love Saribuhay campaign this quarter, EK is treating visitors to exciting activities and exclusive surprises both inside and beyond the Park, leading up to Eldar’s Birthday Bash on July 25 at the Spaceport Grounds. The much-awaited event, which also commemorates the Park’s soft opening more than three decades ago, will feature lively parades, captivating performances, interactive games, character appearances, giveaways, and other magical experiences for guests of all ages.

Eldar the Wizard has been the heart of EK’s vibrant Storyverse and has brought magic, wisdom, and inspiration to generations of Filipinos for the past three decades. He embodies EK’s core values and inspires everyone to embrace love of God, respect, loyalty, integrity, and innovation.

Ahead of his grand birthday celebration, the beloved wizard is currently extending the magic and fun of the festivities beyond the park through Eldar’s Birthday Bash Community Outreach Program. As part of this initiative, Eldar heads to selected foundations and orphanages in Laguna to share enchanting treats, special performances, and memorable experiences with the beneficiaries.

EK will launch its newest seasonal show featuring all of the Storyverse characters in a surprise dance party, as they give back to Eldar the magic and joy he has shared with the kingdom and the Filipino people over the years.

Guests can also savor his special food selections, including the family feast bundle of Eldar’s Meal exclusively offered at Amazon Grill and LaunchTime restaurants. Alternatively, everyone can try the meal’s chicken inasal, which is available for solo orders at Snaptooth Snack Station, Parkside, and Diggers Treat. Tropical Coolers’ standout drink, Eldar’s Purple Brew, will also remain available as a refreshing grab-and-go treat to enjoy while exploring the Park.

EK has also introduced its latest addition to its lineup of Eldar merchandise, adding everyday items such as pillows, purses, and bags in a variety of kinds and styles.

Meanwhile, the photo outlet in Rialto 4D and Eldar’s Photo Hub in Victoria Park have rolled out its new Face Recognition feature, allowing parkgoers to easily access all their photos in one place.

In-park tenant partners are also taking part in the festivities, with Dairy Queen becoming the first to announce its offerings, including the exclusive in-park Eldar’s Hat Dilly Bar and the Purple Yam Blizzard as the Blizzard of the Month.

As the ultimate gift for Eldar’s big day, EK is bringing back its regular park hours of 11AM to 8PM every Friday to Sunday until August 30, before shifting to Thursdays to Sundays starting September 1.

Guests can enjoy a magical Park visit from July 24 to 26 with Eldar’s Birthday Bundle, priced at just Php 1,400. The package includes one (1) Regular Day Pass, a selection of complimentary treats from participating in-park retail and dining outlets, and access to seasonal Park activities. Visitors who avail of the bundle for July 25 will also receive reserved seating for Eldar’s Birthday Bash. The promo is available for walk-in purchases and through the EK Online Store until July 26.

To learn more about Eldar’s Birthday Bash and Enchanted Kingdom’s latest events, promotions, and attractions, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph or follow its official social media pages: @enchantedkingdom.ph on Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines on Instagram.

As “Dai Dai” becomes the No. 1 song in the world, Shakira reaches new career highs across streaming, charts, and live entertainment

Listen to “Dai Dai” HERE
Watch the official video HERE

Global superstar Shakira has reached another historic milestone as “Dai Dai,” her FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem featuring Burna Boy, climbs to No. 1 on the Spotify Global chart, becoming the No. 1 song in the world. The global smash has also reached No. 1 in 12 countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Slovakia, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Sweden, and Belgium.

The success of “Dai Dai” has propelled Shakira to new career highs. She has climbed to No. 6 among the world’s most-streamed artists on Spotify and has become the first artist in Spotify history to reach No. 1 with songs in both English and Spanish – another landmark achievement in her unparalleled career.

Shakira’s momentum continues across key music markets worldwide, with “Dai Dai” currently charting inside the Top 5 on the midweek charts in Portugal, Canada, China, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the official music video for “Dai Dai” continues to dominate on YouTube, holding the No. 1 position on the platform’s global music charts. The video has amassed nearly 500 million views, and is expected to continue dominating pop culture conversations in the coming months.

These latest achievements reaffirm Shakira’s status as one of the most influential artists of her generation, showcasing her extraordinary ability to connect with audiences across languages, cultures, and continents while continuing to redefine the global reach of Latin pop.

Building on the success of her record-breaking stadium tours in North and South America, Shakira is now preparing for an extraordinary run of 12 stadium shows at the Shakira Stadium this September and October. The highly anticipated concert tour is expected to be among the year’s biggest live music events.

Follow Shakira on:

www.shakira.com

www.facebook.com/shakira

www.twitter.com/shakira

www.instagram.com/shakira

www.youtube.com/user/shakiraVEVO

The Filipino band brings its acclaimed sophomore album, AFTER OURS to life in an ambitious orchestral production, ahead of its international debut at AXEAN Festival 2026 in Bali, Indonesia

Filipino city pop band ALYSON is set to headline their first major concert with AFTER OURS: Live and in Full!, happening on July 17, 2026, at Aster Events Place in Mandaluyong City. The special show will bring the band’s acclaimed sophomore album to life through expansive arrangements, immersive production, and a revitalized live music experience unlike anything they’ve presented before.

Known for their lush sonic brew of Manila Sound, Japanese city pop, Brazilian funk, ‘80s OPM, and jazz, the five-piece act will perform the entirety of AFTER OURS alongside a full orchestra, offering audiences fresh interpretations that highlight the album’s sophistication and depth. The concert also marks a creative leap for the band, who have taken on a more active role in co-producing the show, further honing its artistic direction from concept to execution.

“Preparations are going exceptionally well,” the band shares in a press statement. “We’ve been rehearsing for this show as a band for a long time now, so we’re confident that we can put on a good show. We’ve also been rehearsing with our orchestra, and it’s another experience to hear our music played altogether like this with so many talented people. The production team and our management have also been working double time to get this show off the ground, so we’re truly thankful for all their help.”

Official poster

Apart from the orchestral collaboration, ALYSON hints that the audience can expect even more surprises throughout the evening.

The Summer Nights band reveals, “While we make no secret of the involvement of the orchestra and their hand in elevating our performance, we think there’s still room for surprises. Maybe some special guest or two, maybe some unexpected numbers. What we can say is that it’s a setlist you can only see at a show like this. You’ll have to be there to find out.”

Beyond the music, AFTER OURS: Live and in Full! is the band’s most ambitious production to date, reflecting years of growth, collaboration, and a desire to create a vital connection with their audience on a deeply personal level.

“This is, to date, the largest and most involved show we’ve ever done,” explains the band. “We’ve never played anything with this many people involved on and off the stage. It’s honestly evolved into something we never imagined we’d be able to do. We’re just happy to share this moment with everyone who’s supported us and treat them to an experience that’s beyond even what we imagined when we started this!”

The concert comes at an exciting time for ALYSON. Next month, the band will make its international festival debut at the AXEAN Festival in Bali, Indonesia, taking place on August 29 and 30 at Jimbaran Hub.

AFTER OURS: Live and in Full is co-presented by Offshore Music PH and GNN, with support from ONErpm.

Tickets are still available via bit.ly/afterourslive.

With hypnotic production and unwavering conviction, the bop celebrates resilience, ambition, and the confidence to stand your ground

Filipino hip-hop artist Alex Bruce delivers a bold new statement with the release of her new single “Gabriela,” out today via Sony Music Entertainment.

Brimming with brooding production, hypnotic rhythms, and razor-sharp verses, “Gabriela” doubles as an anthem for those determined to prove themselves.

While the track exudes confidence through every verse and beat, its message reaches beyond swagger and vibes. It offers a more nuanced take on empowerment, especially for women who have been continuously wronged by the system.

“Confidence isn’t about thinking you’re better than anyone else,” Alex Bruce explains. “It’s about trusting yourself even if other people don’t. I’ve never liked how confidence gets praised in men but questioned in women. When men are confident, they’re seen as leaders. When women are, they’re often called arrogant or ‘too much.’ Gabriela is my way of saying: own who you are and don’t make yourself smaller to make other people comfortable.”

Like her previous releases, “Gabriela” reveals Bruce’s style of merging sharp-witted, confrontational lyricism with alpha-female energy. It demonstrates her strength as both an emcee and a wordsmith, championing confidence, authenticity, and the power to own one’s place without apology.

The song will be featured on the official soundtrack of the Filipino sports drama, Bilyarista, which made its world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa in November 2025 and will be screened in the Philippines sometime soon. Starring Loisa Andalio and John Arcilla, with cameos by pool legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Bilyarista follows the story of a young woman determined to rise through the competitive world of billiards in pursuit of becoming a world champion.

“Gabriela” is out now on all major digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Following a breakout run across Asia and fresh off the release of his most personal album yet, Singapore-based singer-songwriter lullaboy returns to the Philippines with a live experience that transforms heartbreak into healing

For many musicians, heartbreak becomes the spark for a single song. For Singapore-based singer-songwriter and producer lullaboy, it evolved into the inspiration behind an entire creative universe.

With more than 200 million streams to his name, a steadily expanding fanbase across Southeast Asia, and a talent for crafting deeply personal songs about love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, lullaboy has emerged as one of the region’s most notable independent artists. Born in the United States, raised in Singapore, and of Indonesian-Chinese descent, the Berklee College of Music graduate has graced some of Asia’s biggest stages and festivals, headlined successful regional tours, and was selected to perform at the official afterparties following all six Singapore shows of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. Throughout his journey, he has stayed true to creating music defined by vulnerability, authenticity, and optimism.

“‘Lullaboy’ comes from the words ‘lullaby’ and ‘boy,’ because writing songs was always a way for me to comfort my inner child,” he shares. “Even today, I write songs about love, life, and everything in between, and I hope they can bring comfort to everybody’s inner child.”

That mission began after his first heartbreak, when songwriting became an outlet during a time he felt no one could truly understand what he was going through.

“As I released more songs, people started sending me messages saying they helped them through difficult seasons, “ he says. “That’s when I realized sharing my own stories could make a positive impact on other people’s lives. I don’t just make music for fun anymore—I do it because I feel like it’s my purpose.”

That purpose lies at the heart of Hotels & Heartbreaks, his third studio album and the inspiration behind his ongoing nine-city Asia tour. More than a concert, the experience invites audiences to “check in hurt and check out healed,” guiding listeners through an emotional journey of heartbreak, reflection, and hope. The album’s 12 interconnected tracks and visualizers were designed as one continuous story, transforming personal experiences into something listeners can see themselves in.

The concept grew from a realization that success alone could not replace genuine connection. “I was staying in all these beautiful hotels while touring,“ he recalls. “At the end of the day, I’d lie on my bed and ask myself, ‘What’s it all for?’ You can achieve your biggest dreams, but if you don’t have love or someone to share them with, it does not necessarily bring happiness.”

For lullaboy, every listener has their own “heartbreak hotel” to walk through before reaching a place of peace. “This album is actually an album of hope.”

The Philippines holds a special place in that journey. Before returning as a touring artist, he first visited the country through mission work as a young worship leader. Those early experiences—and the warmth he received from Filipino communities—left a lasting impression. “I remember telling myself that one day I would come back here as an artist,“ he says. “Then last year, I finally did my first concert in Manila, and I was blown away by how much warmth there was from the people. They sing really loud, they have beautiful voices. I’ve been waiting for this moment. I think the Lullafam knows how much I love the Philippines.”

Now, Hotels & Heartbreaks brings him back to Manila on July 17 as part of his biggest Asia tour yet, with stops across Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Designed as an immersive live experience, the show blends music, storytelling, and interactive moments that invite fans to leave behind their own emotional baggage before “checking out” with a renewed sense of hope.

For newcomers wondering where to begin, boy recommends starting with “Someone Like You,” before moving into “Shortcut to Heaven,” and ending with “Heaven” —a progression that mirrors the emotional journey at the core of the album.

Above all, that is the message lullaboy hopes audiences take home. Reflecting on the journey, he shares, “Heartbreak isn’t the end. It’s something we all experience, and through it, we learn what truly matters. If I can make it through heartbreak, then anyone can.”

As lullaboy makes his return to Manila this July, Hotels & Heartbreaks promises more than just an evening of live music. It invites audiences into a journey through love, heartbreak, and healing, serving as a reminder that life’s most difficult moments often pave the way to where we truly belong.

lullaboy: Hotels & Heartbreaks Tour – Manila

July 17, 2026 / Teatrino Promenade

🎟Buy Tickets Here