The powerhouse team-up made a significant breakthrough in Japan, landing a No. 2 peak on the Oricon Digital Chart and iTunes All Genre Chart

Global P-Pop powerhouse SB19 continues its global ascent with “TOYFRIEND,” a cross-border collaboration with top-selling Japanese group, BE:FIRST. The clubby R&B track serves as the latest single from their sophomore studio album, Wakas At Simula—released under Sony Music Entertainment.

Prior to the promotional push, “TOYFRIEND” has already made a significant dent across Japan’s leading digital platforms, debuting at No. 1 on MORA’s All Genre, International, and Hi-Res International charts, while peaking at No. 2 on the iTunes All Genre chart and No. 1 on its Pop chart, and No. 2 on Line Music Japan’s World Music Top 100 chart. The upbeat bop has reached the summit of the RecoChoku’s Hi-Res Single and Single charts, and reached No. 2 on the Oricon Digital Chart—a proof of the Filipino boy group’s strong surge of support from Japanese fans. Other chart placements in Japan include a No. 3 peak at Spotify Daily Viral chart, No. 6 debut on Billboard Japan Top Download Songs chart and No. 4 placement on Genius Japan Overall Song Chart.

Inviting listeners to the floor with its inescapable rhythm and polished production, “TOYFRIEND” pulls the best of both worlds from both Asian pop powerhouses. But above all that brimming energy is a narrative that explores the messiness of a situationship. It’s perfect for the summer: an infectious dance anthem that goes well with angst and frustration.

SB19’s JOSH explains, “[TOYFRIEND] captures the uncertainty of having feelings for someone while feeling completely confused if those feelings will be reciprocated in the first place. In this puzzling situation, one person can end up being treated as a toyfriend: caught between friendship and something more. The track reflects the ambiguity that comes with blurred intentions.”

For PABLO, “Toyfriend” became an instant favorite within the first few seconds of hearing it, with SB19 expressing confidence that it was the right song to pursue for the collaboration. “The sound carried a distinct energy that stood out from the start, making it an instant fit for the concept we were aiming for. Artistically, the track leans into a more edgy, slightly spicy, and sexy tone.”

The track was initially conceived as a completely new song for both SB19 and BE:FIRST, which became a key factor in shaping the overall concept of the collaboration. According to PABLO, approaching the project from a blank slate allowed both groups to align on a shared direction and explore a sound that reflects their combined artistry.

“This collaborative process enabled both groups to contribute meaningfully while ensuring the final output feels cohesive and authentic,” PABLO shares in a press statement. “Ultimately, the intent was to deliver a fresh and distinctive record that highlights the strengths and synergy of both SB19 and BE:FIRST.”

SB19’s JUSTIN adds, “When the opportunity to collaborate with BE:FIRST came up, we identified it as a track that best suited both BE:FIRST and SB19 in terms of style and direction. SB19 recorded the song at our studio, 1Z, while BE:FIRST recorded their parts in Japan. We ensured that members of our team were present during BE:FIRST’s recording sessions to provide guidance and maintain cohesion in terms of vocal direction and overall sound.”

SB19’s KEN pointed out that the collaboration began when he represented the country as Felip for prominent music showcase in Japan last year at the K-Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa, Japan. “The collaboration began when I previously performed for DUNK. It was the fans who truly made it happen by engaging with one another, which the BMSG team recognized as a valuable opportunity to collaborate with 1Z Entertainment. This led to the collaboration between BE:FIRST and SB19.”

Despite geographical challenges, the collaborative process moved with striking ease—thanks to their commitment to achieving a strong and unified output. SB19’s STELL pointed out how every contribution and creative element clicked into place. “Rather than seeing the distance as a limitation, it became an opportunity to embrace a global collaboration setup. Overall, the experience was very smooth and collaborative.” With the release of “TOYFRIEND,” SB19 and BE:FIRST delivers another genre-forward release that champions the growing influence of Asian pop on the global stage.

SB19’s “TOYFRIEND” (with BE:FIRST) is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

SB19 will be headlining the Wakas at Simula Concert—their biggest concert yet—happening on April 18, 2026, at the SMDC Festival Grounds. It will serve as the finale to their Simula at Wakas tour, which supported the release of their three-part EP (Pagsibol, Pagtatag, and Simula at Wakas). Japanese boy group BE:FIRST was recently announced as part of the lineup.

For tickets, sign up now at www.livenation.ph.

Follow SB19 on their socials:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SB19Official/

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

International and Filipino artists come together alongside industry leaders for a weekend of discovery and dialogue

Photo by Mayks Go

All Of The Noise 2026 is set to take place this weekend!

The Manila-based showcase and conference will highlight diverse music programming focused on building communities, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and increasing visibility—positioning Filipino and Asian music as key contributors to the global creative scene.

Spanning three days, the event will feature nearly 30 emerging and established artists, along with a conference and industry program. The lineup includes international acts such as Phoebe Rings from New Zealand; Grrrl Gang, Arash Buana, and Gavendri from Indonesia; Shye and Pines from Singapore; and HengJones and Our Shame from Taiwan, alongside a wide range of Filipino talents.

I’m also looking forward and excited as All Of The Noise 2026 highlights how vibrant and diverse the music scene has become. It’s inspiring to see emerging and established artists sharing one platform while building connections across different cultures. The mix of performances and industry discussions also shows how music goes beyond entertainment and becomes a space for growth and collaboration. It really reflects how Filipino talent is part of a bigger global movement.

Other performers include BP Valenzuela, Fitterkarma, SOS, Ourselves the Elves, Elijah Canlas, DJ Love (Davao), VVINK, Playertwo, fern, August Wahh, School Girl Classic (Cebu), Delinquent Society (Davao), Alyson, Novocrane, Amateurish (Baguio), Carousel Casualties, Magiliw Street, Ysanygo, and kyleaux.

In addition to live showcase performances, the three-day music culture programming also highlights the music conference format, featuring panel and keynote discussions, documentary screenings, and networking activities. There will be scheduled private events exclusively for artists and music industry professionals, including a Spotify For Artist Masterclass, Studio Collab Sessions for select international and local artists, and a Welcome Party for delegates.

Co-presented by The Rest Is Noise PH with CITEM, CREATE Philippines, The Orchard, ONErpm, Symphonic Distribution, Jack Daniel’s Philippines, Guevarra’s and Spotify, All Of The Noise 2026 will take place in three venues across Metro Manila: Astbury Makati (April 17 and 19), Sari-Sari in Makati City (April 17 and 19), and 123 Block in Mandaluyong City (April 18).

From left to right, top to bottom: Patrick King, part owner of Guevarra’; Enzo Marcos of Able Asia; Ian Urrutia of All Of The Noise PH; Guji Lorenzana of Symphonic Distribution, Alyssa Pe Benito of ONErpm; Fiona Comendador of Symphonic Distribution; MC Galang of All Of The Noise PH; Andrew de Castro of The Orchard

“All Of The Noise exists to create meaningful intersections between artists, industries, and cultures,” says Ian Emmanuel C. Urrutia, the festival’s Program Director. “As the region continues to assert its voice on the global stage, our role is to build the infrastructure, dialogue, and opportunities that allow that voice to travel further. We see this platform not only as a showcase but also as a long-term investment in the sustainability and global visibility of Filipino and Asian music.”

Conference and Documentary Programming

This year’s edition of Cut Through The Noise, the festival’s conference program, will feature panel discussions and keynote presentations from music industry experts and professionals from here and abroad. Designed to address the evolving needs of the local and regional music sectors, the panel segments aim to address the most pressing trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s music ecosystem. From market development and cross-border collaboration to innovation, policy, and audience growth, Cut Through The Noise aims to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and networks necessary to navigate an increasingly competitive global landscape.

The topics include:

1. Unlocking the Potential of Southeast Asia: Findings, Insights, and Discussions on the world’s next music powerhouse
2. Curation and Programming in Transition: How Music Festival in Asia are Adapting
3. From Support to System Building: The role of private and public sectors in developing a more sustainable Filipino music industry
4. Dissecting Diary Ng Pangetoriginal soundtrack: A poptimist’s dream
5. Indie Cred vs. Commercial Pressure: How labels grow without losing trust, taste, and cultural capital
6. Inside a Thriving Regional Scene: What the music community in Baguio City tells us about decentralization, crossover, and cultural sustainability

This year’s All Of The Noise will feature three films under its Echoes Of The Noise documentary program, including the international debut screening of Elephant Gym: More Real Than Dreams (Dir. Alulu Kuo, runtime: 95min), a documentary film that captures the band’s journey as they faced potential breakup before a world tour and explore their unique musical world. It will also premiere Rosas: The Song. The Journey (Dir. Nolan Bernardino, runtime: 65mins), named after the song penned by Nica Del Rosario, which became “an anthem of hope” during the national elections in 2022, and This is HANNAH+GABI (Dir. Frazier De Mesa, runtime: 28 mins), which explores the beloved band’s thoughts and process in music-making and performing from the perspective of the filmmaker Frazier De Mesa.

Introducing Spotify for Artist Masterclass

Spotify will power a key educational component of the program through a Spotify for Artists Masterclass led by the Spotify Asia team. Designed as a practical session for artists and music stakeholders, the masterclass reflects a shared belief between AOTN and Spotify: that artists should be equipped not only to make great work, but to better understand how to build sustainable careers around it.

For this edition, Spotify will offer the Beginner Session of its Spotify for Artists Masterclass to select artists and industry professionals. The session will introduce artists to the essential tools, insights, and platform knowledge they need to strengthen their presence on Spotify, promote their music more effectively, better understand audience behavior, and navigate the wider music streaming landscape with more clarity and confidence. The inclusion of this session reinforces AOTN’s broader commitment to going beyond live performance by creating space for artist development, education, and long-term career support. It also brings direct value to emerging and developing artists in attendance by connecting them with practical, platform-level knowledge from one of the world’s leading music streaming services.

Studio Sessions: Creative Songwriting

Programmed by The Rest Is Noise PH, this curated studio sessions bring Filipino songwriters and producers together with international guest performers to co-create original music as part of the All Of The Noise Music Creatives Program.

Created to encourage creative collaboration and cross-cultural exchange, each session promotes idea-sharing, hands-on writing, and composition—leading to original songs shaped by shared experiences and perspectives. The inaugural session will feature Tim and Sam Marquez of One Click Straight, known producers behind innovative pop and indie rock music, along with Our Shame, a Taiwanese alternative pop band, guided by DJ Joey Santos of Love One Another Sound Production. The Studio Sessions will also bring together rising Filipino R&B artist kyleaux and renowned Taiwanese hip-hop artist HengJones, with CHEKE’s Justin Wieneke facilitating their collaboration.

Ticket Details

Tickets are available with the following packages:

PHP 999 – 3-day pass: (access to Days 1, 2 & 3), inclusive of all programs

PHP 400 – Day 1 (access to April 17 program – Friday), inclusive of all programs

PHP 700 – Day 2 (access to April 18 program – Saturday), inclusive of all programs

PHP 400 – Day 3 (access to April 19 program – Sunday), inclusive of all programs

Get your tickets here: https://allofthenoise2026.helixpay.ph

The official AOTN merch is also available via bit.ly/aotn2026merch

General inquiries: [email protected]

Website: www.therestisnoiseph.com

Twitter: twitter.com/therestisnoise_

Facebook: facebook.com/therestisnoiseph

Instagram: instagram.com/therestisnoiseph

New line up announced at the Prime Video Presents: Philippines slate event today includes collaborations with leading studios ABS-CBN and GMA, delivering premium story telling across family drama, political thriller, psychological suspense, romance, crime, and comedy

Prime Video also announced three new K-drama titles set to premiere later this year, further strengthening its premium Korean content slate and featuring major talent including Seo Kangjun, Ahn Eun-jin, Ahn Hyo-seop, Park Min Young, Yook Sung Jae, and Go Soo

Cast and Directors from the Prime Video New Philippine Originals

Prime Video has revealed seven Filipino Prime Original series during Prime Video Presents: Philippines—its first-ever local slate announcement in the country—alongside a lineup of exclusive locally licensed titles and additional Korean series set to arrive in 2026. This expanded slate highlights Prime Video’s growing commitment to Filipino storytelling through partnerships with top studios like ABS-CBN and GMA Network, offering high-quality content across genres such as family drama, political thrillers, psychological suspense, romance, crime, and comedy.

Prime Video: Your All-in-One Entertainment Hub

For just ₱149 per month, Prime Video offers Filipino viewers a wide range of content in one platform. Subscribers can enjoy local originals that highlight Filipino stories, including Linlang, Saving Grace, and LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines, as well as popular international titles like The Boys, Fallout, and The Summer I Turned Pretty. Fans of Korean dramas can explore series such as GOOD BOY and Marry My Husband, while anime enthusiasts can stream Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX and Demon Slayer. Sports fans can also watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs and Finals live, available exclusively on Prime Video.

“We’ve seen Filipino audiences embrace global Prime Video hits like The Boys and The Summer I Turned Pretty, which shows the appetite for premium storytelling. Now we’re bringing that same commitment to quality with local originals featuring Filipino talent. Prime Video brings Filipino audiences everything they love to watch—all in one place: local stories that reflect their experiences, international entertainment that connects them globally, and live sports with NBA, which resonates deeply with basketball-loving Filipino fans,” said David Simonsen, Director of Prime Video Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

From Innovative Comedy to Family Drama to Political Thriller: Stories for Every Filipino

The 2026 slate showcases the breadth of Filipino storytelling, from intimate family bonds to high-stakes conspiracies, each anchored by the country’s most beloved talent.

LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines returns for a second season with Vice Ganda as host. The comedy competition series challenges ten comedians to make each other laugh while keeping straight faces themselves—the last one standing wins. Season 1 became one of Prime Video’s most-watched titles in the Philippines, with organic positive social media reactions, reflecting how Filipino audiences embraced the format and relatable humor. The LOL: Last One Laughing format has become one of the most celebrated franchises on Prime Video with successful versions across Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, France and Italy. Season 2 premiere date and contestants’ names to be announced.

Already streaming since March 20, The Silent Noise brings together Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo in their highly anticipated series comeback. This raw crime drama follows a deaf son who must face suppressed truths when a body is discovered in their small town, exploring how silence can both protect and destroy.

Second chances drive Love Is Never Gone, starring Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi in a romance-thriller about an ex-convict who discovers his dead lover is alive and reinvented as a socialite.  Built on the viral social media “loyalty test” phenomenon, The Loyalty Game features Janine Gutierrez, Jericho Rosales, and Sofia Andres in a psychological thriller where a fidelity test becomes deadly when two women discover the man they’re fighting over has a chilling secret he would do anything to keep hidden.

Family bonds take center stage in Honor Thy Mother, reuniting Sharon Cuneta and Barbie Forteza, also starring John Estrada. The series follows a CEO and her estranged daughter who must unite to survive a deadly conspiracy, exploring mother-daughter reconciliation through corporate intrigue and redemption while cross-cultural romance unfolds in Kopino, starring the beloved Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu as childhood sweethearts torn apart by fate who reunite in Korea’s corporate world and addresses the Kopino experience—children of Korean and Filipino parents seeking family recognition.

Political intrigue ignites in Behind Closed Doors as Marian Rivera plays a sharp-tongued radio announcer whose secret affair with the Philippine President—played in a special participation by Dingdong Dantes—is exposed, making her the prime suspect in his assassination and putting her on a collision course with his daughter, portrayed by Jillian Ward.

“This slate represents the depth of our collaboration with Filipino creators and studios,” said Chaitanya Divan, Head of Content Acquisition, Prime Video Southeast Asia. “Working closely with ABS-CBN and GMA, we’re supporting local storytellers to bring their visions to life—stories that speak to our local Filipino audiences while showcasing the incredible Filipino talents. These are central to our commitment of building a content library that serves our Filipino customers’ diverse tastes.”

Along with these seven original titles, Prime Video is also announcing exclusive licensed Filipino films joining the 2026 lineup, including Samahan ng mga Makasalanan, Gabi ng Lagim, the Bayaniverse trilogy: Quezon, Heneral Luna, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, Bar Boys: After School, and Open Endings. Together with the originals, these titles reflect Prime Video’s commitment to Filipino storytelling—bringing together established stars, award-winning creators, and stories that speak to audiences at home and around the world.

Expanding Korean Content

Following those unveiled earlier at Prime Video Presents International Originals in February, Prime Video also announced three new Korean titles set to premiere in the second half of 2026, further strengthening its premium Korean content slate.

A Love Other Than Yours stars Seo Kangjun (Undercover High School, Cheese in the Trap, Boyfriend on Demand), Ahn Eun-jin (Dynamite Kiss, The Good Bad Mother, Hospital Playlist), Lee Joo Ahn (Bon Appétit, Your Majesty; True Beauty) and Jo Aram (Doctor Cha, The Auditors) in a grounded romance about a couple in a 10-year relationship forced to confront whether to move forward with marriage or let each other go.

Final Table (working title) features global sensation Ahn Hyo-seop (KPop Demon Hunters, Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy, Business Proposal). The series is set against the high-stakes backdrop of ‘The Table: K-Chef 2026’—a competition to crown the world’s finest Korean chef. It follows Kang Han, an overseas-based chef who joins the tournament representing the restaurant ‘Familia’ following an unexpected turn of events.

Nine to Six stars Park Min Young (Siren’s Kiss, Marry My Husband), Yook Sung Jae (The Haunted Palace, The Golden Spoon), and Go Soo (Missing: The Other Side) in an office romance. When workaholic deputy manager Kang I-ji meets warm-hearted intern Han Sun-woo in an automobile company, they discover in each other what they’re missing—navigating love, career, family, and social pressure to find their own balance between independence and connection.

The slate announcement event gathered content partners, creators, talent, and key industry players, and included a fireside chat with Prime Video executives, panel discussions, as well as appearances from the casts and creators of the newly unveiled titles.

For more details about the lineup, you can download the Prime Video Presents: Philippines appendix here.

Listen to the focus track “Paalam Na,” a powerful meditation on closure and healing

OPM hitmaker Mark Carpio drops his highly anticipated new EP, Huling Pag-ibig—released under EMPIRE.PH Music and ONErpm. Marking a milestone in his 10-year career, the 4-track EP weaves themes of love, loss, and emotional closure into one cohesive sonic package. Both introspective and freeing, the project also serves as an ending to a well-loved music era—one that positioned Carpio as both a prominent balladeer of his generation and a gifted songwriter known for his poignant yet earnest storytelling.

With nearly 400 million streams on Spotify and a catalog of hits, Carpio continues to build on his strength as a reliable pop artist. His latest offering reinforces this reputation, presenting an introspective collection of songs that connects his music roots with present-day narratives.

Conceptually, Huling Pag-ibig is a continuation of Carpio’s earlier works: the optimistic yearning of “Hiling” and the romantic realization of “Kay Tagal.” This time, Carpio shifts the narrative and confronts the possibility that long-awaited love may not unfold as hoped. The result is a cohesive exploration of love’s evolution: from persistence to loss, heartbreak to acceptance. The intentional structure enables listeners to experience Huling Pag-ibig not merely as a collection of tunes but as a continuous emotional journey.

“This EP is the twist of that story,” explains the entertainment multi-hyphenate. “It asks, what if, after all that waiting, things didn’t turn out the way I hoped? Huling Pag-ibig is about that journey—fighting for love until your very last drop of hope and learning to let go when there’s nothing left.”

The EP’s emotional depth is matched by its meticulous songwriting, which has evolved over the course of ten years. Many of the songs started as unfinished ideas during the early stages of Mark Carpio’s career, only reaching its full potential later through personal reflection, lived experience, and shared stories of his fans. Through platforms like TikTok and his “Kape Tayo” series, the chart-topping solo artist helped empower his listeners to participate in the creative process, ultimately contributing to an EP that uniquely functions as a shared emotional experience.

All the tracks in the EP showcase a distinct style that adds up to the record’s emotionally rich sound. The title track, produced by RJ Pineda, draws inspiration from Adele’s sweeping ballads but is reimagined through a distinctly Filipino lens. “Ayaw Mo Na,” co-written with Ethan Loukas, taps into a more organic folk direction—thanks to its storytelling-driven lyrics and heart-tugging warmth. “Paano Ba Mag-isa” sounds like a return to form, offering a stripped-down, melodic approach that is steeped in classic ballad traditions.

Serving as the EP’s masterpiece is the focus track “Paalam Na,” produced by Line In Productions’ Nikhil Amarnani. A clear departure from his mellow, piano-backed ballads, the tune leans toward alternative pop/rock sensibilities. As the final chapter of the EP, “Paalam Na” reveals itself as a powerful meditation on closure: accepting that some things are meant to end, even as healing is still underway.

Carpio shares, “It’s also the song that took me the longest to write. I started writing it right after Hiling and Kay Tagal, but it took me almost 10 years to fully understand what it was about.”

According to Carpio, the finishing touches on the song came after a recent interaction with a close friend. “It was only when a friend of mine came to my studio after a breakup. He didn’t say much—he was just sitting there, trying to hide his sadness after ending a long-term relationship. That moment stayed with me. It gave me the clarity I needed to finally finish the song. In the EP, it represents closure—accepting that she has already moved on, even if you’re still in the process of letting go.”

Coinciding with Carpio’s decade-long anniversary as a recording artist, the new EP represents a moment of creative transition. Shedding off his “hugot” king persona, Carpio hints that the current record may signal the end of his ballad-driven era while opening doors to new creative reinventions for future music releases.

“This could be the closing chapter of that side of me,” Mark Carpio reveals. “What comes next is something I’m really excited about—but I’ll reveal that after this EP.”

Mark Carpio’s “Huling Pag-ibig” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.