Vic Vic Bautista

The Christian pop duo’s new song ushers in a new era of passion and purpose

Photo by Jeremy Cowart

With 13 No. 1 hits, four Grammy Awards, and more than 3 billion career streams, for KING + COUNTRY has established itself as one of the most prestigious musical duos. Joel and Luke Smallbone, who recently signed to Curb Records, are embarking on a new chapter in their lives. They have a fresh sound, a fresh artistic vision, and the same drive to put on incredible live shows that have packed arenas all over the world.

“World on Fire (with Taylor Hill),” their most recent hit, is currently accessible around the country. The success of their Top 10 Billboard album, Dove Award, and Lionsgate feature film UNSUNG HERO is being built upon with this first taste of a daring new chapter.

“It’s been quite the year for all of us, hasn’t it!? For us, it’s been a time to re-create, be with family, pray, recalibrate, and let God breathe fresh vision into our hearts,” said Joel and Luke Smallbone. ‘Out of that refining has come a renewed clarity and passion. ‘World on Fire’ is an anthem of joy and hope set to a global rhythm — marking the start of a brand new era. We cannot wait to embark on this joyous journey with you.”

KING + COUNTRY have established themselves as one of the most influential duos in music, with 13 No. 1 hits, over 3 billion career streams, and over 6 million social media followers. The statement was made just before the brothers’ restricted “A Drummer Boy Christmas” performances, which will be their final live engagements of 2025, take place in December.

“World on Fire feat.” is what fans can anticipate. Taylor Hill” to officially mark the start of KING + COUNTRY’s next era and set the tone for a slew of new songs, images, and announcements in the months to come.

Watch the music video here.

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The award-winning singer-songwriter braves rain, rush hour, and onlookers in a spontaneous Tokyo shoot directed by Niña Sandejas

Photo by Nina Sandejas

The music video for Barbie Almalbis’s most recent hit, “All U Wanna Do,”  has been published.

Almalbis’ passionate performance in the middle of Tokyo, Japan’s busy city was captured in this eye-catching visual piece, which was shot guerilla-style at the famous Shibuya Crossing.

Almalbis stands out from the bustle of others around her as she sings with just her earphones for accompaniment, turning a brief moment into a very personal expression of annoyance, fortitude, and creativity.

Directed and conceptualized by celebrated photographer and filmmaker Niña Sandejas, the project emerged from an impromptu creative adventure during Almalbis’ travels in Japan, where she’s invited to perform.

“It wasn’t an original idea—every day, tourists record themselves in that famous scramble—but this shoot was something else entirely,” Sandejas explains. “Barbie sang full voice with only her earphones as a backing track, while strangers brushed past, stared, or bumped into her. The rain gave us only a brief pause to work, and we had a hard stop because she was headed straight to a gig that night. A few takes, a lot of faith, and a camera chasing her through the rush: that was all we had. Behind the lens, what struck me most wasn’t the crowd or the noise, but Barbie’s composure. Her dedication to bring to life each of her songs, giving the same devotion to a pop-up shoot on a rainy Tokyo street as she would to a stage.”

Joining Sandejas and Almalbis on the road was a tight-knit team: Rachael Roldan, who handled hair and makeup and assisted in lighting, and Martin Honasan, Barbie’s husband, who helped with crowd management. Ysmael Salvador, editor of the video, took Niña’s chaotic handheld footage and tied it into a cohesive and magnetic narrative. Salvador has previously worked with Almalbis on the visuals of her songs “Platonic” and “Needy.”

“As a nod to Barbie’s history, we layered in an echo from Hungry Young Poets’ song ‘Runaway’ where the sound of traffic and voices in Japanese that once opened the track,” Nina adds. “It felt right to bring that spirit full circle, folding memory into the present.”

“Niña truly is a natural, and I love seeing how she almost simply reacts to her surroundings instinctively,” Almalbis said in reference to the partnership, praising Sandeja’s innate artistic ability. I believe she has mastered that art for a very long time.

Click here to view the music video

The chart-topping indie band announces to add 500 more passes for fans

Photo by Iya Forbes

Alternative pop band Over October is set to make waves once more as they mark their 11th anniversary with a free grand concert at the MOA Amphitheater on October 12, 2025, starting at 5:00 p.m.

The announcement has sparked massive excitement, with over 3,000 passes snapped up within just two hours of opening registration.

To accommodate the demand, the band revealed that an additional 500 passes will be released exclusively via the SM Malls Online app at 6:00 p.m., giving more fans the chance to be part of what promises to be one of their biggest shows yet.

“This all feels like a dream,” Over October said in a press statement. “The goal has always been to headline big shows, but seeing it come to life is surreal. Last year, we had our first major concert, which was sold out for 2 days. This year, we wanted to treat our fans to a free concert. We allotted 3000 passes that fans could claim, and to our surprise, all the slots were redeemed within the first 2 hours after announcing the show.”

The anniversary concert is dedicated to “Octobears,” whom the Ikot act considers family. Beyond the long set and main performance, the band is curating a pre-concert showcase featuring Octobears busking and sharing their art, further championing their mission to build community through music.

“We want to inspire them to keep dreaming,” the band adds. “It took us 11 years to get to where we are now, and it’s not just because of our efforts. It’s also with the help of all the people who supported us. We want them to feel that this success is also theirs, as we’re celebrating our community of Octobears.”

Fans can expect a heightened concert experience filled with upgraded visuals and lighting direction, newly improved setlists, and surprise guest performances. The special show also doubles as a post-release celebration for their new single “Dahan,” which dropped on 26 across major streaming platforms. Produced by Shadiel Chan, the song captures Over October’s signature sound while introducing a more playful and melodically intense arrangement. Its accompanying lyrical visualizer features a special cameo by acclaimed actor Donny Pangilinan.

“Honestly, Dahan also kind of captures our whole journey in the music industry—a 10-year slow-burn relationship,” the chart-topping indie quintet reflects. “Being active in the music industry for 11 years is such a blessing to us; not a lot of independent artists are given this opportunity to be able to make music for a living for more than a decade. This new single, and this new concert, are both reminders of why we do what we do.”

Over October’s Anniversary Concert is brought to fans by Over October in partnership with GNN.

The extra 500 passes can be redeemed starting at 6:00 p.m. today by searching “OVER OCTOBER” on the SM Malls Online app.

Photo by Betzaida Ventura

On October 28, 2025, the lights of the Smart Araneta Coliseum will dim as the audience rises in anticipation of the return of one of this generation’s most powerful voices. Morissette, Asia’s Phoenix, marks her 15th year in music with Ember—a concert that not only highlights her unmatched vocal prowess but also reflects on a journey that has inspired countless fans.

Morissette during the presscon

This year has already been a milestone for her. She made her big-screen debut in Song of the Fireflies, where she displayed both her dramatic depth and signature vocals. Her rendition of “Golden”—featured in Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters—went viral, capturing worldwide attention and solidifying her impact on both local and international audiences. Beyond film and streaming, Morissette has continued to bring Filipino artistry to global stages, culminating in a legacy that comes full circle at the Araneta stage.

With Morissette

The concert highlighted her incredible journey—from her film debut in Song of the Fireflies to her viral performance of “Golden” in Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters. I’m glad I finally met Morissette in person, and hearing her live proved why she’s one of the most powerful and beautiful voices of her generation.

Ember will be her first major solo concert at Araneta since 2018, and it carries the promise of an unforgettable night. With Troy Laureta directing the music, the performance is set to combine powerful arrangements with deeply personal storytelling. Morissette has hinted at a setlist that spans her 15-year career—songs that, for the first time, will come together in one breathtaking show. Some may never be performed again in a major concert, making Ember a rare chance to experience her story in its fullest form. Fans can also expect surprises, with the possibility of special guests joining Morissette on stage to mark the milestone.

Adding to the excitement, indie-folk favorites The Ridleys will open the night, known for their heartfelt storytelling and devoted following. Their presence creates a rare moment where two generations of Filipino musicians share one stage in celebration of artistry and legacy.

Tickets, priced from ₱999 to ₱9,499, have been in high demand since their release on Ticketnet. A newly opened Patron A section now brings more fans closer to the stage, while VIP and SVIP tiers offer exclusive experiences including soundcheck access and signed memorabilia.

Ember is more than just a concert to Morissette; it’s a celebration and a guarantee that her flame will endure for many years to come.

Nyxys is powering the event, and Philippine Airlines is leading the way as the primary sponsor. El Calle Food and Music Hall, Southwestern Flaming Grill, Maruca Bistro Italia, Ming’s Pei Pa Koa, and Guevarra’s are further esteemed partners; additional sponsors will be revealed in the upcoming weeks.