Entertainment

The upcoming release pairs innovative club production with a powerful tribute to confidence, style, and the legacy of gyaru culture

Japanese pop artist, model, and TV personality YUKIPOYO has launched “Te-Te Gyaru” on global music streaming platforms.

A remix featuring emerging Filipino rapper Zae is also expected to be released soon.

Fast-rising Pinay rapper Zae

A cross-border collaboration

Filipino rapper Zae has quickly emerged as one of the country’s most promising hip-hop artists, attracting more than 580,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Her collaboration with rap heavyweight Hev Abi on “SUBOMOTO REMIX” also received a nomination for Hip-Hop Song of the Year at the inaugural Filipino Music Awards in 2025.

It was such a fun experience attending the press conference and seeing YUKIPOYO in person. Meeting her and hearing about the global release of “Te-Te Gyaru” made the moment even more memorable, especially with the upcoming remix featuring Filipino rapper Zae. It’s exciting to witness a collaboration that brings together Japanese and Filipino artists, and I can’t wait to hear the remix when it drops.

Both artists are currently in Manila to shoot the music video for YUKIPOYO’s “Te-Te Gyaru (feat. Zae) [Tagalog ver.],” which will accompany the release of the remix once it comes out.

“Te-Te Gyaru” – out this Friday

“Te-Te Gyaru,” the original version of the track, is produced by XLII, a Tokyo-based producer who has previously worked with MINMI, Yayoi Daimon, Watson, Akko Gorilla, Reichi, and other heavy-hitters in the Japanese dance/urban/pop music scene.

Brimming with bizarre sonic textures, jittery beats, percussive grunts, and YUKIPOYO’s commanding rap performance, “Te-Te Gyaru” captures the artist at her most confident. On the upbeat bop, the half-Filipina, half-Japanese pop star asserts herself not only as a fashion-forward tastemaker but also as a multifaceted artist unafraid to challenge expectations through both style and sound.

Japanese producer XLII on deck

Even before its official release, preview clips of the track had already amassed a combined 4 million views on TikTok and 1.52 million views on Instagram. Meanwhile, the latest visual garnered 92,000 likes on X shortly after it was posted, underscoring the growing excitement surrounding YUKIPOYO and the continued evolution of gal culture in Japan’s Reiwa era.

▼Stream & Download platform:

“Te-Te Gyaru” :: https://yukipoyo.lnk.to/TeTeGyaru

YUKIPOYO

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poyo_ngy.15

X (Twitter): https://x.com/poyo_ngy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TV-dg4em

Zae

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

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

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

X (Twitter): https://x.com/zaetan_

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zae.111

XLII

Official website: https://xliimusic.com

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

KSR Corp

Official HP: https://ksr-corp.com

Head Office: Jingumae M-SQUARE, 1-4-16 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Offshore Music opens pre-orders from July 1 to August 1 for the highly anticipated repress, featuring audiophile mastering by Bernie Grundman and exclusive merchandise bundles

One of the most important albums in the history of Filipino music makes its highly anticipated comeback on vinyl.

Offshore Music, an independent record label founded by Ely Buendia, has officially opened pre-orders for the repress of the Eraserheads’ ULTRAELECTROMAGNETICPOP! The 25th Anniversary Edition on premium white vinyl. The pre-order will run until August 1, 2026, with exclusive merchandise bundles also available via this link: bit.ly/ultrawhitevinyl

The new pressing is produced by Diggers Factory in France and mastered by the legendary master engineer Bernie Grundman. This reissue is to ensure an audiophile-grade listening experience while preserving the timeless sound of OPM’s most celebrated debut album of all time. Unlike the original anniversary pressing, which was limited to 2,500 copies and quickly became a sought-after collector’s item, the repressed version aims to make the album more accessible to the fans who were unable to secure a copy the first time around.

According to Offshore Music General Manager Audry Dionisio, the decision was made because of the high commercial demand and a desire to reward longtime supporters of the Eraserheads.

“There were only 2,500 copies printed in the first run, and sadly because of the limited nature of the release, it prompted scalpers to resell it at ridiculous prices, which then alienated the true fans of the album,” Dionisio shares. “This time around, we wanted to give everybody a chance to own the album at a more affordable price. The timing couldn’t be more perfect since Offshore is celebrating its tenth-year anniversary. It’s our gift to the fans.”

More than three decades after its release, ULTRAELECTROMAGNETICPOP! continues to occupy a singular place in Pinoy pop culture. Its songs have become anthems of the everyday Filipino, with its rawness and enduring appeal resonating from one generation to another. To date, the album has sold more than 300,000 copies and was certified sextuple platinum (6x) by the Philippines Association of the Recording Industry (PARI).

For collectors still considering whether to place an order, Dionisio emphasizes that this edition represents far more than another repress or reprint. “This time it’s released on white vinyl. It’s more affordable, but more importantly, it’s an album you should own and pass on to your kids. Compared to the first release, this repressing is our gift to those who weren’t able to grab the first one.”

Listen to “Dai Dai” HERE

 Watch the official video HERE

Shakira isn’t just the undisputed queen of summer with “Dai Dai.” The Colombian superstar also remains the most-streamed Latin artist in the world today, thanks to her latest track alongside African icon Burna Boy. The single is the most-streamed song on Spotify globally and tops the Billboard Global Chart for the week of June 30, a milestone that further cements Shakira’s standing as one of the most influential voices in global music.

Released on May 14, “Dai Dai” is the official anthem of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The track is a powerful fusion of Latin and pop rhythms with the magnetism of Nigerian afrobeat.

The song speaks to perseverance, celebrates the world’s most beloved sport, and honors the unity that passion inspires, while paying tribute to some of the greatest figures in the jogo bonito, including Pelé, Diego Armando Maradona, Paolo Maldini, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, El Pibe Valderrama, Andrés Iniesta, David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.

Even before reaching #1 on Spotify’s Top Global Songs chart, “Dai Dai” had already made history. Its official music video [watch here] has surpassed 296 million views, while the song itself has topped 500 million global streams on digital platforms.

Shakira also recently surpassed 99 million monthly Spotify listeners, setting a new record for any Latin female artist in the platform’s history. “Dai Dai” currently sits on the charts in more than 56 countries.

Shakira is currently on the second U.S. leg of her hit tour, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, performing in a special World Cup edition. The U.S. run kicked off shortly after her highly anticipated return to Brazil, where she headlined a historic free concert on Copacabana Beach that drew more than 2 million fans.

Before heading to Spain for the European residency of Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Shakira will co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Halftime Show on Sunday, July 19, alongside Madonna and BTS.

For the first time in FIFA World Cup™ history, the final will feature a halftime show bringing together world-class artists for a singular moment at the intersection of sport, culture, and purpose — in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

In Spain, Shakira will make history by introducing, on a major scale, a new model of international residency. The tour will take place at Shakira Stadium, a venue designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and located within Iberdrola Music, with a capacity for more than 50,000 fans per night. The venue will offer full visibility from every angle, state-of-the-art acoustics, and enhanced fan experiences.

Since its launch in February 2025, the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour has broken records worldwide, becoming, in the same year, the highest-grossing tour across all genres. In January 2026, it also earned the Guinness World Record for the highest-grossing tour in history for a Spanish-language artist, further cementing Shakira’s place as one of the most influential live performers of her generation.

Follow Shakira on:

www.shakira.com

www.facebook.com/shakira

www.twitter.com/shakira

www.instagram.com/shakira

www.youtube.com/user/shakiraVEVO

The New Series Adapts Iconic Scenes from Viva One’s Hit Live-Action Series into the Popular Webcomic Format

Black Ink is giving Project LOKI fans a new way to experience the beloved mystery series by adapting iconic moments from hit live-action series into a WEBTOON webcomic.

Originally published as a Wattpad webnovel series by AkoSiIbarra, Project LOKI has captivated readers with its blend of mystery, suspense, and thrilling investigations. The story follows Lorelei, an ordinary student whose life takes an unexpected turn after she encounters the enigmatic Loki and is compelled to join the QED Club. Together, they uncover hidden truths, solve perplexing cases, and navigate a world filled with secrets and danger.

The story’s popularity has continued to grow across multiple platforms, from the original webnovel on Wattpad and then as a published novel by PSICOM to a live-action adaptation on Viva One and now a WEBTOON webcomic. Through compelling artwork and dynamic storytelling, the WEBTOON webcomic introduces the series to readers who enjoy experiencing stories in a visual, episodic format.

Fans can also see selected scenes from the Project LOKI webcomic side-by-side with their live-action counterparts on WEBTOON’s official Instagram page, highlighting how key moments from the story have been adapted between the two formats.

Whether discovering the story for the first time or revisiting favorite mysteries, readers can follow Lorelei and Loki’s thrilling adventures through the Project LOKI WEBTOON webcomic and experience the twists, suspense, and intrigue that have made the series a fan favorite.

Read Project LOKI on WEBTOON

Follow Black Ink, WEBTOON and Precious Pages on social media for updates.

Black Ink

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

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

WEBTOON

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

Precious Pages

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

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

Produced by hitmaker Shadiel Chan, the group’s latest release showcases a softer, more mature sound following newfound momentum

After captivating local and international audiences with the viral cover of “Takedown”—which has amassed more than millions of views across social media—and following the release of their fan-favorite single “Tanga,” emerging P-Pop powerhouse KAIA makes a triumphant comeback with “hulog,” their new single under Sony Music Entertainment.

Where “Tanga” mined the irrational things people do in the name of love, “hulog” steers the direction toward something lighter, brighter, and more hopeful: the exhilarating feeling of falling in love. Built around the central question, “Paano ka ba nahulog?,” the song invites listeners to revisit the innocent and exciting moments that made their hearts flutter for someone in the first place.

The song celebrates romance in its purest form, capturing the indescribable joy and overwhelming feeling of someone who is ready to fall in love.

“hulog came at the right time because it really represents where we are as KAIA now,” shares the five-piece pop group. “After everything we’ve experienced from our previous releases and the love we received from our fans, we wanted to share a song that shows a more vulnerable and heartfelt side of us. This song is about vulnerability, about allowing ourselves to be open, to take risks, and to embrace the emotions that come with caring deeply about something or someone. We felt that it was the perfect song to mark this new chapter because it reflects our growth not just as artists but also as individuals.”

The release marks a big moment for KAIA as it taps some of the most influential names in today’s modern OPM. “hulog” is produced by Shadiel Chan of Nine Degrees North, alongside Ken Ponce, with Chan cementing his reputation as one of the country’s premier hitmakers. Widely recognized as the producer behind Cup of Joe’s blockbuster hit “Multo” and numerous chart-topping records over the past five years, Chan brings his signature melodic chops and production touches to KAIA’s latest release.

The song’s lyrics were penned by Jikamarie, Red Ridao, Ron Pangyarihan, and Chan himself; KAIA, on the other hand, contributed to the creative process by sharing their experiences and perspectives. “Working with Mr. Shadiel Chan was truly a dream for us. We’ve always admired his work, especially his ability to create deeply emotional songs like Multo, so getting the chance to collaborate with him felt really surreal and special.”

The acclaimed quintet adds, “It was also a dream for us to perform a song created by Mr. Shadiel Chan and Mr. Red Ridao. We are truly grateful and honored to have worked with them on hulog, as they thoughtfully shaped its sound and emotion while guiding us in delivering the right feelings through our vocals. The entire experience made the song even more meaningful and special for us as artists.”

hulog stands out thanks to its warm, uplifting production, backed by carefully crafted vocal arrangements. Throughout the recording, KAIA worked closely with Chan, Ponce, and R&B singer-songwriter Jikamarie, who guided the group through harmonies, ad-libs, and vocal interpretation.

“While recording, we learned so much from our producers and Ms. Jikamarie, who helped us with the adlibs and harmonies, allowing us to explore and bring out different emotions in the song,” KAIA reveals. “We also had meaningful conversations that helped us connect with the message of hulog on a deeper level. The process gave us the chance to look back on some of our happiest memories and use those genuine feelings to bring more heart and authenticity into our performance.”

KAIA’s “hulog” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Learn more about our creators and labels here.

From practical streaming insights to networking opportunities and live performances, the two events emphasized Symphonic’s commitment to empowering artists, labels, and music industry professionals in the Philippines

Symphonic Asia Pacific recently held two back-to-back initiatives focused on fostering collaboration and advancing music industry knowledge: the Spotify Masterclass and Symphonic Social Night. The events brought together Symphonic Distribution’s partner artists, labels, and other creative stakeholders at Sari-Sari Bar on June 18, 2026.

Spotify Masterclass

The day opened with the Spotify Masterclass, designed to provide artists and music professionals with practical insights into navigating today’s streaming landscape. Led by Spotify experts, the session covered essential Spotify for Artists tools, audience analytics, promotional features, digital growth strategies, and industry best practices to help participants strengthen their presence on the platform.

Participants include representatives from Underdog Music Asia, FlipMusic, Fire and Ice, Diorama FM, Groovy Garden Records, Music Monks, Playback Records, and acclaimed music icon Jim Paredes, among others.

“Symphonic’s goal is for participants to gain a clearer understanding of how to build sustainable careers, use available tools and platforms more effectively, and make informed decisions that support their long-term growth in the industry,” shares Guji Lorenzana, Director of A&R and Client Development, APAC, Symphonic Distribution. “The music industry is more accessible than ever, but it has also become increasingly complex. Artists today are expected to navigate distribution, marketing, analytics, branding, audience engagement, and business strategy, often simultaneously. Initiatives like the Symphonic x Spotify Masterclass help bridge the gap between access and understanding. By providing direct access to industry expertise, current best practices, and real-world experiences, these programs equip creators and professionals with the knowledge they need to make confident, strategic decisions. More importantly, they foster community.”

Symphonic Social Night

Following the masterclass, Symphonic Asia Pacific hosted Symphonic Social Night, a special gathering dedicated to creative professionals, artists, and partners in a creative space centered on connection, collaboration, and celebration.

Created as an extension of the day’s conversations, the event provided a place for networking and relationship-building while spotlighting some of the most exciting artists from Symphonic Distribution’s growing roster through a curated live showcase.

Fresh off their acclaimed debut album release, P-Pop group VVINK graced the stage with their infectious anthems, polished choreography, and commanding presence. Chezka and Novocrane also captivated the crowd with performances characterized by melodic grit and creative boldness, while Indonesian artist Jordan Susanto brought the house down with his soul-stirring numbers. Other notable performances include Symphonic’s very own Fiona, who performed some of her original songs; P4blo, whose hard-hitting verses resonated strongly with the audience; and pop-punk veterans Letter Day Story who took attendees on a nostalgic journey through fan-favorite hits, alongside new material. Capping off the celebration, Symphonic’s very own Guji took the decks for a special DJ set that brought the night to a fitting close.

Guji explains that events like these reflect the music industry’s core values: community, creativity, and connection. “We wanted to create a space where conversations continue, collaborations can begin, and everyone can come together to celebrate the vibrant and diverse music culture emerging from the region.”

He adds, “As Symphonic continues to expand across APAC, our goal is to empower the independent music community by creating more opportunities for artists and industry professionals to connect, learn, and grow together. Many of us at Symphonic are artists ourselves, so we understand firsthand how important community, education, and access to meaningful industry relationships can be in building a sustainable career. The stronger our community becomes, the stronger the future of independent music in the region will be.”

PURCHASE HERE | LISTEN HERE | WATCH HERE

IMAGE CREDIT: KQ Entertainment

K-pop powerhouse ATEEZ returns with their highly anticipated new mini album, ‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5,’ marking the next chapter in the group’s ongoing GOLDEN HOUR series. Released on June 26, the album features five brand-new tracks that further showcase ATEEZ’s signature ability to blend powerful performance-driven music with genre-crossing artistry. The EP is out now via Sony Music Korea/RCA Records – click here to listen.

Led by title track “BAD,” ‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5’ delivers a catchy and addictive new sound filled with bold energy, confident attitude, and instantly memorable hooks. The album’s five tracks each bring distinct colors and genres to the project; from explosive hip-hop and sleek dance production to moody alternative pop and rhythmic Latin-inspired influences. Alongside “BAD,” the album includes “MAMACITA,” “TOXIN,” “Fallin’,” and “Body,” creating a dynamic listening experience that highlights the members’ versatility and evolving musical identity.

Members HONGJOONG and MINGI once again participated in writing lyrics for all five tracks on the EP, continuing their consistent creative involvement in ATEEZ’s music and storytelling.

Ahead of the album release, ATEEZ heightened anticipation globally through a cinematic trailer and teaser campaign that immediately sparked conversation among fans worldwide. The visually striking trailer introduced the mysterious atmosphere surrounding ‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5’ while hinting at the bold storytelling and larger-than-life visuals to come.

The official music video for “BAD” further expands that immersive world through intense choreography, cinematic visuals, and high-energy performance sequences. The video also features rising Hollywood actress Chase Infiniti, known for her breakout role in Apple TV+’s Presumed Innocent, as well as her outstanding performances in One Battle After Another and The Testaments. Her appearance adds another cinematic layer to the visually ambitious music video while highlighting ATEEZ’s growing global reach across entertainment and pop culture.

ATEEZ is also set to bring the new era directly to global audiences through a series of major international festival appearances this summer. The group will headline at BST Hyde Park in London on June 28, one of the UK’s most iconic music festivals, where they are set to unveil the first-ever live performance of “BAD.” Additional festival appearances include headlining performances in Poland, Istanbul, and Italy’s Rock in Roma, further cementing ATEEZ’s status as one of the leading global acts in K-pop today.

Continuing their global promotions, ATEEZ is also scheduled to appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show for a special performance on July 1. With ‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5,’ ATEEZ continues to push boundaries creatively while delivering the explosive performances and ambitious artistry that have defined their rise on the global stage. You can watch the music video here and stream the album here.

LISTEN TO [GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5]  HERE

[GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5] TRACK LIST

1. BAD **title track**
2. MAMACITA
3. TOXIN
4. Fallin’
5. Body

The comeback arrives shortly after ATEEZ achieved another major career milestone by receiving the grand prize award at the Seoul Music Awards, reaffirming both their critical acclaim and worldwide popularity.

ATEEZ 2026 UPCOMING PERFORMANCE Dates:

June 28 – London, UK – BST Hyde Park

July 8 – Rome, Italy – Rock In Roma

August 14 – Istanbul, Turkey – İstanbul Festivali

August 15-16 – Silesia, Poland – SOUND IN COLORS

For more about ATEEZ, visit: https://ateez.kqent.com/

ATEEZ SOCIALS:

INSTAGRAM (11M+) | TIKTOK (9.5M+) | X/TWITTER (4.6M+) | SPOTIFY (4.5M) | YOUTUBE (4.9M+)

INDIVIDUAL INSTAGRAM:

HONGJOONG | SEONGHWA | YUNHO | YEOSANG | SAN | MINGI | WOOYOUNG | JONGHO

Penned by Kakoy Legaspi and produced by the pop-rock quartet, the new single marks a confident return to form

More than two decades after stepping away from the music scene, Barbie’s Cradle makes a long-awaited return with “Emergency,” their first release since 2003, signaling a fresh chapter for the band.

Released through Sony Music Entertainment, the indie pop single showcases the band’s signature vocal harmonies. Written by guitarist Kakoy Legaspi and co-produced by Barbie Almalbis alongside the rest of the group, the track explores existential anxiety with a refreshing sense of humor. Instead of attempting to resolve life’s biggest uncertainties, “Emergency” embraces the idea that accepting life’s unpredictability—and even finding amusement in it—can be the most meaningful way to cope.

“It’s a sarcastic take on existential crisis,” Legaspi explains. “It’s about trying to make sense of life’s absurdity by simply becoming more ‘zen’ about it—and about ourselves.”

“Emergency” mirrors the adventurous spirit that has long defined the band’s late ‘90s to early 2000s work, while also presenting the band at their most collaborative yet. The song begins with an unconventional verse riff written in 7/8 time, a rhythmic idea that became the foundation of the composition.

Legaspi recalls, “I came up with the idea of the lyrics when I found myself staring at a piece of paper on the wall that had ‘emergency numbers’ written on it. At first, it was very hard for me to sing and present the song to the band, but Barbie came up with the ingenious idea of cutting up the verses in a very fast, jarring way, like a duet but with no spaces in between. It made the song flow way better and gave it a unique twist.”

Although the track was originally written during the mid-2000s, it remained shelved for decades before being rediscovered during the pandemic. Working remotely through email between 2021 and 2022, the band revisited and refined the arrangement before finally recording the song live in Almalbis’ home studio after restrictions eased. The sessions captured the chemistry of the band performing together, with vocals and additional overdubs completed in subsequent recordings before acclaimed engineer Angee Rozul delivered the final mix.

“Emergency” also serves as the first glimpse into the musical comeback of Barbir’s Cradle. The band, composed of Barbie Almalbis (vocals and guitar), Kakoy Legaspi (guitar), Rommel dela Cruz (bass), and Wendell Garcia (drums), will release a few more songs throughout the following weeks, leading to an EP release.

As Barbie Almalbis mentioned in the previous press release, “We’re excited to revisit the greatest hits and misses while also sharing new songs that reflect where we are now in our lives, both as musicians and human beings. This new body of work is more collaborative and intentional than ever. We’ve poured months of hard work into these songs, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve created.”

Recognized as one of the defining acts in the Filipino alternative music scene, Barbie’s Cradle has cemented its legacy with celebrated albums including Barbie’s Cradle, Music from the Buffet Table, and Playing in the Fields.

The band’s highly anticipated comeback will be capped by a one-night-only concert on August 1, 2026, at the Music Museum. With balcony and orchestra sections nearly sold out, fewer than 100 tickets remain available for fans hoping to catch the reunion live.

Few tickets are still available via:

https://www.ticketmelon.com/gnn-entertainment-productions/barbiescradlereunion

Music Museum: 0917-513-0909

VIP – PHP 2,900

Includes photo op (6pax/batch), soundcheck access, signed poster

Orchestra – PHP 1,900

Balcony – PHP 1,300 (free seating)

Barbie’s Cradle’s new single “Emergency” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.