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Ben&Ben releases the music video for “Duyan,” which features Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos

The song completes the ‘Mahiwaga trilogy,’ which includes hit songs “Pagtingin” and “Araw-Araw”

In 2025, Ben&Ben maintained their position as one of OPM’s most significant voices. As the year came to an end, Ben&Ben’s music became entwined with national consciousness when “Kapangyarihan,” their collaboration with SB19, emerged as a modern anthem in protest spaces, echoing public anger amid allegations of corruption surrounding flood control and infrastructure projects. The band also won major awards at the 28th Awit Awards, including Album of the Year for their third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, and Best Performance by a Group Recording Artist for “Triumph.

With the release of their new single “Duyan”  which is currently available on all digital music platforms worldwide through Sony Music Entertainment, the multi-awarded nine-piece collective urges listeners to begin the year on a more personal yet hopeful note.

Written and composed by frontman Miguel Benjamin and produced by longtime collaborator Ziv alongside Ben&Ben, “Duyan” represents a profound, romantic bond that defies distance, time, and obstacles. The rousing pop-rock ballad encapsulates what true love really means: deep affection, unwavering loyalty, and the choice to remain committed even when faced with challenges and adversities.

According to Miguel, he wrote the song three days before his wedding, while sitting alone in his car. The song contains everything he wanted to tell his then-future wife.

“There are songs where artists write themselves in the music, and this is one of them,” Miguel explains. “That day, the idea of fully offering oneself to another person stayed with me. It’s a love inspired by lifelong commitment, shared journeys, and selflessness. More than anything, I realized that I was ready to make the promise before God. I felt it in the deepest part of my heart.”

Musically, the band worked closely with their good friend and constant collaborator Ziv to honor the song’s emotional core, while “maximizing the soul and expanse of the band’s instruments to take it to the fullest version it was meant to become.”

The song is part of the Mahiwaga Trilogy, Ben&Ben’s thematic arc on romantic relationships. The series began with “Pagtingin,” a groovy meditation on love at first spark and infatuation, and continued with “Araw-Araw,” a folk-pop ode to choosing your partner every single day. “Duyan” closes the chapter with finality, speaking of lifelong commitment and assurance.

“Two years after I wrote the song Duyan and kept it as a very personal part of my life, it made sense for it to be put out there,” shares Miguel. “It also made sense for it to be the conclusion of the trilogy of songs/videos Pagtingin and Araw-Araw.”

Music Video

The song will be accompanied by the release of a music video starring real-life couple and actors Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos, who also appeared in the previous installments of the Mahiwaga Trilogy. For Khalil, returning to the project was a full-circle moment for both Gabbi and him.

“Thematically, it’s beautiful to see how the story progressed since Pagtingin,” shares the Filipino actor, singer, and filmmaker. “I vividly remember how we shot those two videos, and the film LSS. Gab and I grew alongside these songs. At every stage of the trilogy, we could deeply relate to it, because it reflected the different phases of our own relationships through the years.”

Miguel praised both actors in the music video for their enduring role in the band’s visual storytelling. “It was so good to be able to work with our longtime friends Gabbi and Khalil once more in this music video. You could say we’ve both grown so much in life and in our careers ever since the last project we did together. It was great catching up and telling stories of the past and making new memories.”

Directed by Lunchbox Studios under the helm of Daniel Aguilar, the wedding-themed music video brings the trilogy to a close through rosy, introspective visuals.

“We’ve been working with (Lunchbox Studios) for a while now, and for this video, we wanted to do a very intimate but expansive conclusion to the videos we’ve done before,” Ben&Ben stated, adding that fans can anticipate a fantastic fusion of magic and ordinary life in the music video. We worked together to develop an idea for a magical realism depiction of the stages of commitment.

Sony Music Entertainment has released Ben&Ben’s Duyan on all digital music platforms globally. Keep an eye out for the “Duyan” music video on Ben&Ben’s official official YouTube channel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

A$AP Rocky’s anxiously awaited fourth studio album “DON’T BE DUMB” out now

Multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor and fashion icon A$AP Rocky released his long-awaited fourth studio album DON’T BE DUMB via A$AP Worldwide/RCA RecordsDON’T BE DUMB is Rocky’s first album in 8 years, driving unprecedented global demand from fans with the album reaching over 130k vinyls sold before release date and claiming the place of #1 pre-saved Hip-Hop album on Spotify with over 1 million saves.

DON’T BE DUMB features a stacked list of collaborators, including BossMan Dlow, Brent Faiyaz, Danny Elfman, Doechii, Gorillaz, Jon Batiste, Jessica Pratt, Slay Squad, Thundercat, Tyler, The Creator, Westside Gunn, and will.i.am. Danny Elfman and Thundercat also appeared in the music video for “Punk Rocky,” as band members alongside an ensemble of characters.

The two tracks preceding the album, “Punk Rocky” and “Helicopter,” built immense hype for DON’T BE DUMB. “Punk Rocky” was heralded by Variety as setting “a new standard in humor and surreality” for Rocky, with Rolling Stone stating that “the soon-to-be-released album is shaping up to be one of Rocky’s most creative yet.”

In collaboration with award-winning filmmaker Tim Burton, the cover art for DON’T BE DUMB features six of Rocky’s signature personas, brought to life in the visionary filmmaker’s unmistakable style. Each character from the six-man ensemble offers a window into unforgettable moments across the course of Rocky’s illustrious career. The alter-egos list includes GR1M, MR. MAYERS, RUGAHAND, BABUSHKA BOI, DUMMY, and SHIRTHEAD, setting the stage for the ever-evolving narrative universe of “DON’T BE DUMB.”

Rocky has partnered with both Quince and Bilt for exclusive DON’T BE DUMBvinyls, serving as extensions of the innovative partnerships Rocky has activated throughout the album’s rollout, adding even further hype around this release. More than just records, the collections stand as physical embodiments of the album’s universe, minimal, disruptive, and intentionally timeless, blurring the line between music, design, and cultural artifact.

This album comes on the heels of a massive year for Rocky, in which he served as co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala, starred in two A24-produced feature films — Highest 2 Lowest directed by Spike Lee, and the Golden-Globe-winning If I Had Legs I’d Kick You directed by Mary Bronstein, was announced as the creative director for Ray-Ban, and was appointed as Chanel’s new house ambassador.

DON’T BE DUMB Tracklist

DISC 1

  1. ORDER OF PROTECTION
  2. HELICOPTER
  3. INTERROGATION (SKIT)
  4. STOLE YA FLOW
  5. STAY HERE 4 LIFE
  6. PLAYA
  7. NO TRESPASSING
  8. STOP SNITCHING
  9. STFU
  10. PUNK ROCKY
  11. AIR FORCE (BLACK DEMARCO)
  12. WHISKEY (RELEASE ME)
  13. ROBBERY
  14. DON’T BE DUMB / TRIP BABY
  15. THE END

DISC 2

  1. SWAT TEAM
  2. FISH N STEAK (WHAT IT IS)

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Filipino breakout band Fitterkarma announces “Aswang Sa Maynila” single launch this February

The band celebrates the release with an hour-long live set

After gaining prominence in 2025 with the viral success of “Pag-ibig Ay Kanibalismo II” and “Kalapastangan,” Filipino alt-rock band Fitterkarma starts the new year right with the launch of their upcoming new single, “Aswang Sa Maynila,” taking place at 123 Block, Mandaluyong City, on February 14, 2026.

Produced by Fitterkarma, in partnership with GNN and ONErpm, Bangungot: “Aswang Sa Maynila” Single Launch will feature an hour-long set from the band, alongside a carefully curated lineup of support acts.

“Fans can expect a very exciting lineup of artists supporting us,” frontman Joao de Leon shares in a press statement. “For our set, we’ll be playing more songs than usual, including some older tracks and unreleased material. We’re also preparing a few surprising covers, which we’re really excited to share.”

About “Aswang Sa Maynila”

Set for a release a day before the launch, “Aswang Sa Maynila” explores themes of displacement and longing, reflecting “the feeling of not belonging in someone’s heart no matter what you do.”

“It captures the frustration of wanting to say so much to a person you care about but ultimately feeling powerless and unheard,” Joao adds.

The track was composed by Joao de Leon, with bandmates Soph, Ders, and Mikee contributing their respective parts. Production duties were handled by Xergio Ramos, who added elements to the arrangement and helped Fitterkarma balance all of their ideas. Drawing influence from J-Rock and heavier-leaning music styles, the song also features guest vocals from Kai Sevillano of Novocrane. “Having Kai as the voice of the track also marks our first collaboration with another artist, which makes this release especially exciting for us,” Joao reveals.

More details about the show

Apart from launching their new single on a live music platform, Bangungot: “Aswang Sa Maynila” Single Launch also serves as Fitterkarma’s gesture of gratitude to their growing fanbase. Attendees can look forward to booths, exclusive merch, and interactive activities throughout the event.

Additional supporting acts will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets to the show are available via https://www.bit.ly/aswangsamnl.

Fitterkarma is a Filipino art rock band known for their gothic and folklore-inspired themes, dark, emotional songwriting, and genre-bending sounds. Last year, the Filipino indie outfit achieved both commercial and critical success—thanks to their massive hit “Pag-ibig Ay Kanibalismo II,” which reached No. 1 on Spotify Philippines Top 50 chart and the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 in December 2025. The song has maintained its position on top for multiple weeks and has landed on year-end, best-of lists on notable music publications such as Billboard Philippines, Rolling Stone Philippines, and Flying Lugaw. Their other smash single, “Kalapastangan,” has also performed exceptionally well on streaming, peaking at No. 2 and No. 5 on Spotify and Billboard Philippines charts, respectively.

 

 

 

Entertainment

Madison Beer shares new album “locket”

locket album cover artwork

carving her own lane in pop” -PAPER

“both the album and the accessory it’s named after feel like a vessel for her memories. locket holds all the experiences she’s had that make the project what it is now.”  -Rolling Stone

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated and platinum-selling artist Madison Beer shares her new album, locket via Epic Records, alongside the release of the official music video for her new single bad enough.”  

Written and co-produced by Madison, the album is her most exciting, visceral collection of songs to date and firmly plants the flag as one of the marquee pop records to rule 2026.

Earlier this week, Madison debuted new song “bad enough” with a standout performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, marking the track’s first-ever live performance.

A locket is more than just a charm or a piece of jewelry. It is a keepsake, a secret enclosure holding vital memories. To Madison, it encapsulates a world of remembrances and experiences, each of which become woven together to comprise the singer-songwriter and pop luminary’s latest, most urgent and magnetic album.

The album features her widely acclaimed releases, “make you mine,” “yes baby,” and “bittersweet.” Madison earned her second GRAMMY nomination for “make you mine” in the Best Dance Pop Recording category in 2025. Since its release in 2024, the track reached #1 on Billboard’s Dance Airplay chart, marking her first solo chart-topper and cementing her as a mainstay at Dance Radio. “yes baby,” released last September, continued her run of success by also reaching the top of the chart.

bittersweet” emerged as a breakout moment for Beer, becoming her fastest song to enter Top 40 radio and earning her career debut on Billboard’s Hot 100. The single became a defining live moment with performances at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show—where the YouTube livestream peaked at 2.5M viewers during her set—and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

Madison Beer press photo, credit: Morgan Maher

locket TRACKLIST

  1. locket theme
  2. yes baby
  3. angel wings
  4. for the night
  5. bad enough
  6. healthy habit
  7. you’re still everything
  8. bittersweet
  9. complexity
  10. make you mine
  11. nothing at all

FOLLOW MADISON BEER HERE:

Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

Entertainment

The Kid LAROI releases highly-anticipated new album BEFORE I FORGET

GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum chart-topping global superstar The Kid LAROI releases his first full-length album in two years, BEFORE I FORGET, out now via Columbia Records.

Introduced by three singles, A COLD PLAY,” “A PERFECT WORLD,” and BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE,” BEFORE I FORGET signals a powerful turning point for the 22-year-old artist, defined by vulnerability and emotional clarity. Steeped in introspection and showcasing LAROI’s distinctive songwriting and genre-bending prowess at new heights, each track gives an intimate insight into his world.

“BEFORE I FORGET is about the music. Nothing else. That’s what I want people to hear.”

The new album follows LAROI’s 2023 album THE FIRST TIME, whose deluxe edition arrived the following year with five additional tracks including “NIGHTS LIKE THIS PART 2,” the sequel to “NIGHTS LIKE THIS,” and fan-favorite “GIRLS.” LAROI continues to push creative boundaries with every new project, cementing him as one of the most compelling voices shaping music today.

BEFORE I FORGET Tracklist:

ME + YOU

JULY

PRIVATE

COME DOWN

RATHER BE (feat. Lithe)

A PERFECT WORLD

5:21AM (feat. Andrew Aged)

A COLD PLAY

THE MOMENT (feat. Clara La San)

NEVER CAME BACK

THANK GOD

I’M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU

MAYBE I’M WRONG

HER INTERLUDE

BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE

Connect with The Kid LAROI

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Entertainment

We Are Imaginary finds clarity in restraint on self-titled third album

The acclaimed Filipino band embraces a renewed sense of artistic ease and confidence on their dreamy, noisy, but melodic indie rock release

Filipino indie rock band We Are Imaginary has released their self-titled third album on all streaming and other digital music platforms worldwide via indie label floppydisks.

Produced by Joey Santos of Love One Another and Ahmad Tanji, the album delves into themes of identity, emotional reckoning, and acceptance. Sonically, it’s a dreamy guitar-rock record infused with shoegaze and noise-pop textures: drifting through warm, fuzzy soundscapes before pulling listeners back into tension, doom, and angst.

We Are Imaginary was also recorded by Angee Rozul and Santos at Love One Another studio, and was mixed by the latter and mastered by Adam Haggar at Mount Olympia Mastering.

Frontman Ahmad Tanji describes the record as an internal monologue: one that begins in uncertainty and gradually opens into moments of understanding and calm. Rather than chasing resolution, the 9-track release embraces the idea that not all experiences require closure.

“This collection also feels more cohesive,” Tanji reveals. “There’s a sense of comfort and confidence when we started laying down our parts. I guess that comes with growing with the band for 17 years and trusting the people you work with.”

On their self-titled record, the band allows itself to inhabit extremes: hushed passages give way to surging intensity, and vulnerability coexists with restraint. The result is a cohesive and patient record, unburdened by the need to prove anything. “It felt unforced,” Tanji shares, crediting the band’s 17 years together for the sense of comfort and trust that shaped the sessions.

Designed to be experienced as a complete work, We Are Imaginary rewards attentive listening. Its sequencing, subtle shifts, and quiet moments form a gradual arc: one best heard in a single sitting, on vinyl or through good speakers or headphones.

Tanji explains it best: “Angee Rozul worked with our taste and style perfectly as our recording engineer, letting us lean towards a more ‘90s sound this time around, while Joey (Santos) gave

each song a massive and dynamic mix. We would exchange several drafts per song, stripping them to their most essential, capturing what arrangement works with the story.”

With this release, We Are Imaginary presents an honest distillation of who they are now: assured, reflective, and fully at ease with the space they occupy.

The band is also set to release the album on vinyl via Eikon Records sometime in the first quarter of the year. Pre-order here.

 

 

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Ashley Ortega and other PH celebrities join Sugar Dolls PH in holiday outreach for children

The initiative reflects the brands mission to uplift communities through compassion and care

Filipino beauty brand Sugar Dolls Inc. PH, in partnership with the Shunammite Ministry Group and JHOW Christian Church, organized a gift-giving drive for more than 300 children from underprivileged communities in San Mateo, Rizal. Guided by the brand’s philosophy of using beauty as a powerful way to give back, the initiative aims the make the kids feel seen, valued, and celebrated during the holiday season.

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition alumna Ashley Ortega also took part in the gift-giving activity despite her busy schedule. She was joined by fellow celebrities and online influencers Ralph Malibunas, Jan Silva, Mark Cruz, Kate Jalipa, Juliana Villafuerte, Neron Mendiola, and RJ Perkins, who spent time with the children and distributed gifts.

The afternoon program opened with live performances and a clown show that hyped the basketball court with laughter and anticipation. During the gift distribution, smiles spread across every child’s face as more than 760 loot bags and gifts were handed out, along with 300 packed meals.

The event was led by Ms. Chardy Baldoza a.k.a. Cha Canicosa, the event organizer and Marketing Director, in collaboration with Sugar Dolls Inc. PH. The initiative was made possible through the support of the Core Management Team, Ana Lusong, Hazelyn Perez, Carlo Villanueva, Pastor Vhern, and Ms. LA Marquez, whose collective efforts guaranteed the program’s success.

As expected, the charity drive reflected Sugar Dolls’ vision of using beauty as a force for good. By spreading love, joy, and care, especially to children, the brand is committed to strengthen its community ties and inspire kindness beyond the holiday season. As the celebration concluded, what remained was a shared sense of compassion and connection: a reminder that the most beautiful impact is created when a brand chooses to give back.

 

Entertainment

IV OF SPADES releases Andalucia on vinyl, sealing a creative rebirth

The band brings their most personal and sonically adventurous album on vinyl, reaffirming the enduring value of physical media

With the exclusive vinyl release of their critically praised album Andalucia, award-winning Filipino pop-rock powerhouse IV OF SPADES continues to intensify the celebration of their eagerly awaited reunion.

During the first and second days of IV OF SPADES’ concert, which took place in the SM Mall of Asia Arena on December 12 and 13, 2025, some of the 1,000 copies of the new record were already available.

Do not be alarmed if you are unable to attend the concert! Backspacer Records will begin selling Andalucia on their official website on December 15, 2025.

Andalucia feels like a special snapshot of where we are in our lives right now,” shares the acclaimed quartet in a press statement. “This is the first vinyl of IV OF SPADES.  Pangarap din namin ito.”

Hailed as one of the most astounding creative rebirths in OPM for the last decade, Andalucia stands as a testament to renewed brotherhood and friendship. Shaped by years of individual growth and nearly seven years of separation, the album was forged through trust, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for the member’s creative process.

While staying rooted in the band’s distinctive introspection, emotional honesty, and painstaking musical craftsmanship, the twelve-track album also explores a wide range of sound and experimentation.

Andalucia, the new album by IV OF SPADES, is currently available on all digital music platforms across the globe through Sony Music Entertainment.

 

 

Entertainment

Ben&Ben releases “The Traveller Across Dimensions” concert film online as a gift for Liwanag

The award-winning band closes 2025 with a year-end celebration of music, storytelling, and community, giving fans a front-row experience from anywhere in the world

Ben&Ben welcomes audiences into the bright world of Liwanag with Traveller Across Dimensions: The Concert Film, a year after turning their award-winning 2025 concept into a sold-out show at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

On December 14, 2025, the unique full-length film—which was made in association with LunchBox Productions—will debut on YouTube, providing viewers worldwide with the unique chance to relive the concert experience in its entirety at no cost.

Ben&Ben explains: “We really wanted all our listeners to get to enjoy this concert that we poured our hearts and souls into, so we deliberately chose to make this as accessible as possible by putting it up on YouTube. We thought it would also be a nice way to bring families together for the holidays, sharing with each other the magic and joy of our concert from the comfort of their homes.”

Billed as a “multiverse of music and emotion,” the original TTAD concert blurred the boundaries between concert, animation, and theater. Staged late last year, the arena show received widespread acclaim for its storytelling, emotional depth, and technical execution, setting a new benchmark for multimedia concerts in the Philippines. The cinematic retelling offers both a retrospective and a revelation for fans who want to relive that night in the arena and for those  who will be seeing it for the first time.

“When we first conceptualized the concert and saw all the work that had to be put into it, we knew we wanted to exert an equal amount of effort to document it all. It represented many firsts for us: our first major concert at the MOA Arena, our first time performing that many songs, and our first time attempting to record a show of that scale,” Ben&Ben shares. “With all the work we put into each second of it, we knew a well-made concert film also needed a lot of work and enough time for it to be ready for public release. So that, along with us continuing to tour The Traveller Across Dimensions throughout the year, we ultimately decided to release the film as a first anniversary special offering.”

According to the nine-piece band, the concert film was conceived as a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to their fans, fondly called Liwanag. The film’s free release emphasizes Ben&Ben’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and community.

“This year has been just so challenging for so many of us,” Ben&Ben says. “But despite these challenges, we’ve felt so much love and support from all of our Liwanag, from them constantly listening to our music to still showing up and attending our live shows. As the year ends, we wanted to give back by simply letting people enjoy this show, no strings attached, no paywall.”

While the live concert captivated the crowd with its scale and immediacy, the film version provides a more intimate encounter, allowing audiences to discern subtle details, symbolisms, and emotional arcs that may have been missed in the live setting.

Ben&Ben won Album of the Year at the Awit Awards 2025, the nation’s counterpart of the Grammy Awards, in the weeks preceding the release of The Traveller Across Dimensions: The Concert Film. Soon after, during The Traveller Across Dimensions: An Immersive Storytelling Experience, fans were given an unexpected first peek at the concert trailer. On December 3, 2025, a day after the concert film’s official announcement was posted online, the trailer finally had its social media debut.

You can listen to the set playlist on Spotify here and see the concert video on YouTube here.

 

 

Entertainment

The pop group PREP, headquartered in London, and Thai musician James Alyn collaborate on the new song “Don’t Worry”

The poignant new single “Don’t Worry” is a collaboration between London-based pop band PREP and Thai artist James Alyn (former 1/2 of HYBS). James’ warm, emotional tone and PREP’s smooth blend of soft pop, funk, and soul complement each other to create a sound that feels both intimate and timeless, offering comfort and hope.

A heartfelt interaction with a fan served as the inspiration for “Don’t Worry.” She informed me that my songs got her through some of her worst moments. I wrote this song in the hopes that it might serve as a lighthouse for those in need. I sincerely appreciate my fans supporting me through good times and bad. I will always be there for them, just like the saying, “Even in another life, you can find me by your side.”

Combining soothing vocals, lush synths, and PREP’s signature groove, “Don’t Worry” is a reminder to keep faith through difficult moments.

“It was the night I opened for PREP in Taipei,” James recalls. “After the show, I and the guys from PREP went to Kuo from Sunset Rollercoaster’s house and jammed for a bit, not intending to make anything of it. A year later, I found a voice memo from that night and built the rest of the song from there.”

Formerly the lead vocalist of the highly regarded group HYBS, James Alyn has started a successful solo career, demonstrating his flexibility in a variety of musical genres. His image as a trendsetter in the music industry is cemented by his repertoire, which includes both cherished HYBS classics and innovative new material that he has composed and played.

With a band that has supported him for more than ten years, James Alyn enthralls audiences with his thrilling performances on stage. Fans are captivated for the duration of the performance as they work together to produce an immersive and thrilling live experience.