Entertainment

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run premieres worldwide in over 190 countries with a newly reworked cut

The acclaimed Filipino docufilm Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is set for its global debut on Netflix on May 30, 2026. It will be available in over 190 countries, bringing the legacy of the iconic Eraserheads to a broader international audience.

The Netflix release will showcase a newly reworked version of the film, featuring never-before-seen footage, added content, and a more refined edit that deepens the band’s story while staying true to its original narrative.

Director-producer Maria Diane Ventura described the global release as “incredibly humbling,” emphasizing the need to share the Eraserheads’ legacy and its distinctly Filipino story with international audiences. “This film has always meant so much to us, and to see it travel beyond our borders in this way is very special. What’s been most meaningful is hearing how people connect to it on a personal level, the sense of healing, and the pride in being Filipino. To now bring that to a global audience feels like an extension of that, an opportunity to share who we are, our music, our stories, and our spirit, with the rest of the world.”

According to Ventura, the reimagined cut was helmed with a desire to make the film more engaging on a universal level, providing added context about the cultural landscape that defined the band’s rise. She also reiterated that the re-edit is not a complete departure from the original but a fine-tuning that provides clarity and accessibility for an audience unfamiliar with the subject.

“The re-edit was not about changing the story but about refining how it’s told,” shares Ventura. “We want to make sure the emotional throughline remains strong while shaping it in a way that feels more expansive and accessible. Ultimately, I hope it becomes a story not just about a band but about connection, about finding ways back to each other, and about the possibility of healing, especially in a time when the world feels increasingly divided.”

Beyond recounting the history and influence of the Eraserheads on Pinoy pop culture, the documentary also explores themes of friendship, conflict, identity, and reconciliation. Its story presents a deeply human experience that connects with audiences across cultures and generations.

As Ventura puts it, “We made sure this version provides enough context so that even if you’re entirely new to the band, you can still understand where they’re coming from and hopefully see something of yourself in that journey.”

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run will be streaming worldwide on Netflix beginning May 30, 2026.

SM Supermalls released its newest anthem, “Gala To The Max,” performed by the rising girl group DNA.

Forget the usual mall run; it’s time for a total vibe check. SM Supermalls, in an electrifying partnership with StarPop, has officially pulled the curtain back on its newest anthem, “Gala To The Max.” Performed by the rising group DNA, the track is more than just a catchy earworm; it’s a tribute to the way we hang out today.

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The message is clear: SM isn’t just a place to buy things. It’s your “third space.” It’s where you meet the crew, find your community, and—as the song says—live life to the max at your most loved mall.

More Than a Destination, It’s a Mood. “Gala To The Max” captures the essence of what it means to visit SM. Whether you’re there for a fitness milestone, a deep dive into your favorite fandom, a gaming marathon, or just a chill afternoon with your furbabies, SM remains the ultimate backdrop for every subculture.

SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing JonJon San Agustin emphasizes that the mall is an extension of the shoppers’ identity, “At SM, we’ve always been about creating spaces where memories are made. With ‘Gala To The Max,’ we’re celebrating that unique energy our shoppers bring. It’s about your vibe and your tribe. Whether you’re here to play, shop, or just hang out, we want you to feel that this is your space, the most loved mall that truly fits your lifestyle.”

The Soundtrack to Your Next LSS

Produced alongside StarPop, the track features the high-energy vocals of DNA, a trio of sisters composed of Ezri, Julia, and Tasha. The song is designed to be the definitive background score for every TikTok transition and weekend hangout.

DNA members and real-life sisters (from left) Ezri, Tasha, and Julia could not hide their excitement as they brought to life (and ears) SM Supermalls’ newest jingle.

Join the Movement

The official rollout begins this weekend across all SM malls nationwide. With more music and more reasons to stay longer than you planned, SM is officially calling on the community to show off their moves. Come as you are, bring your tribe, and show the world how you gala to the max.

“2026’s hottest pop star.” – PAPER Magazine

“Larsson delivers her most radiant body of work.” – Rolling Stone

“This is the moment when Larsson is finally coming intom view as pop’s main girl.” – VOGUE

“A new household name in the main pop girl zeitgeist” – Billboard

“The album of the summer.” – GQ (Best of 2025)

GRAMMY®-nominated pop superstar Zara Larsson keeps the global party going with Midnight Sun: Girls Trip, a collection of remixes and collaborations that gives new life to her already famously vibrant songs. Revisiting each track from her breakthrough album Midnight Sun, Zara invites a worldwide all-woman cast of friends and faves to an inclusive celebration that crosses borders, genres, and vibes for an unforgettable excursion into free-wheeling self-expression.

The artists joining Zara on the set span diverse sounds and countries of origin, and range from absolute icons to rising stars to indie tastemakers: Shakira, Robyn, Tyla, PinkPantheress, Kehlani, JT, Madison Beer, Emilia, Helena Gao, Margo XS, BAMBII, Malibu, and Eli. Watch visualizers for every song HERE now, and stream or purchase Midnight Sun: Girls Trip right HERE via Epic Records / Sommer House.

The album opens on a new version of “Midnight Sun” that continues the creative kinship of Zara and PinkPantheress over a beat that blends the former’s radiant dance-pop with the latter’s propulsive UK garage-inflected sound. A song later, Kehlani joins for a lush R&B take on the romantic “Blue Moon,” before JT drops a blistering verse on the rowdy, Margo XS-remixed “Pretty Ugly.” Later, Shakira helps transform “Eurosummer” into a jet-setting club cut, Tyla doubles the diva heat on “Hot & Sexy,” and Robyn brings her legendary presence to “Puss Puss.” Zara sprinkles shiny new vocals throughout.

In truth, as the songs shape-shift through styles, tempos, textures, and even languages, there’s never a dull moment on Midnight Sun: Girls Trip. As she wrangled an international array of top-tier talent, Zara worked closely with Margo XS and MNEK to craft the project — two members of the tight, trusted team with whom she created 2025’s original Midnight Sun (also including Gao and Zhone), an album that was not only her most authentic and expressive yet, but which has since racked up nearly universal praise.

Zara’s runaway success in the wake of Midnight Sun made Girls Trip possible. In February, she scored a career-first GRAMMY® nomination for “Midnight Sun” (Best Dance Pop Recording), while also in the midst of what Billboard called “a major Hot 100 comeback.” Now the #24 artist in the world on Spotify, she currently has four singles on the Billboard Hot 100: the viral “Lush Life” (peaking at #35, video approaching 1 billion views), “Midnight Sun” (#39), and her earlier PinkPantheress team-up “Stateside” (#6), which hit #1 on the Billboard Global 200 and Spotify’s Global Top 50 after U.S. figure-skating champ Alysa Liu did a routine to the song during the Winter Olympics. This week, Tyla’s aptly titled “She Did It Again” featuring Zara entered at #59.

This past Wednesday, Zara was honored with the Breakthrough Award at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony. In an interview that came out this month celebrating the news, Billboard called Midnight Sun the “album that’s made her a new household name in the main pop girl zeitgeist.” Their words joined similar raves from outlets including PAPER, Rolling Stone, VOGUE, GQ, Pitchfork, NYLON, and more. She just scored five American Music Awards nominations, too: Breakthrough Pop Artist, Breakthrough Album of the Year, Song of the Summer, Collaboration of the Year, and Social Song of the Year.

Zara also won praise for her recently wrapped, fully sold-out first North American headlining tour. Inspired by her U.S. breakthrough, The New Yorker published a profile this month titled “Zara Larsson Gets Her Flowers,” noting “on the Midnight Sun tour, the Swedish artist makes a comeback that feels like a debut.” In a victory lap of sorts, Zara discusses her whirlwind year in a new in-depth episode of Call Her Daddy.

Showing no signs of slowing down, Zara will embark next month on a jam-packed summer festival run that includes Lollapalooza Chicago, BBC’s Radio 1 Big Weekend, and a staggering series of European dates. In September, the Midnight Sun Tour officially continues — first with a just-announced concert at Los Angeles’ beloved Greek Theatre, and then with an Australia/New Zealand arena leg. Presale for the latter sold out in less than 2 hours, and more than 6 months in advance. Find her full itinerary below.

If Midnight Sun was inspired by the feeling of an endless summer night in Zara’s native Stockholm, then Midnight Sun: Girls Trip is what happens when that night rolls into an infinite season of pure pop energy where everyone is invited. As Zara herself recently noted, “This is just the beginning of Girls Trip!!!”

Zara Larsson, Midnight Sun: Girls Trip

1. “Midnight Sun” with PinkPantheress
2. “Blue Moon” with Kehlani
3. “Pretty Ugly” with JT and Margo XS
4. “Girl’s Girl” with Emilia
5. “Crush” with Eli
6. “Eurosummer” with Shakira
7. “Hot & Sexy” with Tyla
8. “The Ambition” with Madison Beer and BAMBII
9. “Saturn’s Return” with Malibu and Helena Gao
10. “Puss Puss” with Robyn

(Photo credit: Charlotte Rutherford)

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Ely Buendia and director-producer Maria Diane Ventura join fans in celebrating a milestone debut

From left to right: Byron Atienza, Creative Director of Live Nation; Hilarion Banks, one of the film editors and DOP; Maria Diane Ventura, filmmaker, writer and executive producer; Ely Buendia; and Winston Emano one of the film producers

After a string of sold-out advance screenings in select cities across the United States and Canada, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run has made history as the Filipino documentary with the widest theatrical rollout in North America.

The award-winning film premiered in over 100 cinemas on April 24, 2026. To mark the occasion, Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia and director-producer Maria Diane Ventura made special appearances in select theaters in California, where they celebrated the film’s growing success with audiences.

Ventura expressed gratitude for the overwhelming reception received by the film in its first few days of release. “It’s incredibly humbling. I feel a deep sense of gratitude to the audiences, to the critics, and to Abramorama for believing in the film and helping bring it to a wider audience.”

She adds, “What’s been most meaningful, though, is the way people have responded on a personal level. I’ve had people come up to me and share that they found a sense of healing in watching it or that it made them feel proud to be Filipino. Hearing that makes all the hard work and exhaustion worth it. That, to me, is the greatest reward.

To see a Filipino story resonate beyond our borders, and to feel that sense of identity and pride reflected back, reminds me why I do this. This film is a love letter to the Filipinos.

And I think it’s arriving at a time when people are searching for connection. We’re living in a period of division, but the film suggests that even then, there is still a way back to each other, through music, art and through storytelling, one of the few things we still all understand regardless of where we come from.”

ElyBuendia and Maria Diane Ventura

Ely Buendia also thanked everyone who supported the film’s debut in North America. “To be embraced by the fans is proof that the film did something right. We didn’t want to let them down because this is their story too. And of course, to have the approval of the critics is icing on the cake. They have different standards and are not as subjective as the fans, so for them to think it was a good film, and a documentary at that, is quite amazing.”

Distributed in North America by Abramorama and produced by DVent Pictures, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run tells the story of the Philippines’ most influential band, tracing their meteoric rise from their formation in UP Diliman to becoming a defining voice of a generation, their painful breakup, and their eventual resurgence years later.

Framed by the Philippines’ evolving socio-political climate, the film places the band’s journey within a nation facing deep political divides, highlighting how their music and story became part of the country’s cultural memory.

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run also earned recognition at a special panel in Austin last month, with Esquire Magazine naming it one of  “The 5 Best Things We Saw at SXSW 2026.”

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is now screening across North America. For updates, announcements, and ticket details, visit eraserheadsfilm.com.

His debut single “Training Wheels” reflects on distance, identity, and starting over abroad

Photo credit: Džesika Devic

Iggy San Pablo, best known for his work with Filipino alt-rock band Rusty Machines, returns with simple socks, a solo music project navigating the complexities of adult life and self-discovery through the lens of a migrant. Distinct from San Pablo’s earlier bedroom outing thenils, which represented an exploratory creative phase from his younger years, simple socks is a more assured artistic voice informed by his renewed commitment to storytelling.

“Being an immigrant is a challenge in itself, and that’s an experience I look forward to diving into further as a musician,” shares San Pablo. “Being 34 and having this new solo project, there’s a mixed feeling of a fresh beginning and familiarity all at once. I’m excited to channel that unique energy as I find my footing within the Toronto music scene.”

Now based in Toronto, Canada, San Pablo explores themes of domestic routines, career transitions, and the challenges of making connections in a new environment through simple socks, unlearning some of his habits shaped by the comfort of his upbringing.

On the heels of San Pablo’s new music project is the release of his debut single, “Training Wheels,” an indie rock track that captures the courage of stepping beyond his comfort zone. Written across several years and completed after his relocation to a new, unfamiliar country, the song reflects the emotional weight of distance from family and the determination to build a life independently.

“It was mainly [about] being apart from my family and friends and the anxiety of not knowing when I’ll be seeing them again,” San Pablo explains. “But at the same time, I felt determined to experience a different life far from my safety net. Those were the emotions that I explored while writing Training Wheels. It’s about reassurance, hoping that the special people you left behind back home would eventually be proud of your decisions as an adult.”

Musically, the song leans toward indie rock influences with a sprinkling of Midwest emo sensibilities, citing notable albums such as Death Cab for Cutie’s The Photo Album, Into It. Over It.’s Proper, and susquatch’s In This World as major songwriting inspirations.

“There’s a certain chill that runs through these songs; you can sense that they were written during the winter months. Now that I’m based in Toronto, I understand the feeling on a personal level. It reminds me of Ben Gibbard’s lyrics about finding comfort in the cold, particularly the lines, ‘I don’t mind the weather, I’ve got scarves, and caps, and sweaters…’ I’m living in the same environment, and these records somehow shaped the sound and mood of my latest release.”

Subtle production elements, including sonic references to bicycles, mirror his journey of self-discovery, reinforcing the sense of motion, risk, and progression embedded in the track. San Pablo recounts his fascination with the sound of bike chains and bike bells and his intention to integrate the experience of learning how to ride a bike in his production and arrangement choices.

“I remember sharing an early version of it with a few friends,” San Pablo shares. “It was Howard (Oh, Flamingo!) who pointed out how the song felt like a journey, and I appreciated his feedback because that’s what I wanted to achieve. It was a lot of fun working on this track because I wasn’t overthinking my recording decisions, especially with the guitar parts after the first chorus. I also had to rent a bass guitar from the music store just to record the bass lines and I created a makeshift vocal booth in our bedroom closet just to record my vocals. All of this happened while we were renting a basement unit.”

simple socks’ “Training Wheels” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

The March 31 release of Lifetime (Reimagined) triggers a resurgence in streams for the band’s 2020 hit

The band, alongside the haunting image of longing and what-ifs as articulated in “Lifetime (Reimagined),” the extended version of “Lifetime”

Multi-awarded folk-pop group Ben&Ben continues to break new ground in their career as their 2020 hit “Lifetime” surged to No. 1 on both the IFPI Official Philippines Chart and the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, less than a month after releasing its extended version, Lifetime (Reimagined).

For the chart week of April 10 to 16, “Lifetime” climbed one spot to secure the top position on IFPI’s Official Philippines Chart. The rankings, introduced in February 2025, are part of the Official Southeast Asia Charts—an International Federation of the Phonographic Industry initiative that highlights music across the region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 chart for the week of April 25, the song climbed four spots from the previous week’s No. 5 finish, fueled by consistently strong streaming numbers across various platforms. This marks the band’s first ever No. 1 Billboard Philippines chart ranking, and their third time to break into the charts, following Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay in the 2025 Year-End Charts and Kathang Isip in the October 2025 Hot 100 list.

According to the band, they did not expect the song to have this kind of impact on listeners, both the casual ones and those from their Liwanag fan community.

“Hindi po namin inasahang magkakaroon ng ganitong impact ‘yung Lifetime sa mga makikinig, sa Liwanag. Na-observe naming kahit papano, natutulungan ng kanta ‘yung mga taong bumalik panandalian sa nakaraan, para harapin ang mga ‘what-ifs’ nila, upang humilom para sa kasalukuyan. Sobrang grateful kaming maging bahagi ng prosesong ito sa pamamagitan ng kantang ito,” Ben&Ben said.

The song’s message resonates among listeners because of the realness of it – articulating deep feelings of longing, of yearning, of loving despite the risks.

“Na-observe din naming may kakaiba talaga sa abilidad ng mga Pilipino na maramdaman ang emosyon na ‘longing,’ o pagkakaroon ng ‘di mamatay na pagkagusto para sa isang tao o bagay na maaaring ‘di maabot. Totoo kasing nae-experience ng marami ‘yung longing. At siguro, patunay ito ng abilidad nating magmahal at magtiis para sa mga mahal natin. Siguro, to love is to endure,” the band related.

Beyond its latest chart-topping milestones, Lifetime (Reimagined) by Ben&Ben also climbed to No. 1 on the YouTube Trending list last week, reached No. 9 on the Spotify Global Daily Viral Chart, secured the top spot on the Spotify Philippines Daily Viral Chart, and landed at No. 2 on both the Spotify Weekly Top 200 and Spotify Daily Top 200 rankings.

Lifetime (Reimagined) is now available here for streaming across all major digital platforms. Fans can also look forward to the upcoming release of its performance video, while the lyric video is already out.

Her new EP captures the beauty of stillness and emotional duality

Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin explores the “inner weather of love” in really got me thinking—her latest EP under Sony Music Entertainment.

Pivoting towards delicate soundscapes and lush arrangements, the 6-track release embraces a quieter form of introspection: the sonic treatment, pared down and intimate, leaning towards newfound openness in both sound and storytelling.

“I’ve learned to sit with simplicity and to trust that not every space needs to be filled, that silence and restraint can carry just as much meaning as sound,” Benin explains. “Because of that, I allowed the words and melodies to breathe more, and I think it creates a more intimate listening experience, like you’re just sitting in the moment with me.”

Benin adds that it’s her first time writing a record entirely dedicated to love from a more optimistic perspective. “Having an EP that’s entirely made up of love songs is something new for me. It feels like a different kind of openness and a big part of my growth as a songwriter.”

According to the Parallel Universe act, the EP draws from the duality of rainy days—both simultaneously heavy and comforting—offering solace and refuge amidst the chaos. Produced by Clara Benin and The Ringmaster, the imagery informs the sonic and lyrical foundations of the record, resulting in a heartwarming collection of tunes that doubles as bedroom confessions.

In terms of songwriting, really got me thinking unravels distinctly as an honest reflection of personal growth and creative ingenuousness. Her emotional honesty is matched by intricate sound design, one whose deliberate restraint invites listeners into a shared space of stillness, where words and melodies are given room to breathe.

“I tried to let the songs hold both feelings at once, the same way they exist in real life,” Clara admits. “Some moments feel warm and grounded, while others carry a bit more tension or movement. I didn’t feel the need to resolve that contrast and just to let it exist honestly, because love rarely feels like just one thing.”

The focus track, “wings” encapsulates the recurring theme of the EP, where love is considered both grounding and liberating. Through dynamic shifts in arrangement and vocal delivery, the song evokes the feelings of being simultaneously held and set free: a study in contrast, but one that coexists in peace. “It’s about finding someone who makes you feel safe enough to dream bigger, someone who reminds you of who you can become. So wings became a metaphor for that—for becoming, for growth, and for finally allowing yourself to fly.”

Accompanying the release is an upcoming live show that aims to translate the introspective essence of the EP into an immersive experience. Designed to reflect the record’s emotional landscape, the performance will feature warm, dreamlike visuals and a carefully curated setlist centered on the EP’s six tracks, interwoven with select earlier works.

Clara adds, “We’re expanding them just enough to fill the room without losing their intimacy. My live performances are usually more backing track-heavy, but for this show we’re stripping things down and leaning into more live instrumentation—adding piano, bass, and live backing vocals to keep everything feeling organic. It still feels very personal, just with a bit more warmth and presence.”

Tracklist:

1. hmmm
2. the one to blame
3. tahanan
4. cinnamon coffee
5. wings  (Focus Track)
6. you around

Clara Benin’s new EP, ‘really got me thinking’ is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Catch the ‘really got me thinking’ EP live show, happening on May 16, 2026, at Teatrino, Greenhills with special guests The Ridleys. Tickets are available via Ticketmelon.

A deeply personal single leads the band into a new chapter marked by international performances

The iconic Filipino indie pop band Orange & Lemons is making a comeback with their upcoming single  “Too Young To Be Old,” while also revealing plans for a European tour scheduled for May to June 2026.

[PRE-SAVE HERE]

The song delves into the nuances of transition and self-awareness, portraying what Clem Castro describes as “that strange middle space where you’re no longer reckless, but not quite settled either.”

With the Orange & Lemons

Attending their press conference, I saw how Orange & Lemons are embracing a creative shift, moving from their usual ‘50s-inspired sound toward a more ‘60s vibe with their new single “Too Young To Be Old.” It felt like a reflection of their theme—growth and transition—both in their music and identity as a band. Hearing Clem Castro describe that “in-between” phase made the new direction feel more personal and intentional.

“Lyrically, it plays like a quiet conversation with your younger self,” Castro explains. “The verses reflect doubt and self-awareness, while the chorus opens up into something more universal: the idea that age isn’t just a number, it’s a perspective you sometimes resist. It’s not a sad song, but it carries a gentle ache.”

According to the band’s principal songwriter-producer, “Too Young To Be Old” was inspired by a relationship that made him more aware of time: how differently two people can experience it, even when they’re in the same moment. “The song came from trying to understand that space and finding something beautiful in it.”

Produced by Castro at his hybrid studio, LILYPOD AUDIO, the track balances analog warmth with modern precision. It also serves as O&L’s first release mixed in Dolby Atmos, which is a surround sound technology that creates an immersive sonic experience.

As Clem puts it, the latest release leans toward gentler textures, tighter songwriting, and arrangements that “let the emotions breathe.” It’s classic in spirit, but contemporary in how it’s framed.

“This track sits right at the heart of where we’re headed. There’s still that 60s/70s melodic sensibility we naturally gravitate toward, but it’s more refined now—less about imitation, more about interpretation.”

The new release also serves as a teaser of what’s to come for their forthcoming new album, VISIONS OF AMBER, which the band promises to be a more cohesive, all-English body of work that hopefully connects beyond borders while retaining the essence of their signature sound.

In tandem with the release, Orange & Lemons are set to embark on a European tour, with stops in major cities, including Dublin, London, Milan, Madrid, Paris, and Amsterdam.

The Hanggang Kailan hitmakers also expressed excitement in performing abroad, particularly for the Filipino community in the region, as well as new listeners from varying backgrounds and ethnicities.

“What excites us most is the contrast: You’re playing for people who may be hearing us for the first time, alongside Filipino communities who’ve carried the music with them wherever they are,” Castro shares. “There’s something special about that mix. For Filipinos abroad, the songs become a connection to home. For new listeners, it’s a fresh introduction. That shared space—where familiarity and discovery meet—is what we’re really looking forward to.”

When it comes to the setlist, Orange & Lemons shared that it will strike a balance between their “essential” fan-favorite tracks and newer material like “Too Young To Be Old,” which signals a fresh direction in both sound and artistic discipline.

“We also paid attention to pacing, making sure the set moves naturally, with moments to lift the energy and moments to bring it back down. It’s designed to work even if it’s your first time seeing us live.”

Here’s the current run for the Europe tour:

• May 14– Dublin, Ireland – The Academy
• May 16– London, England – Dingwalls
• May 17– Birmingham, England – Hare & Hounds
• May 18– Liverpool, England – Cavern Club
• May 22– Geneva, Switzerland – Esther House
• May 23– Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
• May 24– Madrid, Spain – Mon Madrid
• May 30– Frankfurt, Germany – Zoom Frankfurt
• May 31– Stavanger, Norway – Fiskepiren
• June 5– Amsterdam, Netherlands – Toekomstmuziek
• June 6– Marseille, France – Le Molotov
• June 7– Paris, France – Les Disquaires