Entertainment

The P-Pop trailblazers raise the stakes with a song that channels global ambition and systemic frustration into a rallying cry for change

SB19 ushers in a defining chapter for P-Pop with the launch of “VISA,” their first official single of 2026 and a fearless successor to the Simula At Wakas era. Showcasing a sharper, more assured artistic vision, “VISA” dives into socially charged themes that serve as both an introduction and a declaration—signaling that this new era won’t just captivate audiences, but will also challenge norms, spark dialogue, and disrupt comfort in pursuit of conviction.

[LISTEN TO “VISA” HERE]

Their brand-new song confronts the lived realities of Filipinos striving to shift culture and build a life of security and stability for their families. It channels the frustrations of overseas Filipino workers, athletes, creatives, and professionals, who dedicate their hard work and talent to representing the Philippines, only to be met with systemic barriers that hinder their goal and recognition. Through piercing lyricism that confronts as it wounds, the five-piece powerhouse “calls out the invisible cages that restrict opportunities” on their brand-new track, emphasizing the irony of a people celebrated for their resilience yet burdened by bureaucratic inequities.

“This release will really define SB19’s sound, personality, and the way we present ourselves,” Stell admits. “We have always been known for being vocal, but this time it is even stronger. We are addressing sensitive and current topics that people can relate to, even if not everyone agrees with us. We are ready to face any reaction. This release is very powerful and a strong way to start the year and introduce this new era.”

Inspired in part by real-world events and ongoing conversations around visa denials affecting Filipino talents, SB19’s latest single also serves as a commentary on access and privilege, on the disparity between global contribution and mobility. By centering these themes with a more defined perspective, SB19 transforms personal and collective frustrations into an anthem of awareness, and, to an extent, resistance.

“We were very affected by visa applications during our tour,” Pablo reveals. “SB19 has been active for seven years, and we hope that songs like these can reach officials and encourage laws that make it easier for athletes, artists, and others working overseas to access visas. This could include creative acts, producing content, or receiving rebates for spending related to the arts. This is not just an attempt to produce music, but to push Filipino culture forward. There is little support from the government, so it is important that our work can make an impact not only personally but also on a national level.”

Josh echoes the familiar frustration, sharing parallels with the struggles of athletes who train and work hard to compete abroad and make Filipinos proud. “I have always had this dream during our tour, as someone who represents the Philippines all over the world. I have also seen the struggles of athletes when they represent the country. They give so much for the Philippines, but it often feels like the country does not give back. There needs to be a change.”

Justin chimes in on the ongoing issue while highlighting the intentional messaging of the track. “We are highly skilled and hardworking, and we’ve significantly contributed to raising the morale of Filipinos abroad, as well as impacting the economy in positive ways. But somehow, it often feels like we are at the end of the line.”

Musically, “VISA” mirrors its thematic tension with bold, unconventional production and brass sounds. Conceived from a melody Pablo imagined in one of their brand campaign shoots, the track fuses satire, personal experience, and commentary with sonic experimentation.

Ken shares, “This track is quite unconventional and out of the ordinary. The instruments, especially the melody, aren’t what you’d typically expect. It may sound unusual, but in a refreshing way. The melody leaves a strong impression, and every instrument was carefully selected. From the percussion to the ad-libs and other details, each element is thoughtfully positioned, creating a truly satisfying listening experience.”

SB19’s “VISA” is now available on all digital streaming platforms worldwide through Sony Music Entertainment.

Follow SB19 on their socials:

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

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

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

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

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

The film delves into the realm of power, fame, and survival within the music business

Its official: music-themed drama Songs For Selina will hit cinemas across the Philippines starting March 18, 2026

Previously picked up by Amazon Prime US and Tubi for its North American release last year, the film delivers a harrowing yet grounded portrayal of the music industry’s grim realities. Songs For Selina stars Mica Javier and Rachel Coates as Selina and Maya—musical soulmates whose bond is fractured by the unforgiving and cutthroat nature of the industry they once dreamed of conquering together.

[WATCH THE TRAILER HERE]

“The entire film is deeply personal,” shares Jay R, CEO of Homeworkz Entertainment and the R&B singer behind enduring hits such as Sining and Bakit Pa Ba. “It draws from our own lived experiences, the stories of our peers, and the unspoken truths that quietly exist within the industry. As artists ourselves, we understand the fear of being marginalized or blacklisted for addressing uncomfortable truths, especially in systems where power is unevenly distributed. That vulnerability is precisely why we chose to tell this story through film and music.”

Jay R, who served as one of the film’s executive producers, highlights the importance of independent storytelling in an industry often driven by commercial considerations.

“Major studios and networks are not the only path,” the King of R&B notes. “There is a space for us, and it’s time we collectively step into it—to strengthen, diversify, and elevate the state of our entertainment industry.”

Songs For Selina features an ensemble cast that also includes Rachel Alejandro, Audie Gemora, Nicole Laurel, Leanne Mamonong, Gian Magdangal, and Jay R himself.

Jay R also co-wrote and produced the film’s original motion picture soundtrack, which features solo and duet performances by lead stars Mica Javier and Rachel Coates.

“The tracks were very much inspired by my own career, which made the songwriting process feel natural and intuitive,” reveals Jay R. “Each song was carefully shaped to serve the story—tailoring the lyrics and emotion to the script so that the music actively moves the narrative forward.”

Songs For Selina is brought to you by Homeworkz Entertainment and is distributed in the Philippines by Black Cap Pictures.

Their latest single Duyan, a song about everlasting commitment, welcomes 30 couples into the married life in a ceremony led by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto

Duyan closes the Mahiwaga Trilogy, which also includes Pagtingin and Araw-Araw

Today was the most unforgettable Valentine’s Day in the lives of thirty fortunate Pasigueño couples. On this day, they not only formally and legally became husband and wife, but they also had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be serenaded by the best folk-pop group in the nation, Ben&Ben.

The nine-piece band stunned the newlyweds and their guests with a moving performance of their latest single, Duyan, as a special treat for Pasigueño couples who got married today during Pasig City’s annual Kasalang Bayan.

It was a fitting song for the occasion, as it was originally the wedding vow of Ben&Ben frontman Miguel Benjamin, which he and the band decided to share with the world this year. In performing the song for today’s 30 newlywed Pasigueño couples, the band hoped to leave a lasting message of commitment, encouragement, and unconditional love.

“We’re entering a chapter of our lives where we feel like this is all uncharted territory: becoming full-fledged adults, being partners and spouses. Like the millions of people who are in this phase of their lives, there are many challenges. Things are never easy. We also get to discover many things about ourselves that we may not have really known before – our strengths, our weaknesses, and so much more,” Miguel shared.

“Every step that we take is made with unconditional love. That serves as our guide and our anchor in this journey, no matter how imperfect life is. This is the message we would like to impart with our song Duyan,” he added.

The Pasig City government holds the annual Kasalang Bayan for constituents who would like to experience a memorable wedding – including walking down the aisle and having a reception – without having to worry about expenses. The city government covers all expenses related to the event, including reception meals for six guests per couple. The ceremony is officiated by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

This year’s Kasalang Bayan was made even more special with Ben&Ben’s special performance. Aside from Duyan, the band also performed the other songs in their Mahiwaga Trilogy – Araw-Araw and Pagtingin. The trilogy features the band’s thematic arc on love and romantic relationships, with Duyan as the culminating song.

Actors and real-life couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos, who previously starred in the other Mahiwaga Trilogy films, star in the music video for the song.

“Many thanks to Ben and Ben! Ang kinasal tuwang-tuwa. The couples were taken by surprise, which added to the specialness of the day”, said Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. “Vico” Regis Sotto said.

Duyan by Ben&Ben is currently available on all digital music platforms across the globe through Sony Music Entertainment. Visit the Ben&Ben’s official YouTube channel to view the Duyan music video.

Photo Credit: Dana Trippe

Global superstar Meghan Trainor has delivered the perfect Galentine’s Day anthem, “Get In Girl,” out today via Epic Records. The track is featured on her seventh full-length album, Toy With Me, out April 24.

Whether you were ghosted by your situationship, suffered another failed talking stage, or just need a little pick-me-up, “Get In Girl” is ready to help you rally. On the song, Meghan shares, “This song is for everyone who finally realized they deserve more. Sometimes you just need a song that reminds you that love shouldn’t feel exhausting, and that leaving is okay and might be the most powerful thing you can do.”

Following the release of Toy With Me, Meghan will be bringing the new music on the road for The Get In Girl Tour, produced by Live Nation. The tour kicks off June 2026 and sees Meghan return to iconic venues including Madison Square Garden in NYC and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Tickets are on sale now at MeghanTrainor.com. See full routing below.

“Get In Girl” is the second track Meghan has shared off the new album, following the release of “Still Don’t Care” late last year. The song serves as a reminder to stop worrying about judgement from others and celebrate who you are. This was exemplified in the accompanying music video, which saw Meghan freely dancing across iconic Los Angeles landmarks, including The Grove, Rodeo Drive, and even crashing a celebrity sighting shuttle tour.

WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “STILL DON’T CARE” HERE

Toy With Me Artwork

Website / TikTok  / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Still on a high after its recent Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction award, Enchanted Kingdom — the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines — continues to bring magic as it announces its Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day offerings this February.

As part of its Forever Enchanted campaign, EK will celebrate the season of love with captivating music at My Forever Enchanted Valentines: A Pop-Up Concert this February 14, Saturday at the Bandstand.

This magical event, in collaboration with Universal Music Group (UMG) Philippines and EMI Records Philippines, will feature live performances from up-and-coming acts Jenzen Guino, Off To Neverland!, and Shane Bernabe.

Guests can also treat their loved ones to a magical dinner date at Brooklyn Under the Stars: An Enchanting Dinner Experience, exclusively this February 14 and 15. With this Valentine’s weekend offering, enjoy fine dining along the romantic, New-York themed streets of Brooklyn Place, along with Regular Day Passes. Limited seating for couples and groups are available for advance booking at the EK Online Store.

Moreover, Rialto will serve as the backdrop for the month-long Brooklyn Beat’s Love Express, the new zone show where Chinese culture meets romance.

The magic continues at EK’s Chinese New Year Celebration – Enchanting Year of the Fire Horse, where everyone can immerse in vibrant Lunar New Year traditions through festive attractions, cultural experiences, and other exciting activities from February 18 to 22.

This will be highlighted by the Prosperity Tree at Victoria Park, Lucky Lion and Dragon Dance, Spin the Wheel, Lucky Coins for a Cause, and Lucky Grand Carousel Riders.

EK will also introduce The Tales of the Zodiac Village, its latest theater production scheduled Fridays to Sundays at the Eldar’s Theater, as it follows the enchanting adventure of Eldar the Wizard, together with the Fire Horse and other animals in the Chinese zodiac, to restore peace and good fortune.

Ultimately, top off the Lunar New Year festivities with the Weekend Fireworks Show featuring EK’s 30th anniversary song, Forever Enchanted, at 7PM on February 21 and 22.

EK Ride the Magic: Year of the Fire Horse Promo

Eldar the Wizard brings in this year’s lucky numbers in celebration of the Chinese New Year with EK Ride the Magic: Year of the Fire Horse Promo. Through this enchanting deal, enjoy Regular Day Passes for a special rate of Php 1,236 each.

First 1,000 guests born in the Year of the Horse — 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014 — will also receive a special gift on the day of their visit.

On top of this, 10 lucky guests who availed this promo at the EK Online Store will score limited-edition EK Chinese New Year merchandise. Promo runs until March 8, 2026 only.

Experience all of EK’s seasonal offerings along with its signature rides and attractions as the Park opens Wednesdays to Sundays, 11AM to 8PM.*

*Park and show schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information and updates regarding these and EK’s other forever enchanting events and offers, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.

Written and produced in his bedroom, the album turns independence into an emotional reckoning

Filipino bedroom pop soloist Peej will drop his full-length debut album, King of Sadtown, on Friday, February 13, 2026, on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Inspired by Death Cab for Cutie, Matt Maltese, Bon Iver, Damien Rice, Tom Misch, Frank Sinatra, and Mac DeMarco, the 13-track release finds a young artist unafraid to confront the consequences of choosing solitude. The album unfolds as a series of interconnected stories: destructive habits, romantic disappointments, fleeting encounters, and, ultimately, the conscious decision to withdraw.

“Most times writing songs is like a therapy session for me,” Peej admits. “I’ll often sing out a random line during the writing process—and it’s only then I realize that this topic is something that has been eating me up inside—so naturally I have lots of things to say about it, and the song slowly takes shape.”

For what it’s worth, King of Sadtown mirrors Peej’s tendency to avoid deep, intimate relationships in favor of personal independence. The songwriting explores what it means to rule one’s own world, make one’s own rules, and answer to no one, only to realize that freedom can feel hollow when the world is empty.

Written, produced, and primarily mixed by Peej in his bedroom during the later years of the pandemic, King of Sadtown carries a deeply personal, almost diaristic quality. Here, Peej allowed himself to experiment freely in his production, incorporating new textures, such as adding prominent sax parts, while letting the emotions guide each arrangement.

The album was mixed by Peej, with additional mixing by Nikhil Amarnani on “Islands” and “These Walls,” and mastered by Jan Fuertez. Carefully sequenced, Sadtown eases listeners in with lighter, easy-listening moments before gradually sinking into heavier emotional territory.

Peej adds, “I hope the vulnerability and honesty shines through the album. I want my music to continue living in that space, especially when it comes to the lyrics. And while I might have “a sound,” I also feel that I have done a lot of sound experimenting with this album, so I’m hoping to continue experimenting and getting better at producing in future songs to come.”

Track list – listen to the album

1. Same Mistakes
2. She Likes to Dance
3. Islands
4. I Broke My Heart
5. Sad Love Song
6. King of Sadtown
7. Stay If You Want
8. Most Nights
9. Nothing to Hold
10. These Walls
11. I’m Stone and I Still Think of You
12. Sad Love Song (Reimagined)
13. Islands (Deluxe)

Seventeen years after its release, the classic indie duo stages a remarkable placement in the Philippine music charts, reigniting interest in the their music and catalog

She & Him, an indie pop duo consisting of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, continues to break the internet with the renewed success of its 2008 song “I Thought I Saw Your Face Today.”

Initially released as part of their debut album, Volume One via Merge Records, the track received enormous attention from listeners worldwide—thanks to a TikTok trend that pairs the music with nostalgic and cinematic videos.

In the Philippines, the resurgence in popularity has been especially pronounced. Over the past month alone, the track has generated more than 650 million TikTok views and 28 million YouTube views locally. The sleeper hit also climbed the major charts, peaking at No. 15 on the Daily Spotify Philippines chart, No. 24 on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, and No. 1 on Spotify’s Daily Viral Philippines chart.

Driven by streaming momentum and organic traction on social media, She & Him consistently ranks among the top 200 biggest artists on Spotify Philippines, averaging more than 3 million listeners on the platform locally.

In response to the overwhelming support from Filipino audiences, She & Him recently released an official Tagalog lyric video. In just two weeks, the video has racked up more than 70,000 YouTube views.

The New Frontier Theater will host a unique event marked as Bautista X Bautista on March 6, 2026 at 8:00 PM, where Christian Bautista, an OPM icon, would take center stage alongside fellow vocalist and longtime collaborator Mark Bautista.

The show, which combines Christian’s classic ballads, recent collaborations, and brand-new songs in one evening, highlights his ongoing development as an artist. On a few occasions, Mark Bautista takes the stage with him, bringing depth and vigor to their common musical history and connection.

A key highlight of the concert is Christian’s latest single, Sa’yo Lamang, set for release on February 25, 2026. The heartfelt track marks a new chapter in his music, reflecting the romantic storytelling he is known for while offering a fresh, contemporary sound that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners.

Bautista X Bautista celebrates music, connection, and shared artistry while highlighting Christian’s dedication to teamwork and live performance. Alongside a fellow artist who has developed alongside him over the years, the concert further solidifies his ongoing presence in the OPM industry.

Christian Bautista is proudly managed by NYMA Talent Management.

Fans can anticipate a night filled with well-known OPM songs, strong vocals, poignant duets, and Sa’yo Lamang’s live performance.

Concert Details
📍 New Frontier Theater, Quezon City
📆 March 6, 2026 | 8:00 PM

🎟 Tickets via TicketNet:
https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/event-detail/BAUTISTA-X-BAUTISTA

You can download other photos here: Photo 1 | Photo 2

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA, PLEASE CONTACT:
Karen Tumbali | [email protected]

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