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Entertainment

Philippine Ballet Theatre presents “The Merry Widow” at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre this April 5 and 6

For its first season production, the Philippine Ballet Theatre presents “The Merry Widow”—a delightful tale brimming with tangled relationships, near misses, and jealous lovers. Originally premiered as an operetta by Franz Lehár in Vienna in 1905, “The Merry Widow” has inspired numerous choreographic adaptations by ballet companies around the world. Set in Paris, the city of love, it explores themes of forbidden and rekindled love, wealth, and deceit.

In its version, “Merry Widow” is skillfully choreographed and presented by Philippine Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Ronilo Jaynario, in a way that is sure to resonate with the Filipino audience’s appreciation for passion and drama. The dancers showcase their talents in classical ballet, character dance, mime, and theatrical acting. Franz Lehár’s exquisite melodies will transport audiences to a world of romance, wit, and opulence in “The Merry Widow,” where every note celebrates love and elegance.

Homage to History

This ballet has been a true gem for the company. It’s inclusion in the season is an homage to its roots; unbeknownst to many, “The Merry Widow” was among the first ballets ever performed by the company. Former Artistic Director Julie Borromeo’s version premiered in 1987, making waves and establishing PBT as a company with a sophisticated repertoire and innovative approach. It set the tone for what was to come. Almost four decades later, the ballet remains a testament to the vision of the founders: a company capable of competing globally with both Filipino works and classical repertoire. With hopes high, this fifth restaging aims to reaffirm that legacy. As a company guided by an artistic council, continuing the tradition of rich taste, innovation, and undeniable skill is of utmost importance. Through this ballet,PBT wishes to honor PBT’s founding members, expressing gratitude for setting the course toward the PBT of today, the National Performing Arts Company for ballet and contemporary dance. This production is lovingly dedicated to the eleven founding members: Julie Borromeo, Felicitas Radaic, Steve Villaruz, Gener Caringal, Eddie Elejar, Leonor-Orosa Goquinco, Vella Damian, Sony Lopez-Gonzales, the late Tony Fabella, the late Eric Cruz, and the late Inday Gaston-Manosa. Their pursuit of a fresh approach to ballet remains the guiding light for PBT. It’s a fitting ballet to start the year right.

Cast Update

Casted members are all debuting in their respective roles. Jimmy Lumba will take on the lead role of Count Danilo Danilovistch, while Jessa Tangalin will portray the elusive Hanna Glawari. The role of Count Camille de Rosillon will be shared by Julafer Fegarido and Justine Joseph Orande, with Sophia Martina Tiangco and Gabbie Jaynario alternating as Valencienne. Bringing humor to the production, veterans Anatoly Panasyukov and Joel Matias will play Baron Mirko Zeta and Njegus, respectively.

Coming Soon

Thanks to Philippine Ballet Theatre’s (PBT) partner, Philippine Airlines, and the support of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the National Performing Arts Companies, PBT will have a special limited run at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre.

The production opens on April 5, 2025, with a matinee at 3:00 PM and a gala performance at 7:30 PM. It concludes on April 6 with a final matinee at 3:00 PM.

Joyously romantic, this enchanting production promises to sweep audiences off their feet.

For ticket inquiries, call 09688708887, 09129455151

and +63286711968 or email [email protected]

 

 

 

Entertainment

The new track, “FUFN (Fuck You For Now)”, is released by international pop sensation JADE

After winning ‘Pop Act’ at the BRIT Awards, international music singer JADE is back with the powerful song “FUFN (Fuck You For Now).” Check out the music video here.

“FUFN (Fuck You For Now)” is a powerful and dramatic pop song that is full of attitude. It was written by JADE in collaboration with music legend RAYE and Dave Hamelin, and it was co-produced by Lostboy. “Don’t you tell me to calm down” is sung by JADE during the song’s explosive chorus, and she is bursting with genuine emotion.

JADE starred in the new Fendi campaign for their Mamma Baguette bag, which included a teaser for the song.

JADE shares, “FUFN is the escalation of an argument we’ve all had, knowing it’s not the end but feeling all the anger in the moment. It’s the channeling of female rage into a badass big pop banger.”

Listen here: http://jade.me/FUFN

JADE delivered the stand-out performance of the night at this year’s BRIT Awards, performing her superhit “Angel Of My Dreams.” The performance video has been viewed over 1 million times and Jade also scooped up her first solo BRIT award in the ‘Pop Act’ category.

The Guardian called JADE’s performance, “an episodic live performance so peculiar it stole the show,” whilst NME said it was “a staggering, theatrical performance.” Clash Magazine named it one of the greatest BRITS performances of all time.

JADE finished 2024 by winning the Trailblazer Award at The Rolling Stone UK Awards and appearing on the cover of the magazine. She was also included on many of the end of year ‘Best Of” lists.

“Angel Of My Dreams” was named the No.1 song of 2024 by DIY Magazine and a Top 10 song by The Guardian, DORK, Clash and NME. In addition, Dazed named JADE’s “Angel Of My Dreams,” video of the year.

The commercial success of “Angel Of My Dreams” has been enormous. With more than 100 million plays to date, the song debuted at No. 7 on the UK Official Singles Chart, making it the third-highest new entry by a British artist this year. The accompanying video has received 12 million views and was the top trending video on YouTube for 10 days. For two months, the song was in the Top 20 on the Official UK Singles Chart.

Three other songs have been released by JADE since then: “Midnight Cowboy,” a sensual, subdued bass-heavy hit about embracing your sexuality, the elegant disco-tinged Fantasy,” featuring the audacious hit song “IT girl” and a music video helmed by the legendary David LaChapelle.

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Lil Nas X Releases Much-Awaited New Single “HOTBOX”

WATCH ALL THE PINK DREAMSCAPES UNFOLD IN NEW OFFICIAL VIDEO

“HOTBOX” Single Art | Download 

Through Columbia Records, multi-platinum, chart-topping, and award-winning musician Lil Nas X has released his new track, “HOTBOX.” Elias Talbot directed the official music video for the song, which was produced by his former partners Take a Daytrip, Omer Fedi, and Ojivolta.

Watch the official video to see Nas get KO’d in a pink boxing ring, morph into a pink transformer, swim in a pink pool, and play through other hot pink dreamscapes. It’s a lively, bouncy, and steamy single watch.

A turning point in Nas’ new DREAMBOY phase is marked with “HOTBOX.” Joy, self-affirmation, and unreservedly occupying space as the most self-assured, buoyant, and carefree version of himself are all present in this new chapter.

Together with “HOTBOX,” “DREAMBOY,” “BIG DUMMY,” “SWISH,” and “RIGHT THERE” have established Nas’ thrilling comeback and showcased all the dynamic facets of his unique genius.

Watch this space for more DREAMBOY period content shortly!

 

Lil Nas X Socials:

Instagram | TikTok | X

 

Entertainment

Waiian’s third album, BACKSHOTS, releases a manifesto of self-expression and sincerity

The 9-track release is a chaotic but intentional collection of sonic backlogs, abandoned ideas, and unfiltered stories

With his much awaited third album, BACKSHOTS, Filipino rapper Waiian offers an honest, unfiltered commentary on music and personal life.

The well-known emcee boldly challenges the absurdity of the music industry and current trends with the nine-track album, defying social norms and highlighting the value of authenticity and keeping loyal to one’s talent.

BACKSHOTS serves as my testament to consistently speak my truth,” says the Solo Mission act. “The album is my rebelling against being known solely for motivational bars. Although I still believe in my roots, I also want to showcase my lighter side: the playful, humorous person who enjoys my life journey even as I pursue my rap career.”

Produced with Love and Rage

The album, produced by Kashira Music Prod and Pistolgrip, was shaped through a mix of love and raw emotion, challenging Waiian to rap over sonic experiments and eclectic beats. Throughout the project, the Makati City-based hip-hop artist credits his inspiration to artists who are not afraid to push the boundaries of songwriting, performance, and production.

“I drew inspiration from artists like Teezo Touchdown, Kanye West, Brockhampton, Kendrick Lamar, Denzel Curry and my past work, and more,” shares Waiian. “The 9-track album organically took shape, mirroring the cycle of life—its beginning and its inevitable end.”

A Journey of Growth and Reflection

BACKSHOTS offers a mix of seriousness and silliness, satire and sincerity, chaos and freedom. Lovingly layered with care and attention, the album takes listeners through unrefined thoughts and emotions, challenging and subverting traditional ideas of how music should be presented. With each track, Waiian blends confessional storytelling with unwavering commitment to his narrative, capturing both his growth as an artist and his reflections on career and life.

Key highlights from the album include “MAN IN THE MERROR,” the first track that he finished for this particular project, and “SI LODS NA ANG BAHALA,” which serves as a deep introspection of his life in a 3 minute and 32 second wav file. While he dedicates love, time, and focus to every single song in the record, making sure that each track possess its own distinct thought and direction, the aforementioned track reveals a splash of sentimentality that fits neatly alongside his earlier and current catalog.

He confides, “There is this one song that made me the most emotional when I came home from finishing it after several days of straight studio sessions. It’s SI LODS NA BAHALA, and I felt great being able to channel my life whereabouts in the confines of a song. It could be one of my favorite songs to perform from now.”

Music Video Releases

Waiian plans to accompany the release of the album with visuals featuring renowned collaborators and friends. The music video for “LODS NA BAHALA,” in particular, will have its own treatment, complete with archival imagery and locations from his formative years, including excerpts from the short films he made as a student and places he used to hang out at. “It’s about remembering my roots as a creative. These elements are blended with footage from my current life and experiences reflecting my artistic evolution.”

Additionally, the music video for “MAN IN THE MERROR,” which was directed Miguel Garcia from Madman Creative Solutions, will showcase his fun and goofy side, featuring places and people close to Waiian’s heart. He’s also in the pre-production stages of the music video of “SOFTIE,” which will highlight diverse couples representing various underrepresented identities in mainstream media, as well as a collaboration with Geloy Concepcion.

Live Performances and Upcoming Shows

Waiian will debut songs off BACKSHOTS live at the Wanderland Music and Arts Festival, where he’s meticulously planning and rehearsing every song for that special day to ensure a solid performance. Fans can expect a dynamic and energetic live set that captures the raw energy and emotional depth of his new album. He’s also set to co-headline the upcoming ALL OF THE NOISE music summit, along with Taiwanese band The Chairs, Singaporean rapper San The Wordsmith, and Thai indie pop collective KIKI.

Check out the track list:

  • AUG27
  • MALAKING BIRD
  • MAN IN THE MERROR
  • LOSE MY NUMBER
  • SOFTIE
  • MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
  • ASAN NA SI…
  • SI LODS NA BAHALA
  • BOUNCE NA KO MAN

Through Sony Music Entertainment, Waiian’s latest album, BACKSHOTS, is currently available on all digital music platforms globally. This Friday, March 14, 2025, at 8 PM, the music video for “MAN IN THE MERROR” will be released on YouTube.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Scrubb and Pamungkas collaborate to co-headline a concert only in the Philippines

Tickets are now available via Helixpay

Pamungkas from Indonesia and Scrubb from Thailand will headline a one-day music extravaganza to commemorate GNN’s tenth anniversary of producing shows and concerts.

On April 26, 2025, #GNN10 Presents: Pamungkas and Scrubb Live in Manila will be held at Mandala Park’s 123 Block in Mandaluyong City. The co-headline performance is exclusive to the Philippines and will be a major component of the year-long music campaign #GNN10. Earlier this year, this endeavor began with a series of sold-out performances, such as Tanaw: The Repeat at Newport Performing Arts Theater and Regina Song: Live in Manila.

The inaugural celebration not only commemorates the production company’s commitment to championing local and Asian artists but also reaffirms its mission of mounting concerts and events rooted in community building and inclusivity.

Screenshot

Having earned iconic status in their respective countries and throughout Southeast Asia, Pamungkas and Scrubb have cultivated a dedicated fanbase in the Philippines with their inescapable anthems. Indonesian singer-songwriter and producer Pamungkas became a regional sensation with his breakout hit, “To The Bone,” which topped streaming charts across Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, where it peaked at No. 5 on Spotify PH charts. Meanwhile, phenomenal Thai alt-pop duo Scrubb captivated global audiences with their enormous contributions to the official soundtrack of 2gether The Series, the biggest Boy’s Love hit to ever come out of the region.

GNN brought both artists in 2022 and 2024, respectively, introducing them to the Philippine market through separate headline shows.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Pamungkas and Scrubb back to the Philippine stage,” shares GNN Creative Director Marie Lara Pauline Bobier in an official press statement. “This anniversary celebration marks an important milestone for me, Ian, and Milley, and reflects how far we’ve come from our humble beginnings. It is a testament to our younger selves that passion, dedication, and perseverance pay off. We started with nothing—personally cutting tickets, selling them through meet-ups with strangers, carrying our extension cords and electric kettles to gigs and concerts—all while holding onto our day jobs.”

Bobier continues, “GNN has never been just about numbers; it has grown through shared experiences and memories. Our artists, gig and concertgoers, and dedicated production team have created moments that will last a lifetime. GNN has always been, and will always be, for those who live and breathe entertainment. We are truly grateful that, through our company, we have the privilege of bringing together the artists we admire with the fans who love them just as much.”

Tickets to #GNN10 Presents: Pamungkas and Scrubb Live in Manila are available on March 14, 2025, 12 noon via https://scrubbpamungkas.helixpay.ph.

About GNN

GNN, previously known as Gabi Na Naman Productions, is a Filipino music events and multimedia company that brings memorable and one-of-a-kind experiences to a diverse spectrum of audiences. Founded in 2015 by Milley Habito, Marie Lara Pauline Bobier, and Ian Urrutia, the music and entertainment-focused agency has produced shows, activations, events, concerts and festivals in several venues across the country, from the Philippine Arena to Circuit Makati, from New Frontier to Music Museum, and so much more.

Aside from its landmark concerts and shows, GNN takes pride in its commitment to honing a safe space for music fans through concerts and events that champion the Filipino creative spirit. The Aliw Award-nominated team has mounted specialized shows featuring some of the biggest acts in the Philippines, including Ben&Ben, BINI, Ely Buendia, Kyla, Zack Tabudlo, IV of Spades, Lola Amour, Ebe Dancel, Kitchie Nadal, Barbie Almalbis, Mayonnaise, Gloc-9, UDD, Dong Abay, Johnoy Danao, Munimuni, Clara Benin, Over October, Joey Ayala, and more. They’ve also brought international acts to the local shores: Indonesia’s Pamungkas and Reality Club, Thailand’s SCRUBB, Singapore’s Regina Song, Ysa Yaneza and Club Mild, Taiwan’s Elephant Gym, Japan’s Hitsujibungaku and more.

As a business that focuses on publicity management, events production, and end-to-end music marketing, GNN has produced new strategies and creative solutions that are suited to the demands of the client or brand. In addition, the Filipino production group has worked with brands like Greenwich, TikTok, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music, Island Records Philippines, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Home Buddies, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Globe Live, CDM Entertainment, ABS-CBN, TBA Studios, Def Jam Recordings Philippines, Linya Linya, Jack Daniel’s Philippines, Smirnoff Mule, and more.

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Lifestyle

At the 2025 Philippine Book Fair, Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing Reveal Exciting New Titles

Book lovers, get ready! At the Philippine Book Fair 2025, which will take place at the Megamall Mega Trade Hall from March 13–16, Precious Pages Corporation and Lampara Publishing are prepared to enthrall readers with an amazing lineup of new book releases.

Known for its dedication to early childhood literacy, Lampara Publishing is releasing a new line of educational books for Preschool through Grade 3 (K–3) that include:

📚 Reading Primer: Filipino and English
📚 Basa Taktika
📚 Strategic Reader
📚 Numeracy Learning Kit
📚 Reference Books
📚 Atlas, Florante at Laura

According to Precious Pages CEO Segundo Matias Jr., the goal of these new releases is clear:

“Layon ng Lampara Books na matutong magbasa ang bawat batang Pilipino para sa kanilang pag-unlad bilang indibidwal at maging kapakipakinabang sa lipunan.”

Meanwhile, Precious Pages is bringing a dynamic selection of novels for Junior to Senior High students, tackling themes of reading literacy, gender and development, inclusivity, BLs, and social sciences. Featured titles with new editions include:

✨ 15 – Victoria Amor
✨ Marcelino Cinco’s High School Survival Guide – Rose Tan

✨ Hitman Tony’s Summer Camp Survival Guide – Rose Tan

✨ Arvy Nicole’s First Love Survival Guide – Rose Tan
✨ My Fat Chance – Sofia
✨ Happy Together – Luna King
✨ Forever and Never – Angelic Alcantara
✨ I Remember The Boy: Hiro Hinata – Sofia
✨ Just One Wish – Kayla Caliente
✨ Lost Stars – Maricar Dizon
✨ Love In A Game – Kayla Caliente
✨ Love, Lies and Kryptonite – Nina Satomi
✨ Mad World – Lush Ericson
✨ Melancholy of a Wallflower – Gazchela Aerienne
✨ Once a Princess – Angel Bautista
✨ Our Last Colorful Days – Tyra
✨ Red Briefs, Young Love, And Other Superstitions – Nina Satomi
✨ Ang Nawawalang Bayan – Maricar Dizon
✨ Paghahanap sa Mutya – Maricar Dizon
✨ Ang Awit ng Sirena – Maricar Dizon
✨ Palasyo ng Ilusyon – Maricar Dizon
✨ Ang Anak ni Dumagat – Maricar Dizon
✨ Ang Pag-ibig ng Danag – Maricar Dizon
✨ I Knew He Was Trouble – Heart Yngrid
✨ Eh, Di Sa Puso Mo – Heart Yngrid
✨ Confessions of a K-pop Fangirl – Heart Yngrid
✨ Social Media Addict – Heart Yngrid
✨ Pen Name: ilovesushi – Heart Yngrid
✨ Relationship Status: Friendzone – Heart Yngrid
✨ Supernova – Luna King
✨ Vanilla Twilight – Luna King

Black Ink (BIC) Comics & Manga

🖤 BIC Comics (Non-BL):
📖 Ibong Adarna Reimagined
📖 Florante at Laura Reimagined
📖 Bible Stories Reimagined: Genesis

🌈 BIC Comics (BL Titles):
📖 Poster Boy
📖 Poster Boy Vol 2: Fair and Square
📖 Poster Boy Vol 3: The Prince and the Knight
📖 Love Letter Fairy
📖 My Sweet Tooth Love
📖 My Sweet Tooth Love 2
📖 From Neighborhood to Brotherhood
📖 The Guardian Angel
📖 Puppy Love
📖 Terropian Princess
📖 The Girl and the Goldfish

These books aim to enhance reading comprehension among young readers and offer engaging, thought-provoking stories.

“The young adult books, both prose and graphic novels, will cater to Grade 6 up to Senior High. Para lalo pang malinang ang reading comprehension ng mga mag-aaral,” said Matias.

To discover these brand-new books, connect with other book enthusiasts, and enjoy the joy of reading, stop by the Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing booth at the Philippine Book Fair 2025!

🔖 Follow Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing on social media for updates.

Precious Pages

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

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

Lampara Publishing

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

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

Entertainment

Noah Alejandre’s new song “Mga Kaibigan” depicts the bittersweet reality of friendships

The stripped-down track acknowledges the reality of growing apart

With a heartfelt new track, Filipino singer-songwriter Noah Alejandre, who rose to fame as part of the award-winning alt-pop band reon, is back in the spotlight.

Alejandre adopts a more reflective stance with his most recent song, “Mga Kaibigan.” after the popularity of his previous single, “Nahuhulog Na Sa’Yo,” which has received about 40 million plays since its 2022 release.

“Mga Kaibigan” is a sorrowful reflection on the ways friendship evolves over time, honoring the platonic bonds we part ways with as we mature and forge our own paths. The song, which was written after Alejandre left his hometown, expresses the melancholy reality of how life’s inevitable course frequently results in saying goodbye to the individuals who formerly held the greatest significance in one’s life.

“It’s a song about how life naturally pulls people in different directions, not out of choice but out of necessity,” shares the Leyte-based artist. “It’s a mix of nostalgia, appreciation, and the hope of reconnecting one day. I wanted the song to feel personal yet relatable, something that makes people look back on their friendships with warmth rather than sadness.”

The song’s production, helmed by Alejandre himself, features a warm, mellow arrangement that mirrors the nostalgic and comforting emotions conveyed in the lyrics. The new track marks a departure from the themes of love explored in his previous works, delving instead into life decisions that come from a place of certainty and wisdom.

Noah Alejandre describes “Mga Kaibigan” as an intimate piece, with its soothing and subdued sound perfectly complementing the sentiment of the song.

“Compared to my previous songs, Mga Kaibigan feels more reflective and personal,” Alejandre explains. “Thematically, it’s about growth and change, whereas my past songs might have touched more on love or other emotions.”

The most recent artist to sign with evosound Philippines is Noah Alejandre, who joins Frank Ely and other up-and-coming local musicians. At the beginning of the year, he published the poignant folk song “Padama,” which received over 100,000 streams in a single month.

Mga Kaibigan by Noah Alejandre is currently available on all digital music outlets across the globe.

Entertainment

Tomorrowland of Manila: May’s &FRIENDS Festival features Zedd, Illenium, bbno$, and more

On May 30–31, 2025, in Okada Manila, the &FRIENDS Festival will welcome world-renowned musicians to Manila for a unique festival of music and partying.

Grammy-winning EDM legend Zedd, multi-platinum rapper bbno$, Billboard Music Top Dance/Electronic Album winner Illenium, Dutch electronic duo €URO TRA$H, Singapore’s fastest-rising DJ Kiara, the creator of catchy dubstep Seven Lions, Filipino-Australian superstar Ylona Garcia, and more are all on the &FRIENDS Festival’s star-studded musical lineup.

A Once in a Lifetime Lineup for the Philippines

Fresh from playing some of the world’s biggest stages—including Coachella, Ultra Music Festival, EDC Las Vegas, and Tomorrowland—these headliners are no strangers to electrifying massive crowds. Zedd, the Grammy-winning artist behind festival anthems like Clarity and Stay the Night, is making a triumphant return to Manila after nearly 3 years.

Illenium, known for being the first electronic artist to sell out SoFi Stadium twice, will finally bring his euphoric sound with songs like Good Things Fall Apart and Takeaway to the Philippines. Meanwhile, bbno$, the genre-bending and viral rapper behind Lalala and edamame, is set to make his Manila debut, promising an unforgettable live performance.

Joining them are a mix of local and international talents, including €URO TRA$H, Amiel Sol, BOTCASH, Fairlane b2b Siangyoo, Hoang, KDH, Kiara, Kiyo, Jeonghyeon, NGHTSHIFT, NoahJ, RayRay, Seven Lions, and Ylona Garcia. While rooted in EDM, fans can experience a dynamic fusion of genres, from hard-hitting beats and high-energy rap to soulful vocals.

The Festival Made for You &FRIENDS

Set against the backdrop of Manila’s buzzing festival scene, &FRIENDS Festival is a cultural moment where music and pop culture collide.

“We’ve seen how festivals like Coachella, EDC, and Tomorrowland unite music lovers from all over the world, and now it’s Manila’s turn,” says Justin Banusing, CEO of Clout Kitchen, organizers of the festival. “&FRIENDS is about bringing people together—whether you’re here for the biggest names in EDM, viral popstars, or the next breakout artist, this is the festival for fans who want it all.”

With two days of live performances, fans can choose from a variety of ticket options to tailor their festival experience.

2-Day Tickets that include entry to both days, are at Php 8,500 for General Admission and Php 15,000 for VIP.

Solo day tickets start at Php 6,000 for Day 1, with Zedd, €URO TRA$H, Kiara, Fairlane b2b Siangyoo and more EDM acts. Day 2 starts at Php 3,500, featuring bbno$, Illenium, Seven Lions, Ylona Garcia, and a variety of pop, rap, and EDM performances.

From now until March 30, fans may save and avail of bundles with their friends with 5x 2-Day General Admission tickets for Php 34,000.

The ultimate &FRIENDS experience can be enjoyed in VVIP Cabanas, starting at Php 90,000 for Day 1, and Php 54,000 for Day 2, for 9 pax.

You may get tickets at andfriends.live right now. For updates, follow the official &FRIENDS Festival accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Entertainment

With “Yumi & The Apocalypse,” SOS Exhibits Grace in Final Thoughts Before Their Sophomore Album

The band weaves in old, familiar sounds with new, experimental styles in the lead-up to their second LP, ‘It Was A Moment’

DOWNLOAD PRESS ASSETS HERE

SINGLE COVER ART

PRE-SAVE LINK

The new single “Yumi & The Apocalypse,” which is the lead single from the indie alternative band SOS’s upcoming sophomore album, It Was A Moment, which will be released on March 28th, explores endings.

“Yumi & The Apocalypse” combines new, experimental production with old, familiar sounds to focus on SOS’s powerful storytelling, which is frequently centered on personal experiences and serves as an avatar of collective ones. They do this by delicately balancing their propensity toward cynicism (or, as they put it, “a stroke of sadness”) with a more mellowed maturity. Even though the song is about a breakup, “Yumi” handles it more elegantly. “It’s with less spite and more acceptance,” the band says.

Originally written with a different chorus by vocalist Roberto Seña, the band kept the older production and incorporated standout rearrangements by Ram Alonzo (keys) and King Puentespina (drums), who also both work on synths. Kiddo Cosio, the owner of beloved El Union coffee shop and roastery, played on trumpet for the track.

While “Yumi & The Apocalypse” still delivers SOS’ self-described classic “guitars, angsty but melancholic singing,” the end result is brought together by dynamic sources of inspiration and sound palettes from all five members, even if it meant not capitulating to a highly pop-oriented market—but with hopes it will resonate with people, too. “It was rewarding hearing the music come together. It always is… A lot of artists are too concerned to make a pop hit, but sometimes you just want to let some angst out,” they said. “We’re always just trying to amuse ourselves at this point. Never fully concerned if listeners today want this from us. If it lands, it lands. We’re just happy to be in the studio and bring life to whatever stories we have to tell.”

The single follows the release of the band’s highly anticipated second album, It Was A Moment, which was their first full-length album since Alonzo joined in 2023 and their critically praised 2017 debut LP, Whatever That Was.

SOS  is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sosbandforever. For media and booking inquiries, email at [email protected].

FOLLOW SOS

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Entertainment

Enchanted Kingdom celebrates Valentine’s Day by sharing the enchantment of love via the Forever Enchanted Love Stories

EK Forever Enchanted Love Stories 2025

This February, Enchanted Kingdom, the Philippines’ first and only top-tier theme park, will celebrate the season of love with a fantastic Valentine’s Day festival called Forever Enchanted Love Stories.

This 2025, guests and their loved ones may enjoy the magical performances, enjoyable activities, and sweets created with love by Eldar the Wizard across the Park as part of EK’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

Last February 15, several lucky Park guests were given the chance to share their own Forever Enchanted Love Stories at the Bandstand during the annual Hug-A-Palooza event. Eldar and Princess Victoria also joined the crowd for the event’s highlight — the hugging tradition.

After the Hug-A-Palooza, the featured guests received special giveaways and were led to an intimate Valentine’s dinner treat at EK’s very own restaurants Amazon Grill and LaunchTime.

EK Serenade at Victoria Park 2025

Further spreading the Valentine vibe, violinist Dominique Casacop serenaded everyone at the Victoria Park last February 21 and 22. Sparkle GMA Artist Center stars Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay also spread more kilig at the Park on their grand fans day last February 23 at the Bandstand.

EK Sofia & Allen Fans Day 2025

With the Forever Enchanted Photowall, park goers can capture their magical memories with their loved ones at this colorful installation located near the Rialto 4D.

At nighttime, scroll along the streets of the Brooklyn Place and fall in love with the vibrant display in sync with classic romantic ballads at the Forever Enchanted Love Symphony during Fridays to Sundays.

To complete your romantic EK itinerary, EK brought back Forever Love: Enchanting Dinner in the Sky for all weekends in February. This iconic Valentine’s offering featured a unique dining experience for groups and couples while riding the Wheel of Fate ride.

ENCHANTED HEARTS: A VALENTINE’S DAY PROMO

EK Enchanted Heart’s Promo 2025

Create more Forever Enchanted memories filled with thrill and fun only here at EK with the Enchanted Hearts Promo.

Up until March 9, walk-in visitors may get two Regular Day Passes and four Skill Games Tickets for just Php 2,400. Additionally, when you reserve this limited-time deal through the EK Online Store, you will receive four extra Skill Games Tickets as a special surprise.

Visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and follow EK’s official social media pages @enchantedkingdom.ph on Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines on Twitter and Instagram, for additional details and updates about these and other upcoming events and offers.