Entertainment

The crossover success of FOR KING + COUNTRY’s latest hit, “Love Me Like I Am,” which features American R&B diva Jordin Sparks, has put the multi-GRAMMY® award-winning team on the map.

The multi-format smash has recently entered Billboard’s Adult Top 40 charts at No. 31 and Billboard’s Adult Contemporary charts at No. 17, becoming one of the biggest songs in the US by an Australian act this year in addition to topping Billboard’s Christian Airplay charts (dated February 25, 2023). The sultry tune has received over 30 million streams on Spotify alone as of this writing.

The Christian pop duo recently performed as the festival’s headliners at Circuit Makati in Manila and stated that they would return to the country in the future.

“You know, we hope to always come back to the places that we’ve been, because every country has its own individual culture—taking part in that was a thrill for us,” says Luke Smallbone, one-half of the award-winning music act. “By visiting different cultures around the world, you can learn something from each of them. We just enjoyed being able to spend time with our Filipino friends.”

Their song “Love Me Like I Am” will be serviced in Philippine radio soon, thanks to its crossover appeal and inspiring universality that resonate to fans all over the world. A soaring pop tune that recognizes the fact that we all make mistakes, “Love Me Like I Am” highlights the importance of seeking and practicing forgiveness.

Luke Smallbone reflects, “I think, sometimes in today’s society, we feel like if we make a mistake, that puts us at odds, and we can’t be loved anymore.  The truth is if we all made mistakes, that means all of us would never be able to accept this wonderful gift called love. I think ‘Love Me Like I Am’ is obviously talking about heavenly love but I think it’s also a challenge for us to love our families that way. The gift of practicing forgiveness is probably the most important attribute of the world. And, I think, for us, that is what this song is talking about. Is love for people, mistakes, and all. And, look, people will live very differently when they recognize how deeply loved they really are.”

The fifth studio album by FOR KING + COUNTRY, What Are We Waiting For?, has the number-one single “Love Me Like I Am,” which features Jordin Sparks. released last year through Curb | Global Entertainment. The album opened at No. 2 on Billboard US’s Top Albums, No. 1 on Billboard US’s Top Christian Albums, and No. 7 on Billboard US Albums Chart before reaching No. 1 on iTunes in a number of different nations.

“Love Me Like I Am,” featuring Jordin Sparks, is part of FOR KING + COUNTRY’s chart-topping fifth studio album, What Are We Waiting For?, released via Curb | World Entertainment last year. The album reached No. 1 on iTunes in multiple countries, and debuted at No. 2 Billboard US’s Top Albums, No. 1 on Billboard US Top Christian Albums, and No. 7 on Billboard US Albums Chart.

Featured on major networks including MTV, BBC2, ABC and more, the global hitmakers have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE, R3HAB, Hillary Scott and Timbaland, amongst others. www.curb.com

With the release of “Kalangitan,” NOBITA reaches a new career high after surpassing worldwide hits with “Ikaw Lang,” the most downloaded song in the Philippines on Spotify in 2022.

The pop-rock ballad reveals the band’s vulnerability while providing a catchy sing-along in a seductively recognizable style. “Kalangitan,” a motivational song about friendship through good times and bad, was written by Jaeson, Mark, and Richmond and co-produced with their dependable partner Isagani Palabyab.

“Just when you think that you have reached rock bottom, remember that there is always someone with you who will help you reach for the heavens,” the band shares in a collective statement. “With an arrangement that stays true to our sound and a melody that transcends emotions, this is the type of material that we’d love to explore over and over. Dredging up emotions to the surface and turning them into a song that everyone loves are both gifts that we’re honored to share with our fans.”

When it comes to honing the art of writing emotive pop tunes, NOBITA never fails to miss the mark. This may be heard in the soaring anthem “Kalangitan,” which takes the word “hugot” in a shockingly familiar direction.

The number-one quintent continues, “We’re simply trying to keep it simple and straightforward, so that it’s palatable to the general audience.”

A John Selirio-directed music video is released along with the song. The music video, which also serves as a critique on bullying and the high school clique structure, features up-and-coming actors Joao Constancia and Queenay Mercado.

“Kalangitan” by NOBITA is currently available on all digital music services in the world thanks to Sony Music Entertainment.

Learn more about our creators and labels here.

In keeping with its promise to support Filipino sporting events and other popular Pinoy activities, BingoPlus, the country’s first and only live-streaming bingo site, now sponsors golf competitions.

BingoPlus has made golf its top priority for the month of February. The brand has been an active sponsor of professional basketball conferences, sports teams, beauty pageants, musical performances, and performers as well as traditional Filipino cultural festivals like the Sinulog in Cebu and MassKara in Bacolod.

BingoPlus is one of the Platinum sponsors of the 51st Golden Tee Invitational Tournament at Manila Golf and Country Club, which took place on February 9. This tournament aims to develop new collaborations. BingoPlus will also be one of the Titanium Sponsors of the Third Zamora Cup Invitational Tournament at the Wack-Wack Golf & Country Club on February 23 as a mark of commitment.

AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President Jasper Vicencio said BingoPlus is really trying its best to fulfill its mission of promoting the country’s different types of leisure activities because it wants to contribute to a society with a good work-life balance.

“The nature of our business is leisure and offering the Filipino ways to live a relaxed, well-balanced life gives us fulfillment in what we do. Golf is about the three C’s of camaraderie, connections, and charity. It is a strategic game as well as a game of skill, accuracy, and concentration that imparts many values. We want to give back to the community by participating in this mental, high-level game that allows us to contribute to charitable causes.”

Vicencio went on to say that BingoPlus is proud to be supporting the two elite golf competitions because it would enable the brand to connect with privileged groups and the causes they want to promote.

“Being part of these prestigious golf tournaments allows our brand to participate in the worthy causes that organizers contribute to. We look forward to further collaborating with them and fellow sponsors to promote the sport and align with their respective business inclinations as well. We see leisure fulfilling a deeper mission for the country. As a leisure company we strongly believe that creating a society of relaxed, happy individuals will ultimately result in a productive citizenry, ” Vicencio concluded.

The music video for Rico Blanco’s current single, “Palibot libot,” released under Sony Music Entertainment, tackles science fiction themes.

The images, directed by Cris Escolano and Rico Blanco himself, tell a tale of humanity in a hopeless miserable world. Model Tuti Pon, robotic character “The Entity,” and actor Rico Blanco all appear in the music video.

Pon claims that she enjoyed portraying the female protagonist and embraced the nuances required to successfully portray her character. “I would do it again if I had the chance. It was definitely a new experience for me.”

Production Designer Justine Arcega-Bumanlag expressed enthusiasm in working with the team and conveying the fantastically imaginative vision of the material. She shares, “For this, Rico Blanco was aiming for a classic-looking music video that stands the test of time. He wanted to veer away from CGIs, so we started building a set that looks like a wreckage from an unknown planet, and using it all throughout the time.”

The character from a series that he filmed in La Union last year served as the inspiration for the song, which examines the ambiguity that exists between friendship and relationship. The narrative of the song, however one-sided, is “anchored precariously on someone’s steadfast loyalty,” and it is blunt about the fact that love is not always synchronized. It has drawbacks, but that is part of its allure.

The song “Palibot libot” will be on Rico Blanco’s upcoming fourth studio album, which Sony Music Entertainment will distribute.

Watch the music video of “Palibot libot” here.

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With the official release of her Tower Sessions Live CD through Sony Music Entertainment and a reunion event involving her legendary bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle, Filipino singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis marks a significant milestone in music.

Both events commemorate her 25th anniversary in the Philippine music industry as a lady who effectively mastered Pinoy rock through emotionally stirring composition and uncompromising artistic freedom. It is indeed a wonderful event as we witnessed a great milestone that is full of love and light. She delivered all her songs with a grateful heart and we enjoyed it so well.

The Tower of Doom members Eric and Carlo Perlas produced Barbie Almalbis’ Best Hits live album, which has a fresh arrangement of her classic and contemporary songs. Kyle Cayton recorded the album, while Simon Durias mixed and mastered it. Along with more recent songs like “Days Are Long,” “Silaw,” “Tigre,” and “Kumpas,” the album’s first single, it will also include classics that defined careers, including “Firewoman,” “Torpe,” “Tabing Ilog,” “The Dance,” “Goodnight,” and “Just A Smile.”

“It’s always been a dream of mine to record our songs live, because we’re always rearranging songs as a band, and I think there’s something special that gets captured when the we play live together,” Almalbis shares. “My producers and collaborators did such a great job of making you feel like you’re at the gig. You can feel the power of the kick drum and the bass, and then have guitars blasting in your ear — in a pleasant way, of course.”

Aside from the release of Tower Sessions Live on digital platforms, Barbie Almalbis is set to headline her 25^th Anniversary concert at 123 Block, Mandala Park on March 11 (Saturday), from 2pm onwards. Celebrating the impact of her music as a guide to many people’s journey in life, the show will reunite her with former bandmates in Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Aptly titled Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, the mini-music fest will also feature sets by some of the country’s finest acts, including Sandwich, Gab Alipe of Urbandub, Clara Benin, I Belong To The Zoo, Kai del Rio, and Bird.

Reflecting on her career as an artist, Almalbis expressed gratitude to her fans who have been supportive of her endeavors through the years. “I didn’t have so many plans growing up, but always just dreamt of playing music. I’m so grateful that I get to do this and share the experience with others too. I’m always touched by the support of my fans and friends, and really humbled and encouraged by their words and stories about how these songs have also become part of their journey.”

Under Sony Music Entertainment, Barbie Almalbis’ Tower Sessions Live is now accessible on all digital platforms throughout the world.

You may get tickets for her forthcoming performance, Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, on TicketMelon. In collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment, Backspacer Records, JB Music, Nova Health Shop, D&D, Smirnoff Mule, and 123 Block, the event is hosted by GNN Entertainment Productions.

Follow Barbie Almalbis on socials:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

This might very well be a verse from a love song. Yet The Dawn, one of the nation’s pioneering rock bands, poses this query in their brand-new song, “Earth.” The song “Earth,” famous for its anthems like “Salamat” and “Iisang Bangka,” poses the existential query, particularly in light of the current political, societal, and even personal concerns.

It’s been a struggle to be a human. There’s always the question, can we go on like this? Is this how we’re supposed to deal with things? Is there a better way, says The Dawn frontman Jett Pangan. “We, as human beings, when we’re faced with troubles that seem insurmountable, we tend to look the other way. Maybe not to say we’re in denial, it’s more of the fear of the unknown.”

He pointed out that it’s not condescending but, in fact he asks himself the same question. The pandemic also raised that big question. “We’re all hoping that after all these we become better people,” he said.

Trust The Dawn to come up with a song that is timely and relevant. The society has seen a rise in mental health concerns among the youth. In fact, in a study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), it highlighted that between 2013 and 2021, there are twice the number of young Filipinos who felt loneliness, sadness, and being disliked.

One of the band’s guitarists Rommel “Sancho” Sanchez, emphasized that “Is love still a thing,” can also be read as “is empathy still a thing?” Sanchez said that with the mode of communications now, it’s easy to be snarky. Their hope is that through this song and with this one powerful line, people will pause, reflect, and hope that they can be a little kinder.

Apart from the significance of its lyrics, there are a lot of reasons that make “Earth” distinct.

It was recorded during the pandemic and every member of the group had to record individually. The Dawn drummer JB Leonor shared he made a story with the drum parts alone. There’s a reason for every note of the drum.

“Earth” is the last song that their bassist Mon Legaspi recorded before he passed away. And it was an ode to him that they committed to finish the track.

Sanchez was the last one to record the guitar parts. “I lost the recordings when my hard drive failed. We had to ask permission from Mon’s sister and asked a friend to help extract his parts. It was really difficult for me to record my parts,” he said.

The song itself went through a lot and now that it’s here, it is definitely a treat not only to the loyal fans of The Dawn but to everyone who appreciates great music.

The band is motivated to continue by the response to “Earth.” Francis “Kiko” Reyes, one of the guitarists, deserves credit for claiming that the band’s creative connection persisted throughout the pandemic. With all of his rally cries and the response to the new song, Pangan exalted that an EP, or new collection of songs, was imminent.

The Dawn wishes to be a part of the music scene since they are aware of how dynamic it is nowadays. He continued by saying that people are more accepting of music today because of the blurring of genre and label boundaries. They don’t say whether the music is too hip-hop or too rock. There’s no border to cross now that music has merged in all genres, and The Dawn has been blessed with a platform to be heard over the years. This time, it’s their new song “Earth.” The Dawn is a band with a lot to offer, and like the true rockstars they are, they follow their musical inclinations. No categorization, just genuine love for music. Play The Dawn’s Earth music now on Spotify and Youtube.

In February 18, 2023, EK is bringing back “Hug-A-Palooza” to honor the month of love (Saturday). This 2023 celebrates the 5th anniversary of Hug-A-Palooza, a celebration of warm entertainment and surprises that are followed with warm caresses to be enjoyed with family, friends, and coworkers.

Around 4 o’clock in the afternoon, EK’s very own P-Pop girl group will perform at Hug-A-Palooza at the AGILA Grounds, while Victoria’s Way and The Kings Men will serenade the crowd.

Have a chance to meet and greet the cast of iWantTFC’s newest series, TEEN CLASH, and prepare to have a wonderful and unforgettable time with Jayda Avanzado, Markus Paterson, Aljon Mendoza, and more to spread more “kilig” this season of love.

Moreover, the Enchanted Kingdom will debut its first Eldar’s Fair, bringing back wonderful memories of school fairs. Expect a ton of fun games and unique surprises from the jail booth, marriage booth, and dedication booth for everyone who visits the booths. The dates of Eldar’s Fair in 2023 are February 18, 19, 25, and 25.

Visit the official Enchanted Kingdom website at www.enchantedkingdom.ph, the online store at https://store.enchantedkingdom.ph, or the company’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/enchantedkingdom.ph for more information on promotions, ticket bookings, and reservations.

The DNB-infused bop is produced by his frequent collaborator Trizzy

Young Cocoa, a Filipino rapper and producer, revisits his memories of growing up in Jakarta in “J-TOWN (PM)”    a new song released by pan-regional label OFFMUTE.

The talented young artist claims that “J-TOWN (PM)” depicts a crucial period in his life when he accepted the benefits and drawbacks of living in a cosmopolitan metropolis, pursued his ambitions, and encountered people from all backgrounds.

“The song is about how I feel about Jakarta,” Young Cocoa reflects. “It’s not so much a nostalgic visit as it is one where I express how much impact the city has had on me.”

While the majority of the lyrics are delivered in English, some of the lines in Young Cocoa’s latest track are in Bahasa Indonesia. The Manila chart-topper shares, “The way I did it was inspired by other Southeast Asian artists who would mix English and their native languages into their lyrics. I chose to incorporate Bahasa because I felt it was necessary to tell my story as authentically as possible, as this is a more serious take on how I normally structure the lyrics and storytelling of my music.”

Trizzy, a regular partner of Young Cocoa’s, produced “J-TOWN (PM),” encouraging the emerging artist to develop and broaden the scope of his sound. The song presents a grittier, tougher, and more serious side of Young Cocoa while giving listeners a chance to get to know him on a deeper lyrical level. It combines drum n’ bass sounds with UK Garage and lo-fi textures.

“JTOWN is the most different song I’ve ever made,” says Young Cocoa. “I consider it a benchmark in my discography in terms of my sound selection, tempo, mood, and overall evolution of taste.”

In the upcoming months, Young Cocoa’s debut mixtape, Sari Sari, which features “J-TOWN,” will be made available. Along with several bops, the soon-to-be-released EP has a collaboration with an Asian musician he met at a music festival last year.

Check out Young Cocoa’s “J-TOWN (PM)” on all digital music platforms via OFFMUTE.

Follow YOUNG COCOA on socials:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/youngcocoa_

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

Follow OFFMUTE on socials:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/offmute

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

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

Returning for a second year is Enchanted Kingdom’s unique Valentine’s Day celebration. On top of the Wheel of Fate, Enchanting Royal Dinner in the Sky offers a memorable and romantic dinner date where visitors may take in the spectacular view of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Enchanting Royal Dinner in the Sky, which EK is hosting this year to commemorate the season of love, will feature the Faerie King and the Faerie Queen, the kingdom’s royal couple from their fictional storybook characters.

Visitors can reserve either the Php2,700 couple’s package or the Php4,900 group package. Regular day passes, a dinner for each, love locks, and a keepsake photo are all included in both packages. Call any of the following numbers: (+632) 8584 3535 loc 1905; 0920 983 3624; 0999 884 8445; for questions and reservations. Email [email protected].

Visit the official Enchanted Kingdom website at www.enchantedkingdom.ph, the online store at https://store.enchantedkingdom.ph, or the company’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/enchantedkingdom.ph for more information on promotions, ticket bookings, and reservations.