Entertainment

Through a blend of classical ballet, regional dances, and mythology, Philippine Ballet Theatre will present the rich ethnic grandeur and diversity of the Philippines with the kind support of Philippine Airlines and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The Philippine Ballet Theatre wants to tell the enthralling story of the bird Sarimanok, which is part of the mythology of the Filipino Mindanao people. This legendary animal, renowned for its vivid plumage and alluring aura, takes the lead in a ballet that defies cultural and temporal boundaries. The ballet centers on the magnificent Sarimanok and narrates the tale of a mortal and a moon goddess falling in love.

Sarimanok symbolizes hope and abundant blessings, and Philippine Ballet Theatre sees the ballet as a divine gift. Through this performance, they aim to generate interest in our cultural heritage and showcase the talent of our current artists. Sarimanok is the artistic vision of Ronilo Jaynario, the Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer, set to the original music composed by Paulo Zarate, a highly acclaimed composer. Jaynario and Zarate aspire for ballet, like Sarimanok, to become a symbol of hope and an investment in the Filipino people.

Jaynario explained, “Ibalon made a powerful impact on both the audience and the performers. It received excellent reviews and accolades that any dance company would aspire to have. Therefore, our challenge is achieving the same impact level as Sarimanok. Creating such an impact is vital to us as a company”

Inspiration for the ballet comes from the story itself, the dancers’ response to my movement that enhances the process, and the music that moves me in creating the choreography. I am incredibly grateful that Paulo Zarate is composing for PBT’s Sarimanok.”

Jessa Tangalin and Gladys Baybayin will share the role of the mythical Sarimanok.  Alternating as the romantic couple of  Indarapatra and Moon Goddess will be Matthew Davo and Gabrielle Jaynario and Jimmy Lumba and Joni Galeste.

Sarimanok is PBT’s second full-length Filipino ballet in a row, and the company wants to make a statement about how committed they are to using their art to impact the country.

Sarimanok will have a performance on July 6 and 7 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Reservations for tickets can be made directly with Philippine Ballet Theatre by emailing [email protected] or by texting 09688708887. Tickets can also be bought through Ticketworld.

The experimental folk quintet will be performing at the UP Theater for the first time, following the release of their sophomore album

On July 20, 2024 (Saturday), Munimuni, a Filipino indie-folk group, will celebrate the release of their second full-length album, Alegorya, with a spectacular concert at the esteemed UP Theater.

The much awaited production, ALEGORYA: A Munimuni Concert, is aptly named and promises to be an audio-visual feast for the senses. The concert’s title is derived from their most recent release, which the five-piece group claims conveys a wide range of remarkably distinct feelings and ideas that wouldn’t typically fit into a single album.

The highly regarded group views this performance as a turning point in music history since it combines chamber music with live acts and a more complex narrative. The most fascinating aspect is how Munimuni carefully considers the song order and how they want their followers to find the overall experience rewarding.

“Practically, this one is the biggest so far in terms of audience, and the longest in terms of set list,” Munimuni explains in a statement. “Creatively, we aim to create an experience that mirrors the album’s inherent complexity.”

ALEGORYA: A Munimuni Concert serves as the band’s third major concert, following 2018’s self-titled concert at the Music Museum and 2019’s Kulayan Natin at Cine Adarna, UP Film Center. The live music offering aims to combine the intimacy and adventurousness of Munimuni’s music with a grander scale in terms of ambition and scope, focusing on the album’s overarching theme of “looking at the world and our human selves a bit deeper” and “going beyond what is apparent on the surface.”

Munimuni shares, “We’re excited to perform at the UP Theater, not just because of the size and prestige of the venue, but also because it feels close to home. The band started in the UP Diliman campus, after all. Our goal for performing in large shows and smaller shows is the same, though. We really just want our songs to move people and somehow help them go through life with a sense of hope. For this concert, the goal stays the same, but we get to express it in a different way, which we take as an opportunity to grow as artists.”

Presenting ALEGORYA: A Munimuni Concert are Munimuni and GNN Entertainment Productions. Today at 12:00, tickets will go on sale at bit.ly/alegorya.

View the ticket costs listed below.

SVIP – ₱2,800 (with Meet and Greet + signed poster + soundcheck access)

VIP – ₱2,500 (with signed poster)

LOWER ORCH – ₱2,000

UPPER ORCH – ₱1,500

LOWER BALC – ₱1,100

UPPER BALC – ₱800

The ecstatic dance-pop track serves as SB19’s follow-up to their recently released bop “Moonlight,” featuring Ian Asher and Terry Zhong

Following the euphoric hit “Moonlight,” which lit up the dance floor, SB19 makes a huge comeback with another incredible collaboration with the legendary Filipino-American hip-hop artist Apl.de.Ap. 

With the release of “Ready,” a flashy club song that effortlessly captures the sound of summer no matter the season, the two powerhouse of Filipino music elevate the craft to a new level.

The tune features SB19 and Apl.de.Ap going all out with big beats and thrilling sound buildup, creating a confident hit with broad appeal and great crossover potential.

The Black Eyed Peas longtime colleague Keith Harris produced the song. Apl.de.Ap claims that Harris did a fantastic job fusing Afrobeats, dance music, and electronic music elements with pop music influences.  

The resident BEP rapper also penned “Ready” with Jean-Baptiste, Vince Nantes, and Denzel.

SB19’s very own Pablo and Josue (Radkidz), on the other hand, contributed to the production of the track, adding final touches and subtle sonic elements. With party-starting vocals gliding atop carefully structured production, “Ready” highlights the individual strengths of both SB19 and Apl.de.Ap while nurturing their chemistry with pure, instinctive joy.

“We never got the chance to record together in a single booth, but Apl.de.Ap was such a great guy to work with,” shares SB19’s Justin. “It’s an honor to collaborate with a global superstar of his caliber. We’ve learned so much from his generosity and creative feedback.”

SB19’s Stell was also ecstatic about sharing how game-changing the entire experience was. “It was something new for the group. We appreciate the chance to delve into new genres and production styles that come with unfamiliar territory. But with Apl.de.Ap at the helm of the creative process, we’re just blessed to take on this assignment. It’s not every day that you get to work with an artist you look up to.”

“Ready” by SB19 and Apl.de.Ap, is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide.

The stripped-down track serves as his first release under Sony Music Entertainment

Superstar James Reid of the Filipino music industry has joined the expanding Sony Music Entertainment family, which already has an impressive roster that includes SB19, Ben&Ben, Denise Julia, O SIDE MAFIA, and Clara Benin.

James Reid has been a major player in modern pop and R&B music in the Philippines for over ten years, and he has given music lovers all over the world catchy hits that cut across genres and time periods. The music mogul, actor, and singer-songwriter continues to strike a balance between commercial viability and artistic independence, ensuring that there is a place for artists like him in the mainstream music scene who don’t need to pander to existing trends for a hit. He has achieved chart-topping records, sold-out tours, and well-received brand campaigns.

For his first project under Sony Music Entertainment, James Reid explores the theme of being heartbroken in the new single “Hurt Me Too.” A stripped-down ballad that packs an emotional punch, “Hurt Me Too” finds him grappling with the realities of a heartbreak.

The Tim Marquez-produced track shows James at his most vulnerable, looking back at the ghost of his past with equal moments of fondness and pain.

“I wrote the song three years ago together with Seth Reger, an artist from LA,” the talented multi-hyphenate shares. “He really helped me tap into these emotions that I didn’t even know I was feeling at that moment.”

According to the Randomantic act, “Hurt Me Too” marks a significant shift in his sonic and lyrical direction—a crucial decision that he admits, would define the next phase of his music era. This time around, the focus is more on the storytelling aspect of his music-making: unearthing old wounds and memories, and turning them into an inspiring piece of work.

He says, “I wanted to concentrate on the heart of who I am as a composer with minimal but intentional music production for my next album that I’m working on. For me, Hurt Me Too acts as a palette cleanser by introducing a shift in tone and direction.”

A moving music video directed by James’s close friend Elena Virata will accompany the release of the song. The Grammy-winning musical artist continues, “The concept was simple but powerful, focusing on unreleased emotions and frustrations.”

James Reid’s “Hurt Me Too” is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide.

To commemorate the great inauguration of Robinsons Malls, Ben&Ben and the company have produced a video campaign.

This is the newest concept store, Liwanag House. The video, which is set to the upbeat melody of Ben&Ben’s popular song “Araw-Araw,” follows the award-winning band members as they discover different areas of the shopping center and discover love, pleasure, and happiness every day in the cozy confines of #OurFavoritePlace.

From enjoying delectable meals to indulging in retail therapy, the ad showcases the wide range of options that make Robinsons Malls the ideal location for crafting unforgettable daily experiences.

Liwanag House’s current home base is Robinsons Galleria, where the nine-piece band intends to host unique events and fan-specific experiences in addition to hosting exclusive product launches and limited-edition merchandise launches. Liwanag House should serve as a venue for community-driven events where everyone is made to feel appreciated, heard, and welcomed, according to Ben & Ben.

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, Ben&Ben delighted music enthusiasts with an exciting performance in Robinsons Galleria’s atrium. The group played some of their most well-known, chart-topping hits, such as the recently released, widely available digital single “COMETS,” and the now-viral “Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay.”

The YouTube video campaign is currently accessible. Watch it right here.

The official music video for KAIA’s latest single, “You Did It,” has been made available.

Under the direction of Raymond “Pabi” Fabian and Francis “Kiko” Magundayao, the five-piece band’s transition from their early years to their more assured and polished stage is shown in the pictures. It also tells the origin tale of the dragonfly, which serves as a symbolic representation of their journey as a Filipino female group attempting to succeed in the cutthroat world of the music industry.

According to the MV, KAIA is now traveling farther to investigate new areas with its wings expanded.

The P-Pop trio admits that they were more active in the music video’s concept, even going so far as to incorporate concepts drawn from their own experiences and embrace darker themes.

“We really like being involved because it helps us interpret our songs better and perform with more passion,” shares the Dalawa act in a press statement. “We made sure that everything, from outfits to the set design and even our facial expressions, aligned with the music’s theme. The goal was really to elevate the message of the song through visuals, so we put in extra effort for this MV.”

KAIA also credited their two MV directors, “Pabi” and “Kiko,” for bringing immense creativity to the project and being highly collaborative with the visual storytelling.

The acclaimed pop act explains, “They were able to translate what we envisioned, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable. Their direction made us feel comfortable and confident on the set. Because of this experience, we were able to focus on our performances while they take care of the bigger picture. Overall, it was a collaborative effort that we are very proud of.”

“You Did It” is a dance-pop track that brims with Persian-style instrumentation and modern pop sensibilities. The song was produced by Oh-won Lee, Michael James Down, Will Taylor, and Primoz Poglajen, with lyrics by Jonell “J.O” Sarmiento, a former Z2Z member. KAIA also contributed to the overall concept and narrative of the track.

With this song, KAIA hopes to represent those who lack the bravery to speak up for themselves and who are unable to speak for themselves. The fierce five-piece group continues, “so that when they listen to the song, they’ll feel more confident and empowered.”

The song “You Did It Here”  by KAIA is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide. Go here to view the music video.