Entertainment

The award-winning band will be performing at the atrium on May 18, 2024

Take note! Joining forces for the Grand Opening of the Liwanag House, the band’s newest concept store designed especially for its expanding fan base, partners, and supporters are Ben&Ben and Robinsons Galleria.

In addition to offering unique experiences and exclusive releases to their fan base, Liwanag House will be the headquarters for Ben&Ben’s limited-edition merchandise and exclusive releases.

The small venue will also serve as a venue for community-driven events that seek to draw a wide range of participants and initiatives. Ben&Ben’s goal is to establish a space where everyone is respected, heard, and made to feel at home.

To mark the official launch of the Liwanag House, Ben&Ben will be performing at the atrium of Robinsons Galleria on May 18, 2024. The nine-piece band is set to perform some of their biggest and most acclaimed hits, including the viral smash “Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay” and their new single “COMETS,” which dropped a few days ago on all digital music platforms.

With these easy steps, everyone will have the chance to score exclusive passes and watch them live:

1. Download the RMalls+ app (if you haven’t already).

2. Visit any Robinsons Galleria from May 14-17, 2024 (Tuesday to Friday).

3. Enjoy shopping and dining at your favorite stores, and keep your receipts.

4. Present your RMalls+ app voucher and a purchase receipt at the Guest Services Booth of Robinsons Galleria (from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

On May 18, Robinsons Galleria is also giving fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with the band at the Grand Opening of Liwanag House at Level 4, ADB Wing of Robinsons Galleria. Everyone may get exclusive merchandise here and snap selfies with band memorabilia. As a bonus, attendees will be able to witness Ben&Ben staffing the store just prior to the event and catch a peek of the award-winning ensemble during rehearsals.

Aside from the Liwanag House, Robinsons Galleria provides a unique assortment of unique finds like Flying Tiger, first-in-the-metro dining concepts like the recently launched Don Don Tei, Fat Daddy, and Palgakdo, and other hang-out activities to enjoy the ideal weekend at the mall. PlayLab, Winter Magic, and Timezone are just a few of the family-friendly amusement park locations located in Robinsons Galleria.

During its Enchanting Mother’s Day event on Sunday, May 12, Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, once again made unforgettable memories for everyone.

AGILA the EKsperience, the first and only flying theater in the Philippines, was among the over thirty rides and attractions that customers may enjoy for free with the introduction of the park’s Ilaw ng Tahanan Promo. For just Php 1,200, Mother’s Day at EK featured a plethora of exclusive deals, sweets, and events that showcased the enchantment of a mother’s love for her children and family. A Smart Wifi Portable Air Conditioner and a chance to win one (1) Firefly e-gift card worth PhP 200 were also included in this special EK online shop promotion.

Moms were also serenaded by mother-daughter tandem Pinky and Karel Marquez with An Enchanting Mother’s Day Concert, joined by the Women of Song and Music Making Company as they paid tribute to all the mothers with a night of music, dance and entertainment. EK’s very own Circle of Artists, SMS, Victoria’s Way and the Kingsmen also spiced up the Mother’s Day concert with a series of heartwarming musical performances to remember.

Enchanted Kingdom shared more magic through unique offerings for Mother’s Day around the park. Kindermagic, EK’s indoor play area, gave fun passes to moms accompanying their children. EK’s award-winning merchandise stores created Mother’s Day Corners, where guests can take their instagrammable photos while they shop for selected EK merchandise.

EK’s very own restaurants LaunchTime and Amazon Grill offered a special Mother’s Day Group Meals for a magical dining experience. Selected EK tenant partners also joined the fun with discounted treats and freebies. Lastly, EK’s Laser Mission and EKaleidoscope provided group discounts for moms to create more magical adventures at the park.

Baby Dove, Surf, Dove Deo, Rexona, Snailwhite, Snake Brand, Oxecure, Beauty Dream Hall, Pastel, Sparkle, Krunnnch, Piattos, Dewberry, Cloud9 Chocolate Milk Drink, Cream O, Nissin Ramen, Great Taste Iced Coffee, Koreanna, Nutri10excel, Lightskin, Landers, Cher-Aim Thai Herbal, McCormick, Nido, Zim, and Nurture were among the sponsors that contributed to the celebration’s fantastical atmosphere. In addition, the following tenant partners offered their assistance for this unique day: Teho, Angel’s Corn, Dash Premium Ice Scramble, Dairy Queen, Subarashii Manju, Lil’ Orbits Mini-Donuts, Tater Tots, and Sigue Trading.

Visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media pages @ek_philippines on Twitter and Instagram and @enchantedkingdom.ph on Facebook and Tiktok for additional details and updates on this event and EK’s other forthcoming events and offers.

“COMETS,” Ben&Ben’s first official single of 2024, will be released.

The song, which was written by Paolo and Miguel Benjamin, addresses how ephemeral love is.

In addition, “COMETS” is the first song that Ben&Ben co-produced with renowned producer Petra Sihombing, whose work the band has quickly grown to appreciate.

“He flew in to help us bring the song to the next level, with his own additions in both the arrangement and post production of the track,” shares the nine-piece collective. “The band probably had about 90% of the song down, but it was Petra’s very weighty 10% that really helped make the song what it is now.”

Sihombing is a singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist from Indonesia. In addition, he is well-known for his work as a music producer, having collaborated with numerous international artists from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan.

Teaser and Cover Art

The teaser of “COMETS” is making the rounds on several digital billboards across Metro Manila, hinting at how the visual representation evokes a spectrum of emotions.

Ben&Ben reveals, “COMETS is a song that we’ve had and performed a few times since 2021 but haven’t officially released yet, it’s been shrouded in quite a bit of mystery and intrigue. The teasers are meant to slowly raise the curtains and give our keen listeners what they’ve been waiting for.”

This also explains why the band claims that the cover art “encapsulates the essence of the song with how it likens people in our lives to these bright, beautiful yet fleeting flashes of light,” appearing to have caused a burst of light at a snapped photograph. This was designed as a collaborative project by our very own talented group of artists.

This Friday, May 10, 2024, “COMETS” will be made available on all digital music platforms globally by Sony Music Entertainment, here, pre-save the music.

The first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, Enchanted Kingdom (EK), is hosting the most enchanting Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday, May 12.

Take advantage of captivating events, exclusive deals, and complimentary gifts that are ideal for all royal mothers and their families.

At 6 p.m., take in “An Enchanting Mother’s Day Concert,” which will feature the mother-daughter duo Pinky and Karel Marquez. at the Spaceport Grounds to end this momentous day with entertainment and music. Along for the ride will be the Women of Song and Music Making Company, who will serenade the crowd and honor all moms with a series of unforgettable, stunning performances.

“Here at Enchanted Kingdom, we appreciate and salute these wonderful women who make our lives magical through their unconditional love, care and support for their families. Hopefully through this experience, we would also be able to make Mother’s Day more enchanting,” said EK’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon.

With EK’s Ilaw ng Tahanan – A Magical Mother’s Day Promo, which is a partnership with Firefly Electronic and Lighting Corporation (FELCO), guests can also make the most of the entire month of May. Take advantage of this special offer to purchase a standard day pass and a seat at the “An Enchanting Mother’s Day Concert” on May 12 for only Php 1200. In addition to one (1) Firefly e-gift card worth PhP 200 (with a minimum purchase) and the opportunity to win a Smart Wifi Portable Air Conditioner upon activating your FELCO shop account and subscribing to their mailing list, this unique EK online shop promotion also includes a chance to win. Promotion period: May 4–May 30, 2024.

Visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and 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 events and promotions.

Check out the “first batch” of music guests for Kitchie’s homecoming concert

The first group of attendees for SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert will include Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, Lougee Basabas, Hannah Romawac, Acel Bisa, and Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise. The event will take place on June 2, 2024 (Sunday), at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

In a show of support for the sold-out TANAW event at the Solaire Theater in 2022, Kitchie Nadal’s peers in the local music industry recently banded together with her. However, Monty will also share a stage with the Y2K alt-rock aristocracy for a unique performance.

“We’ve prepared a showstopping collaboration with musicians who also happen to be good friends of mine,” said the Bulong hitmaker. “I look up to these artists whose work resonates with me on an intimate level. It doesn’t feel like work at all when you’re surrounded with likeminded individuals who share the same goals in life and career.”

Aside from the inclusion of TANAW girls and Monty, Kitchie Nadal will soon announce the final group of guest acts for her 20th anniversary concert, which includes some of the biggest artists of the current generation.

“I can’t reveal anything at the moment, but I’m excited to explore other possibilities other than the usual,” shares Nadal.

Aside from guest artists from various generations, SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert will also feature several surprises that fans of the pop-rock icon would surely love.

“Expect quality music, surprise OPM artists, and most of all, a Filipino-led world-class production that will bring back memories of Kitchie Nadal’s classic hit music,” Rolando Garcia Jr., Chairman/Founder of Rolling Gum and the Executive Producer of Kitchie Nadal’s upcoming concert, explains. “We’ve realized the importance of working with artists who match our values and goals, especially producing quality music that Filipinos deserve. And Kitchie is one. Her unwavering passion for music has brought her to the OPM pedestal and to these 20 years of giving music hits.”

SAME GROUND: In collaboration with GNN Entertainment Productions, Big Brew and Rolling Gum are hosting Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert. Supporters of this event include Southbay Studios, JB Music, and B Hotel.

Tickets can be purchased via their website at every Ticketnet location across the country. View the ticket costs listed below:

SVIP – ₱4,000.00 (with Meet and Greet + signed poster)

VIP – ₱3,500.00 (with signed poster)

ORCHESTRA CENTER – ₱2,900.00

ORCHESTRA L&R – ₱2,500.00

LOGE – ₱2,000.00

BALCONY – ₱1,200.00

The catchy dance track is SB19’s first release since 2023’s global smash “Gento”

New club anthem from SB19 just in time for summer!

The P-Pop powerhouse collaborates with Chinese electronic producer Terry Zhong and US-based producer/DJ Ian Asher on their new song, “Moonlight,” which was released today via Liquid State/Sony Music Philippines.

The dance-pop hit, which combines deep, catchy grooves with sweat-splattered sounds, perfectly captures love emotions. The award-winning pop quintet masterfully captures the sexual longing of the song in the chorus, “Doing what we do in the moonlight / I’ll be loving you, baby all night,” as they revel in the glorious moment of the night.

According to the P-Pop kings, working with Ian Asher and Terry Zhong was truly an inspiring experience, and it gave them an entirely different perspective when it comes to music-making.

“We’ve met Ian Asher during our tour in the US, and we were surprised at how talented and prolific he is at such a young age,” SB19 shares in a press statement. “This kind of music is new to us. The production is very current yet experimental, but it also gives us room to explore and expand our horizons as artists. The collaboration really brought out the best of all worlds, and being part of the process, really opened our creative realm to exciting new possibilities.”

“Moonlight” was produced by Ian Asher, Terry Zhong, and Lenno Linjama, with mixing by Serge Courtois, who has worked with some of the biggest music stars, including Carly Rae Jepsen, Alessia Cara, Nick Jonas, LANY, Madison Beer, and more.

The release of “Moonlight” comes with a music video conceptualized and directed by SB19’s Justin De Dios. The minimalist vibe of the MV is paired with slick choreography that finds the multi-talented boyband embracing a fun but eclectic persona in all their ‘poker face’ glory.

Justin explains, “The song has euphoric undertones lyrics-wise, so I wanted to play around with that concept and inject a little bit of craziness and out-of-this-world treatment. It’s a very simple but minimalist take, but the dance choreography really elevates the visuals to a different level. I can’t really explain the concept without revealing too much. I’m just excited that this MV is in a totally different lane from anything that we’ve done in the past.”

After 2023’s “GENTO,” which went viral on TikTok and other comparable platforms in the Philippines and Asia, “Moonlight” is SB19’s first release since then. The P-Pop group just completed their highly successful “PAGTATAG!”World Tour” in Japan on April 29 and are currently preparing for a two-day performance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila on May 18 and 19.

SB19’s “Moonlight” which features Ian Asher and Terry Zhong, is currently available via Liquid State/Sony Music Philippines on all digital music platforms globally. Tonight, May 3 at 7 p.m., the official music video will be released.

Other photos:

SB19:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GBu_Ya43r7eg0drB_tZbLj-pG2vVVzIR?usp=sharing

Ian Asher:

https://sm01.box.com/s/72w97fa6r1aoc58csp74m6nbe0a8h4s3

Terry Zhong:

https://sm01.box.com/s/q2n79aixgyacg4g8ga40yk9tyxe2rdqh

The trio behind the ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ finale song are set to headline a four-city tour across Asia

The first headline event for Japanese alternative rock group Hitsujibungaku will take place in Manila on July 6, 2024 (Saturday) at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. This is official news.

Their impending premiere in the Philippines will be a part of a four-city Asian tour that will see them make significant appearances in important Asian cities including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.

Tickets will go on sale at bit.ly/hitsujibungakuph on May 1, 2024, starting at noon.

GNN Entertainment Productions and The Rest Is Noise PH present Hitsujibungaku: Live in Manila. The two production companies recently collaborated to bring Taiwan’s Elephant Gym last year, which sold out in less than a month of availability.

The events production company celebrates its ninth year in the local music scene with a show at 123 Block

The event production business GNN (Gabi Na Naman Productions) is celebrating its ninth year of creating local and international shows for the Filipino audience with a birthday celebration.

The special showcase, known as #GNN9, intends to recognize the production company’s dedication to developing a secure environment for music lovers by hosting events and concerts that support the creative spirit of the Philippines.

#GNN9 will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in 123 Block in Mandaluyong City. forward. Some of GNN’s personal favorites are included in this year’s edition: UDD, Ang Bandang Shirley, Cheats, Ena Mori, Clara Benin, Gabba, and Chicosci. 

This time, GNN wants to commemorate their milestone with an understated, small party that emphasizes live music only and is based on inclusivity and community building.

Limited quantities of #GNN9 tickets are available at bit.ly/gnn9 for PHP 800 (early bird pricing).

Another pop-rock hit song inspired by a popular Korean drama is released by the Filipino band Sponge Cola.

The journey of a marriage towards recovery and reconciliation is explored in their new track, “Tatlong Buwan.” It is reminiscent of the well-known storyline of the hit television show “Queen of Tears,” starring Kim Ji Won and Kim Soo Hyun, two Korean celebrities.

The lead singer and guitarist of Sponge Cola, Yael Yuzon, describes the song as “a love letter, epistolary, or even a midnight soliloquy for one person.”

He clarifies, “The love tale of Queen of Tears’ central characters served as the inspiration for Tatlong Buwan. Being a series helps because you get to know the characters well. You understand their motivations. trauma, familial bonds, and sociological variables. You can observe each character’s push and pull as well as how they are all molded. In the end, the story just makes so much sense in the way it develops that it’s really simple to sympathize, which facilitates both writing and feeling.” 

Yael wrote “Tatlong Buwan” immediately after catching the tenth episode of the smash Netflix show. He admits that the song reflects the urgency of the moment, inspiring him to write with newfound vulnerability.

“I don’t think I’ve ever said mamahalin ka lang, mamahalin kita in a song before,” Yuzon reveals.

The following day, he recorded the song over at Love One Another Studio with legendary music producer Angee Rozul, who told him to sing it in a way that is exactly the opposite of the lyrical mood.

“This actually made me sadder, knowing that it’s a love song that could sadly end in death,” said the Gemini hitmaker. “He had no idea, so the burden was all on me.”

After getting approval from his bandmates, including the ever-stoic Gosh, the band’s bassist, Yael Yuzon, sent the track to Joey Santos for mixing and additional instrumentation. The result, as expected, is a beautifully produced paean to a love that was once lost but is now found, growing stronger by the day even after going through so many twists and turns.

In addition, a music video for the song featuring the main Queen of Tears filming sites will be published alongside it. Yael says that everything about the experience was magical, a labor of love, and a tribute to one of the greatest K-dramas ever.

“There’s something engulfing about visiting locations where great narrative moments took place. It’s like these places witnessed so much emotion that there’s still some of it left.”

The song “Tatlong Buwan” by Sponge Cola is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide. The official music video will be made available at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26. through the official Sponge Cola YouTube channel.

The Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2024 will see the release of a brand-new collection of children’s books and educational resources from Lampara Books, the publisher of Easy-To-Learn Books.

Lampara will be introducing brand-new titles that are sure to excite children with a blend of culture, imagination, and education from April 25–28 at Booths C20–C23 at the World Trade Center.

These are the most recent releases:

1.       ABC Pilipinas

Written by Eugene Y. Evasco with illustrations by Cha C. Gatchula, this book offers a captivating exploration of the Philippines’ natural and cultural heritage through the Filipino alphabet.

2.       Og Uhog

An Honorable Mention at the PBBY-Salanga Writer’s Prize in 2002 and a finalist at the National Book Awards in 2003, this comical book is about a snotty-nosed boy named Og who seemingly never has any time to blow his nose. Authored by Christine S. Bellen-Ang with illustrations by John Ronnel Popa, this second edition features whimsical illustrations, offering readers a delightful blend of laughter and life lessons.

3.       Mamay Esing

Crafted by Jobert Grey Landeza and illustrated by Arli Pagaduan, this story, an Honorable Mention at the PBBY-Salanga Writer’s Prize in 2021, introduces readers to the legendary healer of Sorsogon. Through an unexpected encounter with engkantos, this story explores the timeless values of love and family, leaving a lasting impression on readers of all ages.

4.       Ang Kuwento ni Mimosa

Penned by Bimbo Papasin and brought to life by Aldy C. Aguirre’s illustrations, this book follows Pitsy’s journey of faith and growth as he awaits his transformation into a Mimosa tree. Through challenges and perseverance, this enchanting tale inspires readers to embrace their true potential.

5.       Burnay, Ang Batang Palayok

Written by Augie Rivera and illustrated by Danielle Florendo, this book, which won 2nd Prize at the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 1993, tells the story of a clay pot’s journey to self-discovery. This timeless tale teaches valuable lessons about self-worth and acceptance, accompanied by reimagined illustrations in its second edition.

6.       PaaasaaaluuuBONG!!!

Authored by John Romeo Venturero and illustrated by Lui Buan, this story explores themes of familial love and sacrifice amidst the Overseas Filipino Workers phenomenon. Through Bong’s heartwarming journey, readers are reminded of the power of love and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.

PBF attendees can look forward to engaging in various activities such as book signings by authors and illustrators, interactive storytelling sessions, and exciting booth activities.

Additionally, Lampara Books presents remaining titles from Eugene Y. Evasco’s Big Books series that are designed to make reading fun and worthwhile for children as they improve their reading skills.

With themes ranging from cultural appreciation to moral lessons, these titles promise to ignite young minds and foster a lifelong love for reading.

Aklat ng Halagahan

–        Bayanihan Para kay Umang

–        Bilib Kami sa Iyo

–        Mahal Ko Ang Pilipinas

–        Mga Sagisag ng Pilipinas

Aklat ng Konsepto

–        Ang Pitong Alitaptap

–        Pasasalamat ni Haribon

–        Pasasalamat ni Haribon

–        Pista sa Aming Bayan

Don’t pass up these fantastic chances! I hope to see you at the Lampara Books booths at the 2024 Philippine Book Festival.