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Toyota Choice Ambassadors Ben&Ben to Perform at PIMS 2026

Toyota PH invites the public to see Ben&Ben perform at this year’s Toyota booth at PIMS

Toyota Choice Ambassadors, Ben&Ben, with the bZ4X BEV (left), Toyota Tamaraw GL Dropside (behind), and the RAV LTD HEV (right)

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is inviting the public to visit the Toyota booth at the 2026 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), happening from June 4 to 7, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Making the experience even more special, Toyota Choice ambassadors Ben&Ben will be performing live at the Toyota booth on June 5, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

As Toyota Choice ambassadors, Ben&Ben help bring to life Toyota’s message of giving every customer the freedom to choose the ride that fits their lifestyle, needs, and journey. Their live performance at PIMS 2026 gives visitors another reason to drop by the Toyota booth and experience what Toyota has prepared for this year’s show.

“Toyota has been a core part of our story ever since the beginning of our band. Our first band car was a Toyota borrowed from the twins’ family, at pinagkasya namin kaming lahat doon kasama lahat ng mga gamit namin,“ shared Ben&Ben.

“A few years later, nagsimula ang partnership with Toyota at nagkaroon kami ng dalawang van! Nagkasya na kami nang hindi nagsisiksikan. Dumami na rin kasi ang mga gamit namin sa pagtugtog. Nine years of countless shows and travels later, we’re happy to still be choosing Toyota. Sa lahat ng biniyahe namin, at mga ala-alang nakapaloob rito, Toyota ang sakay namin.” added the nine-piece Filipino band. ”

“Toyota has been a core part of our story ever since the beginning of our band. Our first band car was a Toyota borrowed from the twins’ family, and we made everyone fit in there along with all our gear,” said Ben&Ben. A few years later, our partnership with Toyota began, and we got two vans! We could all fit without squeezing in. By then, we also had more gear for our performances. Nine years of countless shows and travels later, we’re happy to still be choosing Toyota. Through all the journeys we have taken and the memories that came with them, Toyota has been our ride.

Ben&Ben with the bZ4X BEV

Ben&Ben, the Voice of Toyota Choice

Toyota and Ben&Ben are a partnership that is brought together by their shared values of trust, connection, versatility, and innovation. Ben&Ben joining the Toyota Choice campaign adds a fresh and relatable figure that resonates with younger audiences, one that embodies the four pillars of Toyota Choice. This addition gives Toyota a voice to deliver the message of empowering Filipinos to make choices that matter when it comes to their mobility needs.

Toyota Choice reinforces Toyota as a trusted brand that people keep coming back to, the same way Ben&Ben has earned the loyalty of their listeners through their music. Toyota’s genuine customer support and its focus on extending its services beyond a customer’s initial purchase are also reflected through Ben&Ben’s dedication to creating meaningful engagements with their fans beyond their performances.

Toyota, as a one-stop shop, showcases that the brand offers a wide range of mobility solutions to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. Ben&Ben embodies this through the numerous social topics and themes they tackle through their songs. With Toyota’s expert innovations, their cars continue to improve to give customers a smooth mobility experience, while Ben&Ben keeps growing their music to be able to tell relatable and socially relevant stories to their listeners.

Toyota and Ben&Ben’s similarities in their qualities allow the Toyota Choice campaign to have a relatable human feel that allows customers to further connect with the campaign’s messaging of choosing to have the feeling of peace of mind when they choose Toyota.

Make your choice, the Toyota CHOICE!

This year’s theme for the PIMS 2026 booth will be the brand’s Toyota Choice campaign. Guests can visit the booth to see not only the latest Toyota vehicles set for launch this year, but also see and learn about the trusted quality and experience Toyota offers for its customers. Toyota will also hold public test drives for customers to have the opportunity to experience fuel-efficient ICEs, practical HEVs, and future-ready BEV Toyota vehicles firsthand.

Building off the ease of mind Toyota offers with their vehicles, guests can also visit T-OPT, Toyota’s affordable and reliable quality auto parts brand, which will be present at PIMS 2026. Through T-OPT, visitors can learn more about Toyota-backed parts options designed to support customers beyond vehicle purchase and throughout their ownership journey. The Gazoo Racing (GR) booth will also be present at the event, where guests can get their hands on GR merchandise and see a modified GR Supra and GR Corolla on display

“The Philippine International Motor Show has always been a great platform for Toyota to showcase our latest and future offerings of Toyota. We invite everyone to come to Toyota’s PIMS 2026 booth to see our upcoming models up close, test drive our latest vehicle lineup, and enjoy with their families and friends while watching our Toyota Choice Ambassadors, Ben&Ben, perform their songs,” said TMP First Vice President of Vehicle Sales Operations Elijah Marcial.

“Toyota is dedicated to ensuring our customers’ choice leads to a smooth ownership experience, and one that gives them a dedicated peace of mind. We hope that with Toyota’s PIMS 2026 booth, guests will be able to have the power of choice to choose what is best for their mobility needs.” she adds.

With live music, exciting vehicle displays, test drive activities, Toyota-backed ownership solutions, and more experiences waiting at the booth, Toyota invites the public to come together and explore the many ways they can make the Toyota Choice.

Get your tickets for the 10th Philippine International Motor Show by going to Philippine International Motor Show, and learn more about the latest news about PIMS 2026 by following the official CAMPI Facebook page.

Learn more about the latest news about Toyota at PIMS 2026  by following Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and join the ToyotaPH community on Viber to get the latest updates on products, services, and promos. 

 

 

Entertainment

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War Now on Prime Video Following the New York World Premiere

Presents

New Film Stills HERE

Official Teaser HERE

Official Trailer HERE

Red Carpet Premiere Photos: HERE

Red Carpet Premiere FOOTAGE & INTERVIEWS: HERE

Courtesy: Amazon MGM Studios

Prime Video declassified TOM CLANCY’S JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR, directed by Andrew Bernstein, at the World Premiere. Bringing together informants and insiders, New York City’s Regal Times Square was a buzz with talent, filmmakers and attendees as they gathered for a night full of action.

Our operatives rendezvoused at Quality Bistro for a debrief that was no low-profile event. Film talent in attendance at the afterparty included stars John Krasinski, Sienna Miller, Michael Kelly, Max Beesley, Betty Gabriel, and JJ Feild; and Director Andrew Bernstein. All systems were a go as the attendees celebrated another successful mission!

Additional celebrity attendees included Emily Blunt, Matthew Rhys, Kevin Kane, Aimé Donna Kelly, Ramona Singer, Racquel Chevremont, Mia Alario and more.

Photo Credit: StarPix/Dave Allocca

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, starring John Krasinski returning as Jack Ryan alongside Wendell Pierce, Michael Kelly, and Sienna Miller, now premieres this week exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Check Out New Sneak Peek Clip Below

Embed code:

And New Film Stills

Photo Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

Synopsis | In this new film, Jack Ryan is reluctantly thrust back into the world of espionage when an international covert mission unravels a deadly conspiracy, forcing him to confront a rogue black-ops unit, and the clock is ticking. Operating in real time with lives on the line and the threat escalating at every turn, Jack reunites with battle-tested CIA operative Mike November (Michael Kelly) and former CIA boss James Greer (Wendell Pierce), their combined experience the only edge they have against an enemy who knows their every move. Backed by an unlikely new partner – razor-sharp MI6 officer Emma Marlow (Sienna Miller) – Jack and the team navigate a treacherous web of betrayal, facing a past they thought was long put to rest – making this the most personal, high-stakes mission any of them have ever faced.

Directed by | Andrew Bernstein

Screenplay by | Aaron Rabin, John Krasinski

Story by | Noah Oppenheim and John Krasinski

Based on the characters created by | Tom Clancy

Produced by | Allyson Seeger, John Krasinski, Andrew Form

Executive Produced by | John J. Kelly, Alexa Ginsburg, Carlton Cuse, Tom Clancy

Starring | John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Michael Kelly, Max Beesley, JJ Feild, Douglas Hodge with Betty Gabriel and Sienna Miller

 

Rated R for “violence and language” | 105 Minutes

Amazon MGM Studios Press Site

@PrimeVideo @AmazonMGMStudios @PrimeMovies

@JackRyanPV

#GhostWarMovie

For more info visit www.amazon.com/primevideo.

For more information, visit Amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

 

 

 

Entertainment

ALYSON unveils sophomore album, AFTER OURS

Now available on all digital music platforms worldwide, the 8-track release unfolds like a single emotional journey: carefully sequenced, richly detailed, and impossible to skip.

Following the radiant appeal of their critically acclaimed debut DEFINITELY LOVE!, ALYSON makes a compelling return with AFTER OURS—a sonically daring sophomore album released under Offshore Music Philippines.

The band’s second full-length release dwells in the emotional aftermath of romance, navigating uncertainty after intimacy, the allure that challenges commitment, and the bittersweet truth that love survives not because it is flawless, but because it is chosen. Showcasing a more refined direction in songwriting and production, AFTER OURS embraces album listening as an immersive and almost sacred experience, with every track thoughtfully arranged and each detail crafted with clear intention.

In an era increasingly dominated by algorithmic design and standalone singles, ALYSON wants listeners to rediscover the beauty of experiencing albums as complete bodies of work that are meant to be lived through in sequence, with no skips. The record feels like one long night stretching into dawn.

Here’s a track-by-track description:

  1. IKAW LAGI

Opening the record with festive beats and magnetic arrangements, “IKAW LAGI” is described as a “summery, ‘80s Latin-disco anthem” where the feelings of attraction and love are amplified to the max by its inescapable energy. The dancefloor-ready track captures the excitement of attraction at the beginning of a night out: where possibility is endless and every glance feels electrifying.

  1. LANDI

A nighttime 80’s dancefloor track that takes listeners deeper into the long night, the song transports you to the set of the 1987 film, Dirty Dancing. It brings back the physicality and intimacy introduced in the previous album, showing two people unexpectedly synchronized to the beat amidst the chaos of the dance floor, getting closer, skin to skin, almost to a sensual breaking point.

  1. BIGHANI

Exploring the connection between city pop and Brazilian tropical rhythms, the track marks the emotional escalation of the album. Beneath its shimmering production lies an internal conflict: temptation can drive a person crazy after a wonderful night, leading them to question their outlook on loyalty and love.

  1. KUNG SAKALING TANAWIN

Delivering the record’s grandest emotional statements, the track gloriously channels the Manila Sound ballads from the ‘70s and ‘80s with sweeping orchestral arrangements ala Basil Valdez and Rey Valera. Drunk with nostalgia and yearning, the track meditates on the painful beauty of memory, asking whether love would still be chosen if one already knew how complicated and fragile everything would become.

  1. TALAGA

A playful synth-pop track inspired by both Pinoy and Japanese pop sensibilities circa 1986, the track chronicles a lover’s quarrel filled with teasing tension and undeniable chemistry.

The release of the song is accompanied by a music video that pays tribute to the late-night music television performances of the ’80s and ‘90s (e.g., Ryan Ryan Musikahan). It also features rising pop artist Paprikka, who is known for her charismatic singing and soulful delivery.

  1. GOODBYE, SUMMER

Integrating big band jazz, Motown grooves, city pop, and crooner-style Manila Sound into one cohesive package, “GOODBYE, SUMMER” is considered one of the album’s technical highlights. The groovy tune captures the exhaustion of heartbreak while confronting the lingering pain that still shadows it.

  1. 24/7 LOVE & CARE

Handpicked as the album’s focus track, the song embodies the accessibility and warmth that define ALYSON in their sincerest form. Featuring a simpler arrangement centered largely around the band’s five core members, the track represents clarity after emotional turbulence: a realization that despite temptation, confusion, and imperfection, there remains comfort and peace in enduring love.

  1. ‘DI MAKAPANIWALA

Blending elements of Japanese City Pop and Manila Sound, “’DI MAKAPANIWALA” serves as a heartfelt closing track that wraps up the emotional complexities of the night it depicts. It carries a simple, hopeful message about a love that has the potential to last until morning, like credits rolling at the end of a film.

ALYSON’s AFTER OURS is now available worldwide on all digital streaming platforms as of May 22, 2026, via Offshore Music Philippines. Meanwhile, the music video for “TALAGA” premieres tonight at 9 PM on YouTube.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Offshore Music marks ten years of championing indie authenticity with the launch of an upcoming five-part documentary series

The series highlights the label’s commitment to creative freedom, collaboration, and nurturing groundbreaking talent

Offshore Music commemorates its 10th year in the industry with the release of a five-part documentary series that traces its rise as one of the leading Filipino labels in the indie and underground music scene. Scheduled to premiere on YouTube from May to September 2025, the Offshore Music PH 10th Anniversary Docuseries will showcase archival clips, honest interviews, artist stories, and behind-the-scenes moments highlighting the label, its management, its roster of artists, and the creative community it has built through the years.

Since its founding in 2016, Offshore Music has remained dedicated to its artist-centered vision, creative independence, and passion for nurturing music communities. The series reflects the label’s evolving impact and continued drive to innovate in music production, vinyl culture, branding, and artist development.

As Ely Buendia, Founder and CEO of Offshore Music, puts it, “Managing to last this long and being able to do what we want and being true to our principles definitely makes it sweeter.”

Pat Sarabia, A&R Director of Offshore Music, adds, “We like to push artists that introduce something new and interesting to the local music scene. We don’t use online following or stream count as criteria to sign an artist. We listen, determine the artist’s positioning in the landscape of the scene, and build from there. We encourage them to hone their craft by providing feedback, cultivate connections within and outside our network, and support their (sometimes) crazy ideas.”

The five-series documentary opens with Episode 1: One Vision, One Product, which will revisit the label’s humble beginnings through a roundtable discussion among board members. The first episode will explore the label’s founding vision and its bold decision to champion vinyl records at a time dominated by digital streaming, a move that would later become emblematic of the label’s commitment to authenticity and artistry.

Offshore Music General Manager Audry Dionisio reflects on the label’s ethos throughout the years. “We always put the artists’ creativity and music first before anything else. I think we’ve shown the industry that it’s possible to have fair contracts and collaboration that benefit both the label and the artist.”

Other highlights in the docuseries include Episode 2: Championing Artist Growth, which chronicles the label’s pioneering roster and the trust-building process, and Episode 3: Board Member Reflections, which takes viewers behind the curtains to discuss strategic decisions, financial risks, and emotional sacrifices involved in sustaining an independent label. Both episodes will arrive in June and July 2026.

Last but certainly not least, the legacy documentary will feature perspectives from Offshore Music artists and the label’s future plans through Episode 4: Artist Stories and Episode 5: The Epilogue, set to drop in August and September 2026.

Across the series, Offshore Music also confronts long-standing misconceptions about record labels while highlighting the importance of empathy, fairness, and collaboration in artist management.

“The reality is that it’s not a glamorous job,” Sarabia admits. “It involves a solid system, lots of communication, and interpersonal connections for it to work.”

Apart from the challenges and setbacks, the documentary also emphasizes the key milestones in the record label’s history, from pioneering vinyl releases to forming strategic partnerships with global companies, all while upholding their integrity. Some of the landmark achievements shown in the series include the first pressing of the Ultraelectromagneticpop! vinyl and building an internationally recognized roster with acclaimed recordings and releases.

After a decade of championing Filipino creativity, Offshore Music remains driven by the same passion that inspired its beginnings.

“We’re just avid fans of music and will continue to contribute to the betterment of OPM,” Buendia affirms.

Dionisio expressed optimism and enthusiasm for the future of Offshore Music, as hinted in the documentary trailer. “Audiences can expect more exciting releases, authentic content, and an expanding community of creatives who share the same vision.”

The first episode of the Offshore Music PH 10th Anniversary Docuseries is set to premiere later this month. More updates will be announced soon.

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Lampara Books marks National Heritage Month with the release of educational and culturally significant titles

The launch bridges tradition and modern education through stories that nurture literacy, creativity, and social awareness

As part of the celebration of National Heritage Month, Lampara Books introduces its newest lineup of literary and educational titles that pay tribute to the rich tradition of Filipino storytelling while promoting cultural appreciation and character development among young readers.

The collection features Filipino classics, contemporary retellings, and creative educational series that reflect the publishing house’s commitment to offering accessible, culturally relevant, and values-oriented literature for Filipino children and families.

Among the highlights of the launch are two of Philippine literature’s most enduring masterpieces: Ibong Adarna and Florante at Laura. Edited by acclaimed scholar and children’s literature advocate Eugene Y. Evasco, the new edition of Ibong Adarna offers an enriched reading experience through chapter summaries, vocabulary guides, and comprehension prompts designed to support students, teachers, parents, and independent readers alike. The volume features cover art by Arnaldo Mirasol and interior illustrations by Randy Valiente.

The new edition of Florante at Laura modernizes the classic text yet carefully preserves its historical and linguistic character. With annotations, glossaries, discussion guides, and illustrations by Rowin Agarao, the new version is both a literary resource and an important educational tool for contemporary learners.

Also given a special highlight is the newest collection of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, as masterfully retold by award-winning writer Christine S. Bellen-Ang, and brought vividly to life by an esteemed roster of Filipino illustrators. Inspired by the iconic stories of Severino Reyes, the collection reintroduces today’s young readers to narratives that have helmed generations through imagination, morality, wonder, and cultural memory.

“These stories have long occupied a cherished place in Filipino childhood,” shares Segundo D. Matias Jr., Founder of Lampara Books and Precious Pages Corporation. “Through these new editions, we hope to preserve their legacy while allowing a new generation of readers to discover the beauty, wisdom, and humanity found within Filipino storytelling traditions.”

In line with its mission to promote literacy and holistic learning, Lampara Books also launches several educational series that address current learning needs and social development of children. This includes the Decodable Comics for Fluency series in Filipino and English, which integrate Systematics Phonics and the Marungko Approach to reinforce foundational reading skills for beginners.

Written by Daisy Jane Calado, coordinated by Victor A. Villanueva, and illustrated by Rowin Agarao, the series combines engaging storytelling with workbook-based exercises that support comprehension and language development.

Also included in the launch is the Kids Have Rights! Series by Michellan Sarile-Alagao (illustrated by Kim Santiago), which introduces children to their fundamental rights through accessible language and relatable narratives. The Sari-Sari Books series by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz, illustrated by Domz Agsaway, celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and self-expression, empowering a new generation of readers to appreciate individuality and social understanding.

Lampara Books also expands its educational offerings with the inclusion of Disaster Ready-Kids Series by Zarah C. Gagatiga and illustrated by Juno Abreu, which introduces the concept of practical safety measures and disaster preparedness to children. Kaligtasan Para sa mga Bata by Mark Norman Boquiren (illustrated by Mark Norman Boquiren), on the other hand, promotes public safety awareness among young Filipinos.

With Lampara Books’ latest Heritage Month releases, reading becomes more than a way to preserve culture and tradition—it also serves as a vital foundation for education, creativity, and nation-building, helping shape the next generation into compassionate and responsible individuals.

For updates on the launch and featured titles, follow Lampara Books through its official social media platforms.

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

ALYSON pushes the boundaries of modern OPM with upcoming sophomore album, AFTER OURS

The album arrives on May 22, 2026 via Offshore Music

There are albums that soundtrack a particular moment in life, and there are albums that linger long even after the music fades.

With AFTER OURS, Filipino city pop collective ALYSON delivers the latter: a richly layered, emotionally expansive sophomore record that positions the young band among the most promising torchbearers of modern OPM.

Set for release on May 22, 2026 via Offshore Music, AFTER OURS embraces the acclaimed warmth and exuberance of their debut album, Definitely Love!, but with more sophisticated music direction and more polished songwriting. Where their first record revels in romantic escapism at its brightest and most immediate, AFTER OURS explores what remains after the thrill settles: the aftermath of intimacy, longing, temptation, emotional reckoning, uncertainty, and the complication that life and love bring.

Deeply inspired by Japanese city pop, jazz, Brazilian funk, Motown, Philly soul, ‘70s-inspired OPM, and Manila Sound, ALYSON refines their songwriting and sonic ambition across the album’s carefully sequenced body of work. The result is cinematic but eloquently relatable, an album designed not as a collection of singles but as a cohesive emotional journey with organized madness in terms of structure and form.

“AFTER OURS is what happens after love lingers longer, when the fire starts burning through and you’re left with embers,” shares lyricist and vocalist Pio Ligot. “It dives deeper into themes of yearning, temptation, and a struggle for stability. Even the name is a play on what happens after hours when the party and fun are over and you’re just left to your thoughts. In a way, it’s our presentation of maturing from the honeymoon phase to a bit more realistic experience of how love is and how it can be.”

For drummer and producer Marcus Mababangloob, the album mirrors ALYSON’s growth as a creative unit. “The vibe of the album also reflects where we are as a band. In Definitely Love!, our debut album, there was an excitement that could barely be contained, a charm to the roughness of our expression. We wanted to show the world who we are. AFTER OURS is a step forward in maturing as artists. The music has matured, and we know ourselves way better than we did a couple of years ago. This album is a more put-together expression of that.”

Their maturity resonates throughout the album’s production, approaching the project with elaborate care and old-school discipline, writing and rehearsing much of the material nearly a year before formally recording. Many of the tracks were captured live or in large ensemble sections, minimizing overdubs in favor of preserving the organic ebb and flow of performance.

Collaborating closely with orchestral arranger and trumpeter David Jorvina, ALYSON expanded their sonic palette with ornate horn and string arrangements that elevate the record’s emotional scale.

“We wanted the music to ebb and flow depending on the emotions of the song, so we needed to capture it in a more organic way that a metronome would’ve gotten in the way of,” shares Marcus. “It’s all a very old-school way of working, but it’s a crucial step in emulating and paying homage to how our favorite albums were recorded back in the day. We’ve been developing this way of working for a long time, and we wanted to prove that methods such as live recording aren’t just a compromise. It’s an intentional aesthetic choice that contributes largely to the sound.”

The album also features a standout collaboration with Filipino artist Paprikka on the track “Talaga,” envisioned as a classic city pop duet inspired by the theatrical largesse of vintage anime romances. Elsewhere, songs like “Ikaw Lagi,” “Landi,” “Bighani,” and “Kung Sakaling Tanawin” showcase ALYSON at their most adventurous: uncompromisingly unguarded and rhythmically daring this time around.

Notably, AFTER OURS was mastered in Tokyo by acclaimed engineer Eiji Hirano, known for his work with revered Japanese acts such as Ryusenkei, lending the record layers of sonic depth and direct lineage to the music that inspired its creation.

For longtime listeners, AFTER OURS reveals a band growing more fearless in both sound and storytelling. For newcomers, it offers a compelling introduction to one of the country’s most promising young acts whose sense of ambition and musicianship continue to push the boundaries of contemporary Filipino music.

AFTER OURS Tracklist:

  1. IKAW LAGI
  2. LANDI
  3. BIGHANI
  4. KUNG SAKALING TANAWIN
  5. TALAGA
  6. GOODBYE, SUMMER
  7. 24/7 LOVE & CARE
  8. DI MAKAPANIWALA

ALYSON’s AFTER OURS will be available on all digital music platforms worldwide this May 22, 2026, via Offshore Music.

 

 

 

Entertainment

Filipino singer-songwriter syd hartha finds solace by the sea in TONEEJAY collab track “dito muna tayo”

The collaboration transforms longing and stillness into a beautifully understated musical experience

Filipino singer-songwriter syd hartha reunites with acclaimed artist TONEEJAY for their latest collaborative single “dito muna tayo,” out today via Sony Music Entertainment.

Capturing the human need to stay in spaces that soothe the mind and nurture inner peace, the folk-pop track draws inspiration from syd’s emotional connection to the ocean: a place that she describes as a source of calm and contentment throughout her life.

The free-spirited musician recounts how her deep connection with the vast body of water inspired her to write the song. “My great grandparents, who I spent a lot of time growing up with, would always bring me to beaches near where we lived in Cebu. That child-like spirit never really left me, even as an adult.”

Now that syd is older, she considers every trip to the ocean as deeply restorative and healing. “One of the biggest inspirations behind this song was the time I got to spend a few months living by the sea, and how it healed me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Leaving it was heartbreaking because a part of me really didn’t want to.”

Cushioned on soft instrumentation and understated arrangement, “dito muna tayo” allows both artists’ distinct songwriting voices to meet in riveting unison. The partnership reveals both their vulnerabilities and strengths as artists, finding refuge in unmasking defenselessness and allowing the words to soar with poetic grace and restraint.

“The collaboration came out naturally,” syd explains. “We’ve worked together before on one of his songs, and I’ve been wanting to collaborate with him again since the. When I chose ‘dito muna tayo’ as my next single, it felt like the song needed more color and texture. TONEEJAY was the missing piece in the puzzle, and he’s certainly the perfect fit for the song—thanks to his uniqueness and distinct songwriting voice.”

According to syd, the songwriting unfolded organically, with the recurring line, “babalik at uuwi ako dito” inscribing her journey with nothing but great memories. To make it feel more at home, syd included a few Cebuano lines in the lyrics to capture both her childhood connection with the ocean and the comfort that it brings to her up to now.

“I started by imagining what that sense of calm would sound like on guitar, and the lyrics just flowed from there,” she recalls. “We mostly just focused on bringing the song to life in the simplest and most honest way possible, staying true to its core emotion throughout the process.”

syd hartha and TONEEJAY’s “dito muna tayo is out now on all digital streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the official visualizer today at 6PM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

The Bloomfields turn gratitude Into groove on “Tayo Na, Dali!”

The accompanying music video, to be released this Sunday, stars multi-awarded actor Pepe Herrera

After the viral resurgence of their anthemic hit “Ale” on TikTok and various streaming platforms, Filipino band The Bloomfields are embracing a remarkable second-wave momentum with the release of their newest single “Tayo, Na Dali!,” a fun and exuberant, ‘60s pop-inspired jam that serves as gracious giveaway to the fans who have kept their music alive across generations.

Brimming with nostalgic groove and infectious warmth, “Tayo Na, Dali!” exudes the enduring power of music to unite people on the dance floor and beyond.

[MORE MV BTS CLIPS]

An invitation to cry-dance

On the surface, its really just about asking someone to dance, shares vocalist and drummer Rocky Collado. But underneath that, I wanted there to be a sense of urgency. Theres this feeling in the song that great moments dont last forever. They come, they happen, and before you know it, theyre gone. So, when theyre there, you have to be present. You have to celebrate them while you can.

Deceptively simple but eternally joyous, the song doubles as a poignant meditation on time and transience as much as it is an invitation to dance. It’s a song reminding listeners to enjoy life’s fleeting but beautiful moments before they even slip away. The line, “Malay mo isang araw, hindi na tayo makakapagsayaw,” sums up the emotional heartbeat of the song, grounding its buoyant energy with vulnerable sentiments that hit home.

Musically speaking, “Tayo Na, Dali!” revisits the live-band spirit that endeared The Bloomfields to diverse audiences. Inspired by the timeless sensibilities of The Monkees, The Romantics, and even The Beatles, the track blends vintage pop stylings with OPM charm while carrying the confidence of a band that has evolved through years of maturity and refinement.

Music video with Pepe Herrera

The release also ushers in a highly anticipated music video starring multi-awarded actor Pepe Herrera, whose magnetic screen presence adds emotional depth and irresistible charm to the project.

Collado fondly recalls working with Herrera, whose performance and input felt like watching a pro in action. “The moment he was in front of the camera, he just lit up,” Collado reveals. “You could tell he knew how to work with the scene, how to add emotion while jiving to the rhythm.”

Inspired by ‘90s teen romantic comedies and coming-of-age films, the MV reflects the many milestones The Bloomfields have soundtracked throughout their career: weddings and debuts to anniversaries and birthday celebrations—name it.

Rocky Collado admits that this is his first time conceptualizing the music video for their own songs. “I really wanted the visuals to mean something,” he explains. “I knew I wanted the MV to celebrate the kind of life The Bloomfields has lived as a band. Through the years, we’ve been lucky enough to play at people’s weddings, debuts, 50th birthdays, golden anniversaries, and even a one-year-old’s birthday party. We were there for so many people’s special moments, playing timeless classics while another chapter of their lives was unfolding.”

Directed by Jeremy Jay Abaño, whom the band credits for sharing the concept into a visually compelling story, the music video balances nostalgia, humor and romance with effortless sentimentality and sincerity.

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Mateus Asato brings world tour to Manila in 2026

The virtuosic Brazilian-Japanese guitarist will also perform tracks from his solo album, ASATO

Mateus Asato is bringing his world tour to the Philippines in 2026. Considered one of the most prominent guitar players of the modern era, the renowned musician will be holding a special show at Aster Events Place in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City, on July 31, 2026.

Produced and presented by GNN, Mateus Asato Live in Manila will feature performances of songs from his highly anticipated debut solo album, ASATO, as well as fan favorites. His self-titled record, which was released in February this year, doubles as a sonic travelogue that combines jazz, pop, and R&B influences with a prolific level of artistry and technique.

Prior to solidifying his global reputation as a virtuosic Brazilian-Japanese guitarist, Mateus Asato has collaborated with some of the biggest pop superstars, from Bruno Mars to Selena Gomez. As a fully fledged solo artist, he was often praised for his soulful guitar playing, earning accolades from several music media, including Guitar World Magazine’s list of the “TOP 10 Guitarists of the Decade,” Total Guitar’s “TOP Guitarists Right Now (2020),” and Guitar World Magazine’s “Hottest Guitar Players In The World (2022).

John Mayer recently called him “one of the best guitar players around,” alluding to his signature flawless technique that shatters conventions of the current guitar mold.

Tickets to Mateus Asato Live in Manila are now available via Ticketmelon, with the following tiers.

VIP (PHP 1,850)

Inclusive of 1:1 photo op, live autograph, A5 poster, and early access

General Admission (PHP 900)

Regular entry only

 

 

Entertainment

Enchanted Kingdom pays tribute to all amazing moms with a month-long Mother’s Day celebration

Eldar the Wizard, Aruga, and Faerie Queen greeting guests in front of Eldar’s Theater

Enchanted Kingdom, the Philippines’ first and only world-class theme park, is marking motherhood and family togetherness through Forever Enchanted Mother’s Day: A Month-Long Summer Celebration, happening every weekend of May.

As part of its Forever Enchanted Summer campaign this quarter, the Laguna-based attraction honors the extraordinary women who fill every home with joy through special treats, giveaways, themed shows, and exciting park experiences, all included with EK’s Regular Day Passes.

EK treats moms with complimentary pampering services

The festivities officially kicked off on May 10 at Eldar’s Theater, which featured complimentary pampering services, such as basic haircut, facial cleansing, and massage therapy, paired with goodies and essentials exclusively for moms.

SMS Summer Blast

Mothers and their families also danced and sang along to the energetic performances of EK’s very own P-Pop girl group at their seasonal musical show, SMS Summer Blast.

Guests shares love and appreciation for their mom on Letters to Mom dedication wall

Adding a heartfelt touch to the celebration, the theme park set up its Letters to Mom dedication wall, allowing guests to share messages of love and appreciation for their mothers.

Lastly, the maternal figures among the EK Stoyverse characters — Faerie Queen and Aruga — along with Eldar the Wizard, made a special appearance in front of the Eldar’s Theater, where they warmly welcomed and interacted with park guests.

MORE MAGIC FOR MOTHERS

The month-long Mother’s Day celebration continues as EK announces some of its upcoming seasonal shows, deals, and experiences for the remaining weekends of May.

On top of the various pop-up booths featured each week, SMS Summer Blast will keep the energy and radiance alive as the show runs Fridays through Sundays at 4PM and 5:30PM at Eldar’s Theater.

Visiting moms can enjoy heartfelt serenades from Fridays to Sundays by EK’s all-male vocal group Kingsmen, while the award-winning musical group La Salle Green Hills’ Kundirana will perform their special Mother’s Day tribute on May 17.

Throughout the month, the whole family are in for a royal feast with EK’s Filipino-themed Forever Enchanted Mother’s Day Food Bundle at Amazon Grill and LaunchTime restaurants. In addition, everyone can gift a piece of magic while enjoying enchanting savings on selected EK merchandise with 10% off.

Guests can enjoy these Mother’s Day treats and more surprises alongside Enchanted Kingdom’s well-loved rides and attractions as the Park welcomes visitors every Friday to Sunday from 1 PM to 8 PM.

*Schedules may change without prior notice.

For more details and updates on this event and other park offerings, visit Enchanted Kingdom or follow its official social media pages: @enchantedkingdom.ph on Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines on Instagram.