Entertainment

Lea Salonga

Bayanihan Musikahan, Online Konsert-Fundraiser amounting to PhP 1.5 million additional  in 1 hour during the live concert-from-house of the broadway superstar Lea Salonga last April 2, 2020. She began and ended her hour with composition by the principal organizer of the project, Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music. Emphasizing citizen action in the face of a pandemic, Salonga encapsulated an emerging dynamic of citizens helping citizens through small contributions and exercise of talent.

The unusual spike adds this amount to the total of PhP 22,373,178.00 already raised by April 2, 2020. Ms. Salonga announced this figure during her concert, while triggering a outpouring of support from Filipinos on lock-down, watching from their homes in the Philippines and overseas. The increased fund-raising momentum enables increased speed in delivery of food packs to the marginalized communities in Metro Manila facing the pandemic with extreme vulnerabilities.

The Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP), a 70,000-strong urban poor organization, began distribution of the Bayanihan Musikahan food packs from a few days after the launch of the marathon concert series, and is increasing pace and reach daily. Nearly 15,000 food packs have been provided families in dense, inner city pockets.

Filipino musical artists giving one hour concerts kick-started and sustain the Bayanihan Musikahan fund drive that enables this quick-response citizen action to stave off the possibility of worst case scenarios among communities compromised by poverty in Metro Manila. Among those who already performed are Martin Nievera, Ebe Dancel, Acapellago, Karylle Tatlonghari and Spongecola, Bullet Dumas, Rachelle Gerodias and Byeong-in Park, and Morisette Amon.

Donations came in at an increasingly fast clip as the Lea Salonga concert proceeded, and it was immediately clear to an audience of tens of thousands that the surge was driven by the experience of virtual, communal bonding around an admired singer, and heightened awareness of the gravity of threat to impoverished communities.

The citizen-led marathon concert series, livestreamed on Facebook, is an unusal partnership between and among the significant talents of the Philippine music industry and the most trusted of civil society organizations. Philippine Business for Social Progress receives, accounts for, and disburses the funds. The SNPP hit the ground running because it has a complete database on its membership.

Powfu

Powfu, Canadian artist sets the Philippine music charts ablaze with the success of his latest single, “death bed (coffee for your head),” featuring UK singer beabadobee. Recently held the top spot of the Spotify Philippines Viral 50 for five consecutive weeks before it dropped to its current position of No. 4. Powfu’s “death bed (coffee for your head)” is now out on various streaming and digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

The explosive new track also continues to rack up impressive numbers on Spotify Philippines Top 200 with a No. 5 peak, while also achieving incredible momentum on iTunes Philippines Top 100 Charts, reaching as high as No. 8.

With its relatable and timely lyrics, easygoing vibe, and low-key appeal, “death bed” currently enjoys enormous attention on video-sharing platformTikTok with over 3 million videos to date—thanks to countless of challenges, memes, covers, and renditions from various Filipino artists including a “Chinarot” version that gained more than 8 million YouTube views, and a “Tagalog” version by upcoming Filipino rapper Cesar Semento.

Kang Daniel

Kang Daniel had a massive breakthrough last year with the release of his debut EP, Color on Me, which peaked at No. 1 in Korea and entered the Oricon albums chart in Japan at number 23. After a successful tour in six cities across Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Seoul, the Korean pop sensation returns with a highly anticipated follow-up EP called Cyan, released by Konnect Entertainment and distributed by Sony Music Korea.

As part of the three-part project, Color, Kang Daniel’s latest release reveals a more confident musical direction that, according to Forbes, “has an understated sense of pop sophistication to it.”  It also marks his personal journey to find his own true colors before the fans’ eyes, an attempt to unmask his story of dreams, passion and struggle as an artist navigating the global music scene.

Shortly after it debuted on iTunes, the K-pop idol’s new EP hit No. 1 on iTunes Top Albums charts in nine countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Turkey, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines. The mini-album also made a splash in Russia and Japan, where it reached the top 10. Lead single “2U” is produced by Chancellor, a Korean-American singer-songwriter and producer whose notable work for A Pink, SISTAR, Lee-hi, and Girl’s Day earned him numerous chart-topping hits in Asia.

The track’s music video, which arrived on March 24, features a simple but infectious choreography that goes well with its laid-back pop sound.  Other songs in the mini-album offer a refreshingly cool vibe that fits the summertime theme: “Adulthood,” is a witty take on adult’s wishes to stay young and free, while “Jealous” evokes the feelings of people waiting for the warm spring sun to come during the cold winter. “Interview” shows the best of Kang Daniel’s vocal performance, with its chill R&B beats running smoothly against groovy bass, jazzy piano lines, and minimalist synths. Final track “TOUCHIN” seamlessly blends a variety of music genres without sacrificing its immediacy and catchiness.

Toronto-based indie dream pop / R&B duo Quan Bay have released their debut album’s lead single, Miss Saigon, via Singapore based indie label Umami Records on Friday, 27 March 2020.

Miss Saigon tells the story of an immigrant mother and her child in the new world they have taken refuge in, a world that is at once both beautiful and scary. “My parents were refugees of the Vietnam War. It’s hard to settle into a new country where you don’t speak the language, don’t have any friends, and barely a penny to your name.”, shares Tamara, “for Miss Saigon, while the skies are clear and her child’s dreams are lovely, there are also real things to deal with like struggling with money and never seeing your kid because you’re working all the time.”

Miss Saigon starts off with cheery melodies, accompanied by playful percussion on the dholak, a traditional Indian folk instrument often used in wedding festivities for children to sing and dance to, and culminating in an uplifting, (unexpected) dream pop chorus. This may at first seem at odds with the song’s theme of struggle and loneliness but you soon realise the song is really about optimism, hopes and dreams despite life’s hardships. Aniruddha shares: “The experiences, sacrifices, and learnings passed on from our parents helped bring this song together. As you listen, we hope that you sympathize that all around the world, people are changing constantly in search of a better life which is both beautiful and super scary at the same time.”

Quan Bay comprises Aniruddha Borah, a singer-songwriter/producer from Assam, India, and singer-songwriter Tamara, a Toronto native. They write and produce their own music, delivering a unique blend of dream pop and alternative R&B, often combined with classical elements from their Indian and Vietnamese roots. They are also composers for film and recently won Best Music Director at the SailadharBaruah Memorial Film Awards 2019 for their work on the acclaimed Assamese film Aamis directed by Bhaskar Hazarika.

Miss Saigon is the lead single of Quan Bay’s debut album Stay Like This Forever which will be released over 2020. It is a fusion of the music both Aniruddha and Tamara grew up listening to, and an expression of navigating the years of one’s mid-20s.

Miss Saigon by Quan Bay is available everywhere at this link: https://ffm.to/miss-saigon

WeGot

WeGot is an eight-piece pop/reggae band comprised of Mack Dela Cruz on vocals and guitars, MakoyQuebralon rhythm guitars and backup vocals, Nam Reputon bass, CJ Bernardo on percussions, ThoperLaroco on drums, Melvin Bernardo on saxophone, Anthony “Tonton” Otoc on trumphet, John Rafael Morales on trombone. WeGot brings some island-loving vibe in the time of social distancing with its debut single, “Lihim Na Pagtingin.” Listen to the band’s first official release under Sony Music Philippines, record label of The Eraserheads, 6cyclemind, Ben&Ben, SB19, sydhartha, Alex Bruce, Nathan & Mercury, Zelijah, the vowels they orbit, and many more exciting and dynamic acts.

Raymund Marasigan, a veteran musician, multi-instrumentalist and overall record producer, who is part of several other bands and projects, including The Eraserheads, Sandwich, Pedicab, Cambio, Assembly Generals, Ultra Combo, Basement Lung, and Squid9.

Vocalist and guitarist Mack de la Cruz said in a statement. “Love wins. Finally, courage took over and they finally let their feelings out. Sir Raymund Marasigan is a legendary icon of our generation. Working with him is even beyond our imagination. He’s very professional, patient, cool, innovative and has a very wild and crazy mind! His ideas are simply out of this world (in a very good way). He never looked down on us. He never failed to boost our confidence, taught so many things which we surely value so much. Marasigan returned the favor by praising the band’s work ethic.  WeGot is a family. Working with them is like going to a family excursion at the beach especially when they bring delicious home cooked meals to pre-production and recording. And we worked on capturing that vibe.”

WeGot

“Lihim Na Pagtingin” was mixed and mastered at Sunny Sound Studios in Cubao. Now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Ryan Cayabyab

BayanihanMusikahan, featuring Ryan Cayabyab, EbeDancel, Karylle, Sponge Cola, Top Suzara, Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios and Mike Villegas, Jazz Nicholas, Davey Langit, Keiko Necessario, Bullet Dumas, Gloc-9, Morisette, Chito Miranda, and more to perform, the concert series continues for another round of online performances this week and raise funds for COVID-19 relief. The marathon online concert is the biggest citizen-action juggernaut to raise funds and immediately address the food and personal protection needs of the most vulnerable Filipinos in the National Capital Region.

The star-studded fundraiser, expected torun for at least two weeks with three to five concerts a day, heightens momentum with individual showcases from a wide range of genre. The initiative, started by Ryan Cayabyab, Trina Belamide, Dan Songco, Jay Adlao Block, and Marian PastorRoces, is partnered with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSB). The NGO’s Likhaan, SamahangNagkakaisaPantawidPamilya, Caritas Manila, and Oxfam Pilipinas are undertaking targeting survival kits delivery.

March 23, 2020 – Monday:

5:00 PM – Nyoy Volante

6:30 PM – Bullet Dumas

8:00 PM – Nino Alejandro

9:00 PM – Ito Rapadas and Jimmy Antiporda of Neocolours

March 24, 2020 – Tuesday:

4:00 PM – Jim Paredes

7:00 PM – Lara Maigue

8:00 PM – Gloc-9

9:00 PM – Ice Seguerra

March 25, 2020 – Wednesday    

TBD – Morissette

TBD – Martin Nievera

March 26, 2020 – Thursday

7:00 PM – Tim Pavino

8:00 PM – Jett and Rafi Pangan

9:00 PM – Juris

10:00 PM – Chito Miranda

March 27, 2020 – Friday (Visayas / Mindanao artists)      

7:00 PM – Jewel Villaflores

8:00 PM – Jacky Chang

9:00 PM – EamarieGilayo

March 28, 2020 – Saturday

7:00 PM  – Joseph Gara

8:00 PM – JohnoyDanao

9:00 PM – ChudFestejo

10:00 PM – Kent Charcos

March 29, 2020 – Sunday

8:00 PM – Sitti Navarro

9:00 PM – HopiaTinambacan

As the pandemic threatens to affect the most vulnerable Filipinos, the digital concert, streamed live on Facebook, represents quick citizen response to catastrophe. The project creates an opportunity for ordinary Filipinos to be at the forefront of efforts to help their kapwa-taumbayan find the strength to survive, and hopefully best, the lethal impact of the pandemic.

“We call on our citizenry to heed the call of the times, to stay at home and to prevent at all costs the spread of this virus that has wreaked havoc all over the world,” National Artist for Music and lead organizer Ryan Cayabyab shares in a statement. “And while doing so, be reminded that there are many, many of our brothers who are in dire need of assistance in the form of food and medical supplies. This is a call for citizen action. All of us are in this together. We the artists are there to throw a lifeline to the most vulnerable among us: Bayanihannatayo! Any amount you can donate will all help our kababayans who are in dire need. Tulungannatinsilasaabot ng atingmakakaya.”

Share your love and send your donations to: pymy.co/pbsp

Grammy, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning recording artist, actor and producer Donald Glover, popularly known in the international music scene as Childish Gambino, has finally released his first full-length album,3.15.20under Wolf+Rothstein/RCA Records.

The all-star release features guest spots from Ariana Grande, 21 Savage, and more. The 12-track LPfeatures pop superstar Ariana Grande on the cosmic bop “Time,” British rapper 21 Savage and new recording artist KadhjaBonet on the neo-soul jam “12.38,” and Glover’s son Legend on the laid-back track “47.48.”

The album is available in two forms on all digital streaming platforms – a continuous play version under “Donald Glover Presents,” and a standard track-by-track version under “Childish Gambino.”Click here to listen.

To promote a communal vibe, fans across the globe can experience the album simultaneously at DonaldGloverPresents.com for a limited time.

See full track list below:

• 01 0.00
• 02 Algorhythm
• 03 Time
• 04 12.38
• 05 19.10
• 06 24.19
• 07 32.22
• 08 35.31
• 09 39.28
• 10 42.26
• 11 47.48
• 12 53.49

Ben&Ben is set to hold a massive fundraising online showcase entitled, “Puhon: A Ben&Ben FB Live Event for the COVID-19 Efforts.”

The nine-piece collective will be performing some of their biggest hits for a one-hour live stream show while staying in their respective homes.

The Facebook Live Jam will happen on March 27, 2020 (Friday) at 7:00 PM. It will serve as a launch pad for the band’s community-initiative website, www.puhon.ph, which aims to inspire, uplift and boost the collective morale of all the key stakeholders of the COVID-19 response through uplifting stories, music, art, and more.

The platform will also provide an opportunity for people to contribute to the ongoing efforts in helping the frontliners and urban poor community affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“As artists, we believe that in a crisis like this we are called to do what we can to help—may it be by sending messages of hope, making efforts in raising funds for this crisis, or others,” shares the band in a statement.

All proceeds from this project are to raise funds for COVID19 test kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and nutrition support for frontline healthcare workers, and relief goods for daily wage earners.

The upcoming online concert is in partnership with YSEALI, Limitless Lab, and the Asian Institute of Management – Team Energy Center For Bridging Leadership.

Singapore r&b trio brb. has released their debut album relationsh*t via indie label Umami Records. Featuring two previously unreleased tracks, ‘do me right’ and ‘better’, and with two singles ‘cool with it’ and ‘talking to myself’ already passing a million streams on Spotify, the EP encapsulates the evocative reflections and textures of a prolific young band rapidly establishing themselves in the r&b scene.

relationsh*t showcases the trio’s thriving repertoire of songs about the highs and heartbreaks of romance, unravelling the ambiguous and timeless motif of love into its progression from thrilling ambivalence to inevitable submission and/or extinction. The release highlights include ‘do me right’ and ‘better’, two new tracks that uphold and surpass the band’s platinum standard. The band in particular picks out ‘do me right’, as “a snapshot of the distinctive pain of the discovery process of a partner’s unfaithfulness, one that is its own kind and can never be derived from anything else”. The tracks echo brb.’s distinct brand of funk-pop electronica, distilling different musical varieties into their very own uniquely refined embodiment of R&B that has bewitched young fans everywhere since their debut just over a year ago.

The result is intoxicating. Infectiously groovy and shamelessly relatable, listeners will be inclined to abuse that replay button, inevitably turning to the poignant lyricism for a virtual friend each time they bid romance adieu again.

‘relationsh*t’ is available everywhere at this link: https://ffm.to/relationshit

Stay tuned for more from brb. and here’s the Tracklist:

1. talking to myself
2. do me right
3. can’t tell
4. whoops
5. better
6. cool with it
7. undone

The past few decades have blessed us with a lot of boy bands who inspired us, made us feel the “kilig,” and got us so hooked to music – which is probably the best part of idolizing an all-male group. Alongside other super hit boybands like Backstreet Boys, NSync,Boyzone, and Westlife, we have another 90s ultimate crushes – the boys of 98 Degrees.

Back then, there wasn’t a single kid, teen, and people in love who didn’t know about the songs “Because of You,” “I Do,” “Invisible Man,” and “Season of Love.” This American band definitely stole the spotlight in the music scene until we stopped hearing them sing together in 2002.

But after they got disbanded for a decade, they got back together and have been doing reunion tours up to the present. So here they are again, taking over the music world, to relive the greatest songs they’ve released which made so many people fall in love with them.

The 98 Degrees, one of the world’s most pop and R&B bands, is making their way to the Philippines so everyone’s excited to see them live on stage. And they won’t be doing just one performance but three! So be ready Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao because this quartet is coming to major cities in the three Philippine islands.

As a prelude, promoter Big Hits Events held  last March 5 where two Front Acts graced the gathering to give as a glimpse on the famous hits of 98 Degrees. The 4-time champion of the ABS CBN singing contest, “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” Christian Biando sang his own rendition of “I Do.” Also present was TNT’s All-Star Resbak Champ Mark Michael Garcia.

With Christian Biando and Mark Michael Garcia

Comprised of Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre, 98 Degrees will be at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on May 16, 2020; followed by a show at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 21, 2020; and wrapped up by a concert at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu on May 23, 2020.

The band was initially announced to start their music tour dubbed as “An Evening with 98 Degrees” The Philippine Tour 2020 last February 2020, but due to the health concerns brought by the COVID-19, it was pushed back to May when it’s warmer.

Tickets are available on official ticket outlets at the following rates:

• SVIP – P8,500 (w/ meet and greet)
• VIP – P6,980
• Patron A – P6,350
• Patron B – P5,990
• Lower Box A – P5,400
• Lower Box B – P4,945
• Upper Box A – P3,975
• Upper Box B – P3,635
• General Admission – P1,890

Tickets are still on-sale too at smtickets.com. For more inquiries, please send a private message to Big Hit Events Management and/or call (02) 806-0058 / 0945-5921754.