Entertainment

The “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila” online concert held last December 13 was a resounding hit! Aiming to promote Manila’s cultural heritage sites, the highly anticipated virtual concert succeeded in taking both local and international audiences at the edge of their seats for a unique and totally breath-taking spectacle.

Hundreds of thousands of viewers of “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila’s” live online broadcast were thrilled to watch and listen to great local artists perform the groundbreaking Manila sound of Hotdog, at different Manila heritage sites. Bras Pas Pas Pas Pas and Bing Austria performed the song “Annie Batungbakal” at the intimately charming Paco Park, Raymund Marasigan and Yeng Constantino gave an animated performance of the song “Beh, Buti Nga” at the Museo Pambata, Bea Lorenzo showed off the walled city of Intramuros as she sang “Langit Na Naman”, and Nicole Laurel Asensio provided an elegant rendition of Hotdog’s “Panaginip” at the gloriously restored Jones Bridge.

Equally magnificent were Ebe Dancel and Blaster Silonga who serenaded viewers with the Hotdog classic “Ikaw ang Miss Universe” at the National Planetarium. Gary V and Armi Millare regaled audiences with the Hotdog standard “Manila” at Rizal Park, Luneta and,Team Vibe dancers who performed to “Bongga Ka ‘Day” at Manila City Hall’s Kartilya ng Katipunan, Lagusnilad and Kapetolyo in the finale.

The mastering of the music was made possible by Rubber Inc and the foundation of all the songs, instruments, and arrangements were played by Bras Pas Pas Pas Pas, who also performed their rendition of “Una Sa Lahat”, “Pandesal Sa Umaga” and their own original tribute to Manila sound, “Disko Na.”

The music videos presented at the concert’s satellite locations were creatively directed by Juno Oebanda, RA Rivera, Paolo Valenciano, Jason Tan, Alco Guerrero and Quark Henares. The concert was produced by Juno Oebanda, Dindin Araneta and Jezreel Apelar with Department of Tourism Culture and Arts of Manila Chief Charlie Duñgo and National Parks Development Committee Executive Director Cecille Lorenzana Romero at the helm.

Tourism and the creative industry has been one of the hardest hit sectors of the economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But with the support of the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, City of Manila, Juancare Foundation Inc., and Viva Music Publishing Inc. working together with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM), National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), Intramuros Administration (IA), National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), Nayong PIlipino Foundation (NPF), and Museo Pambata to mount concerts like “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila”, revitalizing the Philippine tourism sector is well within grasp.

If you missed “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila” or simply can’t get enough of it, check out the entire concert by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/NPDC.PH/videos/957576161435920/

Ben&Ben, Filipino band have released their new music video “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay” via Sony Music Philippines which stars the on-and-off-screen pair in TV and movie cinema Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla better known to their fans as ‘KathNiel.’ Here they play a couple stuck in a time loop in the video.

Helmed by the band’s resident director Jorel Lising and written by Gaya Sa Pelikula creator Juan Miguel Severo, the song’s visual narrative explores the complicated relationship dynamics of two lovers who have lost and found each other in a fated cycle of events.

Complicated love in a time loop

Severo reveals that “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay,” a song that deals with the “possibility of another life to succeed in love,” complements the KathNielstarrer that he has in mind. Having written Hintayan ng Langit, an evocative piece that examines eternal romance in the afterlife, Severo decided to do away with another reincarnation story for his interpretation of the material.

“Then it hit me, what about a couple stuck in a time loop?”, the prolific writer points out. “What if every time one dies, they go back to their first date with one of them carrying memories from their previous run? It took the band, Direk, and I a couple of zoom calls, brainstorming ideas to compound on that concept and get everything laid out before I presented it to KathNiel.”

Severo’s writing lends to a beautifully understated film that allows KathNiel to tackle their role with nuanced sensitivity and depth. To make it more impactful on screen, music video director Jorel Lising makes use of non-liner, fragmented storytelling as a way to capture the couple’s memories in its undiluted form. Lising adds, “It all comes from the content of the song – it’s a strong piece that speaks about love lost and an intense sense of longing, so the process of developing the treatment and Severo’sscript came from that. The challenge for us was to maximize the emotion based on that kind of narrative.”

Working with KathNiel

According to the band’s co-vocalist and acoustic guitarist Miguel Benjamin, the journey behind the music video was both a dream and a serendipitous sequence of events. “About two months ago, an interesting exchange came up while our keyboardist Patricia Lasaten was working on the music of Juan Miguel Severo’sGaya Sa Pelikula,” says Miguel. “As a way of showing appreciation when we offered our song ‘Ride Home’ to the series, Juan Miguel graciously offered us in return to write a script for the ‘Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay’ MV, and pitch it to KathNiel, as they are good friends. We pushed through, and to our surprise, they loved both the idea of working with all of us and the script. This was a big thing for us because we never expected that these great artists would be open to doing a music video with us, given their stature and busy schedules.”

Despite the time constraints, Lising didn’t experience difficulty working with one of the biggest love teams in recent memory. The nine-piece collective’s frequent collaborator recounts that he only has few adjustments for every take, thanks to KathNiel’s astounding professionalism and craft. “We didn’t have a whole lot of time with them, but they definitely possess star power quality on camera.Every frame we took of them has a strong presence that comes with lots of experience, especially since they’ve been acting for so long now.”

Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys surprised music fans all over the world with the release of their collaborative track “Matches”—out today via RCA Records. The Ian Kirkpatrick and Michael Wise-produced track is featured on the new edition of Britney’s 2016 album, Glory, along with recently released songs “Swimming In The Stars” and “Mood Ring (By Demand).”

Backed with infectious, clubby beats and intricate production details, “Matches” sounds prime for top 40 radio and streaming dominance. The song is featured in various New Music Friday playlists across the globe, including the Philippines—one of its formidable markets. The song is currently at No. 2 on iTunes Philippines, while the deluxe edition of the album that it’s part of, has peaked at No. 1 a few hours after the track’s release.

Just last week, “Swimming In The Stars” was released along with the new limited edition deluxe vinyl of Glory.

For more information, please visit:

BRITNEY SPEARS

Official Website:www.britneyspears.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/britneyspears

Facebook: www.facebook.com/britneyspears

YouTube: www.youtube.com/britneyspearsvevo

BACKSTREET BOYS

Official Website: https://www.backstreetboys.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/backstreetboys

Twitter: https://twitter.com/backstreetboys

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

Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys’ “Matches” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Asian-American hip-hop artist Blahza and newcomer Seira have released a new emo-rap single, “GPS.” Reminiscent of Juice WRLD with its chill, spacey touch and laid-back delivery, the vibey bop follows the rapper’s journey to finding his way back to love.

According to Blahza, the song is a reassurance of his loyalty and romantic affection for the love of his life despite having to spend days apart from each other. He shares, “My fiancé notices I’m always on my phone like everybody is these days. But the lyrics symbolize how even without technology I’m not lost.”

The track also features up-and-coming rapper and singer Seira, who delivers a lilting, smooth performance.“I love Seira’s cadence on this track. We really fed off each others’ energy. She had some great ideas and brought her own flavour to the song,” says Blahza.

Blahza’s upcoming EP, Sad Songs For Happy People, is scheduled for release in 2021. He is also working on several collaborations dropping every month.

Listen to GPS via Umami Records: https://www.umamirecords.sg/gps/

About Blahza

Los-Angeles based Asian-American hip hop artist and producer Blahza makes music with a larger-than-life sound about his afflictions, aspirations, and accomplishments, inspired by the American counterculture of the late 1960s and music from the early 2000s.

Philippine record labels and musicians of all stripes are standing up for solidarity with the biggest concert event of 2020.

With the utmost goal of bringing together the Filipino people through music and inspiring them to help cope better in the face of adversity, BYE2020 is a powerful statement that not only recognizes the small but impactful triumphs of the music community despite a very challenging year, but also honors the collective efforts of everyone in holding each other up during the pandemic.

28 artists are set to join the movement with virtual performances designed to make the experience as immersive and enjoyable as possible.

The lineup includes some of the biggest acts here and abroad, including Ben&Ben, Darren Espanto, Moira, SB19, Matthaios, The Itchyworms, Leanne &Naara, Maximillian (DK), Peach Tree Rascals (US), Tate Mcrae (CA),Glaizade Castro, Kean Cipriano, Lala Vizon, Zack Tabudlo, Keiko Necessario, Fern., Elha Nympha, Autotelic, Sud, Miguel Odron, VVS Collective, Ace Banzuelo, Paolo Sandejas, Earl Generao, FANA, TALA, J-Nine and Dia Mate.

In a statement by the team behind the virtual show, BYE2020 is committed to mounting the first-of-its-kind year-ender party to usher in a brighter, better new year and turn this unprecedented moment in history into a collective call to seek a way out of darkness through unity, hope, and music.

“What BYE2020 delivers is a way for every Filipino to look back at all of the challenges we have faced, and enter 2021 a bit more hopeful,” the organizers explained. “Fortunately for us technology has allowed us to re-imagine what we can do for music entertainment and live events. And we are bringing to bear every learning, every talent, and every skill we have gained this 2020 and applying it to our event BYE2020.”

Aside from top-notch entertainment and much-awaited surprises, BYE2020 is set to recognize some of the most notable feats in the online space in order to shine a light on the more positive side of 2020. Through the Best of the Year Awards, digital platforms such as Facebook, Spotify and TikTok, and other notable partners will be part of a special segment dedicated to awarding the finest local creators for their record-breaking achievements in digital content and entertainment.

The six-hour continuous virtual event will be streamed live on multiple platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and more on December 31, 2020, from 7pm onwards. It will also air on Sky Cable (Ch 955 HD and 155 SD).

For exclusive concert privileges such as access to zoom pits, backstage content with the artists, and limited-edition merch, visit ticket2me.net to get tickets.

BYE2020is brought to you by Pepsi, Tinder, and Its More Fun in the Philippines, and is presented by MCA Music, Sony Music Philippines, Warner Music Philippines, O/C Records, Star Music, Universal Records, and Midas Records.

Follow @bye2020ph on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok and BYE 2020 on YouTube for updates and more details.

American singer-songwriter Sarah Barrios teams up with award-winning Filipina artist syd hartha on “All My Sins,” an electro-pop jam that sounds firm and assured even when it dips into pulsating minimalism and nostalgic, clubby feel. Also out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Its understated shimmer blends well with both Sarah and syd’s compelling vocals, made more appealing with a lush and effortless arrangement. With a dreamy pop approach thrown in for good measure, “All My Sins” is an instant bop that builds into a swoon-worthy chorus.

According to Sarah, “All My Sins” was written as response to being haunted by a mistake committed in the past. “For me, this song is about thinking through all of the mistakes you’ve made and asking the question of, ‘Am I a bad person? Or am I just too hard on myself?’ I’m definitely an over thinker and a perfectionist, so sometimes I find myself in this place,” the songstress said.

The track was conceptualized during the quarantine period at a time when Sarah was actively seeking potential collaborations on new material. “I really wanted to do a collaboration with another woman, as all of my previous collabs have been with men and just happened to stumble upon sydhartha one night,” Sarah said. “Her voice was so calming and yet also, so powerful and after binge watching all of her videos on YouTube, I just knew she would be the perfect person to help bring this song to life.”

syd, on the other hand, felt apprehensive at first, given it’s her first collaborative project with an artist from overseas. Despite the imminent uncertainty of the pandemic and the significant gap in time zones, the recording process went smoothly. “Working with Sarah has been amazing,” described syd. “She was very welcoming and chill. It’s an honor to work with an artist like her.”

“All My Sins” offers stellar production choices that wouldn’t feel out of place in today’s current crop of hits. The song marches on with a luminous pop edge that is consistently enjoyable from start to finish, giving both artists an opportunity to take risks and try something that’s never been done before.

Barbie Almalbis, Filipina singer-songwriter has officially dropped a heartfelt tribute to her grandaunt Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco, or Tata, as she is fondly referred to. Entitled “An AsPin’s Song,” the track assumes the role of a beloved indigenous mixed-breed dog in the Philippines, which has nothing but utmost love and appreciation for the late animal rights supporter and activist.

Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco served The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) for the entirety of her life and she was instrumental in empowering people for countless volunteer opportunities that involved rescue, protection and sheltering of strayed and abused animals.

Barbie recalls, “Tata was a gifted musician and a champion for animals. She was the President ofthe Philippine Animal Welfare Society, which she reorganized in 1986, afterhaving been one of its youngest volunteers in the ’50s. I had always wanted towrite the song she requested, but I didn’t have much experience with AsPins.”

Tata passed away at 93 years old last October 2020, and Barbie shares that “there was much outpouring of love from family and friends and people whose lives she touched.” Among those was Barbie Almalbis’ aunt on her husband’s side Alya Honasan—a dear friend of Tata, and a writer/editor who has interviewed the late animal rights champion on several occasions.

Barbie reached out to her Tita Alya, who herself is an animal welfare advocate and fur-parent to three AsPins: Kiko, Kikay, and Frankie, to write a song dedicated to the late Tata and her immense contribution to protecting AsPins.

The pop-rock songstress recounts the experience of fulfilling her promise to Tata with the help of her family members and Tita Alya. “After a fewdays, she sent me the lyrics to An AsPin’s Song, and I was so touched by herwords. I wrote a melody, and my band helped me finish arranging and recordingthe song. Since it was a family project, my husband Martin and our daughterStina did the artwork.”

The soaring, inspirational anthem was mixed and mastered by Magic Montano, and was arranged, performed, and recorded by Barbie Almalbis herself on vocals and guitars, with her backing band, JonardBolor on drums, Karel Honasan on bass, Nikko Rivera on keyboards, and Stina Honasan and MidoriUlpindo on backing vocals.

Barbie Almalbis’ “An AsPin’s Song” is now out on all digital platforms worldwide via 12 Stone Records and Sony Music Philippines.

Singapore electronic producer Eve Alai links up with dark pop songstress Naomi G on a crossover track about the dark side of losing ourselves in the new digital age. ‘Who? (Ah Vi)’ is what you get when house music collides with the brooding, more ethereal end of pop music.

A confident attempt to flood the virtual clubs with smoke-and-lasers treatment, the thumping pop banger touches on controversial topics that don’t normally permeate contemporary dance music. “Although the song deals with something dark, it holds the positive message of breaking out of technology addiction in order to explore one’s full potential mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally,” Eve Alai explains.

As expected, Naomi’s vocals stand out on this propulsive track, losing herself in the digital sheen while reclaiming her agency to speak out about the things that matter to her. “Also, Naomi’s voice isn’t the usual type of voice you hear on a dance record,” Eve Alai adds. “I am happy to be pushing the envelope in terms of my sonic palette.”

Originally from Sri Lanka, Eve Alai completed his degree in music at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore. His 6-track debut EP will be released in 2021, and Naomi G’s debut EP is also scheduled for 2021.

Listen to For Life via Umami Records: https://www.umamirecords.sg/for-life/