Ben&Ben’s Leaves (Reimagined) submitted for 2027 Grammy Awards consideration

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The song carries special meaning for the band and its millions of followers, with its message of healing, forgiveness, and second chances

Ben&Ben plays to a sold-out Smart Araneta Coliseum at their Saranggola: The Concert where Leaves (Reimagined) was part of the setlist (PHOTO BY: JAIRA MOLO)

Multi-awarded folk-pop band Ben&Ben has submitted Leaves (Reimagined) for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards under the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category.

According to the band, bagging a Grammy Award has always been one of their dreams. They are thankful to be given the chance to take the first step toward this dream through the submission of Leaves (Reimagined) for consideration of the Grammy organization’s voting members.

Leaves (Reimagined) holds special meaning for Ben&Ben frontman Paolo Benjamin, who wrote the song, as it has helped him make sense of and overcome past hurts.

“Someone very close to me in the past hurt me in a very unexpected way, and I was faced with the choice to forgive or part ways. I chose to forgive,” he reveals. “This song will always hold deep meaning for me. It has been God’s way of saving me from my darkest thoughts countless times in the past, until now.”

“I hope that this grown-up version of the song will make people realize that forgiveness is an act that sets ourselves free, even if it’s extremely hard to do sometimes. Because as the new version says, it’s those closest to us that can hurt us the most. I hope that it encourages people to never give up on selflessly loving, even if it can get painful,” he adds.

The submission was made via the band’s label, Sony Music Entertainment Philippines. First Round Voting runs from October 12 to 22, and will determine the nominees across 100 categories. The official nominees will be announced on November 16, with the 2027 Grammy Awards taking place on February 7, 2027.

Ben&Ben recently released Nine, an album that they described as a love letter to their listeners and a celebration of their friendship. It features nine tracks, including reimagined versions of songs from the different stages of their journey together, including Leaves (Reimagined), as well as 2026 hit Saranggola and new song Harinawa.

The band played all tracks from Nine at their sold-out Saranggola: The Concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum earlier this month.

Ben&Ben’s “Leaves (Reimagined)” finds new meaning in second chances and forgiveness

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The award-winning band revisits its enduring classic with a grander sound and a deeper reflection on healing, forgiveness, and human vulnerability

Nearly a decade after “Leaves” made a dent in pop culture consciousness with its unassuming tenderness, Ben&Ben reinterprets the heartwarming ballad with “Leaves (Reimagined),” a new rendition that transforms the original into a more mature reflection on forgiveness, second chances, and the complexities of growing together.

Instead of recreating the original, “Leaves (Reimagined)” approaches the track from a different emotional vantage point, mirroring the profound depths and tensions of life in sonic form. The orchestral elements do not make the track bigger or more ambitious; instead, they give the emotional peaks and quiet moments greater dimension and more room to sink in.

The multi-awarded band explains, "We wanted to highlight how much more dynamic life is emotionally when you grow up and grow older, and for this project, we wanted to explore the use of orchestral sounds playing alongside the band. This is because we wanted to make the quiet parts more nuanced and the grand parts more emotional, but in a ‘lived-in’ way.”

The new version continues the story not from the perspective of who they were when they first recorded it, but from where they are now: as musicians who have matured alongside a community that has experienced its seasons of love, loss, uncertainty, and change.

“Since we have grown up—and so have our Liwanag—in the past nine years, we wanted to encapsulate what that experience is like through the lyrics of this song,” Ben&Ben shares. “We think that if we are to live a life with someone constant with us, whether it be family, a best friend, or a romantic partner, the concept of giving someone another chance will always be a given.”

Following the success of “Lifetime (Reimagined),” the band considers the reimagined version of “Leaves” as a distinctly different creative process: one that allows the song to reveal new possibilities rather than recreate what came before it.

“Leaves definitely demanded a different creative process,” Ben&Ben says. “One cool discovery we had was that even in the process of breathing new air into each song, continuing their respective stories leads into very different trajectories in many layers: melodically, lyrically, and musically. Each song really has a life of its own.”

In June, Ben&Ben were named Duo/Group Artist of the Year at the 17th PMPC Star Awards for Music, with the recognition citing their stellar work on their latest album, The Traveler Across Dimensions.

The band has also earned multiple nominations at the 39th Awit Awards, including Record of the Year, Best Performance by a Group, and Best Pop Recording for “Saranggola.” The nominations further solidify Ben&Ben’s consistent presence at the forefront of OPM, leading up to the grand celebration of music, friendship, and memories via their upcoming major show, Saranggola: The Concert, happening on October 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ben&Ben’s “Leaves (Reimagined)” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Ben&Ben makes “Limasawa Street” tangible with new CD and vinyl editions

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The acclaimed debut is now available in physical formats, offering listeners a tangible way to reconnect with the record that helped define the band’s early years

Nearly a decade into their career, Ben&Ben revisits where much of their story began with the physical release of the band’s acclaimed 2019 debut studio album, Limasawa Street—now available on CD and vinyl.

Recorded when the band was still finding its footing, the record introduced Ben&Ben’s expansive, lush take on folk-pop while giving music fans a taste of their distinct songwriting style.

“Sabi nga nila: you never forget your first," shares the nine-piece collective. “The energy we had going into creating our very first album was one of the things we would never forget about that era of ours. It was the first time we collectively immortalized our music together in a body of work as ‘nine,’ especially since we weren't technically complete yet when the EP was recorded. Revisiting an album like that brings back so many memories of the entire creation process, especially our Limasawa Street tour. That album brought us to so many places; it introduced so many people to us and our music, and up to now all the songs remain near and dear to us.”

Their maiden release eventually became one of the most important Filipino records of its time, earning multi-platinum certification from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI). It produced modern classics such as “Pagtingin” and “Araw-Araw”-- songs that resonated then and continue to be relevant now. The critically acclaimed release also bagged major industry recognitions, including Album of the Year honors at the 33rd Awit Awards. The album’s success led to an extensive multi-city tour that brought the album and the band to audiences across the Philippines and Singapore.

“Limasawa Street was always meant to be a work of its time: an exploration of fresh ideals and a new heart, a new start,” Ben&Ben explains. “We have always been very open about how our albums serve as bookmarks in our lives, meant to encapsulate our beliefs, feelings, and outlook on love and life at that specific moment in time. We hear all of that and remember exactly the people who recorded those songs back in 2019. We still hear us; we still hear the beginnings of our current sound—and we are very grateful to those versions of ourselves who dared to dream and build a world of their own.”

Remastered for vinyl and CD by Grammy-award-winning sound engineer Jett Galindo, its arrival in physical formats gives fans a new way to experience a record that has long lived through streaming and live performances.

For Ben&Ben, the physical release also meant preserving a game-changing phase in their journey: the beginning of an illustrious period that transformed them into bona fide artists. In an era shaped by digital consumption, owning a physical record offers something that lasts: a relic of time you can hold, revisit, and pass down.

The chart-topping band adds: “Many of us have always been massive fans of physical media, especially vinyl. To finally have our very own press feels surreal. We still can't quite believe it because we haven't seen them in person yet, so we're super excited—and even more so for our listeners who have been waiting for us to release our music in a format that they can really collect and have in their hands and homes.”

Pre-orders for Ben&Ben’s Limasawa Street CD and vinyl open this Saturday, August 29, at 12 noon via Backspacer Records.

More details here: https://benandben.lnk.to/shop-limasawastreet

Ben&Ben continues winning streak with “Autumn (Reimagined)”

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The acclaimed folk-pop collective transforms a fan favorite into an uplifting anthem of emotional growth and resilience.

Following the commercial success of “Lifetime (Reimagined),” which peaked at No. 1 on both the Official Philippines Chart and Billboard Philippines Hot 100, Ben&Ben returns with “Autumn (Reimagined),” a vital reworking of their beloved 2023 original.

Reimagined with a richer sonic palette, the new version elevates the band’s gold-hued sound with atmospheric textures and soaring instrumentation. The result is a compellingly familiar release that balances emotional weight with fuller arrangements.

Paolo Benjamin adds, “Dinagdagan namin ng mas maraming electric guitars, synth layers, violin lines, at mas madiin na beat yung kanta, para magka-contrast yung bigat ng emotion sa pagka-upbeat ng tugtog.”

Outside of its alt-leaning production, “Autumn (Reimagined)” delivers a mature and vulnerable take on longing, backed by new verses that focus on healing and learning to choose one’s self.

“Kung yung Lifetime ay pagluksa sa pag-ibig na di naman nangyari, yung Autumn ay yung pagsubok umusad kahit mahirap,” Paolo shares.

The newly released track is part of an audio bundle containing both the original and reimagined versions of “Autumn” and “Lifetime.” According to the band, the project was intentionally packed as an EP-like release to immerse their fanbase, Liwanag, in a place of “bittersweetness,” reflection, and yearning.

As Paolo puts it, “Sa totoo lang, na-excite lang kaming ituloy yung kwento sa Liwanag, para magkaroon ng mas malalim na kahulugan at mas maraming karamay yung journey ng pagproseso ng emosyon.” He adds, “We hope that they find this song painfully uplifting.”

Ben&Ben’s “Autumn (Reimagined)” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the lyric video premiering at 6PM today.

All Systems Go for Aurora Music Festival 2026: A Massive 5th Anniversary OPM Celebration Heads to Clark

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The countdown has officially begun.

With just weeks to go before tens of thousands of music fans gather once again in Pampanga, Aurora Music Festival 2026 is all systems go as it prepares to celebrate its 5th anniversary on May 2–3 at Clark Global City, promising one of the most exciting weekends for OPM lovers this year.

What began as a bold vision to spotlight Filipino music has evolved into one of the country’s most anticipated annual music festivals. Now in its fifth year, Aurora continues to bring together some of the biggest names in OPM, creating a rare live music experience where multiple generations of Filipino artists share one massive stage.

For its milestone edition, the festival is pulling out all the stops. Headlining the two-day celebration are SB19 and IV OF SPADES, two of the most influential acts shaping the modern Filipino music scene today. Their performances are expected to be among the biggest highlights of the festival weekend, drawing fans from across the country.

But Aurora has never been just about the headliners. The festival has built its reputation on curating a powerhouse lineup of Filipino artists that audiences rarely get to see together in one place, turning every edition into a celebration of the richness and diversity of OPM.

Over the past five years, Aurora Music Festival has steadily become an important platform for celebrating Filipino artistry. While international concerts often dominate the entertainment landscape, Aurora continues to prove that local talent can command the same level of excitement, energy, and massive crowd support.

By gathering iconic performers, chart-topping bands, and beloved singer-songwriters in one event, the festival has helped amplify the appreciation for Original Pilipino Music and highlight its continued evolution across genres.

The upcoming Clark edition features an impressive mix of legendary acts, contemporary chart-toppers, and fan-favorite performers.

Among them is global P-Pop sensation who just finished a very successful concert SB19, whose groundbreaking success has pushed Filipino pop music onto the world stage. Joining them is IV OF SPADES, the genre-bending band whose distinctive sound and electrifying stage presence continue to captivate audiences, especially following their highly anticipated comeback concerts at the Mall of Asia Arena late last year.

Also part of the lineup is Sarah Geronimo, the one and only Popstar Royalty, whose decades-long career has produced some of the most beloved hits in modern OPM.

Fans can also look forward to performances from award-winning folk-pop collective Ben&Ben, known for their emotionally resonant and relatable songs and sweeping musical arrangements, and alternative rock favorites December Avenue, whose anthemic tracks have become staples in “hugot” playlists.

Adding another dimension to the festival lineup is acclaimed singer-songwriter Armi Millare, whose distinctive artistry and lyrical depth have long made her one of the most respected musicians in the local music scene.

The celebration continues with appearances from beloved OPM acts that have shaped Filipino pop culture across generations. Among them are the iconic SexBomb Girls, whose recent reunion concerts reignited massive nostalgia among fans, as well as legendary rock bands Parokya Ni Edgar and Kamikazee, both known for their high-energy live performances that consistently ignite festival crowds.

Completing the lineup is singer-songwriter Kitchie Nadal, whose timeless anthems continue to resonate with listeners years after their release, making every performance an unforgettable sing-along moment.

Reaching its fifth year is a major milestone for the festival, and Aurora is marking the occasion with a lineup and experience designed to be its biggest yet.

From the moment the sun sets over Clark Global City to the final encore of the night, fans can expect a weekend filled with unforgettable performances, vibrant festival energy, and the shared excitement of celebrating Filipino music together.

As anticipation continues to grow, one thing is certain: Aurora Music Festival 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting OPM events of the year.

So start planning your festival outfits, gather your friends, and secure your tickets early, because this is one celebration of Filipino music you definitely don’t want to miss!

Aurora Music Festival Clark 2026 is presented by EPIC EVENTS.

Music is in everyone's fiber. Aurora Music Festival brings the #PowerOfX to Clark with #ConvergeFiberX. GameZone: Real Player, Real Game

Tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Excited to get tickets? Visit this link: Visit our website for tickets https://ticket.epiceventsph.com/ or SM TICKETS!

For inquiries, please call 09495787920, 09561995944, send us an email at info@epiceventph.com, or message our Official Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ClarkHotAirBalloonFest

Ben&Ben reclaims chart dominance with viral smash “Lifetime (Reimagined)”

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The song has reached No. 4 on Spotify Philippines Daily Top Songs Chart, and is expected to hit a new peak in the coming days

Award-winning Filipino folk-pop band Ben&Ben has surged back to the summit of the streaming cha

rts with “Lifetime (Reimagined)”—released under Sony Music Entertainment.

The new version of the hit ballad has reached a peak of No. 4 on Spotify Philippines Daily Top Songs Chart, while making a dent internationally with a No. 3 debut on the Spotify Top Songs Debut – Global.

Released on March 31, 2026, the updated version of “Lifetime” has found renewed success across digital platforms, buoyed by its virality on TikTok. The new version resonates with the general public through the recent wave of social media trends hinging on the new verse: “how do you grieve for a love that doesn’t even exist?” It has since then sparked interest, particularly the videos featuring an edit of characters from popular movies and TV shows, which have collectively amassed more than 100 million views.

[WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO]

[STREAMING LINKS HERE]

With the song’s immediate climb to the top 5 of the Philippine streaming charts, Ben&Ben returns as the top OPM group on Spotify Philippines—their first time since December 23, 2024. In addition to its growing list of achievements, the track has also reached No. 1 on Genius Lyrics Charts.

“For this version of Lifetime, we felt that we could be there for someone in their pain, longing, and yearning through these new lyrics and melodies,” shares the nine-piece collective. “There’s a deep sense of gratefulness in our hearts for how people have received the song so far. We’re very humbled, and we promise to keep working hard in writing and performing music that connects deeply with Liwanag, our listeners.”

“Lifetime (Reimagined)” features a new arrangement with additional verses, an instrumental break, and a bridge, resulting in an extended duration of four minutes and thirty-seven seconds. The song was written by Miguel and Paolo Benjamin, with the latter serving as co-producer alongside Jean Paul Verona.

Ben&Ben’s “Lifetime (Reimagined)” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Ben&Ben releases “Duyan” music video starring Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia

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The song completes the ‘Mahiwaga trilogy,’ which includes hit songs “Pagtingin” and “Araw-Araw”

Ben&Ben continued to solidify their status as one of the most important voices of OPM in 2025. The acclaimed band made history as the first Filipino act to surpass three billion streams on global streaming platform Spotify, while also earning major wins at the 28th Awit Awards, including Album of the Year for their third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions and Best Performance by a Group Recording Artist for "Triumph.” As the year drew to a close, Ben&Ben’s music found itself intertwined with national consciousness when “Kapangyarihan,” their collaboration with SB19, emerged as a modern anthem in protest spaces, echoing public anger amid allegations of corruption surrounding flood control and infrastructure projects.

Now, as they turn the page to a brand-new year, the multi-awarded nine-piece collective invites listeners to start the year on a more intimate yet optimistic note with the release of their new single “Duyan”—out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Written and composed by frontman Miguel Benjamin and produced by longtime collaborator Ziv alongside Ben&Ben, “Duyan” represents a profound, romantic bond that defies distance, time, and obstacles. The rousing pop-rock ballad encapsulates what true love really means: deep affection, unwavering loyalty, and the choice to remain committed even when faced with challenges and adversities.

According to Miguel, he wrote the song three days before his wedding, while sitting alone in his car. The song contains everything he wanted to tell his then-future wife.

“There are songs where artists write themselves in the music, and this is one of them,” Miguel explains. “That day, the idea of fully offering oneself to another person stayed with me. It’s a love inspired by lifelong commitment, shared journeys, and selflessness. More than anything, I realized that I was ready to make the promise before God. I felt it in the deepest part of my heart.”

Musically, the band worked closely with their good friend and constant collaborator Ziv to honor the song’s emotional core, while “maximizing the soul and expanse of the band’s instruments to take it to the fullest version it was meant to become.”

The song is part of the Mahiwaga Trilogy, Ben&Ben’s thematic arc on romantic relationships. The series began with “Pagtingin,” a groovy meditation on love at first spark and infatuation, and continued with “Araw-Araw,” a folk-pop ode to choosing your partner every single day. “Duyan” closes the chapter with finality, speaking of lifelong commitment and assurance.

“Two years after I wrote the song Duyan and kept it as a very personal part of my life, it made sense for it to be put out there,” shares Miguel. “It also made sense for it to be the conclusion of the trilogy of songs/videos Pagtingin and Araw-Araw.”

Music Video

The song will be accompanied by the release of a music video starring real-life couple and actors Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos, who also appeared in the previous installments of the Mahiwaga Trilogy. For Khalil, returning to the project was a full-circle moment for both Gabbi and him.

“Thematically, it’s beautiful to see how the story progressed since Pagtingin,” shares the Filipino actor, singer, and filmmaker. “I vividly remember how we shot those two videos, and the film LSS. Gab and I grew alongside these songs. At every stage of the trilogy, we could deeply relate to it, because it reflected the different phases of our own relationships through the years.”

Miguel praised both actors in the music video for their enduring role in the band’s visual storytelling. “It was so good to be able to work with our longtime friends Gabbi and Khalil once more in this music video. You could say we’ve both grown so much in life and in our careers ever since the last project we did together. It was great catching up and telling stories of the past and making new memories.”

Directed by Lunchbox Studios under the helm of Daniel Aguilar, the wedding-themed music video brings the trilogy to a close through rosy, introspective visuals.

Ben&Ben said viewers can expect to see a wonderful blend of magic and everyday life in the music video: “We’ve been working with (Lunchbox Studios) for a while now, and for this video, we wanted to do a very intimate but expansive conclusion to the videos we’ve done before. We collaborated on a concept of a portrayal of the stages of commitment done in magical realism.”

Ben&Ben’s “Duyan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch out for the music video of “Duyan” on Ben&Ben’s official YouTube channel.

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A gift for Liwanag: Ben&Ben premieres “The Traveller Across Dimensions” concert film online

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The award-winning band closes 2025 with a year-end celebration of music, storytelling,

and community, giving fans a front-row experience from anywhere in the world

One year after translating their award-winning 2025 concept into a sold-out spectacle at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Ben&Ben invites fans into the luminous universe of Liwanag through The Traveller Across Dimensions: The Concert Film.

The special full-length film, created in collaboration with LunchBox Productions, will premiere on YouTube on December 14, 2025, giving audiences across the globe the rare opportunity to relive the concert experience in full, free of charge.

Ben&Ben explains: “We really wanted all our listeners to get to enjoy this concert that we poured our hearts and souls into, so we deliberately chose to make this as accessible as possible by putting it up on YouTube. We thought it would also be a nice way to bring families together for the holidays, sharing with each other the magic and joy of our concert from the comfort of their homes.”

Billed as a “multiverse of music and emotion,” the original TTAD concert blurred the boundaries between concert, animation, and theater. Staged late last year, the arena show received wide-spread acclaim for its storytelling, emotional depth, and technical execution, setting a new bench- mark for multimedia concerts in the Philippines. The cinematic retelling offers both a retrospective and a revelation for fans who want to relive that night in the arena and for those who will be seeing it for the first time.

“When we first conceptualized the concert and saw all the work that had to be put into it, we knew we wanted to exert an equal amount of effort to document it all. 

It represented many firsts for us: our first major concert at the MOA Arena, our first time performing that many songs, and our first time attempting to record a show of that scale,” Ben&Ben shares. “With all the work we put into each second of it, we knew a well-made concert film also needed a lot of work and enough time for it to be ready for public release. So that, along with us continuing to tour The Traveller Across Dimensions throughout the year, we ultimately decided to release the film as a first anniversary special offering.”

According to the nine-piece band, the concert film was conceived as a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to their fans, fondly called Liwanag. The film’s free release emphasizes Ben&Ben’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and community.

“This year has been just so challenging for so many of us,” Ben&Ben says. “But despite these challenges, we've felt so much love and support from all of our Liwanag, from them constantly listening to our music to still showing up and attending our live shows. As the year ends, we wanted to give back by simply letting people enjoy this show, no strings attached, no paywall.”

While the live concert captivated the crowd with its scale and immediacy, the film version provides a more intimate encounter, allowing audiences to discern subtle details, symbolisms, and emotional arcs that may have been missed in the live setting.

In the weeks leading to the release of The Traveller Across Dimensions: The Concert Film, Ben&Ben earned Album of the Year honors at the Awit Awards 2025, the country’s version of the Grammys. Soon after, fans were treated to a surprise first look at the concert trailer during The Traveller Across Dimensions: An Immersive Storytelling Experience. The trailer eventually premiered on social media channels on December 3, 2025, a day after the official announcement about the concert film was shared online.

Watch the concert film on YouTube here and listen to the setlist playlist on Spotify here and listen to the setlist playlist on Spotify here.

Tilly Birds Join Forces with Ben&Ben on New English Single “Heaven”

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Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s leading alternative pop-rock band Tilly Birds continue their journey into English-language music with their brand-new single “Heaven”, following the heartfelt release of "Never A Waste Of Time".

This time, Tilly Birds' team up with none other than Ben&Ben, the Philippines’ biggest folk-pop band, whose music has surpassed 2 billion Spotify streams and earned numerous awards across Asia. The collaboration brings together the fresh, playful pop sound of Tilly Birds with Ben&Ben’s signature heartfelt melodies—creating a track that is as vibrant as it is memorable.

The story behind “Heaven” began with a backstage friendship when both bands shared the same lineup at a concert in Malaysia. Inspired by that connection, the three members of Tilly Birds later flew to Manila to co-write the song with Ben&Ben. Recording sessions spanned across borders, with files exchanged between Bangkok and Manila, until the track was fully brought to life.

The collaboration culminated in a music video shot in the Philippines, featuring all three members of Tilly Birds alongside Ben&Ben’s nine members. The experience was described by both bands as fun, warm, and filled with genuine friendship—a true testament to the spirit of “Heaven.”

Lyrically, the single captures the joy of meeting someone unexpectedly, at just the right time, and sharing a moment of happiness together—like finding a little piece of heaven on earth. In many ways, the collaboration between Tilly Birds and Ben&Ben itself is another definition of “Heaven.”

“Heaven” is now available worldwide on all streaming platforms.

Follow Tilly Birds:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tillybirds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TILLYBIRDS/

X: https://x.com/TillyBirds

Follow Ben&Ben

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benandbenmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenAndBenMusic/

X: https://x.com/benandbenmusic

Ben&Ben Reconnects with Ed Sheeran at Off Limits Festival in Abu Dhabi Ahead of His New Single Release

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Filipino award-winning band Ben&Ben shared another heartwarming moment with global superstar Ed Sheeran at the recently concluded OFFLIMITS Music Festival in Abu Dhabi.

“We felt the luckiest to be able to meet Ed Sheeran again in Off Limits Festival, Abu Dhabi. What constantly blows us away more than his generational talent and sheer musicality is the genuine, warm connection he makes with everyone he meets, including us.

He recalled how lovely it was for him to be able to perform for Filipinos. He also remembered us from when we met him here in Manila, which is very cool. It’s an honor to have been able to exchange stories with him again. We wish Ed all the best with his new album, Play!” – Paolo Guico, Ben&Ben

The band shared a lighthearted moment, revealing, “Mabango siya [Ed smelled good].” Their admiration for Ed’s effortless charm and presence was evident, with the band members recalling how his natural charisma and positive energy filled the room.

Ben&Ben graced the stage alongside international acts such as Ed Sheeran, Kaiser Chiefs, and OneRepublic at Etihad Park on April 26th. Adding to the memorable experience, the nine-piece band and Ed Sheeran were captured in a friendly photo together backstage.

Prior to the festival, the band posted a captivating cover of Ed Sheeran's recent release "Azizam," which garnered significant attention. Ed Sheeran himself acknowledged the cover by sharing it on his Instagram story, leading many of his dedicated fans to discover and express their admiration for Ben&Ben's musical talent on their social media pages.

This recent encounter in Abu Dhabi marks another special connection between the Filipino band and the British singer-songwriter. On March 9, 2024, Ben&Ben had the distinct honor of performing as a special guest during Ed Sheeran's "+ – = ÷ x Tour" at the SMDC Festival Grounds in the Philippines.

Recalling the cherished moments from their previous meeting, Ben&Ben took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a concise yet impactful summary:

“1. We met Ed Sheeran.

2. We did Karaoke with him.

3. We performed on his iconic round stage.

4. Our frontmen performed our song, Maybe The Night WITH Ed Sheeran and his amazing band."

Ed Sheeran has kicked off an exciting new era with the release of his latest single, "Old Phone," which dropped on May 1. He first teased the emotional track with a live snippet shared on Instagram, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. Now available on all major streaming platforms—including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music—the song sets the tone for what promises to be a bold new chapter.

That chapter continues with his upcoming album, Play, arriving on September 12, 2025. Moving on from his Mathematics series, Sheeran explores fresh creative ground, weaving together global influences—from Indian and Persian sounds to the Irish folk traditions of his roots—while staying true to the acoustic and lyrical style fans love. Written and recorded across the globe and finished in Goa, Play is as much about emotional healing as it is about rediscovering joy through music.

NEW SINGLE ‘OLD PHONE’

RELEASED ON 1ST MAY 2025

LISTEN HERE

ED SHEERAN ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM ‘PLAY’

RELEASED ON 12TH SEPTEMBER 2025

PRE-ORDER HERE

Ben&Ben takes flight with “Saranggola,” a tender ode to friendship and nostalgia

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The barkada-themed track premiered this week on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition

Fresh off the success of their heartfelt ballad “Tomorrow With You,” Ben&Ben returns with “Saranggola,” a moving tribute to the enduring power of friendship amidst life’s inevitable changes.

Exploring themes of nostalgia, emotional connection, and change, the anthemic song reflects on cherished moments shared with friends, while acknowledging the inevitability of growing apart. But amidst shifting seasons and distances, the track affirms how love and respect remain steadfast.

“Saranggola is inspired by the ever-changing seasons amongst a group of friends,” Ben&Ben shares in a collective statement. “It is about the fleeting nature of youth and the reality that while we may not always be ready for change, we eventually learn to embrace it. What has passed becomes something worth appreciating, both in the present and in hindsight.”

The song made its debut this week in an episode of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition and will be featured in the upcoming deluxe edition of The Traveller Across Dimensions, set for release in 2025.

Written by Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin, and arranged and produced by the whole band in collaboration with long-time friend and producer Ziv, “Saranggola” marks a graceful return to form: reminiscent of their earlier works, yet imbued with the artistic depth and growth that they’ve nurtured over the years.

The multi-awarded band takes a minimalist approach at the outset with just an acoustic guitar, a cajon, and all nine members singing in unison, before gradually building into a soaring, guitar-driven jam worthy of a barkada sing-along.

“Coming from just having recorded and worked on a whole album, the experience of working on this song came by fairly smoothly,” the band explains. “Everyone focused on their own experience of what this song means to them, while maintaining a balance between melancholy, nostalgia, energy, and grit.”

Beyond the music, the track holds deep personal meaning for Ben&Ben. As they describe it, the song symbolizes their shared journey of “listening to the winds of fate and grasping the present moment.”

The nine-piece collective adds, “It's a reflection of the years we've spent together thus far and a reminder of the importance of every now and then going back to and rediscovering your roots.”

Ben&Ben’s “Saranggola” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Keep an eye out for the release of the song's visualizer on the band's official YouTube channel at 6 pm.

Ben&Ben’s new single “Tomorrow With You” arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day

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Ben&Ben celebrates the season of love with the release of their heartwarming new single, “Tomorrow With You,” now available via Sony Music Entertainment.

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The live version serves as the band’s first official release in 2025

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The song explores the resilience of love in the face of life's uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of taking each day as it comes, particularly during difficult times.

Inspired by the people who shaped and impacted their journey as individuals and as a band, Ben&Ben shares that the song encapsulates their growth, both personally and creatively, with family, friends, and loved ones by their side.

“Given that we have travelled quite far already in these dimensions, Tomorrow With You brings in the wisdom and maturity gained in these areas of our lives and channels it into a love song that embodies all of it,” explains the Pagtingin act.

The release of the track is accompanied by an audio bundle, which includes a live and a studio version. The band expressed their excitement over Spotify’s audio bundle feature, which allows listeners to enjoy both versions back-to-back, with the option to loop them for an immersive experience. “We poured different types of creative energy into both—one being a live performance and the other being a studio recording.”

The live version of “Tomorrow With You” is particularly significant, as the band believes it gives listeners a chance to experience a Ben&Ben concert on an intimate level. The band describes the feeling as a “unique audiovisual storytelling adventure that hopefully becomes a part of their own life stories as well.”

“The live performance was meticulously recorded during a concert that meant a lot to us and to our Liwanag [fans],” they add. “The event was a milestone after a year marred with many struggles, hardships, failures, and lessons. Quite literally, it was the embodiment of the lyrics in the song: Embrace hard times with you, ‘til they’re gone.”

Produced by Indonesian musician Petra Sihombing, “Tomorrow With You” blends ‘70s singer-songwriter pop, jazz, and classic soul influences with a waltz-like rhythm, creating a soothing soundscape for moments spent with your special someone. The song’s rich textures are brought to life by Sihombing’s production, which the band says beautifully captured the song’s emotional depth and dynamics.

“Our good friend from Indonesia, Petra Sihombing, produced the track,” shares the nine-member band. “He was trying to achieve translating the earnestness of emotion and the steady buildup of the song in terms of dynamics and the frequencies highlighted, which we feel he did quite well. It’s always a pleasure working with Petra. Additionally, Ziv, our friend who produced the other tracks in the album, laid down the saxophone part, which added a whole new nuance to the song.”

“Tomorrow With You” is the latest single off Ben&Ben’s recently released third full-length album, The Traveller Across Dimensions. The song is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Filipino band Ben&Ben graces New York’s Time Square billboard

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Award-winning Filipino band Ben&Ben has reached another milestone as they made it to New York’s Times Square, appearing in a billboard for Spotify.

This high-profile feature on the digital billboard is part of an initiative to promote their third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions. The campaign marks a significant step in expanding the band’s global presence, bringing their unique sound to new audiences worldwide.

“It’s a great honor for us to be featured by Spotify on the Times Square billboard for our new album, The Traveller Across Dimensions,” shares the nine-piece collective in a statement. “We feel a deep sense of gratitude for these rare opportunities to share our music to people from all walks of life.”

Since its release on November 29, 2024, the band’s new album garnered widespread acclaim, with listeners praising its expansive concept, as well its foray into sonic experiments.

Ben&Ben vocalist and guitarist Paolo Benjamin reflected on the positive reception that the Araw-Araw band has been enjoying so far. “We treasure the response to the album so far, as it involves a lot of embracing new things from us, both musically and visually,” he said. “We want to take this journey with our Liwanag, our listeners, as we navigate these new waters together.”

The band’s recent accolades include being recognized as the “Most Streamed Artist” at the 37th Awit Awards, and ranking among the top Filipino groups on Spotify Wrapped 2024.

The Traveller Across Dimensions, is a concept album with stunning animated visuals, taking listeners to a unique, immersive experience. The multimedia album follows journey of its central character, Liwanag, as she embarks on an enchanting adventure to find inner peace. As she travels through three symbolic realms—Light, Energy, and Feel—Liwanag confronts trials that challenge her path toward self-discovery.

To further immerse the fans in the album’s world, Ben&Ben is set to bring the world of The Traveller Across Dimensions to life on stage with their first-ever arena concert on December 14, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Produced by Ovation Productions, the concert promises to be an innovative, multi-dimensional experience, blending live music with state-of-the-art multimedia elements inspired by the album.

Ben&Ben are currently taking time to prepare for a one-of-a-kind show that will be remembered not just for its sheer ambition and scale, but for its string of surprises. “The concert prep is at its home stretch,” adds the band. “At this point, it is more of ironing out the technical side of things, but the band is excited to give a novel and memorable show on the 14th.”

Ben&Ben’s The Traveller Across Dimensions is now available for streaming on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Ben&Ben unveil new album and immersive animation experience in The Traveller Across Dimensions

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The band’s third studio album serves as an allegory for self-discovery and personal growth

Filipino nine-piece band Ben&Ben are treating fans to an early holiday gift with the release of The Traveller Across Dimensions, their much-anticipated third studio album, out now via Sony Music Entertainment.

This concept album integrates music with stunning animated visuals, offering listeners a unique, immersive experience. The Traveller Across Dimensions follows the journey of its central character, Liwanag, as she embarks on an enchanting adventure to find inner peace. As she travels through three symbolic realms—Light, Energy, and Feel—Liwanag confronts trials that challenge her path toward self-discovery.

In addition to Liwanag, the album introduces several other key characters who play integral roles in the narrative. Gabay, a wise traveler, returns to the Light Dimension to serve as a mentor to Liwanag. Puhon, Liwanag’s loyal pet, aids her in navigating the Energy Dimension. Meanwhile, Mahiwaga, another traveller on a parallel quest to complete the Lifecrest, crosses paths with Liwanag in the Feel Dimension. These characters enrich the story, each contributing to Liwanag’s growth and her understanding of herself and the world around her.

A Journey of self-discovery through animation

In a joint statement, Ben&Ben shares that the album’s narrative serves as an allegory for personal growth: “Her story reflects our own journeys through innocence, struggle, and maturity,” the band explains. “In the process, Liwanag learns that the pain of loss is an essential part of the peace she seeks.”

The idea to blend animation with music stemmed from the band’s long-time fascination with visual storytelling, whether through animated films or graphic novels. “Animation has a unique ability to communicate complex emotions and lessons in an accessible way,” they say. “We wanted to explore this medium to push our creative boundaries in the artistic and narrative mold.”

To bring Liwanag’s story to life, the band collaborated with Puppeteer Studios, whose expertise in animation helped realize the visual aspect of the album. “Puppeteer Studios has been an amazing partner,” the band adds. “From the start, they respected both the sonic direction of the album and our vision for the animated world of The Traveller Across Dimensions. Seeing our sketches evolve into full animation was a powerful experience—one that accurately reflected the story we wanted to tell.”

A full circle moment: Songwriting

The Traveller Across Dimensions is a product of deep collaboration within the band, with Paolo and Miguel Benjamin contributing the majority of the album’s songwriting, while percussionist/vocalist Andrew De Pano penned one of the tracks. Notably, the songs were already in progress before the animation was conceived, with the narrative emerging organically from the music. The band describes the process as a “full circle” moment, where the music inspired the story, and the evolving narrative, in turn, helped complete the songs.

“There were high points, but also moments of struggle during the album’s creation,” the band reflects. “We learned a lot about surrendering and trusting in something greater than ourselves, and those themes of wonder, enchantment, and hope are woven throughout the album.”

A sonic evolution: Production

Musically, The Traveller Across Dimensions marks a bold leap forward for Ben&Ben, building on the expansive sound of their previous album, Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno. The new record strikes a dynamic balance between ambition and intimacy, with a sonic landscape that feels more adventurous than anything the band has released before.

Produced by the band and Ziv, with additional contributions from Petra Sihombing, Sam and Tim Marquez, and JP Verona, the album blends diverse genres and innovative sound design. “This album reflects a more mature, genre-blurring approach,” the band explains. “We’re grateful to our producers, particularly Ziv, for ensuring that the sound captured our collective vision—rather than imposing any external influences on the music.”

In terms of production, the album’s tracks mirror the contrasting emotional landscapes of Liwanag’s journey. The chaotic, turbulent moments are matched by heavier, more aggressive arrangements, while the album’s more introspective tracks feature gentler, serene instrumentation, creating a powerful interplay between sound and story.

A Groundbreaking Live Experience

Ben&Ben will bring the world of The Traveller Across Dimensions to life on stage with their first-ever arena concert on December 14, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The concert promises to be an innovative, multi-dimensional experience, blending live music with state-of-the-art multimedia elements inspired by the album.

Produced by Ovation Productions, the concert will incorporate animation, film, and live performances, creating an immersive, audio-visual experience that takes the audience through the album’s narrative in real time. “We’re excited to reimagine the live concert experience, fusing our music with animated storytelling and multimedia artistry,” says Ben&Ben.

Tickets for the concert are now available via SM Tickets, with prices ranging from PHP 1,700 for General Admission to PHP 7,700 for the Liwanag VIP Package.

For more information on Ben&Ben’s upcoming concert and to purchase tickets, visit SM Tickets.

Ticket Prices:

· General Admission – PHP 1,700

· Upper Box – PHP 2,700

· Liwanag Standing – PHP 3,200

· Lower Box B – PHP 3,700

· Lower Box A – PHP 4,700

· Lower Box Premium – PHP 7,700

· Liwanag VIP Package – PHP 7,700

Ben&Ben’s The Traveller Across Dimensions is now available for streaming on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Ben&Ben unveil first-ever “animation-concert” hybrid

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The nine-piece collective aims to revolutionize headline shows with an innovative mix of animation, film, and music performances

Filipino band Ben&Ben are set to redefine the live concert experience with an audio-visual extravaganza that seamlessly blends animation, film, and music performances into one immersive package. Their upcoming arena show, scheduled for December 14, 2024, at SM Mall of Asia Arena, produced by Ovation Productions promises to be a groundbreaking event in the local music scene.

Inspired by their highly anticipated third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, the concert will introduce a new dimension of storytelling, combining live music with cutting-edge multimedia elements. The upcoming album, which pushes the boundaries of traditional music releases, will serve as the foundation for this innovative concert, thematically and conceptually speaking.

Ben&Ben have partnered with a talented team of concert directors, designers, and multimedia artists to create an animation-concert hybrid that will transport the concert-going audience into a magical, world-building realm. Working alongside Puppeteer Studios, the Pagtingin hitmakers will also introduce a cast of unique characters and an immersive universe that promise to captivate the audience from start to finish.

“We’re thrilled to share the story of Liwanag, the titular character in The Traveller Across Dimensions,” the nine-piece act explains in a collective statement. “We’ve shown a glimpse of this story in our “Triumph” music video, but the concert will reveal the full narrative in a way that no one has seen before.”

This special concert is designed to exude a cinematic experience, integrating the excitement of a live performance with the confines of filmmaking. Ben&Ben’s The Traveller Across Dimensions concert aims to elevate the theatricality of their previous shows, hinting at exploring new, interactive technology to further enhance the show.

“It’s also the first time we will be incorporating Liwanag LED wristbands as part of the immersive experience,” the critically acclaimed act shares. “We are working with Pixmob, the same tech provider as some of the international concerts we’ve attended in the past.”

In terms of the set list, the concert will feature a dynamic mix of crowd favorites, personal picks, and new songs from their latest album. In keeping up with their signature style, Ben&Ben have meticulously arranged the lineup of songs to align with the overarching narrative. This helps in bringing an integrated storytelling experience to the live stage.

“It’s a delicate balance between staying true to what fans love and offering something new,” the band adds. “We’re excited to bring these songs to life in a way that’s never been done before.”

Tickets for Ben&Ben’s The Traveller Across Dimensions concert are now available via SM Tickets.

• General Admission - P1,700
• Upper Box - P2,700
• Liwanag Standing - P3,200
• Lower Box B - P3,700
• Lower Box A - P4,700
• Lower Box Premium - P7,700
• Liwanag VIP Package - P7,700

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