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

vivo V70’s AI Stage Mode brings concert moments closer at music fest

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The energy of a live concert is unforgettable: flashing stage lights, fans singing in unison, and artists commanding the spotlight. Capturing those moments clearly from the middle of a crowd can be challenging, but the vivo V70 makes it easier with its powerful AI Stage Mode and 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera.

During the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2026 in Pampanga, the V70 proved its capabilities in a real concert setting.

CLTV36 of RBC Media Group used the smartphone to capture performances from some of the Philippines’ biggest OPM acts, including Parokya ni Edgar, Bamboo, Rico Blanco, and Kamikazee. Even from the crowd, the device produced clear and vibrant images that brought performers closer to the lens.

From crowd view to center stage

Concert photography often involves difficult conditions. Performers appear distant, lighting constantly shifts, and fast movements can blur important moments. The vivo V70’s AI Stage Mode is designed to address these challenges by enhancing clarity, exposure, and detail when shooting performers from afar.

CLTV36 demonstrated this by photographing Jay Contreras, lead vocalist of Kamikazee. The first photo, captured at 23mm (1x), showed the scale of the stage and the sea of fans gathered for the performance.

A quick zoom to 243mm (10x) transformed the same scene into a crisp close-up. Jay’s facial expression and stage presence became clearly visible, creating an image that felt almost like it was taken from the front row.

The V70 also captured memorable moments from the performance of Parokya ni Edgar. Wide shots showcased the band performing under bright stage lights while the crowd sang along to their hits.

Using the same 10x zoom, the camera produced detailed close-ups of frontman Chito Miranda, highlighting facial expressions and stage details despite the challenging lighting conditions common in concerts.

The 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera enables the vivo V70 to maintain strong detail even at higher zoom levels. Combined with AI Stage Mode, the smartphone intelligently enhances lighting, sharpness, and color balance to overcome bright stage lights and darker surroundings.

This allows concertgoers to capture both sweeping stage shots and detailed close-ups without losing clarity, preserving the excitement and atmosphere of live performances.

From cheering crowds to glowing stage lights, the vivo V70 helps fans document the full concert experience. With AI Stage Mode and its 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, every performance can be captured with clarity, even from a distance.

Starting at Php 31,999, it is now available for pre-order at vivo stores nationwide and on Shopee until March 13, with savings of up to Php 7,000.

Shopee pre-order bundles also include a limited-edition V70 x POP MART Zsiga phone strap and a vivo VIP Card, which comes with extended warranty and screen protection benefits.

Don’t just watch from afar, pre-order your vivo V70 and feel the concert energy closer than ever. Learn more about the vivo V70 on the vivo website.

Universal Records artists reign supreme at the 26th Awit Awards

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The Awit Awards are the most prestigious music awards in the Philippines given annually by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) to recognize the outstanding achievements in the music industry.

According to its official website, the objective of the award-giving body is to “promote the Philippine music industry, artistry and legacy.” It also aims to champion music-making and production, as well as showcase talents in an event dedicated to music. 

Universal Records continues to be the home of the best, most respected local musical acts. At this year’s Awit Awards, the label’s artists headline the list of nominees :

Gloc-9

Noel Cabangon

Gary Valenciano

Sam Concepcion

Sponge Cola

Kamikazee

Parokya Ni Edgar

Ogie Alcasid

Christian Bautista

She’s Only Sixteen.

Gloc-9 leads with five nominations Album of the Year for MKNM: Mga Kuwento Ng Makata, and for Sirena ­– Song of the Year, Best Rap, Best Collaboration and Best Music Video. The song also features Ebe Dancel.

Noel Cabangon takes home for four nominations: Album of the Year for Tuloy Ang Byahe, Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist and Best Ballad for Tuwing Umuulan At Kapiling Ka, and Best Regional Recording forUsahay.

Gary Valenciano also bags four nominations: Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist, Best Musical Arrangement and Best Engineered Recording for Send In The Clown, and Best Vocal Arangement for Overjoyed.

Sam Concepcion is nominated for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist for Kontrabida, while Sponge Cola is included in the list of nominees for Best Performance by a Group for Pick Your Poison and Best Collaboration for XGF with Chito Miranda.

Kamikazee has two nominations: Best Rock/Alternative and Best Music Video for Halik. Parokya Ni Edgar is nominated for Best Rap for Bagsakan featuring Frank Magalona, and Gloc-9.

New band She’s Only Sixteen is nominated for the debut single Dying To Meet You for Best Performance by a new group, while their Roll The Dice is nominated as Best Engineered Recording.

Christian Bautista’s First Class album is nominated for Best Album Design and Ogie Alcasid’s Kape Ka Ba is one of the nominees for Best Novelty.