Smart gears up for amazing 5G Max Experience in BGC on Dec. 14! Catch performances of Bamboo, Belle Mariano, Moira Dela Torre, AC Bonifacio, and Arthur Nery

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Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc., (Smart) is pulling out all the stops as it showcases how it empowers subscribers via the Smart 5G Max Experience, happening on Dec. 14, Saturday, on 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Catch Bamboo, Belle Mariano, Moira Dela Torre, AC Bonifacio, and Arthur Nery as Smart puts the spotlight on the many amazing ways Filipinos can harness the power of 5G—from streaming ultra-high-definition movies and shows, sharing content on social media in real time, to playing high-bandwidth mobile games without lag.

“Everyone is talking about 5G and its impressive speed, but the true value of 5G lies in its ability to enhance experiences— whether it's gaming, streaming, or sharing content. With Smart 5G Max, we’ve made 5G seamless in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and we plan to expand this coverage across the country in the coming months,” said Kristine A. Go, Senior Vice President for Smart Wireless Consumer Business.

“Gone are the days of fluctuating connections from 5G to 4G and even 3G. With Smart 5G Max, you can enjoy, fast download speeds for streaming, instant uplink for sharing, and low-latency for gaming — all without interruption and on-the-go,” she added.

The latest wireless technology, 5G or fifth generation brings four things to the table: super-fast speeds for downloads and uploads, ultra-low latency for gaming and responsiveness, greater bandwidth for more devices, and a much better quality of service.

Everyone can experience these first-hand at the Creator’s Lab, Game Arena, Stream Theater, and 5G-powered Stage and Store.

Explore Smart 5G at the Creator’s Lab

Get the chance to explore the Creator’s Lab, an interactive area where you can experiment on creating content and upload it on TikTok in a snap.

The Creator’s Lab has a complete livestream set-up, and green screen backdrop dance challenge floor, and duet singing booth for your instant TikTok content.

Level up your gameplay with Smart Omega

Take your gameplay to a whole new level at the Game Arena, where you can get a chance to go up against the Smart Omega team on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang to win a prize!

The Game Arena will feature a 5v5 set-up with high end gaming smartphones to maximize the power of Smart 5G Max.

Watch your favorite shows at the Stream Theater

If you are into binge-watching, the Stream Theater is the best place to catch up on the latest shows on MAX and Netflix!

Expect surprise celebrities to drop by while you watch Max’s Dune and Netflix’s Squid Game in glorious 4K – complete with exclusive swag!

Generate your Avatar, interact with robots

The event will also have a generate-your-own-avatar section, where you can simply take a selfie, generate a digital image, and get a QR code for easy download.

You can also interact with a Service Delivery Robot and Robot Dog at the event.

Bamboo banners FREE concert

The must-not-miss live performances of Bamboo, Belle Mariano, Moira, AC Bonifacio, and Arthur Nery will cap the event with a free concert.

Lucky fans will get the chance to meet and greet AC and Belle and take their photos with them to share on social media.

Mark your calendars and experience the power of Smart 5G Max on Dec. 14, starting at 2 p.m., on 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. To know more, follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, X, TikTok and IG.

James Reid hits home with new EP, jgh

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The 6-track release serves as his first record under Sony Music Entertainment

James Reid has officially released his highly anticipated new EP, jgh, under Sony Music Entertainment and Careless Music.

The 6-track record gives an intimate glimpse into his past and present life, chronicling how he has matured all these years, both as an artist and as a person.

Short for “just got home,” jgh also marks a significant moment in Reid’s musical evolution, symbolizing his return to a place of peace and serenity, lyrically and sonically speaking. With a blend of pop, R&B, and OPM sensibilities, the EP captures Reid at his most vulnerable, rediscovering the earnest, grounded parts of his identity that he may have lost touch with and learning to forgive himself and accept the flaws that came with it.

“My home is a reflection of myself,” says James Reid. “It’s filled with things I’ve gathered along my journey and decorated with memories. It’s been another crazy year, and now that I’m home, I have a lot of stories to tell.”

Written and produced by Reid alongside collaborators Tim Marquez, Niko, Luke April, Alison Shore, and Brian Lotho, the EP is marked by its introspective nature and sparse production. Many of the tracks began as simple acoustic guitar or piano compositions, with each producer adding their own unique touch to further shape the mood of the record.

“All the songs were written from the heart,” James shares. “Some of them were painful to write, others were inspired by realizations I had along the way, and some were inspired by love. It was an emotional journey, and I see each of these songs like a page from my diary or a chapter in my life—truths I may have found difficult to express before.”

The EP’s production style is subtle yet impactful, reflecting a sense of comforting warmth that resonates deeply with a universal audience. The songs are intentionally understated, trading polished arrangements or high-energy hooks in favor of nuanced details that highlight Reid’s rich vocal delivery and powerful storytelling.

As an entirety, jgh has the potential to dominate the charts and win over even the most hardened listener's icy heart.

Tracklist for jgh:

1. Mirasol

2. Di Bale

3. Sandal

4. Hurt Me Too

5. Your Boy

6. Pauwi Na

James Reid’s new album, ‘jgh’ is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and Careless Music.

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.

Sponge Cola shares the other side of the story in new track “Kelly (Sagittarius)”

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The alt-rock piece serves as a response to “Kelly (Scorpio),” released last month

Filipino alt-rock band Sponge Cola continues to explore the complexities of heartbreak with the release of “Kelly (Sagittarius),” an emotionally charged pop-rock track that offers a different perspective on the aftermath of a painful breakup.

Serving as the fiery counterpart to last month’s melancholic “Kelly (Scorpio),” the new single completes a compelling two-part series, delving deep into the subjective nature of truth and emotion.

The dual tracks—“Kelly (Scorpio)” and “Kelly (Sagittarius)”—form a unique digital bundle that captures two distinct emotional responses to the same heartache. While “Scorpio” conveys a sense of defeat and resignation, “Sagittarius” presents a more hostile and confrontational take to a traumatic experience.

The band's vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon explains, "If you look at it from just one person's perspective, delivery plays a huge part in a message, even when you use the same words. While the Scorpio version sounds a bit more defeated, Sagittarius sounds more hostile. If you look at it as a response to the other, like a conversation, you can see how truth can sometimes be subjective. It's a 'he said, she said thing' kind of thing, and even with the same words, the truth is still unfathomably vague. There's a tendency to believe only one narrative, then totally shut the other out. But there's always two sides to every story, sometimes even more. People are quick to take sides and judge.”

“Kelly (Sagittarius)” navigates a wide spectrum of emotions in the aftermath of a breakup—surrender, yearning, regret, anger, and frustration—perfectly capturing the intensity of heartache. The song was inspired by a vivid dream Yuzon couldn’t shake off, eventually leading him to write the track in its entirety.

He notes that the bridge, which features the line “Ang siyang pumirma, ang siyang sumumpa…” (roughly translated as “The one who signed, the one who swore…”), represents a rare moment of clarity within the otherwise dream-like atmosphere of the song.

“I wrote that line as the most concrete part of the song, making it more grounded and lucid compared to the rest of the track,” says Yuzon. “I mean, come on, it talks about paperwork.”

Lead guitarist Armo Armovit reflects on the creative process behind the song, emphasizing the band’s commitment to emotional authenticity in their music. “We’re always experimenting with different elements, but we never lose sight of what works best in communicating the song’s core message,” Armovit admits. “Sometimes we let go of expectations and let the music take us where it wants to go—even if it leads us down two separate paths.”

“Kelly (Sagittarius)” showcases Sponge Cola’s signature sound—a potent blend of alt-rock guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, creating an impactful listening experience that resonates with fans old and new.

Sponge Cola’s “Kelly (Sagittarius)” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

The Dawn offers a reflective take on the holiday season with “Maki-Pasko”

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The Yuletide-inspired tune serves as their first release with Sony Music Entertainment

Iconic Filipino rock band The Dawn has thrown their hat into the ring for the next big holiday classic.

The Enveloped Ideas act makes a little space for love with “Maki-Pasko,” their debut Christmas single under Sony Music Entertainment. Known for their timeless rock anthems, the band takes a fresh and introspective approach to the season with a track that blends holiday warmth with personal reflection.

According to Jett Pangan, lead vocalist of The Dawn, “Maki-Pasko” was inspired by the feeling of longing that often accompanies the holidays, particularly for those who find themselves separated from loved ones. “I’ve experienced holidays away from my family, so I drew from that personal experience when writing the lyrics,” Pangan explains. “The song speaks to those moments of solitude and the desire to be with someone during the festive season.”

“Maki-Pasko” marks the band’s foray into writing a Yuletide-themed song—a concept they discussed for years but only decided to pursue after their initial meeting with Sony Music Entertainment. The collaboration with their new record label pushed the band to explore the challenges and creative nuances of producing a holiday tune, and refine the process along the way.

Francis Reyes, guitarist of The Dawn, reflects on co-writing the song, especially on its initial stages: “I was messing around on guitar at home, in a reflective mood. It started with that feeling, and a couple of chords and a riff that, in my mind, reflected a bit of sadness but also sounded hopeful. Personally, I think of it like any other song we’ve written that can be played in any other season. We were probably hesitant to write a Christmas song for so long because we were overthinking what it should sound like.”

Produced by guitarist Rommel “Sancho” Sanchez and bassist Bim Yance, “Maki-Pasko” conveys the essence of the holiday season without falling into the typical tropes of festive music. The song incorporates subtle touches of sleigh bells and tambourines, gently invoking the seasonal vibe, but its deeper emotional resonance comes from its universal themes of longing, hope, and togetherness.

“We didn’t want it to be just another ‘holiday song’—we wanted it to be a good song that happens to be about Christmas,” adds drummer Junboy Leonor. “Ultimately, it’s about the feelings that the season brings, without being tied to a particular moment or celebration.”

The Dawn’s “Maki-Pasko” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

 

Lola Amour: The Album Concert Premieres on Spotify and YouTube

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For those who missed the magic live—and for those who were there and want to relive it—Lola Amour’s unforgettable Lola Amour: The Album Concert is now yours to experience anytime! The concert, filmed live at Circuit Makati on April 13, 2024 is officially streaming on Spotify starting November 29, with the full concert film premiering on YouTube on December 2.

Directed by Jed Regala of First Light Studios, the concert film captures the band’s electrifying performance and includes exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. From intimate interviews with fans and musical directors leading up to the big event to candid rehearsal footage, the film offers an unparalleled look into the journey that brought this spectacular show to life.

Fans can also look forward to special appearances by surprise guests who joined Lola Amour on stage, making this event truly one for the books.

Adding to the excitement, Spotify has launched a Live Set Playlist featuring exclusive spiels from the concert. These additions recreate the energy and emotion of being at the live show, immersing listeners in the full Lola Amour experience.

With Lola Amour: The Album Concert, the band continues to solidify their place in the OPM scene, creating an immersive experience for their ever-growing audience.

Don’t miss out—stream the playlist & album now on Spotify and prepare for the YouTube release on December 2!

For the latest updates on your favorite musicians, follow Warner Music Philippines on their social media pages:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Youtube

A1 Expands Valentine’s Tour in the Philippines with Bacolod and Cagayan De Oro Shows!

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With the intent of reaching a wider audience through their music, Beloved British-Norwegian boy band A1, known for their timeless hits and captivating performances, is bringing their Valentine’s Tour to more Filipino fans! The iconic pop group has added Bacolod City and Cagayan De Oro City to their highly anticipated Valentine’s Tour in February 2025.

The group announced that they will also perform live at the SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City on February 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM, and at The Atrium, Limketkai Center, Cagayan De Oro City on February 13, 2025, promising a Pre-Valentine’s Day to remember for their fans in Mindanao. This is in addition to their shows in Cebu this February 14, 2025, at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, Cebu City, aside from the Manila leg of their Valentine’s Tour 2025 on February 15, 2025, at the New Frontier Theater, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

Following the success of their TWENTY FIVE concert tour in 2023, which celebrated their 25th anniversary in the music industry, A1 is once again ready to serenade Filipino fans with their chart-topping classics and crowd favorites. Expect to hear unforgettable hits such as Like A Rose, Everytime, Same Old Brand New You, Caught in the Middle, and many more.

A1, comprising Paul Marazzi, Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read, and Ben Adams, remains committed to creating memorable experiences for their audience. “The Philippines has always held a special place in our hearts,” says Mark Read. “We are thrilled to expand our Valentines tour to reach even more fans in Bacolod and Cagayan De Oro.”

Tickets for SMX CONVENTION CENTER, Bacolod City & THE ATRIUM, Limketkai Center, Cagayan De Oro will go on-sale Monday, November 25th, 2024, at 12 noon. Available at all SM Ticket outlets or log on to www.smtickets.com or call 8470-2222 for more details.

SMX CONVENTION CENTER, Bacolod City, Wednesday 12th February 2025 (8PM)

Ticket prices:

VIP - Reserved Seating – 4,500 Php

GOLD - Reserved Seating – 3,000 Php

SILVER - Free Seating – 2,000 Php

GENERAL ADMISSION - Free Seating – 1,000 Php

*Exclusive of ticket service charge

Tickets available at all SM Ticket outlets or log on to www.smtickets.com or call 8470-2222 for more details.

THE ATRIUM, Limketkai Center, Cagayan De Oro, Thursday 13th February 2025 (8PM)

Ticket prices:

VIP - Reserved Seating – 4,000 Php

GOLD - Reserved Seating – 3,500 Php

SILVER - Free Seating – 2,500 Php

BRONZE - Free Seating – 1,500 Php

LOWER ALFRESCO - Free Seating – 1,000 Php

UPPER ALFRESCO - Free Seating – 700 Php

*Exclusive of ticket service charge

Tickets available at all SM Ticket outlets or log on to www.smtickets.com or call 8470-2222 for more details.

WATERFRONT CEBU CITY HOTEL & CASINO, Cebu City, Friday 14th February 2025 (8PM)

Ticket prices:

VIP - Reserved Seating – 4,790 Peso

GOLD - Reserved Seating – 3,730 Peso

SILVER - Reserved Seating – 2,660 Peso

BRONZE - Free Seating – 1,600 Peso

BALCONY - Free Seating – 850 Peso

*Exclusive of ticket service charge

Tickets available at all SM Ticket outlets or log on to www.smtickets.com or call 8470-2222 for more details.

NEW FRONTIER THEATER, Quezon City, Saturday 15th February 2025 (8PM)

Ticket prices Manila:

Orchestra VIP - Reserved Seating – 5,750 Peso

Orchestra B - Reserved Seating – 5,000 Peso

Orchestra C - Reserved Seating – 4,250 Peso

Balcony VIP (Loge) - Reserved Seating – 5,250 Peso

Balcony 1 - Reserved Seating – 4,000 Peso

Balcony 2 - Reserved Seating – 3,000 Peso

*Exclusive of ticket service charge

Tickets available at all TicketNet outlets or log on to Ticketnet.com.ph or call (02) 911-5555 for more details.

Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early as demand is expected to be high. Don’t miss the chance to relive the magic of A1 and create new memories with their music this Valentine’s season.

For more concert updates, check out A1’s Facebook page /a1official or follow Concert Republic’s website www.concertrepublic.com or /@concertrepublic on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, @concert.republic on TikTok.

Ballet Manila brings an extended run of Florante at Laura to Hyundai Hall in Areté

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Responding to overwhelmingly positive reviews, Ballet Manila is set to rekindle the magic of Florante at Laura, the iconic Filipino epic poem turned ballet, with a much-anticipated restaging, this time at the Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, in Quezon City, from November 22 to 24, 2024. The production recently captivated audiences with its stunning choreography, evocative original music, and breathtaking dancing during its triumphant world premiere at the Aliw Theater last month.

A Filipino literary masterpiece, ‘Florante at Laura,’ was written in 1838 by the Prince of Tagalog Poets, Francisco ‘Balagtas’ Baltasar. It is a narrative poem that tells the story of Florante, the Duke of Albania, who is captured by Turks. His beloved Laura is forced to marry Count Adolfo, the usurper. With the help of the warrior Aladin, Florante escapes, returns to confront Adolfo, and seeks redemption as he reunites with Laura.

Under Lisa Macuja Elizalde's artistic direction, Ballet Manila has assembled a world-class creative team to bring this epic Filipino tale to the stage.

“Florante at Laura” is more than just a performance; it is a cultural experience that celebrates the rich literary heritage of the Philippines. Not only does this performance pay tribute to the timeless masterpiece by Francisco ‘Balagtas’ Baltasar, but it also showcases the exceptional talents of the dancers, choreographers, and creative minds behind this production.” Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde said.

The performance will feature the recording of the original score composed by the esteemed National Artist for Ryan Cayabyab as performed by the talented Orchestra of the Filipino Youth, conducted by Maestro Toma Cayabyab. This powerful combination of music and dance has captivated and moved audiences, making each part of the performance an unforgettable experience.

“This full-length composition is one of my legacy pieces. It is my gift to the Filipinos, and I want Ballet Manila to share it with generations to come,” said Cayabyab.

Members of the ballet's creative team include choreographers Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance; libretto consultant and the foremost Balagtas expert, Dr. Michael Coroza; award-winning set designer Mio Infante; lighting director John Batalla; and costume designers Make It Happen.

Show schedule is as follows: November 22, 2024, 6:00 pm; November 23, 2024, 7:30 pm and November 24, 2024 3:30 pm. Tickets are available online via Ticketworld; direct link to purchase, https://bit.ly/BMFloranteAtLauraAretéBuyTickets. To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.

Tate McRae drops new single “2 Hands” ahead of the release of her third studio album, So Close To What early next year

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Today, multi-platinum pop sensation Tate McRae announces her highly anticipated third album So Close To What to be released February 21^st via RCA Records. Through unfiltered lyricism and raw emotions, So Close To What represents the journey of growing up when the road ahead feels infinite and the destination increasingly elusive. It’s an introspective exploration of self-discovery, love, and searching for balance in moments of uncertainty. Pre-save HERE. 

Pre-order So Close To What now in Tate’s Official Online Store at https://tatemcrae.lnk.to/Store. Products include limited quantities of the Exclusive Vinyl including 1 of 4 Collectable Signed Poster Variants, Signed CDs, and Cassettes only available while supplies last.

Tate also released her new song “2 hands” alongside the official music video via RCA Records today. It’s written and produced with hitmakers Ryan Tedder (Taylor Swift, Beyoncé), Lostboy (Tiësto, Kylie Minogue), and Amy Allen (Harry Styles, Justin Bieber). Directed by Bradley & Pablo (Rosalía, Charli XCX) and choreographed by Sean Bankhead (Cardi B, Victoria Monét), the fast-paced music video follows Tate on a joyride through suburbia. 

Tate shares, “2 hands shows a different side of me than what people are used to. The song captures the feeling of falling in love and how sometimes just being close to someone is all you really need. A genuine connection goes beyond needing constant reassurance or fancy things, simply being together is what matters.

Follow Tate McRae:

Official Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

 

Follow Tate McRae:

Official Website | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok

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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ASEAN-India Music Festival returns in 2024 with an incredible showcase of unity through music and culture

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The festival celebrates 10 years of India's 'Act East Policy' and cultural partnership with ASEAN, in line with the 21st ASEAN India Summit decisions

This year's unique features include collaborations with music institutes and international performances, including a Bangkok edition 

The ASEAN-India Music Festival (AIMF), an initiative that aims to present the richness and diversity of each participating country’s musical heritage, has officially announced its comeback this year.

With its mission of igniting appreciation and awareness of India’s cultural affinity with ASEAN countries, this year’s edition will be returning at the iconic Purana Qila in New Delhi, India from November 29 to December 1, 2024.

The 2024 edition serves as an “incredible showcase of unity through music and culture,” celebrating 10 years of Act East Policy. The festival aligns with the decisions made at the 21st ASEAN India Summit and highlights India's comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN, particularly in the cultural domain. 

ASEAN-India Music Festival will feature performances by bands from ASEAN countries and top Indian music sensations such as Shaan, Jasleen Royal, Sukriti Prakriti, and Raghu Dixit.

The event is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Seher, India's premier cultural organization known for producing large-scale events in India and abroad, particularly in the fields of music, dance, visual arts, theater, and cinema.

Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder Director of Seher, shares that this year’s ASEAN-India Music Festival promises to live up to the expectations of the global audience while upholding its top-notch programming with a carefully selected lineup of performers.

He explains, “The third edition of the ASEAN India Music Festival is a celebration of a decade of India's 'Act East Policy.' The festival brings together diverse musical traditions and promotes a deeper cultural bond between India and ASEAN. With new initiatives like international performances and educational collaborations, we aim to take the cultural exchange to a new level. The new addition to this 3rd edition of ASEAN-India Music Festival is a one-day music extravaganza in Bangkok, Thailand, one of the ASEAN-member states." 

Following the main event in New Delhi, the festival will continue its journey to Bangkok, Thailand, further enhancing the cultural connections between India and ASEAN. Details about the bands performing from Southeast Asia will be announced soon.

Along with senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Heads of Missions from all 10 ASEAN Member States, Mr. S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Govt. of India, will also grace the event as the chief guest.

After its well-received inaugural edition in 2017 and successful follow-up in 2022, AIMF has continued its mission of promoting a sustained cultural exchange and interaction between ASEAN and India while championing its unique adoption of traditional and modern music influences. Some of the previous headliners in the past from Southeast Asian nations include Linying of Singapore, The Ransom Collective of the Philippines, and Makaohang from Thailand.

For more information about the ASEAN India Music Festival, visit the official website.