KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad go from strangers to lovers in Hong Kong

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Estrada’s “Be With U“ music video livens up the screens with a charming romance set against the backdrop of Asia’s World City

In KD Estrada’s latest single “Be with U”, a serendipitous meeting between two unsuspecting individuals leads to a sweet journey through the beautiful bustling streets of Hong Kong. The song describes the feeling of wanting to spend every waking moment with that special someone, and in true kilig fashion, KD also stars in the music video alongside his long-time partner and fellow artist Alexa Ilacad. 

The couple, known as KDLex, has had their fair share of Hong Kong adventures, having starred in “Toss Coin” directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, a microfilm about two Filipinos meeting and falling in love in Hong Kong, a near-mirror image of this music video. What makes it more special this time around is that the ever-enthusiastic KDLex fans helped pitch in with their own suggestions on which Hong Kong hidden gems to visit!

The video follows the two as they explore the different sides that Hong Kong has to offer, the city becoming the perfect couple’s paradise. More than the usual theme parks and city dwellings, Hong Kong has a lot more for couples who are looking for unique ways to spend their time together; from spontaneous weekend getaways to longer days touring the outlying islands of Hong Kong with your treasured person, take inspiration from KD’s “Be With U” music video and plan that trip to the city!

The view with U

KD and Alexa kick off the music video by meeting high up in the sky, at the Peak Galleria Observation Deck, a spacious observation deck adjacent to the Peak Galleria mall that offers a panoramic view from Victoria Peak. Just like KDLex, breathe in the high altitude air after a shopping trip and bask in the views of Hong Kong.

The quiet charm of Cheung Chau

The two stars eventually end up bumping into each other once more on the scenic island of Cheung Chau, the perfect getaway from the usual clamor of Hong Kong with its beautiful waterfront, filled with gently rocking moored fishing boats, and seafood restaurants. The island is just a short ferry ride away, with the standard ferry taking approximately an hour to reach Cheung Chau, while the fast ferry takes between 35 to 40 minutes. Central Pier No. 5 has a ferry service that travels daily to and from the island.

There are no cars on this island as the norm is bike riding, a habit that contributes to the peaceful atmosphere of the island. Alexa was charmed by this way of transportation, saying, “I don’t get to ride bikes often, so I was a bit shaky, but KD was there to help.” She goes on to gush about the island even more: “Cheung Chau was the perfect place to take it slow on the bike as it’s very scenic and there are no cars to chase you down,” Alexa adds with a laugh. “I hope to be back soon just to relax and take the atmosphere in,” the actress concludes. Here you’ll also find everything from hiking trails to hip cafes in a culturally rich community, celebrated by the annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival.

KD and Alexa dropped by Kwok Kam Kee, the oldest lucky bun bakery in Cheung Chau, sharing a sweet bite together. The bakery is the oldest lucky bun bakery in Cheung Chau and makes approximately 30,000 of the buns sold and given away during the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. Each bun is printed with the Chinese letters “Ping On” which translates to “safety”. The bold red print is hard to miss and the filling that bursts with flavor is equally unforgettable. “The sweetness is a nice surprise and is different from other steamed buns I’ve had,” Alexa says. KD agrees and adds, “The texture is what makes it stand out. It’s really filling, nakakabusog siya, no?”

Kwok Kam Kee can be found at G/F, 46 Pak She Street, Cheung Chau.

KD and Alexa continued on their Cheung Chau food trip with the MTR mosaic wall-inspired Cheung Chau Corner where they enjoyed a yogurt drink together, as well as tasty giant curry fishballs at Welcome Food Court. Space is another cafe along the quieter side of the Cheung Chau harbor that serves different menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with affordable prices. If traditional desserts are more your thing, Wan Sing Dessert is where they serve the Cheung Chau favorite, the famous mango mochi.

“Of course, as Filipinos, we had to try the mango mochi,” KD shares. “Just like the ones we have at home, the mochi was very refreshing. Super sarap!”

Welcome Food Court is located at G/F, 150 San Hing Back Street, while Cheung Chau Corner is at G/F, 78 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau. Space is at 7 Tai Hing Tai Road, Cheung Chau and Wan Sing can be found at G/F, 5 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau.

Nothing can get more romantic than the Love Lock Wall, a maze of chain metal walls where friends and couples hang locks and heart-shaped wooden plaques with hand-written messages to commemorate their visit to the island. This is where couples can leave a little piece of them, marking this destination as a part of their love story. In fact, KD and Alexa left a little easter egg for their fans who plan to visit Cheung Chau: a hand-painted portrait of the two of them on a heart-shaped wooden plaque. The BnB The Creative Workshop is where KD and Alexa got their craft on and is also where visitors can acquire souvenirs and trinkets that they can hang up on the Love Lock Wall.

You may find the Love Lock Wall at 156 Sun Hing Back Street, Cheung Chau.

The perfect date night in Central and Kowloon

Couples looking to end the night on a high should include the Temple Street Night Market and the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade in their itineraries. Temple Street Night Market boasts Hong Kong’s diverse culinary culture, welcoming visitors with a wide range of Hong Kong-style snacks along the Temple Street Archway. After a quick bite, enter any one of the cafes, bars, and restaurants along the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade for a drink and the perfect nightcap with views of the Hong Kong skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the outlying islands of Hong Kong.

And finally, the Hong Kong Observatory Wheel is there to make the night even more special, Located at the Central Waterfront Promenade, the 60-meter-high Hong Kong Observation Wheel provides panoramic views over Victoria Harbor, a scene that would truly take your breath away. This place is a hot spot for all the romantic gestures such as wedding proposals so there’s no shortage of romance here! Couples can go the extra mile and book a VIP gondola for a more private and exclusive night spent gazing down at the city.

The Hong Kong Observatory Wheel is located at 33 Man Kwong Street, Central.

The music video ends with a sweet moment shared by KD and Alexa, exchanging love locks on Central Pier 9, against the backdrop of the glittering lights and calm waters, the perfect place to spend a quiet moment with your significant other, enjoying the view of Victoria Harbour as the Star Ferry and Aqua Luna sail by. This location is also reminiscent of another beloved Hong Kong love story as Central Pier 9 is where a number of scenes from the movie “Hello Love Goodbye” take place. 

From older couples who have seen each other’s different stages in life to those still in the honeymoon phase, Hong Kong remains as the city where love continues to bloom. And if you’re like KD and Alexa in the music video, wandering solo around the city, you may just discover that love is right around every corner of Hong Kong.

Watch KD’s “Be With U” music video here and explore more of Hong Kong’s hidden gems here.

SB19, BINI, SunKissed Lola, Flow G & Puregold debut the ultimate OPM collaboration with the “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” music video

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After weeks of building anticipation and dropping hints on their social media platforms, Puregold has finally unveiled the music video to the new song “Nasa Atin ang Panalo.”

Released this past May 25, the video is a must-watch for Pinoy pop fans. It serves as the ultimate collaboration of four of the country’s most sizzling musical acts: SB19, BINI, SunKissed Lola, and Flow G.

“These four artists are the powerhouse acts in Philippine music today. Collaborating with them is an excellent opportunity to reinforce Puregold's brand message,” said Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club, Inc. “Puregold proudly celebrates their achievements and is dedicated to continuously uplifting Filipino talent. And as we look forward to our 500th store milestone, it’s a privilege to have these artists produce a song that authentically represents our core values.”

The music video shows all four acts together singing and dancing along in a stylized Puregold store. They flaunt their diverse talents: harmonizing, dancing to exciting choreography, playing instrumental solos, or, in the case of Flow G, writing and rapping their own verses.

Beyond just the monumental feat of having all four mega acts in a single music video for the same song, “Nasa Atin ang Panalo” also celebrates the people of Puregold. Dancing alongside them and sharing the spotlight in the music video are the everyday shoppers and store staff that keep Puregold a running success from day to day. Puregold’s very own Aling Puring even makes an appearance to jam with the country’s biggest stars.

The song perfectly captures the “panalo” spirit that has defined Puregold’s long history in the retail business. Beyond that, it also speaks to the “panalo” stories of the artists involved in creating it. Each one has come into this project with their own stories of success.

SunKissed Lola’s relentless ascent in the industry affirms their commitment to turning dreams into reality. BINI’s growth and coming-of-age narrative serves as a reminder of the profound value of transformation and evolution over time. Flow G’s unwavering determination in the face of constant obstacles demonstrates his resilience and resolve to forge ahead. SB19’s journey, filled with triumphs and trials, is a powerful example of the ability to bounce back and confront each new day.

The collaborative song combines all of these elements in a single that can be enjoyed online now and soon on streaming platforms like Spotify.

Excitingly for Pinoy pop fans, there’s even more looming on the horizon. All four artists have already teased solo tracks that will soon drop with Puregold in the forthcoming weeks. Each new original song will dive further into the artists’ individual qualities that have allowed them to reach their “always panalo” dreams. Fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on Puregold’s social media accounts for further developments.

Stay tuned in! Subscribe now to Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok for more updates.

Music video link: https://youtu.be/JrRLsT4eoXM?si=9lfzBlgPRC2nHsI4

Catriona Gray, Noel Cabangon, Juris, Keiko Necesario and more artists join forces in the star-studded “Bagani” music video

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Several Filipino artists from all over the country have banded together to record “Bagani,” the official theme song to celebrate the 500th year anniversary of Victory of Mactan and the Philippines’ role in the first circumnavigation of the world.

The music video, which is officially out today, Friday at 8:00 PM, features an all-star performance from an ensemble put together by PhilPop and The National Quincentennial Committee, with the help of Jude Gitamondoc of Kadasig and Jeremy Sarmiento of MinPop.

All-star ensemble

Lending their participation to the special project are award-winning singers, acclaimed musicians, Warner Music Philippines artists, and PhilPop finalists: Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios, Catriona Gray, Juris, Adelle Yu, Joemark Tumala, Jetz Tacsanan, Archie Udaundo, Chud Festejo, Ferdinand Aragon, Anthony Paeldo, Paul Pablo, Reanne Borela, Noah Alejandre, Ian Dumaplin, Angelic Mateo, Abegail Esteban, Kurt Fick, Jewel Villaflores, Kulas Basilonia, Jacky Chang, Kenneth Corvera, Nicole Asensio, Kier Franco, Nino Mas, Fernando Silva, Ava Canaceli, Giarell Apolona, Michael Cadoy, Enrique Gallardo, Novie Grace Jayme, Kenneth Reodica, Ed Miraflor Jr., Roel Rostata, Pio Dumayas, Mikhail Cansicio, Mark Armas, Michael Catarina, Juliet Bahala, Paolo Campos, Keiko Necesario, Rox Omilda, Zsaris, Dulce, Leanne Mamonong, Naara Acueza, JJ Pimpinio, Anthony Castillo, Sud Ballacer, Bayang Barrios and Nyoy Volante.

Aside from the appearances of more than 50 artists, who took their time recording and filming themselves in makeshift studios remotely or at home, the music video helmed by Josh Olasiman, also includes various footage from Medical City c/o Kevin Tristan A. Espiritu, and documentary films such as Jose Rizal sa Landas ng Paglaya and May Pagasa ang Bantayog ni Andres Bonifacio.

Commissioned by The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) to give its audience a feeling of hope and optimism, the song was written and composed by Roel Rostata, arranged and produced by Jungee Marcelo, with Visayan lyrics in the chorus by Jude Gitamondoc.

Honoring solidarity and bayanihan spirit during tough times

According to its chief songwriter, Roel Rostata the track was written as a response to the growing challenges that the Filipino people are experiencing during the time of the pandemic, and how important it is repurpose music as a vessel to champion resiliency and bayanihan spirit. “There's no other way to rise above and make it through this pandemic other than working together,” Rostata shares in a statement. “Bagani encourages the listeners to turn fears and doubts to hope and healing, to manifest dreams into reality and to embrace victory. The song also encourages listeners to be part of the solution despite all the negativity and problems.”

“Bagani” is a by-product of PhilPop Bootcamp 2019, an initiative that aims to empower the next generations of contemporary Filipino singer-songwriters. PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio shares that the song was recorded for the Quincentennial celebration, but its inherent meaning has expanded into honoring our collective optimism and teamwork to rebuild the nation, and bring to light stories of optimism and resilience. “Eventually, the song became larger than what it was originally intended for,” Remolacio shares. “It triggers a strong commitment to the past and our future. It evokes strength and at the same time— solidarity.”

As part of the multiple virtual celebrations commemorating an important milestone in Philippine and global history, the music video marks the partnership between NQC and PhilPop to mark the 500th anniversary of  Victory of Mactan in 2021.

Under the partnership agreement, the country’s premier songwriting competition serves as the screening committee responsible for picking the official theme song, as well as co-producing its official music video with Warner Music Philippines.

The official music video of “Bagani” is out now.

Teacher-singer Jayson Dedal shows acting chops in BL-themed music video

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The official music video for public school teacher-turned-artist Jayson Dedal’s debut single “Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” is a moving piece of short film that takes a page from popular Asian boys’ love (BL) series.

Jayson Dedal and Alfio Schmidt are an odd couple with incredible chemistry on the BL-themed video for Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin

The video showcases Dedal’s acting chops opposite his love interest played by top model Alfio Schmidt. We see Dedal go through the moments of unfeigned but unrequited intimacy, as he falls deeper and deeper into Schmidt’s charms.

Throughout these memorable moments like baking cakes or playing billiards, Schmidt gives Dedal every reason to believe in love. He acts as the partner his friend has wanted for a long time—someone who’s gentle, patient and, above all, present. And despite the singer’s fears of a lack of reciprocity and being out of his league, Dedal tries to muster up whatever courage he can to express his feelings. But as many real love stories go, the story doesn’t end in ‘happily ever after.’

The crushing plot twist is something best left unspoiled to viewers, but what can be said is how evidently Dedal regrets missing his chance to accept the love in front of him. And it’s clear Dedal’s somber crooning draws not only from the singer’s pain but also from the earthshaking emotion often displayed in BL series.

“For the video, we drew a lot of inspiration from BL shows” said Dedal. “Any fan of BL will tell you that it’s the one genre that really captures the essence of the selfless giving and painful pining often involved in loving someone.”

Dedal isn’t alone, as the BL genre has quickly become one of the fastest-rising television genres out there. And for good reason, as it’s a genre made exclusively to tell the stories of gay men, and by extension, the entire LGBT community.

This advocacy involving LGBT issues is something that Insight Music President and Chief Creative Head Chris Cahilig feels very strongly about, and it’s what he and the “Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin” crew really wanted to express in the music video.

“This is perhaps the first time that an openly gay Filipino balladeer will have a music video as unapologetic as this,” says Cahilig. “We hope that with the music video of ‘Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin,’ we can provide an opening for greater LGBT representation in OPM, and spawn discussions about what it means to tell stories from that perspective.”

“The song and the video make it clear that people of any gender identity or sexual orientation experience the exact same feelings cisgender and heterosexual people do,” adds Cahilig. “The LGBT community is just as—if not more—capable of telling stories of love, loss, and grief. That’s what we wanted to put on display with this song and music video.”

 Jayson Dedal finally takes his talents from public school teaching to the music business with his first single BILYON-BILYONG PANALANGIN.

Jayson Dedal and Alfio Schmidt take a sweet selfie in Insight Music’s latest MV

Jayson Dedal gazes into his love interest (Alfio Schmidt) like an abyss of unrequited longing

A lovestruck Jayson Dedal pulls out his acting chops in his emotional new music video

The music video for Bilyon-Bilyong Panalangin was written and directed by Ken Laviste of Arkos Digital. It is available to stream on YouTube via Insight Music’s official page. The song is also widely available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other streaming platforms.