AXEAN Festival releases full lineup for its 2025 edition

Tweet

Featuring 45 acts across three stages, this year’s festival highlights collaboration with TuneCore and The Orchard in supporting Asian indie talents

Bali, Indonesia – ​AXEAN Festival 2025 has officially announced its final lineup for this year’s edition.

The stage is set for the first intra-regional showcase festival in Asia, as it welcomes 43 music acts across three stages at Jimbaran Hub in Bali, Indonesia, from September 13 to 14, 2025.

Completing the final round of performers are some of the most prominent and emerging names in the Indonesian music scene, including metal/hardcore quintet AVHATH, beloved folk duo Banda Neira, rising indie act Gozal, alternative rock outfit Grizzly Cluive, genre-bending band Morbid Monke, indie rock powerhouse Sandstorm of Youth, melancholic indie group sourmilk, multi-talented musician Xandega, and a special collaboration set between Bandung-based punk rock band Dongker and acclaimed singer-songwriter Jason Ranti.

The announcement also brings an exciting mix of Asian talents, such as trailblazing Malaysian R&B artist Alextbh, Laotian musician BIGPOM, Thai indie rock act LEMONY, Thai rock band Cvptain Morgans, Japanese singer-songwriter Kiwako Ashimine, J-indie artist Mettya Bizin (めっちゃ美人), Vietnamese indie/dream pop project Milkiwav, Vietnamese indie act Nghịch, and Filipino genre-fluid band Weejah.

These artists join an already diverse roster that includes Billyrrom., Blindfold, Capt’n Trips and the Kid, Confined White, DJ Love, DOOR PLANT, Fauxe, Feel Koplo x Toxicdev!, Jangar, Johnny Mafia, Kelompok Penerbang Roket, La Cima Cartel, L’Alphalpha, Lustbass, MANJA, Ministry Of, One Click Straight, Shanghai Quitian, Shye, SIMILE LAND, S.O.L.E., Su San, Terrer, Valentina Ploy, and XANDEGA.

TuneCore’s key role in curating the final batch of lineup

This year, TuneCore plays a pivotal role in shaping the final lineup, expanding its position as one of AXEAN Festival’s most important partners. Through a four-month, multi-stage submission and rigid selection process spanning five countries in Southeast Asia, TuneCore helped discover and elevate standout independent voices that have made a mark in their niche markets.

Cyrus Chen, Head of TuneCore Southeast Asia, recalls the selection process that they went through before picking the finest acts that show global potential. “It began with open biweekly submissions, attracting over 600 entries,” Cyrus explains. “Selected artists progressed to monthly live showcases at local venues, with each monthly winner advancing to country finals. Out of the 27 finalists, our local panels chose the six artists performing at AXEAN. The biggest surprise was probably the incredible depth of undiscovered talent. We found remarkable hidden gems across diverse and often genre-blending styles. What was particularly striking was how many of these artists hadn't formally released music yet.”

When asked about the criteria in picking the artists who made it to TuneCore’s AXEAN stage, Cyrus emphasized the importance of authenticity and range, and how beyond raw talent, there’s a need to prioritize artists whose music authentically integrates local flair and cultural influences. “Showcasing a diverse spectrum of genres was also essential,” he adds.

For their part, the top global distribution and label services company, along with AXEAN Festival, promises to use their platform to foster real-world opportunities, apart from empowering artists digitally. “We actively nurture talent by providing platforms for exposure, facilitating live performance experience at scale (from local venues to major festivals), educational opportunities (workshops and masterclasses to upskill artists), and connecting artists directly with new audiences and industry stakeholders across borders. We go beyond distribution to open doors for market access and career growth that are often out of reach for independent artists.”

The Orchard-AXEAN Festival partnership

The Orchard, a prominent music distribution company operating in over 49 cities worldwide, has expressed its support for AXEAN Festival through a strategic partnership. Both music entities share a vision of empowering artists to broaden their horizons and access new music markets beyond their turfs. Together, both AXEAN and The Orchard are keen on dismantling barriers and enabling Southeast Asian creative communities to showcase their music on a global stage.

As Prahlad Prabhas, The Orchard’s Senior Director, Southeast Asia, explains it, “This [collaboration] aligns perfectly with The Orchard's philosophy of helping artists grow outside their home markets. We’re thrilled to be part of that journey this year by sponsoring a stage. For us, it’s more than just about the music—it’s about celebrating the creativity and energy of this region and sharing it with the world.”

Tickets are now available via:

Indonesia: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025Indo

International: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025Inter

China: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025China

 

About AXEAN Festival

The AXEAN Festival is a prominent Southeast Asian music export platform, combining a music conference and showcase festival.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic by music professionals across Southeast Asia, AXEAN Festival has successfully hosted both virtual (2020-2021) and in-person (2022-2024) events. Over five editions, it has featured 200 artists from 20 countries, attracted 240 delegates from 32 countries, and reached over 46,000 virtual viewers, along with close to 15,000 live attendees.

With its growing international reputation, AXEAN has firmly established itself as Southeast Asia’s leading music export platform. Its first venture into a new market beyond its original home base in Singapore and Bali garnered widespread acclaim among attendees, music industry professionals, and participating artists.

 

About TuneCore

TuneCore is the leading independent development partner for self-releasing artists to build audiences and careers – with technology and services across distribution, publishing administration, and a range of promotional services. TuneCore Music Distribution services help artists, labels, and managers get their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TikTok, YouTube Music, and more than 150 download and streaming stores and platforms worldwide, while retaining 100% of their sales revenue and rights for a low annual flat fee. TuneCore Music Publishing Administration assists songwriters by collecting royalties stemming from the use of their compositions – including mechanical royalties from download and streaming services, performance royalties from radio, TV and live performances, and synchronization royalties from film, TV and advertising – in over 200 countries globally. TuneCore is based in Brooklyn, NY, and is owned by Paris-based Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies.

 

 About The Orchard

THE ORCHARD: DELIVERING INDEPENDENT MUSIC SINCE 1997

The Orchard is a leading music distribution company operating in over 49 cities worldwide. With a comprehensive artist & label services offering including full-service marketing, synch licensing, video services, transparent data analysis, advertising, rights management, digital and physical distribution and more. The Orchard empowers creators and businesses to grow and adapt in the dynamic global industry

 

Power Moves Only! See why Anne Curtis, Marian Rivera, Maine Mendoza, and Alden Richards love the vivo X Fold5

Tweet

From managing deadlines to staying connected on the go, today’s lifestyle calls for a smartphone that's built for efficiency and productivity.

The vivo X Fold5 answers this need with its expansive foldable display. A bigger, optimized screen that makes multitasking seamless, and the choice of today’s sought-after celebrities like Anne Curtis, Marian Rivera, Maine Mendoza, and Alden Richards.

Are you ready to unfold the extraordinary? Discover why these icons love it!

Marian Rivera

Alden Richard

Anne Curtis

Bigger screen. Bigger wins.

It’s Okay Not To Be Okay lead Anne Curtis shared, “My work has been insane lately… but I’m lucky I can go from shoots to meetings to streaming easy peasy. My ultra-slim vivo X Fold5 unfolds smoothly to match my every move. It’s super perfect for my script runs, meetings, and watching my fave series or vids!”

On Instagram, Marian Rivera also gushed about how the vivo X Fold5 unfolds seamlessly for bigger goals while maintaining its sleek, stylish appeal

While Alden Richards remarked, “My ultra-slim vivo X Fold5 moves as fast as I do,” describing how effortlessly it unfolds for work and folds for everyday ease. A perfect fit for his daily grind.

These testaments are solid proof that the vivo X Fold5 makes every power move seamless!

For modern go-getters like these talented celebrities, its expansive display means more room to do more. From sealing presentations to managing emails on a call, or even sneaking in a quick stream, it’s the ultimate hub where work meets play.

Unfold it to open up endless possibilities. Fold it to keep life in motion. That’s the edge you get with the vivo X Fold5!

All the energy you need for every power play.

At the heart of this powerhouse is the massive 6000 mAh BlueVolt Battery, crafted for those who live life in the fast lane.

For superstars, executives, and every modern multi-hyphenate, this battery is more than power. It is confidence, freedom, and the assurance that your day runs as smoothly as your ambitions.

Take it from Maine Mendoza! With her vivo X Fold5, she moves seamlessly from glam to grind to good times with friends. Never missing a beat, never dropping the energy.

Step into the future with the vivo X Fold5, now available in vivo concept stores across the country. Learn more by visiting the vivo website.

Manila Overseas Press Club fetes SM for contribution to tourism

Tweet

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group was recently conferred the Grand Tourism Excellence Award by The Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) last August 15, 2025. The award recognizes the company's exceptional execution and management across the SM Group, empowering many tourism-related MSMEs and contributing towards a thriving, fulfilling travel industry.

The award further validates SM's strategic investments in integrated tourism developments from hotel and resort properties, shipping and logistics across the Philippines and retail establishments and entertainment complexes that cater to local and international travelers.

Receiving the award on behalf of the company was Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. Chairman of the Board of SM Investments (center). With him were (from left) Christina Garcia Frasco, Department of Tourism Secretary (DOT); First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos; Tony Lopez and Eric Canoy, MOPC Chairman and President, respectively. 

PH’s retail treasury bonds available on e-wallets for the first time through GBonds

Tweet

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) expands access to its 31st Retail Treasury Bond offering for everyday investors via GBonds in the GCash app

 Mynt president and CEO Martha Sazon

For the first time ever, the Philippine government’s Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB) have been made available on an e-wallet platform, as the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) enables small investors to purchase government securities through the GBonds feature of GCash.

“We are thrilled to bring RTB 31 to the GCash app. This collaboration significantly expands our reach, enabling more Filipinos to invest in government securities easily and securely. It’s a monumental step toward our goal of a more financially inclusive Philippines, giving more people the opportunity to build their savings and contribute to the nation's economic growth,” said the Treasurer of the Philippines, Sharon Almanza.

The BTr initially planned to issue a minimum offer size of P30 billion for the five-year (5Y) RTBs, but due to strong investor demand, it eventually sold P210 billion during the rate-setting auction which resulted in a 6% coupon rate.

GCash users who sign up for GBonds can instantly place a buy order for the government’s 31st Retail Treasury Bond Issuance (RTB 31) from August 5 until the end of the offer period on August 15.

“For a minimum investment of P5,000 with no extra fees, GCash users can instantly place a buy order for RTB 31 anytime within the offer period once they sign up for GBonds. More Filipinos will have the chance to take part in nation-building while taking a significant step toward their financial goals through this innovation,” said Martha Sazon, president and CEO of GCash parent Mynt.

“In making RTBs more accessible to millions more Filipinos, we’re also enabling retail investors to contribute to the P2.6 trillion borrowing program of the government to fund essential projects,” she added.

 (L-R) Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) deputy treasurer Kenneth Francisco, OIC deputy treasurer Nanette Diaz, treasurer of the Philippines Sharon Almanza, with Mynt president and CEO Martha Sazon, and Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) deputy treasurer Eduardo Mariño III

  (L-R)  Landbank of the Philippines president and CEO Lynette Ortiz, Bureau of the Treasury national treasurer Sharon Almanza, Mynt president and CEO Martha Sazon, and Department of Finance undersecretary and chief economist Domnini Velasquez

Powered by Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX), Inc. and Bonds.ph, in partnership with the Bureau of the Treasury, GBonds became available to the public in July, allowing fully verified users to access fixed-income government securities without the need for a bank account. Filipinos can place their bond investment order and get confirmation in a few minutes in the GCash app.

Getting started on GBonds is easy and simple. Fully verified GCash users with an updated KYC within the past 3 years just need to open the app, go to GInvest, select GBonds, and register for a PDAX account, subject to their terms and conditions, to complete the registration process.

To get a fully verified GCash account, users are encouraged to go through the KYC process within the app ahead of starting on GBonds. This involves providing personal information, uploading a valid government ID, and completing a selfie scan. For more information, visit the Help Center.

For updates about the Bureau of the Treasury’s latest offerings, visit www.treasury.gov.ph and like/follow their Meta Page at TreasuryPH.

Turn Every Shot into a Masterpiece with the realme 14 Pro+ 5G

Tweet

With pro-level lenses and advanced imaging intelligence, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G empowers fans to capture life with clarity and creativity

As the world celebrates World Photography Week, realme joins the global community of storytellers with a device designed to inspire creativity at every angle. The new realme 14 Pro Series 5G redefines what it means to capture a moment, turning everyday snapshots into professional-grade masterpieces.

Triple Sony Cameras for Every Perspective

The highlight of the realme 14 Pro+ 5G is its triple Sony camera system, crafted for flexibility in any scenario. The 50MP Sony IMX896 main sensor comes with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a large 1/1.56” sensor size, meaning it can draw in more light for sharper results even after sundown. Paired with a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens, users can zoom from 3x up to an astonishing 120x, making distant subjects appear closer without compromising the quality. Completing the trio is an 8MP wide-angle camera with a 112° field of view, ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes and group portraits. Together, they form what realme calls “Triple Clarity in Every Shot,” ensuring versatility whether the subject is across the street or right in front of the lens.

On the front, a 32MP Ultra Clear selfie camera with Flagship Level eye auto-focus captures portraits that are sharp and natural, proving that the device is just as masterful with self-expression as it is with grand scenes.

Intelligent Features That Empower Creativity

The imaging experience extends beyond lenses into AI-powered enhancements. AI Ultra Clarity 2.0 sharpens blurry photos with a single tap, rescuing shots that might otherwise go unused. AI Snap Mode ensures moving subjects – whether athletes at a marathon or children at play – are captured without streaks or ghosting. Low-light environments are further supported by the MagicGlow Triple Flash, a unique three-LED system that allows fans to fine-tune brightness and warmth for studio-like lighting anywhere. And with AI Eraser 2.0, distractions in the background can be removed seamlessly, producing clean, share-ready results without needing third-party apps.

Design That Reflects Artistry

True to its theme of creativity, the realme 14 Pro+ 5G is also a design statement. The Pearl White variant features the world’s first cold-sensitive back panel, which transforms into a striking blue hue under colder temperatures, making each unit as unique as the person holding it. The Suede Grey finish offers an understated alternative with a refined, tactile feel.

Despite its artistry, the device doesn’t compromise on performance – running on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 5G processor for smooth multitasking, paired with up to 26GB dynamic RAM and 512GB storage for endless photos and videos. A 6000mAh battery ensures hours of shooting, supported by 80W SUPERVOOC charging that powers the phone back up in record time. With IP68-rated dust & water resistance ratings, and even a dedicated Underwater Mode, the phone makes it possible to take the art of photography anywhere – even beneath the surface.

The realme 14 Pro+ 5G retails for P27,999 and is available in realme’s official Shopee store and TikTok Shop as well as in all realme partner stores nationwide.

For the latest news and announcements about the realme 14 Series 5G, visit the brand’s official website and follow its Facebook page.