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| (Image Source: Live Nation Entertainment) |
Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, has announced the launch of Live Nation Philippines through the strategic acquisition of Music Management International (MMI), and Rhiza Pascua has been appointed to the role of Managing Director Live Nation Philippines – signalling further growth across Asia.
Since its inception three decades ago, MMI, spearheaded by Pascua, has been the leading promoter in the Philippines. When the world’s more prominent artists skipped going to Manila, Pascua worked diligently to convince artists, managers, and agents and put the country firmly on the global touring map of Asia. In recent years, MMI has promoted the most number of sold-out concerts in the territory, including Madonna, Coldplay, U2, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Niall Horan, Maroon 5, The Chainsmokers, Dua Lipa, LANY, and many more.
Live Nation Asia Pacific President Roger Field shared, “Rhiza is a formidable operator and has put the Philippines firmly on the global touring map. We have a long-standing and successful relationship with MMI, and the launch of Live Nation Philippines is the natural next step in our committed growth in the Asia Pacific region. MMI adds another part to our network and our vision to deliver exceptional live entertainment experiences to music fans and more opportunities for artists to grow their audience across the world.” “Over the years, MMI has delivered industry-leading world-class services to attract the biggest and best talent to the Philippines. Through the launch of Live Nation Philippines, the sky’s the limit, and we look forward to bringing even more of the globe’s biggest stars and connecting fans with the artists they love and the magic of live," Pascua said.
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BGYO Captures Essence Of Youth In "He's Into Her" Season 2 Theme Song "Best Time"
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
P-Pop boy group BGYO lends its voice again for the new song “Best Time” that complements the youthful spirit and storyline of the hit show “He’s Into Her,” which is now on its second season. “Best Time” represents the fleeting time of youth, beauty, and love, which is perfectly captured in the song written and composed by ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo and Gabriel Tagadtad.
The nostalgic track also symbolizes the fragility of love or youth and how the pain it brings is exactly what makes it a beautiful memory or as the song says, “the best time of our lives". Upon its release, BGYO’s fans ACEs showed their all-out support as the song reached the top spot of iTunes Songs Chart in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore as well as peaking at #3 on iTunes Hong Kong. It also earned features on Spotify’s local editorial playlists “RADAR PH,” “P-Pop On The Rise,” and “New Music Friday Philippines.”
Aside from BGYO’s “Best Time,” the second season of “He’s Into Her” will also feature an acoustic ballad version of “Did I Let You Go” by Fil-Brit singer-songwriter Jon Guelas. The reimagined track — which now bears lyrics that present the perspectives of two people who went through a breakup — seamlessly fits the heartbreaking relationship issues that Deib (Donny Pangilinan) and Max (Belle Mariano) will encounter as seen on the show’s trailer.
The ‘bearkada’ can also look forward to the music of Nameless Kids, Trisha Denise, Zion, and more in “He’s Into Her” season 2’s official soundtrack. Feel the glee and ache of youth by streaming BGYO’s “Best Time” and the other songs included in “He’s Into Her” season 2’s OST on various digital streaming platforms. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).
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Shanti Dope Salutes Youth Eager To Hustle For Success With "Maya"
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Universal Records) |
Shanti Dope has recently dropped an astounding new single titled “Maya”, a song written with the goal of becoming a strong anthem for the new generation in mind, released under Universal Records. Clocking in just a little over three minutes, “Maya” is an exuberating rap track with a hypnotizing hook that only the young Rap Phenom along with producer Lester Paul “Klumcee” Vaño can deliver.
It is in fact Shanti Dope’s tribute to his generation: a new class of Filipinos breaking barriers, conventions, and what it takes to be who they want to be. It is an anthem of defiance, where each “Ey, kamusta?” is met with the assurance that Shanti — and all who share his relentless spirit — can only go bigger, higher, and stronger. The bravely-executed hip-hop masterpiece song was inspired by today’s youth, who’s never shy to hustle and to be much more progressive and liberal in their own little ways. Just like the bird “Maya” which is of course ubiquitous here in the Philippines, the song firmly believes that the youth of today have unrelenting determination to soar higher and value their freedom.
The infectious song details how Millennials and Generation Z alike can stand out and prosper in life since they prove to be the more enlightened and free-thinking generations compared to the older ones. Its lyrics are direct to the point and technically brilliant, reminding listeners that we should not doubt the capabilities of the young ones. We should feel hopeful and root for them instead because they have lots of things to prove, especially in the face of adversity.
Shanti Dope and the rest of his crew knew that they wanted the music video to be a no-brainer interpretation of the whole idea of the song. It doesn’t hurt that its triumphant horns, memorable hook, and Shanti’s signature flow make “Maya” a banger of a song that can rock a sold-out stadium or the next big revolution happening in the streets. Shanti Dope's "Maya" is now available for streaming on all digital music platforms as well as Universal Records' official YouTube channel.
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Gary Valenciano's "Pwede Pang Mangarap", A Powerful Anthem About Hope And Encouragement
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| (Image Source: Spotify/Universal Records) |
Gary Valenciano has unveiled a brand new song “Pwede Pang Mangarap”, released under Universal Records. It’s the type of buoyant, morale-boosting track that transports listeners to a much-needed ray of hope as we dare to rise above the seemingly dream-crushing effects of the pandemic.
The pandemic may be making its way out of our lives slowly but its aftereffect is still felt by many, especially amongst those who have been striving to stay afloat in the world of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Some have had to stay closed for two years, while others have just had to shut down indefinitely. Thus, this uplifting track from Mr. Pure Energy came to life. “Pwede Pang Mangarap” was made possible with the cooperation of The Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) and it’s the official TVC of BUYanihan, a known collective of brands, retailers, and MSMEs that aims to empower the Filipino entrepreneurs and help them highlight their world-class products.
“We’ve all heard of the light at the end of the tunnel, but I believe more in the fact that when our hope is fueled by our faith, God can become our light no matter where in the tunnel we may find ourselves in. Yes…I strongly encourage you to start dreaming once again,” says Mr. Gary V. about this powerfully crafted song. Truly, life can’t always be easy, we all fall short but what’s important is that we don’t lose hope and become stronger versions of ourselves. Always keep your dreams alive.
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Angela Ken Pens Friendship Song "Dagdag Na Alaala" As Tribute To High School Years
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Folk-pop artist Angela Ken takes listeners back to the simple but meaningful joys of teenage friendships in her new single “Dagdag na Alaala” released under Star Music. “Dagdag na Alaala” serves as an ode to Angela’s beautiful memories in high school and the special bond she’s built with her friends from that time of her life. She co-wrote the track with ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo who also served as its producer.
Meant to evoke nostalgia and relay appreciation for one’s high school barkada, the song also makes a statement about nurturing friendships. “The song reminds us to always value our friends and the people around us while they’re still with us,” said Angela who rose to fame via TikTok and is now part of Star Magic’s Squad Plus. Apart from “Dagdag Na Alaala", she recently collaborated with fellow singer-songwriter Jeremy G for the official soundtrack of ABS-CBN’s first exclusive digital series “How To Move On in 30 Days” featuring the two original tracks “Your Everything” and “Hanggang Sa Muli".
Last January, Angela also released her sophomore single “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay” as a follow-up to her debut single and massive hit “Ako Naman Muna". She likewise graced a billboard in Times Square in New York as a featured artist of Spotify’s EQUAL campaign. Aside from regularly performing on “ASAP Natin ‘To", Angela is also set to make her debut in acting through the musical series “Lyric and Beat” alongside other young Kapamilya talents.
