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| (Image Source: MediaBytesPH.com/Facebook/Kapatid Insider) |
Sing Galing Season 1 Grand Champion Marimar Tua, Sing Galing Season 2 Grand Champion Carmela Lorzano, and Sing Galing Season 2 Runner-up Kit Inchiong are set to continue their amazing journeys in the Philippine music scene as among the new breed of Filipino artists recently signed with MQuest Music, the growing music division of MQuest Holdings that aims to leverage the MediaQuest ecosystem to support artists with songwriting and vocal talents, helping them showcase their abilities and rise in the OPM industry. Meanwhile, MQuest Music has officially entered into a partnership with Vehnee Saturno Music Corporation to produce original soundtracks (OSTs) slated to be made for upcoming content for Cignal and TV5 and revive iconic OPM hits.
These were made possible through separate simple contract signing ceremonies held inside the Meralco Mini Theater and attended by MQuest Holdings, MQuest Ventures and Cignal TV President and CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas; MQuest Holdings and MQuest Ventures Group Chief Finance Officer John L. Andal; Head of MQuest Artists Agency Jeffrey H. Remigio; and Head of MQuest Music January C. Iñigo. Cornerstone Entertainment President and CEO Erickson Raymundo joined Tua, Lorzano, and Inchiong for the talent contract signing while gracing with their presence at the partnership signing were legendary Filipino composer Vehnee Saturno, Geraldine Roxas-Saturno, Cignal TV First Vice President and Head of Channels and Content Management Sienna Oloso, and MQuest Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan. In an interview with Kapatid Insider, MQuest Holdings, MQuest Ventures and Cignal TV President and CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas expressed her excitement for the launch, saying, “Sobrang excited ako for the launch of MQuest Music. I’ve waited so long for this. We truly believe in a versatile entertainment business that includes music publishing. We are happy to launch today with three artists who started with us on TV5’s Sing Galing: Marimar, Carmela, and Kit. They have all proven their talent and dedication, and we’re thrilled to support them as they continue to grow.” Basas also emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing artists and contributing to the local music industry.
When asked about potential collaborations with ABS-CBN’s Star Music, Head of MQuest Music January C. Iñigo said, “We are very open to collaborating with industry players. For now, we are focusing on partnerships that we have already established with MediaQuest.” Iñigo also shared why MQuest Music chose to partner with renowned composer Venhee Saturno, stating, “Mr. Venhee is an icon in this industry. His guidance and creative expertise in the music business have been invaluable, and this partnership marks a crucial first step in launching MQuest Music.” “As we produce more films, series, and micro-dramas, we will need official soundtracks, so the realization was to start producing our own. Why Vehnee? Why not? He’s the Filipino composer with the most hits, and he has made superstars out of ordinary artists,” said Basas. Music lovers can now listen to Carmela Lorzano’s latest OST for Cignal Play’s microdrama The Chambermaid which can be be streamed for only ₱20 per day. These mark a significant step for MQuest Music as it continues to expand its role in shaping the future of Filipino music and entertainment.
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Symphonic Distribution Signs Underdog Music Philippines To Strategic Distribution Deal
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| Symphonic Distribution Asia-Pacific Territory Manager for A&R and Client Development Guji Lorenzana and Underdog Music Philippines President and Chief Marketing Officer Martti Uy (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Underdog Music Philippines) |
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| Morissette, Over October, and The Ridleys (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Underdog Music Philippines) |
Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, recently announced the signing of Underdog Music Philippines, one of the country’s fastest-growing independent labels. This signing marks the next chapter of Symphonic’s continued growth in the region after making several key hires on the A&R Client Development Team in Asia earlier this year.
Founded with an artist-first philosophy, Underdog has quickly built a reputation for championing Filipino musicians across genres, from chart-topping vocalists to rising indie bands, while shaping a new era of transparency and global opportunity in the Philippine music industry. Key artists at Underdog include Morissette, who is also a co-founder of the company and widely known as “Asia’s Phoenix”; Manila-based indie/alternative folk band The Ridleys; and Manila-originated alternative pop band Over October. The collaboration between Symphonic and Underdog comes at the perfect time with each of Underdog’s key artists currently hitting major career milestones. Morissette, who has top-charting hits including “Akin Ka Na Lang” (2014) and “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw” (2022), is celebrating her 15th year in the music business with a special anniversary concert on October 2025 at The Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. The Ridleys’ 2024 album, All These and More, solidified their place in the indie folk scene, culminating in a sold-out anniversary concert. Over October has rapidly gained traction since signing with Underdog in 2023, with their single “Ikot” breaking the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, followed by a sold-out major concert debut at the Music Museum in San Juan City.
“With artists such as Morissette, and bands like Over October and The Ridleys, the Filipino independent scene is vibrant and resilient. This partnership with Underdog Music Philippines reinforces our commitment to nurturing Filipino artists with global distribution and tailored support,” said Symphonic Asia-Pacific Territory Manager for A&R and Client Development Guji Lorenzana. “Underdog was founded on the belief that artists should have both the freedom to create and the tools to build sustainable careers. By working with Symphonic, we are embracing breakthrough technology that helps us grow a stronger community of Filipino artists, one that is equipped not just to succeed locally but to thrive globally,” said Underdog Music Philippines President and Chief Marketing Officer Martti Uy.
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Barbie Forteza Donates Php100,000 To Save The Children Philippines' Cebu Earthquake Relief Efforts
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| (Image Source: Save The Children Philippines) |
In a gesture of solidarity and support for young survivors and their families affected by the recent earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu, Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza made a Php100,000 donation to Save The Children Philippines. On the night of September 30, 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook Bogo City in the province of Cebu. The powerful earthquake caused severe damage to homes and infrastructure, displaced families, and disrupted the lives of children. With rescue and relief operations underway, humanitarian groups such as Save The Children Philippines and LGUs are working together to respond to the urgent needs of affected communities.
Save The Children Philippines ensures children's unique needs are met, especially during times of crises, and is conducting relief efforts through the distribution of food packs and drinking water, household kits, hygiene kits, and provision for psychosocial support. Barbie is steadfast in her belief and commitment in doing her part to ensure every child has access to care and protection, especially during times of uncertainty and disaster. Speaking about the children affected by the recent earthquake, she says, “Sigurado akong hindi ito ang buhay na pinapangarap nila. Gusto nilang malayang makapag-laro, makapag-aral, at maka-uwi sa maayos na tahanan. Ang iba ay marahil nangangarap na para sa pagbabago kaya dapat mas pangalagaan ang mga kabataan, at siguraduhing sila ay may pag-asa at magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan.”
“We are deeply grateful to Barbie for her commitment and timely support for children affected by the earthquake in Northern Cebu. Her generosity reminds us that everyone has a role in ensuring children's rights to protection and education, even in the most difficult times,” said Save The Children Philippines Director for Fundraising and Marketing Natalia Tabal. In 2024, GMA Network Inc. and Save the Children Philippines came together for a historic partnership aimed at advancing the rights of Filipino children. The alliance named Barbie Forteza, along with Pambansang Ginoo David Licauco, as Save The Children Philippines Ambassadors. They were chosen in order to further amplify the voices of children and inspire others to protect and fulfill the rights of every child.
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Masculados Comes Home To Universal Records
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Universal Records Philippines) |
The iconic all-male Filipino pop group Masculados returns to their musical roots by signing back with Universal Records, the label that launched their meteoric rise to fame. The group expressed immense excitement about embarking on the latest chapter of their career under the banner that first propelled them into the spotlight.
Universal Records Executive Vice President Ramon Chuaying gladly shared his enthusiasm for the reunion, stating, “We are glad that Masculados is coming back to their home label. We shall be working on new songs with Masculados, and we look forward to delivering more hits. Yung mga millennials and Gen Z, gusto nating malaman nila yung kasikatan ng Masculados.” Members of Masculados echoed the sentiment, highlighting their anticipation for what’s next. They said, “Looking forward kami sa mga projects ulit, kasi dito nagsimula ang mga songs namin at dito naman nakilala rin ang Masculados.” The group also teased fans with promises of their signature high-octane performances, assuring supporters they can expect “100% kaldagan” in all upcoming endeavors.
Fans don’t have to wait long for fresh content according to Universal Records Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go. The day after the signing, Universal Records released an exciting budots version of the Masculados hit “Jumbo Hotdog”, remixed by the internationally-acclaimed DJ Love from Davao City who popularized budots. This is definitely just the first of the many pasabog from Masculados and Universal Records.
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Troy Laureta's “Harana: The Sound of Us” Album Submitted For 2026 GRAMMY Awards
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Troy Laureta’s latest Filipino album, “Harana: The Sound Of Us”, has been submitted to the 2026 GRAMMY Awards in high hopes to be part of the official nominees for the Best Global Music Album category. The renowned Filipino-American artist encourage GRAMMY voting members to support the album by posting on his social media accounts: “Harana: The Sound of Us has been submitted for consideration for the 2026 GRAMMY Best Global Music Album category. Please vote and show support for Original Pilipino Music.” He also shared that this drive to push the album for global recognition is a celebration of Filipino music, adding, “OPM is more than a genre. It is a way of life, a movement. This is for Filipino music. Thank you for your unwavering support of Filipino music and art.”
The album, released last August in collaboration with ABS-CBN’s Star Music label and LuzViMin Entertainment, contains 12 reinvented tracks for the global stage. Troy worked with world-class talents to give a fresh and uplifting twist to the OPM favorites. The songs include “American Kundiman”, “Harana” with Ice Seguerra, “Lemonade” with Jeremy Passion, “Gentlemen Don’t” with Gabe Bondoc, and “Nandito Ako” with Nicole Scherzinger and Regine Velasquez, Other tracks in the album are “Kailangan Kita” with Pia Toscano, “WIthout You” with AJ Rafael, “Pangako” with Jay R and Josefina, “Try” with Melissa Polinar, “Hanggang” with John Saga, “Ang Huling El Bimbo” with Morissette, and “Usahay” with Justin Klunk and Weishan Chang. The first round of voting for the 2026 GRAMMYs is ongoing until October 15, 2025. Visit https://www.grammy.com/news/how-to-vote-2026-grammys-voting-guide for more details.
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BINI Goes Back To “First Luv” In New Filipino Single
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
BINI kicks off its new era with the Filipino single “First Luv” which was released ahead of the group’s historic Coachella performance slated for next year and highly anticipated comeback concert at The Philippine Arena this November. The single, now available on digital music streaming platforms, serves as a preview to the Nation’s Girl Group’s upcoming full-length album and their first Tagalog release since the chart-topping hit “Salamin, Salamin”. The song was composed and produced by Kajo who also collaborated in writing the track with Rosemarie Tan, Kiana Valenciano, SHAN, and dwta. Meanwhile, Reden Blanquera and Matthew Almodovar choreographed the song.
“First Luv” comes before the “BINIfied” concert happening at the Philippine Arena on November 29, 2025. Tickets are now available via Pulp Tickets and Ticketnet outlets and are priced at Php14,999 (VIP standing), Php11,999 (VIP seated), Php7,499 (lower box A regular), Php5,499 (lower box B premium), Php4,499 (lower box B regular), Php2,999 (upper box A), Php1,999 (upper box B), and Php849 (gen ad). Recently, BINI made history as the first Filipino group chosen to perform in the upcoming Coachella 2026 alongside global music acts Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G.
