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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Soundcheck Inc.) |
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Chicosci) |
Influential Filipino rock band Chicosci is set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its self-titled album with a special live show on June 6, 2026 alongside the record’s first official vinyl release. Titled A Toast To All Our Crimes, the anniversary concert will spotlight the band’s acclaimed 2006 release — a seminal record widely regarded as a turning point not only in Chicosci’s career, but also in the evolution of the local rock scene during a transitional era for original Filipino music.
Released at a time when OPM was shifting between acoustic pop, “pogi rock”, and the fading wave of early nu metal, the album introduced a tighter, more aggressive sound that helped expand the band’s reach. Its tracks soon became staples of packed live shows across the country, cementing Chicosci’s crossover appeal and influence on a new generation of rock acts. “This album was a test for the band. In 2006, it was a strange time in OPM. For the first time, we decided to do everything ourselves — writing, recording, production, marketing, packaging, and distribution. It was our first step as an independent band, and we’ve remained that band since,” said guitarist Mong Alcaraz. For the upcoming show, the band will perform the album in full, revisiting the material that defined its mid-2000s era while reintroducing it to a new generation of listeners. “We’ll be playing the White Album in its entirety, along with a few more songs. We’ve been rehearsing a lot for this show, and we’re excited for people to experience it — even our soundcheck, if they’re into that,” said vocalist Miggy Chavez. The anniversary also coincides with the album’s long-awaited vinyl release, answering years of demand from longtime fans while offering younger listeners a new way to experience the band’s catalog.
Chavez added, “I think it’s important for us to celebrate this album because it resonated with so many people. It means a lot to us, and it’s mind-blowing that it continues to mean a lot to others as well.” Two decades later, Chicosci’s influence continues to resonate across the local music scene with many newer acts drawing from the same blend of melody, heaviness, and emotional intensity that defined the band’s sound. “The album was a massive turning point for the band. Celebrating it 20 years later is a testament to how far we’ve come — and we couldn’t have done it without everyone who’s been with us along the way,” said Chavez. A Toast To All Our Crimes: 20 Years Of The Chicosci Album will take place at Soundcheck Inc. with fellow OPM rock band Kamikazee joining the lineup. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/CHICOSCI20years.
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‘Sulong’ Brings Together KAIA, HORI7ON, And 1ST.ONE In Historic P-Pop Collaboration
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| Renowned P-Pop groups KAIA, HORI7ON, and 1ST.ONE at the ROUND Festival 2026 (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Sony Music Entertainment Philippines) |
In a game-changing moment for Filipino and Southeast Asian pop music, P-Pop powerhouse KAIA teams up with South Korean-based Filipino boyband HORI7ON and Filipino boy group 1ST.ONE for the release of “Sulong”, the official theme song of the ROUND Festival 2026, on digital music streaming platforms worldwide under Sony Music Entertainment Philippines.
Released under the special collaboration unit Project P-Pop: Rising, the track captures the spirit of unity, resilience, and collective ambition. Embracing the continuing rise of P-Pop beyond national borders, the song embodies a shared vision: to elevate Filipino music while strengthening artistic connections across ASEAN and Korea. For KAIA, the experience represented far more than a musical partnership. It’s a collaboration that emphasizes the sense of teamwork and mutual respect that united all artists and creatives involved in the project. The acclaimed pop quintet shares, “It was a very exciting and meaningful experience for all of us. Even though we come from different groups with different styles and journeys, everyone shared the same goal of representing Filipino music and showing what P-Pop can achieve together. The project truly felt like a collective effort, showing that this special performance was not only about the artists, but also about the many people working behind the scenes to bring the vision to life.”
Delivering a strong statement of solidarity, “Sulong” was conceived out of the common goal to transcend borders and connect cultures. The title itself is a Filipino word which means “to move forward” or “to progress”, holding significant for every artist striving to bring local talent to the world stage. In a press statement, KAIA shares, “Collaborations like this help break barriers and show that artists and groups can work together to create something bigger than themselves. It also strengthens connections between fans, artists, and countries, which is very important in growing both P-Pop and ASEAN music internationally.” For more information about Project P-Pop Rising, visit the ROUND Festival's official social media channels.
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Harry Styles Launches ‘Together, Together’ With Massive Opening Night
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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Anthony Pham) |
Harry Styles kicked off his highly anticipated Together, Together 2026 global residency with a standout opening night at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam last May 16-17, 2026, marking the first of 67 performances across seven cities worldwide. The sold-out stadium came alive as the GRAMMY Award®-winning global superstar delivered a dynamic, immersive performance, bringing fans into his in-the-round-style production. The set featured new music from his 4th album KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY., alongside a mix of global hits and fan favorites.
Notably, Styles has set a new Dutch ticket sales record with his historic 10-show run at Johan Cruijff Arena to sell more than 450,000 tickets. Together, Together will see Styles perform exclusively in Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney throughout 2026. The run includes a 30-show residency at Madison Square Garden — his only U.S. dates this year – along with 12 nights at Wembley Stadium, marking the most performances by any artist in a single year at the iconic venue. Special guests include Robyn, Shania Twain, Fcukers, Jorja Smith, Jamie xx, Fousheé, and Skye Newman across select dates. Together, Together will support Choose Love, with whom Harry has partnered for a decade. Choose Love is a responsive humanitarian organization delivering critical aid to those who need it most by working directly with communities. Harry’s support has provided essential services such as food, shelter and education for people all over the world. This year, Choose Love and Together, Together will continue that work.
Harry Styles’ Together, Together tour is also working with Green Nation, Live Nation’s global sustainability initiative, to engage venues and local teams on sustainability efforts throughout the run. Initiatives include reducing single-use materials and waste, encouraging lower-impact travel options for fans where available, and expanding plant-based food options at concessions. The tour is also taking steps to reduce production-related emissions by using HVO fuel as an alternative to conventional diesel for generators and tour trucks where feasible. Together, these efforts are designed to help make lower-impact choices accessible for fans, crew, and venue teams throughout the tour. For more information, visit HSTYLES.co.uk/Tour.
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BPI Foundation Taps Knowledge Channel To Bring Financial Literacy Content To Public Schools
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| L-R: BPI Foundation Inc. Senior Program Manager Manolo Roberto L..Nava, BPI Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ma. Carmina T. Marquez, BPI Trustee Mary Catherine Elizabeth P. Santamaria, Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. Vice President Edric C. Calma, Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. Learning Resources Head Christian R. Gaite (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
BPI Foundation Inc. (BPIF) is partnering with Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) to roll out financial literacy educational content and learning packages to selected schools nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen financial education among young Filipinos. Under the partnership, the organizations will produce new episodes of the educational series “Estudyantipid” and distribute Knowledge Channel TV (KCTV) learning packages to schools in underserved communities beginning July 2026.
The initial rollout will cover selected schools in Iloilo and Rizal, alongside pilot implementation sites in Mindanao, particularly in areas being considered in Sarangani or South Cotabato, and Zamboanga or Basilan. The new “Estudyantipid” episodes, featuring actress Mutya Orquia, will focus on budgeting, responsible money management, fraud and scam awareness in digital spaces, and financial decision-making for high school learners. The initiative is part of the FinEd (Financial Education) Unboxed program of BPI Foundation which seeks to improve financial literacy through accessible and localized learning tools. “Our shared advocacy with Knowledge Channel Foundation reinforces our commitment to financial inclusion by making financial education more accessible and relevant to Filipinos. Through our financial wellness programs and strategic partnerships, we continue to help build a better Philippines — one family and one community at a time,” said BPIF Executive Director Carmina Marquez.
KCFI Vice President Edric Calma echoed this vision, emphasizing the importance of introducing financial concepts to young learners, stating, “By introducing financial concepts in age-appropriate and engaging ways, we are planting seeds of responsibility, discipline, and empowerment among Filipino youth. This MOA signing represents not just a partnership, but a shared vision to build a generation that is educated, financially capable, and future ready.” The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signing between the two organizations. KCFI is a non-profit educational organization that produces curriculum-based multimedia content and delivers alternative learning platforms to help improve access to quality education for Filipino learners nationwide, particularly in underserved communities.
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ABS-CBN Music Expands With Launch Of CAT Records, A New Label Reimagining OPM Classics
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
ABS-CBN Music officially launches CAT Records, a record label dedicated to breathing new life into ABS-CBN’s rich catalog of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Led by ABS-CBN’s music publishing group, the label will serve as a platform for fresh, reimagined versions of iconic songs written by Filipino composers that are part of ABS-CBN Music’s extensive catalog. The label aims to preserve timeless stories and melodies that shaped Filipino culture while empowering a new generation of artists, producers, and musicians to remake them for today’s audiences.
Among the roster of artists who will release their own interpretations of classic and contemporary Filipino songs under CAT Records are Cifra, Gab Tagadtad, Gino Nazal, Jeri Violago, JM Yosures, and SAGA. CIFRA delivers a fresh rendition of the OPM classic “Ipagpatawad Mo” from the composition of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ. Singer-songwriter and producer Gab Tagadtad lends his modern take to “Panaginip Lang”. He is also among the producers collaborating closely with CAT Records. Guitarist Gino Nazal will release an instrumental project showcasing his artistry under the label. Jeri is the first singer-songwriter under the label. JM Yosures revisits the socially resonant “Ang Hirap Maging Mahirap”, bringing renewed emotional depth to the enduring composition. SAGA introduces “Diamante”, a powerful reinterpretation that highlights his distinctive vocal style. Also joining the CAT Records family are BRYN, Sarvi, and YellowPad. Meanwhile, one of CAT Records’ first projects is a collection of smooth jazz instrumental versions of classic songs of 70’s icon VST & Co., produced by acclaimed arranger Sunny Ilacad and performed by saxophonist Jun Figueroa. The collection includes “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko” and other well-loved tracks and is set for release. CAT Records is also working with respected producers and composers who are helping shape the sound of its releases including Christian Martinez, Kiko Salazar, Raizo Chabeldin, and Sunny Ilacad.
The label was built on the decades-long legacy of ABS-CBN Music — from its early years as Star Records to its evolution into one of the country’s leading music companies today. It joins ABS-CBN Music’s exciting roster of Kapamilya labels — Star Music, StarPop, Inspire Music, DNA Music, Tarsier Records, and ABS-CBN Music International. With its blend of heritage and innovation, CAT Records signals a bold new chapter for Filipino music — one that celebrates the enduring power of great songwriting and the artists who will carry it into the future.
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Spotify 20: Your Party Of The Year(s) Now Live In-App – A Personalized Look At Your Listening History
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| (Image Source: manila concert scene/Spotify) |
Remember the first song you ever played on Spotify? Now, listeners can look back at the songs, artists, and moments that shaped their listening journey over the years. As Spotify marks 20 years of music discovery, it is giving listeners something more personal than a celebration: “Spotify 20: Your Party Of The Year(s)”, a new global in-app experience that brings together each user’s listening milestones, from the day they first joined Spotify to the tracks that defined different moments of their lives.
The campaign celebrates the people who made Spotify part of their everyday moments — from heartbreak playlists and late-night soundtracks to road trip anthems, first loves, and favorite artists. Over the last two decades, Spotify has become part of how listeners discover, remember, express themselves, and connect through music. Through the experience, users can unlock never-before-shared personal listening milestones and insights including the exact date they joined Spotify, their very first song streamed on the platform, their all-time most-streamed artist, and the total number of unique songs they’ve listened to across their entire Spotify history. Listeners will also receive a personalized All-Time Top Songs playlist featuring their 120 most-played tracks, complete with play counts and ready to be saved, revisited, and shared.
Designed to spark nostalgia and reflection, the experience also includes shareable social cards, allowing fans to celebrate their listening milestones with friends and communities online. To mark the celebration, Spotify’s app icon was temporarily transformed into a limited-edition green disco ball on users’ home screens, a playful nod to the millions of listening journeys built on the platform over the last 20 years. Start exploring your Spotify journey today by opening your Spotify app and searching “Spotify 20” or “Party Of the Year(s)” or by heading to spotify.com/20 on mobile.
