 |
| (Image Source: The Metro Edit/UMG Philippines) |
Following a successful promotional visit to Manila earlier this year for his EP VOICE, Japanese-Filipino singer REIKO returns to reconnect with Filipino fans as he unveils his latest release, Folklore Vol.1 – Tadhana / Multo. The special two-track project pays tribute to the rich legacy of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) through heartfelt reinterpretations of two beloved Filipino songs “Tadhana” and “Multo”. As a proud Filipino-Japanese artist, REIKO continues to strengthen his connection with the Philippines by embracing his roots and sharing Filipino music with audiences across Asia. His latest project reflects his growing appreciation for OPM and his commitment to celebrating the cultural ties between Japan and the Philippines.
Recorded in collaboration with some of the Philippines’ most respected artists, “Tadhana” was produced in Manila under the guidance of Armi Millare while “Multo” reimagines the hit song by Cup of Joe entirely in Tagalog. By blending the elegance of traditional Japanese instrumentation with the emotional depth of OPM, REIKO offers fresh interpretations that honor the original songs while showcasing his multicultural identity. The project also highlights the growing musical exchange between Japan and the Philippines, introducing iconic Filipino music to listeners beyond the country. Through Folklore Vol.1 – Tadhana / Multo, REIKO celebrates the artistry of Filipino musicians while bringing his own unique perspective to these timeless classics. REIKO’s latest visit to the Philippines marks another opportunity to reconnect with Filipino fans as he promotes Folklore Vol.1 – Tadhana / Multo. His excitement for being back was evident in a recent Instagram post where he shared, “I love you El Nido!!!“, expressing his appreciation for one of the Philippines’ most iconic destinations. During his stay, he is set to participate in a series of media guestings, interviews, and content collaborations, giving fans a closer look at the stories behind the project.
Building on the momentum of his previous Manila visit earlier this year to promote his EP VOICE, REIKO also collaborated on digital content with UMG Philippines artists Shane Bernabe and HEY JUNE! while spending time with close friend and fellow artist Jayda. His return reflects his growing connection with the local music community and his continued commitment to celebrating the cultural ties between Japan and the Philippines. Born in the Philippines and raised in Japan, REIKO continues to embrace his multicultural background through music that connects audiences across borders. Since expanding his activities in the Philippines through live performances, media appearances, and regular promotional visits, he has steadily built a growing fanbase among Filipino listeners. His previous EP VOICE further strengthened his relationship with local audiences while Folklore Vol.1 – Tadhana / Multo represents his most personal tribute yet to his Filipino heritage. As he continues to bridge Japanese and Filipino cultures through music, REIKO hopes to inspire deeper appreciation for OPM while creating meaningful connections with fans throughout the region.
* * * *
Ariana Grande Drops Highly Anticipated Eighth Studio Album ‘Petal’
 |
| (Image Source: Billboard.com/Republic Records) |
Pop royalty Ariana Grande has officially ushered in her newest era. The three-time Grammy® Award winner’s highly anticipated eighth studio album, Petal, is out now via Republic Records, following the release of its lead single “hate that i made you love me”. Executive produced and co-written by Grande alongside long-time collaborator ILYA, Petal arrives as one of the year’s most anticipated pop projects. Fans can experience the new record and single across a wide variety of digital streaming platforms as well as physical collector formats. The lead single “hate that i made you love me” is featured in two exclusive 7-inch vinyl variants alongside two CD and two cassette editions.
The release of Petal further solidifies Grande’s stature as one of the defining global icons of her generation. A musician, Academy Award®, and Golden Globe® nominated actress, Grande has built a monumental career boasting eight consecutive platinum albums and over 125 billion worldwide streams. Her unmatched chart dominance includes nine #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and seven #1 song debuts — the third most in history. She famously made history as the first artist since The Beatles to simultaneously claim the top three spots on the Billboard Hot 100 with “7 rings”, “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored”, and “thank u, next”. In 2020, she became the first artist ever to debut three songs at #1 on the Hot 100 in a single calendar year. Her previous studio offering, 2024’s eternal sunshine, spent a career-best run at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart while delivering consecutive #1 debuts with “yes, and?” and “we can’t be friends (wait for your love).” Grande’s artistic reach spans well past the recording studio. She recently captivated global audiences as Glinda in Jon M. Chu’s acclaimed feature film adaptations Wicked and Wicked: For Good, starring alongside Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum. The films grossed over $1.2B (1.2 billion dollars) globally, making them the highest-grossing film series based on a Broadway musical in history. Her performance earned critical praise and Best Supporting Actress nominations across the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Critics Choice, and SAG Awards.
Looking ahead, Grande’s screen and stage presence continues to expand. She wrapped production on Universal’s Focker-In-Law alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, set to hit theaters this November. Beyond the screen, she is slated to lend her voice to Warner Bros.’ animated musical Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, appear in FX’s American Horror Story, and make her London West End debut in 2027 in a revival of Sunday in the Park with George alongside Jonathan Bailey.
* * * *
Asian Hip-Hop Queen Awich Becomes First Asian Artist To Headline Red Bull Symphonic Alongside Mika Takayama & Tokyo Secret Orchestra
 |
| (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/Red Bull Symphonic) |
Japanese hip-hop powerhouse Awich will embark on a bold new artistic chapter this November as she headlines the inaugural Japanese edition of Red Bull Symphonic. Renowned for pairing internationally celebrated artists with full orchestras, the concert series will see Awich perform alongside the Tokyo Secret Orchestra conducted by Mika Takayama. For the first time, Awich’s catalogue will be reimagined through newly commissioned symphonic arrangements, transforming her signature sound into an expansive live performance that bridges the raw energy of hip-hop with the scale and emotion of a full orchestra.
Known for continually pushing creative boundaries, Awich sees the collaboration as a meaningful milestone in her artistic journey. She shares, “Hip-hop is a genre born from the use of sampling and beats in environments where access to traditional instruments was often difficult. Being able to reconstruct my songs with an orchestra feels like a significant milestone and holds deep meaning for me. I hope to deliver a cinematic musical experience — something that feels like watching an epic film.” Created exclusively for Red Bull Symphonic, the new arrangements go far beyond orchestral accompaniment. Each song has been reconstructed from the ground up, with every element — from melody and rhythm to harmony — reinterpreted while preserving the spirit of the originals, offering audiences an entirely new way to experience Awich’s music.
The performances will take place at four of Japan’s most prestigious concert halls: The Symphony Hall in Osaka on 17th of November, Fukuoka Symphony Hall on 19th of November, Sendai Bank Hall Izumity 21 on 25th of November and Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall on 27th of November. Following acclaimed editions featuring international artists including Metro Boomin, Asake, and Rick Ross, Awich now joins the Red Bull Symphonic lineup as its first Asian artist, bringing her distinctive voice and artistry into a bold new musical setting. More information can be found via Red Bull Symphonic at redbull.com/SYMPHONIC.
* * * *
Over October Announces Biggest Headline Concert Yet At New Frontier Theater
 |
| (Image Source: Starmometer/GNN Entertainment Productions) |
Over October is set to stage the biggest concert of their career on October 4, 2026 at the New Frontier Theater. Arriving on the heels of two sold-out concerts at the Music Museum and the band’s successful 2025 anniversary show at the MOA Sky, Over October Live at the New Frontier Theater serves as the band’s farewell tribute to drummer Janessa “Janae” Geronimo, making it the last official concert featuring Over October’s original five-member lineup before the group embarks on a new era.
The Ikot band admits, “For better or for worse, Janessa’s departure is something we will all have to come to terms with. We’re all, for the most part, excited for both Over October’s and Janessa’s respective new chapters. But of course, we also feel that a good thing is about to come to an end.” The Filipino quintet reveals that each member has coped with Janessa’s departure differently, admitting that the prospect of moving forward without her remains daunting. “When the dread of Janessa’s departure and the nerves about how the band will move forward become too overwhelming, we just try to remind ourselves that our working relationships might come to an end soon, but our friendship will always be there. Creatively, there will be adjustments and changes, but honestly, we’re still feeling it out. What we can confidently say is that we’re still focused on giving the best shows these coming months and in the concert.” Throughout the past twelve years, Over October has established themselves as one of the country’s most beloved alternative pop bands, cultivating a loyal following thanks to their heartfelt songwriting, memorable live performances, and a catalog of songs that have become anthems for a generation of listeners. While streaming milestones and sold-out concerts have contributed to their crossover success, the band believes their greatest achievement lies elsewhere. In a press statement, the band shares, “There are so many points of our career that we can say are defining moments. We can look at the hits, the streams, and the shows — all of which we are proud of. But we consider the memories we collected along the way just as important as all our achievements are. This goes in line with the heart of the concert: reflecting on our journey together, particularly now that the future of the band will look so much more different compared to the past 12 years.”
Tickets for Over October Live at the New Frontier Theater officially go on sale via TicketNet Online and participating outlet stores on August 15-22, 2026 at 6:00 pm (pre-sale) and will resume on August 23, 2026 (general ticket sales). This event is presented by Over October with the following partners: GNN, Move It, and Swee Lee Philippines.
* * * *
DAZN48 Unites Global Football Fans Through Creator-Led Storytelling At FIFA World Cup 2026
 |
| (Image Source: DAZN) |
DAZN48 recently concluded the FIFA World Cup 2026 as one of DAZN’s most successful global content initiatives, bringing fans closer to the tournament through authentic creator-led storytelling from all 48 participating nations. Launched ahead of the FIFA World Cup, DAZN48 was designed to capture the passion, culture and emotion of football beyond the action on the pitch. Following a global search that attracted thousands of applications, DAZN selected 48 creators to represent their nations and tell the story of the tournament through the eyes of local fans.
Across the competition, DAZN48 creators produced content in multiple languages, documenting the celebrations, traditions, rivalries and unforgettable moments that defined the World Cup experience. Their stories offered audiences a unique perspective on how football is lived and felt across different cultures and communities. The initiative delivered exceptional results at a global scale. DAZN48 generated more than 154 million impressions, 150 million organic video views and 7.5 million engagements throughout the tournament. Content reached audiences in more than 50 countries, creating meaningful connections between football fans across every region of the world. A dedicated DAZN48 hub on the DAZN platform brought together daily content from every participating nation, giving fans a single destination to follow the tournament through local perspectives. The initiative culminated in a live watch-along for the FIFA World Cup Final which attracted 316,000 views. More than a content project, DAZN48 became a global football community built around DAZN. Creators collaborated across borders, shared ideas and supported one another throughout the tournament. Daily creator updates, content tips, performance leaderboards and group-stage awards helped foster participation and raised content standards across the network. DAZN48 also reinforced DAZN’s position as a digital, fan-first sports entertainment platform. By establishing a creator presence in all 48 participating nations, the initiative gave DAZN a visible and authentic presence across the tournament. It enabled the brand to reach fans directly, build large organic audiences and remain part of football conversations worldwide, regardless of local broadcast rights arrangements.
“DAZN48 showed the power of authentic fan storytelling on a global scale. It put the DAZN brand at the heart of football culture in all 48 participating markets, drove huge organic engagement and kept us at the forefront of the global football conversation throughout the World Cup, regardless of rights ownership. Most importantly, it helped build a truly global football community around DAZN,” said DAZN Chief Executive Officer Shay Segev. DAZN48 stands as a powerful example of how global sport can unite audiences through authentic storytelling. Combining worldwide reach with local perspectives, the initiative helped bring the World Cup experience closer to fans everywhere while creating lasting connections that extend beyond the tournament itself.
* * * *
Filipino-Dutch Singer Acoya Marks A New Beginning With “DUI”
 |
| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Filipino-Dutch singer-songwriter Acoya has recently dropped the song “DUI”, his first project under ABS-CBN Music International (AMI). The Los Angeles-based pop-R&B artist who trained at Los Angeles Academy for Artists & Music Production and was mentored by Grammy-winning producer duo Stargate is one of the maiden acts of AMI, a joint venture between ABS-CBN Music and ABS-CBN Global dedicated to bringing Filipino talent to audiences around the world.
Acoya co-wrote “DUI” with Eric Bonner, transforming the term ‘driving under the influence’ into a metaphor for romantic obsession. Instead of intoxication from alcohol, the song captures the overwhelming rush of being completely consumed by attraction. He shared, “I wanted to write a song about that moment when someone completely throws you off your game,” Acoya shared. “You know you’re moving too fast. You know you should probably slow down. But there’s a part of you that doesn’t want to hit the brakes.” “DUI”’s music video brings the song’s playful concept to life, turning love into a thrilling game of temptation. Blending flirtatious moments with cinematic visuals, it mirrors the excitement of surrendering to feelings that are impossible to resist. He added, “At its core, it’s a love song disguised as a warning sign. It’s about being so drawn to someone that you willingly give up control, even when you know exactly where it might lead.”
Known for blending contemporary pop and R&B with honest storytelling, Acoya first introduced his music through “Loverboy” in 2024 and continued to showcase his musicality with succeeding singles “Dreaming”, “Casanova”, and “Is It Cool?”. His latest single signals another step in his growing musical journey as he reaches a wider global audience.
