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| (Image Source: The Chikkaness/GMA Network) |
Following the massive success of her energetic dance-pop track “Hot Maria Clara”, Kapuso actress and singer Sanya Lopez reveals a deeply intimate and vulnerable side of her with the new single “Laro”, produced and distributed under GMA Playlist and now available worldwide across all major digital streaming platforms. Shifting away from the high-energy, women-empowerment anthems that marked her previous song, “Laro” delves into the melancholic realm of alternative pop. Characterized by catchy melodies and deeply relatable storytelling, the song is an emotional reflection on situationships, unconditional devotion, and the painful realization of unrequited love.
Sanya shares, “If Hot Maria Clara was all about empowerment and a fun, danceable vibe, Laro is more emotional. It’s about loving someone wholeheartedly, only to realize that you’re giving your heart to someone who wasn’t right for you.” The creation of “Laro” was an organic, spontaneous milestone for Sanya. The idea began during downtime of the actress’s recording session for the primetime series Pulang Araw. Engaging in a conversation with GMA Playlist executive Rocky Gacho, Sanya pitched her desire to venture into a sound and narrative that resonated with modern experiences, recalling, “At that time, I was recording a Japanese song for Pulang Araw, and habang naka-standby ako, kinausap ako ni Ms. Rocky about doing another single. Sabi ko sa kanya, if ever gagawa ulit ako ng song, gusto ko sana about situationships or relationships that a lot of people can relate to. ‘Yung tipong you gave your whole heart to someone, you genuinely loved that person, but in the end, you realize na hindi pala siya ‘yung right person for you. Mapapaisip ka na lang, ‘Bakit kailangan pa siyang dumaan sa buhay ko kung hindi rin pala kami para sa isa’t isa?’” To effectively convey the song's emotions, Sanya underwent dedicated vocal coaching before stepping into the recording booth, explaining, “Before we recorded ‘Laro,’ binigyan nila ako ng vocal coach who really helped me prepare for the song. We worked on my voice para mas maayos ko siyang makanta at mas magkaroon ako ng confidence. But more than anything, I really tried to understand the story behind ‘Laro’ and sing it with the right emotions. For me, it’s not just about hitting the notes; it’s about making people feel the message of the song.”
Sanya hopes that “Laro” will serve as a source of comfort and empowerment for listeners navigating emotional crossroads, reassuring them that loving openly is never a flaw. “What I really hope is that everyone who listens to ‘Laro,’ especially those who are going through heartbreak, will realize that it’s okay. I hope this helps them move forward and remind them that everything they went through was part of the process. I also hope this song reminds everyone that there’s nothing wrong with loving. There’s nothing wrong with giving your heart to someone, even if it didn’t work out. Hindi ibig sabihin na may kulang sa iyo. Sometimes, that experience is exactly what helps you grow into a stronger and better version of yourself.”
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Knowledge Channel Foundation Fosters Learning Amid Habagat Season Through DepEd TV Programming
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Students can continue to enjoy engaging learning at home despite class suspensions during the habagat and typhoon season through high-quality, curriculum-based video lessons from DepEd TV powered by Knowledge Channel, accessible via free TV. In line with the Department of Education (DepEd)’s Order No. 014, s. 2026 on guidelines regarding learning continuity during emergencies, the DepEd TV Powered By Knowledge Channel initiative was revitalized to ensure students continue their engaging educational activities even at home.
Knowledge Channel’s programming via DepEd TV is aligned with the nationwide curriculum for various grade levels from Preschool to Grade 10, with shows on various class subjects airing daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. Programs cover topics on Early Childhood Development and Preschool, Junior High subjects, and Alternative Learning System (ALS) lessons. Apart from its curriculum alignment, its programming ensures quality video lessons as reviewed by teachers, education specialists, and subject matter experts, alongside extensive focus group discussions with students to ensure that the shows’ topics are easy to understand. Among its featured programs is “Wikaharian” which helps children develop foundational Filipino reading skills through engaging activities and value-laden stories. Also in its lineup are fun musical sessions in “Musikanthan”, math lessons made easy in “MathDali”, and fundamental English reading exercises in “Ready, Set, Read” among others.
DepEd TV Powered By Knowledge Channel is a collaborative initiative by Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI), DepEd, and Solar Learning, transforming household TV sets into accessible learning companions. It is available nationwide on digital free TV (BEAM channel 31, SBN channel 21), direct-to-home satellite (Cignal, GSat, and SatLite), cable (SkyCable, SkyTV, and Cablelink), and via Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA) cable operators. Visit the DepEd TV microsite at knowledgechannel.org for more programming updates.
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XONARA Shifts Into High Gear With “PULA”, Marking The Next Chapter Of Their P-Pop Journey
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| (Image Source: manila concert scene/UMG Philippines) |
Following the successful debut of their first single “TABI”, rising P-Pop girl group XONARA returns with an exciting new chapter through the release of their latest single “PULA”. Continuing their growing partnership, 1Z Entertainment and UMG Philippines once again collaborate to bring the group’s newest music to audiences around the world. The release marks another milestone in XONARA’s journey as one of the country’s promising new girl groups, building on the momentum and support they have received since debut.
With “PULA”, the group aims to showcase a stronger musical identity while further cementing their place in the evolving P-Pop landscape. More than just a follow-up to their debut, “PULA” represents XONARA’s growth as artists and performers. While “TABI” introduced the members and their unique identity, “PULA” captures the courage to keep moving forward, embrace change, and pursue bigger dreams together. The single serves as the centerpiece of the group’s “Drive the World, PULA” campaign, a concept inspired by movement, ambition, and the journey toward success. Through its empowering message and bold sound, XONARA invites listeners to become part of this next chapter as they continue evolving both creatively and personally. To celebrate the release, XONARA launched the PULA Pit Stop last August 7, 2026 at the TriNoma Activity Center, offering fans an immersive experience that goes beyond music. Inspired by road trips and car culture, the event transformed release day into a destination where fans were able to interact with the group’s world through themed activities and exclusive experiences. Attendees participated in the Driver’s License Stamp Rally, enjoyed partner activations, watched live performances, attended the official press conference, and witnessed the premiere of the “PULA” music video. The event also featured exclusive rewards for Event Pass holders, including meet-and-greet opportunities, limited-edition merchandise, and collectible items that commemorate the beginning of the PULA era.
Beyond its release activities, “PULA” reflects XONARA’s vision of creating music that inspires people to keep moving forward despite life’s challenges. The campaign encourages fans to celebrate friendship, perseverance, and the importance of having a community that supports one another through every step of the journey. Backed by a comprehensive rollout across digital platforms, media features, fan activations, and streaming services, the release highlights the continued collaboration between 1Z Entertainment and UMG Philippines in championing Filipino music. As XONARA embarks on this exciting new era, “PULA” stands as a celebration of progress, ambition, and the belief that the best journeys are the ones shared together.
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Offshore Music Signs New Rising Soul Artist Paco Pastor
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| L-R: Offshore Music CEO Ely Buendia, Paco Pastor, Offshore Music General Manager Audry Dionisio, Offshore Music Artist & Repertoire (A&R) Manager Dani Mendoza (Image Source: The Chikkaness/Offshore Music) |
Independent Philippine-based music label Offshore Music adds budding soul and pop-inclined artist Paco Pastor to its growing roster. Heavily attuned to the soft and sensual nature of the soul music, Paco Pastor is a Manila-based artist who aspires to create his path in the industry with a genuine approach to his musicality and identity as a singer-songwriter, as well as a live performer.
“There are so many aspects to me as an artist that it really isn’t just one color,” said the 19-year-old Pastor in an interview, seamlessly likening his artistic personality into colors. The singer also mentioned how female artists such as Sade, Nectar Woode and Olivia Dean have influenced his craft, allowing a more feminine persona to come to fruition in his current artistic endeavor as a way to celebrate these qualities in his path to being known as an artist. In connection to being thankful to creative women, he also notes the involvement of his best friend Alysha, encouraging the singer to embark on a career in music. “Being on stage or performing [was] never one of my dreams. But I always knew that I did love music, but performing up there? Not a chance… Until this [Alysha] girl came into my life.” Moreover, Pastor shares how having supportive parents (who are also artists) is what really got him to pursue this journey head on and high. He recalls his mom saying, “If you didn’t make good music, we wouldn’t have let you go this path at all. Good thing you really are our child.” Since then, Paco’s journey as an artist has been steadily building momentum with the singer-songwriter embracing the act of performing live after making his debut appearance with a full band at one of the label’s self-produced gig nights. He also began jamming with seasoned musicians through his management team at Waddle House Manila and, in turn, was eventually signed under Ely Buendia’s music label. All of these developments happened in a span of this year alone. Offshore Music Artist & Repertoire (A&R) Manager Dani Mendoza reveals, “He was someone we wanted to develop and explore. He [Paco] is his own producer, he is his own songwriter, his own performer. He is the full package in terms of his brand, performance and music. To Offshore Music’s very core, we have always been music first and champions of those [musicians] who need the support to put their music out there. It was easy to make that decision then and there.”
At just 19 years old, singer-songwriter Paco Pastor may be a fresh face in the music scene, but he is no stranger to the craft. His passion for music — particularly soul — began at a young age and has since evolved into a deeply personal creative journey. Taking a hands-on, self-produced approach, Paco writes, records, and shapes his own sound, building a discography that is both authentic and distinctly his own. In 2025, Paco released his debut single “There Somehow”, followed by his four-track EP Gotta Be featuring heartfelt songs such as “Talking To The Moon”. He also showcased a softer, more intimate side with the warm and tender Christmas track, “Hey Dear,” further highlighting his versatility as a songwriter and producer.
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NEXTONE Finds Groove In Heartbreak With ‘Nagkulang’
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Sony Music Entertainment Philippines) |
Fast-rising OPM band NEXTONE returns with “Nagkulang”, a new single that pairs infectious groove with the emotional weight of second-guessing one’s value once a relationship no longer works out. Now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms under Sony Music Entertainment, the track mines crossover potential with a distinctly nocturnal sound, weaving punchy rhythms, city pop influences, glimmering synths, and modern pop-rock textures into a melodic, fist-pumping jam.
The song’s concept began with the word itself. From there, the band developed a narrative centered on someone who, despite believing they did nothing wrong in a relationship, comes to terms with self-doubt in the wake of an unexpected romantic fallout. Instead of treating heartbreak with a traditionally subdued or stripped-down approach, NEXTONE deliberately gives “Nagkulang” an energetic pulse. The contrast is central to the song’s appeal: its catchy melodies and driving production choices mirror the restless cycle of overthinking, while the repeated hook conveys the word that keeps playing inside the mind of the storyteller. The eclectic quartet explains, “We really wanted the word ‘Nagkulang’ to feel like it was stuck in the listener’s head throughout the song. Because of that, we were intentional with how we approached the melody and production. The whole idea is about getting inside your head, questioning whether you did something wrong, and never really knowing the answer. That contrast between the catchy, almost light feeling of the song and the weight of what it’s actually about is what makes it feel a little crazy, almost like the song itself is driving you deeper into that overthinking.” While the band has mostly explored guitar-driven arrangements in their previous work, “Nagkulang” enables the band members to experiment with funk, alternative pop, rock, new wave, and synth-heavy production. The songwriting process itself proved unusually instinctive. The chart-topping act completed the song’s structure and melody during the first session, before allowing the material to sit and eventually giving it a clearer sense of its potential.
The band adds, “One of the most memorable parts of recording was working on the bass and guitar parts. Those ended up being the more challenging elements because we didn’t want to overstuff the production, especially with the heavier synth parts already carrying a lot of the song.” The band ultimately opted for restraint, ensuring that each instrumental layer contributed to the song without overwhelming its central groove. With “Nagkulang” pivoting to a refreshing new direction, NEXTONE promises growth for their upcoming new releases. “Nagkulang has been such a mature turning point in the way we write and produce our music, and we’ve been carrying that mindset into the songs we’ve written since. We’re also hoping to release another song before the end of the year, which would be a really nice contrast to ‘Nagkulang’ and a great way to close out this year’s sound.”
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SLAYYYTER Releases New Song ‘brand new chanel$’ Amid Sold Out World Tour
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Kait Muro) |
SLAYYYTER releases its newest song “brand new chanel$” and a self-directed music video of the said song following the kick off of her sold-out WOR$T GIRL IN THE WORLD TOUR with three hometown shows in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. The release arrives off the heels of SLAYYYTER’s album WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Dance Albums chart and received widespread critical acclaim.
With “brand new chanel$”, SLAYYYTER transforms heartbreak into a high-drama pop anthem that unravels through late-night phone calls, after parties, and a designer obsession. The lyrics capture the tension between emotional entanglement and the clarity that comes from finally walking away, turning personal devastation into unapologetic empowerment. The accompanying music video, directed by SLAYYYTER, returns to the same house featured in the “BEAT UP CHANEL$” music video. It also includes a nod to the fireworks shot from that video, as well as an inverted recreation of the WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA album artwork. This past spring, SLAYYYTER released her critically acclaimed album WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA, marking her most authentic and fully realized body of work to date. The record balances defiance with introspection, drawing inspiration from her St. Louis roots and the formative sounds that shaped her teen years. The album marked her debut on the Billboard 200 at #22 and was named Best New Album by Pitchfork. Since its release, WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA has been included on numerous ‘Best of 2026’ album/song lists comprising Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork, Variety, ELLE, Vulture, The Ringer, Stereogum, Paste, The FADER, FLOOD Magazine, and more.
The entirely sold out WOR$T GIRL IN THE WORLD tour began earlier this week with three shows in SLAYYYTER’s hometown of St. Louis. The tour will continue in major cities including Los Angeles, New York City, Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne, São Paulo, Paris, and more before wrapping in London on November 5, 2026. Pearly Drops will join SLAYYYTER as support for all North America and UK apart from St. Louis. Kalika will join as support for all EU dates. Building on breakout performances at Coachella, Governors Ball, and Lollapalooza where she drew massive crowds and delivered three of the festival circuit’s most talked-about pop sets, SLAYYYTER returns to festival stages at Reading & Leeds in the UK on August 27-30, 2026 and All Things Go D.C. in Washington, D.C., U.S.A. on September 25-27, 2026.
