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| (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Tanduay First Five) |
What happens when OPM rock veterans and today’s biggest hit-makers share the same stage? For thousands of concert-goers across Visayas and Mindanao, the answer is an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community as Tanduay First Five capped off its multi-city run with strong audience turnouts and memorable performances.
“This year’s Tanduay First Five is different in many ways from the previous ones we staged as we brought together new gen and old school bands and artists who collaborated live onstage. It attracted audiences of all ages, from millennials to Gen Z, and turned out to be one of the most memorable concert tours in the Visayas and Mindanao,” said Tanduay Digital Brand Manager Edzel Ty. All concert venues were packed, from the Grand Capital Mall Open Grounds in Iloilo to the SM Seaside City Cebu Concert Grounds in Cebu and the Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo in Davao. One of the highlights of this year’s Tanduay First Five took place in Davao where concert-goers witnessed the collaboration between hip-hop artists Skusta Clee and Flow G alongside rock bands Kamikazee and Parokya ni Edgar. Zack Tabudlo and December Avenue also wowed the crowds in their performances in the other legs as they delivered hits that fans sang along to. “Tanduay First Five reflects Tanduay’s commitment to being part of moments that foster creativity, self-expression, and lasting memories. We support spaces where people could connect and celebrate shared experiences,” said Ty, adding that the event wouldn’t be successful without the support of all the people who continue to love Tanduay and our OPM artists. Organizing a multi-city tour for five acts was no walk in the park, though, but the Tanduay team pulled through and the concerts ran smoothly and saw exceptional attendance. In fact, many fans are already asking if there’s going to be another tour.
Ty shared, “When and where is the next TFF concert? This is the most common feedback we received on our social media pages along with some people requesting to have the Tanduay First Five in their own cities.” And while the tour was initially planned to be a one-time event, Ty teased that there might be another Tanduay First Five by next year. For 2026, the public can look forward to the announcement of the new Tanduay Calendar Girl by the end of the year. Tanduay First Five was conceived as Tanduay’s way of expressing it gratitude to its loyal customers. “Tanduay wouldn’t be where it is at today without the support of all our loyal customers. We have been in the industry for more than one hundred years and continue to craft spirits that best represent our country and our heritage because of you,” said Ty.
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Vice Ganda, Klarisse, Lyka, Reiven Lead All-Star OPM Anthem Debuted At Eurovision Asia PH Selection Night
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Vice Ganda, Klarisse, Lyka Estrella, Reiven Umali, Ian Manibale, MIAH, and AZTER joined forces to bring OPM to the Eurovision stage with Jonathan Manalo’s new anthem “Mabuhay Ang Musikang Pilipino”, now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms. The song opened the “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026: Philippine Selection Night” last August 30, 2026 at the New Frontier Theater, bringing together artists from different generations and genres in a celebration of Filipino music and its growing global reach.
For Jonathan, the song carries an aspiration long shared by Filipino musicians, songwriters, producers, singers, and audiences — to see OPM transcend the country’s borders and reach more listeners around the world. He shared, “Music has always been one of the most powerful ways we Filipinos tell our stories, express who we are, and connect with one another. ‘Mabuhay Ang Musikang Pilipino’ seeks to capture that spirit in one collective voice.” Jonathan shared. One of the country’s most successful contemporary songwriters and record producers, Jonathan has amassed more than 10.2 billion career streams and over 100 Gold and Platinum certifications from the pre-streaming era. He wrote “Mabuhay Ang Musikang Pilipino” not only to celebrate the growing recognition of OPM internationally, but also to encourage Filipino artists to confidently bring their music and identity to the global stage. “Eurovision has long represented the idea that music can cross borders without erasing national identity. In that spirit, ‘Mabuhay Ang Musikang Pilipino’ offers a distinctly Filipino statement for an international musical platform. Filipino music can be proudly local and confidently global at the same time,” said ABS-CBN Music’s head of creatives, content, and operations.
Blending Filipino and English lyrics, the emotional pop anthem looks back on the rich tradition of OPM while celebrating a new generation of Filipino artists finding audiences at home and abroad. The song builds toward a declaration that captures its message: “Musikang Pilipino, atin ’to, para sa buong mundo. Mabuhay ang Musikang Pilipino.”
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The Itchyworms To Embark On A Four-City Tour In New Zealand On September 2026
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/The Itchyworms) |
Filipino pop-rock band The Itchyworms are set to headline Akin Ka Na Lang New Zealand Tour this September 2026. The band will perform in four key cities across the country: Auckland (September 18 | Galatos), Wellington (September 19 | Notre Dame Performing Arts Center), Queenstown (September 25 | Queenstown Memorial Center), and Christchurch (September 26 | Christ’s College Auditorium).
Known for their sharp-witted songwriting, infectious guitar pop melodies, and anthemic tunes, The Itchyworms have taken OPM to exciting new places. Their upcoming shows in New Zealand offers Filipino audiences abroad a spirited connection to home while introducing new listeners to the richness and character of OPM. According to Jugs Jugueta, the tour is about reconnecting with Filipino communities and rediscovering the best the Philippines has to offer. “It’s very humbling. It’s really great that the world is now discovering all things Filipino,” says Jugs, noting the growing global appreciation for Filipino culture, artists, and music. With stops spanning four cities across NZ, Jugueta looks forward to sharing the experience with both Filipinos and their Kiwi friends, enthusing, “We encourage all Filipinos to bring their Kiwi friends and family so that we can show them how Filipinos party!” Meanwhile, drummer and vocalist Jazz Nicolas describes the band’s cross-generational songwriting as one of the things Filipinos and foreigners should look forward to: “It’s like hiding medicine in chocolate. We like to put petty or tragic lyrics inside a catchy pop melody.” That distinctive balance of humor, heartbreak, and melody has helped make The Itchyworms’ music appeal across borders. Nicolas also sees the tour as an opportunity to introduce OPM to an even wider audience.
Tickets to The Itchyworms' Akin Ka Na Lang New Zealand Tour are priced at NZ$99 for Standing VIP (including a photo opportunity) and NZ$69 for Standing General Admission and these can now be purchased thru Fast Events.
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GMA Pictures Unveils New Satirical Comedy Film “Red Crown” Featuring “Queen Of The Islands” Pageant
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| (Image Source: pelikula mania/GMA Network) |
Real-life beauty pageant queens and Sparkle GMA Talent Center artists are set to bring pageant drama to the big screen as they go head-to-head for the crown in GMA Pictures' upcoming satirical comedy film “Red Crown” featuring a 25-member cast composed of beauty queens and actresses who strut the runway, pose in pageant gowns and swimsuits, and take part in the fictional “Queen Of The Islands” competition.
The cast comprises of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Ariella Arida, Binibining Pilipinas 2022 first runner-up Herlene Budol, Sanya Lopez, Faith da Silva, Shuvee Etrata, Ashley Ortega and AZ Martinez alongside Yllana Aduana, Alethea Ambrosio, Skye Chua, Haley Dizon, MJ Encabo, Rein Hillary, Maika Kemmochi, Aira Lopez, Vanessa Peña, Sandy Riccio, Jade Tecson, Tarah Valencia, Yna Angela Uy and Yza Thalia Uy. It was introduced in the trailer released on social media last August 28, 2026 where the candidates are shown in pageant-style presentations, including swimsuit and evening-wear segments, and showcased fierce competition among the contestants with the words “Bardagulan na… ng kagandahan!” before revealing the film’s title. The “Queen Of The Islands” competition recently drew attention online after its official social media accounts released candidate posters, pasarela videos, behind-the-scenes clips and other materials that made it appear to be an actual pageant. The campaign even promoted a supposed Php25M (25 million pesos) cash prize, prompting pageant fans to pick their favorites and speculate about the competition.
GMA Pictures later revealed that the pageant is actually part of the promotional campaign and central storyline of “Red Crown”. Directed by Dominic Zapata and written by Kit Villanueva and Ken de Leon, the film follows the competitive and dramatic “laban kung laban” world of pageantry, exploring the rivalries and personalities behind the gowns, glamour and performances onstage. The cast underwent actual pageant preparations, including pasarela training, swimsuit and evening-gown photoshoots, and other activities designed to replicate the pageant experience. Mote details will be revealed in the coming weeks ahead of its nationwide showing in cinemas on October 2026.
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Kyla Releases “Next Episode” Vinyl, Unveils “Bring Your Jacket” Visualizer
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Queen of R&B Kyla marks another milestone in her music career with the release of the vinyl edition of her latest album “Next Episode” alongside the visualizer for her latest single “Bring Your Jacket” which is now available on the ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel. Released through Backspacer Records, “Next Episode” marks Kyla’s first-ever album released on vinyl, giving fans the opportunity to experience her music in a physical format.
For the Kapamilya singer, having a physical copy of an album carries a special meaning, especially at a time when most listeners consume music through streaming platforms. Kyla shared, “As a batang 90s, as a millennial, nare-relish ko yung ganitong pagkakataon na nagkakaroon uli ng physical copies ng albums, especially ngayon kasi lahat nasa streaming. Iba yung value as when you have a physical copy kasi you grow with the songs.” The R&B icon also revealed that she is currently working on the deluxe edition of “Next Episode” which will feature new songs. Adding to the album’s latest offerings, Kyla also unveiled the visualizer for “Bring Your Jacket”, a feel-good track about the many ways one can express what he feels without saying it outright. She explained, “It’s a song about the many ways you can say ‘I love you’ to someone that you like or you love without having to say the words ‘I love you’. It’s a beautiful song and it has a good vibe that you can listen to while driving.”
Meanwhile, Kyla continues to add to her list of career milestones after receiving a nomination at the 2026 Awit Awards for Best R&B Recording for her song “Stand Up”. She said, “Masaya ako kasi parang ang tagal na since no’ng huling nagkaroon ako ng nomination. I’m just hoping for the best whatever the outcome is.” Originally released in October 2025, “Next Episode” features the tracks “Stand Up”, “Kaya Ko Yan”, and “Back To Bliss” among others.
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BGYO Steps Into Leading Man Roles In Microdrama Series “Vertical On Demand”
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
BGYO members Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate explore romance from different perspectives as they take on leading man roles in the microdrama series “Vertical On Demand”, now available on BGYO Official YouTube channel. Inspired by the songs from the group’s latest EP “On Demand” which has already earned 2.5 million streams on Spotify, the ongoing series brings the tracks to life through bite-sized stories about love, dating, relationships, and the moments that make romance both exciting and complicated.
The series kicked off with “Life’s Too Short” starring Akira, JL, and Reign Parani in a story about taking a chance on love. Jules (Akira) gathers the courage to confess his feelings to Diane (Reign) and enlists his best friend Red (JL) to help him plan a surprise date that could finally reveal what is in his heart. The second episode, “Mean Girl”, puts the comedic chemistry of JL and Joy Barcoma in the spotlight. Brian (JL) finds himself at his wit’s end as his girlfriend Trish (Joy) rejects every dating spot he suggests, leading to a series of playful exchanges that show the funny side of being in a relationship. Gelo and Alexa Ilacad take center stage in the third episode “Raindrop” which follows a couple celebrating their anniversary. James (Gelo) takes Kai (Alexa) on a romantic date as they reminisce about the happy moments they shared while an underlying tension forces them to confront where their relationship stands. Meanwhile, Mikki and Nate find themselves caught in a fun competition in the latest episode, “Trono”, as they both eagerly wait for their date, only to discover that Kolette Madelo has played them both.
“Vertical On Demand” follows BGYO’s recent mall tour where the group performed songs from the EP and met fans at SM City Telabastagan, SM City Novaliches, SM City Sto. Tomas, SM City Baguio, SM Southmall, and SM Lanang.
